Reliance Water Heaters Reviews

Buyer beware. I bought a Reliance product and what a joke. Don’t work and operate as promised. Warranty is a joke and once you buy one they don’t offer refunds so you are stuck with this horrible product. Brian could care less about customer satisfaction. Hope they enjoy this review for not doing the right thing... Don’t buy from Lowe's or Meek's.

We have used this company for years having to replace water heaters every 5-6 years because of our hard water. This time they did not honor their warranty and we are finished with them. We can't be sure if it really is our hard water or their product. Regardless, when they state a warranty and then don't honor it, forget them! Don't buy from this company unless you want a headache!!!

I purchased Reliance's 40 gallon water heater and after installation and powering up after the tank had filled, there is NO heat. This water heater was dead right out of the box and I had to drive 30 miles to buy this thing from an Ace Hardware store which was in another city. If Reliance does Not correct this problem immediately, my complaint here is only the first step of the actions I intend to take as I will not replace this heater out of my own pocket.

I contacted Reliance and advised our water heater (640DORS) was not working and that it was still under warranty. I spoke with several people at the company, and told each person, how we had replaced both elements, along with both thermostats. They asked if we had an Ohms meter and was advised we didn't. They then told us we would need one to troubleshoot the water heater, so we purchased one. We called the company back and after them walking us through the Ohms meter testing, they then told us we would have to have a plumber call them back in order to honor the warranty, which we can't afford. I advised them I am in the process of looking into the Magnuson-Moss warranty act, because a company shouldn't require a consumer to hire someone to tell them what is wrong with their product.

I installed a new water tank with Reliance. I never had a problem before but ever since the new tank came in we started experiencing rumbling noises. They came out numerous occasions and can't find any problems. They wanted me to stay by the tank and record the noise, as if I had time on my hands and don't have anything to do because I don't know when it'll happen. So basically the last time the tech came was rude and said next time they come we will get charged after making money from me.

I purchased a model 6-40 EORT 100 on 3/3/2017. Every time I turn on hot water it spews gases, sometime, viscous gases... I called Reliance, talked to an agent, she told me I could change the rod for $40.00 plus freight. And would not guarantee that it would take care of my problem. I rejected her recommendation. I still have the problem, would not purchase another Reliance product.

June 8, 1991 purchased & installed a Reliance 501 natural gas hot water heater. Model #5-40-NORT6-F (manufactured 1988). Sad to have to replace it now TWENTY-SIX (26) years later. This Ashland, TN company ranks right up there with Scotch Tape, McDonalds & Kleenex & Rheem.

My current Reliance water heater is less than 50 days old and is very efficient at heating the water I use and maintaining it. I'm very pleased as is my family with its performance thus far. I selected it from several available and it met what I was seeking. As I have owned this brand in the past I knew it would meet my expectations. Reliance water heaters perform well over long periods of time. They are quality built and easy to adjust settings. They are also good for the pocket making them a great value. They came in quick order. The installers were very courteous and were very careful to remove the old one with the new without disturbing the area or making a mess throughout the process. It was not a lengthy time so my day was not overly disturbed. They arrived at the time that was scheduled which I appreciated.

The water heater is okay, not too shabby. I like how it warms up the temperature. It feels great. I like it very much and could not live without it, but I dislike that it's bulky and old school looking.

The water heater works great. It has good hot water and good pressure. I am happy with it. It is a good brand. The water heater was in my home when I bought it, and I would buy another one if I had to replace the old one. I would suggest it to friends and family if they needed one.

The water heater is right about okay. But we have lime in our water from being south of the Potomac. So we have to change out our water heaters more than people from other states do. Even though we have the lime issue, this water heater (cross your fingers, knock on wood) has held up quite well. However, I wish it came with a filter to stop the lime from getting in the water heater to begin with. Then we wouldn't have to change them out so much.

Heater failed, spewed water all over the wall and had to replace it. Company would not honor warranty, had to buy a now one, from a different company. The one that failed was from Reliance. Have a new tankless and love it. Do not have to remember to turn it off when we go on vacation. Never run out of hot water. Small and takes up very little room in the garage. But cannot keep the temp regulated as well as I would like in a shower, gets hotter, and I have to readjust. Got the same brand that we put in the rental the second time as a water heater breaks. Handy man that I use for my rentals put it in, he had no trouble. The new one seems to be fine and tenants like it, too.

I purchased a Reliance 30 gallon water heater Model Number 630LORT 301 and have had nothing but problems with this appliance. I have purchased many appliances through the years having lived in CA, AZ, OR and ID and have never registered a complaint. Any issue I have ever had was at least addressed and although not always working out as I had desired at least feel that I was treated as person and treated with respect. Reliance looks to say no and make any communication difficult as soon as you contact them with a issue. The water heater has never heated above the "vacation setting" and turns off as soon as you increase the heat to "low".

I am very satisfied with my new Reliance hot water heater that I purchased for my home. It's a very reliable and good quality brand. It will last for years in my home. Also, I received very good customer service. I liked everything about this purchase and there were no issues. Very good experience.

My regular plumber installed my water heater. He selected the brand and I trust his judgment. I am very pleased with my water heater. It has worked great. My water is always nice and hot. Even when we have company and everyone takes a shower, there is always plenty of hot water for everyone. So far it has worked out well for me and my family. As long as it works well, I am happy.

The Reliance Water Heater has been great thus far. It's been durable and the best I've ever had. I like that it has been reliable and better than past brands we have tried. It works great and we haven't had any issues with it. I've had problems with others in the past so this one has been a blessing. The only issue would be that it takes awhile to heat up but that's nitpicking.

I trust the brand Reliance. The water is heated in a timely manner. All the representatives have been great to me and my family too. I have never met more friendly representatives who enjoyed their jobs. They answer all questions we have and they have proven to be very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the small talk, as did my husband. Installation was fast. My family had no issues and the installers were friendly and they were very personable. The service was superb. The price of the water heater could be lower though - I don't like the rising prices. Having a water heater should not be a luxury. However, I would not switch brands solely based on the price of the water heater. It's been a great experience.

The Reliance water heater worked swimmingly and it's surprisingly durable. Haven't need much need of repair over time. When something did go wrong, the easiest thing to do was to shut it off and restart it again with a, simple flip of a switch. The installation process wasn't an issue. It was such a dangerous process, a professional was hired who, in his credit, did a fine job with a pleasant attitude. It can never be understated how splendid it truly is to have warm water in those cold nights when all one could ask for is a decent shower. All in all, a top notch experience.

One day a man from Reliance knocking on my door. He say he is change hot water tank in my area. I ask, "It will cost me anything?" Answer was, "No." I said, "Ok." A month later, I get a bill. I call they told me their monthly rental. "No bring my back I own my." They say, "Ok." Never being. 3 years later they send me to collection.

The installation process was very fast and easy. My experience with the company customer service was amazing and they were very kindly. The water heater is just amazing. It's very convenient and easy to use. I just love that I don't have to worry about my water anymore. Hopefully I could get my family to get one just like I did. It really does help a lot and it's something everyone would love to have in their house. I do recommend this a lot but not use if all the brands work as good as mine. It doesn't take a lot of space and it works perfectly fine. I've tried other ways but this water heater makes life easier and nice.

I like the size of the water heater. It seems to fill up pretty quick and it seems to be pretty quiet as well. I also like the instructions located on the water heater unit itself. It's very understandable for average people like me. The installation went easy. It was done by a professional in the family. However, I have had to work on it or make adjustments on many occasions. Had to turn the temperature up on the unit just to make sure I had a full hot shower. I have also had to replace the pipe and fittings already. I feel that my heater might be faulty. My hot water doesn't seem to last like it's supposed to and very frequently I end up with half a hot shower. This is my biggest dislike. And, my dealings with customer service have been choppy at best. It takes awhile to get a hold of customer service and they don't really act like they know what they are doing.

I love my water heater. The experience I have had with since the very first day that I had it installed has been nothing but positive and has never given me any problems. I like the brand that I choose by myself. It was reasonably priced and the installation was nice and convenient.

Reliance water heater is pretty reliable and once it was adjusted, it ran like a dream. A bit noisy sometimes in the quiet wee hours, but that is just a nitpick. It is very quick to heat the water back up after use, which is very good. It has brought down my energy bill significantly when compared to my last brand. I like it pretty well. Also, the installation was quick and easy. The installer was nice, well informed on the water heater and answered all of my questions. Very reliable and put forth a good face for the company. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied.

The installers were very friendly, professional, kind and courteous. I was very comfortable with the service tech in my home. I very happy with every aspect of their customer service and also technician. Reliance Water Heaters is dependable and worth every penny. It was an upgrade in the house we built. I would definitely buy another one. It's small and extremely efficient. It's never runs out of hot water. I think Every house needs one and I would definitely recommend this water heater to my friends and family. Although it's hard to find replacement parts, that's the only issue that I have had with it. I'm very happy with my water heater.

I love this water heater. It lights easy and quick. They had it set up and working in ten minute. They checked all the lines and made sure there was no leaks. They even waited till the water was hot before leaving. It was a very good customer service. We have had our water heater for three years and never have had any problems. You can adjust it to be how hot you like it and it never runs out of hot water no matter how long you shower or bathe. We can all take baths and it's always still hot. I couldn't ask for a better water heater. It's the best one I've owned. I would definitely buy another one at any time and I would recommend it to anyone I know.

We needed a replacement and we purchased the Reliance water heater, have been impressed with our choice. Purchased last year and was in perfect price line for us to purchase. Husband was able to install by himself. Installation was done quickly and very simple. Had hot water in short amount of time. Heater was a perfect size and fit for the area our previous one was in. I like everything about Reliance water heater and it does excellent job. Has been very dependable and a great investment for our home. Provides more than enough hot water for our home. Water gets hot quick, stays hot and rarely run out hot water. Would highly recommend to any one looking for a replacement.

I purchased a Reliance heater in August of 2017. Within a couple of weeks, it started humming and moaning when the burners turned on. After contacting the warranty dept they said they were aware of this issue with other heaters out there. They sent a part out and said I could change it myself. It required removing the burners and gas supply line. I refused so I would not void warranty. They sent a plumber. He changed it. Problem was not fixed. Two weeks later and countless phone calls, another part arrives. So does their plumber and guess what? Problem still exists. Two days off work so far.

Wish I would have read all these reviews BEFORE purchasing a Reliance water heater. Anything but reliable. DON'T BY A RELIANCE WATER HEATER unless you wish to have the warranty department completely care less about your experience. I did unfortunately buy one from Freidman's in Petaluma and had a nightmare time getting it to stay lit. When it first went out and refused to stay lit after the initial install I called the warranty dept as instructed on the heater. They determined it was deemed the dreadful "improper install" and a word they stuck by and used like 20 times to the end and thus refused to honor the defective lemon.

They sent the wrong replacement part first. Then they sent the only other part there is and that replacement part too was defective. Our plumber, Tim of Rhino Plumbing in Ojai, CA, said he sees this all the time and that this is THE worst heater on the market, bottom of the pile, there is no worse one.

I fail to understand why you should charge me to close an account with your company. If you feel you need more money then why not leave my account open as it will not bother me. I don't recall you charging me to open an account which took longer to do and was likely free. Says payment due of 45.20 for inspection and closure fee.

Reliance Water Heater Model 501 (50 gallon tank) - I came on here because I wanted to tell people about a product that I have been happy with for a long time. Then I saw all the negative reviews written by people unhappy with their water heater purchases and the lack of customer service they encountered from the manufacturers. I know that things can go wrong with products, and companies should respond better than so many do to consumer complaints. And consumers share their experiences on review sites such as this when they are unhappy because they feel so helpless when they feel that companies have treated them badly. So I thought I would share my experience with my Reliance model 501 hot water heater.

Reliance 50 gallon electric hot water heater - Had hot water heater for approx. 1 year or less. Have had nothing but issues melted the power wires in the tank and in the breaker box. Thank god I was home to smell plastic burning. We've had to replace both upper and lower elements. I have paid $800.00 to electrician to put in a new breaker box. DON'T BUY ANYTHING OF RELIANCE PRODUCTS.

I purchase a Reliance 606 natural gas water heater in august 2012 from Ace Hardware. I am a retired appliance tech so installing the water heater was no problem. The water heater work great until March 2016. I came home from work and found out that the water heater was spraying water. My wife and daughter was home so they turned off the water to stop the leak.

One yr old Reliance water heater seemed to work ok for 13 months and then started going out. Couldn't get it to re-light. Called Reliance customer service and then the female I talked to seemed only interested in finding a way of denying us our warranty. She tried to tell us that we lived in a mobile home. We don't. She claimed that the water heater was incorrectly installed. It isn't! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was placed on "ignore" for 15 min after which we hung up.

Same problems with lighting issues, 3 year old Reliance Water Heater, just bought new, but now A.O. Smith operates under the following brand names around the world: A.O. Smith (United States, Canada, China, Europe, Turkey and India), GSW (Canada), John Wood (Canada), State Water Heaters, American Water Heaters, Reliance Water Heaters, Lochinvar, Takagi and U.S. Craftmaster Water Heaters.

MINE EXPLODED AND NO ONE IS RECALLING THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PRODUCT!!! I bought mine at Ace Hardware online ($519.99). Had a plumber install it ($125), had Suburban Propane Company set it up and convert it to propane with the kit that came with it ($95). The screen attached to the bottom of the heater caught fire and melted. Called Reliance, the guy came to the house and said I had the heater too high on (A) setting and to cut it back to hot and that I would have to order the new screen at my expense. The reset button kept popping and the heater never stayed lit. I called Reliance and their guy comes out again the same problem nothing is fixed except temporary. Propane guy comes out twice after that and charged ($95) each time. Last time, it exploded and I am lucky that no one was killed and it didn't take out the entire block as it was propane!

Faulty hot water heater gas control valve/thermostat. Only 3 years old and started leaking. No company that sells the Reliance water heater carries any parts. The website only list a few dealers. Had to order from factory. Part is under warranty but paid $30 for overnight shipping. I should have read Consumer Review before purchasing a Reliance heater. Thought my local dealer/friend carried good products. Ace. Our last heater lasted 30 years with no problem. I'll read ConsumerAffairs before I purchase anything else!

I have had my water heater/boiler on 2 occasion cause extensive damage along with no hot water now for the 3rd day and I have called Reliance over 21 times since August 31st and I have still no solution. I have a problem with our government allowing such companies operate when they are in fact scam people, lie, mislead, make false promises and thus far, they have demonstrated absolutely no accountability on their part. Since September 20th, water has been dripping from the boiler and no one has come to address it and they expect me to climb through a hatch, change towels and containers every few hours? They promised after the service call next morning first thing a call to set up repair call, it is now 24+ HOURS and nothing has been done.

I bought two of these at the same time from Grover's and within 6 months started having trouble with them. I got Grover's to take one of them back and replace it with a new one at the end of the six weeks after buying them new. It is less than two years since I bought them and neither of the tanks will light. Had the gas company out to try and light them, no luck. Called reliance on their 800 number only to find out their warranty is a farce. They refuse to stand behind them. I paid close to $1,000. for the both of them. A total loss of money and a lot of time trying to light these things. In my opinion Grover's should take them out of their stores and not sell them to people. My experience with Reliance was totally bad. I advise people to not buy anything made by Reliance unless you don't mind getting ripped off.

I purchased a home 3 years ago not knowing that the previous owners contract with Reliance Water heater would be automatically transferred to me. (Very very sneaky you **.) Now I just realized that I am paying $11 more a month for a smaller water heater than at least 8 of my friends and family pay for theirs. Now I'm told that the only way I can ever get out of their contract is if the water heater breaks down beyond repair... I called the city and they basically told me there is nothing I can do, it is what it is. Reliance tells me if I want out I am more than welcome to get out of this contract, all I have to do is pay $570. WOW! All I want to know is what kind of government will authorize a contract like this. Whose pockets were greased?

I just bought a new house in June. I am a first time home owner. The previous house owners had signed a seven year contract with Reliance. I was not aware of the seven year contract. I was under the impression they were on a month to month rental basis. Our lawyers paperwork only mentions the water tank was a rental that's the only thing I have ever seen in paperwork about hot water tank.

So I have been happy with my AC/Air Handler (furnace) and water heater units. Until today when I am trying to sell my house and I was told the info about my lease agreement (terms of my lease) & buy out would take 2-5 days to get delivered to me. So I asked for the details if not the paperwork. After 20 minutes hold I got transferred to someone who could help today. Phew...

Purchased a water heater from them maybe 2012, water heater pilot light continued to go out. Re-light go out after several months, called them constantly never any result. Mailed a screen kit, but did not work. Default with them over and over again. They know what they are doing - wait until your warranty is out then tell you it has expired, also treats you like you are a plumber and know what's going on. If I did why would I be calling you. What good is a warranty if your customer satisfaction fails. Have to purchase a new heater but will not deal with a company that carries RELIANCE. Do not buy any RELIANCE products. BEWARE.

Purchased Reliance 606 in 2012. Pilot started going out. They sent a memo to keep dust screen cleaned. It didn't help so the company I purchased the heater from talked Reliance into replacing my heater. Worked for seven months and pilot started going out. Sometimes it will stay lit for two weeks and start going out. I just received a new pilot assembly kit but I doubt if it will make a difference. If not, it will be SCRAP. Never again.

Bought a water heater in 2007. It started to leak in 2013. The warranty covered it and it was replaced with another Reliance water heater. This past weekend it started to leak. We were told it had no warranty because it was a replacement for a defective one. Since the warranty on the first one has expired there is nothing they will do. Needless to say we will not be replacing it with another defective Reliance water heater.

Water heater went out, couldn't get the pilot light to stay lit after releasing the button. Tried three days, three people tried, nada. Of course this happened on a weekend when you can't get customer service. Reached them this a.m. and she wants email address. I ask why. She wants to send me some information regarding the RESET button. I say "there's no mention of a reset button in the manual." "Well, we don't publicize that because we don't want a child or someone to turn it off." I say "I'm a 74 yr. old woman with dogs, just tell me where the freakin reset button is." She did, I pressed it, started the pilot light and the status light started blinking and the water heater is still running.

Reliance 606 Gas Water Heater - Installed my Gas Water Heater Feb. 1, 2012. About a month ago, the pilot went out. After several attempts, I was able to relight it. It went out again yesterday (5/26/15). The pilot will light, but it will not stay lit. After reading several reviews, I will not waste my time and money on hiring a plumber. It's heading to the junk pile and I will purchase a new reliable (Not Reliance) heater today.

Reliance 606 Gas water heater - I am on my 3rd water heater in less than 6 years! I bought it at Atwoods, where they have made good on the other two. On the first one, I contacted Reliance and they tried to say they would not honor my warranty because it was not installed by a licensed plumber. Which it was! I was wondering how they could come to that conclusion! They are CROOKS!

Purchased water heater 8/22/12. Product quit working 3/19/15. Representatives would not honor a replacement. I decided that the company deals in poor products and I do not want another water heater from this company. Therefore I want to warn other people of this to save them time and money.

I bought Reliance Water in July of 2014, everything was fine as usual until this past Monday night! Went to bed - hot water, got up Tuesday morning - no hot water!!! Checked breaker and changed breaker still no hot water!!! Had my neighbor check the voltage, went through with a phone call to Reliance to check my warranty but to my surprise the lady whom I talked with stated that my paperwork shows only the Manufacturing of the unit and it was in January of 2014!!!! How can you tell me when I got this water heater? After fussing back and forth then she tell me that "You have the product registration I sent in." Then she tells me that a serviceman could come but I would have to pay out of pocket!! Something doesn't add up here but after going back and forth with her I'm sick and mad as hell!!!!!! Reliance water heaters are no good and I wish I never bought it!!!

My wife and I bought a house about two yrs. ago. This house was built in 2007 and had a Reliance 606 water heater in it. Jan 6, 2015 I was at work and my wife was gone also. She came home and found the home was totally flooded. To make it short my insurance company contacted Reliance and needless to say they will do nothing at all. So the heater was out of warranty at 6 yrs., and it cost me around $1500.00 out of pocket. Around $20 thousand from my Insurance Co. I am 53 yrs. old and never seen a tank blow out like this. So it's either bad craftsmanship of the heater or poor quality of the pop off valve. Anyway I would not recommend this brand. Thanks Reliance.

The 30 gallon natural gas hot water heater was purchased in July 2012 and installed at same time. They have had to send replacement parts twice already. Hot water heater went out again so we called and got no help whatsoever. Now mind you this is a six year water heater and didn't last two years. I would not purchase this brand again nor recommend it to anyone else. I would rate this product as not reliable.

Here is our Story: Dec 2, we woke up to a cold house, called Reliance and I had a service appointment for that day. The gentleman came in and said that he cleaned the rod and the problem was fixed. Heat was on when we went to sleep. Dec 3, woke up and the heat was not working, the house was freezing again. Heat would not turn on. Called Reliance and I had a service appointment for that day. The gentleman came and said that he had bad news and that the Secondary Heat Exchanger was Defective and that we needed a new furnace since the Carrier unit we had was over 12 years old. He went on to say that we would need a new air conditioner too because when they open up the unit it will be dirty, they will find things in there and mold, etc. Wow he must be psychic, I thought to myself.

About 4 months I needed a new hot water heater and contacted Reliance to rent one from them. They sent a local contractor to install the hot water heater. It leaked from the bottom and even though the workers who came out didn't know why it was leaking, they installed a new release valve on the top. The water was definitely not originating from there, as I had newspaper wrapped there to see if it got wet. The only place that got wet was under the tank and then it trickled along until there was a puddle running downhill on my basement floor. On the 2nd service call, they installed another water heater and took the first one away. This one leaked in the same fashion, so this too was replaced.

My husband purchased a Reliance 606 water heater back in 2008, and after four years the wiring in the lower thermostat started to overheat, almost started the tank on fire. Smoke was coming out of the panel. Thankfully we were home to catch it. We called Reliance and they told us that since it was still in warranty, they would replace the whole thing. We got the same exact water heater at ACE in 2012. Fast forward to today, and I'll be darn, it happened again!! After I took a shower, I went into the laundry room and smelled burning plastic. I called my husband and told him and he had me shut off the breaker. When my husband got home he looked at it and called Reliance and they said that the wiring was not done right in the breaker. My husband had an electrician come and look at the box 2 years ago and it was working properly.

We purchased and installed heater on November 7, 2014. We own several rental properties and have installed many water heaters, we always bleed the water lines and then get power to the unit. We heard from the renters that evening that they had no hot water. The hardware store replaced this with an identical unit which was installed on November 9th. The tenants again had no hot water that evening. We called the Customer Service Number on Monday, 11/10 and were told we must have caused a dry burn and because it was not installed by a professional.

Reliance Water Heater, Model #640DORT - This water heater is only 4 months old. The upper element went out. I called the 800 number 3 times and had to wait for a call back. By the time I finally got someone who could help me, my repairman was already at the house and fixed it. It was an upper element. This water heater has a 6-year warranty. BIG DEAL. The upper element value is only $19.00, so it isn't worth the hassle to get reimbursed with all the questions. They wanted to know how long of a shower someone took before it went out. Frankly, I'm not impressed. I have never had a water heater go out or have any elements go out in less than the warranty time. I hate to think of all the other problems we will have for the next 5-1/2 years it is supposed to be covered. They should change their name.

I just want to start by saying thanks to all the other reviewers/victims of this ill designed and produced product called Reliance 606 water heater. I truly believe if it wasn't for your pro-active measures, my fate would have been much in line with yours. We too had the regulator/thermostat fry after having the temperature exceed 180 degrees F. After reading the reviews, AFTER purchasing and having a miserable week without hot water during the coldest week on record -0's and happening on a weekend to boot, I had a very sick feeling we were going to have to buy a new water heater.

Purchased a model 630 in July 2014. Had problems initially to keep the pilot on. After a few days it started working fine. In Nov 2014 it started going off. I had to re-light the pilot 3 times in one day. The seller made it good and replaced the heater.

We have had nothing but problems with our Reliance water heater since we purchased it... It is the SAME PROBLEM that every one else is having - the pilot will not stay lit. As for the moron that says it's "high efficiency" & we all need to clean the air or whatever - it is BRAND NEW. I absolutely believe a Reliance rep wrote that "review", for sure. This last time my husband tried to light it, it BLEW UP IN HIS FACE! We have to thank God he wasn't killed or injured & that the WHOLE HOUSE DIDN'T GO UP, because it is GAS! The flames stopped just in front of his face. It did knock him backwards & blew the vent off of the roof!

I've had my Reliance 606 LORT (liquid propane model) for 9 years and just noticed some leaking at the hot water discharge on the top of the tank... It still works fine and I've never had the staying lit problem that so many people have described here. I was planning on replacing it with the same model until I came across this forum. Perhaps I've just been lucky?

In April of 2014, I reported that the water tank cracked and had to be replaced, and the warranty was good until 2018. I went to where I purchased the water heater and they submitted a claim. To this day, 9/19/2014 the place where I purchased the water heater has not had a response from the company. I will never buy another Reliance product. The warranty for the item I purchased was good until 2018 and the company has not stood by their product. Do not buy any Reliance product unless you want to wait for months if ever to get a reply on a warranty for your product. I think that the Attorney General needs to get involved in this matter.

I replaced a 24-year-old heater that never had a problem, was afraid it might fail in my absence in this vacation house. This new heater, purchased in January 2013, stopped working July 2013 with the valve suggesting overheating (4 blinks). The company apologized and immediately sent a replacement valve that I had professionally installed. The new valve failed for the same reason July 2014 and a free replacement was again professionally installed. This failed (same signal) within 2 weeks. The company has now sent out yet another new valve, this time with a new anode. They are about to be installed. This makes the 3rd replacement Honeywell gas valve Reliance has sent free by overnight express. I can't fault the company for courtesy or rapid attention. They have replaced very expensive parts repeatedly. However, I have paid plumbers repeatedly to install these parts with no assurance that the problem is solved. I have no confidence in this product. There is another poor review for a Reliance heater this year from the same area (Hidden Valley Lake, CA) and the same plumbing company. I can't help wondering if they install Reliance heaters because they generate so much follow-up business.

Water heater manufactured in 2006. Installed 2007, 6 yr warranty. 9-18-13 replaced thermocouple. 7-30-14, today we are getting new water heater. Thermostat went out. $500.00 to repair. Might as well get one that actually works. Angry that appliances in general are made so poorly and that typically start with repairs soon after warranty expires. Would rather pay the expense up front, get good quality (this was in the house when we bought it) and not have the inconvenience of repairs. Not to mention the landfill problem. I know they have the technology. But they can't sell new ones if the old ones don't break. What a waste.

I purchased my Reliance water heater in 1994. I never had one problem with the unit until 2 days ago, at which time it began leaking out the bottom. Do the math, 20 years!! The unit came with a 6 year factory warranty. This exceeded expectations in duration. I was extremely pleased in the performance all these years too. It NEVER FAILED to perform. Cost to operate was minimal and price was comparable to other units of same size and features.

I bought a 630 Reliance hot water heater back in 2010. In Sept.of 2013, I put a thermocouple on it. Just this past week, it quit again. Called the company because it was still under warranty and WA-LAH, was told warranty was void because of where I have it!! REALLY!! I had a professional plumber put this in and it is the same place my old water heater was!! What are you supposed to do when you put this brand in, completely remodel your house, so they will stand behind their warranty?? Called the pro and he said sounded like BS to him!! Just another company that doesn't want to stand behind their product!! Will never recommend this brand to anyone!! Just cost me another $400 as they wouldn't stand behind it and still had almost 2 yrs left on warranty!

I purchased a 640d ort water heater from Fox Ace Hardware in Altus, OK. It worked for 12 hrs before problems started. The Ace Hardware told me it was all on the manufacturer. I then called them and got the worst customer service I have ever received. They did nothing to help and I had to purchase a new brand to resolve my problem because I was selling my home. I will do my best to completely sway customers to any other brand. This cost me around $500 just for buying their defective product.

I was given a job to install a 650 DORS 210 55 gallon heater. The client placed the item in position in a room. Upon inspection, I noticed there is no mark, indication, lettering, metal stamp indicating which is HOT or COLD on the two connecting points on top of the unit. That is totally unacceptable. When questioned, the client says the removable paper around the pipes blew off during transport. The two should be clearly metal stamped - HOT and COLD. I had to check with a hose, go to the internet for help. Poor, not up to standard.

I have a Reliance 606 water heater that is about 10 years old. When it was 4 years old, it started popping loudly and as it worsened, the pilot light would go out. Ace Hardware gave me a new thermal coupler but that did not seem to help much. We do not have hard water, so I didn't think that I could have buildup. However, I drained the heater and put some diluted muriatic acid in it and let it sit for about an hour. When I drained it, it showed little residue. I rinsed it out, put it back together and still had the same problems. I called a licensed plumber and he had no suggestions except to buy a new heater.

We purchased a brand new water heater at a local hardware store, Reliance Water Heater, in October 2013. It worked for about a week before we began having issues. We kept running out of hot water about 5 minutes into a shower, sometimes less. Then, we had to wait hours for more hot water. After readjusting thermostat several times, we finally called their customer service department. We were told we needed to replace the thermostats. After that was done, it worked for about 4 days. Called customer service again, replaced heating elements. Worked 4-5 days, called again.

Thermal coupling and thermostat went out, only lasted 9 months.

I went to True Value Hardware thinking they would stand behind this high dollar product, boy was I in for a surprise. I bought the Reliance 30 gal. tall, and as soon as I turned on the water, it ran right in the burner area putting out the fire so I called them and they exchanged it. Now get this, the second one held water but never lit, so I called them again and guess what, they wanted to walk me though the lighting process but it never lit. Then I got the run around and never was given another heater. Stay away from Reliance, because they don't stand behind their product, also my brother in-law works in the True Value warehouse and he says they have a dumpster full of the junk heaters.

Replaced a Reliance Hot water heater after 4 years. It had burst and caused damage to my floor and walls . Reliance would only pay for the heater. They replaced the hot water heater and less than 5 years later, had to replace it again as it was leaking. Notified Reliance, said the warranty only goes with the first one. Sorry. Will never buy another Reliance Hot Water Heater.

We are a Plumbing & Heating Contractor. We installed a Reliance Water heater less than a year ago. We purchased this water heater at Hacienda Home Center in Las Vegas, NM. The customer we installed this for has had many issues with this water heater. We have been over there several times to try to fix this problem at our cost. I have called Reliance and they refuse to refund the money spent on this water heater. We had to replace the water heater for the customer at our expense. Now our company is out several hundred dollars for this replacement because the customer did not want this water heater any longer because of all the problems.

On the advice of the MDU guy who came to fix some gas problems before we could take out the old unit, we went to Ace Hardware to grill the sales guy on this company. Was assured they were a great company and really take care of their customers and go beyond what you'd even expect. Well, too good to be true applies here. Less than 2mo later, the pilot light has gone out and will not re-light. Husband spent an entire weekend trying to get this lump of metal to start. Calls customer service on Monday and told to call a service tech. Made that call, no return call and he tried 2 days straight. Calls Customer Service again and the nice lady had him go downstairs and they diagnosed the problem together. Gave him the authorization to order this part from Ace. Following week, we get the part. Hubby looks at the directions and knows he can't do this himself so calls and tells them “Hey, I can't do this and don't want to screw it up.” Their response is “Fine, but you will have to pay for Labor.”

In reading these reviews appears many have had trouble with their Reliance water heaters. I installed (2) 640GORTunits at the same time in my rental home 12 years ago. One a tall and one a short. I experienced no problems during this whole time. I recently replace one - not due to failure or leak but because I suspect sentiment has caused the unit to require higher heat setting and intermittent water temperature. The unit did not leak or stop working. The short unit is still working fine. I decided to replace with the same model tall unit because of my experience.

After our previous water heater caught fire and burned part of our mobile home, we were easily into a month before we got the carpentry, plumbing and cabinet ready for a water heater. With help from a hefty fellow at our local hardware store, this incredibly heavy water heater was put in place. THEN we realize that it is all electronic, and as a computer expert (who knows all too well the inherent flaws and errors in code), and sure enough: lit once, made lukewarm water, cut itself off perceiving that it was excessively hot and that's it. No further fix worked. Now to get the same hefty fellow back to get it out and I sure hope we can get a refund..DO NOT CONSIDER any appliance that depends upon electronic ignition.

This hot water heater was in my home when I moved in 9 years ago. Am replacing tomorrow because of leaking. Have had no problems with this 5-year warranty hot water heater until now. I was a new homeowner & also never provided any maintenance. I hope my new hot water heater will be as reliable!!!!!

Reliance electric 602 water heater was installed in 2001. No problems at all and it is 2013 now going strong. Incoming water temperature is 42F... very cold but heater does well except when refilling a large bathtub. I am surprised by all the negative comments I've read. I figured that I should just replace it anyway since it is 12 years into a 6-year warranty.

Reliance 40 gal hot water tank. Bought on October 16, 2012. Problems before it was a year old. Would not stay lit and finally I had to replace it with another one. If I had known the Reliance hot water tank I would not have bought another one. I had a plumber look at it and he was not able to figure it out. Call the Reliance Company and they gave me nothing but a bunch of crap and this and that and wanted to send out their hot water tank expert and I would have to pay for it. Come on. Now the tank was not even a year old and I should pay for their expert man to look at a heater that will not stay lit.

Reliance 606 - I moved in to a rental in 2009 that was equipped with this water heater. Occasionally it had problems the first couple of years but nothing that couldn't be fixed. Then in September of 2012 something happened to make the pilot go out. I couldn't relight it on my own so the landlord attempted and replaced four thermal couples on it. It worked for two days then went out again. Since then I have been without a working hot water heater. I'm now in the process of trying to convince him to replace it altogether with a different brand.

Reliance 600 640Y Hot Water.. Bought new with condo in 2009...Pilot went off in March 2013 and I’m yet to get hot water drip in my taps...Went through the process of being sent a brush and some mesh to wrap around bottom of tank...Eventually I got their licensed plumber and paid $333.82, only for pilot to go off same day…Today July 26, the run up of discussions with tech support who suggest I buy new doors at unit for better circulation etc, etc…Then got a note from Cathie that they have exhausted email communication with me.

The water heater has five temperature settings. A few days after installation, I discovered that all the temperature settings were the same. Reliance said I needed a replacement part to fix the problem. The part was free to me. The shipping was at my expense. The installation of the part was at my expense. I wound up paying $110 over the purchase price of the water heater, to make up for the water heater's having been defective in the first place. The warranty should simply say "Scr-w you!" Also, the authorized repairman who installed the replacement part told me that Reliance Water heaters have a common problem: the pilot lights do not stay lit.

I had problems with product since installation. Installed by licensed plumber. I called to inquire about warranty results and request for pics of installation, implications that product was installed wrong, asking me a lay person issues about installation, not wanting to talk with plumber. Just a terrible experience. Never deal with them again ever!!! Also, terrible phone system to try and navigate to ask questions but it doesn't manner; they won't respond.

About once every 6 mo. to a year, the pilot light goes out. I have to clean the small plastic large hole filter and then the finer mesh secondary filter on the bottom of the tank (filter in the bottom of the tank is very hard to clean). This seems to be a very common problem with Reliance gas water heaters. I will never buy another just for this reason - very unreliable heater!

I had a call from my tenant on Friday morning saying the hot water heater was not functioning correctly. I had my handyman go and check it out. He was not able to get the heater to function correctly. I called the company and asked for a warranty dealer who could handle the problem. I was given the name for Reliable Plumbing in Hidden Valley Lake, California. I called and I did receive a call back from the plumber on same day about 5pm. I made several more calls and did not receive any call back of follow up over the week the plumbing bill exceeded the cost of replacement of the unit. I am not at all happy.

With no warning signs, the blower assembly bearings went out again. The first time, we thought it was a fluke. But within 2 years after we replaced it before, it's not a fluke. I called Reliance, and there was no help there. They said that they had never had this problem and pretty much it was my problem. The noise from this unit is so loud. When it kicks on, we have to scream at each other in the house. You would think that Reliance would be interested in promoting their products and help customers out. I would not recommend Reliance 606 to anyone, since the company will not stand behind their product when something is wrong.

I purchased a 606 Reliance Water Heater on 10/01/04. I have replaced the upper and lower thermostat every two years since. I would not recommend this product.

Well today 2/8/2013, my water heater went out; I purchased it in 2010 with a 6-year warranty. My wife reported that it smelled like burnt plastic in the home. She called our son and he checked the water heater, and it was on fire, in the bottom part - wires were melted, the thermostat was melted, etc. Oh yeah, it’s a Reliance water heater. My wife had an appointment with her mother this morning and was planning on going to see her granddaughter after that. If she left the house, the place would have burnt down, as nobody would have been back at the house till after 3:30!

I've lived in my house for 20 years without a single issue with my water heater until it simply wore out. I bought Reliance model 640UBRT 200 in January of 2011. Actually, I didn't buy it - the plumber I called purchased it and I went out of my way to stress "Buy American." I paid approximately $900 for the heater and the installation. On that following Thanksgiving eve, a mere 10 months later, I discovered I had no hot water. The plumber came out, couldn't fix it and called Reliance, who said the code indicated the gas control valve was faulty. There weren't any places locally that carry it so the plumber had to order it from Reliance. For whatever reason, Reliance chose to send it ground.

I purchased a 640y0rt4 606 Reliance water heater in Lincoln, Illinois at Ace Hardware on 11/27/07. I started having pilot light issues with it in 8/10 and they reluctantly replaced the pilot assembly on 8/18/10. I since have had to replace it yet again on my own expense on 4/11/12 - another pilot assembly and a gas control valve - because they refused to warranty it, saying it wasn't bad, I just need to take it out and clean it. On 8/05/12, I started having the same problem again. Before I even called, I took the assembly out and cleaned it, to no avail. When I called, they instructed me that I had to call a plumber to come look at it at my own expense even though we already know from the previous times what is wrong. I called a few plumbers in Lincoln and they were not Reliance warranty people.

Reliance 606 unit 604YORT is the antithesis of the name. In the first 2 years of owning the unit, I have had the issues as everyone else. The first time I called, they told me to clean the unit out and that would solve the problem. The next month, it was clean the burner with a wire brush. Next month, it was get a multimeter millivolts tester to check the electric output. My plumber had no idea what they were talking about and were going to charge me $50 to just show up, plus mileage to my small town. Finally, after multiple calls, they said I had to buy the new assembly unit for $60+ and I could petition for a refund of that cost if it is fixed. Because I don’t want to pay $400 to get a new heater plus labor, I am now suckered into this approach. I have zero faith this will work. If you live in Iowa, they are sold at Bomgaars. So buyers beware, Reliance is not to be trusted.

I purchased a Reliance 606 water heater in 2010. Within a few months, I experienced problems with keeping it turned on. Constantly, I had to re-light it just to have it go off in a few days. I called the technician listed in user's manual many times who gave me a complete runaround. They told me I needed to have a local contractor come and test it for various things, which I did at my expense! I was told Reliance knows of the manufacturing failures but refuses to respond to customer complaints.

I bought a house a few years ago with a Reliance water heater that had been installed in 2005. Just a few days ago, it quit. I replaced the thermocouple (to the tune of $125, parts and install) and it stayed lit once. Needless to say, I am replacing this un-Reliance water heater today with another brand, especially after reading these posts!

After having the water heater for 8 months, the Honeywell controller kept going out about every month. We called the company, they suggested work on the water heater every time it went out. After the 4 controller were replaced, they started saying things like maybe it's air quality that's bad or the vent did not have the pitch needed, and many other things in which the company that was helping us denied that it was the problem. Finally, after many calls and many email pics we were required to send them, they gave us a prorated amount for the water heater. I will never buy another A. O. Smith (Reliance) water heater again.

This is the second Reliance Water Heater that has gone out on me in the past three years. Needless to say, I am switching brands. They leak after about a year; the bottom bursts.

I've had nothing but troubles with my Reliance 606 hot water heater from day one. Within the first two weeks, the pilot wouldn't stay lit. I ordered a pilot assembly from Reliance company. Well, they gave me the runaround saying my warranty expired which was ** because I just bought it. So I argued for like a few days and after talking to them for two days off and on, they finally sent me the part. After I installed it (I worked with my dad's heating and cooling company since I was a kid and went to school for HVAC), I got to looking at the bad part.

When the local gas company replaced our gas meter several months ago, our Reliance 606 (650 YORT) pilot naturally went out. I relit it but several weeks later, it went out again. Then a few weeks later, it went out again. Then the intervals became shorter and shorter until it would go out after relighting and only doing a single heat cycle. Not surprisingly, I thought the gas meter replacement was somehow the cause but then I found this forum. After reading all the negative comments, I was all set to call the plumber and tell him to take the 606 out and replace it with another brand, but decided it was worth a try to clean it. I downloaded the user guide/manual from the Reliance website and followed the instructions to remove the burner unit, clean the chamber and to clean the filter ring (a grandiose name for the space under the burner chamber).

I am having the same problem as most--it will not stay lit! I am a busy person so I don't have time to light the ** thing and hope it stays lit long enough! They also gave me the run-around. I was told to clean it, which I did, but they said that they would not replace it unless it leaked. In the end, we had to replace every part of the heater at our own expense. What a joke this company is.

We got a Reliance 606 hot water heater in November 2006. It worked for 2 1/2 years. On June 2009, the pilot light wouldn't stay lit. We have had the ignitor, thermocouple, gas valve, and vent all replaced. It worked for 6 months. We called the Reliance company in Ashland City, TN. The lady representing the company was rude, but finally, we got her to send us a new ignitor. They sent the part since it was still under warranty. (In 2010, it was installed by a licensed plumber. It worked for a while. Then we had to replace the thermocouple and gas valve (which Reliance wouldn't send to us, even though it was still under parts warranty). And we did everything the company told us too.

I purchased my water heater 4 months ago, and now the status light won't turn on. I called a rep at Reliance, and she said it has no warranty, and can't be fixed. I told her it was leaking, and she said I'd have to have a licensed plumber tell her that. Overall, she was extremely rude, and arguing with me! She continued to tell me that I couldn't take it anywhere to have it fixed, and that the only way it would work again, was if I had a licensed plumber come look at it. I told her that I could take it somewhere, and she was childishly going back and forth with me, telling me I couldn't! I then told her I'd report the company to the BBB, and she also told me that I couldn't! That is when I noticed I wasn't dealing with an adult, but more of an immature child!

I purchased a 40 Gal. Reliance Gas Water Heater with 6 year warranty on 12/21/2011 from Grover's in Vancouver, WA. I hired a plumber on 12/23/2011 to install the product. After installation, the pilot light would not light at all. My husband called Reliance customer service and they told us we had no warranty so they would not replace it. After only 48 hours? My plumber flipped out and said that was terrible of them not to take responsibility. My husband said that he would try to take it back to the store and the customer service rep was snooty and said "If they take it back at all."

About 6 years ago, we bought a Reliance Water Heater for our mobile home, from our local dealer, Slavens Hardware. It worked for about three months and then we could not keep the pilot light lit (Model #AMSIZ21-10-1 CSA 4-1-2004). We have contacted the dealer three times and they will only refer us to Reliance. Obviously Reliance isn't very reliable. We have contacted them numerous times with no results.

I also purchased a Reliance (Model: 606 640YORT) water heater and I began having issues with the pilot light going out after the main burner shut off. I have replaced the thermocouple assembly and that fixed the issue for about eight months. But now, the same problem has come up again. I have cleaned the screen at the bottom of the water heater and I have made sure that there was enough air flow by placing extra vents in the wall of the utility closet. I have brushed the screen under the water heater and this did not fix the problem.

I purchased a Reliance 909 water heater in 2007 from a local hardware store, Daniels Hardware. The first two years after I installed the unit, it operated great with no problems. Since then, I have a problems with the pilot light that will not stay lit and it is getting worse. This unit is a little over four years old and it has been a constant headache. I know I am not alone, in fact, Daniels Hardware decided months ago to stop selling Reliance products because of constant problems with these water heaters and dissatisfied customer.

I purchased the water heater from my local ACE hardware on 8/2007 (model 606, model # 640GORT) and the second water tank replacement on 3/2009. I noticed the pilot was going out and also heat scorch marks on the outside of tank. After repeated pilot lightings, it wouldn't light. So I decided to remove the bottom panel and peaked inside the burner area. To my surprise, the burner was completely buried in rust chips! Enough rust chips to almost fill a 5 pound bag of sugar; therefore, knocking out any means of burner operation. I called ACE and they were very helpful and replaced the tank the next day after showing the manager its condition.

Overall poor experience. I purchased 606 8/2007 in April of 2011. I had to have service call regarding pilot not working. I waited 3 days to have pilot igniter replaced. It cost $100.00. Now, 12/4/2011, it went bad. I have been waiting for 3 days to have a service repair. As of now, there’s still no hot water. I called Reliant. They can do nothing except pay for part, which will cost us another $100. I don't know the consequences. I’m still waiting for service. They say buy local and stay away from big box stores. That's bunk. At least you can get quicker resolution. I never will buy local again. Overall experience is bad.

I purchased a Reliance water heater on June 28, 2011. On October 6, just 4 months later, I had to replace the element. It cost me $31.27 for the element and $30 for a plumber to tell me what the problem was. I called Reliance and they said to send them all the bills. Three weeks later I received a check for $31.27cents. They refused to pay for the plumber. I believe I should have been given a new water heater .The consumer affairs should look into this company. Whoever heard of a water heater going out after 4 months?

I've never had any problems with a Water Heater in my life, until I bought a Reliance 909 Self Cleaning Unit. The bottom is leaking water all over and the Pilot won't stay lit on top of it. 2 years 11 months old and already junk!

Pilot light keeps going out and won't stay lit. Called Reliant and they said they were cancelling the warranty on my unit because it was located in my bathroom and wouldn't be able to give me any troubleshooting information until I relocated the unit. My house was built in the forties and the water heater has been in the bathroom all these years.

I have the same problem as all the other plaintiffs . The pilot keeps going out and I only had the heater for 4 months customer service is no help. They are not allowing me to return the product. They rather send parts to try and repair the heater. I feel that the product should be recalled and what about the lemon law policy.

My Reliance 606 began having pilot shut-off problems after 4 years. I vacuumed out the heater and storage closet but it kept on shutting down. Eventually, I removed the entire 3 tube and 1 wire burner assembly (but not the thermostat) and cleaned out all of the lines. It worked for a few months, but then, problems started again this week.

My complaint is about the people who are complaining that their Reliance 606 Gas Water Heater will not stay lit. It is a high efficiency unit and says right on the side. You must clean the air inlet every 6 months or it will not stay lit. Clean It! If the vent cover has been removed, then lay down with a flashlight and look underneath. You will see a circular dust area under the burner. Brush it off with a small wire brush. Then, clean out the dirt from underneath the unit. Relight it and enjoy the hot water. Then, in 6 months, clean it again like the directions say.

My water heater pilot won't stay on. I have to keep turning it on. I called the 800 Number but got no results. They keep telling me to clean it. I have called 2 times but received the same answer.

I too have the pilot light go out. I can't seem to find anyone in the area that has the "burner assembly" part. So, again, it will be another night of cold water! And of course, the warranty ran out last year.

This company does not stand behind their products; they have the worst customer service I have dealt with. Our complaint is that on our 606, it appears we all have the same problem with this heater: the pilot/thermocouple is faulty and the tank just quits heating. Our tank is almost three years old, so I guess we are luckier than most not to have had a problem until half the life of the warranty. We won't purchase anything from this company again.

It's a terrible experience that the pilot light of our Reliance Water Heaters won't stay lit. Many called the company due to dissatisfaction. According to the other reviews, a lot of people are having the same problem.

I have a Reliance 606 water heater in my apartment. The pilot light will not stay on and we have to relight it so often that it cause the gas shut-off valve to break off and cause a major gas leak in the apartment. I had to evacuate until the gas company got there. Maintenance won't replace the water heater because it was only put in four years ago.

The pilot light on the unit kept going out in our rental home, which is 4 1/2 years old. We had a technician go out to repair it 4 different times. The company sent a new gas control valve kit, which we installed & this still did not fix the problem. Our technician even called the company & they were rude to him. They blamed the problems on not enough airflow in a 20'x10' room. Its' not like it's' in a closet.

I bought this water heater from Home Depot, expecting a quality product, and now only four years later I am experiencing the same problem as others with this appliance. The pilot light is faulty, and continues to go out.

I also have a Reliance 606 water heater and the pilot keeps going out. After reading all of these complaints, I see that I will get nowhere with the company. Is it safe for me to attempt to replace the pilot assembly on my own?

We bought a Reliance 606 water heater. It has been a total nightmare. The pilot light will not stay lit. We have to relight it several times a day. I have read all the complaints about this product. I feel that reliance has a problem and that they should recall these heaters and should stand behind their products better or stop selling them. To be blatantly honest, their water heaters are a total piece of ** and a waste of money.

The pilot light on the Reliance 606 Gas Water Heater kept going out on 2 of my units. We kept lighting the pilot light and the tank would heat. After the tank got to temperature and the burner stopped, the pilot light would extinguish. After several minutes of attempting to diagnose the problem, we discovered that starting with a tank of cold water, 2 to 3 minutes after you light the pilot light and the burner is running, we began to hear a hissing sound. Looking through the view glass, we could see water dripping on the burner. We waited until the tank reached temperature. The whole while, water was dripping on to the burner causing a very yellow flame and hissing sound. When the burner turned off, the dripping continued until the tank cooled off. This extinguished the pilot light every time. We purchased 9 of these Reliance 606 Water Heaters and so far 2 have failed, that's 22% failure rate.

I called Reliance to ask if there was a recall or problem with their water heater model # 630yort, they said there wasn't. I then googled Reliance water heater recall and found no less than 19 complaints from people with the same exact problem I'm having. I believe they know about this problem but won't admit it. I have lit the pilot at least 30 to 40 times, also cleaned the air intake several times with no luck. Sometimes it will stay lit for a week, sometimes I have to light it 3 or 4 times a day. I am so sick of this piece of junk. I will never buy anything that says Reliance on it.

I purchased a Reliance hot water heater from Atwood in Crossett, Arkansas in August 2009. It had a 3-year warranty. It went out completely on Christmas Eve. I contacted the company via e-mail and their response was the warranty was voided because of improper installation. I had a licensed plumber to install it. I am dumbfounded how they can determine that without ever seeing the thing. There is a page after page of complaints for this company. I have filed complaints with the BBB of Tennessee, the Tennessee Attorney General, and the Arkansas Attorney General. I urge everyone with a complaint against this company to do likewise.

First, I want to make it very clear. Branneky is not at fault with this problem. They have agreed to take back the Reliance Model 640 GORT 200, 40 gallon gas hot water heater, and give full refund. This was installed on 12-12-10. The major problem is running out of hot water. This occurred several times in the first few days, running out of hot water after taking a shower for 15 minutes. Today, 12-20-10, we decided to time our showers. The first one lasted 11 minutes. Approximately 30 minutes later, a second shower was taken, and within 15 minutes, the water ran cold. This was the pattern we were having. The temperature was set at 120 degrees. We increased the thermostat to 130, and now we have hot water coming out of the faucet that's too hot.

I got a Reliance Water Heater that keeps dying on us--the pilot light goes off frequently. (Reliance Self Cleaning 909, Serial # 1005T003944). We called the plumber who installed a pressure valve tank costing us $300. We also called the gas company to check it out and light it up again. Again, the plumber came back for another time and cleaned the air flow. For this service, we were charged even if it is the authorized repair service for Reliance. Still, the pilot light went out today. This has happened many times. The company should fix this problem or not sell it at all.

I purchase Reliance 606 water heaters (two of 50 gallons cap. each.) In January 2009 it became in use. March 2010 pilot light went out frequently, in one water heater. Reliance refused to cover any work as it was more than one year. I called Plummer, he called reliance they shipped regulator and it was replaced with in 4-5 days. In November 2010 (with in eight months) I had same problem. I called reliance again the refused to cover labor but can supply parts if their authorized Plummer requests so. The provided me Plummer’s phone. I called Plummer he asked $95.00 to come and find the problem and $95.00 to install it.

I have a Reliance 606 Gas Water Heater that was purchased after the flood of 2006. In July of 2010, the pilot light went out. I clean the filter about every 6 months so I know that there was no air flow problem. We contacted Reliance and we were told that it was an air flow problem even though I clean it every six months. I purchased a new thermocouple and had that installed only to have the same problem. We complained again to Reliance and we’re told it was air flow problem. After several more complaints, I was sent a new gas valve which we installed and the pilot light continues to go out. I will be replacing this product with a Bradford White and will never purchase Reliance again.

Three days ago, one of my tenants called saying the pilot keep going off on the water heater. This was at 8:00 at night. He said he had been having to relight it for the last three days. This house is on the same street where I live and my plumber also lives on my street. He went to the house, changed the control and a thermo coupler. He said it now works fine. These were not original parts. The next day, he called and told me he could not locate the genuine part.

I purchased a Reliance Water Heater model number 606-YORT on March 15, 2006, and it has been nothing short of a nightmare. The pilot assembly has been replaced a total of 4 times to date. I have done everything the company has suggested. And when I went online to check their complaints, I found page after page of people with the same exact complaint as I have. The pilot light will not stay lit. We light it from 15-20 times within a 24-hour period. Every time the burner needs to kick on, out goes the pilot.

I have the Reliance 606 40-gallon water heater. It works great. I bought it in August 2007. After about 14 months, the pilot light went out, after relighting a couple of times, I looked inside as the pilot light was burning and noticed it was a yellow flame which indicates not enough fresh air. Since the water heater has a closed combustion chamber, I figured the air vent must be clogged with dust. I used a portable air tank, rigged an air hose with a two-foot piece of tubing to be able to reach far into the bottom of the tank. I blew out the dust and it started working like new again. Now about every 14 to 16 months, the pilot light goes out and when it does, I blow the dust out and it works like new again.

I bought a home that had a Reliance 606 hot water heater installed. One week after moving in, the hot water heater went out. Myself, somewhat familiar with home repair, I re-lit the pilot and needless to say, it would lit and the heater ran for a few minutes and went out. After lighting the heater several times, I called their customer service number. The heater was under warranty and they sent me a gas control valve to replace the one on the heater and tried to tell me to do the work myself.

Pilot light fails repeatedly even after installation (at my cost) of new parts (unit still under warranty-if you can call it that as it only covers parts and their authorized service co. charges $90 an hour plus a $17. Trip charge-which is one reason I didn't use them. Repeated plumbing costs to me, frequent periods without hot water for my tenant (hope I don't lose her) and I, time wasted talking to the company, waiting for new parts, then having the same problem even after I pay to have new parts installed.

I bought a Reliance 30 gallon LP heater for a ranch rental house, and it was a total nightmare. After installing it myself, I lit the pilot. Once the burner lit, it only burned yellow. Being aware that LP, like natural gas, should burn blue and that any LP-burning appliance is especially dangerous, I double-checked my ventilation, gas in, and fresh air intake. And after all my efforts, I called Reliance.

Will not replace/repair defective Reliance water heater I purchased from them last year. Reliance 606 gas water heater known for bad pilot lights.

This is about Reliance 606 water heater. Looking at this website, I see numerous complaints from all over the country for this exact same problem: pilot light goes out, will not re-light, no hot water. I have survived this so far by manually re-lighting the pilot twice a day to get warm water. There is no hot water now even after manual re-light. The company technician was virtually useless. Judging from all the complaints, they knew the problem but would not admit it to me. Do not buy from this company!

Since purchasing the water, have had the switch to the pilot light replaced 3 times and still will not stay on. The company should replace this defective product with a properly working water heater.

I bought a Reliance 30 Gallon Model No. 530 Norto C Water Heater from Home Depot back in the early 1990s. I had it installed professionally by a local plumber. It served my family well for over 15 years. Fast forward to May 2010, I had a work related trip out of the country for three and a half weeks, I came home and found that it had ruptured from rust and leaked from several different locations spilling and spraying hot water which damaged my house beyond your imagination.

It seems I'm not the only one out there who is having problems. Pilot light goes out on water tank and will not stay lit. I have a 2 year old and a pregnant wife who need hot water. I'm scared that gas will leak in the house and cause harm. From the reviews I have read, it sounds like the company is fully aware of the problem and is doing nothing about it. I would really just like Reliance to step up and fix the issue. We shouldn't have to stress about if I'm going to have hot water to take a shower after work or to give my son a bath. There's really no damage, but we're tired of dealing with it. I don't have 5 to 6 hundred dollars laying around to replace a 3-4 year old water heater.

Our Reliance 606 gas water tank will not hold a pilot light. We even had our gas company come out and look with no cost to us. Come to find out there is a faulty switch on inside that is supposed to stay open when the pilot light is on. So we called the company to get the replacement part. That was on 6-23-2010. They would send out the part and it would be here today. Well it is 6-25-2010 and it is not here like they said it would be. So I called back and come to find out the order didn't go through. Now correct me if I am wrong, but are you not supposed to double check your orders to insure promptness? Now it is going to be 6-29-2010 before we have hot water. Even then, we are not sure if the part will arrive in time.

I have had my Reliance 606 gas water heater for 14 months. The pilot light stopped working. I called customer service and talked to a service technician. He told me I was not getting any gas. I told him I was. It would light with a match, but it would not stay lit. When I called him back to tell him this, he was very rude and I was told they could not help me. He suggested I contact a registered plumber. I called a plumber, who quoted me an hourly rate of $70 and this would take at least 2 hrs to fix. That was not going to happen. This water heater belongs at the bottom of an outhouse with the rest of the **. I purchased this at a Hardware store in Youngwood, Pa and they were no help at all. I was told by them that they could not do anything without authorization from Reliance. This 606 gas water heater is junk. I have no hot water!

I purchased this 1 1/2 years ago and the pilot light stopped working. You can re-light it and burners will bring water up to temp. but then the pilot goes out again. Purchased from Morton lumber co. in Borger, TX. They said they'll replace it with another brand free of charge. It's good to deal with a reputable business. Of course this happened on Friday after working hours so being out of hot water for 3 days (still out of commission) is hard when you have 2 little grand kids.

We've had our Reliance 606 gas water heater for three years. It is actually the second one we've had in five years. When the first one began causing problems, we complained to the company enough that they actually replaced it with a new 606. However, this one seems to actually be worse. Once lit and the water has heated, the pilot light instantly goes out again. It's unbelievable that these things are still on the market.

Water heaters are junk. The filter system for combustible air stinks. It is almost impossible to keep the ceramic filter clean. I have to loosen the cover up, to keep the pilot on. It's not worth the money or hassle. It's nice for the plumbing companies to make money on.

The pilot light does not stay lit, when the heater is barely two years old. I never know if we are going to get hot water. We called company, did what they told us to do and we still cannot get it to stay lit. Now, I have to pay plumber to come over and check out water tank again.

I have the water heater since two years ago and have problems with it. It doesn't stays on.

My husband bought a Reliance heater that is barely 2 years old. The problem is that the pilot light is constantly going out. Lately, the pilot light goes out just about every day. This not a good situation because we have laundry, dishes, and we like to shower everyday. My next complaint will be to the BBB.

This is what I found out after going to the hardware store where the tank was purchased in 2005. I was told it would only be replaced under the 6 yr warranty if it's a "leaker", otherwise to call Reliance. You can call Reliance at 1-800-365-4054 and choose the option for technical assistance. I was lucky enough to speak with Kathy who explained there is a filter under the tank that needs to be cleaned or otherwise, the pilot goes out due to lack of fresh air. She explained how to clean the filter and told me I could see a video at hotwater101, choose "hot topics" then "gas model" then "filter cleaning". She also mailed a free fancy-dancy cleaning kit which included a long handled brush, vacuum attachment, and filter cover to go around the bottom of the tank to keep dirt out. After "standing on my head" to clean the filter which is located under the center of the tank, I re-lit the pilot. So far, a week later it's still lit. It seems like a manufacturer defect. I never had to do this on any other tank I've owned. Hopefully you will save $400 for a new tank like I have. Good Luck!

Reliance water heaters are the biggest piece of junk you can buy for a water heater. Its pilot light keeps going out, stays lit for a couple hours and goes out. Reliance pilot light might stay on and then again it might not. Stays on sometimes for weeks and then goes out again. I replaced my pilot light unit several times, still doesn’t work properly. I talked with representative from True Value Hardware where this junk was purchased and he stated there were problems with these water heaters.

I purchased a Reliance 606 30-gallon hot water tank in 2006 with a 6-yr warranty. What junk! After only 2 years of operation, the pilot won't stay lit. The company blamed improper installation in a bathroom and will not replace parts or honor the warranty. They will not even sell me the parts. I've lit the tank so many times it is a joke. It stays lit for 2 days at a time. There are two major design flaws in the tank, poor performance and they left off the "un" in front of their company name, "Unreliance". I will replace it soon with anything but a Reliance tank. I saw the internet complaints; this is not a coincidence.

I bought a 650Hort water heater 22 months ago and it has never worked properly. The pilot will not stay lit. I have spoken with the company several times and they always have a different solution, none of which have worked. This is a faulty product.

I was wondering if anyone has had a problem with Reliance 640 Electric Water Heater. In two years, I have replaced several elements and at times, it just doesn't reheat the way it should. This doesn't happen often but enough to make it noticeable; i.e. shower and 3 hours later just lukewarm water.

I just moved into an apartment with a Reliance water heater and I have had nothing but problems with the pilot light, thermocouple or stat control - who cares? It seems like all the blogs are 90% true on these Reliance water heaters going bad even within warranty. I just hope that the property manager gives me a better one. I wouldn't mind a Bradford White because I have experience with this make. It creates plenty of hot water without any pilot, temperature or delivery problems. There's a reason why contractors use this brand; no call-backs.

I bought and installed 12 of these units (model 606), and 10 of them have failed. I replaced 3 of them, and then, the place I was buying the replacements from quit selling heaters. This is a small town, so we only have two places to buy them, and both sell that brand. I would have to drive to Billings, which is 220 miles from here, to get another brand.

We have purchased two Reliance Water Heater Company's 40 gallon water heaters because the first one would not stay lit and neither will the second one. We have called and complained and have called the place we bought it from (and who installed it) and everyone just shrugs it off. We have to light it 10-20 times a day and we never have not water. Complaints don't get us anywhere. Every time I call Reliance to complain, they are hateful and rude and blame it on the installer. The place we bought it has quit carrying this brand of hot water heaters because they had to replace too many and have had nothing but trouble with them. We have had this one for one year and have done nothing but made calls to complain, with no solutions. We want to have this replaced, but no one will claim responsibility for the expense of replacing it and we WILL NOT pay one more dime. We feel the True Value in which we bought it should be responsible, as should the reliance hot water heater. We DO NOT WANT A RELIANCE appliance again.