You're standing in the middle of a Menards aisle, probably near the back where the lighting gets a bit dimmer and the air smells like sawdust and plumbing flux. You’re looking at a row of massive metal cylinders. One brand dominates the shelf space: Richmond. If you're like most homeowners, you’ve probably never heard of Richmond until your current tank started leaking all over the basement floor at 2:00 AM. Now, you need a replacement, and Menards is the most convenient spot to get one. But is it actually the right call?
Picking a water heater isn't just about finding something that fits in the closet. It’s about not having your shower turn into an ice bath halfway through a Tuesday morning.
Richmond water heaters at Menards are essentially the retail-facing sibling of Rheem. If you peel back the sticker, you'll find that Richmond is manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing Company. This is a huge deal because it means you’re getting the engineering and parts network of one of the biggest players in the HVAC world, but usually at a price point that fits a DIY budget.
Why Richmond Water Heaters at Menards are Different
There’s a bit of a myth that "big box" water heaters are inherently worse than what a pro plumber brings in his van. Honestly, it’s more nuanced than that. While a professional-grade Rheem might have a brass drain valve instead of a plastic one, the internal tank construction on these Richmond units is surprisingly beefy.
Most of the Richmond units you’ll find at Menards feature their EverKleen self-cleaning system. It sounds like marketing fluff, I know. But it actually uses a high-velocity spiral of water to keep sediment from settling at the bottom. Sediment is the silent killer of water heaters. It acts like a layer of insulation between the burner and the water, forcing the tank to work harder and eventually causing the bottom to burn out or crack.
You’ve got choices. Plenty of them. Menards usually stocks the 6-year, 9-year, and 12-year warranty models. Here’s a secret: the actual tank is often very similar across these tiers. The jump in price usually buys you a larger anode rod—that’s the "sacrificial" metal stick inside that rusts so your tank doesn't—and maybe a better heating element or a fancier gas valve.
The Gas vs. Electric Debate at Menards
If you’re sticking with what you already have, the choice is made for you. But if you’re renovating, the Richmond line at Menards covers the whole spread. Their gas models often use a FWR (Flammable Vapor Resistance) system. It’s a safety feature that prevents the heater from igniting if you happen to spill gasoline or paint thinner nearby. It’s been industry standard for a while, but Richmond’s design is known for being relatively easy to reset if it trips, unlike some older competitors that required a total part replacement.
Electric models are a different beast. They’re simpler. Fewer moving parts. No venting required. If you go electric, look for the Richmond models with Lifeguard stainless steel elements. They resist lime scale buildup way better than the cheap copper ones. If you live somewhere with hard water—like much of the Midwest where Menards thrives—this isn't an upgrade; it’s a necessity.
Energy Star and the Tax Credit Game
Let’s talk money. Specifically, the government's money.
Many people overlook the High-Efficiency (HE) Richmond units. They cost more upfront. Sometimes double. But with the current federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, you can often claw back 30% of the cost, up to $2,000 for certain heat pump models. Menards carries these Richmond Hybrid Heat Pump water heaters, and they are wild. They basically work like a refrigerator in reverse, pulling heat from the air to warm your water.
👉 See also: AP Sounds & Customs: Why This Custom Shop Still Dominates the Scene
They’re tall. They’re a bit noisy (sorta like a loud dishwasher). But they use about one-fourth of the electricity of a standard tank. If your water heater is in a garage or a large unfinished basement, it's a no-brainer.
Installation: The "Menards Factor"
The biggest hurdle with buying a Richmond water heater at Menards is getting it home and inside. These things are heavy. A 50-gallon gas tank weighs about 150 pounds dry. Don’t try to shove this into the back of a Honda Civic.
Also, Menards is a DIY haven, but water heaters involve gas lines, carbon monoxide venting, or high-voltage electricity. If you aren't comfortable with a pipe wrench or a multimeter, hire someone. Most local plumbers will install a unit you bought yourself, though some might grumble because they aren't making a markup on the hardware.
One thing to check: the T&P valve. That’s the Temperature and Pressure relief valve. Richmond usually pre-installs these. Make sure it isn't dinged up in the box. If it is, Menards is usually pretty good about swaps, but it’s a pain to realize it’s broken only after you’ve hauled it into your basement.
Reliability and Real-World Issues
No product is perfect. Richmond water heaters sometimes get a bad rap for their pilot light assemblies on gas models. Some users report the thermocouple—the little sensor that tells the heater the pilot is lit—failing prematurely.
Because these are sold at Menards, the "customer service" experience is different than if you bought through a plumbing supply house. If a part fails under warranty, you usually have to call Richmond’s 1-800 number, get a claim number, and then go to Menards to get the replacement part. It’s a bit of a dance.
📖 Related: Good Quality Hair Dryer: Why You’re Still Overpaying for Heat Damage
However, because they share DNA with Rheem, parts are everywhere. You don't have to wait for a proprietary bolt to be shipped from a remote warehouse. Any decent hardware store will have the basics.
Is It Actually Worth It?
If you need a water heater today and you want the best balance of "won't leak in three years" and "won't break the bank," Richmond at Menards is a solid play.
They aren't the boutique, hand-welded tanks that cost $3,000. They are workhorses. They are designed for the average American home.
The 9-year warranty models seem to be the "sweet spot." You get a better anode rod than the base model without the massive price hike of the 12-year units. Just make sure you measure your space. Modern water heaters are wider than the ones built 20 years ago because they have thicker insulation to meet modern energy codes.
Actionable Steps for Your Project
- Measure twice. Check the height and the diameter of your current tank. If your old tank is in a tight corner, a new Richmond unit might be 2 inches wider, which can be a dealbreaker.
- Check your venting. If you're buying a gas unit, verify if you need a "Tall" or "Short" model to align with your existing chimney or power vent.
- Buy a new supply line kit. Don’t reuse your old, crusty flexible hoses. Spend the extra $30 at Menards for a fresh installation kit including a new shut-off valve.
- Drain your tank annually. Regardless of the Richmond warranty, hook up a garden hose and flush out the sediment once a year. It’ll make a 6-year tank last 15.
- Verify the rebate. Before you leave the store, check the Menards 11% rebate calendar. If you time it right, you can get a significant chunk of change back in store credit, which you’ll inevitably spend on light bulbs or mulch later anyway.
Properly sizing your unit is the final piece of the puzzle. A 40-gallon tank is standard for 2-3 people. If you have a massive soaking tub or teenagers who take 30-minute showers, bump up to the 50-gallon or look at the high-recovery gas models. It’s better to have a bit too much hot water than not enough.