Guide to Buying a Water Heater Warranty

Buying a water heater warranty, or even a water heater in general can be a big decision. Generally, a water heater will last from 8 to 12 years. A water heater warranty is built to cover wear and tear that can eventually cause it to break down. The unit heats water every time you clean, bath, or cook or otherwise use hot water. But no matter when you replace it, it’s going to cost you, so it’s best to have the appliance and parts covered by the best warranty you can find.

How a Water Heater Warranty Works

A repair or replacement warranty is often included when you purchase a water heater or other big-ticket item. For the warranty to kick in, you must register the appliance’s serial number. There’s often a limited period of time to do this. Your window of opportunity is usually about 30 days. And if you purchased a home that came with a water heater, it won’t be covered if the previous owners did not register it.

Warranty coverage can differ depending on the manufacturer and model. For most water heater brands, you’ll get a:

• 6-year tank warranty
• 6-year parts warranty
• 1-year labor warranty

A water heater warranty should be honored where you purchased the appliance. This includes the particular store or retailer where you bought it. Be certain and pay careful attention to the type of warranty you have. The manufacturer’s warranty might offer different coverage than a store warranty. Once the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you’ll likely have to pay for repair or replacement out of pocket.

About Extended Coverage

You can often purchase extended warranty coverage from the manufacturer. This lengthens the warranty, so you can save on parts and replacements over a longer time frame. But extended protection often doesn’t cover both parts and labor. A home warranty can also cover your water heater when it breaks down due to normal wear and tear. This annual service contract can protect a variety of essential systems in your home.

Making a Claim

The claims process depends on the type of warranty. If you have a manufacturer’s warranty, you must locate a licensed dealer to request service from. It is essential to find an approved repair technician or else you might delay repair or possibly void the warranty if the work is done by someone without the proper experience. Home warranties are often linked to a network of professionals who can repair your water heater, and providers often dispatch technicians quickly after your claim is accepted.

How Much Should a Warranty Cost?

The price of a home warranty is on average about $300/year for basic protection. However, more comprehensive coverage and packages may run $600/year or more. There are also service trade fees when a technician diagnoses or repairs your water heater. Warranties offered by manufacturers and vendors vary dramatically in cost. They also vary among home warranty companies such as American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and Select Home Warranty.

Water Heater Manufacturers

Every manufacturer offers their own warranty, which may differ dramatically from that of another in terms of length, coverage, and transferability. American Standard offers a 6- or 12-year warranty that includes the inner tank lining and parts, while Bosch offers a choice of 3, 5, 6, 10, or 15 years with 1 year of labor. It covers the inner tank, heat exchanger, and parts. Most warranties exclude improper installation and sometimes other situations such as natural disasters or relocations of the unit.

Contact Black Hills Inc. Home Services

We offer a comprehensive set of water heater services in the Olympia area. Both high-efficiency tank-style and tankless water heaters are installed and serviced by our plumbing experts. If you’re ready to have your water heater serviced, give us a call at 888-445-0585 today.