Performance Platinum 75 Gal. Tall 12 Year 76,000 BTU Natural Gas Tank Water Heater

A:  Rheem did NOT answer the question. Again, is there any actual quality difference, or are they just extending the warranty by increasing the cost?: It is a VERY IMPORTANT question in determining my selection.

A:  Hi Mike and thank you for your question. A product's warranty period can be established based on several factors, including: The industry standard for the product. What the competition is offering. The period of time during which some percentage of the products will still be functioning correctly.

A:  Hi Mike and thank you for your question. Thermal Expansion Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. Check with your local water utility company. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”. A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an “open” water system. As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within the water system. This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”. In an “open” water system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated. A “closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion” can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid, and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem! The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve (see illustration below). The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject.

A:  Hi Renee and thank you for your question. No it can not.

A:  Hi frank and thank you for your question. The water heater should not be located in an area where leakage from the tank or connections will result in damage to the area adjacent to the heater or to lower floors of the structure. When such areas cannot be avoided it is recommended that a suitable drain pan, adequately drained, must be installed under the water heater. Please also check local codes.