Water heaters are one of the least glamorous types of home appliances. The vertical metal tanks typically sit out of sight in dark corners of basements or behind closet doors. Most homeowners never think about the devices—until there’s no hot water. 

Bradford White Corp. is unique among its competitors in two ways. First and foremost is its business model, which prevents the sale of the company’s water heaters directly to consumers or commercial businesses. Heaters are only sold to licensed plumbers at various supply houses to ensure proper and safe water heater installation, and to prevent code violations.