The Water Heater Brands with Best Warranty in 2023: A Guide!
When it comes to water heaters, there are a few different brands that stand out from the rest. But what if you’re not sure which one to choose? One thing to consider is the warranty. Each brand offers different warranties, and some are better than others.
In this complete water heater warranty guide, we will explore the well-known conventional tank as well as the next-gen tankless water heater brands to see what they offer in terms of warranties.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the brand and its warranty, do you know what you should even be looking for in a warranty and how it works?
What to look for in a water heater warranty?
The first thing you should do is find out what is included in the warranty. Most water heater warranties cover the tank and parts, but not all do. Make sure to read the fine print, so you know what is and isn’t covered. Another thing is the labour expense cover. Some may pay for the labour while others will make you pay for it.
The next important aspect to consider is the length of the warranty. Most water heaters (especially tankless) in the market today offer a warranty between 6-15 years, which varies from brand to brand, along with different coverage terms and conditions. If you’re looking for a water heater that will last many years, you’ll want to choose one with a more extended warranty.
Finally, consider the price of the water heater. The more expensive the water heater, the better the warranty is likely to be. If you’re on a budget, you may sacrifice some features, but you can still find a good water heater with a decent warranty.
How does a water heater warranty work?
If something goes wrong with your water heater, you should contact the company that made it (or the contractor from whom you purchased it in some cases.).
Each brand has its predefined terms and conditions of warranty coverage which need to be met to avail of the benefit. If the warranty covers the problem, they will send someone to repair or replace the water heater. If the warranty does not cover the problem, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself.
It’s essential to keep your receipt and warranty information in a safe place. That way, if something goes wrong, you’ll have everything you need to fix it.
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a water heater warranty and how they work, let’s take a look at some of the best brands on the market and their warranties.
Top water heater brands with the best warranties
A.O. Smith
A.O Smith is one of the US’s most dependable water heater brands. It offers a range of water heating solutions from tank to tankless, gas to electric, and more.
Speaking of warranty, the A.O. Smith covers the tank for 3-5 years for problems like tank leakage and 1-2 years for parts failure from the installation date. Conditions like buying water heaters from licensed distributors, professional installation, and appliance registration may be required to be eligible for avail warranty. You can check out the complete warranty details for the particular A.O. Smith model here.
Rheem
Another famous brand is Rheem which makes exceptional tank and tankless water heating solutions fueled by gas or electricity.
Rheem offers a 6-year warranty on tanks and all parts against material or craft defects for most of their tank water heater models. Some “Classic” models even offer up to an 8-year warranty. In contrast, tankless models propose an extensive warranty period of up to 10 years on some models, including an in-house labour warranty for the first year.
Some premium models of Rheem tankless units come with a conditional lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger. You can read the detailed warranty information about your particular heater on Rheem’s official website.
You need to contact your local Rheem Pro to obtain warranty service. Check out one of our favorite Rheem water heaters here.
Rinnai
Rinnai is one of the US’s most popular tankless water heater brands for its cutting-edge technology and highly energy-efficient performance.
Regarding warranty, Rinnai offers extensive coverage for their tankless models. Most Rinnai tankless models, like the RUR series, come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchangers, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labour. If you register your product within 90 days of installation, the labour coverage can be extended to 5 years for some models. You can register your product here.
Bradford White
If you’re looking for a water heater that’s built to last, then Bradford White is a brand you should consider. They make some of the most durable water heaters on the market. BW mostly makes conventional tank water heaters.
Most of the Bradford White water heaters come with a 6-year limited warranty that covers glass-lined tanks and components against leaks or other malfunctions caused by defects in materials and workmanship.
Some crucial conditions to stay in line with the warranty include professional installation and intended family usage per the maker’s instructions.
To file a claim or for more warranty-related queries, contact them via email at warranty[at]bradfordwhite.com or visit the official site.
American Standard Water Heater (ASWH)
ASWH is another of the top brands known for its range of commercial and residential water heating solutions in the United States. They offer a wide range of water heaters for residential and commercial purposes.
The company provides a 6-year warranty against glass-lined tank failure caused by manufacturing defects. ASWH also covers parts for the same period and will replace faulty ones for free. However, this warranty does not cover labour expenses.
Additional warranty (paid separately) may be available for some models as stated on their official website.
It’s important to note that the warranty is only valid if you have purchased the unit from an authorized contractor or distributor. Suppose you have any problems with your water heater. In that case, you will need to contact the contractor or distributor from who you purchased the unit or another distributor of ASWH.
Bosch
The brand makes various water heating solutions, including heat pumps and tank heaters, apart from tankless units.
Bosch provides a 15-year warranty on heater exchangers and 5 years on parts. Some of the latest models, like the Greentherm 9000 Residential series, come with 1-year labour cover. In contrast, a few older models may not cover labour, and you must pay it out of pocket.
Furthermore, the company may not honor the warranty if the unit is not properly installed or maintained. You must make any warranty claim to your local dealer or distributor from whom you had it.
You can read more about your Bosch water heater warranty on their official website here.
Kenmore
Kenmore is a famous household appliance brand that’s been around for almost a century. The company produces a wide range of appliances, including water heaters. Kenmore water heaters come with a limited warranty ranging from 6 to 9 and 12 years, depending on the model. Labour costs are covered for the first year, and the owner must pay for that thereafter.
For warranty cover, it is required that provide proof of original sale from Sears, Kmart, or another Transformco* authorized retailer.
For claims, you may need to contact customer service at 1-844-553-6667.
Navien is a leading tankless water heaters manufacturer, offering some of the best warranties in the industry. Models like NPE-Advanced come with upto 5 years of part, 15 years of the heat exchanger, and one year of labour cover warranty.
To claim a Navien warranty, contact your contractor or Navien tech support at (800) 519-8794. Improper installation, unsuitable installation, and buying from an unauthorized seller will void the warranty.
Thus, you must buy your Navien water heater from an authorized dealer to ensure the warranty covers you. For more information, visit the warranty page.
Noritz
Noritz is one of the most popular tankless water heater brands, and they offer some of the best warranties in the business. Most models come with a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger when the product is used in a single-family dwelling; otherwise, it’s reduced to 5 years if used for commercial purposes. Additionally, the parts are covered for 5 years and labour costs for 1 year.
You will want to visit their warranty page here for more information.
Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron makes some of the most popular single-fixture electric tankless water heaters. They are more generous for residential users than commercial users concerning warranty coverage. I am saying this cause the manufacturer provides up to 5 years of full warranty on all parts and labour for most residential models, while commercial users get only 1 year.
To claim the warranty, you will need to contact customer service at 1-800-582-8423 or visit this official page for details related to the warranty and claim.
What is the typical warranty for water heaters?
Most water heater brands offer a 6-year warranty on their units. However, some brands offer a longer warranty of up to 12 years, like Stiebel Eltron and Noritz. The warranty length will depend on the brand and model of the water heater you purchase. And by 12 years, it doesn’t mean it covers everything for 12 years, and you won’t have to spend even a penny if the heater goes bad. Usually, this 12 years is for the heat exchanger part only. If other parts go wrong, they are covered for a lesser period, and you also have to pay for labour after the first year.
What should I do if my water heater warranty expires?
If your water heater warranty has expired, you need to contact a local contractor or plumber to have the unit repaired or replaced. Most water heaters will last for around 10-12 years before they need to be replaced. A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more if the water coming to your house is soft, and you maintain your heating appliance properly. If your unit is close to this age, it may be time for a new one. You can also check with the manufacturer to see if they offer extended product warranty programs.
Additionally, home warranty companies like AHS provide insurance service which covers home appliance repairs and replacements that you can consider if your water heater warranty expires.
Are all water heater brand warranties the same?
No, all water heater brand warranties are not the same. Each brand has different warranty terms and conditions. Like some brands require you to install the unit from a licensed professional to be eligible for a warranty claim if the situation arises, while others may not have that condition. Some may provide labour cost cover while others do not. That’s why to read the warranty carefully before purchasing a water heater to know what is covered and what is not.
Water heater warranty vs home warranty
A water heater warranty is different from a home warranty. The unit’s manufacturer provides a water heater warranty. It covers repairs or replacements that may be needed due to a defect in the appliance.
A home warranty is a type of insurance policy that covers repairs or replacements of home appliances and systems. Homeowners often purchase home warranties as an additional layer of protection beyond what is offered by their homeowner’s insurance policy. Usually, when your water heater is under the manufacturer’s warranty period, you don’t need a home warranty to cover it.
Some reputed home warranty companies are American Home Sheild, Liberty Home Guard & Select Home Warranty.
Cost breakdown of standard water heater repairs
The cost of water heater repairs will vary depending on the type of repair needed and the brand of the water heater.
Below are some common tank water heater repairs and their estimated costs:
- Replacing a broken thermostat: $100-$350
- Replacing a broken heating element: $100-$300
- Replacing a broken anode rod: $150-$350
- Flushing the tank: $75-$250
- Repairing a leak: $100-$1000
- Pilot light replacement: $50 – $200
- Gas control valve replacement: $150 – $550
A tankless water heater lasts longer but typically costs more to repair than a traditional tank water heater.
- Tankless water heater maintenance: $75 – $350
- Heat exchanger replacement: $600 – $1,300
- Tune-up: $100 – $500
Water heater repair cost – tank and tankless – chart. Credits: home guide
When it comes to warranties, tankless water heaters usually have a much better warranty than tank water heaters. For example, the Rheem Performance platinum 9.5 GPM tankless water heater has a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger, a 5-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year labour warranty. In contrast, the Rheem Performance 40 Gallon Tall Electric/gas Water Heater has a 6-year warranty on the tank and parts and a 1-year labour warranty.
Which brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Some of the most reliable water heater brands regarding appliance life, after-sale service, and warranty are Rheem, Rinnai, A.O. Smith, Navien, and Nortiz. These are some of the most dependable brands for your appliances.
Types of water heater warranties
- Product Warranties
- Extended Warranties
- Home Warranties
Product warranties: These types of warranties are usually offered by manufacturers. They cover repairs that may be needed due to a defect in the unit.
Extended warranties: These types of warranties are offered by retailers or manufacturers. They cover repairs that you may need after the product warranty expires. You will need to pay extra for this service.
Home warranties: These types of warranties are offered by home warranty companies and cover repairs or replacements of home appliances and systems. Homeowners often purchase home warranties as an additional layer of protection beyond what is offered by their homeowner’s insurance policy.
Tank warranties vs Tankless warranties
When it comes to Warranties, tankless water heaters usually have a much better warranty than tank water heaters.
For example, the Rheem Performance platinum 9.5 GPM tankless water heater has a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger, a 5-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year labour warranty.
In contrast, the Rheem Performance 40 Gallon Tall Electric/gas Water Heater has a 6-year warranty on the tank and parts.
The life span of water heaters
The average lifespan of a tank water heater is about 8 to 12 years. A tankless water heater has a lifespan of about 20 years. Improve your water heater’s lifespan with this DIY descaling guide.
Over to you!
So, these were some of the best water heater brands, along with their warranty information. I hope this article helped you decide which brand to go for. Do let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.
