Is the Rheem PRO+G50-40N RH62 right for your home?
The Rheem PRO+G50-40N RH62 is a tall, 50-gallon Professional Classic Plus atmospheric water heater for natural gas. It is a replacement candidate for homes with a suitable natural-gas supply, combustion air and conventional natural-draft vent. WHE checks those conditions along with hot-water demand before recommending it for a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter or nearby communities.
The plus sign matters: PRO+G identifies this Professional Classic Plus model. Its manufacturer listing carries an eight-year limited tank-and-parts term. Keep the full model number on an estimate so a similarly named Professional Classic unit or propane version is not mistaken for the same equipment.
Capacity, efficiency and hot-water delivery
| Nominal capacity / rated storage | 50 gallons / 48 gallons |
|---|---|
| Fuel and burner input | Natural gas, 40,000 BTU/h |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.65 UEF |
| First-hour rating | 76 gallons |
| Recovery at a 90°F temperature rise | 40.4 gallons per hour |
| Manufacturer warranty listing | Eight-year limited tank and parts warranty; application and certificate terms apply |
The exact model row in Rheem’s May 2025 specification sheet supplies these ratings. The 76-gallon first-hour rating measures delivery from stored hot water plus recovery during a standardized test. It is different from the 48 gallons of rated storage.
We ask about simultaneous showers, bathtub fills and the point when the current heater runs short. Those details help determine whether this model’s delivery fits the household. A larger nominal tank does not always have a higher first-hour rating, and actual results depend on inlet temperature, settings and fixture use.
Dimensions and connection locations
Rheem lists a 59¼-inch tank height and 21½-inch diameter, with 62½ inches to the vent connection. The gas connection is 14 inches above the base, and the side temperature-and-pressure relief connection is 52½ inches high. The top water connections are 8 inches apart and use ¾-inch connections; the drawing shows a ½-inch gas connection. Listed shipping weight is 165 pounds.
The tank measurements are the starting point for an installation review. WHE also checks the access opening, draft hood and vent alignment, water piping, required clearances, drain-pan space and relief-discharge route. We leave room for service to the controls, drain and anode rather than judging fit by the tank diameter alone.
Natural-draft venting, gas supply and electrical needs
The linked US manual identifies this as a Category I natural-draft appliance that uses the factory-supplied draft hood and a suitable vent to the outdoors. Its specification row lists a 3- or 4-inch vent. The complete vent arrangement must be evaluated before reusing an existing connector or chimney.
WHE reviews combustion-air openings, vent condition and draft, gas pressure and supply capacity, shutoff access and the surrounding installation. Replacing a power-vent or direct-vent heater with this atmospheric model requires a separate venting assessment. The manual also excludes manufactured/mobile-home use.
The manual illustrates a pilot and piezo ignition system; this model has no electric vent blower. We verify the supplied controls and any separately powered accessories when reviewing electrical needs. Water pressure, thermal expansion and the relief discharge are part of the plumbing review.
This unit must use natural gas as specified on its rating plate. The same-series propane model is PRO+G50-36P RH62, with 36,000 BTU/h input and 36.4 GPH recovery. Rheem’s manual warns against converting between gas types.
Compare the tall 50 with other Classic Plus natural-gas models
| Model | Tank height × diameter | First-hour rating | UEF |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRO+G50-40N RH62 | 59¼ × 21½ inches | 76 gallons | 0.65 |
| PRO+G50S-40N RH61 | 51⅛ × 23¾ inches | 87 gallons | 0.63 |
| PRO+G55-50N RH59 | 55⅞ × 23¾ inches | 91 gallons | 0.62 |
The short 50-gallon model has the same 48 gallons rated storage and 40,000 BTU/h input as the tall model, but needs a wider footprint. The 55-gallon model has 55 gallons rated storage, 50,000 BTU/h input and 51 GPH recovery at a 90°F rise. Its higher input also calls for a gas-supply review. WHE compares the delivery requirement and installation space together before proposing a different size or shape.
Maintenance and the eight-year limited warranty
Rheem lists a protective anode, sediment-control features and a brass drain valve. The filter-free combustion system still requires the inspection and care described in the manual. Access for vent and burner inspection, draining and anode service helps make future maintenance practical.
The linked warranty certificate specifies eight years for the tank and component parts in a single-family dwelling, subject to its terms. It limits coverage to the original owner and lists a one-year term for other installation applications. WHE verifies the applicable certificate and application when preparing an estimate.
The certificate excludes labor for service, repair, reinstallation, permits and removal or disposal. Any separate WHE installation coverage is stated in the estimate. ProtectionPlus can extend the limited tank term to 12 years when applicable; it is optional and is not automatically included. Equipment availability and installed pricing are confirmed for the job.
Manufacturer references: Rheem PRO+G50-40N RH62 product page, May 2025 specification sheet, 05.25-RH-PRO+-ATM-SS, US use and care manual, AP23059 Rev. 01 and eight-year limited warranty certificate, AP16827-1. Ratings above use the exact model row, not series-wide ranges. The image is Rheem’s shared Classic Plus atmospheric-series photo; appearance may vary by model.
PRO+G50-40N RH62 frequently asked questions
Is this the natural-gas version of PRO+G50-36P RH62?
Yes. PRO+G50-40N RH62 is the natural-gas model in the same Professional Classic Plus atmospheric series. Its input is 40,000 BTU/h, while the propane version is 36,000 BTU/h. They must be matched to the correct fuel supply.
Is PRO+G50-40N RH62 the same as PROG50-40N RH62?
The plus sign identifies the Professional Classic Plus model. This guide covers its eight-year limited tank-and-parts listing. The similar model number without the plus sign belongs to the Professional Classic series, so confirm the complete designation and warranty with the equipment being quoted.
Does it hold 50 gallons or 76 gallons?
It is in the 50-gallon nominal class with 48 gallons rated storage. The 76-gallon first-hour rating is a separate test measurement that includes recovery while the heater is operating.
Will it fit where my current 50-gallon heater sits?
That needs a measurement and vent review. The tank is 59¼ inches high by 21½ inches in diameter, and the listed vent-connection height is 62½ inches. Piping, clearances and service access require additional room.
Does the eight-year warranty include installation labor?
No. The linked manufacturer certificate excludes service and reinstallation labor and other listed expenses. Its eight-year term also depends on the installation application and other terms. WHE explains any separate installation coverage in the estimate.
Request a WHE natural gas water heater estimate
Text photos of the existing rating plate, vent, gas connection and surrounding space to 561-602-9062. WHE can review gas water heater replacement options and explain the equipment and work included. Use the estimate button above to begin your request.