Water quality While stainless steel tanks have longer warranties, no manufacturer will honour a warranty if the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of the water exceeds 600 ppm (parts per million).

What is the best material for a water heater?

A Copper or Thermoplastic tank will require better insulation (as compared to stainless steel) to protect heat from going out of the tank. Life of stainless steel containers is also better as compared to copper or thermoplastic. So in general it is better to have a stainless steel container.

How long will a stainless steel water heater last?





Up to ten years if you keep the sediment flushed out and replace the anode rod as necessary. A tank warranted for ten years could last fifteen to twenty years with proper maintenance. There are fiberglass tanks with life time warranties and stainless steel tanks that will last years longer than a standard unit.

Which is better metal or plastic water tank?

Stainless steel water tanks guarantee safe and clean storage of water as their interior does not breed algae. Compared to their plastic variant, stainless steel tanks possess a longer service life. They are impact, fire, and corrosion resistant.

Are stainless steel water heater elements better than copper?

On average, the thermal conductivity of copper is 20 times that of stainless steel. In practical terms, this means that copper can transfer heat 20 times faster. So, if you need quick heating, copper will work to your advantage.

Why don’t they make water heaters out of stainless steel?

Tank material
It contains magnesium or aluminum rods suspended in the tank to fight internal corrosion, which is the number-one reason water heaters fail early. Stainless steel tanks don’t rust (and therefore don’t need anodes), but they’re more expensive than glass-lined tanks.

Do stainless steel water heaters have anode rods?





Glass-lined tank-style gas water heaters require anode rods because the tank will face significant corrosion without a sacrificial anode rod to protect it. However, stainless steel tank-style gas water heaters do not require anode rods since stainless steel resists corrosion.

Why are water heaters glass lined?

Modern hot water tanks are made of steel, with a glass lining within. This glass lining serves to protect the steel of the tank from corrosion due to constant contact with water.

Can a water heater last 20 years?

It is unusual for used water heaters to last 30 years. Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World

  1. A.O. Smith. …
  2. Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. …
  3. Kenmore. …
  4. Bradford White. …
  5. American Standard. …
  6. American Water Heaters. …
  7. Bosch. …
  8. EcoSmart.

Is stainless steel better than copper?



Stainless steel will shine and remain a consistent color for many years maintaing its appearance over the lifetime of the product. Stainless steel is often called “indestructible.” It’s slightly more durable than copper, which is beneficial in harsh environments.

Why is copper used in water heaters not steel?

Copper does not react with cold water, hot water or steam. However, iron reacts with steam. If the hot water tanks are made of steel (an alloy of iron), then iron would react vigorously with the steam formed from hot water.

Is stainless steel a good heat transfer?

Stainless steel is a poor heat conductor and hence it is used in areas where temperature is higher for instance in Airplane Engines. Metals which conducts high heat are normally applicable in Heat exchanger, heat and kitchenware.

How long do glass-lined water heaters last?



In most areas and for many water conditions they last about five years before they are completely depleted. If you read the manual that comes with your water heater you will see the manufacturer recommend that the anode be inspected at least annually for deterioration. Second is the glass lining.

Do glass-lined water heaters leak?

Hot water heaters are built with a glass-lined storage tank. Over time, the natural minerals in the water can calcify and create deposits on the inside of the tank. These can crack the glass lining and cause your water heater to leak.

Do they make stainless steel water heaters?

Product Details. The Westinghouse Residential Electric Water Heater combines high quality stainless steel construction and energy efficient operation, providing long draws of hot water without consuming large amounts of energy. This water heater requires a 240-Volt electrical connection for installation.

Does AO Smith make a stainless steel water heater?

New: Twister II stainless steel condensing water heater – A.O. Smith.

What should I look for when buying a water heater?



5 Things you Need to Know Before Buying a Water Heater

  1. Fuel Source. The most common residential water heaters run with gas or electricity as their fuel source. …
  2. Energy Efficiency. No matter which fuel source you choose, a water heater can be the third largest energy consumer in your home. …
  3. Storage Capacity. …
  4. Space Required.

Do glass lined water heaters have anode rods?

The tanks are made of steel lined with glass. The glass does protect the tank against corrosion, but it is vulnerable to cracking and leaking, so anode rods are still required. The glass also helps to insulate the tank, making it more energy-efficient.

Do new water heaters come with anode rods?

Because they are meant to break down, they wear out every few years and need to be replaced. Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot anode rod issues and replace bad anode rods, if needed.

Are AO Smith water heaters glass lined?



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.