Bradford White RG230T6X 30-Gallon Tall Propane (LP) Water Heater

Where the Bradford White RG230T6X fits

The RG230T6X is a 30-gallon nominal tall propane (LP) water heater in Bradford White’s standard Atmospheric Vent Gas family. This 30-gallon tall option uses an 18-inch jacket and has a higher published first-hour rating than the narrower RG130T6 version. Both have the same rated storage and height, so the choice is mainly about width, input and tested delivery rather than adding stored gallons.

A 60-gallon published first-hour figure is useful when comparing a busy period, but it does not guarantee a particular number of showers. WHE reviews the fixtures served and their timing. A higher input can help replenish a small tank, yet a larger storage requirement may still justify comparing a 40-gallon model if the location allows it.

Capacity, first-hour delivery and efficiency

The current U.S. specification lists 30 gallons nominal capacity, 29 gallons DOE rated storage, a 60-gallon first-hour rating and 0.60 UEF for this model row. Nominal capacity is the listed size category; rated storage is the separately published stored volume. First-hour rating combines stored hot water with reheating during a standardized hour.

UEF is a standardized efficiency measure, not a prediction of your bill or a substitute for checking hot-water demand. The sheet uses N-suffix base rows and directs the final N to be changed to X for propane. It gives one first-hour and UEF pair per row, with separate LP input and recovery columns; this guide uses those LP columns.

Dimensions and connection heights

• A — floor to exhaust connection: 59 3/4 inches.
• F — floor to top of heater: 56 1/4 inches.
• B — jacket diameter: 18 inches; H — depth: 21 1/2 inches.
• G — floor to water connections: 57 inches; J — center spacing: 8 inches.
• M — water connections: 3/4-inch NPT.
• D — floor to standard side T&P connection: 49 3/4 inches.
• S — gas connection: 1/2 inch, located 13 inches above the floor.
• Approximate shipping weight: 116 pounds, not the filled operating weight.

Compared with the narrower 30-gallon version, this tank adds 2 inches to both jacket diameter and listed depth. The exhaust and water-connection heights are unchanged. Check the full installation envelope before assuming the old narrow tank’s closet will accept this model.

These are equipment dimensions, not installation clearances. Allow space for the pan, fittings, relief discharge and access to the controls, drain and anode. The selected tall models have an optional top T&P location that must be specified when ordering; this guide uses the standard side arrangement.

Compare the other tall options

The RG130T6X is the narrower 30-gallon tall alternative. It lists a 16-inch jacket, 29 gallons rated storage, a 46-gallon first-hour rating and 0.54 UEF. For propane (LP), its published input is 27,000 BTU/h and recovery is 29 GPH at a 90°F rise. Compare those figures with this model’s 18-inch jacket and 60-gallon first-hour rating.

For another storage size in the same fuel, review the RG240T6X 40-gallon tall guide. The RG230T6N is the corresponding natural gas model. Choose the correct fuel first, then compare storage, delivery and fit.

Propane (LP) input and recovery

The published propane (LP) input is 31,000 BTU/h, with 33 gallons per hour recovery at a 90°F temperature rise. Recovery is separate from the first-hour rating and is not the amount stored in the tank. The required temperature rise and actual use affect how the heater replenishes hot water.

WHE checks the propane supply and regulator arrangement along with the other appliances served. The X-suffix heater must match the supplied fuel; the manufacturer identifies a separate propane burner. A matching tank size is not a reason to connect a natural gas model to propane. The 1/2-inch appliance connection does not establish the required supply-pipe size.

Atmospheric venting and installation scope

The specification lists a 3- or 4-inch vent connection for this input range. That does not mean either size is suitable for every installation. WHE reviews the vent route, condition, draft arrangement, combustion air and any commonly vented appliances. A power-vent or direct-vent heater has different requirements and is not an automatic replacement match.

This is an indoor storage heater. The estimate considers access, old-unit removal, supporting surface, shutoffs, piping, drainage, relief discharge and expansion control where the water supply is closed. If the current heater is difficult to reach in an attic, we can assess whether moving it to a garage is practical.

Features, care and six-year warranty

This family includes the Defender flammable-vapor ignition resistant system, a protective anode and sediment-control features. The sheet describes an ICON gas control that needs no external electricity, with controls subject to regional variation. These features do not make the tank maintenance-free. Keep service access clear and have internal gas-system diagnosis performed by a qualified professional.

The 6 identifies the six-year tank version. For qualifying single-family use, the residential certificate provides six-year limited tank and parts terms. Other residential use of this six-year model has one-year terms; nonresidential or commercial use is excluded. Removal, installation and associated repair or replacement costs are excluded, subject to applicable law. Retain the supplied certificate, model, serial number and installation record.

Official documents and image note

Checked October 17, 2026 against the current U.S. Atmospheric Vent Gas family, 1101-1125 specification (November 2025), 238-51012-00V installation manual (August 2026) and 238-39699-00ZAN residential warranty (March 2025). The official family photograph is representative; proportions, labels and fuel-specific components vary. The supplied nameplate and documents establish the exact equipment.

Plan your Bradford White replacement

Explore our Bradford White installation options, gas water heater service and model catalog. Water Heating Experts is family owned and master plumber owned, serving Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities under Florida license CFC1426133. Call 561-602-9062, text site photos or request a free installation estimate. Price, availability and scheduling are confirmed for your project.

Bradford White RG230T6X FAQs