Coverage for both the tank and internal parts can last up to 10 years on select residential gas and electric models.
Jump to insightIn most cases, the warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and isn’t transferable to a new homeowner.
Jump to insightA. O. Smith recommends registering your unit to verify warranty status and speed up service claims.
Jump to insightA. O. Smith warranty coverage and plans
A. O. Smith’s warranty coverage is structured based on the specific unit type — gas, electric or tankless — and the model number. While many manufacturers offer longer protection for the tank than for internal parts, A. O. Smith is unique in that it generally provides equal warranty periods for both. Labor is not usually included, though select high-end models may offer one year of coverage.
The following table outlines standard residential coverage. Full warranty information for each model is available on the company’s website.
| Residential water heater type | Tank or heat exchanger | Parts | Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas or electric | 6 years | 6 years | N/A |
| Gas or electric | 8 years | 8 years | N/A |
| Gas or electric | 10 years | 10 years | N/A |
| Electric | 10 years | 10 years | 1 year |
| Gas tankless | 15 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Electric tankless | 5 years | 1 year | N/A |
For longer-term protection, A. O. Smith offers an extended warranty that can add four years to your existing coverage period. Because the company doesn’t explicitly state the deadline for adding this protection, you should check with your HVAC professional or installer for more details on your eligibility window.
» LEARN MORE: Are heat pump water heaters worth it?
Warranty limits and exclusions
Your warranty is designed to protect you against defects in materials or workmanship, but it doesn’t function like an insurance policy. Some specific situations or events can void your warranty coverage. Common exclusions include:
- Ownership changes: The warranty is likely only valid for the original purchaser and cannot be transferred to a new homeowner. Always check your specific warranty document to see if transfer is allowed.
- Installation errors: Failures from incorrect pipe sizing or improper venting, for example, are not covered.
- Water quality issues: Damages caused by poor water quality — pH levels below 6.5 or above 8.5 — are excluded.
- Unintended use: Using a residential unit to heat pools, hot tubs or spas voids the warranty.
- Relocation: Moving the unit from its original installation address voids the agreement.
You can find a full list of limits and conditions in your A. O. Smith warranty document.
Warranty costs
The cost of a standard A. O. Smith manufacturer’s warranty is built into the purchase price of your new water heater. If you choose to purchase the extended warranty, prices vary by water heater model. At the time of publishing, the cost for an extended warranty ranges from $115 to $360.
How to register and file a claim
Registering your water heater establishes your proof of ownership and the official installation date. A. O. Smith requires this documentation in order to file a warranty claim. Registration also gives you access to technical support and important product updates.
According to A. O. Smith, registering your water heater helps you receive more efficient warranty service if issues occur.
To register, visit the Product Registration page on the A. O. Smith website. You’ll need the following information:
- The serial number and model number (found on the label near the bottom of the tank).
- The installation date and the service address.
Filing a claim
If your unit malfunctions, A. O. Smith recommends first contacting the person or company that installed the water heater. You can also use the Warranty Verification tool on the company’s website or call the toll-free number provided in your warranty document to check your current status.
Gather the following documents and information before filing a claim with A. O. Smith to help the process go smoothly:
- Proof of purchase and installation documentation
- Model and serial numbers for the unit
- Maintenance records
- Water quality information
- A detailed description of the issue, including photos of any leaks or error codes
Pros and cons of A. O. Smith warranties
A primary advantage of A. O. Smith is the balanced coverage. Unlike competitors who tend to offer long tank warranties but short parts coverage, A. O. Smith often covers both for the same duration.
But remember that the warranty is likely nontransferable, which could be an issue if you experience water heater issues in a home purchased from another owner. Some customers have also expressed frustration with the company’s warranty claims process.
Pros
- Select warranties include one year of labor, which is rare for standard plans
- Balanced warranty periods for tanks and parts
- Extended warranty options can add 4 years of protection
Cons
- Not generally transferable from the original purchaser to new homeowners
- Some homeowners report challenges with the customer service resolution process
A. O. Smith water heater warranty vs. home warranty alternatives
While the A. O. Smith warranty is excellent for covering factory defects, it expires after a set number of years and won't cover routine wear-and-tear repairs.
A home warranty can supplement this by providing:
- Coverage for wear and tear: Protection for parts that fail due to age rather than defects.
- Labor coverage: Home warranties typically pay for the technician’s service call, which A. O. Smith usually excludes.
- Full replacement: Funding for a new unit when the old one reaches the end of its life.
Most comprehensive home warranties include water heaters as a standard covered item.
» READ: Is a home warranty worth it?
FAQ
What is an A. O. Smith water heater warranty?
The A. O. Smith warranty gives you added purchase protection for your new water heater. If it breaks or malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect, you have the right to have the issue resolved (as outlined in the warranty conditions).
How long is a warranty on an A. O. Smith water heater?
Warranty periods vary by model. Residential gas or electric models usually have six-, eight- or 10-year warranty periods. Tankless models can range from five years for electric units to 15 years for gas heat exchangers.
What is A. O. Smith's customer service information?
You can contact customer support at 877-552-0010 or submit a contact form on the company’s website. Be prepared to provide specific information about your water heater, including the serial and model number.
Does the warranty cover a leaking tank?
Yes, if the leak is caused by a manufacturing defect and occurs within the specified warranty period for your tank.
Bottom line
A. O. Smith provides robust manufacturer protection for its water heaters, with coverage varying by model. The company requires you to register your product to file a warranty claim. While the standard plan is included in the unit's purchase price, you can add an additional four years of coverage with an extended warranty for an additional fee.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- A. O. Smith, “About A. O. Smith Corp.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Limited Gas Tankless Water Heater Warranty.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Residential Water Heaters.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Limited Warranty Residential Type Water Heater For Installation in a Single Family Dwelling.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Residential Electric Warranty.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Product Registration.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
- A. O. Smith, “Customer Support.” Accessed March 1, 2026.
