BRADFORD WHITE RE220U6-1NAL Electric Water Heater (18 gallons) | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore & North Shore

The largest of the compact 120 V tanks, for a secondary bathroom or a small cottage

Some needs fall between the small water heater hidden under a sink and a home's main tank: a guest bathroom at the far end of the basement, a cottage used on weekends, a studio built above a garage or a small commercial space with a kitchenette and a washroom. The Bradford White RE220U6-1NAL electric water heater targets exactly this middle ground, with a reserve of 18 US gallons (15 imperial gallons, 68 L), a 1,500 W element and a 120 V supply. AirGreen installs it in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore and on the North Shore.

The largest size in the utility line

The RE220U6-1NAL is the largest of the three compact sizes in Bradford White's residential utility line. It keeps the strengths of this line, namely a 120 V supply and a single element, but with a noticeably more generous reserve than the small sink models. At 26 1/4 in. tall and 20 in. in diameter, it remains low enough to fit under a staircase, in a bathroom closet or in the corner of a crowded mechanical room.

A short shower, yes; a whole house, no

Let us be clear about what this size can do. Its reserve handles handwashing and dishes with ease, and a short shower in a guest bathroom or a cottage. After heavy use, the 1,500 W element reheats the water at a rate of 7 US gallons per hour for a 90 °F rise: it therefore takes some time before the reserve is full again. For a family taking several showers in a row, or as the main water heater of a dwelling, we recommend a full-size residential tank instead.

Manufacturer data

• Capacity: 18 US gallons, 15 imperial gallons, 68 L.
• Factory wiring: 120 V with a 1,500 W element, unless otherwise specified.
• Number of elements: one only.
• Recovery: 7 US gal/h (6 imp. gal/h) at a 90 °F rise; 26 L/h at a 50 °C rise, based on 1,500 W.
• Element: immersion, screw-in, copper; INCOLOY-type element on request.
• Connections: 3/4 in. (19 mm) NPT for water and electrical, factory-installed dielectric fittings.
• Lining: Vitraglas with Microban.
• Dimensions: 26 1/4 in. (667 mm) tall, 20 in. (508 mm) in diameter.
• Weight: 67 1/2 lb.

A simple 120 V supply

The main advantage of this model in a secondary building is its power supply. Factory-wired for 120 V and 1,500 W, it only needs a 120 V circuit reserved for the unit, where a full-size tank would require a two-pole 240 V circuit. In a cottage or garage with a limited electrical panel, this greatly simplifies the work. Bradford White also offers the series in 208 V, 240 V, 277 V and 480 V, single-phase only, with wattages from 1,500 W to 6,000 W according to its limitations table; at 120 V, the wattage stays between 1,500 W and 3,000 W. Any configuration other than the factory one is specified when ordering.

Keep the full weight in mind

Empty, the tank weighs 67 1/2 lb. Once filled with its 68 L of water, it becomes much heavier, which rules out a light shelf or a fragile mezzanine floor. We check the support at the intended location and provide a drain pan when the tank is installed above a finished room, to protect the ceiling in case of a leak.

Construction and compliance

Like the other models in the line, the RE220U6-1NAL receives Bradford White's Vitraglas with Microban lining. Its copper immersion element screws into the tank, and the factory-installed dielectric fittings limit corrosion where the tank meets the piping. According to the manufacturer, all models are UL listed and applicable models are verified by CSA for energy performance under standard C191.1-M90.

Manufacturer's warranty

Bradford White gives this model a 6-year limited warranty on the tank and 6 years on parts. The full terms come with the quote.

Installation of the RE220U6-1NAL by AirGreen in Greater Montreal

AirGreen is a family-owned heating and cooling company established in Montreal and active for more than fifteen years. Our electrical connections are made under RBQ licence 5645-9605-01 (ventilation, refrigeration and electrical). After a free on-site estimate, we give you a written quote. Installation includes:

• assessing the location, the support and the access for maintenance;
• draining and removing the old water heater, where applicable;
• connecting the cold and hot water in 3/4 in. NPT;
• installing the relief valve, its discharge line and, if needed, a drain pan;
• the 120 V electrical connection on a reserved circuit;
• filling the tank before powering it up, then setting the temperature;
• maintenance advice suited to occasional or seasonal use.

Maintenance and seasonal use

A partial flush once a year removes the sediment that builds up at the bottom and extends the life of the element. We also recommend operating the relief valve during this visit to check that it opens and closes properly. In a cottage closed for the winter, the tank must be powered down and fully drained before the frost, then filled before being powered up again in spring: we show you the procedure during installation.

Service area

We install this model in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as in Lorraine, Bois-des-Filion, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Mont-Saint-Hilaire and everywhere on the South Shore and the North Shore. Our financing program can apply if the installation is part of a larger project.

Request your free estimate for the Bradford White RE220U6-1NAL. A photo of the intended location and of the electrical panel lets us propose the right solution from the first visit.