Water Heater Brands We Install, and Why We Chose Them
Homeowner guide · Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Sonlight Plumbing, WA plumbing contractor SONLIPL742NL
Sonlight Plumbing installs Bradford White and A.O. Smith tank water heaters and Navien tankless water heaters. We repair water heaters of any brand.
Which water heater brands does Sonlight Plumbing install?
Bradford White and A.O. Smith for gas and electric tank water heaters, and Navien for tankless. Sonlight chose them for the quality of the units, how they are built, the manufacturer warranty behind them, and how satisfied customers have been with them. If you already have another brand, Sonlight still repairs it.
The three brands
Bradford White tank water heaters, gas and electric. Bradford White sells its water heaters to licensed plumbers through wholesale supply houses rather than through retail stores, and its water heaters are intended for professional installation.
A.O. Smith tank water heaters, gas and electric.
Navien tankless water heaters for homes where tankless is the right fit. Tankless installs depend on the home's gas supply, venting and condensate drainage, so they are evaluated case by case — see tankless water heaters.
Why these brands
Sonlight installs a short list of brands on purpose. The reasons are practical:
Quality and build. A water heater is a pressurized tank or a gas appliance that runs every day for years. The units Sonlight installs are chosen for how they are built, not for price alone.
The manufacturer warranty. Each brand backs its water heaters with a manufacturer warranty. Warranty length and terms differ by model, so the warranty on your specific unit is the one printed on that model's documentation. Separately, qualifying Sonlight-supplied work includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty; terms and exclusions apply.
Customer satisfaction. These are the brands Sonlight's customers have been satisfied with after installation, and the ones Sonlight knows well enough to install and service with confidence.
Knowing the equipment. Installing the same brands repeatedly means fewer surprises with parts, venting and connections, and a clearer explanation for you of what is being installed.
What matters more than the brand
The brand is one decision. For most homes, these matter as much or more:
Size and recovery. Gallons alone do not tell you how much hot water a tank heater delivers; first-hour rating does (for tankless, it is the flow rate at the temperature rise you need). See what size water heater you need.
Gas or electric. The fuel your home already has usually decides this. See gas vs. electric water heaters.
The installation. Correct venting for gas units, a working temperature-and-pressure relief valve with a proper discharge line, seismic strapping, an expansion tank where the system needs one (see expansion tanks), and a permit where required (see Tri-Cities plumbing permits). A well-built heater installed poorly is still a poor installation.
If you have a different brand
You do not need to switch brands to get service. Sonlight repairs water heaters of any brand. When a heater is at the end of its life, Sonlight explains whether repair still makes sense, and if replacement is the better choice, you get a written price before any work begins — see water heater repair and water heater replacement.
Common questions
Can I choose between Bradford White and A.O. Smith?
Usually, yes. Both are tank brands Sonlight installs, in gas and electric. After looking at the existing installation — size, fuel, venting and the space — Sonlight recommends suitable models, and you choose.
Does Sonlight repair other brands?
Yes. Sonlight repairs water heaters of any brand. The brand list on this page is what Sonlight installs new.
Is the manufacturer warranty the same as Sonlight's warranty?
No. The manufacturer warranty comes from the manufacturer and varies by model. Separately, qualifying Sonlight-supplied work includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty; terms and exclusions apply.
Does Sonlight install tankless water heaters?
Yes, Navien units. Whether tankless fits a home depends on the gas supply, venting and how the home uses hot water, so it is evaluated case by case.
Related Sonlight services
Related: water heater replacement, water heater repair, tankless water heaters, and the water heater hub. Every Tri-Cities service area gets the same evaluation before any work.
Honest Plumbing. Clear Solutions.
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Upfront pricing: booking a visit starts with the $79 dispatch fee (plus tax). It covers travel to the service location and the plumber's arrival. Diagnostic work and repairs are separate and require customer approval before additional charges are incurred. Not ready to choose a time? Send a service request.