AO Smith Parts

OEM A. O. Smith Parts

Repair Clinic stocks genuine OEM A. O. Smith parts that restore proper function and reliable performance. Every part is genuine OEM, ensuring correct fit and performance on your specific model. Enter your model number to find the exact A. O. Smith part you need, with same-day shipping on most in-stock items and a 365-day return policy.

A. O. Smith Parts: Questions & Troubleshooting

Why is my AO Smith pilot light going out?

The thermocouple is the #1 cause. It's a safety sensor that proves the pilot flame is burning — when it weakens or fails, the gas valve shuts off automatically. A thermocouple is a $10 to $20 part and a 15-minute fix on most models. If the pilot lights but won't stay lit, clean the thermocouple tip first (fine steel wool), then replace it if cleaning doesn't help. On electronic ignition models, check the thermopile instead — it powers the control board and fails similarly.

How do I find the right heating element for my AO Smith electric water heater?

Electric AO Smith water heaters have two heating elements: upper (fires first) and lower (recovery). Both can fail independently — check your model number on the rating plate, then use our lookup tool to confirm wattage and voltage. Elements come in 4,500W, 5,500W, and specialty wattages depending on tank size and recovery demands. OEM elements maintain the correct resistance for your thermostat calibration; aftermarket elements often cause overheating or slow recovery.

What's a dip tube and why did my water get cold?

The dip tube is a long plastic pipe inside your AO Smith tank that carries incoming cold water to the bottom — keeping it separate from the hot water at the top. When the dip tube breaks off (common after 5 to 8 years), cold water mixes directly into the hot water outlet, and you lose hot water capacity quickly. You'll notice the shower runs out of hot water much faster than normal. Replacement dip tubes are $5 to $15 and solve the problem immediately.

Should I replace the anode rod in my AO Smith water heater?

Yes. The anode rod is a sacrificial part made of aluminum or magnesium that corrodes instead of the tank walls — it prevents rust. Replace it every 3 to 5 years, or as soon as it's more than half gone. On AO Smith water heaters, checking and replacing the anode rod is one of the best investments for extending tank life to 10+ years. If you wait until the rod is completely consumed, the tank itself will begin to rust and fail.

Order A. O. Smith Brand-Level Parts Online

Ordering A. O. Smith brand-level parts online is simple and helps you find genuine OEM parts for your unit. With same-day shipping on most in-stock items, you'll have your replacement part fast, minimizing downtime. Our model/part number lookup finds the exact OEM part for your unit, and every order is backed by our 365-day return policy and price-match guarantee. Browse our repair help section for troubleshooting tips, part testing guides, and step-by-step installation videos for your specific product.

AO Smith Water Heater Model Number: Where to Look

On most AO Smith water heaters, the model number appears on the rating plate or data label attached to the tank. Check the side of the cabinet, near the upper portion of the unit, and look for a label listing the model and serial numbers, fuel type, and capacity. Copy the model number exactly, including letters, numbers, and hyphens. Type it into the model number lookup to narrow the catalog to parts made for your complete water heater, across every available part category. Using the full model number helps separate similar AO Smith units with different parts, so you can identify a compatible replacement faster and avoid ordering by appearance alone.