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Gladiator 50 Gal. Medium 12 Year 5500/5500-Watt Smart Electric Water Heater with Leak Detection and Auto Shutoff

$799.00
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  • Built-in leak detection and auto shutoff protects your home
  • Built-in Wi-Fi enables control and monitoring at home or away
  • Restricted in Demand Response States: See below before purchasing
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Product Details

The Rheem Gladiator 50 Gal. electric water heater provides an ample supply of hot water for households with 3 to 5 people. The Gladiator water heater is unlike any other water heater because it provides the Power to Know, the Power to Control, and the Power to Protect. The Power to Know: detect potential leaks with the 360° LeakSense Leak Detection system. The Power to Control: integrated EcoNet Wi-Fi enables management of water temperature, tracking of energy usage and monitoring from your phone. The Power to Protect: Features the LeakGuard Auto Shutoff Valve, which engages in the unlikely event a leak is detected, to protect your home from water damage. Its self-cleaning feature prolongs tank life and maintains the water heater's efficiency. As a Performance Platinum, the Gladiator has a 12-year limited tank and parts warranty plus a 3-year in home labor warranty. This model comes with 2 5500-Watt stainless steel heating elements.
  • Attention Washington and Oregon Residents: This water heater does not meet demand response requirements in your state; Regulations prohibit the sale, shipment or installation of this water heater in a state that requires demand response water heaters
  • If your home is in a state that requires Demand Response water heaters, please select an approved Demand Response model available on homedepot.com.
  • 50 Gal. tank provides ample hot water for households with 3 to 5 people
  • Power to know: built-in LeakSense leak detection system alerts you of any leak large or small, internal or external
  • Power to control: built-in EcoNet Wi-Fi technology allows you to manage hot water, track energy usage, and set modes like vacation mode from your mobile device
  • Power to protect: protect your home from water damage with LeakGuard, the auto shut-off valve that shuts off incoming water and locks water in
  • Delivers 63 Gal. of hot water in the first hour
  • Self-cleaning: fights sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank to prolong tank life and maintain efficiency
  • Hot water availability indicator: know before hot water runs out via EcoNet Wi-Fi app
  • Vacation mode: save money on water heating costs while away by setting your water heater in vacation mode from your mobile device with the EcoNet Wi-Fi app
  • 12-year limited warranty on tank and parts for your convenience
  • 3-year in home labor warranty for peace of mind
  • 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) means it's high efficiency, saving money on energy bills with low energy usage
  • Dual 5500-Watt stainless steel heating elements
  • Requires a 240-Volt connection for installation
  • Thick, premium sacrificial anode rod and Rheemglas tank lining combine to protect the tank from corrosive elements in the water
  • As with any WiFi connected device, for best performance use your phone or tablet to check the WiFi signal strength in the area where the water heater will be installed prior to purchase
  • Call 1-855-400-2552 before noon for same-day installation service in most areas, or visit our Water Heater Installation page for more information.
  • Return Policy
  • California residents
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Specifications

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Questions & Answers

426Questions
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Q:What does the 12 year warranty cover?
by|Sep 22, 2023
1 Answer
Answer This Question

A:  Hi boxcar27 and thank you for your question. LABOR, SHIPPING, AND PROCESSING COSTS After the three (3) year Full Warranty expires, the nine (9) year Limited Warranty does not cover any labor expenses for service, repairs, reinstallation, permits, or removal and disposal of the failed water heater, or defective component part(s). All such expenses are your responsibility. Rheem will pay the transportation costs for an “in-warranty” replacement water heater, or “in- warranty” replacement component part(s), to a convenient delivery point (selected by Rheem) near the place the original water heater, or original component part(s) is located: such as a local Rheem water heater retailer. You must pay any local freight charges, including the cost of return- ing the failed water heater, or defective component part(s), to a convenient shipping location (selected by Rheem): such as a local Rheem water heater retailer. Rheem does not authorize, recommend, or receive any benefit from any claims processing or similar fees charged by others to process warranty claims for any Rheem water heater, or component part(s). Rheem will not reimburse any party for these, or any other, fees not specifically covered in this Limited Warranty document.

by|Sep 25, 2023
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    Q:where is the Rheem Gladiator 40 galon water heater manufactured?
    by|Sep 15, 2023
    1 Answer
    Answer This Question

    A:  Hi LynEifler and thank you for your question. Rheem uses manufacturing resources from around the world to deliver the best quality product at the best value. The model about which you are asking may have been assembled in either the U.S. or Mexico depending on demand conditions, with materials sourced from the U.S. or other locations.

    by|Sep 18, 2023
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      Q:I have this unit installed in my crawl space. On occasion, the service light goes on and I suspect it is the humidity level in the crawl space that settles on the leak detection 'rope'. What humidity level sets off the leak detection alarm? Its annoying
      by|Sep 11, 2023
      1 Answer
      Answer This Question

      A:  Hi SouthernYankee and thank you for your question. for technical issues, please call the number on your unit or in your user manual.

      by|Sep 12, 2023
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        Q:Can the Rheem Performance Plus 50 gal 5500 w electric water heater be installed in an enclosed, but unconditioned space under a house? I have included a picture of the space. The house is in Canyon Lake, TX near San Antonio, so most winters are mild.
        by|Aug 22, 2023
        1 Answer
        Answer This Question

        A:  Hi Mike and thank you for your question. This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility codes, utility company requirements or, in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70. Location Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as practical to the area of greatest heated water demand. Long un-insulated hot water lines can waste energy and water. Place the water heater in such a manner that the thermostat and element access panels can be removed to permit inspection and servicing such as removal of elements or checking controls. The water heater and water lines should be protected from freezing temperatures. DO NOT install the water heater in outdoor, unprotected areas. Make certain the floor underneath the water heater is strong enough to sufficiently support the weight of the water heater once it is filled with water. CAUTION: The water heater should not be located in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage to the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure. Where such areas cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, be installed under the water heater.

        by|Aug 23, 2023
          Showing 1-4 of 426
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          Customer Reviews

          4.1 out of 5
          (1,884)
          • 4.1
            out of 1,884 reviews
          • 64% recommend this product
          Filter by:
          Showing 1-10 of 1,884 reviews
          These are pricey but good quality. Could not get the ‘wifi’ connection to it to work but not needed. Be very careful of any water as it will trigger the leak warning. Fortunately still works .
          by
          Response from RheemSep 18, 2023
          Hi Warren,

          Thank you for the 5-star review. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we would like the opportunity to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about the WiFi application. Please call our dedicated EcoNet Support Team at 800.255.2388 between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM EST and one of our analysts will be happy to help you.

          Derius rheem
          • Verified Purchase
          Electrical fire, don't buy it!
          This water heater was bought two years ago, it recently stopped working, when the access panel was opened there was obviously an electrical fire in the unit the plastic and foam was melted. Customer service kept reiterating that it was out of the two year warranty (by two weeks) for labor to be covered on this unit, Don't buy it, unless you want to be paying for repairs. I wish I read the reviews before this was purchased because other people have experienced similar problems with this unit.
          by
          Response from RheemAug 12, 2023
          Hi,

          Thank you for this review. We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced because of the issue on your water heater and hope the issue has been resolved. The water heater you have reviewed includes a 9-year parts and tank warranty. If you still need assistance, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

          Derius rheem
            1 found this review helpful
            WELL WORTH THE UPGRADE IN SIZE AND GOING SMART
            This heater replaced a 40 gal Rheem 6 year device that had been installed in 2014. The other one was still chugging along, but it was time to swap out the Anode and flush him again. It was fulla goop and after me taking a bath and the Husband taking a shower he ran out of Hot Water. This 50 is only a couple inches bigger around and a couple inches taller... I went with Smart this time and have programed in daily schedules and weekends. The heater will only setback to 110 via the app and we run it at 115. Seems to trim some $$$ off the Electric Bill. I was going to jump on the heat pump unit, but after realizing our basement is unheated in the winter, discharging cold air down there wouldn't provide any hot water nor save us any $$$. So far so good... I waited until the second power bill arrived. I am hoping to install a timed or push button HOT WATER recirculation loop in the home before winter, and we'll need to bump the temps up 5 degrees most likely.
            by
            Response from RheemJun 30, 2023
            Hi,

            Thank you for this 5-star review. We are glad that your new water heater is working great for you. If you need assistance with your water heater, please contact our Technical Support team at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST. One of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

            Derius rheem
            • Verified Purchase
            • Recommended
            provide. Rheem water heaters are Junk
            Terrible product. Rheem 5500 watt water heater purchased in Dec 2022 and Elements Failed in March 2023. Rheem indicates the elements provided in manufacture are a cheap copper but will need stainless steel elements to avoid duplication of failure which Rheem declines responsibility for the reimbursement of the costs of such parts. Product should last longer than 4 months and manufacturer could do much better at providing warranty service when they are knowingly selling substandard products.
            by
            Response from RheemApr 3, 2023
            Hi,

            Thank you for this review. We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced because of the performance, and misinformation you were given on your water heater and hope the issue has been resolved. The water heater you have reviewed includes a 9-year parts and tank warranty as well as a 2-year full in-home labor warranty. If you still need assistance, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

            Derius rheem
              6 found this review helpful
              Heating element completely destroyed on install
              After install turned on water and there was a leak out of the top panel. Leak was coming from the heating element. Had to drain the heater and when we pulled it out, it was completely mangled and barely held together. We were lucky to get it out without it breaking. Called Rheem and they were barely helpful. Told us it would take 5-10 business days for them to ship a new one. Fought to get it express shipping and they told us they were doing a one time favor. Quality control and CS was terrible!
              by
              Response from RheemFeb 17, 2023
              Hi,

              Thank you for this review. We apologize for the inconvenience that you have experienced and hope the issue has been resolved. The water heater that you have reviewed includes a 9-year parts and tank warranty, as well as a 2-year full in-home labor warranty. If you still need assistance, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.


              Derius rheem
                4 found this review helpful
                Not made like they use too.
                Drain valve leaking from threads, small leak didn’t notice at first. Long story short, sealed was applied on the valve body not threads. Factory- Stupid
                by
                Response from RheemFeb 14, 2023
                Hi,

                Thank you for this review. We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced because of a leak on your drain valve and hope the issue has been resolved. The water heater you have reviewed includes a 12-year parts and tank warranty as well as a 3-year full in-home labor warranty. If you still need assistance, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.


                Derius rheem
                • Verified Purchase
                5 found this review helpful
                Another Rheem product ruined by carelessness
                Warranty replacement on this water heater. Made sure everything tight before install. Immediate leak from the drain valve. Drain - pull valve Threads not taped. threads not "puddy'd large glob of puddy down below the threads- presumably from being pushed out. Obviously no pressure testing occurs. No qc occurs. They can rot with product returns. I cleaned the blue crap off and used fast tape and reinstalled. btw. 3" nipple at install end.
                by
                Response from RheemJan 4, 2023
                Hi YETB,

                We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced during installation and appreciate you sharing your experience with us. If we can be of any assistance in the future please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to help you.

                Jennifer rheem
                  7 found this review helpful
                  Warning!!! Electrical fire due to defect!
                  This unit could have burnt down my house! Owned the unit for 6 years but started having water temp issues. Took off the bottom cover to find the insulating foam and safety cover melted together. The black jumper from the thermostat to the heating element (original) was burnt through at the screw connection and the wire insulation was burnt back 3 inches. It appears the stranded wire was improperly attached causing extreme heat and burnt materials. See for yourself from my pictures.
                  by
                  Response from RheemMar 8, 2023
                  Hi Mike,

                  Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced because of the leak on your water heater. The water heater you have reviewed includes a 9-year parts and tank warranty. If you still need assistance, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

                  Derius rheem
                    6 found this review helpful
                    Didn’t want this model but ended up getting an upgrade...
                    Didn’t want this model but ended up getting an upgrade and man am I happy. Very quiet, plenty of water to run 2 showers and a dishwasher at the same time and no one is affected. Stays hot a long time but the best thing is the app. It’s wifi so I can control the temp at anytime. I can also schedule for when I’m out of town so I don’t waste cost. Great value and highly recommended
                    by
                    Response from RheemAug 26, 2022
                    Hi,

                    So glad to hear installation was easy and you are enjoying your new water heater! If you ever have any questions about your new heater, please call Rheem Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

                    Thank you for choosing Rheem for your water heating needs!

                    Derius rheem
                    • Verified Purchase
                    7 found this review helpful
                    Another Do'er - Gettin' something done
                    This water heater is far better than the one I had. However, that one was gas, had a 5 year warranty, and may have been from 1991. I converted to electric and upped gallons from 40 to 50. Even though it took me a few days to convert to electric and install, I couldn't be happier.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    1 found this review helpful
                    Showing 1-10 of 1,884 reviews

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                    Nominal Tank Capacity (gallons)50 gal50 gal55 gal50 gal
                    Water Heater ProfileMediumTallTallTall
                    Application TypeResidentialResidentialResidentialResidential
                    Required Volt Connection240 volt240 volt240 volt240 volt
                    Tank Warranty12 Year12 Year12 Year10 Year
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                    Water Heater FeaturesOverheat Protection, Temperature Pressure Relief ValveOverheat Protection, Temperature Pressure Relief ValveDemand Response Ready, Temperature Pressure Relief ValveOverheat Protection, Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
                    Fuel TypeElectricElectricElectricHybrid
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