Reliance Water Heater Reviews – 2022 Guide

| Last Updated: September 13, 2023

Water heaters are an integral part of your home. In fact, heating water takes up a large portion of the overall expenses of an average home each month. Still, it is often not paid as much attention to as it requires, which is why people end up investing in products that aren’t energy efficient at all and often regret their decision. 

If you do plan on investing in a new water heater, then Reliance is a great brand to look into. They offer heaters with incredible technology and take into account energy efficiency.

However, the process of narrowing down your options is incredibly daunting. Thus, we have created the ultimate buyer’s guide and reviews of the best Reliance water heaters. 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with a compact design
  • Has a factory installed temperature and pressure
  • Features a 6-year limited warranty
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  • Has a practical design and application
  • Carries a 6-year limited warranty
  • It has a 120-volt 1500-watt stainless steel heating element
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  • Best for the money
  • This unit has 10 Gallon capacity
  • It features a limited 6-year warranty
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  • Has a sturdy composition and solid design
  • Best Reliance 40 Gallon water heater
  • The unit features a 6-year limited warranty
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  • Best Reliance electric water heater
  • It features a 10-year limited warranty
  • Has an 80-gallon capacity
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  • Best Reliance 40 Gallon Electric Water heater
  • It features a limited 12-year warranty
  • The product capacity is 40 gallons
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  • Best Reliance 30 gallon electric water heater
  • It has a 30-gallon capacity and an innovative design
  • Features a limited 6-year warranty
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How Does Reliance Compare to the Competition?

There are plenty of options available on the market, but what makes Reliance so special? Well, Reliance products are some of the best on the market, and for many good reasons. Not only do they offer incredible features, but they are highly functional as well. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that make Reliance stand out as a brand that is worthy of investment, so you know what you are getting:

Warranty

Reliance water heaters are known to have incredible warranty policies, which sets them apart from any other company. The reason why this is important is that it reflects the reliability and durability of a product and allows it to become a long-term investment for the customer. 

Durability

Reliance water heaters are incredibly durable as they are constructed with superior quality materials that are responsible for their sturdy and strong nature. Furthermore, they have multiple features such as a glass-lined tank with anode rods that prevent corrosion, which strengthens the construction further. 

Efficient and Convenient

These heaters are incredibly efficient and convenient. They are fitted with a PEX polymer heat trap nipple that prevents heat loss and improves efficiency by saving energy. They have environment-friendly features that reduce NOx emissions. The non-CFC insulated foam also contributes to the cause. Furthermore, they have a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve, which makes the entire product operation smooth and seamless.

Comparison of the Best Reliance Water Heaters

Everybody looks for a very specific design and type of heater to fit their personal needs. Perhaps looking at a side by side comparison of all the products we have reviewed will help you make a better decision.

Model Name

Unit Size (Gallons)

Cost of Unit Only

Fuel

Warranty

6 6 SOMS K

6

$257

Electricity

6

6 2 SSUS K

2.5

$187

Electricity

6

6 10 SOMSK

10

$340

Electricity

6

6 40 UBVIT

40

$1279

Natural Gas

6

10 80 DHPHT NE Hybrid

80

$2829

Electricity

10

12 40 EGRT

40

$499

Electricity

12

6 30 EORS

30

$373

Electricity

6

 6 40 YBVIS

40

 $1469

Natural Gas

6

6 40 UNBFT

40

-

Natural Gas

6

6 50 UBVIT

50

$1349

Natural Gas

6

Review of the Best Reliance Water Heaters

There are numerous water heaters on the market, but not all of them are reliable and worth investing in. The entire process of narrowing down your options can incredibly time consuming, as they are so many products available. Worry no more! We have reviewed the best Reliance water heaters so you can make a better decision by knowing more about the products you are considering for purchase. Let’s take a look at them:

Electric Heaters

Let’s first review the best electric heaters that Reliance has to offer:

Best Overall:
 Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater

Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater

PROS

  • Incredibly budget-friendly option and is accessible to a larger audience
  • Incredible 6-year limited warranty, which makes it highly reliable
  • Overall design makes it perfect for under the counter and crawl installation
  • Incredibly easy to install as it features a side-mounted cold-water inlet and hot water outlet
  • Surprisingly compact and has a 6-gallon capacity that enables it to be perfect for small families

CONS

  • Some buyers complained of their product arriving damaged

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit was able to capture our attention due to many reasons. Firstly, it carries an incredible limited 6-year warranty. This makes it reliable and implies that it is durable, so it can be useful in the long run. Installation is a very important aspect of acquiring a new water heater, and often times it can be tricky, but that isn’t the case with this unit.

It features a side-mounted cold-water inlet and a hot water outlet for easy and seamless installation. Furthermore, it features a very compact and useful design, which makes it perfect for under-counter or crawl installation.

Bottom Line

There is an array of comparable alternatives available on the market, but none of them are as well constructed as this one. The Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater has an incredible design and seems to work incredibly well due to the amazing features it carries. Not only is it incredibly reliable, but it also features an amazing warranty that gives the owner peace of mind.

Thus, it can prove to be a long-term investment. The installation is easy, and the unit works like a charm. All of these factors work in combination to make this product a consumer favorite and thus well-deserving of the best overall position on our list.

Runner-up:
Reliance 6 2 SSUS K 2.5 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Reliance 6 2 SSUS K 2.5 Gallon Electric Water Heater

PROS

  • Incredible 6-year limited warranty
  • Compact and innovative design enable a very smooth and easy installation process
  • Factory installed pressure and temperature valve makes it incredibly convenient
  • Perfect for low-demand point of use application, such as being installed by the handwashing sink
  • One of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making it accessible to a larger audience

CONS

  • Very limited use

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are many reasons why this product stands out to us. First, it has a perfect size. The Reliance 6 2 SSUS K 2.5 Gallon Electric Water Heater is incredibly compact and convenient for small low-demand applications such as a hand washing sink. It also features an amazing 6-year limited warranty, which implies that it is durable and reliable enough to work in the long-run.

It is a dream come true for you if you are on a budget as it offers great value for your purchase, which makes it incredibly accessible to a much larger audience. Furthermore, it features a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve that makes it convenient.

Bottom Line

This unit is very well-deserving of the runner-up position in our list. Not only is it incredibly well built, but it is also highly reliable and durable. The incredible warranty it offers enables it to be a long-term investment. Meanwhile, its impeccable design and innovative features are responsible for the high functionality of the product.

The design of this unit is incredibly practical and straightforward, and so is its installation; thus, it is very convenient to use. Because of all these features, this product is beloved and appreciated by customers globally. It truly is a worthy investment.

Best for the Money:
Reliance 6 10 SOMSK 10 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Reliance 10 Gallon 6 10 SOMSK Electric Water Heater, White

PROS

  • Amazing limited 6-year warranty
  • Gas-lined tank with anode rods prevents corrosion and adds to its longevity
  • Factory installed temperature and pressure valve that makes operation convenient
  • Compact and lightweight composition enables it to be ideal for crawl space and under-counter installation
  • Inlet and outlet connection on the side makes installation a breeze in tight spaces, plus it has optional top connection points

CONS

  • Some buyers found the installation of the unit to be somewhat troublesome

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit stands out to us for many reasons. First, it has a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve, which makes the operation very convenient. Plus, the overall design is very well thought through. The Reliance 6 10 SOMSK 10 Gallon Electric Water Heater features a glass-lined tank with anode rods that prevent corrosion, thus prolonging the lifespan of the unit.

The construction is incredibly solid, which enables efficient performance. Plus, it features a limited 6-year warranty, implying that the manufacturer is confident in its reliability and durability. Furthermore, the compact construction makes it perfect for under-counter or crawl installation.

Bottom Line

The innovative design of this unit, coupled with its incredible features and stunning outlook, makes this the best budget selection on our list. It features a very practical and efficient design that provides very smooth operation and thereby is more convenient for the consumer. The design is constructed with strong materials, so its superb warranty is not surprising.

Best Reliance Electric Water Heater:
10 80 DHPHT NE Hybrid

PROS

  • 10-year limited warranty
  • Incredibly durable and reliable
  • Features an environment-friendly construction with non-CFC foams insulation
  • Factory installed temperature and pressure valve for convenient consumer usage
  • Glass-lined with anode rods, which prevent corrosion and therefore enhance the longevity of the product
  • Advanced electronic control system that provides a large LCD display enabling easy use, precise temperature control, and operational status regulation

CONS

  • On the higher end of the price spectrum

Why it Stands Out to Us

This excellent unit features a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve that makes it convenient for consumer usage. Plus, it features a limited 10-year warranty and is incredibly reliable in the long run. The overall construction is very clever and meticulously fitted with factors to improve heat conduction and improve overall energy efficiency.

The 10 80 DHPHT NE Hybrid is glass lined with anode rods to prevent corrosion, further improving its lifespan. Furthermore, it features an advanced electronic control system that provides a large LCD display to enable easy usage, precise temperature control, and operational status.

Bottom Line

This unit is a true masterpiece by Reliance. It is incredibly well-designed, which is why it functions so beautifully. Not only is it incredibly stylish, but the design is catered towards convenient usage by the consumer.

It has a plethora of features that enable easy usage, superior performance, and incredible longevity. The warranty and customer service are incredible as well. It is highly recommended by consumers as it is truly their favorite.

Best Reliance 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater:
 12 40 EGRT - 40 Gallon

PROS

  • Incredible 12-year warranty
  • Highly reliable and durable
  • Fitted with built-in leak detection and warning functionality for continuous smooth operation
  • Dry fire protection feature doesn’t allow the heater to be turned on unless the tank is filled with water
  • Electronic thermostat is far superior to conventional electromagnetic thermostats as it has no mechanical parts to wear out
  • Electronic touch screen interface is easy to operate and allows one to conveniently set the temperature, operating mode, and safety lock feature.

CONS

  • Slightly trickier to operate and install

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product caught our attention due to many reasons. The first is its limited 12-year warranty. It is fitted with built-in leak detection and warning functionality for continuous smooth operation. Furthermore, it features an electronic thermostat, which is superior to any conventional electromagnetic thermostat, as it doesn’t have any mechanical parts that would wear out.

The 12 40 EGRT - 40 Gallon also features a dry fire protection system, which ensures that the unit doesn’t turn on unless the tank is completely filled with water. Moreover, the electronic touch screen interface makes it incredibly easy to operate and set the temperature.

Bottom Line

This unit carries all the features one looks for in an ideal water heater. It is incredibly advanced and features a stunning design that does it all; it truly is a masterpiece. It combines aesthetics with high functionality and provides a unit that is not only efficient but also durable, as well as good-looking.

The overall construction is truly remarkable. This unit is incredibly convenient to use, which is what makes it such a consumer favorite. It is a great purchase and should be definitely looked into.

Best Reliance 30 Gallon Electric Water Heater:
 6 30 EORS - 30 Gallon

PROS

  • Glass-lined with anode rods to prevent corrosion
  • Limited 6-year warranty
  • Environment-friendly; features non-CFC foam insulation
  • PEX polymer lined heat trap nipple prevents heat loss and saves energy
  • Factory-installed temperature and pressure valve, making it convenient

CONS

  • Can be tricky to install

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product called out to us for many reasons. It is equipped with multiple features that enhance its functionality like the PEX polymer lined heat trap nipple that prevents heat loss and saves energy. The 6 30 EORS - 30 Gallon is so reliable and durable that the manufacturer offers a limited 6-year warranty. Furthermore, it is environment-friendly, with non-CFC foam insulation.

Bottom Line

The unit is truly a gem. Not only is it highly reliable but also incredibly convenient and accessible. The product competes with many higher-end products in terms of functionality and convenience. It has a great warranty policy, and the overall solid construction makes it incredibly durable. It carries features that improve its functionality and regulate its performance. All of this makes this electric water heater a great investment and a consumer favorite product.

Gas Heaters

To be able to cater to a larger audience, Reliance also introduced the following gas-powered heaters:

Best Reliance 40 Gallon Water Heater:
6 40 UBVIT Ultra-Low NOx Natural Gas

PROS

  • Features a limited 6-year warranty
  • Incredibly reliable and durable
  • Gas-lined tank with anode rods that prevents corrosion
  • Factory-installed PEX polymer lined heat trap nipples reduce heat loss and save energy
  • Advanced Intelli-Vent gas control valve allows pilotless ignition which in turn saves energy
  • Environment-friendly, as it has non-CFC foam insulation and complies with ultra-low NOx requirements

CONS

  • Slightly expensive compared to its counterparts

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product offers a limited 6-year warranty, which enables it to be deserving of your trust. The overall construction is sturdy and solid, which adds to the durability. It has a glass-lined tank with anode rods, which prevents corrosion, thereby adding to the longevity.

It is very important to opt for an environment-friendly unit. Fortunately, this product has non-CFC foam insulation, and it complies with Ultra-low NOx requirements. Furthermore, it features a factory-installed PEX polymer lined heat trap nipples that reduce heat loss, which in turn saves energy.

Bottom Line

Not a lot of products take into consideration the aspect of energy efficiency quite as much as the 6 40 UBVIT Ultra-Low NOx Natural Gas. Its overall construction enables it to be highly energy-efficient, thus better for usage in the long run.

The design is very well constructed as well, which enables it to be incredibly reliable and durable. Furthermore, it offers ease of installation; this adds to the user-friendly nature of this product, which makes it a consumer favorite product.

Best Reliance 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater:
6 40 YBVIS - 40 Gallon

PROS

  • Glass-lined tank with anode rods which prevent corrosion
  • Piezo ignitor allows easy one-hand pilot ignition without any matches
  • Factory installed temperature and pressure valve is highly convenient
  • PEX polymer lined heat nipple traps reduce heat loss and save energy
  • Features an eco-friendly green choice gas burner, which reduces NOx emissions by 33%

CONS

  • On the higher end of the price spectrum

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit is incredibly reliable, given the great 6-year limited warranty offered. Furthermore, it has a very sturdy composition as it is glass-lined with anode rods that prevent corrosion, equipped with a piezo ignitor, which allows easy one-hand pilot ignition without needing any matches.

Plus, it has a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve, which is highly convenient for the user as well. The product even has PEX polymer lined heat nipple traps that reduce heat loss and help it save energy in the long run.

Bottom Line

This unit is very worthy of being on this list. It is equipped with amazing features that ensure the proper functioning and smooth operation. These features contribute to the longevity of the product as well, making it highly durable and reliable.

The convenience provided by the 6 40 YBVIS - 40 Gallon is what makes it so loved and appreciated by the masses. Even though it is on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum, it is worthy of the investment, given its incredible features. Thus, you would be well advised to check it out once, at least.

Best Reliance Gas Water Heater:
6 40 UNBFT

PROS

  • Glass-lined with anode rods, which prevents corrosion
  • Environment-friendly as it features non-CFC foam insulation
  • Incredible limited 6-year warranty
  • Highly reliable and durable
  • Features a factory installed temperature and pressure valve that makes it highly convenient
  • Factory-installed PEX polymer lined heat trap nipple reduces heat loss and saves energy

CONS

  • Installation is tricky for this unit

Why it Stands Out to Us

The 6 40 UNBFT captured our attention due to multiple reasons. First, it is very environment-friendly as it is insulated with non-CFC foam. It has a limited 6-year warranty and is remarkably reliable and durable. The overall construction is pretty solid and convenient as it features a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve, which makes operation easy. Furthermore, it has a factory-installed PEX polymer lined heat trap nipple that reduces heat loss and saves energy. The product is glass lined with anode rods that prevent corrosion.

Bottom Line

The pros of this unit largely outweigh its reportedly challenging installation. Not only is it equipped with amazing technology, but it offers high functionality. The overall construction is highly reliable and durable, and its 6-year warranty is excellent. The superb design, coupled with the incredible technology inside makes it truly one of the best of its kind.

Best Reliance 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater:
6 50 UBVIT

PROS

  • Incredible limited 6-year warranty
  • Very durable and sturdy
  • Glass-lined tank with heavy-duty anode rod protects it against corrosion
  • Factory-installed PEX polymer lined heat trap nipples reduce heat loss and save energy
  • Environment-friendly construction as it carries Non-CFC foam insulation and complies with Ultra-low NOx requirements
  • Large size enables it to work well for large families plus the factory-installed temperature, and pressure valve makes it convenient

CONS

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Build is heavy and bulky

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit caught our attention due to many reasons. In addition to featuring an incredible 6-year limited warranty, the overall construction is impeccable, adding to its longevity. It has a glass-lined tank that has heavy-duty anode rod, which protects the 6 50 UBVIT against corrosion.

This product carries a factory installed temperature and pressure valve, which makes it highly convenient. It is incredibly environment-friendly as well; it features non-CFC foam insulation and complies with ultra-low NOx requirements.

Bottom Line

Last but certainly not least, this unit is another masterpiece by Reliance. It is ideal for those with large families as the massive size and capacity of this unit make it incredibly efficient. It is equipped with multiple features that ensure its smooth functioning. It is slightly on the higher end of the price spectrum, but the price is justified by its amazing performance.

What Kind of Warranty Does Reliance Offer?

Reliance offers incredible warranty for all of its products; thus, it’s only fair to get a fair understanding of how it works, given that it’s a very characteristic feature of Reliance water heaters. 

Reliance offers a different warranty for different products. It may be 6, 10, or 12 years limited, depending upon the product itself. The warranty covers any defect in craftsmanship and material of the product upon proper use. 

It implies that proper maintenance and correct usage is still necessary as the warranty doesn’t cover the consequences arising from improper usage of product and ill-maintenance. 

Who is Reliance?

Reliance water heaters is a well-known company based in North America. This company is one of the biggest HVAC companies there. Now, however, it is not only prevalent in America but also well-renowned globally. They can be found both online and in stores.

They offer a multitude of water heaters ranging from tankless to gas, electric, and solar. Their products feature the latest technology and innovative designs. 

Conclusion

Water heaters are definitely a necessity, and purchasing one needs to be a well thought out decision. Reliance water heaters certainly are considered some of the best on the market and rightfully so. Reliance combines smart technology and practical design to provide the best results for consumers. Hopefully, by the time you have reached this part of our article, you’ll have a good idea of which product to invest in. 

Do your end of the research. Don’t feel compelled to buy the biggest unit; instead, evaluate the price and value of each product by how well it will work for you, given the situation you need it to perform in as this will always differ person to person. 

People Also Ask

Water heaters are a very important product to purchase. Naturally, people tend to have a lot of questions when it comes to investing in a unit. Therefore, we have answered the most frequently asked questions asked by people to help you get a better understanding of everything. Let’s take a look:

How Long Does a Reliance Water Heater Last?

Reliance products are very well made and would last a long time with good maintenance. All Reliance products have a certain amount of limited warranty, which ranges from 6 to 15 years. The warranty policy is discussed in the article in detail and doesn’t exclude the need for proper installation, regular maintenance, and proper usage. 

Does Reliance Sell Water Heaters?

Reliance does sell water heaters, which are available in a number of different retail locations as well as online. 

Are Reliance Water Heaters Any Good?

Reliance offers incredible water heaters, which are equipped with some of the latest technology. They have practical designs plus Reliance is a brand known globally; thus, the products are incredibly reliable as well. You will be able to find the perfect product suited to your needs as there are plenty of options to choose from. 



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.