Reliance 6 10 SOMS 10-Gallon Mini Tank Point-of-Use Water Heater
Reliance 6 10 SOMS 10-Gallon Mini Tank Point-of-Use Water Heater Review
The Reliance 6 10 SOMS is a 10-gallon mini-tank point-of-use water heater, sold under A.O. Smith's budget Reliance brand. Designed for under-sink installation at single fixtures with moderate hot-water demand.
Specs: 10 gallons stored, 1500W heating element on 120V outlet, recovery rate ~7 gallons per hour, glass-lined steel tank. About 14" diameter × 22" tall.
The 10-gallon mini-tank covers more demanding point-of-use applications than 4-6 gallon alternatives. Use cases: secondary bathroom shower in finished basement (with low-flow showerhead), garage utility sink with frequent use, pool house bathroom with shower fixture.
About $290 unit, $400-$550 installed. The 120V power requirement is the install advantage — works on standard household outlet without 240V circuit work. 6-year warranty on the tank.
Right buyer: secondary fixture install where the 4-6 gallon mini-tank capacity isn't enough but a full residential tank is unnecessary.
- Point-of-use installation — eliminates wait for hot water at remote fixtures
- UEF 0.95 — top-tier efficiency; qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act §25C residential credit
- 6-year warranty — below the 8–12 year average for premium models in this class