Bradford White Water Heater Warranty: Cost, Coverage and Plans 2026

Bradford White water heater warranty coverage and plans

Bradford White provides a standard six-year warranty on its gas or electric water heater models, though some models may come with a 10-year warranty.

Tankless models can have a 12- or 15-year tank or heat exchanger warranty, with a five-year warranty on parts. Labor costs are not included in any of these warranty options.

Bradford White also offers an extended warranty that must be purchased when you buy your new water heater. It extends the warranty period from six years to eight or 10 years for both the tank and parts, depending on whether you choose the two- or four-year extended warranty plan.

The table below shows what you can expect from the Bradford White manufacturer’s warranty.

Repair or replacement costs not covered by warranty

Bradford White provides a full list of limits and exclusions in the warranty document. Keep in mind that the limited warranty may be transferred from the original water heater purchaser to a subsequent owner (for example, if the house it’s in is sold). Also, the warranty period on parts may be reduced for installations outside of the United States.

Some exclusions to the limited warranty include malfunctions or damages caused by:

• Nonresidential use (for residential models)
• Improper installation or repairs
• Installations made without a certified combination temperature and pressure relief valve
• Sediment or lime in the local water source

» READ MORE: Does a home warranty cover a water heater?

How to register a Bradford White water heater

It’s a good idea to register your water heater with Bradford White promptly after you buy it. This ensures that the company has the proof of purchase and installation information necessary to file a warranty claim.

To register your Bradford White water heater, visit the warranty center on the company’s website and enter your unit’s serial number, which you can find on the rating plate located on the front of the water heater. Be prepared to answer questions about the installation, such as the contractor’s name and installation date.

How to check your Bradford White warranty status by serial number

To see if your Bradford White water heater is still under warranty, enter the product's serial number into the warranty check tool on the Bradford White website. It will tell you your water heater’s warranty length and expiration date.

Bradford White water heater warranty cost

Warranty costs are built into the price of the Bradford White water heater. It typically costs between $200 and $500 to purchase extended coverage beyond the standard six years, depending on the water heater model. This extended coverage upgrade increases the warranty period by two or four years.

» READ MORE: Are heat pump water heaters worth it?

How to file a claim for your Bradford White water heater

If you need to file a claim for your Bradford White water heater, you should contact a plumber or general contractor who can determine what repairs need to be made. Bradford White also provides a toll-free number and mailing address in the warranty document and an email address on its website where you can direct warranty questions.

What documents do you need to file a warranty claim?

If you need to file a claim, be sure to have these documents and information ready before contacting Bradford White.

• Water heater model and serial number
• Proof of purchase
• Installation documentation
• Maintenance records
• Detailed description of the issue (from the plumber or general contractor who looked at your water heater)

Pros and cons of Bradford White water heater warranties

Bradford White water heater warranty vs. home warranty alternatives

You may consider purchasing a home warranty even if your Bradford White water heater carries a manufacturer’s warranty.

According to the company, your Bradford White water heater may have a life span of 10 years or more. As your water heater ages, it may need repairs more often, and you’ll be left with the high costs of parts and labor after that 10-year period.

A home warranty kicks in when the manufacturer’s warranty expires and provides you with coverage later, when the unit is more likely to experience breakdowns. Another benefit of a home warranty is that it covers labor, which could account for a large portion of repair or installation costs. The average cost to install a water heater today is close to $2,000.

FAQ

Bottom line

Bradford White provides a limited warranty on its water heater units. Warranty periods can vary depending on the model, but most start at six years. You can purchase extended coverage for an additional fee, which increases the warranty period by four years.