The Richmond 9 Year Electric is a discontinued water heater available in medium and tall models with capacities of 40, 50, 65 and 80 gallons. The EverKleen self-cleaning system helped fight sediment buildup, and a heavy-duty anode rod protected the tank from corrosion. A stainless steel upper heating element was designed for longer life, while rigid foam insulation reduced heat loss. A high temperature dip tube met the most stringent plumbing codes, and a temperature and pressure relief valve was pre-installed at the factory for added safety. It appears that several of the 9 Year Electric models are now part of Ruud's Essential Plus series of electric water heaters.
As a new unit installed three years ago, the hot water heater struggled to thoroughly heat the water. I recently had to change both thermostats and both elements. It works better now than it did as a new unit. Rheem/Richmond would not reply to inquiries. I will not purchase a Rheem/Richmond hot water heater in the future. It appears they ship from the factory with low-quality thermostats and heating elements.
J. Settle
St. Louis, MO
"Spend your money elsewhere"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
Previous homeowner had a Richmond 50 Gallon electric water heater installed in 2014. I purchased the house in 2016, and in 2018 it started to leak. Their great warranty only is for the original owner. Well bought a replacement at Menards. Has been installed about 1 month, and already need service as they think one of the heating elements is having issues. Their customer support is absolute crap. Was told that someone would be contacting me the next day between 8 and 10 am to schedule to come onsite. Wait about 20 minutes after 10 and contact support again. Tech states, not sure why they told you someone would be calling between 8 and 10, they have one business day to contact you. Will never buy Richmond again.
Mike Mokry
Wilmington, IL
"3 month old heater having issues"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
Purchased Richmond water heater model 6em40-d August 16, 2017. Had to replace element October 2017 heater was kicking off breaker it has been 1 month and I am having the same issue and of course there is not an authorized technician in my area. So the warranty does me absolutely no good! I will not purchase another Richmond water heater. Less than 3 months old should not be having any issues what so ever. Very frustrating.
B
Mineral Wells, TX
"Junk"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
My electric water heater started leaking from the tank, it was only 14 months old. I removed it to replace it. Warranty department said the warranty was void because I removed it. Was I supposed to let it ruin my cabin floor? I will never buy another one.
rich
Zumbrota, MN
"Not a problem"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I have installed over 50 Richmond water heaters and have had little trouble with them. Any troubles had were with the water quality coming in, and on occasion the pressure relief valve. Rarely have there been troubles with the heater itself. Elements blow over time, usually due to sediment build-up in the bottom, but maintenance of the unit is the key. Older units were built better with better tank coatings on the inside, but newer ones have better insulation in them. The amount of time to get hot water to your faucet also depends on how far away the heater is from the faucet. The standing water in the pipes has to first come out of the faucet lines before the warmer water will get there. It's not always the heater's fault.
The Richmond 9 Year Electric is only mentioned in a couple of online forums, and only as part of a group with the 6 Year and 12 Year units. There is nothing specific said about the 9 Year Electric.
