Experience Unmatched Reliability with Bradford White's 40 Gallon - 36,000 BTU Defender Safety System High Efficiency Residential Atmospheric Water Heater (LP Gas)
RG240T6X
Welcome to the Ultimate Solution in Home Water Heating
Bradford White introduces the epitome of comfort and efficiency in water heating technology – our 40-gallon gas water heater. Designed with the modern household in mind, this premier water heating solution delivers consistent, reliable hot water with the durability and performance you expect from Bradford White.
Why Choose Bradford White's 40-Gallon Gas Water Heater?
Innovative Technology: Featuring our patented Hydrojet® Total Performance System, this water heater ensures efficient operation and long-lasting performance by reducing sediment buildup inside the water tank. This innovative system guarantees a smoother flow of water, minimizing the wear and tear on your water heater over time.
Exceptional Efficiency: With an advanced thermopile sensor, our 40-gallon gas water heater operates with remarkable energy efficiency, reducing your monthly utility bills without compromising on hot water availability. It meets all current ENERGY STAR® requirements, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home.
Unparalleled Safety Features: Safety is paramount at Bradford White. Our water heater comes equipped with a sophisticated flame arrestor design and a resettable thermal switch, preventing ignition of flammable vapors outside the unit and ensuring the safety of your household.
Easy Installation and Maintenance: Engineered for convenience, this water heater boasts features that make installation and maintenance straightforward and hassle-free. With detailed instructions and accessible components, you'll experience minimal downtime and easy access for any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Dedicated Support: Bradford White stands behind every product we sell with a comprehensive warranty and a team of customer support specialists. We're here to ensure your complete satisfaction with our products and services.
Transform Your Home with Bradford White
Embrace the comfort of having access to hot water whenever you need it, without the worry of high energy bills or frequent maintenance. The Bradford White 40-gallon gas water heater represents a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional efficiency, and steadfast durability. It's more than just a water heater; it's a commitment to quality and reliability.
Upgrade your home with Bradford White's 40-gallon gas water heater today and experience the difference in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Product Highlights
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Propane
Atmospheric
6 Year Limited Tank/ 6 Year Limited on Component Parts Warranty
40 Gallons
60.125" Height
No
Description
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Please note this unit does not meet the air quality requirements for portions of Southern CA.
Bradford White's high efficiency, energy saver, atmospheric vent residential gas water heater features the Defender Safety System® and offers additional insulation and integral heat traps to reduce stand-by heat loss.
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.
- 2" Non-CFC Foam Insulation - Covers the side and top, 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.
- T&P Relief Valve - Included.
- Low Restrictive Brass Drain Valve - Durable tamper proof design.
- NOx Emissions - Less than 40 ng/J.
Specs
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| Intended Household: |
2-3 Person |
|---|---|
| Vent Size: |
3 x 4 |
| Recovery Efficiency: |
80% |
| Water Connection: |
3/4" |
| Application: |
Plumbing |
| Fuel Type: |
Propane |
| Capacity (Gallons): |
40 |
| BTU Input: |
36000 |
| 1st Hour Delivery (Gallons): |
76 |
| Vent Type: |
Atmospheric |
| Height (Inches): |
60.125" |
| Diameter (Inches): |
20" |
| Weight (lbs): |
136 lbs |
| Warranty: |
6 Year Limited Tank/ 6 Year Limited on Component Parts |
| Energy Factor: |
0.62 |
| Energy Star Rated: |
No |
| Max Altitude (Feet): |
200 |
Understanding This Water Heater's Technology in Depth
What "Atmospheric Vent" Means for Your Installation
Unlike power-vent models that use a fan to force exhaust out, an atmospheric vent water heater relies on natural draft — hot combustion gases rising through a vertical flue due to their own buoyancy. This is the simplest, most traditional venting approach, and it typically means lower equipment cost and simpler installation, but it does require a properly sized, unobstructed vertical vent path (in this case, a 3x4 "Snap Lock" draft diverter compatible with 3" or 4" vent connections).
ICON System: Why No External Power Is Needed
The Bradford White ICON System uses millivolt-powered technology — meaning the standard thermopile converts heat from the pilot flame directly into the electricity needed to run the gas valve and microprocessor. The practical benefit: this water heater will continue operating during a power outage, unlike many modern power-vent or electronic-ignition models that require household electricity to function. This is a meaningful advantage worth highlighting for customers concerned about reliability during storms.
Intelligent Diagnostics: Faster Service Calls
The exclusive green LED diagnostic light with ten distinct codes means that when something does go wrong, a technician can often identify the issue quickly by reading the flash pattern rather than needing extensive troubleshooting — potentially reducing service time and cost for future repairs.
Hydrojet Total Performance System: What Sediment Reduction Actually Prevents
Sediment buildup is one of the most common causes of reduced efficiency and premature tank failure in gas water heaters — as mineral deposits accumulate at the bottom of the tank, they create an insulating layer between the burner and the water, forcing the unit to work harder and burn more fuel to reach temperature. The factory-installed Hydrojet system is specifically designed to keep incoming cold water circulating in a way that reduces this sediment settling, which is particularly relevant in areas with harder water.
Vitraglas Lining: The Tank's Primary Defense Against Corrosion
The tank interior is coated with Vitraglas, a proprietary enamel fused to the steel at over 1,600°F — this glass lining is what actually protects the steel tank from the corrosive effects of hot water over years of use. Combined with the protective magnesium anode rod (a sacrificial component that corrodes instead of the tank itself), these two features work together as the primary defense against the tank failure that eventually ends most water heaters' service lives.
Understanding the 76-Gallon First Hour Delivery Rating
For a 40-gallon tank, delivering 76 gallons in the first hour reflects the combined effect of stored capacity plus the tank's ability to reheat incoming water during that hour — a more useful real-world metric than tank size alone, since it estimates how much hot water is actually available during typical high-demand periods like morning showers.
Sizing Guidance: Is 40 Gallons Right for Your Household?
The listed 2-3 person household sizing guidance is a helpful starting point, but actual needs depend on usage patterns — households with back-to-back showers, large soaking tubs, or simultaneous laundry/dishwasher use may benefit from the 50-gallon or 75-gallon models instead. Our technicians can help match tank size to your household's actual hot water demand rather than household size alone.
Professional Installation Matters
Because atmospheric-vent gas water heaters require correct vent sizing, combustion air supply, and gas line connection to operate safely and efficiently, professional installation is essential. Our licensed plumbers will:
- Confirm your existing vent and gas line are compatible, or properly size new connections
- Verify the installation space provides adequate combustion air
- Complete the water and gas connections per code
- Test the ICON diagnostic system and pilot operation
- Explain the resettable thermal switch and any maintenance-free features specific to this model
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this water heater work during a power outage?
Yes — because it uses millivolt-powered ignition rather than requiring household electricity, it will continue to operate normally during outages, unlike many power-vent models.
How do I read the diagnostic LED codes if there's an issue?
The green LED flashes in specific patterns corresponding to ten different diagnostic codes; our technicians are trained to interpret these during service calls, allowing for faster troubleshooting.
How often does the anode rod need to be inspected or replaced?
Anode rod inspection is generally recommended every 2-3 years as part of routine maintenance, since a depleted anode rod significantly shortens the tank's protected lifespan; our technicians can check this during a maintenance visit.
Pro-Grade American Reliability: Time-Tested Hot Water Performance for Your Home
The Bradford White 40 Gallon Standard Gas Water Heater is widely regarded by professional plumbers as the benchmark for residential water heating efficiency, safety, and longevity. Engineered specifically for standard atmospheric chimney venting, this commercial-grade residential unit provides a steady, high-recovery hot water supply ideal for 2 to 4 person households. Built in the USA with Bradford White's exclusive Vitraglas® enamel lining, an optimized Hydrojet® Total Performance System to eliminate sediment buildup, and the Defender Safety System® with ScreenLok® technology, it offers unmatched resistance to corrosion and thermal stress. Managed by the intelligent ICON System® gas control valve with advanced diagnostics, it delivers worry-free hot water every single day. Whether you need an emergency water heater replacement or a planned home upgrade, our certified plumbing specialists deliver fast, professional results. Call our expert team today at (224) 754-1984 for 24/7 emergency installation, tank replacement, or maintenance:
Exclusive Vitraglas® Tank Lining: High-purity porcelain enamel coating fused directly to the steel tank to provide superior protection against aggressive water corrosion.
Hydrojet® Sediment Reduction System: Cold water inlet pipe generates turbulent jet action to prevent sediment accumulation, increasing heating efficiency and tank life.
Defender Safety System® with ScreenLok®: Advanced Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) technology that prevents flame ignition outside the combustion chamber.
ICON System® Intelligent Gas Control: Microprocessor-based gas valve delivers precise temperature monitoring, rapid recovery, and easy diagnostic status troubleshooting.
Heavy-Duty Protective Anode Rod: High-capacity magnesium anode rod provides maximum cathodic protection to further extend internal tank durability.
Bradford White 40 Gallon Standard Gas Water Heater Technical Specifications
Engineered for professional installation in residential basements, utility closets, or mechanical rooms:
Technical Parameter Feature & Specification Details Operational Advantage Manufacturer & Model Bradford White Atmospheric Vent (RG240T6N / Equivalent) Premier trade-exclusive residential natural gas water heater. Storage Capacity 40 Gallons Ideal capacity for 2 to 4 person single-family residences. Heating Input Rate 40,000 BTU/h (Natural Gas / Propane options) High recovery rate ensures fast water reheating after heavy usage. First Hour Delivery (FHD) Up to 73 Gallons Supplies ample hot water during peak morning shower demand. Safety System Defender Safety System® with ScreenLok® Maintenance-free FVIR safety design preventing vapor ignition. Venting Configuration Standard Atmospheric Venting (3" or 4" B-Vent chimney) Direct replacement for standard existing metal chimney venting.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to a Bradford White 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
Integrating a pro-grade Bradford White gas water heater into your home infrastructure delivers immediate practical comfort rewards:
Trade-Quality Construction: Unlike consumer-grade retail tanks with plastic drain valves, Bradford White utilizes heavy-duty brass drain valves and commercial-grade steel components.
Lower Energy & Maintenance Costs: The Hydrojet® system prevents scale buildup on the tank bottom, ensuring thermal conductivity remains high throughout the unit's lifespan.
Intelligent Troubleshooting: The ICON System® features a millivolt-powered LED status indicator that simplifies diagnostic checks without requiring external electricity.
Proven Long-Term Durability: Engineered to withstand aggressive water chemistry and heavy daily usage, lasting 8 to 12+ years with regular annual anode checks.
Our Step-by-Step Bradford White Installation Process
Site Inspection & Gas Safety Assessment: Evaluating existing gas supply lines, chimney draft pressure, expansion tank status, and floor drain accessibility.
Old Water Heater Draining & Removal: Safely shutting off gas lines, draining the legacy tank, disconnecting plumbing, and hauling away the old unit.
Tank Placement & Leveling: Positioning the new Bradford White 40-gallon tank on a level surface, installing a drain pan, and securing isolation valves.
Gas, Water & Chimney Vent Hookup: Connecting copper/PEX water supply lines, code-compliant gas piping with drip legs, and metal chimney exhaust venting.
Commissioning & Safety Testing: Filling the tank, lighting the pilot via the spark igniter, checking for gas leaks and carbon monoxide draft, and setting safe water temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bradford White 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
Q: Why are Bradford White water heaters sold exclusively through licensed plumbers?
A: Bradford White believes that proper water heater installation requires professional expertise to ensure correct gas line sizing, venting safety, and plumbing codes. Their trade-exclusive commitment guarantees higher manufacturing quality and professional installation.
Q: How does the Defender Safety System® protect my home?
A: The Defender Safety System® incorporates ScreenLok® technology, a flame arrestor design that prevents flammable vapors (such as gasoline or paint thinners spilled nearby) from igniting outside the combustion chamber.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Bradford White 40-gallon gas water heater?
A: With proper professional installation, adequate venting, and routine annual maintenance (such as flushing sediment and inspecting the anode rod), a Bradford White water heater typically lasts 8 to 12+ years.
Q: What should I do if my water heater is leaking from the bottom?
A: Water leaking directly from the bottom of the steel tank casing usually indicates internal corrosion puncture. Shut off the cold water supply valve, turn the gas control knob to "OFF", and call our 24/7 emergency plumbing service immediately for tank replacement.
Bradford White Corporation, headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, is an American-owned and employee owned, full-line manufacturer of residential and commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications. The corporation's manufacturing facilities are in Middleville, Michigan and Niles, MI, and Rochester, NH. The water heaters were patented by Gerald E White from the years 1933–1938. The company is among the largest American manufacturers of water heaters, competing with companies such as Rheem and A. O. Smith. Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters, Bradford White – Canada, Laars Heating Systems, and Niles Steel Tank
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