I Got A Bradford White!!!
Hello all!
I finally had enough of this "Whirlpool" tank. The smell started again, and I decided to check into something else.
My Plumber friend told me that he did not think I would be happy with a "tankless" due to my hot water usage, and liking really hot water, and lot's of it. I have two big front load washer that run often, even while showers are going. So, he talked me into a Bradford White Power Vent. It is a 50 gallon tank. He told me that they were so efficient, that it would seem "tankless" because of the fast recovery rate. I trust him, and so I said go for it.
Well, he is correct. This bad boy Bradford heated the water after installed in 35 minutes! I thought something was wrong. So I ran upstairs, and it was amazing hot. This was yesterday. Since then, I have ran washers, two showers, and the dishwasher, and can't seem to make it run out of hot water! This morning for instance I took a 20 minute shower. (yes I am timing them) After the water was turned off, it took 16 minutes to heat to satisfaction. I was shocked. The Whirlpool would have taken about 40 minutes.
It is amazing to me that the flue for the Bradford does not get very hot. To me that is using the gas for working, and heating the water and not going up the hot flue. With the Whirlpool, you could not touch the flue for longer than 2 seconds, or you would get burned.
Can you tell that I am happy??? This is the first time in ages that I can take a shower without adjusting the shower as the water in the tank cooled down!
I owe it all to you guys! For telling me I was such an idiot to by the Whirlpool, but telling me to buy a Bradford White! Thanks all!
Oh, and about Rheem......the headquarters are here in Atlanta! I could not get any help at all from them! They kept telling me that they would call me back, and never would. Long story short. The company that sold me the Bradford said: "If you think they are bad when you are trying to buy, try to get them when you have a problem with their heater."
You guys are the best!
Have a great weekend.
Brent in Atlanta