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50 Gallon - 40,000 BTU Defender Safety System Atmospheric Vent Energy Saver Residential Water Heater (Nat Gas)
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M-I-5036FBN has been discontinued
Discontinued July 18, 2016
This product was discontinued by the manufacturer.
MANUALS (7)
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Suggested Alternative:
50 Gallon - 40,000 BTU Defender Safety System High Efficiency Residential Atmospheric Water Heater (Natural Gas)
VIEW ALTERNATIVE
Product Highlights
–
Natural Gas
6 Year Limited Tank/ 6 Year Limited on Component Parts Warranty
50 Gallons
59.625" Height
No
20" Diameter
Description
–
To view a list of zip codes where this heater cannot be installed, click here.
This Bradford White water heater utilizes a draft diverter and is atmospherically vented. It is perfect for many standard water heating applications.
Features:
This Bradford White water heater utilizes a draft diverter and is atmospherically vented. It is perfect for many standard water heating applications.
Features:
- Bradford White ICON System - Intelligent gas control with proven millivolt powered technology and built-in piezo igniter. A standard, off the shelf thermopile converts heat energy from the pilot flame into electrical energy to operate the gas valve and microprocessor. No need for external electricity.
- Enhanced Performance - Proprietary algorithms provide enhanced First Hour Delivery ratings and tighter temperature differentials.
- Advanced Temperature Control System - Microprocessor constantly monitors and controls burner operation to maintain consistent and accurate water temperature levels.
- Intelligent Diagnostics - An exclusive green LED light prompts the installer during start-up and provides ten different diagnostic codes to assist in troubleshooting.
- Pilot On Indication - Flashing green LED provides positive indication that pilot is on.
- Separate Immersed Thermowell - High strength advanced polymer composite thermowell provides isolation between electric temperature sensor and surrounding water. No need to drain the tank when removing gas valve.
- Advanced ScreenLok® Technology Flame Arrestor Design - Flame arrestor is designed to prevent ignition of flammable vapor outside of the water heater.
- Resettable Thermal Switch - Proven and reliable bimetallic switch prevents burner and pilot operation in case of ongoing flammable vapor burn inside of the combustion chamber or restricted air flow.
- Maintenance Free - No regular cleaning of air inlet openings or flame arrestor is required under normal conditions.
- Sight Window - Offers a view into the combustion chamber to observe the operation of the pilot and burner.
- Factory Installed Hydrojet® Total Performance System - Cold water inlet sediment reducing device helps prevent sediment build up in tank. Increases first hour delivery of hot water while minimizing temperature build up in tank.
- Vitraglas® Lining - Bradford White tanks are lined with a exclusively engineered enamel formula that provides superior protection from the highly corrosive effects of hot water. This formula (Vitraglas®) is fused to the steel surface by firing at a temperature of over 1600ºF.
- 1" Non-CFC Foam Insulation - Covers the sides and top of tank, reducing the amount of heat loss. This results in less energy consumption, improved operation efficiencies and jacket rigidity.
- Pedestal Base.
- Water Connections -3/4" NPT factory installed true dielectric fittings.
- Factory Installed Heat Traps.
- Protective Magnesium Anode Rod.
- 3x4 "Snap Lock" Draft Diverter - Allows either 3" or 4" vent connections with inputs of 40,000 BTU/Hr or less. Over 40,000 BTU/Hr. has the 4" "Snap Lock" Draft Diverter.
- T&P Relief Valve - Included.
- Brass Drain Valve - Tamper proof design
Specs
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| Intended Household: | 3-4 Person |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Natural Gas |
| Gas Connection: | 1/2" |
| Capacity (Gallons): | 50 |
| Water Connection: | 3/4" |
| BTU Input: | 40000 |
| Recovery Efficiency: | 79% |
| 1st Hour Delivery (Gallons): | 89 |
| Warranty: | 6 Year Limited Tank/ 6 Year Limited on Component Parts |
| Vent Size: | 3 x 4 |
| Application: | Plumbing |
| Height (Inches): | 59.625" |
| Diameter (Inches): | 20" |
| Weight (lbs): | 145 lbs |
| Energy Factor: | 0.58 |
| Energy Star Rated: | No |
Questions?
Speak with a real person who will go out of the way to help!
Call or text 888-757-4774
Monday – Thursday
8am–7:45pm
Friday
9am–7:45pm
Saturday – Sunday
9am–5:45pm
Compare Similar Products
Brand
Intended Household
Fuel Type
Capacity (Gallons)
Water Connection
BTU Input
CURRENT ITEM
3-4 Person
Natural Gas
50
3/4"
40000
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Bradford White
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Product Reviews
4.43 out of 30 reviews
86% would recommend this product
5 star
73%
4 star
13%
3 star
3%
2 star
3%
1 star
7%
Most Liked Positive Review
We love our new water heater!
The delivery was fast. We replaced a 14 year old gas water heater with this model of the same size and capacity. We installed it ourselves. The controls are easy to operate and installation was easy. In less than 2 hours, the water was very hot. We had to turn down the temperature. Now I can take a very long hot shower without adjusting the temperature. The only thing we didn't like about it was that the relief valve was on the right side, but our utility sink is on the left side. We made it work, but it would have been nice to be able to choose a model with it on the left.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
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Nightmare water heater,
I had a Bradford Defender installed in my hair salon over a year ago and the pilot light goes out at least once a week. The final straw was Saturday, December 22 which is the busiest day of the year and once again NO HOT WATER!!! .......can you imagine having a hair salon in the Northeast in December with no hot water!!? This heater has repeatedly hurt my business and my plumber will be removing this relatively new water and installing a more reputable product this week. Very disappointed!
Showing 1-10 of 30 reviews
Good Quality Product
Definitely took almost 10 days to receive delivery. We had a Bradford White before, but they did no longer carried the same model we had - customer service was very helpful to confirm another model that actually replaced the one we had. It was easy to install and get it up and running.
PMB
Plainfield, IL
11 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Bradford Rocks
install and new performance are amazing. Water temp set on A and Temp of water is amazing.
DW
Milwaukee,Wi.
11 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Great product
The water heater is a great product but you have to wait almost 3 weeks to get it.
JR
IL
12 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Great service, product easy to install.
So far, the product works very well. Simple to install, if you are experienced with plumbing. I used Skarkbite connectors on the Copper tubing. They are simple to use and very effective.
Handyman
Michigan
12 years ago
Verified Buyer
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2 Fail in 3 years- just the truth
Bought MI5036FBN in 2011, installed by a pro plumber. Fail 1 - less than 1 year, Jan 2012 the center pipe (exhaust) leaked. pro plumber came back to replace the unit and said the seam weld on the interior of the exhaust was split/leaking. They installed a new MI5036FBN (no charge on unit), but charged for the labor. Fail 2 - Aug 2 2014, same exact fail!! Water leaking in the exhaust tube. 2 fail in 3 years. Just the truth. Wont be getting a third. Three basement floods in three years, what a pain in the neck. Looking at a Rheem unit today for the same price, same size, same BTU, same, same, better efficiency. Maybe it will last longer than 2 years without splitting down the middle!! For all those who want to blame my house.....30 year old house.....lived here 20 years, the first two tanks lasted about 13 years each. its nothing to do with the house or install. Just poorly manufactured seam welds by B-W. Just the truth.
leaky tanks
Fort Wayne, IN
12 years ago
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Reliable and attractive
I feel that my money was well spent.
Eliminator
Houston Texas
12 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Great water heater
Great water heater. Arrived in great shape, took a little longer than anticipated for shipping, but all in all a great buy. Best price I could find by far and very easy to install. Took about an hour for piping hot water, and have had to turn it down twice more! Heats very quickly with plenty in reserve. We took three showers back to back to back and did two loads of laundry and still had hot water to spare. Thanks PexSupply!
Jason
Kewaskum, WI
12 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Terrible Warranty
We installed 4 New Bradfordand White water heaters about 2 years ago 2 of them already needed to be replaced. They will exchange them for a new water heater but you have to pay for the installation which is usually more than the water heater itself. I really didn't want to use the same defective product line and any attempt made to get my money back from Bradford White just for the Water heaters was quickly denied. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE and WARRANTY. Please DO NOT install this product line (40 gallon) and you'll be out a lot of money not to mention the frustration of dealing with broken water heaters.
Fritz
Oakland CA
12 years ago
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Works as advertised.
Appliance was easy to install & functioned properly out-of-the-box. Three inches taller but identical footprint from AOSmith 40gal appliance it replaced meant modifying flue vent (without difficulty). Tank debris accumulated at & plugged faucet aerators; an experienced plumber might have anticipated this potential, removed aerators & flushed a single faucet.
charlesmann2
Washington
13 years ago
Verified Buyer
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So far so good!
Quick shipping and it was very easy to install. I had a very similar Bradford when I built my house 12 years ago but it started leaking and I had a small leak and replaced it before a bigger leak. Instillation was a breeze, I did it myself. Hot water has never been hotter!
Phil
Cleveland, OH
13 years ago
Verified Buyer
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Product Q&A
21 Questions21 Questions
Q: Can end user add additional insulation, ie. a blanket designed for water heaters? Is this recommended to improve efficiency? I've heard conflicting advice. Also, what type of anode does it have? Is it end user replaceable?
Asked by Dave 14 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffThis unit comes standard with a magnesium anode rod, but it can be replaced with an aluminum rod (available separately). Bradford White does not recommend installing a water heater blanket, as you can see at the following link: http://www.bradfordwhite.com/insulation.asp
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Q: What do I need to do to convert this to LP gas?
Asked by thrasher 14 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffA complete parts list for this unit can be found at the link below. http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/shared/pdfs/partslists/46639-D.pdf
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Q: My current water heater is direct vented out the side of my house. Does this model have this capability?
Asked by Gabe 15 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffNo, this unit is atmospherically vented.
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- Van
You probably want the M1TW50SFBN or any model with TW in the model number. These heater vent through the wall, hence the TW. I'd contact a plumber or dealer direct to make sure before ordering online.
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Q: I have 21 inch space can it fit? what is the measurmnet of the water release valve on the side?
Asked by zofia 15 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffPlease refer to page 2 of the specifications below for the full dimensions of the water heater. http://s3.pexsupply.com/manuals/1269613267332/28336_PROD_FILE.pdf
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Q: The Btuh input is 40000. What is the Btuh Output?
Asked by Rebate Robot 15 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffWater heaters are not rated for a BTU output.
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Q: Do you have to have this model off of the floor by 18 inches if installed in utility room in garage.
Asked by 15 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffYou do not, unless local codes require it.
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Q: is the height from bottom of tank to top of tank
Asked by steve 15 years ago
Add your answer
Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffThe tank measures 58" (59 5/8" when including the flue connection).
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Q: What is the R insulation rating for this water heater?
Asked by 16 years ago
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Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffThe R-value for M-I-5036FBN is 7.
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Q: What is the EF rating for this?
Asked by 16 years ago
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Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffAccording to the manufacturer, the EF rating is .58.
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Q: Does this particular unit qualify for the Federal Tax Credit?
Asked by ME 16 years ago
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Verified Reply- PexSupply StaffNo it does not. There is a note included in the description of all the boilers or water heaters that do qualify for the Federal Tax Credit.
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