Gene,
We are sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your water heater. It’s definitely frustrating when a product doesn’t meet your expectations, especially when it arrives in a damaged box.
If you haven’t done so already, we would recommend contacting The Home Depot’s customer service about the damaged packaging and the performance of the water heater. They may be able to provide a replacement or refund or offer a solution to the heating issue.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for other options, there are many different types and brands of water heaters available on the market. Factors to consider when choosing a new water heater include the size of your household, your hot water usage, energy efficiency, and your budget. A professional plumber or a representative at a home improvement store can help guide you to the best option for your needs.
We hope this helps, and we hope your issue gets resolved soon! For assistance please call, 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.
Derius