Our Rating
Summary:
3.5
Are you looking for a hot water heater that is remarkably efficient? Do you want a traditional hot water heater that provides easy installation points so it can be used after an afternoon of work? The Rheem Marathon offers homeowners 50 gallons of hot water when full and the brass full-flow drain valve will keep that water flowing when you need it. Priced under $1,000 on Amazon today, the 0.9-0.94 efficiency rating is just the start of the good things this hot water heater can bring into a home.
Why Choose the Rheem Marathon?
This hot water heater knows how to perform. It’s recovery rate is 20 gallons per hour with a 90 degree rise in temperature. Although it can’t provide a continuous level of hot water, it will meet most needs, including a long shower when necessary. It’s also been constructed with polyurethane insulation to enhance the heat while being able to reduce overall energy consumption.
Here are some of the other reasons to choose this particular water heater today.
- Rheem has manufactured this water heater with multiple layers of filament wound fiberglass so that the strength of this unit is virtually beyond compare for its class.
- The molded polybutane tank has been created to be seamless, offering a corrosion-free experience that is warrantied not to leak for as long as a home is owned.
- The outer shell is perfect for coastal communities as it resists the corrosion that occurs over time with the salty air.
It does require 240v to run, so installation points are going to be dictated by existing wiring or require a new outlet for it to work. Expansion and contraction is also limited, which means there won’t be downstream leaks to worry about either with this hot water heater.
Are There Maintenance Concerns With the Marathon?
The one issue that some homeowners have faced is that replacement parts for the Marathon, although listed as standard, aren’t always as such. The thermostat in particular can be troublesome to locate without a local dealer. It may take up to 3 weeks for the part to come in. The top and bottom elements tend to corrode a little from the inside as well, but the warranty will cover this issue.
The warranty on parts, however, is based on the date of manufacture or from an original purchaser and not from the date of purchase. This can be problematic if a co-op or other organization has purchased instead of represented the product on behalf of the manufacturer.
For most homes, as long as scale build-up is removed on a regular basis and the elements are cleaned, this 50 gallon water heater from Rheem is going to get the job done for you for a fair, competitive price. That’s why it receives our recommendation today.
