SOS 24/7 Plumbing Corp
ClaimServices: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
The 30-Second Verdict
Rheem dominates the FL retail and DIY market with the widest tankless lineup (electric, propane, natural gas), aggressive pricing, and excellent in-store warranty service through Home Depot. A.O. Smith is the commercial/builder favorite — slightly better build quality, longer warranties on top-tier units, but harder to find at retail and pricier on install. For a typical FL homeowner installing a tankless, Rheem wins on price + availability. For new construction or builder-grade installs, A.O. Smith is the safer long-term pick.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Rheem
Pros
- Widest model lineup — gas, electric, propane, condensing
- Available at Home Depot statewide — easy returns/warranty
- Lower upfront cost: $1,200–$2,800 for typical FL unit
- DIY-friendlier — clearer install docs + better community support
- Strong FL installer network
Cons
- 12-year heat-exchanger warranty (vs A.O. Smith's 15)
- Some 2021–2023 models had condensate-line corrosion issues in coastal FL
- Quality varies more across the lineup — bottom-tier units feel cheap
A.O. Smith
Pros
- 15-year heat-exchanger warranty on Vertex / X3 lines (industry best)
- More commercial-grade build quality
- Better corrosion resistance for FL coastal homes
- Preferred by Florida builders + plumbing contractors
- Stronger BTU output at low GPM (better for low-water-pressure FL homes)
Cons
- Higher upfront cost (15–25% premium over Rheem comparable)
- Harder to find at retail — typically through plumbing distributors
- Smaller install base — fewer experienced FL installers
- Warranty claims slower (distributor channel)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rheem | A.O. Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Florida install cost (gas, 199k BTU) | $3,200–$4,800 | $3,800–$5,500 |
| Florida install cost (electric, whole-home) | $1,800–$3,000 | $2,200–$3,400 |
| Heat-exchanger Warranty | 12 yr (premium); 5 yr (mid) | 15 yr (Vertex/X3); 6 yr (mid) |
| GPM at 60°F Rise (typical FL) | 6.5–9.5 (gas); 3–6 (electric) | 6.5–9.5 (gas); 3–6 (electric) |
| Hard Water Tolerance | Annual descaling recommended | Annual descaling recommended |
| FL Retail Availability | Home Depot statewide | Plumbing distributors only |
| DIY-Friendliness | Good (lots of YouTube + forum content) | Pro install strongly recommended |
| Best For | Most FL homeowners, replacement jobs, retail/DIY | New construction, builder-grade, premium long-term |
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. If you don't have gas already, the gas conversion cost ($2,500–$5,000) often makes whole-home electric tankless impractical — stick with a tank in that case.
How big a tankless does my FL family need?
FL incoming water is 72–78°F year-round, so the temperature rise to deliver 110°F hot water is only 32–38°F (vs 60°F+ in northern states). This means tankless units are oversized for FL — a 6.5 GPM unit handles a 4-bedroom FL home easily. 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. Without descaling, lifespan drops from 15–20 years to 5–8. Best practice: install a $300 sediment + softener filter upstream, descale annually with citric acid (DIY, 2 hours). Saves the unit and dramatically extends life.
Is Navien or Rinnai better than these?
Both are excellent — Rinnai matches A.O. Smith on quality; Navien has the best condensing-tech tankless on the market. 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.
Top-Rated Local Florida Plumbing Alternatives
You don't have to pick a national brand. These Florida-based plumbing companies have the highest real Google ratings in our directory — often at a fraction of the franchise price.
New Life Plumbing LLC
ClaimServices: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Drain Clean Heroes
ClaimServices: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more
Services: Leak detection & repair, Drain cleaning, Water heater service, +4 more