Wi-Fi technology has paved the way for many improvements in our lives, especially in our homes. From smart thermostats to connected refrigerators, the smart home offers substantial enhancements for comfort, convenience and quality of life. Now, Wi-Fi is improving a vital part of our homes: the water heater.

The landscape surrounding water heaters is constantly evolving. With new options ranging from tankless to hybrid, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments. New regulations, electrification and new government rebates further complicate the environment for the professionals who sell, install and maintain water heaters.

Guidance from a knowledgeable partner can help you navigate these changes. Nick Snell, director of plumbing sales at F.W. Webb Co., says it’s important to work with a supplier that understands the changing marketplace and provides a full range of water heaters that suit the needs of every customer.

“Since 1866, F.W. Webb has been proud to develop partnerships that benefit everyone involved—from one-van contractors to large industrial clients and the manufacturers that diligently work to offer the latest in product innovation,” Snell says.

Snell is thrilled to announce that F.W. Webb Co. is now partnering with Rheem to offer innovative water heater solutions, including many enabled with Wi-Fi capabilities.

Much like F.W. Webb, Rheem has a long history of providing quality products to professionals and contractors. Established by Richard and Donald Rheem almost 100 years ago, Rheem started large-scale production of water heaters in 1930. Over time, Rheem has become North America’s largest producer of water heating products.

“We look forward to connecting Rheem’s manufacturing capacity with F.W. Webb’s distribution network. We can proudly say that we’re the largest wholesale distributor of plumbing products across the Northeast,” Snell says.

“Rheem has been at the forefront of the latest technology with an ever-expanding number of innovations for residential water heaters,” Snell continues. “Combined with the expertise of our world-class team, F.W. Webb perfectly complements Rheem, and we’ll help plumbing professionals get the appropriate model and accessories for every job.”

The F.W. Webb and Rheem partnership means professionals now have better access to technology such as Wi-Fi connectivity. Below are some key features that make Rheem stand out above the competition and address many customer concerns.

Diagnostic Reports: Rheem’s EcoNet Wi-Fi in the ProTerra Hybrid Electric Water Heater warns homeowners about service alerts. Using the EcoNet Mobile App, residents can save contractor contact information and easily forward diagnostic information to a professional.

With the Rheem Contractor App, plumbing professionals can see a full description of the alert while on site.

“The connected water heater is not just a luxury — it also offers crucial safeguards against costly problems,” notes Snell. “Homeowners can gain valuable peace of mind knowing that they have access to essential information at their fingertips.”

Customization: With the EcoNet app, hybrid water heaters can be adjusted according to a homeowner’s needs. Options range from vacation mode to energy saver to high demand, making water heaters more responsive than ever while allowing homeowners to save money.

Efficiency: Snell notes that EcoNet app users can track energy usage over time, allowing for adjustments if needed for better efficiency and even more savings. Homeowners can see energy usage broken down into weekly, monthly or yearly segments.

Comfort: Rheem’s Wi-Fi-connected water heaters provide accurate temperature readings, so homeowners don’t have to worry about cold showers. Users can check the EcoNet app to view water temperatures in real time.

While Wi-Fi represents an important advancement for water heater technology, it’s just one of a variety of technologies found within Rheem products. For example, the ProTerra model can include LeakGuard and LeakSense, which identify leaks and quickly stem the flow of water to prevent serious damage.

“We’re not just a wholesale distributor; we’re a solution provider and problem solver for our customers,” says Snell. “Through our partnership with Rheem, we can offer the latest technology that will provide innovative solutions to our customers’ problems.

“With F.W. Webb, you're not just buying a water heater,” adds Snell. “You’re gaining a trusted partner for all your plumbing needs.”

Learn more at fwwebb.com/rheem.