Marathon water heaters

[RonL1]

Thoughts on the marathon heater ?
I like the pb tank and no anode rod. But have seen posts about leaks.
Wondering if the ones that leak are from after they changed hands. Old versions great, new ones , not so much.
I have a 24 year old maytag, just waiting for it to blow.

 

[Breplum]

I guess limited responses indicates nobody has any much experience. I've never seen one myself...good concept.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[RonL1]

I guess limited responses indicates nobody has any much experience. I've never seen one myself...good concept.

I'm leary of the seal between the elements and the pb interior. Hate to spend 1500 and then have to fight for replacing. If your lucky and get one that is sealed well, you won the lottery

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

WE have installed a good number of marathon heaters....

you just have to install a thermal expansion tank on the heater ....and support everything well

they seem to last well

 

[Scooterbugg]

I have an 85 gallon Marathon, no issues for 19 years until today when the upper element blew. I just happened to be on here searching this forum for info as the placard says I should have 4500 watt elements, but they are 3800s. And my feed is 30 amp / 10 gauge, so that is sufficient for the 4500s.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

I have an 85 gallon Marathon, no issues for 19 years until today when the upper element blew. I just happened to be on here searching this forum for info as the placard says I should have 4500 watt elements, but they are 3800s. And my feed is 30 amp / 10 gauge, so that is sufficient for the 4500s.

They are extra special elements that you will probably have to match up and get from a local rheem dealer

 

[Sarg]

Per the internet:
Marathon upper elements are 4500 watt for slightly faster heating, while lower elements are 3800 watt to help prevent burn-out.

 

[Scooterbugg]

You were co

They are extra special elements that you will probably have to match up and get from a local rheem d

They are extra special elements that you will probably have to match up and get from a local rheem dealer

You were correct, I had to go to a Rheem wholesaler to get my element. At 1.5 inch thread diameter, they are much larger than the typical elements.

 

[Reach4]

Rheem PROTECH 4500-Watt (240-Volt) Copper Element for Marathon Water Heaters SP610160 - The Home Depot

Comfort your living space by providing elegant water heating addition with this extraordinarily designed Rheem PROTECH Copper Element for Marathon Water Heaters.

www.homedepot.com

 

[sol b]

Thoughts on the marathon heater ?
I like the pb tank and no anode rod. But have seen posts about leaks.
Wondering if the ones that leak are from after they changed hands. Old versions great, new ones , not so much.
I have a 24 year old maytag, just waiting for it to blow.

Just had another Marathon Water Heater (40 G) spring a gusher from the top (at water inlet line). This heater is about 10 years old.
It's the second one to do this causing massive damage-tenant not home. Seems like the gasket or fittings in the top of the heater are the culprit.

Will not buy another one.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Just had another Marathon Water Heater (40 G) spring a gusher from the top (at water inlet line). This heater is about 10 years old.
It's the second one to do this causing massive damage-tenant not home. Seems like the gasket or fittings in the top of the heater are the culprit.

Will not buy another one.

I have a few of them out there but I have been very careful not to put any stress on the top nipples ....
I hooked them up with ss flex connectors and strapped the thermal tank to the ceiling instead of letting the
weight sit on the tank.......

10 years old keeps you out of the insurance loop but I wonder what if anything Rheem will do?

 

[Fitter30]

Rheem want all piping including the relief valve supported. Any soldier joints 12" away when soldering and flex lines at heater. Pages 8 & 9.

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://marathon.manymanuals.com/water-heaters-boilers/mhd105245/instruction-manual-30704&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiirsismauPAxVunCYFHTWHEa8QFnoECAMQAg&usg=AOvVaw3Lu9WZnRhJnLCfXL-Dk-xS