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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.
Suggested Alternative:
50 Gallon - 40,000 BTU Defender Safety System High Efficiency Residential Atmospheric Water Heater (Natural Gas)
SKU:RG250T6N
(97)
VIEW ALTERNATIVE
VIEW ALTERNATIVE

Product Highlights

Product Highlight: Fuel Type
Natural Gas
Product Highlight: Warranty
6 Year Limited Tank/ 6 Year Limited on Component Parts Warranty
Product Highlight: Capacity (Gallons)
50 Gallons
Product Highlight: Height (Inches)
59.625" Height
Product Highlight: Energy Star Rated
No
Product Highlight: Diameter (Inches)
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:
  • 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

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

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Compare Similar Products

Brand
Intended Household
Fuel Type
Capacity (Gallons)
Water Connection
BTU Input
Bradford White
3-4 Person
Natural Gas
50
3/4"
40000

You May Also Need

23 Replacement Parts

Orifice #38, 234-41034-38
SKU: 234-41034-38
Bradford White
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Product Reviews

4.43 out of 30 reviews
86% would recommend this product
4.43
out of 30 Reviews
86% would recommend this product
WRITE A REVIEW
5 star
73%
4 star
13%
3 star
3%
2 star
3%
1 star
7%
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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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Product Q&A

21 Questions
21 Questions
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Q: can i convert this model to LP? if not why? its just a matter of changing the orifaces. I can take an LP tank and change it to NG why not the other way, what is the NG>LP conversion kit part # for this specific model number and is it still available even though the tank is discon. 100'+ sea lvl 3/4' copper lines well water / mid-soft

Asked by Caleb 11 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- SupplyHouse Staff

Unfortunately no, there are no conversions to LP, only from LP to NG as per the manufacturer.

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- Smitty

This has to do with the heat at which LP burns (hotter) relative to NG. The water heaters they sell for LP are build with higher grade materials due to the higher heat output of LP, which is also why they're more expensive. So you can go from LP to NG which would leave you with an over engineered water heater relative to the gas source, but if you went the other way you'd be exceeding it's design capacity.

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Q: If this has been discontinued for not meeting current code, why did my plumber just install it in my home and charge me extra to "bring my system up to 2015 code"? I'm feeling very concerned and a bit "taken". Also, if it's discontinued is the warranty even valid ? He charged $1650 to do this yesterday...not to mention he switched this at the last minute, I had agreed to purchase a RUUD.

Asked by Hot water 11 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- SupplyHouse Staff

This model has not been discontinued, however there have been changes made to the water heaters that are currently being manufactured to meet the 2015 NAECA codes, so it is possible your installer had the previous version of this unit and had to make adjustments. As long as the unit was installed properly and meets the requirements Bradford White specified then it should be valid under warranty as well.

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Q: does this model qualify for energy tax credits ?

Asked by Sal 11 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- Supplyhouse Staff

Please consult the manufacturer's website and the local utility company in your area to confirm which units qualify for energy tax credits.

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Q: How much does it cost to run this unit annually?

Asked by bnlauren 11 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- Supplyhouse Staff

https://s3.supplyhouse.com/product_files/Energy%20Factor-Natural%20Gas-M-I-5036FBN.pdf

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Q: What specifically do you need to buy or install to get a 10 year warranty? Who would I contact if warranty service is needed since you have no local outlets?

Asked by John 14 years ago

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This question needs two answers. 1. The specifications page for your 50 gallon heater product ( http://www.pexsupply.com/Bradford-White-M-4-5036FBN-50-Gallon-40000-BTU-Defender-Safety-System-Energy-Star-High-Efficiency-Residential-Water-Heater-Nat-Gas )shows a standard warranty covering a 6 year period. The page also offers you a web link to another product description telling you about a second product you can buy which extends the (standard) 6 year warranty to an extended, 10-year warranty (personal comment - that adds 4 years to your warranty coverage.) Make absolutely sure your model number is on the 'authorized' list. Go HERE ( http://www.pexsupply.com/Bradford-White-238-43329-00-10-Year-Warranty-Upgrade-Kit-Level-1 ) for details on what you need to order, what it will cost, etc etc. I see a cost of 141.95 for that 4-year extension. 2. At the bottom of that page, below the listing of qualified model numbers, both Gas and Electric, which you can purchase the extended coverage, you will see " For additional warranty information, please visit Bradford White's Warranty Information Page <http://www.bradfordwhite.com/warch.asp>. " That page is your "official" statement for warranty coverage, disallowed items not covered, and most important, the final statement at the bottom of the Warranty Information Page:

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-

For a 10 year warranty water heater you need to buy the water heater that states it does have a 10 year warranty. Simply register the water heater ad install date by mail or PC. Doing that is all you need to do. If there is a problem you would call the manufacturer and explain the problem. They have a network of plumbers or heating contractors that would come to the house to resolve the issue. As for products I like the Bradford, just made better, but that is my preference.

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Q: what is the height of the gas box hole. Is it the same as my MI5036EN10? I do not want to cut gas pipe. water pipe is ok gas, no way...

Asked by Jayp 14 years ago

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- Another PexSupply Customer

Our gas supply line is 13.5 inches from the floor to the center of the gas pipe. Our water heater sits on top of a drain pan and is further shimmed up with 1/2 inch plywood (possibly done so as not to have to cut or adjust the gas pipe). The gas feedline to the burner is 3 1/4 inches from the top of the drain pan surface. Hope this helps. Elizabeth Tonon

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- Another PexSupply Customer

The height is fairly standard for the last few years

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- Another PexSupply Customer

13 inches center line from floor up Sent from my iPad

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Q: what does "atmospheric vent" ?

Asked by quan nguyen 14 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- PexSupply Staff

Atmospheric vent units (also know as gravity vent, chimney vent, or standard vent) rely on the natural process of exhaust gases rising through a chimney. Power vent and direct vent units, on the other hand, use blower fans to force exhaust gases away from the water heater.

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- Another PexSupply Customer

It means that the exhaust is vented directly into the flue or utility chimney. Does not require a fan to pump the exhaust outside. Take a look at your existing water heater, if you have an aluminum flue heading to the chimney you have an atmospheric vent. Sent from my iPod

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- Another PexSupply Customer

Atmospheric vent means ( based on Picture) that it is the traditional venting of galvanized pipe to a chimney-not what the higher efficiency units with power vents or PVC piping would need

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- Another PexSupply Customer

Google it...here is one definition... When people talk about atmospheric-vent heaters, or if you see them in a company spec sheet, it's referring to the most common type of gas water heater out there -- one that has a vent pipe that passes straight up through the roof.

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Q: what is the energy factor

Asked by [email protected] 14 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- PexSupply Staff

This unit has a .58 Energy Factor.

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- Another PexSupply Customer

Estimated yearly energy use is 258 Therms. Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from David's BlackBerry®

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- Another PexSupply Customer

I installed this in my mother's house. It is a gas unit and is truly wonderful. I do not know the energy factor, but I do know that for the same money all the other brands are inferior to this.

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- Another PexSupply Customer

I'm not sure of the energy factor, but I can tell you the water heater is pretty amazing as far as water heaters go. It was simple to pop in as a replacement and the microprocessor controlled burner is amazing. --Joe

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- Another PexSupply Customer

Energy Factor is an 'artificial index' created to indicate to a buyer/user the effectiveness of a rated product. Newly demanded to be provided with appliances and products that consume power/energy to create hot water for your home..... each product design - energy source, insulation characteristics, heat loss through vents, etc., create a unique energy factor for each water heater product. The costs of energy, electric or natural gas or propane, should be factored into analyzing the 'energy factor' to determine the overall cost comparison of operating alternate product solutions and judging the lowest cost in your local community. This information may help you.... http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/appliances/waterheaters.html from which this following information is taken: Understanding The Energy Factor Label There is another label on new water heaters listing that unit's "Energy Factor." It's a number with a decimal point, usually listed on a separate tag beside the EnergyGuide. The higher the "Energy Factor" number, the more efficient the water heater. Gas water heaters have energy factors between 0.5 to around 0.7. Electric models range from 0.75 to 0.95. Those Energy Factor numbers show that electric models make better use of energy, primarily because gas water heaters lose some of their energy up the exhaust vent. However, new gas water heaters boast more efficient combustion than older ones, meaning that less heat escapes up the flue, and less gas is needed to heat the water. Gas efficiency has improved. But since electrical energy usually costs three times more than gas, in most of California it's still cheaper to use natural gas, if you have a choice. "Energy Factors" vary because different water heaters are made to be more energy efficient. Today's models are better insulated than the ones manufactured years ago. As a result, most cost about 18 percent less to run than older models. The savings are due to reduced heat loss, thanks to the added insulation. Return to Top It's Your Money Whichever type of water heater you buy - either gas or electric - look for a unit with a higher energy factor. It may cost more initially, but the energy (and your money) savings may more than make up for the higher sticker price. Consider the price difference and how long it would take to recover the money through energy savings. For example, say a gas water heater with an energy factor of 0.57 sells for $129, while one with an energy factor of 0.61 sells for $145. To begin with, you'll spend $16 more for the model with the higher energy factor, but it will save you almost $11 a year in the natural gas. You have recovered your initial $16 investment within 18 months. Over the estimated life of the water heater, you should save an additional $125. Here's a comparison of what various water heaters with different Energy Factors could cost to operate each year, using a consistent price for energy. Note the savings compared to the 0.53 model over the 13-year life expectancy of a water heater. Energy savings are based on the average use of a family of four. Energy Factor Energy Cost Each Year Savings Over Life of Appliance 0.53 $177 $0 0.57 $166 $143 0.61 $155 $286 0.65 $144 $429 As you can see, spending more up-front for a more efficient water heater - one with a higher Energy Factor - can mean major savings over the life of the appliance!

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Q: What does 3 X 4 vent size mean?

Asked by 14 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- PexSupply Staff

It means that this particular unit (M-I-5036FSX) can accept either 3" or 4" venting.

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Q: Can this model be used at 7000 feet elevation?

Asked by 14 years ago

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Verified Author and ReplyVerified Reply- PexSupply Staff

This unit only works at altitudes up to 2,000 feet above sea level. You would need to use a high-altitude unit at 7,000 feet. Such units can be custom-ordered by contacting our customer service department.

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