Rheem Performance 29-Gallon Compact Gas Water Heater

The Rheem Performance 29-Gallon Compact Gas Water Heater (XG29T06EC32U1) is the small-form-factor gas tank — designed for tight-clearance closet and crawl-space installs that won't accommodate the 22"-diameter 40G/50G class. 29-gallon capacity, atmospheric venting, 6-year warranty, 32,000 BTU recovery.

Headline specifications

• Model: XG29T06EC32U1
• Capacity: 29 gallons
• Fuel: Natural gas, atmospheric vent
• BTU input: 32,000 BTU/h
• First Hour Delivery: 52 GPH
• Recovery: 32 GPH at 90°F rise
• UEF: 0.59
• Warranty: 6-year tank and parts
• Anode: aluminum-zinc
• Dimensions: 48" H × 18" diameter (compact form factor)

Who this model is for

Right buyer profile: 1–2 person households on natural gas, ADUs / in-law suites / garage apartments serving 1–2 occupants, retrofit installs replacing legacy 30G atmospheric gas tanks, ranch homes from the 1960s–1980s built with tight 30G-class closets that won't accept a 50G's 22" diameter.

The 18" diameter is the differentiator — fits closets and crawl-space cabinets that standard 40G/50G models (22"+ diameter) can't enter. Many homeowners discover they need this size only when the standard 50G replacement won't fit through the closet door.

For 2–3 person households with normal closet clearance, the Performance Plus 40G is correct sizing. For all-electric service at this capacity, see the AO Smith Conservationist 30G Electric. For condensing efficiency at the same form factor, step up to the Performance Platinum 29G Condensing.

Where it beats the alternatives

Vs Bradford White Compact 30G Gas ($799 plumber channel): Rheem 29G ~$200 less from Home Depot. Bradford White has the tank-longevity reputation. Both ship 6-year warranties. Choose by retailer.

Vs Performance Plus 40G atmospheric: Performance Plus is the right pick when your closet accommodates 22" diameter. 29G Compact exists for the 18" diameter constraint.

Vs point-of-use mini-tanks (e.g. Rheem 10G mini-tank): point-of-use is single-fixture only. 29G handles full bathroom + kitchen for 1–2 occupants.

Where it falls short

52 GPH FHD is the limit. Two back-to-back showers within an hour will exhaust capacity. Plan around the slow 32 GPH recovery.

0.59 UEF is below the 40G/50G class (0.62) — the smaller burner has lower thermal efficiency. Operating cost ~$180–$220/year for 1–2 person households.

32,000 BTU input means slower recovery than larger units. Households with concentrated evening demand may find recovery time frustrating.

Atmospheric venting requires existing chimney or flue access. No power-vent variant in the 29G size.

6-year warranty is class-baseline.

Install considerations

48" height + 18" diameter — fits very tight closet installs that won't take a 22" 40G. Verify door-frame clearance before ordering (most 30G/29G atmospheric tanks fit standard 24" interior doors but check). 1/2" gas line sufficient. No 120V required.

Install cost: $700–$1,300 like-for-like swap with existing 30G atmospheric.

Maintenance

• Annual flush
• Anode check year 3, replace year 5
• T&P valve test annually
• Burner inspection every 2 years

Bottom line

The Rheem Performance 29G Compact Gas (XG29T06EC32U1) is the small-form-factor gas pick — 18" diameter for tight-closet installs. 52 GPH FHD, 6-year warranty, 32,000 BTU. Right pick for 1–2 person households and constrained-clearance retrofits. For standard 22"-diameter installs, step up to a 40G. For high-efficiency in the same form factor, see the Performance Platinum 29G Condensing.