Marathon 50 Gal. Tall 4500/4500-Watt Elements Non Metallic Lifetime Electric Tank Water Heater

I noticed some rust on the outside bottom of my 33-year-old hot water tank but no water on the floor. I flushed and changed the sacrificial rod every two years and water came out very slowly these past two times. Not wanting any surprises, I took preemptive action and decided to replace the tank. Research showed that the tank was made by Rheem and installed 33 years ago. Being very curious, I cut the tank in half to see if rupture was imminent. I found no noticeable rust inside the tank anywhere except around the rod connection at the top where a very small amount of water must have leaked out and worked its way down the insulation to the bottom skin. There was also about 6 inches of 'crud' in the bottom of the tank made up mostly of chunks of sacrificial rod pieces which hindered proper tank draining. There appeared to be no potential for tank rupture, but the 'crud' hindered proper operation of the lower heating element, so I'm glad I replaced it with 'I hope' to be another long-lasting Rheem hot water heater. Self-installation was very simple with flexible hoses and a minor adjustment to increase the water high temperature. So far, so good.

I like the concept (which is why i gave it 2 stars). Unfortunately this unit is poorly constructed. Because there is a glass lining, you have to be very careful not to break it because the plastic makes it that much more fragile. The inlet, outlet, and relief valve flop around until torqued to a fitting. If you put too much stress on any of those, you will break the glass lining. Takes up too much space (same size as a small refrigerator). It is top heavy and can tip very easily if you live in an area where you don't stap it to the wall. Mine leaked pretty bad under the inlet just below the plastic case. I'm sure that the good reviews are truthful but i think that they lucked out. These are so sensitive to damage that a lot of these units get sent back. Says in the manual if you need help, Rheem is available 7 days a week. I called at 10am on a Saturday and got a closed recording which did not state their operating hours. I returned it to the store.

This is the water heater model I had to have. From Magnesium to Aluminum to zinc Marathon. No one has a more potent water than what I have been dealing with. I was careful to take measurements because I knew it was going to be tight. I forgot to allow room for the thermostat covers. The plumber rotated it, so it was not a problem. I wanted this to look nice because it took a long time for me to save for this. I took out the top shelf. I glued some boards over the holes. Maybe I can buy some buy some poster board in the arts and crafts Section. I stayed with copper pipes and fittings-vertical installation. I wanted tees and pipes coming over and down. Everything is rigid and stationary so there is no lateral stress on the stub pipes. I thought it might keep the seals from leaking. I had the plumber install a ball valve. The expansion tank was an upgrade. The inspector will be coming out soon. Rheem states that it is necessary to have a drain no more than six inches in circumference under the relief valve discharge tube. I have a drain that is larger; and it could whisk away a lot of water. It is covered up right now though. The cat’s litter box is next to it. He prefers the drain. Overall, I think the plumber did a really nice job. I will have someone build new cabinets in the future.

I bought and installed this new in June 2014. It is May 2020 and the water heater is gushing water from the top. These are sealed and insulated so I can't tell what is wrong. Emergency plumber is $150 an hour so I'll wait till monday to call during normal hours. Also, Rheem is closed on saturday so I can't start the claim. Was trouble free for almost 6 years. Hope it doesn't take forever to get the new one/replacement parts so the family can take a warm shower.

I bought and installed this new in June 2014. It is May 2020 and the water heater is gushing water from the top. These are sealed and insulated so I can't tell what is wrong. Emergency plumber is $150 an hour so I'll wait till monday to call during normal hours. Also, Rheem is closed on saturday so I can't start the claim. Was trouble free for almost 6 years. Hope it doesn't take forever to get the new one/replacement parts so the family can take a warm shower.

I bought and installed this new in June 2014. It is May 2020 and the water heater is gushing water from the top. These are sealed and insulated so I can't tell what is wrong. Emergency plumber is $150 an hour so I'll wait till monday to call during normal hours. Also, Rheem is closed on saturday so I can't start the claim. Was trouble free for almost 6 years. Hope it doesn't take forever to get the new one/replacement parts so the family can take a warm shower.

Just had the 50 gallon Marathon installed. I love the idea of no anode rod, eliminating the sulfur smell and nonmetallic tank. As soon as it was installed it leaked from the top valve. I knew immediately from reading reviews it was a known issue from at least back in 2016 that Rheem indicated they would look into. I’m now stuck without a hot water heater til I can decide which to replace it with. Seems it’s the only one without the anode rod but I don’t want to take the chance replacing it from the same company. From my experience and reading reviews I wouldn’t purchase another one.

I ordered this water heater on 11-12-2018. Upon installing it, it leaked. I called Rheem in Montgomery and they authorized a warranty replacement. They said they would make an appointment with one of their approved contractors to replace it. The earliest appointment they could make was a week and a half away. The day before their contractor was supposed to come replace it, Rheem warranty services in Dover, NJ called and told me that the warranty on this water heater did not cover onsite service. They said I would have to return it to Home Depot for them to process the warranty return. The replacement apparently got dropped off the truck into the middle of the road somewhere. It's now March 2019 and I'm still waiting for my water heater. If I could give this water heater a rating of negative 10 stars, I would

Had to return. Box was torn open in multiple places and there was corrosion on the brass fittings. Also heater was 2 yrs 9 mos old so energy star rating was over $100 more per year than the one I purchased online. . I had to bring it back to the store myself. I did receive a full refund though including delivery fee.

We had one of these installed to solve the sulfur smell problem with the well water. We have not had any trouble with it. It is very efficient. We had electricity go out for a week once and the water inside was still lukewarm. The tank is plastic so pay special attention to the draining instructions!