Rheem Marathon

NickTex

Has anyone dealt with the Rheem Marathon very much? For years I have used primarily Bradford White for tank type heaters and Noritz for tankless. I have a customer who wants a Marathon and of course most of the information I can find on them is just Rheem marketing stuff. I've read some positive reviews but I'd love to hear the experts!

One of her concerns has to do with chemicals released when plastic is heated and the fact that the tank is a "polybutene/filament-wound fiberglass." Any thoughts?

Also, does anyone know how long the Marathon has been on the market? I replaced an element in one that was about 4 years old but I didn't know how long they had been making them.

Thanks for your help!

Ron The Plumber

I think HD sells that brand and Keller Supply, not a fan of Rheem myself.

Double-A

I don't like the Polybutylene tanks. With all the trouble they've had with them. Most I've worked on were leakers in the warranty period. It has a several years since I messed with them. I think they have been making the since 87 or so.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

wallmaxx

I attended an efficiency seminar given by Doug Rye the Efficiency Guy

He said that the Rheem Marathon was the MOST efficient H/W tank out there as rated by cent's per gallons heated.

I personally like tank less...I would like to have one installed on a mobile, hand truck/dolly system so I can take propane and the boiler anywhere I go.

JamesNLA

I did a consulting gig for a guy that owns a mobile high pressure sprayer system. He wanted to be able to make hot water on the spot for certain jobs he did. He wanted to install / fab it himself, paid me to tell him how. I wound up working out very well for the guy. Installing one on a hand truck....hmmmm that could be....interesting. Fuel (lp) supply should be atleast 3' when this thing is running. We could market it to the redneck crowd!!!!

__________________
"....And then we all switch places when I ring the bell"
-Adrock

22rifle

I asked the "wrong question" at a Q&A session at a Doug Rye seminar. He tried to have me thrown out. If I had been rude or something I would understand. But I was very gracious and humble. The problem was I exposed a major piece of BS with some simple logic. Instead of answering my question, he went on a rant about how stupid I was and actually asked the host if they could make me leave. They refused but I walked out. I went to learn. I did learn a bit but much of what I heard was pure, unadulterated BS.

Doug Rye? Blech! He is a farce and he speaks gilded words but they are but gold plating on a steaming pile of bull crap. He is nothing more than a 2-bit huckster.

NickTex

Hmm, could you tell us how you really feel?
I'd love to hear what the "wrong question" was...

Song Dog

When we built our home 8 1/2 yrs ago, we were able to get the Marathon for $1 from our Elect. cooperative. Only thing I had to do is change thermostats. Other than that nothing.
BTW- What was the Q 22?

In Christ,

Song Dog

22rifle

He spent the whole time bashing gas and praising electric. One of his big things was how electricity is so much better for the environment because it is 100% efficient and has no emissions.

I just asked what the emissions and efficiency of the electric producing plants was and whether those factors were included in his analysis that electric was the best energy source for heating a home. Also whether he factored in the massive losses any given electrical distribution grid has.

Yeah, I was partly nailing him for his BS. But I also wanted to know. I made sure I asked it very humbly and was very respectful. I did not say it as a challenge even though it sorta kinda was. I don't appreciate people at seminars busting on the speaker even if he is full of BS. You gotta be respectful and I was.

His response convinced me he is a charlatan and a two bit huckster. you see, if you have facts or science on your side you can take a question like that in stride. To go apoplectic like he did is the first sign of a fast talking con man. But besides that, to espouse electricity as so much better for the environment because of zero emissions and 100% efficiency is BS and poppy cock as long as power plants emit pollution and operate at less than 100% efficiency. And until the power distribution system has zero loss.