Yes, A.O. Smith is an active, leading manufacturer of both residential and commercial water heaters. They offer a full lineup of gas, electric, hybrid heat pump, and tankless water heaters.
Smith Water Products Company is headquartered in Ashland City, Tennessee, home of the world's largest water heater factory. The A. O. Smith network includes five manufacturing facilities in North America, plus plants in Nanjing, China and Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
Quick Answer: Rheem is better for homeowners who want easier service and long-term reliability. AO Smith is a strong option when installer preference or model availability is the deciding factor.
Water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp. on Monday was hit with a proposed class action in Wisconsin federal court alleging that its home water heaters have defective plastic valves that can suddenly leak and flood basements, ruin floors, and cause expensive repairs.
Yes, A. O. Smith is very much in business. Celebrating its 152nd anniversary, it operates as a major global manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters and boilers.
The most reliable water heater brands generally include A.O. Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White for traditional tanks, and Navien or Rinnai for tankless models. These brands consistently rank highest among plumbers and consumer reviews for durability, parts availability, and long-term performance.
Common problems include insufficient hot water from faulty heating elements, leaks from loose connections, strange noises from sediment buildup, and rust-colored water. While DIY repairs work for simple tasks like replacing anode rods or flushing tanks, professionals ensure proper tools, safety, and faster repairs.
At 10 years old, replacement is often the smarter move. Most water heaters have a service life of 8 to 12 years, so a unit that age is likely approaching the end of its reliable performance.
The company has 27 locations worldwide, including five manufacturing facilities in North America, as well as plants in Bengaluru in India, Nanjing in China and Veldhoven in The Netherlands.
Over 616,000 A. O. Smith natural and propane gas water heaters made between April 2011 and August 2016 were recalled for fire hazards when installed on combustible surfaces.
The best A.O. Smith water heaters depend on your fuel type and household size. For tankless, the Signature Series Super High Efficiency Gas Tankless is the top choice. For electric, the ProLine ENT40 or the Signature 500 50-gallon tanks stand out for reliability and built-in smart features.
Yes, A.O. Smith is widely considered an excellent, premium brand for water heaters. Plumbers and contractors frequently recommend them for their high-quality commercial-grade engineering, reliable long-term performance, and excellent energy efficiency across tank, tankless, and hybrid models.
Both the Signature and ProLine series will heat your water—but they're made for different levels of durability, performance, and long-term value. If you want professional-grade quality, longer life, and better performance, the AO Smith ProLine is the superior choice.
A 40-gallon tank water heater installation costs $700 to $2,300, with an average cost of $1,650. Prices vary based on energy source and installation complexity. The national average cost to install a 40-gallon tank water heater ranges from $700 to $2,300.
Lowe's offers a wide array of A. O. Smith water heaters, including gas, electric, tank and tankless water heaters. With models available in different sizes and styles, you can count on quality when you choose A. O. Smith.
American Water Heaters is a leading manufacturer of high-quality water heater products with manufacturing, research and development and corporate offices located in Johnson City, TN. American offers a comprehensive line of residential and commercial water heaters.
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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.
A 12-year water heater is generally not worth the premium price if you are only paying for the warranty extension. However, if that 12-year rating reflects genuinely upgraded internal components—such as thicker glass lining or better anode rods—it can be a smart investment.
Professional installation costs to replace a water heater
The more hours of electrical, carpentry and plumbing work that are required for your installation (for example, installing new electric, water or gas lines or drywall), the higher your total water heater replacement cost.
The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for standard tank installation is generally between $1,600 to $2,400. Tankless installation can range from $2,400 to $5,400.
An A.O. Smith water heater warranty typically ranges from 6 to 12 years for standard residential tanks and 5 to 15 years for tankless models. Labor is generally covered for 1 to 3 years. Exact terms depend heavily on your specific model, installation type, and registration.
If you own an A.O. Smith water heater, the primary recall to be aware of involves roughly 616,000 residential Ultra-Low NOx gas and propane water heaters manufactured between April 2011 and August 2016. These units can develop tears in the gas burner screen, creating a fire hazard if installed directly on combustible floors.
The longest-lasting water heater brands are Bradford White and Rheem (specifically the Marathon series). Bradford White is favored by plumbers for professional installations and longevity, while the Rheem Marathon uses a unique fiberglass tank backed by a true lifetime warranty.
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