Comparison: best water heater warranties
Below, compare our picks for the best home warranties for water heater coverage.
| Company | Customer rating | Plans with water heater coverage | Service fee | Monthly starting cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Liberty Home Guard | Get a Quote | 4.5 | Systems Guard, Total Home Guard | $65 to $125 | $49.99 |
 American Home Shield | Get a Quote | 3.6 | ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, ShieldPlatinum | $100 or $125 | $29.99 |
 Select Home Warranty | Get a Quote | 4.0 | Gold Care, Platinum Care | $75 to $100 | $35 |
Our top picks for the best water heater warranties
We researched 26 home warranty companies to find the best water heater warranty options. We compared factors like available plans, prices, coverage and customer satisfaction to make our selections.
Our picks for the best water heater warranties come from:
- Plans with water heater coverage
- 2
- Service fees
- $65 to $125
- Monthly starting cost
- $49.99
- Plans with water heater coverage
- 3
- Service fees
- $100 or $125
- Monthly starting cost
- $29.99
- Plans with water heater coverage
- 2
- Service fees
- $75 to $100
- Monthly starting cost
- $35
What does a home warranty cover for water heaters?
Most standard home warranty plans include both conventional and tankless water heaters. They cover repairs or replacements for several components, such as heating elements, tanks, igniters, circulating pumps and expansion tanks.
What home warranties don’t cover
Home warranties generally cover repairs or replacements due to wear and tear. The contract may also list certain parts or types of water heaters, plus certain situations, the company won’t cover.
For example, most home warranty companies won’t provide coverage for:
- Preexisting conditions
- Rust or other cosmetic damage
- Damage from natural disasters
- Water heaters under a manufacturer’s warranty
» MORE: What does a home warranty cover?
What to consider when buying a water heater home warranty
When shopping for a water heater home warranty, research and compare at least a few home warranty companies. Providers offer various plans, coverage options and exclusions, so taking the time to compare your options can help you choose the most comprehensive and affordable plan.
Also, pay attention to how each company handles service requests. Some providers work with specific technicians in your area, ensuring quick and reliable service. Others might allow you to use your preferred service person, giving you the flexibility to work with someone you already trust.
» MORE: Is a home warranty worth it?
FAQ
Will a home warranty replace a water heater?
A home warranty company will generally replace a water heater if the issue is due to a covered reason and the company is unable to repair it.
How do home warranties determine preexisting conditions?
A home warranty company may determine that the problem existed before you got your policy by looking at wear and tear or rust. However, what a company considers a preexisting condition to be can vary from company to company. Some companies will cover unknown preexisting conditions, meaning they weren’t known to the homeowner.
How much does it cost to repair a water heater?
It generally costs anywhere from about $100 to $650 to repair a water heater, according to our research.
How long should a water heater last?
How long a water heater can last generally depends on the type of water heater. Traditional water heaters with a tank typically last between 10 to 15 years, while tankless water heaters can typically last 20 years or more.
Bottom line: Is a home warranty worth it for water heater coverage?
A home warranty can be worth it for water heater coverage, especially considering the high costs of repairs or replacements. Ensuring your water heater is covered protects you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind.
Compare multiple home warranty companies based on their coverage options and prices to find the best plan for your needs. Choosing a reliable provider can help you keep your water heater in good condition and help you avoid costly surprises.
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:
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters.” Accessed Feb. 17, 2026.
