Two years ago, I replaced a ten-year-old water heater that had started leaking in the middle of winter. I needed something reliable, efficient, and not too expensive. After reading dozens of reviews and talking to a plumber, I went with a Reems gas water heater. Now, after two full years of daily use, I have a much clearer picture of what this unit actually delivers—and where it falls short.
This article is not a sales pitch. It is a real-world update on the Reems water heater I installed, covering heating performance, maintenance surprises, and how it compares to other brands I have worked with. Whether you are shopping for a new water heater or wondering if your own Reems is aging normally, the information here will save you time and frustration.
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Why I Chose the Reems Water Heater Two Years Ago
At the time, my plumber recommended the Reems because of its solid warranty and reputation for straightforward service. I bought a 50-gallon natural gas model with a 40,000 BTU burner. The tank has a glass-lined interior and a magnesium anode rod. Nothing flashy, but the specs matched what I needed for a family of four.
Installation was standard. The plumber had no trouble fitting it into the existing space. I paid attention to the temperature setting, dialing it to 120°F to balance comfort and energy use. The first few months were uneventful, which is exactly what you want from a water heater.
Performance Update: What Has Held Up and What Hasn’t
After 24 months, the Reems still heats water reliably. Recovery time for a full 50-gallon tank after a long shower is about 45 minutes. That is in line with the manufacturer’s claims. The burner fires up quickly, and the gas valve has not given me any trouble.
But there are two areas where performance has dropped. First, the standing pilot light—a small flame that stays lit—has become slightly inconsistent. Twice in the past six months, the pilot went out during a heavy windstorm. That never happened in year one. Second, the glass lining shows some minor sediment buildup. I flushed the tank at 12 months, but I should have done it again at 18 months.
The water temperature has stayed steady, within ±2°F of the set point. The tank has not leaked. The insulation on the outside is still intact. For a mid-range unit, this is acceptable. It is not perfect, but it is far from a failure.
Maintenance Lessons Learned Over Two Years
I learned three things the hard way. First, the anode rod in this Reems model is a magnesium rod, which corrodes faster in areas with soft water. My water is soft, so the rod was half gone at 18 months. I replaced it with an aluminum-zinc rod. That fix cost me $30 and an hour of work. If you have a Reems, check the anode rod at 12 months.
Second, the drain valve is plastic, not brass. When I flushed the tank, the valve handle cracked. I had to replace it with a brass ball valve. That is a cheap upgrade, but it should not be necessary on a unit costing over $800.
Third, the gas control valve has a reset button that tripped once after a power outage. Resetting it was easy, but it caught me off guard. If you need instructions for a similar situation, our guide on Rheem water heater restart covers the steps.
How This Reems Compares to Other Options
I have maintained water heaters from AO Smith and Bradford White over the years. Here is a quick comparison based on my experience with the Reems 50-gallon gas model versus comparable units.
| Aspect | Reems (50-gal gas) | AO Smith (50-gal gas) | Bradford White (50-gal gas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery time (full tank) | ~45 min | ~50 min | ~42 min |
| Anode rod material | Magnesium | Aluminum | Magnesium (some models) |
| Drain valve | Plastic | Brass | Brass |
| Pilot reliability over 2 yrs | Flickers in wind | Stable | Stable |
| Warranty | 6 years tank, 1 year parts | 6 years tank, 1 year parts | 6 years tank, 1 year parts |
| Noise level | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet |
| Overall 2-year verdict | Good, minor quirks | Solid, fewer tweaks | Excellent, pricier |
The Reems holds its own on recovery speed. But the plastic drain valve and faster anode rod wear are worth noting. If you want a more detailed head-to-head, read our comparison of Rheem vs AO Smith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Reems water heaters typically last?
With regular maintenance, a Reems gas water heater lasts 8 to 12 years. The glass lining is the weak point. Flush the tank yearly and replace the anode rod every 2–3 years. My unit is only at year two, so I cannot confirm the full lifespan yet, but the build quality suggests it will reach the low end of that range.
Is the Reems water heater energy efficient?
The model I have carries a standard efficiency rating—not Energy Star, but not terrible. The gas burner has an energy factor around 0.62. Expect to pay $250–$350 per year for gas for a family of four. Newer condensing models are more efficient, but they cost more upfront.
What are common problems with Reems water heaters?
From online forums and my own experience, the top complaints are the plastic drain valve cracking, pilot light outages in windy conditions, and sediment noise after a couple of years. None of these are catastrophic. The pilot issue can be fixed with a wind guard. The drain valve upgrade is cheap.
Can I install a Reems water heater myself?
If you have basic plumbing and gas-line skills, yes. But I recommend hiring a licensed plumber. A mistake with gas connections or venting can be dangerous. Many warranties also require professional installation. I paid $350 for installation, which was worth the peace of mind.
How do I adjust the temperature on a Reems water heater?
On my gas model, the temperature dial is located on the gas control valve near the bottom of the tank. Turn it to the desired setting—usually 120°F to 140°F. Wait 30 minutes for the tank to reach the new temperature. Check the water at a faucet to confirm. Do not set it above 140°F to avoid scalding.
Key Takeaways
- Flush the tank every 12 months. Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan.
- Inspect the anode rod at 12 months, especially if you have soft water. Replace with an aluminum-zinc rod if it is half gone.
- Upgrade the plastic drain valve to a brass ball valve. It costs under $15 and prevents a future leak.
- If the pilot light goes out in wind, install a simple wind guard around the burner access panel.
- The recovery time of 45 minutes is acceptable for a 50-gallon gas model. Do not expect faster unless you move to a larger BTU burner.
- Consider a portable immersion heater like the NiaoChao 2000W for temporary hot water needs—it saves running the main heater for small batches.
- Set your thermostat to 120°F. Higher temperatures waste gas and increase scalding risk.
