Reliance 6 40 NORT 40-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater

The Reliance 6 40 NORT is a 40-gallon residential atmospheric natural gas water heater, the smaller-capacity sibling of the popular Reliance 6 50 NORT. Like other Reliance units, it is built by AO Smith under the Reliance budget brand — positioned for value-conscious residential and rental-property buyers.

Specs: 38,000 BTU input, UEF 0.58, 71-gallon first-hour rating, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Atmospheric B-vent. Standard residential gas control with electronic ignition, magnesium anode rod, polyurethane foam insulation.

The 38,000 BTU burner is slightly lower than the typical 40,000 BTU residential standard — a deliberate cost-saving choice on Reliance's part that produces marginally slower recovery. The first-hour rating of 71 gallons is sufficient for a 1–2 person household, borderline for 3 people. For households of 3+, the 50-gallon Reliance or the AO Smith Conservationist 40-gallon (40,000 BTU burner) is the better-sized choice.

Right buyer: rental properties, vacation homes, and budget-constrained 1–2 person households replacing a failed 40-gallon tank. The unit will serve its expected 8–12 year life with normal maintenance; the warranty length matches typical landlord replacement cycles. For primary residences with longer ownership horizons, upgrading to the AO Smith Conservationist or Rheem Performance Platinum is usually worth the $100–$200 difference.

About $399 at hardware stores and plumbing supply houses, $1,100 installed. Standard 40-gallon atmospheric dimensions (52" tall × 20" diameter) fit virtually any existing closet that previously held a 40-gallon tank.