Hot Water Warranty problems

[edog's 80]

So I have a bradford white gas hot water heater. POS is leaking out of the bottom and it's not even 4 years old.

The warranty is 6 years, I called them, but they won't warranty it unless a licensed plumber deals with it and they won't cover the cost of the install or removal. I would rather do it myself for free and get the water heater warrantied but they won't deal. I called for install quotes and they want $480! I would be better off going to Lowes and buying a brand I trust instead of this POS again and then installing myself for free.

Any suggestions?

 

[John Smith]

So I have a bradford white gas hot water heater. POS is leaking out of the bottom and it's not even 4 years old.

The warranty is 6 years, I called them, but they won't warranty it unless a licensed plumber deals with it and they won't cover the cost of the install or removal. I would rather do it myself for free and get the water heater warrantied but they won't deal. I called for install quotes and they want $480! I would be better off going to Lowes and buying a brand I trust instead of this POS again and then installing myself for free.

Any suggestions?

When I replace my water heater I always go with the 12 year or whatever the max warranty model available. As you have found out it is a PITA when a water heater goes. Measure the height and circumference of the current heater so you know your replacement will fit. You will be very limited at the home center on sizes. If you don't have an expansion tank on your current setup, pick up one of those also. It is now code requirement in many areas.

 

[-Spike-]

Nothing other than raising holy hell with the manufacturer. Got any plumber friends?

 

[edog's 80]

I am hoping I have this ironed out. I have to go through a wholesaler to buy it because apparently these units are not sold retail. The wholesaler I talked to says they will deal with me on the warranty and I can pick up a unit from them. I really don't want to get the same unit again since this one was a pos, but if it's free I will have to give it a try.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

I am hoping I have this ironed out. I have to go through a wholesaler to buy it because apparently these units are not sold retail. The wholesaler I talked to says they will deal with me on the warranty and I can pick up a unit from them. I really don't want to get the same unit again since this one was a pos, but if it's free I will have to give it a try.

Bradford White is a good heater. And they will give you as many tanks as it takes to get you through the 6 year warranty. They will pay for labor if it fails in the first year if you bitch. They only sell through plumbing supply's and it sounds like the the one you went to doesn't like dealing with non plumbers. Call a few supply houses, I'm sure you'll find one that will deal with you.
You might have to pay a $25 handling charge but that's from the supply house not Bradford.

And your new heater will have a 2 year warranty (what's left from the 1st tank)

I normally have to pay for the replacement and the get credit when the paperwork goes through in about a month.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

This is good advice if your on city water and don't have and expansion tank it could have lead to the failure of the first tank.

 

[Cruiser Jimmy]

Based on the water quality, those things are designed to fail at the warranty period. Planned Obsolescence!!

You have gas, go tankless hot water heater, it's well worth the expense.

 

[swampman]

i work for the largest hvac co. in north america, we have a couple of million rental water heaters in ontario alone, and unfortunately i have to work on water heaters everyday, all brands, and they all suck.. with the new codes and regulations, FVIR tanks . the new intellivent gas valves and all the other saftey stuff on them . and unless you have accsess to to parts and know how to service them .. go rental .. usually no charge for install or service.. ya ya you pay 10 to 20 bucks a month forever , but when ya need it right away,,,,,,

we were having tons of problems with one of the major brands and brought in a couple of there people to the shop here,

they were telling us that they knew they had problems with there equiptment and were counting on guys like us to tell them what was wrong so they could fix it,,

somthing wrong with that picture ? dont you think they should get it right before they are sold and put into the field ?

so i says to the rep, i have had way too many new tanks, less than 5 yrs old pop leaks , why is this happening so much lately ?

his answer... appliances are built to last 10 yrs thats it thats all

 

[PAToyota]

POS is leaking out of the bottom and it's not even 4 years old.

How often do you check the anode and what shape is it in?

 

[swampman]

How often do you check the anode and what shape is it in?

very true . depends also on the water quality . city water . well water, cistern, it does make a difference, water pressure. in the niagara region most of the city water is around 100 psi, way too high if you ask me,