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Bradford White Water Heater Repairs
If you're looking for help fixing your Bradford White Water Heater, look no further! Our comprehensive Bradford White Water Heater repair guide will explain common issues, provide tips, and maybe show you how to repair your appliance.
For the home, kitchen and beyond, Bradford White manufactures appliances that homeowners have come to trust. Even a trustworthy appliance requires occasional maintenance or repair, however. If you’re in need of Bradford White appliance repair from experienced professionals, your local Appliance Helper can help.
Bradford White Water heater not heating
Some gas water heaters have a thermocouple. The thermocouple detects the pilot flame. If the thermocouple does not detect a flame, it will prevent the gas valve from opening. The gas valve opens to allow gas to enter the burner. If the gas valve does not open, the burner will not light, and the water heater will not heat. First, ensure that the ignition source is working properly. Second, ensure that the gas valve has pressure. If the ignition source is working, and the gas valve has pressure, consider replacing the gas valve and thermostat.
Bradford White Water heater leaking
The temperature and pressure relief valve opens to stabilize temperature or pressure of the water heater if the temperature or pressure exceeds the proper level. The temperature and pressure relief valve opens at a set temperature. This temperature is indicated on the water heater. If the temperature and pressure relief valve leaks even though it has not reached the indicated relief temperature, replace it. The drain valve can be opened to drain the water heater for maintenance or to flush out mineral deposits from the tank. If the drain valve is leaking, drain the tank and replace the drain valve.
Bradford White Water heater not lighting
Some water heaters use an igniter to ignite the gas. If the igniter fails, the burner will not light. To determine if the igniter is defective, first make sure the igniter is getting voltage. If the igniter is getting voltage, but it doesn’t glow, this indicates that the igniter is defective and should be replaced. The pressure switch closes when the proper airflow is achieved, signaling the control board to continue the ignition process. If the pressure switch is defective, the ignition process will stall, and the water heater will not light.
Bradford White Water heater too hot
The thermostat determines the maximum water temperature setting. If the thermostat is defective, the water temperature may not be set at the proper level. To determine if the thermostat is defective, assess hot water temperature from the nearest faucet. If the water temperature is hotter than the selected thermostat setting, this indicates that the thermostat is defective. If the thermostat is defective, replace the gas valve and thermostat assembly. We recommend a set temperature of 120 degrees or fewer to prevent the risk of scalding.
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50-gallon hot water heater was 55 months old and suddenly started leaking. Warranty was for 72 months BUT did not cover labor or any ancillary costs for delivering a new boiler, paperwork, etc. Total cost to replace my warranty covered unit... SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS.
Only 3.5 years and the unit cracked. Now, Im out the full cost of removal and replacement. They only cover the tank AND they dont reset the warranty period. It only lasts the duration of the original. Makes sense as this junk isnt likely to last any longer. AND you are (practically speaking) stuck with the original installer who recommended this shoddy, poorly made product. ASHAMED it is made in the USA. THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED TOO! I spoke with the customer service supervisor, Mr. Mike ** and he was no help. Just reiterated the warranty and refused to consider that 3.5 years is UNACCEPTABLE water heater life. GARBAGE!
Licensed plumber installed BW Eco-Magnum Series w/Hydro jet 75 gal water heater on August 2016. Failed this week April 2020. Two pinhole leaks on lower sidewall approximately 6 from bottom, near the vent holes left of the Honeywell temperature regulator. The leaks were right at the weld areas. The insulation was completely soaked. Did not last 5 years even after routine flushes. Either tank defect or possible issues with the Honeywell regulator that may have overheated the unit. There was an attempted class action lawsuit regarding the Honeywell regulator. Water pressure valve and water pressure checks out. Plumber coming to replace on Monday April 6, 2020.
I just Googled Bradford White to see what models are available as my husband and I are almost finished building our vacation home and want to install a Bradford White unit. Im shocked to see the reviews posted by others because they couldnt be further from our experiences. Our first home had a Bradford White unit that was brand new and outlasted its 10 year warranty by 2 years. We bought another Bradford White when it came time for replacement. Our next home had a Whirlpool water heater that was 9 years old with a 12 year warranty and it leaked within 4 months of us moving in. So, we replaced it with a Bradford White. Weve had nothing but great experiences with Bradford White, but there is something to be said about who does the installation of your water heater. We frequently refer family and friends to get Bradford White and weve yet to hear anything negative at all. Which is why Im so shocked to see the reviews posted here.
My neighbor installed a Bradford White water heater and the exhaust was vented into my yard. The sound is an annoying loud white noise like a leak in an air compressor. I looked on their website for a noise suppressor and there is none. In fact, they dont care. Their response to some a question on this included the statement Give the city building department a call, explain your problem and ask them to come out and take a noise measurement. If youre within the city noise guidelines you can tell the neighbor to get lost. . Based on the customer reviews on their units they dont care about their customers either. Out of 65 reviews I looked at 60 were at the lowest rating. I will need a new water heater soon and I would not be encouraged with a dealer who even carries these units.
I bought this 40 gal water heater in Feb 2017. Running out of water after 10 minutes shower. Requested a verification with their technician. After verification they say its normal. I had one cascade before. Never missed water in my life. Never buy product from them. Its garbage!
I purchased a 75 gal. BW water heater and it had to be replaced after 5 years. Warranty was good for 6 years so they replaced the heater but it still cost me $500 for the service. The new one has now leaked after 4 years and they will not replace it because the original purchase was more than 6 yrs ago. Two hot water heater both leaking within 5 years. I would say this company has a quality issue.
Had a Bradford White Corporation 40-gallon gas water heater model #MI403S6FBN professionally installed in my residence on August 10, 2009. Labor, materials and tax were a total of $672.34, and it had a 6-year warranty. About two and a half months out of warranty, it has suddenly leaked all of its water out from near the bottom of the unit within a very short time period. This time it will cost me about $1,000.00 to have it replaced. Obviously, I am very dissatisfied with the experience.
We had the Bradford White gas 50-gallon water heater installed 3.5 years ago. The previous one lasted for almost 11 years. It started leaking over the past weekend. I contacted the plumber and they found that the problem causing the leaks was due to the faulty temperature control vault. I always have to make many adjustment on the vault in order to get the correct water temperature each time after we returned from vacations. Its either too hot or not hot enough. Gave it a slight touch and it changes the temperature unpredictably. The tank was still under the 6-year warranty but the labor warranty was over in 3 years. I contacted the company and ask them to cover the labor cost because the problem was caused by a faulty device that it was first installed. They refused to take any responsibilities and stated that the labor cost was the responsibility of the customer.
My Bradford-White Defender gas water heater blew 6 yrs. and 3 months after installation. They have a 6 yr. warranty - and wouldnt offer me a dime toward replacement costs!
Had to replace a Bradford White water heater in 4 year old house - replaced with a Bradford white. Now 3 yrs later motor has died. Paid $363 to have plumber out to replace parts not covered by warranty. He has to source new motor which we hope is covered by warranty - then another plumber visit cost! Have owned 7 or 8 homes in past - have never had these issues with any other water heater - not reliable and very expensive to replace and install.
I purchased a hot water heater and it was installed June 14, 2014. Two months later It lost the heat. The pilot light was difficult to work. The plumber who sold it to me came... got it started and in about 3 or 4 months it stopped again, in November at Thanksgiving time it quit again. The plumber started it again then in Dec at Christmas time it quit again. The plumber replaced the starting equipment and it lasted until February 19, 2015 then stopped again. I bought and paid for a hot water heater. I am not at all satisfied with this and would like to hear from you just how I get out of this mess.
Got a 10 year warranty water heater. 3 years then fail. Company is like pay a plumber we appove of to convince us it was our failure and we will provide a free replacement part 2 weeks after the failure. You are okay waiting 2 weeks for hot water and trust us to decide on the failure right? I mean just because we dont answer our phone and you have to wait 20 minutes doesnt mean we are not honest? Cmon its just normal not to tell you the specific details of our warranty.
I had a Bradford White Gas Water Heater installed to replace a 15 year old water heater that was still working. After 2 years on the Bradford White, an internal seal or weld gave way and it sprayed water over a bunch of items which were not tolerant of water and leaked over part of the basement laundry room. Needless to say I am not impressed and after reading other reviews here, I would definitely recommend buying from another company.
After the initial Bradford White unit stopped functioning after 14 1/2 years it was replaced with an enclosed similar system. The amount of soot the new unit discharged over a year is mind boggling. Technical Support blamed the pressure, the regulator of the propane, running out of fuel, to the HOMEOWNER not making the correct calculations to replace the unit. Mind you it was purchased by a PLUMBER from a reputable Plumbing Supply Company. The final straw it is the HOUSE!!! So the burner was replaced, the regulators replaced at the propane tank and at the house, the direct PVC vent was professionally cleaned as well as the unit. Again a dirty burn and soot inside the unit. The gas valve (Bradford White on the unit) is replaced and again dirty burn. OF COURSE it is everyones fault but the unit which is 1yr 1 month and as you can guess.... they do not want to replace it. I deem it a fire hazard or health concern and would not put another in my home. Figure about 15 hours of labor and over one week to have a unit that for safety reasons needs to be removed from the home..
I have installed and serviced Bradford White Water Heaters for over 32 Years. I find the posts from dissatisfied consumers to be offensive and unfounded. First of all, consumers are not supposed to be allowed to even purchase BW Water Heaters. That would be the fault of the local distributors for being the proverbial ** in the marketplace (willing to sell to anyone, for a slightly larger price). For the water heaters that failed prematurely, I have many questions that not one of the posts I read even addressed. What was the water pressure? More than the allowed 80psi maximum by residential plumbing code? Was there a PRV present on the main water line serving the home? (this creates a closed-loop system) Was there an expansion tank present on the installation of the water heater? (required if it is a closed-loop system) What is the water quality being delivered to the heater? (this will have profound impact on the life of ANY water heater and its anode rod) Was there a water softener installed in the home? (this will have profound impact on the life of ANY water heater and its anode rod) What was the incoming gas pressure? (can cause a premature failure of gas control valve)What I have found servicing ALL makes of water heaters over all of these years is that THESE FACTORS MATTER! If you dont know how to check these things or dont have the tools or the inclination, stop installing water heaters. The reason the manufacturer wants to refer you to an actual plumber is because you need one to check all of these things PRIOR to installing a water heater and addressing any & ALL underlying issues you may or may not have. As far as not resetting the warranty period?? Who does that? NO manufacturer does that! As a matter of fact, nobody in their right mind would even suggest that a manufacturer or any dealer would reset the warranty. A warranty that is indefinite is called a Lifetime Warranty and you pay for those, Upfront. No one wrecks their car and then buys the insurance to cover it, its the other way around. As far as what Licensed Plumbers charge, I believe some charge too much. By that I mean, if you are not going to back up your sale & installation of a given product with the support your customers deserve, then you should be the cheapest plumber on the market. As far as consumers buying a contractor grade product and wanting a professional to install it, I say to all licensed plumbers... Walk away. These people are not your customers, nor do you want them as customers. Let that person get it installed themselves by a Handy Manny and then complain about the product because it doesnt work right. Consumers beware: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Stop trying to cut corners, the rounded edges can cut or hurt you too! I do not prize the word cheap. It is not a badge of honor... it is a symbol of despair. Cheap prices make for cheap goods; cheap goods make for cheap men; cheap men make for a cheap country. - William McKinley
My husband and I have lived in our home for about 14 yrs now. It is a 2 family. We kept one old water heater, but replaced ours when purchasing the home. Needless to say, the old one which I would imagine had to be about 20+ years old is the one that was changed. So we were told by our plumber to purchase a Bradford White. The first one didnt even work, I should have run at that point, and went to another manufacturer. We did get another Bradford White put in for it to only break after 7 years. I called their warranty department to get absolutely nowhere. We paid a lot of money for this product, and honestly if we knew it had the longevity of 7 yrs we could have gotten a cheaper product, or had gone to our local Appliance Home Store. Seriously, if you ever come across this product do not buy it. I believe this manufacturer should have at least helped the customer out perhaps even discount a new one. Now wouldnt that make a lot of sense.... Well nothing folks, nothing. Rest assure we purchased another product from another manufacturer. Also, my plumber is no longer using Bradford White!
In 2015 we needed a new water heater. Our plumber recommended a Bradford White water heater which we had installed. Since then we have had to have the dip tube, gas burner and gas valve assembly replaced twice because we dont get hot water (it is currently March, 2019). All of this is covered under their warranty but they only supply the parts - we have to pay for our plumber to make a service call and fix the damn thing plus a $50 warranty administration fee that Bradford White charges on warranty claims. Dont do business with companies like this!
When the original water heater started leaking after about 4.5 years I contacted Bradford and they agreed to swap the faulty unit per their warranty for free. Although, I had to pay the labor to a local plumber $250.00. Nice warranty, isnt it? The new unit lasted about 2 years and now is leaking just as the original one was. Stay away from this manufacturer at all costs. They put together a piece of junk that will not even last for their own warranty period.
Bradford White water heater installed into purchased Pulte home/tank develops leak in 5 yrs from purchase date. Customer relations denies the warranty. Tank was leaking from the insert nipples at the top for over a year and rusted out a hole at the top. Tank was slowly leaking but could not be detected because of the outer jacket. Customer relations was not concerned/not interested in my problem, showed no support, were indifferent, rude and said I was wasting his time. Non sympathetic to homeowners, could not communicate properly... poor choice of words. Only interested in companys liability and made no effort to help. Customer Relations is a joke!!! Bradford White is a joke. Do not buy water heaters from them. Much better alternatives. Pulte stood behind the warranty and offered compensation. Bradford White are only interested in profits according to the poorly articulated customer relations manager. He needs some speech therapy for his position. I am also writing a letter to the company to review the recorded message and evaluate this IDIOT!!
We installed a commercial grade expensive water heater when the restaurant was built four years ago, the heater started leaking past week. We called two different plumbers and they both are saying that the tank is rotten from inside and therefore leaking, there is no way to fix it and needs to be replaced. They are estimating the cost to be between $4500-$8500. When you buy such an expensive high quality water heater, you expect it last at least 10-15 years. I would like to request a new replacement water heater at no cost, I will pay for the labor which could be anywhere from 1000-1500 dollars. Thanks.
We have the 40 gallon Gas Water heater model M44 and it has operated flawlessly for 9 years. Now 3 years past the manufacturers stated warranty of 6 years and we are hearing popping when the heater is on, so we know the time is near to a tank failure. I was surprised to learn that the warranty starts at time of manufacture and not from time of purchase. I find this not to be in my best interest and not a good consumer policy. For that reason alone I will not purchase another B-W water heater.
Ours died just after three months. We installed it July 2021 and here we go with no hot water October 2021. I have two blinks on the diagnostic light. Reading online it looks like a faulty pressure switch. Everything else running off natural gas in house works fine. My cheap big box water heater lasted at least 3 years before it started having problems. Well see what the service company says in the morning.
I am a plumber from Phoenix AZ and I have had a 50% fail rate with all of the Bradford White Gas Water Heaters I have installed in the last 7 years. Most of the failures are due to the Honeywell Gas Controllers. Both Honeywell and Bradford White should be ashamed of themselves for building such a pile of crap. I have also had quite a few leakers within the first year of installation too. I have switched to RUUD Water Heaters and so far I have had zero warranty issues. The Ruud Residential Gas Water Heater has White Rodgers Gas Controllers and that seems to be a bulletproof control valve. These water heaters make me look bad. I am a native of Michigan and Bradford White Resides in Michigan. It makes me glad I moved to Arizona so Im not in the same state with such an incredibly poor manufacturing company.
Our BW 40 Gal. natural gas water heater has taken care of our family of 7 for 12 years so far. I have not had to do any repairs or call a tech in that time. So I have been very happy with it so far. The reason for the review was because I was surprised at all the negative reviews and wanted to share that I have had a totally opposite experience. Has the company changed? Why all the negative reviews? Hot water heaters are not that complicated. Yes my pilot light has gone out a few times in the last 12 years, but I dont think it is anything to complain about. It sounds like a lot of the complaints are dealing with the company. I have had no experience in that area, because I have had no need to contact them.
The gas hot water tank was installed on 01/04/13 and quit working on 08/29/19. It was installed by a reputable local plumbing company. Bradford Whites response...If the plumbing company installs another Bradford tank we can extend the warranty at no extra charge. Seriously? I dont want another Bradford tank. I got twice the life out of a tank installed by one of the big box stores and they are known for garbage units. Stay away from Bradford White!
50 gal propane water heater - This unit is five years old. Every year the pilot light goes out at least four times. Sometimes I can blame it on the wind, but not this year. In this last week, it goes off every other day. I might get a good hot shower in before it shuts off, if I take it right after I have relighted the pilot light! This isnt convenient at all - must I relight it every time I need hot water? Its still suppose to be closer to brand new. My first one of a different brand lasted 15 years! What am I suppose to do, rebuild the damn thing! Yes, I am disappointed!!!
My RG240T6N 40 gallon gas water heater was installed only 3 months ago and Ive been far from satisfied with it. It has a Honeywell electronic-type gas control valve. The manual says the LOW setting runs approximately 55 degrees fahrenheit. Well, not mine. Not by a long shot! When my water heater is set on the lowest setting, the hot water coming out of my faucet is appearingly scorching hot. I called Bradfords tech support and he was far from sympathetic. He told me there was nothing else I could do to adjust the gas valve and he was there to support licensed contractors and not homeowner me. He said I had to hire a licensed plumber to look at it before Bradford White would even consider doing anything for me. He never even asked me which model I have and said hes never had anyone complain of this issue. I then volunteered my model number and he answered extremely dismissively. He was extremely standoffish and I told him this experience is driving me to never purchase Bradford White again. He said if that was my decision, so be it. My previous Reliance water heater was still working after 18 years of perfect service. I was wrong to think a new Bradford White would serve me well. I was just as wrong to think I could get any satisfaction from calling them.
The igniter goes out every 4 months. You constantly have to go and turn it on which is a headache itself due to you have to reset the module. I had to pay for a plumber after hours to switch out parts which the manufacturer says will reimbursement. Thats a big lie. You have to get their authorized plumbers that only work businesses hours. Save yourself the grief. Stay away from this water heater company.
I am a Bradford White customer (personal home and 2 rentals) and a plumbing heating and cooling contractor that installs Bradford White in New Mexico. Your build up of black debris sounds like what happens when a water heater that is set up for natural gas is put on a propane system. I have seen the same thing happen on gas burning equipment around here when an unqualified contractor installs equipment meant for natural gas systems is installed on a propane system without converting it.
I was upsold this Bradford White (50) Water Heater Model # MI5036FBN, 02/09. The unit just went out, and its still under warranty. The same plumbing company (Yes Plumbing) charges me a service fee ($79) to evaluate it. They determined the water tank is no good, and its under warranty; the warranty replacement fee is $1,000. They have got to be crazy. The purpose of my purchasing this supposedly top of the line water heater recommended by your company with lovely warranty, and now they don’t want to honor it unless I’m paying $1,000. They are crooks. Whether the water heater was a bad unit or not, honor your warranty claims and services agreement. Who pays $1,400 for a unit to have to pay $1,000 for warranty swap out? Companies are supposed to stand behind the product they sell! I will be contacting Bradford White Company after this.
New 50-gallon Bradford White water heater was installed in my new home in 2018. It FAILED after only 3.5 years with water leaking out all around the top, connection on side and around the bottom. When the plumber called supplier, this water heater is no longer being sold. Even though Bradford White say the water heater has a 6 year warranty, I found the warranty to be useless. The plumber called, as well to confirm. I have NEVER had a water heater fail this fast. All others have lasted for many years. I then decided to have a Noritz tankless water heater installed. Ill never purchase another product from Bradford White!
I bought a Bradford White water heater in 2010 and today the control module and pilot light are not working. I call to get it fixed and found out it is just out of warranty and is going to cost me about half of a new one to get fixed. This is the second one I have got from them and the first went out in 2 years and they go off the first unit on warranty not the new one. I have to say way to back your product up.
40 gallon gas water heater, model# RG240T6N. Unknown to me, comes with a 90 day warranty. Thats it. So now 18 months later, control not working. Pilot wont stay light because led light wont function. I used to buy Home Depot wh - they lasted 4 years. A so called top water heater - Bradford White only lasted 18 months. Looks like Im going back to Home Depot. I do not recommend.
Purchased Bradford White 5years - 358 days ago, model m265r6ds-1ncww. Install and all repairs done by licensed plumbers. Its an electric water heater. Actually service life has been semi OK since we live in an area with very hard water and water treatment depends on regularly supplying expensive salt to conditioning unit. We are on well water. So I recognize it can cause some build issues over time.However contractor quality unit installed when I built house in 1994 lasted 14 years and was only replaced due to heating unit and wifes desire for larger capacity heater. So six years for the Bradford White seems like a short life for heating element and thermostat set (comes as two t-stat set). When it went out 3 days ago I called plumber this morning after original calls went unanswered by first plumbing co. This plumber was able to arrive today and quickly found the issue. Wed had a short period of very hot water followed by the failure of the heating element so he suspected faulty t-stat set. $230 later it was fixed and I asked him about warranty from Bradford White. He basically told me I could pursue it but he felt they wouldnt pay anything and he didnt have time to take my failed parts to the wholesaler which is what BWs warranty policy requires. I emailed and phoned BW and was basically told the plumber would have to take the parts to the wholesaler. Well, he isnt going to take his $100/hr. time and truck to get me an adjustment for parts that cost about $50 and I dont blame him. I told the BW people that and got the old story about well thats the policy. After some further exchange they said I could call the plumber and find out who he got the BW parts from and then I could call BW back and let them know....At that point I cut the conversation off as it was clear they werent going to do squat unless I jumped through all their hoops which are well designed to foil any attempt to get satisfaction under warranty.In summary, they won because it simply wasnt worth my time to jump through all their obfuscating hoops to get a warranty claim paid. Of course they dont cover any of the expensive part...the labor of replacement. They act like it was my fault, their part went bad before the warranty expired so I should bear the cost of labor for replacement. What fricken planet do these people live on?? Based on comparison with original heater, I would rate the BW product below average and their warranty as the worst Ive ever seen. The wholesaler for this area, Western States, gets such bad reviews I didnt ever bother to contact them as people with much worse problems are getting nowhere or worse screwed by BWs process. NEVER AGAIN BRADFORD WHITE! Just tell the truth that you will fight warranty claims with every ounce of effort you can muster. What goes around comes around. Below average product in my experience and non existent warranty even though they claim to have one.
Less than 3 year old Bradford Whites Defender water heater already leaks. Previous water heater lasted 15 years. The water heater is covered under warranty for a replacement; however different upgraded model = more money (out of my pocket) due to Federal Regulatory changes and the cost of labor is coming out of my pocket as well. Extremely poor customer service and products. Made in America... Its no wonder so many buy foreign these days. They should be ashamed.
In a period of 5 years I had had two water heaters fail. Very low quality and poor customer service. I was made to feel like I should be grateful that lasted that long and their ridiculous warranty covers nothing. Avoid this brand.
50 gal model #450s6en12 in 5 bedroom 3 bath home... Not a single problem for the last 18 years. Will definitely buy another... tankless water 4 system at almost 4 times the cost to replace with another equivalent system. Cant touch this.
This device was sold to me as a premium product that would last for years. Instead, it failed in under 6 years and had to be entirely replaced. Besides making a mess in my basement, I was also responsible for the labor for replacing the device. This cost over $1000. For that, I could have just put in a new hot water heater. What a waste of money and what poor quality of product. I called the warranty department to tell them how upset I was about the amount I had to spend because of their shoddy product manufacturing and they didnt care and werent willing to contribute to the high labor costs I had to incur. Dont buy their products, they are the worst.
Eco Defender HOt water heater U140T6FRN - For last 3 months, pilot light goes out periodically. Easy to relight, but a pain. Unit is 6 years old. Two years ago a plumber replaced the whole controller. After reading these posts, Im going to do all the DIY stuff I feel comfortable with, and, if that doesnt work, Im buying a new one -- obviously not Bradford White. The next plumber coming out on this matter will be bringing a new water heater. Period. Thanks to all for posting your complaints and issues. If BW does not read and take to heart these complaints, theyre not a business. Theyre just some kind of ** up revenue stream.
Our Bradford White water heater Model MI5036FBN failed and began leaking. We awakened to water dripping from the ceiling in our dining room. Fortunately we caught it early. Our unit was manufactured in 2011. Ironically, our home warranty does not cover items that are still covered under manufacturers warranty, and Bradford White does not apparently cover installation, so our cost is $1,100.
I replaced a Bradford White water heater that I had for 10 years with another of the same. The heater started leaking out of the hot water nipple after 4 years of service. I spoke to two people at Bradford. I was told the hot water anode tube and nipple were designed to sacrifice themselves to minerals in the water to preserve the tank. I agree with the concept of the anode wearing away, but the nipple it is attached to should never leak. I found out the nipple is made of galvanized steel, which is not a good metal for water use because it rusts very quickly. I asked why the nipple was not made out of brass, which is universally used for water pipes because it lasts forever. They just wanted to give me the boiler plate response they have for complaints when they disagree with the customer. They are not very customer friendly. This will be the last Bradford White heater I will ever use.
Bradford white 40 gallon water heater - The first heater started leaking after 5 years. The replacement was under warranty and started leaking within 2 years. 3.5 years of service between them, and of course, contractor fees.
Had a Bradford-white water heater installed on March 9th of 2020. On March 17th, we were closed for covid shutdowns. This water heater never operated correctly and the company is not standing behind it. I would never purchase from this company again!!!
We have lived in our home for 18 years and we are now getting ready to install our FOURTH Bradford White Hot Water Heater. For some reason, these particular water heaters do not last very long. Our unit has been installed three times by a professional plumber and the same one is getting ready to install the fourth one. It is a High Efficiency Model and if I had to do all over I would never use this particular brand again. We are in a pickle as we are in the process of trying to sell our home and we definitely need to have a Hot Water Heater!!!!! I believe that these models should last longer than they have. All I can say is Buyer beware if you choose this particular model to use. Right now, I am in the process of cleaning water up in my basement so that the water doesnt get into my finished family room wall and I am very frustrated. Look at other models before buying this one.
Bought a Bradford White water heater from MEWS in Athens, Alabama September of 2009. Less than four months out of warranty unit began spraying water. Appears to be bad weld on top of unit. No help offered. Will not buy another one made by Bradford White.
According to the plumber the heater has a small leak which caused the gas line to corrode and rupture. Even though you are made in the USA. We as consumers, have certain rights when you buy something that says made in the USA. I expect poor quality coming from other countries. The labor bill was $600.00 to replace the heater. Yes the parts were free, so-far. My customer experience with this company was horrible, I would never recommend this product to anyone, just because of the crappy customer service experience. Poor quality control standard can be fixed, yet when you get on the phone and they basically tell you to **-off. There has to be a line drawn in the sand.My recommendation on this product is less than 1 star, just on the customer experience when dealing with the manufacture and problems that occur, and that may cause potential health issues, injury, or even property damages to something that you will be paying on for the next 15 to 30 years. I hope everyone takes heed to this warning and if your plumber or home improvement store recommends this product, go elsewhere. Oh, by the way, welcome to your new home, that will be $600.00. DONT BUY THIS MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT.
I am really surprised by all the bad experiences with the Bradford White water heaters I am reading here. We have a 40 gal electric model #m240s6ds2, if I read it right. Its a beautiful model and was installed in 2005 by the owners before us. We purchased this house (built in 1978) in 2006. We have never had a problem with it at all but because the year it was installed, and everyone says most last for 10-12 years, I am thinking at getting a new water heater before this one starts going bad or falls apart (even though it still looks brand new). I certainly dont want to have a big mess on my hands. I am now afraid to get another Bradford White because of what I have been reading here. Was the company sold since 2005… or are the contractors not as good/experienced as they were before. I mean something had to change for these newer units to be so messed up! Or are these complaints only from folks that got gas water heaters? I dont know a friend told me to just get a Rheem from a local Home Depot and forget about it. I have to say I am going to miss this beauty though, its been great for us.
3 years and 360 days, we had installed a 40 gallon gas water heater and it started leaking from the bottom. Called company who installed it. They came out and told me it is a total tank failure. The water heater is still under warranty but the cost of installation is again on me. I do not want nor will I have another Bradford White in my house. I refuse. Bradford-White will not give me another warranty on their own product and I am afraid to put another in my home. I thought living in Michigan Id buy a Michigan made product. Bad choice and Bradford-White was not my first choice but I could not find a company that carried my first choice. So the kicker is the company that did the install no longer carries Bradford-White, and for a good reason, but they now carry the brand I originally wanted. Ironic. Never again a Bradford-White product.
My BW water heater stopped working after 18 month, 6 month after the end of the warranty. Now I need to pay for the parts and labor, God knows how much. What else can I say? I have no hot water and Im very upset.
Eight years ago we put in our home a Bradford White energy saver 50 gallon hot water heater and it started leaking last month. Shouldnt hot water heaters last longer than 8 years?
We own a mobile home park and rent homes. One of the homes had a Bradford White 30 gallon water heater. Our plumbing company, Horizon Enterprises, determined that the water heater was defective. Bradford White diagnosed the problem over the phone and slowly sent some parts. These did not repair the water heater. When the plumbing company reported this Bradford White refused to further honor their warranty. We will never purchase their product again.
We switched from an older, gas powered water heater when we did a renovation. The water heater wasnt malfunctioning, we just wanted something more efficient. We got a Bradford White direct vent water heater. In the space of one year we have had to replace a sensor twice and replace an entire module as well (the control box on the front). Our old water heater was set it and forget it - this one is set it and pray...
I bought four of these recently for a residential complex. One of the water-heater anodes was severely corroded fresh out-of-the-box from the manufacturing plant. The water heater produced gas in my water lines. The manufacturer describes this phenomena when anaerobic bacteria produces sulfate that reacts with their magnesium anode to produce hydrogen sulfate, a flammable gas. Their workaround is to change the anode from magnesium to aluminum-zinc alloy to minimize the phenomena. This is assuming that your water supply is contaminated. But my other three units are feed by the same main water line and did not do this. There must be a problem within their plant, because others (if you google thoroughly) have complained about the same problem from Bradford White water heaters for years. I will never again advocate buying their units. I have been using GE/Rheem for years purchased from the big box stores without issues.
I installed a Bradford White hot water heater in my sister house on December of 2009. The factory supply nipples moved inward causing the soldered couplings to leak. Of course BW is denying any water heater malfunction. Just trying to get the word out for future buyers. I have pictures also.
For the consumer named Evelyn who posted on July 1, 2014 please contact me regarding your water heater. Back in 2011 a Bradford White Natural Gas water heater was installed in my home - Model # M2XR504T6FBN. One week after install my unit also began malfunctioning. Bradford White failed to honor my 10-year warranty. One year after it was installed, my entire family was poisoned with carbon monoxide and my dog died. I have an attorney who is currently working on my case. I am 100% certain the water heater is defective because my attorney spent thousands of dollars getting mines tested. PLEASE contact me ASAP!!
Cost of the 50 gallon gas water heater 5??? Function for 4 years 5??? The day I needed parts to fix my water heater absolutely a crap show! I do not recommend their customer warranty department whatsoever, if you are buying a tank water heater buy a Rheem or Ruud. This is a joke. You have to go through a supplier for replacement parts, really ridiculous. I gave them my model and serial number and explained to them that I have a new style pilot light assembly and still sent me the copper wire style assembly. Out of hot water for over a week. Never will buy anything with this brand name! If you are buying a Tankless buy a Rinnai.
Our plumber installed a Bradford White Water Heater in our condo in 2013. It has to be replaced today (5 years). Labor is not covered, there is a $125 surcharge because of a federal standard that made newer water heaters more efficient but cost more, so I have to pick up the difference. I called BW and they basically told me too bad, I have no choice. The average water heater lasts 12.5 years, BW certainly lowers that average. Choose anything else.
Good news! Bradford White replaced my water heater. Luckily the six-year warranty still had three months left. I still believe it should have lasted longer, but at least, I didnt have to pay the $2,400 Roto-Rooter wanted. My total out of pocket amount was $454.
On January 16th 2015 we were awake by our smoke detectors to a smoke filled house. Went outside to find the Bradford White water heater that was 4.5 years old had turned into a blow torch and set our house on fire. It had worked perfect for all the time previously. This happened without warning. It leveled our house and destroyed our life long dream and all that we owned in our house - even killed our dog due to her hiding inside. Both I and my wife tried desperately to save her before nearly over come with smoke inhalation. We have been devastated by this loss and are currently soliciting for legal council to pursue legal action. Would never own a Bradford White product again and would never have a propane water heater in a home again.
Had a top of the line Bradford White high efficiency propane water heater installed in our new construction home in 2006. Model M1TW505S6FSX. Within 2 years we had a huge water leak, our installer came and replaced it and said it had an internal crack. Today, now 2014, water heater is spraying water out from the top. Warranty starts from original install, even though it was a faulty product. No assistance offered from company. Spent too much $$ on this water heater for these problems.
$1500.00 unit leaking in tank seams 2 months after warranty over, NO HELP offered by company. Purchased for $1500.00 Bradford White Defender 50 gal tank 8/28/2009 Model # M1TW50S6FSX Serial # FG12138580 from Wayne J Pisanchyn Plumbing & Heating Clarks Summit, PA. Unit is leaking 12/2015. Warranty was over 2 MONTHS ago. Warranty dept mgr Amy @ Bradford White corp. offered nothing. She was very robotic and unsympathetic. Amy was very glib and informed me that she was the TEAM LEADER for the warranty dept and no else could help me. The unit was maintained and is leaking in the SEAMS of the tank. It is obviously defective. Both plumber & manufacturer offered nothing substantial. I will have to pay another $1500.00 for another unit. NO DISCOUNT or EXCEPTION in warranty. My previous basic hot water heater lasted 15 yrs +. I will be sharing my Bradford White corp. experience online for any potential consumers to be advised that $1500.00 every 6 yrs is unreasonable for a water heater. Bradford White corp is not interested in happy customers and manufacturing QUALITY products, they are only interested in their bottom line and following their warranty rules to the letter.
The AO Smith water heater that came with the house lasted 18 years before it needed to be replaced. I got a Bradford White that failed in just 18 months and had it replaced under warranty. After only a year we had to put in a new anode in the warranty replacement water heater. 12 months later that water heater ruptured. No warranty for a water heater replaced under warranty. I guarantee that I wont be getting a third Bradford White.
I purchased 2 of their small 6 gallon electric hot water heaters to replace the same size Rheem units in my office. I decided to spend the extra cash on the Bradford White instead of a direct replacement from Rheem, thinking Id rather buy a quality unit now and not have to worry about it for another 10 years. Only one of my Rheem units failed after the 8 years, but I figured the other was sure to go soon so I replaced both. What a mistake it was to go with the BW units. After 3 weeks the element on one unit blew out, I called for service. They told me I would have to pay their tech to come out and diagnose and if it was deemed a defect, they would cover the repair. Knowing this would end up being a useless expense because they could always find a million reasons to say it wasnt them, I replaced the element with an aftermarket - unit worked good for a while until now the thermostat crapped out. (It was working fine after element replacement and did not cause it, I cycled the temp adjustment to make sure it turned on and off properly and checked with a multi-meter.) I replaced that with an aftermarket too. So I basically bought an overpriced tin can because the electronics are trash. Thinking maybe one unit was just a rotten apple or something went wrong on install, I figured all is well now that I replaced the parts. A month later, the element on the second tank went in the same fashion. Ok now Bradford, either man up and stop patting yourself on the back with your BS quality awards or change your name to Bradford and Wong, because these have to be manufactured in China or something. Two separate tanks, on two separate water lines with the same exact problem??? Highly doubtful that this is MY problem. Well it is my problem, but definitely not my doing - well maybe its even my doing for buying a BW in the first place. However I called customer service again for the second unit and got the same speech about paying their tech... It just wasnt worth it to get suckered in again by this company for a repair tech to diagnose (aka Yep its broken - heres your bill) and replace a part they would probably weasel their way out of paying for anyway. I ordered the part online myself for $15 because I already know what the problem is. The problem is BW making garbage products... I replaced two Rheem units that lasted 8 yrs under the exact same conditions, both Bradford and Wongs died within a month or two of installation. Thankfully Im handy enough to diagnose and fix these problems myself. Now I know what youre thinking, youre not a plumber and probably installed them wrong. This is a direct replacement of a unit - its 2 pipes and 3 color coded wires, not much room for error there. My Diagnosis - Bradford and Wong makes a garbage product, your bill is in the mail.
New BW tank has good performance for the cost. The 1st hour rating is much better than most other brands. Tanks have changed since the last time I had to replace a water heater 15 years ago. Since I used another Bradford White the connections lined up perfect.
My house came with a Bradford White gas water heater with an electric blower that has a 6 yr warranty. Yesterday the water heater broke and water went all over the basement floor and needs to be replaced. The water heater is 6 yr and 11 months old. This puts it conveniently outside the 6 year warranty. When I called the company I was told sorry, it is out of warranty they (Bradford White Corp) will not do anything. They said water heaters are designed to last 10 years+, industry standard is only 6 yr warranty, and they would do nothing about their products failure. Additionally I was told Since its out of warranty they (Bradford White Corp) wont do anything, but we will sell me a new water heater AT FULL PRICE. I called the plumber who was going to install the new one and told them I did not want a Bradford water heater put back in, and was told b/c of size and space issue with my house Im stuck with getting a Bradford. This post and others Im leaving is to warn any other soon to be water heater buyers NOT to get a Bradford White Water heater b/c they do not stand by their product, have poor customer service, and have products that conveniently break when the warranty is up. If anyone wants to contact me to discuss, you can email me at **. Beware of Bradford White products!
Purchased a Bradford White Gas Water Heater 6 years, 9 months ago. The top of the tank is now leaking and we do not have hot water. Plumber told us we need to replace it. The Warranty on the water heater is only good for 6 years. Called Bradford White customer service and person was very rude and did not care about our concerns. I am very uncomfortable with buying another Bradford White Water Heater.
I have had a great experience with Bradford White. Weve had two Bradford White water heaters in our home and have been very satisfied with them. The first one lasted almost 16 years before it went and the current one is 19 years going on 20 years old with zero issues! Great quality products from an American company!
I have BW water heater installed in my house and every 4 years it always leaks, they have very poor warranty and I ended up spending double plus I have to pay for the plumber, they have very poor customer service too. I will never buy this brand of water heater again. This BW I had broke in 2009, 2013 and now its 2017, just within 4 years time this BW leaked and it flooded all over my basement. The same exact problem that I had way back 2013. So to other customers who are planning to buy a new hot water heater I advised you guys not to buy this brand because its just a waste of money, its a crappy product. Thank you all for reading this review and this is an honest review from a concerned person. Thank you to all again.
The Bradford White Gas Power Vent water heater failed without warning overnight causing extensive flooding and water damage to a finished basement. Water heater was almost 10 years old. Should be built with a safety water cut off valve that ceases water supply to water heater if incoming water rate is greater than exiting flow.
My water heater is leaking carbon monoxide, putting my family at serious risk. My water heater is under warranty until 01/2015. According to Bradford White they will pay for parts but not for labor. Why should I pay for anything if their water heater is defective? If there is a problem with the water heater, they should be responsible for all costs. Also, the operator was very unprofessional and got into an argument with me. I was so angry. I hung up without getting a name.
Bradford White hot water heater model #mi403s6fbn - This is the second brand new BW gas hot water heater installed in less than one month......... first one only produced lukewarm water. Called service man and he found the thermostat was defective, installed new one. Had hot water for half of the next day, called service back. They checked everything, moved water temp to very hot... nothing changed. BW accepted the tank back and presented us with another new one... installed last week and once again we had hot water for a day maybe two and now it is back to lukewarm again even though I pushed the temp up as far as it will go......... Service person says I need to call a plumber now which is going to mean more money... Shouldnt the gas company that installed it stand behind it?
I had a Bradford White water heater installed last year when my previous one broke and flooded our garage. We used our home appliance insurance to cover for the replacement. Now, we are being told that the company does not cover for labor to replace the broken heater and that we are responsible for the $650 charge to re-install another water heater in just 14 months!
These are garbage. Ours leaked flooding our basement and they will not replace under warranty. Stay away from this companys products, the tank was not even 4 yrs. old.
There are only 2 adults at this location. No problems until we would go more than 2 days with no use of hot water. Had strong sulfur smell. Neighbor suggested pouring bleach down well head. Cleaned smell after 2 days. Worked a couple of times. Now, after 7 years stinks all the time. Read that the problem is the anode. Why should this happen? Makes no sense to me. Out of warranty 1 yr ago. A 50-gallon tank for 2 people should last more than 7 years w/o repair. Not happy. Would not recommend.
New water heater installed in September 2019 and was leaking water just 18 months later. A licensed plumber discovered that due to the leaking the pilot light would not stay lit. Had it not still been under warranty for replacement I would not have never purchased another Bradford White.
This unit was just in service for over 3 years when the gas controller failed. About 6 months later, the tank developed a leak where the flame was impinging on the bottom. Because of new government energy regulations, this unit is supposed not available anymore and Im going to have to pay $50-100 more for the equivalent replacement. While under warranty, failures like this before the unit is even 4 years old is unacceptable. Not to mention that I have to pay a plumber to fix them.
I have been installing Bradford White water heaters for over 18 years. They’re by far the best tank type water heater for your money. I’ve also installed all the other top brands like reem and AO Smith. They’re decent as well but Bradford’s in my opinion are the best. Most Bradford whites that I replace are near 20 years old and being replaced as a cautionary reason rather than leaking. I’m no Bradford rep but I see some negative reviews and felt I needed to speak up on their exceptionally higher quality product. As far as someone saying “their pilot kept going out”. That’s most likely and air flow issue or condition of the surroundings. Because I’ve had AO Smith and reems do that same thing from lack of combustible air. Keep in mind your newer heater has more safety features that may require more air flow than your older, not as safe heater. That’s why “you’ve never had that problem with the old heater”. Take it from a pro. Bradford is the best tank type water heater on the market.
We had the first heater installed in Aug of 2011...it leaked 8 mo. later and was replaced free of charge. The second heater did better...it lasted 12 mo. then leaked. The third heater did even better by lasting 21 mo. before leaking and flooding my basement. That will be 4 water heaters in 42 mo. I dont know If they will replace this one under warranty but if I need to buy one you can bet your a__ it wont be Bradford White.
This water heater was installed in my new home in October 2019. Ive called a plumber 3 times since then due to the unit leaking. Ive had the T&P valve replaced, which didnt help. I had to have the water heater replaced in May 2021. The warranty is useless. The water heater in my previous home lasted 20+ years. Ill never purchase another product from this company.
I purchased a new home not to deal with a broken hot water heater. I called Mike ** at Bradford and was told he was in a meeting (surprising). And we all know that he called me back, NOT. My house is two years old and my hot water heater broke. I needed to call for service and the service man called Bradford. My hot water heater wouldnt light. Bradford told the service man to replace the GAS VALUE and the PILOT ASSEMBLY. REALLY I think that Bradford White should reimburse me the $450.00 it costed me to repair the crap.Hard to believe that a house that only has two people living in it, could possible use the Hot Water Heater that much to break the gas assembly and pilot in two years. In all honest I cant ever remember my water heater breaking any gas parts. Just remember the parts might be under warranty but the labor is expensive. DONT BUY THIS PRODUCT. EVEN THE COMPANY DOESNT CARE ENOUGH TO RETURN A PHONE CALL.
November 30, 2016 we replaced our 15 year old water heater with a Bradford White. April of 2018 (1 year and 5 months) later we were losing hot water. We called the company that installed the heater and a service employee attended our problem. WE HAD PURCHASED A DEFECTIVE HOT WATER TANK!!! It had to be replaced. The company charged us $289 to service this problem. We will never purchase a Bradford White Water Tank again. We also do not get the full 6 year warranty on this new tank, only 4 1/2 years left on the defective tank. We will never purchase a Bradford White again or do business with the company that represented them.
We had A B-W 50 gal. water heater installed when we built our home in 2001. It started leaking and was replaced in July 2013 by another B-W 50 gal. water heater. In Sep 2017, the replacement started leaking. A call to B-W requesting the heater be replaced under warranty was a joke. They wanted me to buy another B-W heater and when they had a chance to inspect mine they would issue a refund. So they will only warrant the heater if you buy another one from them. Why would anyone buy one of their water heaters, when they only last four years? I submitted an email to B-W and they promised to get back to me in 48 hours. Its been over a week now, I dont think its going to happen. Their warranty and their word are worthless. I urge you to avoid their products as I will in the future.
We had the Bradford White gas 40 gallon hot water heater B/Wmitw40s6fbn installed 3.5 years ago after being surprised that the prior Bradford White unit lasted over 13 years. I thought we would have the same luck, but it started leaking from the side somewhere and leaking down the unit after 3.5 years. The pilot light seemed to also be going on and off a lot. Luckily my wife, Melinda discovered it leaking and cleaned up the puddle before it went into our finished half of the basement and into my office. My 3 sons, 13, 15 and 18 as well as Mindy and I had to do without hot water for a few days as it happened during February vacation and we were going skiing. We returned on the weekend so had to take showers at the country club for a few days. The plumber said that Bradford White would charge $140 for the new tank for shipping and the fact that it was a newer and better model. It looked exactly the same as the other unit. Plus it cost me $300 in labor to replace it. I will keep a close eye on this one after reading all the negative reviews. It seems as though Bradford White have done a 180 since we bought the last one 17 years ago when it was with our newly purchased home. It is made in the U.S. so I cant blame it for being made in China! There is obviously a defect with this 40 gallon tank.
I had my home warranty company, First American, vendor, Round The Clock, install a Bradford White water heater/serial #HC14703352 D/N 394 on 4/3/2011. Three weeks later, they had to come back because of a gas leak. We have had Southwest Gas out to our home, 3 times since, because of the smell of gas. Last Tuesday, June 19, the gas company turned off the hot water heater, saying it was too dangerous to keep on. The home warranty company will not return my calls. The vendor, Round The Clock, came out to fix the power box, and put a hole in the tank. Now, they said that it is out of warranty. I called Sheila **, Service Manager of Bradford White, phone number 1-800-900-3364 to complain. She will replace the water heater only, will not pay for labor. So, long story short, I will have to pay for labor, again. If you had a car that was leaking gas, the vendor would fix at no cost to you. It is called liability. Where is the conscience of this American business (Bradford White)? Why, as consumers, are we constantly being robbed?
I purchased my home in 3/9/18. It is a new construction home. My builder installed two Bradford White Defender Safety System water heaters. On 7/9/2020 I found that my water was no longer getting hot. I first contacted the plumber the builder used to install the water heater and was told I had to contact an outside plumber. I then found a plumber who stated he could not get out until 7/12/020. Yesterday evening, 7/11/2020 I heard water noise coming from my media room and upon further inspection I noticed water coming from the ceiling. My carpet, walls, furniture, media equipment were wet. I then went into the attic only to find my water heater had leaked. I was confused as to why a water heater that was 2 years old would not function as it was new. I have had to call out a company to control the water damage and prevent any further damage. In addition, I and my children and dog have to find a hotel to stay. I am disappointed to say the least that this has happened. I dont understand why the builder chose to use a company that would not give its customers quality products.
Purchased new 40 gallon Bradford White hot water heater. Within 5 months the unit quit working. Some parts were replaced and it worked for about 5 weeks. A plumber came out sent by the supplier - Edge Supply - he said he couldnt find anything to be the cause so he replaced all of the valves etc. - it worked for about 3 or 4 weeks and quit again. I could light it but it would run for a few hours and then quite again. Upon checking it, the flue was entire covered with black debris. The burner when lit appeared to be yellow - I was told that the burner was not burning properly. After no closure I purchase another brand - hooked up on the same plumbing and it has not failed yet - now I am out several hundreds of dollars and no refund or new replacement from Bradford White.
I bought a new B. White tank, and gas flow valve, which were defective within 1 month of purchase. B White is trying to charge me $450.00 repairs to replace gas valve.
Installed a BW 40 gal gas water heater. It worked okay for a couple of months, then extremely hot water for a couple of months, then little hot water, etc. Turns out to be the thermostat that my supplier said was a major problem with those units. The real issue is that technical support at Bradford White is non-existent. First, you can never get through to speak to someone. So, I used the option to email and received a reply telling me to contact a plumber. Of course, the voice message while you wait forever says they are highly trained and dedicated and would walk you through the problem. If a company wont back up their product and wont provide customer support, what good are they? No more Bradford White for me!
Purchased and installed a Bradford White water heater on 12/3/2020 and found out on 1/11/2021 (had to call a plumber) that we had a bad part (T&P valve), the plumber purchased a new valve and installed it for $350. When I contacted the Bradford White warranty department I found out (like other reviews stated) they will not deal with the actual consumer who paid all original costs plus repair cost, they will only deal with the contracted plumber through the supplier (Ferguson, as an example). So I am out $350 for something that should have been covered by Bradford White, this is not right!
A leak at the top of the water heater happened during the Illinois stay-home order, I have to asked the plumbers to replace it with a new one. I paid $595 labor for this defective item. Its only less three years old. I have a young kid at home and I didnt feel comfortable to have plumbers working on it for three hours in my home during this Covid-19 period.
We have a 75 Gal Bradford White hot water heater that is just at the end of its warranty (6 years)... We started experiencing very yellow - almost brown hot water. Had numerous discussions with Bradford White reps here in Canada. Their solution was a new anode rod which I had installed (not covered under warranty). When I read my warranty it clearly states they do not cover rust or coloured water!! I have also heard from a number of plumbers that the new anode rod will work only for approx 6 months to a year. I have checked other water heaters and they have longer warranties and cover yellow/brown water issues. When I replace this unit - will NOT purchase another Bradford White!
I went to a supplier today to replace a part from my Bradford White Hydrojet water heater, (gas control valve) and noticed that the new part which cost $185.00 is made of metal and that my part is made of plastic which is very important, because my part melted where the hot water flows. This is a clear indication to me that Bradford White and Honeywell are well aware that the old previous version of the hot water gas control valve, is and was a default product, and for those reasons, it should not matter if a persons warranty is out or not, because the fact of the matter is, they sold a faulty product and should be held accountable and responsible and should stand by their product.
I have owned this Bradford White water heater for 3yrs at a cost of $1700. Installed. And every year since it needed repair, the (vapour sensor) at a cost of $170. Twice so far. And every year I have contacted Bradford White for warranty by emails with no results. So would I recommend one of these. Definitely Not.
I had a 14 year old water heater that leaked badly. I had to call an emergency plumber who ONLY had Bradford White water heaters. Same thing for the other plumber I called on Labor Day at night. I should have done a few seconds research and just gone to Home Depot myself to by another brand. The water heater and installation cost $1500. Within TWO YEARS, I came home to find water all over my garage and in my house. I only got a $200 credit from Bradford White. I have a rental house in Los Angeles. The tenant said its not working properly. Had them look and its also a Bradford Water heater only 3 years old. Now its not working properly and appears completely broken. Absolutely outrageous how expensive their heaters are, yet in two cases, they only lasted 2-3 years. This is totally unacceptable. Dont EVER use Bradford White under ANY circumstance. They have very poor ratings!
We have two units and this morning our 5th water heater is once again leaking badly. This product is a joke. Do not buy this from Bradford White. And they have been difficult to deal with, not offering to pay for labor even after so many problems. We will be filing a suit against them.
We recently had our 2nd Bradford White water heater installed. The old one lasted 20+ years and was still working. We decided it should be replaced before something else happened so it made sense to get another one when the contractor, Service First in Newtown, PA, recommended it. Love that they're American made.
I purchased a new home in 2009 which has a Bradford White water heater Model No:M440356FBN S/N FK12499826. The problem is the sensor on the pilot light keeps failing so the boiler goes out and cannot be re-lit. You can hold the pilot button as long as you want but the second you leave go the pilot light goes straight out. This seems to be an annual problem so is becoming expensive as you cannot buy just the sensor - you have to purchase the entire gas control assembly, which I find ridiculous, then you have the expense of getting someone to install it. This is obviously a manufacturing fault and Bradford White need to step up to the plate and resolve this issue. In the meantime, I am again without hot water and again have to purchase a control module just to replace a $10 sensor. I have neighbors around me having the same problems and are having the entire hot water tank replaced. Not a Happy Customer! Make It Right Bradford White and feel free to call me!!!
On September 21, 2020, Poes Plumbing & Backflow replaced our water with Bradford White 50 gallon Eco-Defender Ultra Low NOx Serries (gas), magnesium rod with our 12 yrs Whirlpool gas. On Oct 8, 2020, my son broke out in hives and continued to broke out in hives until they replaced the water heater with aluminum rod on Dec 30, 2020. Bradford White or American Home Shield did not cover the plumber cost and we paid the full installation cost for the labor of $462. Between September 8, 2020 and December 30, 2020, I had to chase down Judy at Poes Plumbing & Backflow, American Home Shield and Bradford White to replace a new gas 50 gallons water heater with aluminum rod.
Our trusted installers, Snell & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, said this is the only brand they install and recommended it. It never quite worked right providing warm (not hot water) after 5 minutes of showering. The valve broke and cost us $689 to replace, 6 months after the warranty expired. Including labor, the charge was going to be $915. The new valve WV8840A1001 only has a 1-year warranty. We made a mistake installing this heater and increased that mistake by trying to fix it.


