I agree with some of you about water heater mfgs. Yes they all use the same components and a few companies make all of them. How you care for your water heater determines a lot on how long it lasts. One must drain it and refill at least once a year. As for warranties go and those that have had trouble with companies it is their customer service for the most part. If you want to buy 5000 heaters A.O. Smith will build them and put your name on it so you have your own brand. Of course then you have to honor the warranty and deal with A.O. Smith to back it up. For the most part the difference between a 5 yr warranty and a 10 yr warranty is the cost you pay for it. The 5 yr heater for the most part will last a minimum of 10 years and the 10 year heater is warranted to last 10 years I had an electric water heater in my home for 17 years before it leaked.
