Yes, standard A. O. Smith tank water heaters are glass-lined. In fact, the company invented and patented the first glass-lined water heater in 1936.
A.O. Smith's most technologically advanced Blue Diamond® glass lining has a minimum of 2x more durability and Longer tank life in toughest water conditions. Explore A. O. Smith water heaters today!
A.O. Smith Corporation is facing a major proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Wisconsin. The lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly sold residential water heaters equipped with defective, "cheap" plastic drain valves that are prone to cracking, warping, and leaking under normal household water pressure.
Yes, glass lining remains the industry standard for traditional tank-style water heaters. Manufacturers bake a layer of porcelain-enamel glass onto the interior steel walls to prevent rust. Because this coating is never entirely flawless, these heaters also rely on a sacrificial anode rod to stop corrosion.
Neither brand is universally "better," as both are top-tier manufacturers. However, they cater to different priorities: Rheem is better for high-efficiency and smart-home features, while A.O. Smith excels in long-term reliability and commercial-grade durability.
Common A.O. Smith issues typically involve a loss of hot water, error codes on hybrid models, or tank leaks. While most units run reliably for years, these are the most frequently reported problems across their water heater lines:
There isn't a single "number one" hot water heater because the best choice depends on your fuel source, household size, and space constraints. However, Bradford White, A.O. Smith, and Rheem are consistently rated as the top brands by plumbing professionals and consumer review agencies.
Plumbers generally recommend professional-grade units from Bradford White, A.O. Smith (and its sister company, State), and Rheem. These brands are favored for their durability, superior internal components, and robust warranties.
Long lasting
Cement-lined water heaters are one of the longest lasting and most durable water heaters available. According to a local utility, a cement-lined water heater can easily perform for 20 plus years1, while glass-lined water heaters last on average 8-12 years2.
Poly water tanks are safe in every department and not harmful to your well-being. And no, they do NOT leach! Polyethylene is inert, and unlike highly alkaline concrete tanks, poly tanks don't need to be flushed out with a full tank of water before you can use them.
An A.O. Smith hot water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years for traditional tank models and 15 to 20+ years for tankless units. However, this lifespan varies based on water quality, system maintenance, and proper installation.
A proposed class action lawsuit claims that A.O. Smith has knowingly sold residential water heaters equipped with defective plastic drain valves that are prone to premature failure under normal use, leaving consumers vulnerable to an increased risk of leaks, water damage and expensive home repairs.
No, the vast majority of A. O. Smith water heaters sold in North America are manufactured in the United States. While the company owns and operates a manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China, that facility primarily serves the Asian market.
The "best" A. O. Smith water heater depends on your home's setup, but the ProLine Series is universally top-rated for its professional-grade durability, thicker insulation, and longer warranties. For the ultimate in efficiency and scale prevention, the Signature Series Tankless with X3 Technology is highly recommended.
The average labor cost to install a 40-gallon water heater is typically between $200 and $1,000, with most standard replacements falling in the $400 to $600 range. Labor generally accounts for roughly half of your total replacement cost, as standard installations take an experienced plumber about 1 to 3 hours.
The sediment and calcification can crack the glass lining and cause your tank to leak. Also, as water is heated, it expands and this expansion creates stress on the glass lining of the tank causing cracks.
A. O. Smith changed the water heater market over 80 years ago by introducing the glass-lined tank for all tank water heaters. By lining the inside of the water heater with glass, heat stays within the tank and protects the steel exterior from rusting and becoming a safety risk. Built into all A. O.
The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.
The most reliable and long-lasting residential water heaters are the Rheem Marathon (electric) and professional-grade models from Bradford White or A.O. Smith. While standard water heaters last 10–12 years, these top-tier units can last 15–25+ years if properly maintained with yearly flushes and anode rod replacements.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Home Depot generally charges between $1,600 and $2,400 total for a standard tank water heater and installation. The labor itself typically ranges from $300 to $600 depending on the unit type, your location, and specific plumbing requirements. Tankless models run higher, averaging between $2,400 and $5,400 completely installed.
A. O. Smith water heaters are manufactured by the A. O. Smith Corporation, an American company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The AO Smith ProLine is a premium, professional-grade water heater designed for licensed plumbers. It features upgraded components like a brass drain valve and thicker glass tank lining. The Signature Series is a consumer-grade model sold exclusively at Lowe's, featuring plastic parts and a lighter-weight build to lower retail costs.
When evaluating residential water heaters, the industry consensus and plumber recommendations highlight the following top five brands based on reliability, efficiency, and overall value:
Choosing the right water heater size depends on the number of people in your home and your household's "peak-hour demand" (how many hot water appliances run at once). General capacity guidelines are: