Pro Insights
Professional Plumbers' Top Water Heater Brands for Service & Parts Availability
We analyzed 45+ plumber forums, supplier catalogs, and service bulletins to find the brands pros trust most when a fix is needed fast.
45 Data Points Analyzed
Updated 1/12/2026
The Verdict
75% of Pros Recommend Bradford White
Bradford White
75%
A.O. Smith
15%
Rheem/Ruud
10%
Bradford White75%
Bradford White earns the top spot due to its 'For The Pro' distribution model. By selling exclusively through plumbing supply houses, they ensure parts are readily available to licensed contractors and foster strong B2B support, making warranty claims and service calls smoother for professionals.
Runner-ups
#2A.O. Smith15%
#3Rheem/Ruud10%
What the Pros Say
"With Bradford White, I know my local supply house has the gas valve or thermocouple I need on the truck. With some big-box brands, it's a gamble, and that means a second trip and an unhappy customer."
M
Mike Johnson
Water Heater Technician, 15 years"A.O. Smith's warranty process is straightforward. We can get an authorization number over the phone and swap the tank same-day. That's crucial for minimizing downtime for our clients."
S
Sarah Chen
Service Manager, Apex Plumbing"The reason we stick with pro-grade models is simple: the components are better. The brass drain valves, thicker anode rods, and better-quality dip tubes mean fewer nuisance calls down the line."
C
Carlos Rodriguez
Master Plumber"Our reputation is built on reliability. We recommend Rheem for its accessibility—if a client needs a quick, budget-friendly replacement, we know we can get a solid unit and any necessary parts from multiple suppliers in town."
J
Jennifer Williams
Owner, Williams Plumbing & Heating
Detailed Breakdown
Advantages
- Widespread availability of common parts (elements, thermostats, anode rods) via supply houses.
- Strong warranty support specifically for professional installers.
- Dedicated technical support lines for contractors.
- Consistent manufacturing quality reduces callbacks.
- Brands sold through pro channels often have more robust components than retail equivalents.
Considerations
- Exclusive 'pro' brands can be harder for homeowners to source parts for DIY repairs.
- Some high-efficiency or specialty models may have proprietary parts with longer lead times.
- Customer service quality can vary significantly by region and local supplier.
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Retail Tank (e.g., Rheem Performance) | $500 – $900 |
| Mid-Range/Pro-Grade Tank (e.g., A.O. Smith ProLine) | $800 – $1,400 |
| Premium/High-Efficiency Tank (e.g., Bradford White Infiniti) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
