I know I am asking for a guess or opinon on this. But would appreciate ones from the pro's instead of my guess.

Have a few rental props. Usually change out electric water heaters every 12 years. Much easier when not an emergency and figured that is about what I should expect.

Trying to decide if I should switch to a stainless electric water heater. Made by HTP for Westinghouse.
Cost is about 250.00 more and seems like it would be worth it. Seems pretty well made with a brass ball valve for drain.

Cons are HTP poor customer service. Only tank is a lifetime warranty. And they make it as difficult as possible to register. Have to register online within 30 days. Save a confirmation that you may not receive for 2 to 3 months.

Take a standard thermostat. But elements are 100% stainless and about 100.00 a piece. Fine if they last longer.

Screw in elements have an o-ring. And a standard element will screw in from my test. But has a flat rubber washer. And could not get a clear answer from HTP tech if I could use one for a week or two. I would not expect tenants to wait a week or more for me to order the exact one.

So question is do you think it is worth the cost. I dont mind spending more it last longer and causes less problems for me and the tenants.

Thanks for any advice.

why not just buy an HTP stainless water heater ?

i don't know for sure BUT i suspect the heaters they make to be re-branded may have cheaper components.

this is usually the case with delta faucets that are re-branded and sold by smaller hardware stores.

to answer your question... 250 more for a lifetime tank guarantee is a great deal...

[www.htproducts.com]

Made by HTP for Westinghouse.

I bought an HTP gas heater from the regional big box about 5 years ago. Since then I noticed they have switched to the Westinghouse, which, outside of cosmetics, looks identical. I'd be interested to see a tear-down comparing components, but I'm not in a position to do it myself, and it's an order-only item so I can't just go to the store and take a look.

Cons are HTP poor customer service.

Maybe things have changed at HTP, but when I ordered my heater on a Saturday, they called me before 9 AM on Monday telling me it was shipping out. No issues with anything there. I had one tech support issue, called them, yeah I waited on hold a few minutes, but they gave me a good answer, easy solution, and no problems since.

Only tank is a lifetime warranty.

For an electric, pretty much everything else is replaceable, right? For a gas unit, they cover the heat exchanger and tank, if memory serves.

I would not expect tenants to wait a week or more for me to order the exact one.

You're looking at doing these in multiple properties, and it sounds like you've been in the business a while and play a long game. So why not just standardize on heaters that all take the same element, and stock a spare element or two? That's going to be cheaper than an emergency service call.

When my old gas water heater died, I bought a cheap electric and used it for a month or two while I took my time choosing a unit and installing the new gas heater. I saw a few used heaters advertised locally, but the best option for me was a new cheapo. After installing the gas heater, I disconnected & drained the temporary electric, and kept it as a spare.

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Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[docs.legis.wisconsin.gov]
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I am not a plumber.
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Yes HTP is the same.
They are made by HTP with a Westinghouse sticker. If you call the Westinghouse tech support. You get transferred to HTP.