SOS 24/7 Plumbing Corp
ClaimTypical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
What to Compare
Compare Rheem and A.O. Smith using florida install cost, hard water tolerance, fl retail availability. Check the exact product or local service proposal, then request matching written terms before choosing for your Florida home. Use the differences below to identify the questions that matter for your project.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Rheem
Limits and questions
- Some 2021–2023 models had condensate-line corrosion issues in coastal FL
A.O. Smith
Features and considerations
- More commercial-grade build quality
- Preferred by Florida builders + plumbing contractors
Limits and questions
- Harder to find at retail — typically through plumbing distributors
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rheem | A.O. Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Florida install cost (gas, 199k BTU) | Request an itemized quote for Rheem; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for A.O. Smith; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Florida install cost (electric, whole-home) | Request an itemized quote for Rheem; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for A.O. Smith; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Heat-exchanger Warranty | Ask the Rheem provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the A.O. Smith provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| GPM at 60°F Rise (typical FL) | Ask the Rheem provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the A.O. Smith provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Hard Water Tolerance | Annual descaling recommended | Annual descaling recommended |
| FL Retail Availability | Ask the Rheem provider to document retail availability for the exact offer. | Ask the A.O. Smith provider to document retail availability for the exact offer. |
| DIY-Friendliness | Ask the Rheem provider to document diy-friendliness for the exact offer. | Pro install strongly recommended |
| Fit for your project | Ask the Rheem provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the A.O. Smith provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get gas or electric tankless in Florida?
If your home already has natural gas or propane plumbed, GO GAS — gas tankless can handle whole-home demand (2 simultaneous showers + dishwasher). Electric tankless requires 200-amp service + dedicated 60-80 amp circuits and tops out at 6 GPM, which is borderline for a 4-person FL home.
How big a tankless does my FL family need?
Don't let an installer push you to 9–10 GPM unless you have a soaking tub or 3+ simultaneous showers.
Will hard water destroy my tankless?
It can — but both brands handle FL hardness fine WITH annual descaling. Saves the unit and dramatically extends life.
Is Navien or Rinnai better than these?
We have separate compare pages for those. If you're choosing between Rheem and A.O. Smith specifically, the above stands. If brand-agnostic, Navien is the FL premium pick.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.
- Florida DBPR: license search — Search for a profession regulated by DBPR; this link does not establish that a particular provider is licensed or that every service needs this license.
Browse Florida Plumbing Listings
These public listings share the broad plumbing category. Inclusion does not confirm that a business supplies the products or specialist services discussed above. Ask about the exact work, credentials and current availability before requesting a quote.
New Life Plumbing LLC
ClaimTypical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Typical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Typical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Drain Clean Heroes
ClaimTypical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Typical plumbing services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more