Plumbers generally recommend professional-grade water heaters sourced from supply houses rather than retail big-box stores, as they feature thicker, heavier-duty components. The most trusted brands among professionals depend on the type of system you need:
Plumbers most highly recommend Bradford White, A.O. Smith, and Rheem. These brands are heavily favored because they are highly reliable, have readily available replacement parts, and use superior internal components compared to budget models.
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.
Natural gas water heaters are a staple in many American households. They're known for their quick water heating rates and their ability to work even when the power goes out. Efficient and generally low-maintenance, they're a reliable choice for larger families who need a lot of hot water.
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.
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).
Bradford White water heaters are widely regarded as some of the most durable on the market. They come with an array of well-thought-out features that enable them to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear that results from regular use. Overall, they have a longer service life than Rheem water heaters.
Rheem consistently ranks as the top-rated tank water heater brand thanks to its dependable performance, wide availability, and strong efficiency ratings. With over 100 years in the industry, Rheem's heaters are built to last, offering both gas and electric models suited for households of any size.
Plumbers often hesitate to recommend tankless water heaters because they act like high-performance sports cars. Unlike traditional tank models that are "workhorses" and can function while mostly ignored, tankless units require precise installation, regular maintenance, and are highly sensitive to mineral buildup.
This problem usually comes down to capacity, heat production, or mixing issues inside your plumbing system. Sometimes the fix is simple, like adjusting your water heater temperature or flushing out sediment. Other times you may need a new mixing valve, an element replacement, or a different size water heater.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's often include removal when delivering a replacement unit. This is the most convenient option, especially if the old unit is still in place and connected.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Home Depot charges a flat $79 fee for the delivery of bulky, heavy, or oversized items (such as lumber, appliances, and large quantities of mulch) to cover the logistical costs of operating professional freight or flatbed trucks from your local store to your home.
Top-of-the-line water heaters combine cutting-edge energy efficiency, smart-home integration, and long-term reliability. Premium models are typically broken down into Hybrid Heat Pumps for standard storage needs and Condensing Tankless systems for on-demand, endless hot water.
Richmond and Rheem water heaters are made by the same manufacturer (Rheem). Rheem is the premium, feature-rich flagship brand, while Richmond is their budget-friendly line typically sold at hardware stores like Menards. Rheem offers smarter connectivity and extended warranties, whereas Richmond emphasizes basic, dependable performance at a lower price point.
The 4-minute shower rule is a sustainability and cost-saving initiative advising people to limit their daily showers to four minutes or less. This practice helps conserve water, reduce energy used for heating, and lower household utility bills by limiting consumption to approximately 36–40 liters (roughly 9.6–10.5 gallons) per shower.
Low Water Pressure or Pressure Balancing Issues
Sometimes, the reason your shower water turns cold is related to water pressure. A pressure balance valve controls the flow of hot and cold water. If it's malfunctioning or your home's overall water pressure is low, you might experience a “cold water sandwich” effect.
Water Heater Size
Your tank size is the most significant determinant of how long you can have a hot shower: 30-gallon tank: ~5–7 minutes of hot water. 40-gallon tank: ~8–10 minutes. 50-gallon tank: ~10–12 minutes.
The Home Depot strongly recommends that you use an experienced, licensed plumber to install your new water heater, because they will know the required codes to complete a safe and compliant installation.
Tankless water heaters come with a limited flow rate, meaning they might struggle to provide hot water simultaneously to multiple appliances or fixtures. If your household comprises several individuals taking showers or running appliances concurrently, you may need to invest in a larger unit.
Here is a simple way to decide: Choose Navien if you want the highest efficiency, longest warranty, and built-in recirculation. Choose Rinnai if you have a large household and need the highest flow rates. Choose Rheem if you want a reliable brand at a lower price point.
We recommend going with Rheem, specifically for the Professional Series with 8 Year Warranty.
Both Rheem and Bradford White are top-tier water heater brands, but they cater to different buyers.
The best water heater depends on your preferred fuel source and style. Industry professionals consistently recommend A.O. Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White.