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3 best water heater warranties

Find the right coverage for your water heater

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By: Alina Bradford
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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Edited by: Joanna Broder

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    water heater tank in the basement

    Water heaters are essential for daily tasks like showering, cooking and cleaning. Repairs or replacements can be unexpectedly expensive, and not having hot water can be inconvenient and annoying. Water heater coverage through a home warranty may help protect you from these high costs and the inconvenience of being without hot water.

    It's important to choose the right company and plan to ensure you get comprehensive coverage that suits your specific needs. Research and compare different providers to find a reliable plan that offers robust protection for your water heater.

    Our picks

    Compare our picks for water heater warranties

    Below, compare our picks on ratings, reviews and plans with water heater coverage.

    *Accurate as of publishing

    More details about our top water heater warranty picks

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team studied over 26 home warranty companies to find the best water heater warranty options. We compared prices, coverage and customer satisfaction to get our top three picks.

    Liberty Home Guard
    Liberty Home Guard
    3.0
    968 reviews
    Plans with water heater coverage:
    2
    Service fees:
    $50 to $125
    Monthly cost for basic coverage:
    $54.99 for Systems Guard
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    Liberty Home Guard offers two plans with water heater coverage. Coverage starts at $54.99 per month for Systems Guard, with service fees of $50 to $125. If you need to file a claim, customer service is available 24/7. Once you’ve filed your claim, a technician will be sent to your home within 24 to 48 hours, so you don’t have to be out of hot water for too long.

    All mechanical components and parts of your hot water heater are covered with a Liberty Home Warranty plan. Coverage includes circulating pumps, up to 75 gallons, and tankless systems.

    Many reviewers on ConsumerAffairs say they appreciate the company's prompt response and efficient service when it comes to repairing or replacing water heaters.

    Claudia from New Jersey said about her experience, “We’ve had 3 separate appliances, our water heater, and our central HVAC system all replaced by Liberty and we’ve saved thousands upon thousands of dollars on just those replacements alone and we’ve had five additional repair claims as well! I really love having them available, they are my central point of contact for anything that goes wrong in our home. Liberty and their team seem to have something very special going for them as they are super dedicated and clearly passionate about what they do.”

    Your hot water heater warranty does not cover a few things. The company won’t handle problems due to sediment buildup, storage tanks, insulation blankets and drain pans or lines. It also doesn’t cover lowboy or squat units (smaller than standard-size units).

    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    American Home Shield
    American Home Shield
    3.8
    105,562 reviews
    Plans with water heater coverage:
    3
    Service fees:
    $100 or $125
    Monthly cost for basic coverage:
    $29.99 or $39.99 for ShieldSilver
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    American Home Shield, a company with more than 50 years of experience and over two million members, provides three plans with water heater coverage. Plans start at $29.99 or $39.99 per month, with service fees of $100 or $125.

    American Home Shield plans cover all the different parts and components of your water heater, including the circulating pumps, tank, mixing valves and thermal expansion tanks.

    American Home Shield reviewers on ConsumerAffairs are generally happy with their experience, frequently mentioning an easy service request process and quality service techs. Brenda from Texas said, “This past summer, we had issues with the air conditioner and as soon as that was resolved, we had a hot water heater issue. It went out. The plumbing company that American Home Shield sent out, we really like.”

    Your plan won’t cover tempering tanks (which allow water to rise to ambient basement temperature) or fuel storage tanks. It’s unlikely you’ll have problems with these, though.

    5x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Claims Handling, Best Coverage Options, Best Customer Service, Best Technicians and Best Value for Price
    Select Home Warranty
    Select Home Warranty
    3.2
    14,758 reviews
    Plans with water heater coverage:
    2
    Service fees:
    $60 or $75
    Monthly cost for basic coverage:
    $60.42 for Gold Care
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    Select Home Warranty has two plans that cover hot water heaters. Basic coverage starts at $60.42 per month, with service fee options of $60 or $75. No matter when the problem occurs, you can still contact customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Two of Select Home Warranty plans cover all your water heater’s modules, components and parts necessary for its functionality. This includes control boards, thermostats, gas valves, the burner assembly, heating elements, pressure switches, thermocouples, the ignition module and the igniter.

    Many customers express satisfaction with the prompt response and quick resolution of their issues. Some customers mentioned that their service was efficient and the technicians were professional.

    James from Arizona said, “My hot water heater was leaking and creating a messy pool. The expert at Select Home Warranty said that it needed a replacement. An estimate was submitted to the home service company and I got the replacement. I could not be more satisfied.”

    Unfortunately, Select Home Warranty doesn’t cover all types of water heaters. If you have a solar or tankless water heating system, you’re out of luck with this home warranty company. The plans also don’t cover tank leaks and pumps.

    What does a home warranty cover for water heaters?

    Home warranties typically cover repairs for various home systems and appliances, such as water heaters, when they experience wear and tear. Most standard warranty plans include both conventional and tankless water heaters and cover repairs or replacements for several components, such as heating elements, tanks, igniters, circulating pumps and expansion tanks.

    » MORE: What does a home warranty cover?

    What’s not covered

    Home warranty companies usually have stipulations outlining what isn’t covered in their contracts. The contract may list certain parts or types of water heaters and certain situations the company doesn’t cover.

    For example, most home warranty companies won’t provide coverage for preexisting conditions (any problems that look like they were there before you got your policy, like rust) or “acts of god” like flooding or earthquakes that damaged your water heater. They also won’t cover your water heater if it’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

    What to consider when buying a water heater home warranty

    When shopping for a water heater home warranty, it is ideal to research several companies to find the best fit for your needs. Providers offer various plans, coverage options and exclusions, so taking the time to compare can help you choose the most comprehensive and affordable plan.

    Another key factor is 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.

    Simplify your search

    Compare plans tailored to your home & budget.

      FAQ

      Will a home warranty pay to replace my water heater?

      If the problem with your water heater isn’t fixable, the home warranty company will pay to replace it up to the established coverage limit.

      Do I need a water heater warranty?

      You don’t need a water heater warranty if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers your unit.

      How much does it cost to repair a water heater?

      It generally costs about $600 to repair a water heater, at $45 to $150 an hour for labor.

      Does a water heater home warranty cover preexisting conditions?

      No, typically, home warranty companies will not cover preexisting conditions for water heaters. A company may determine that the problem existed before you got your policy by looking at wear and tear or rust. What a company considers a preexisting condition can vary from company to company, but generally means a problem the water heater had prior to your purchasing a home warranty.

      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.

      It's essential to compare multiple companies and understand their service options to find the best plan for your needs. Choosing a reliable provider with comprehensive coverage helps you keep your water heater in top condition and avoid costly surprises.

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