Rheem water heater warranty: cost, coverage and plans 2024

Rheem water heater warranty coverage and plans

Rheem provides both full and limited warranties with most of the water heater models it manufactures. The full warranty period generally covers the first full year following the purchase date and includes expenses related to the repair or replacement of your new water heater due to product defects. Labor costs may also be covered during this initial time frame.

After the full warranty period has expired, the limited warranty period will begin. The limited warranty only covers repairs to certain aspects of the unit and usually does not include labor costs.

Rheem also offers a Protection Plus program that extends the limited tank warranty period for up to four years. Coverage begins after the limited warranty period has expired and does not include labor or parts. The company states that Protection Plus must be included with the initial water heater purchase.

» LEARN: How do solar water heaters work?

Limits and exclusions

Rheem provides a complete list of warranty exclusions in the Certificate of Limited Warranty. For example, the company will not compensate you for costs associated with:

• Damages caused by improper installation or repair
• Units moved from the initial installation location
• Damages caused by natural disasters, like fire or flood
• Issues with improper water heater sizing (for electric models)

How to register a Rheem water heater

You should register your Rheem water heater promptly to access the full warranty benefits if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

To register, visit the warranties page on the company’s website. You need the product’s serial number, which is printed on a label located on the front or the side of the water heater (depending on the model type). The company may also ask for additional information, like the installation date and the homeowner’s and contractor’s contact information.

After registering your Rheem water heater, it may be helpful to take photos of the product label with the serial number and keep it for your records. Be sure to file away any installation documentation as well (like an invoice or a receipt). You’ll need access to this information later to file a warranty claim.

Rheem water heater warranty cost

Rheem provides a limited warranty on its water heater products at no additional cost. However, the Rheem Protection Plus plan, which extends limited warranty coverage for up to four years, can vary in price depending on where you purchase your water heater. Costs may range from $130 to $150.

How to file a claim for your Rheem water heater

Before filing a claim, you must ensure the warranty coverage period has not expired. You can verify your water heater’s warranty status on the company’s website. You can also call Rheem’s claims department. Keep in mind that you must register your water heater before you can access warranty information.

Once you’ve verified warranty coverage, contact the company’s technical service team by phone or email. The team can answer your questions about the next steps for your warranty claim. Rheem also recommends contacting the plumber or contractor who installed the unit for you. They can provide you with a quote for estimated costs.

You can mail your warranty claim documents to “Rheem Water Heaters, Claims Department, 400 Captain Neville Drive, Waterbury, CT 06705.”

Finally, check your Certificate of Limited Warranty for specific coverage details. The company may not cover repairs for some problems, so you could pay for parts and labor out of pocket.

When you gather your information, you can mail claims to the company’s claims department at the address listed in the Certificate of Limited Warranty.

Pros and cons of Rheem water heater warranties

While Rheem’s water heater warranties are handy, there are a few things to consider.

» MORE: Are heat pump water heaters worth it?

Rheem water heater warranty vs. home warranty alternatives

A Rheem water heater warranty helps cover costly repairs that could occur in the first year. However, you may be left paying for expensive parts or labor if your water heater stops working after that.

Water heaters are often covered under home warranty plans and can provide supplemental coverage to a water heater warranty. For example, parts that break due to normal and tear are usually excluded from the manufacturer’s limited warranty. A home warranty plan can cover the labor costs as well as the price of replacement parts.

A home warranty also offers much-needed coverage as the appliance ages. Water heaters have a life span of eight to twelve years, which means you may be more likely to experience malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired in five years. A home warranty kicks in to provide coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.

Bottom line

Rheem provides a limited warranty on its water heater units with coverage for manufacturer’s defects for a specified time. The company also sells a Protection Plus plan (for an additional fee), which extends the warranty period by up to four years.