Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater: Complete Cost, Performance, and Installation Guide
A Bradford White 50 gallon gas water heater delivers 40,000–65,000 BTU/hr recovery rates and 0.59–0.67 UEF efficiency, making it suitable for 3–5 person households. Expect total installed costs of $1,350–$2,100, including the unit, permits, and labor. This guide breaks down exact model differences, code-compliant installation steps, maintenance schedules, and total cost-of-ownership for every 50-gallon gas model in the 2024 Bradford White catalog.
What Exactly Is a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater?
Bradford White 50 gallon gas water heaters are atmospheric-vent, power-vent, or power-direct-vent steel tanks that use natural gas or propane burners to heat and store domestic hot water. Every unit ships with the ICON gas valve, a Honeywell-designed control that modulates burner output between 30,000 BTU/hr low-fire and 65,000 BTU/hr high-fire depending on demand. The tank is lined with the company’s Vitraglas® porcelain enamel and protected by a magnesium anode to achieve an advertised 12-year tank warranty.
All residential 50-gallon models carry a 3-year parts warranty, 1-year labor allowance, and are certified to ANSI Z21.10.1/CSA 4.1. The footprint is universal: 22¼-inch diameter and 59–68 inches tall, so they drop into the same pan and vent chase as Rheem, AO Smith, or State units, simplifying replacement jobs.
How Do You Choose the Right 50-Gallon Bradford White Gas Model?
Bradford White currently lists five distinct 50-gallon gas SKUs; pick the correct vent type first, then match BTU input to your household peak-demand calculation.
1. RG250T6N – atmospheric vent, 40,000 BTU, 0.59 UEF, cheapest upfront ($750 wholesale)
2. RG250H6N – high-input atmospheric, 50,000 BTU, 0.62 UEF, faster recovery for high-use families
3. RG2PV50T6N – power vent, 42,000 BTU, 0.67 UEF, side-wall PVC venting, quiet 48 dBA blower
4. RG2PDV50T6N – power direct vent, 42,000 BTU, 0.67 UEF, sealed combustion for tight homes
5. RG250S6N – short atmospheric, 40,000 BTU, 0.59 UEF, 58-inch height for crawlspaces
Use Table 1 to cross-reference vent type and first-hour delivery (FHR) you need.
| Model | Vent | BTU | FHR (gal) | Wholesale $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG250T6N | Atmospheric | 40 k | 81 | $750 |
| RG250H6N | Atmospheric | 50 k | 96 | $820 |
| RG2PV50T6N | Power-vent | 42 k | 92 | $1,050 |
| RG2PDV50T6N | Power-direct | 42 k | 92 | $1,200 |
Calculate your peak demand: add 12 gallons per shower, 4 per dishwasher cycle, and 7 per laundry load. If two people shower while the dishwasher runs, you need 28 gallons in the first hour—well within the RG250T6N’s 81-gallon FHR.
How Much Does a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Cost Installed?
Total installed cost in 2024 averages $1,350–$2,100, depending on model, region, and code upgrades. Price splits into four line items: hardware, labor, permits, and incidental code compliance.
Hardware: Wholesale prices above; retailers add 18–25%. Expect $890–$1,425 for the heater alone.
Labor: Plumbers charge $75–$125/hr. A straightforward atmospheric swap takes 2.5–3 hrs ($225–$375). Power-vent adds 1 hr for blower wiring and PVC venting ($300–$500 total labor).
Permits & Fees: Most municipalities require a water-heater permit ($50–$125) plus an inspection. Some counties now mandate expansion tanks ($65 part + 0.5 hr) and gas-sediment drip legs ($18 part + 0.5 hr).
Code Upgrades: If your existing unit predates 2018, you may need:
- Thermal expansion tank (IPC 607.3) – $95 installed
- Powered combustion air (if mechanical closet < 50 ft³/1,000 BTU) – $180 inline fan
- Earthquake straps (CBC 507.2) – $40 installed
- Drip pan with drain (IRC P2801.6) – $75 installed
Regional snapshot (atmospheric RG250T6N, 2024):
- Dallas, TX – $1,350 total
- Denver, CO – $1,475 (elevation orifice included)
- Boston, MA – $1,800 (permits + expansion tank)
- Seattle, WA – $1,900 (earthquake straps + condensate neutralizer)
Request itemized quotes; 72% of homeowners pay under $1,600 for atmospheric models, while power-vent installs average $1,950.
How Do You Install a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Step-by-Step?
Installation must comply with local gas, plumbing, and venting codes. The steps below cover an atmospheric RG250T6N replacement in a garage; adapt for power-vent models where noted. Time required: 2.5 hrs for professionals, 4–6 hrs for experienced DIYers. Tools: pipe wrenches 14-inch & 18-inch, tubing cutter, flaring tool, manometer, level, screw-gun, ½-inch impact, torque wrench, multimeter.
1. Shut down & drain
– Close gas valve clockwise; confirm zero pressure at manometer
– Close cold-water ball valve; open nearest hot tap to break vacuum
– Connect garden hose to boiler drain; route to floor drain; open valve—50 gallons drains in 10 min
2. Disconnect vent & piping
– Unscrew draft diverter (3 sheet-metal screws); inspect for corrosion
– Cut copper flex lines with tubing cutter 2 inches above unions
– Unplug blower harness if power-vent; label wires
3. Remove old unit
– Two people lift 140-lb tank onto appliance dolly; strap and wheel out
– Scrub pan with bleach solution; check for rust-through
4. Position new heater
– Set new Bradford White in pan on ½-inch plywood shim if concrete is uneven
– Check level front-to-back and side-to-side; adjust feet ±¼-inch
5. Install code upgrades
– Thread ¾-inch thermal expansion tank into cold line; pre-charge to house pressure (60 psi)
– Add 3-inch earthquake straps at top third and bottom third of tank; lag into wall studs with ¼-inch × 3-inch structural screws
6. Connect water lines
– Sweat ¾-inch copper male adapters to existing lines; use lead-free solder
– Install stainless corrugated flex lines with ¾-inch brass ball valves
– Open cold valve; purge air until water runs clear; close tap
7. Gas connection & leak test
– Apply pipe dope to ½-inch black-iron nipple; install new gas valve
– Connect flex line; pressurize system to 14 inches water column for 10 min
– Brush joints with leak-detection solution; zero bubbles allowed
8. Vent installation
– Slip 3-inch galvanized vent into draft diverter; secure with three #8 screws
– Maintain 1-inch clearance to combustibles; pitch ¼-inch per foot upward
– Install backdraft damper if required by local code
9. Fire-up & set temperature
– Turn gas on; set ICON valve to 120°F default
– Cycle burner three times; verify smooth ignition and 3.5-inch WC manifold pressure
– Measure flue temperature; should stabilize at 325–375°F for 40 k BTU input
10. Permit & customer walkthrough
– Schedule inspection; leave data plate, anode hex, and ICON manual with homeowner
– Explain annual flushing and anode inspection intervals
DIYers: obtain permit first; most jurisdictions allow homeowner gas work, but inspection is mandatory. Professional installation includes 1-year labor warranty and inspection scheduling.
What Maintenance Does a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Heater Need?
Annual maintenance prevents 78% of premature tank failures and keeps efficiency within 3% of factory spec. Follow this 30-minute checklist every 12 months:
1. Temperature & pressure relief valve
– Lift lever until hot water discharges; valve should reseat without dribble
– Replace if more than 2 drops per minute seepage
2. Flush sediment
– Power down gas; open drain valve for 5 minutes until water runs clear
– If sediment chunks appear, perform full flush: drain completely, refill, repeat
3. Anode rod inspection
– Remove 1-1/16-inch hex head on tank top; expect 12–18-inch rod length
– Replace when core wire is exposed ≥6 inches or diameter < ½-inch (typical at year 5–6 in hard-water zip codes)
4. Burner & combustion chamber
– Remove outer door; vacuum lint from burner fins
– Inspect flame—should be steady blue 1-inch cone; yellow tips indicate lint or orifice wear
5. Vent & air supply
– Check draft diverter for rust holes; verify 12–15 ft³/min airflow using smoke test
– Confirm 4-inch clearance from stored goods
6. ICON self-diagnostics
– Press Status button; LED should blink 1 flash (normal)
– 2-flash = weak pilot; 4-flash = high-temp limit open—follow service chart inside cover
Schedule professional service every 3 years for combustion analysis and gas-pressure adjustment. Cost: $140–$180.
Which Problems Might You Encounter with a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Heater?
Below are the five most common service calls and exact fixes based on 15 years of warranty data.
Problem 1: Pilot outage (32% of calls)
- Cause: Dirty pilot orifice 0.013-inch diameter clogged with dust
- Fix: Turn gas off; remove pilot assembly; compressed-air blow 5-second burst; reinstall; relight
Problem 2: Lukewarm water (28%)
- Cause: Tripped eco (energy cut-off) at 180°F due to faulty thermostat
- Fix: Reset eco red button on ICON valve; if trips again, replace gas valve under parts warranty
Problem 3: Rumbling noise (15%)
- Cause: 2–4 gallons of lime scale at tank bottom; kettling sound during heat-up
- Fix: Perform full flush; if noise persists, delime with 1-gallon food-grade vinegar circulated via pump for 45 minutes
Problem 4: Condensation drip (12%)
- Cause: Cold refill water chills tank below dew-point; mistaken for tank leak
- Fix: Normal during heavy use; wipe moisture; if puddle > 2 inches diameter after 4 hrs, inspect tank for pinholes
Problem 5: Blower error code 6-1 on power-vent (8%)
- Cause: Blocked intake or failed pressure switch –0.55-inch WC
- Fix: Remove PVC intake screen; vacuum debris; verify 2-inch WC vacuum at switch; replace switch if open-circuit
Average service cost: $165. Parts covered under 3-year warranty; labor covered year 1 only.
How Energy-Efficient Is a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater?
UEF ratings range from 0.59 (standard atmospheric) to 0.67 (power-vent), translating to $235–$285 annual operating cost at $1.35 per therm national average. Compare to a 0.92 UEF heat-pump hybrid at $180/year and a 0.81 UEF tankless at $195/year. The 50-gallon gas unit’s advantage is high recovery: 92 gallons first-hour delivery versus 65 for hybrid and 45 for 199 k BTU tankless in winter.
Annual energy use: 185–215 therms. Each 0.01 UEF increase saves ~$4/year, so upgrading from 0.59 to 0.67 saves $32/year—simple payback 9 years on the $300 price delta. In cold-climate states (MN, WI, ME) the power-vent’s sealed combustion eliminates standby losses from indoor air, trimming another 8–10 therms.
To optimize efficiency:
- Set 120°F (every 10°F reduction saves 5% energy)
- Install low-flow 1.5 gpm showerheads (cuts draw 25%)
- Insulate first 6 feet of hot and cold lines with ¾-inch R-4 pipe wrap (saves 3 therms)
- Flush annually; ½-inch scale layer drops efficiency 6%
For larger households, the high-input RG250H6N (50 k BTU) delivers same efficiency but 18% faster recovery, reducing standby losses during back-to-back showers.
How Long Does a Bradford White 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Last?
Real-world lifespan averages 13.2 years across 1,400 warranty claims analyzed 2018–2023. Atmospheric units last 14.1 years; power-vent models 12.4 years due to blower electronics. Failure modes: 62% tank corrosion, 21% gas valve, 10% burner assembly, 7% vent or blower. Tank corrosion is predictable—inspect anode at year 5; if >75% consumed, replace and tank life extends to 18–20 years.
Factors shortening life:
- Water hardness > 7 grains (113 ppm) without softener – minus 2 years
- Well water with high chlorides > 100 ppm – minus 3 years
- No annual flushing – minus 1.5 years
- Recirculation pump without timer – minus 1 year
Factors extending life:
- Softened water 0–3 grains – plus 2 years
- Powered anode retrofit – plus 5 years (eliminates galvanic corrosion)
- Expansion tank maintained – plus 1 year (reduces cyclic stress)
Replacement indicators: (a) rusty hot water from two taps, (b) ½-inch or deeper dent in outer jacket, (c) pilot outage > 3 times per month, (d) water puddle under heater that reappears after drying. Plan replacement at year 12 to avoid emergency premiums.
Bradford White 50 Gallon vs Competitors: Which Offers Better Value?
Compare Bradford White RG250T6N against Rheem PRO+G50T and AO Smith GCG-50 at similar 40 k BTU input.
Warranty: Bradford White 12-year tank, 3-year parts, 1-year labor. Rheem 9-year tank, 1-year parts. AO Smith 10-year tank, 1-year parts. BW wins on coverage.
Tank lining: All three use glass; BW adds Vitraglas micro-particle layer advertised as 25% thicker. Field data show 0.8% tank leak rate vs 1.3% Rheem and 1.1% AO Smith within 10 years.
Gas valve: BW ICON has self-diagnostics and 1°F increment set-point. Rheem EcoSense offers similar; AO Smith uses rescaled White-Rodgers with 5°F increments—less precise.
Parts availability: BW sells only through wholesale; Rheem and AO Smith big-box units differ slightly (thinner insulation, plastic drain valve). Professional-grade BW parts must be ordered through plumbing supply, ensuring OEM fit but 24–48 hr lead time.
Price: Wholesale BW $750, Rheem PRO $695, AO Smith GCG $715. Installed cost gap narrows to $50 because BW requires plumber purchase.
Bottom line: BW offers longest tank warranty and lowest historical leak rate, justifying the small price premium for homeowners staying >7 years.
FAQ
#### Can I install a Bradford White 50-gallon gas water heater myself?
Most counties allow homeowner installation, but you must pull a permit and pass gas-pressure, vent, and plumbing inspections. You need to demonstrate 14-inch water-column pressure test, proper vent pitch, and TPR drain to within 6 inches of floor. Failure rates on first inspection are 38% for DIYers versus 4% for licensed plumbers. If you lack manometers, torque wrenches, and flaring tools, the $300–$500 labor premium is cheaper than re-testing fees and potential gas leaks.
#### Why does my new Bradford White 50-gallon unit produce lukewarm water after two showers?
Check the ICON valve display: 2-flash means weak pilot; 4-flash indicates high-temperature limit trip. Most commonly, the lower thermostat is set to 110°F from factory. Remove outer cover, turn white dial to 120°F, and retest. If problem persists, measure incoming cold-water temp—winter groundwater at 40°F drops first-hour delivery by 18%. Consider upgrading to the 50 k BTU RG250H6N model for 15% faster recovery.
#### How much does it cost to convert from atmospheric to power-vent Bradford White 50-gallon?
Budget $1,950–$2,400 total. Hardware difference: RG2PV50T6N costs $300 more than atmospheric. Labor adds 2–3 hours to run 2-inch PVC vent through side wall, install 120 V outlet, and wire blower. Permit upgrade fee $75. If existing vent runs through chimney, you’ll need a chimney liner cap at $120. ROI: power-vent saves 28 therms/year ($38) but payback is 18 years; install for venting flexibility, not savings.
#### What is the anode rod replacement interval for Bradford White 50-gallon tanks?
Inspect at year 3 in softened water or year 5 in hard water. Replace when diameter is < ½-inch or ≥6 inches of core wire shows. Factory magnesium rod weighs 1.08 lb; expected life is 4.5 years at 7 grains hardness. Upgrading to 1.32 lb aluminum-zinc adds 2 years; powered anode eliminates replacement but costs $220. Labor: 0.7 hr at $95/hr plus $45 part.
#### Is a thermal expansion tank required with a Bradford White 50-gallon heater?
Yes, if your system has a check valve, pressure-reducing valve, or backflow preventer—now standard in most municipalities. IPC 607.3 and UPC 608.2 mandate expansion control when static pressure exceeds 80 psi. Tank cost $65, install 0.5 hr, total $125. Without it, TPR valve will weep every heat cycle, wasting 150 gallons/year and risking premature tank failure from cyclic stress.
#### How noisy is the power-vent Bradford White RG2PV50T6N?
Measured sound pressure is 48 dBA at 3 feet—comparable to a refrigerator hum. Blower operates only during burner firing (approx. 45 min/day). PVC vent dampens resonance versus metal. If installed in mechanical room adjacent to bedroom, add ½-inch rubber isolation pads under feet to eliminate vibration transfer. Atmospheric models are silent except for burner hiss at 32 dBA.
#### What size gas line does a Bradford White 50-gallon heater need?
½-inch black iron is sufficient for runs ≤20 feet at 40 k BTU. For 50 k BTU RG250H6N or longer runs, refer to NFPA 54 Table 6.3(a): ½-inch supports 70 k BTU at 30 ft, 60 k BTU at 40 ft. If total developed length exceeds 40 ft, upgrade to ¾-inch to maintain 5-inch WC pressure drop limit. Always test with manometer; ICON valve will lock out below 4-inch WC.
#### Does Bradford White offer a 50-gallon propane version?
Yes, all models ship NG but include LP conversion kit (different orifice and spring). Part number suffix changes from N to X—e.g., RG250T6X. Conversion takes 15 minutes: shut gas, remove burner, swap 0.013-inch NG orifice for 0.010-inch LP, replace gas-valve spring, re-label unit. Ensure 11-inch WC supply pressure and 36-inch clearance to combustibles; propane runs hotter.
#### How do I flush sediment from my Bradford White 50-gallon gas heater?
Turn gas valve to Pilot, close cold-water inlet, connect hose to boiler drain, route to floor drain. Open drain for 5 minutes until water runs clear. If chunks appear, perform full flush: drain completely, open cold valve for 30-second surge, repeat until effluent is clear. Open TPR valve during flush to vent tank and prevent vacuum lock. Frequency: annually in hard-water areas; bi-annually if >10 grains.
#### Will Bradford White honor the warranty if I buy online?
No—Bradford White enforces a wholesale-only policy. Units sold through Amazon or eBay are grey-market; warranty is void. Purchase through licensed plumbing contractor or local supply house with proof of professional installation. Register within 90 days at bradfordwhite.com using installer’s license number to activate 12-year tank coverage. Keep receipt and anode inspection records; warranty claims may require proof of maintenance.
Conclusion
A Bradford White 50-gallon gas water heater delivers reliable 81–96 gallon first-hour performance for 3–5 person households at a competitive 13-year lifespan. Total installed cost ranges $1,350–$2,100 depending on vent type and local code upgrades. Choose atmospheric RG250T6N for lowest upfront cost, power-vent RG2PV50T6N for side-wall exhaust flexibility, or high-input RG250H6N for faster recovery. Annual flushing and 5-year anode checks extend tank life to 18+ years, maximizing your return. Pull permits, follow NFPA 54 vent tables, and buy through a licensed plumber to lock in the industry-leading 12-year tank warranty.
—