Do Home Warranties Cover Water Heaters?

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Select Editorial Team
5 Mins Read May 23,2023 Home Warranty
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Water heater problems tend to show up unannounced, and the costs can escalate quickly. If you have ever paused to ask, do home warranties cover water heaters?, it’s usually because you are trying to avoid a sudden, expensive fix. This blog breaks down what’s actually covered and helps you decide if a home warranty is a practical investment for your situation. Whether it’s a minor repair or a full replacement, having the right coverage can take a significant edge off those unexpected bills.

A home warranty is a service contract that provides protection for major systems and appliances in your home. It offers peace of mind by covering repair or replacement costs for covered items, such as water heaters, that experience mechanical failures or breakdowns.

Relying on a manufacturer’s warranty to cover your essential appliances is not only high risk, but potentially high cost! Read on to learn more about how home warranties can cover the cost of repairs and replacements of water heaters.

Do Home Warranties Cover Water Heaters?

Yes, home warranties typically cover water heaters, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific plan.

Most standard home warranty plans include water heaters as part of their appliance or system coverage. This usually applies when the unit fails due to normal wear and tear, such as:

  • Heating element failure
  • Thermostat malfunction
  • Sediment buildup affecting performance
  • Internal component breakdown

However, coverage may not apply in cases of:

  • Improper installation
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Structural damage or corrosion beyond repair

So, if you are evaluating whether home warranties cover water heaters, the short answer is yes, but always review the contract for coverage limits, exclusions, and caps.

Are water heaters usually under the manufacturer’s warranty?

Yes, most water heaters come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty usually covers defects in materials or workmanship for a certain period. However, this duration is usually much shorter than when you will need coverage for repairs.

Manufacturer or retail protection plans are different from a home appliance warranty. Manufacturer warranties and retail protection plans cover appliances when they are new, but those protections go away as the appliance ages.

Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own coverage plan. Call us today for a FREE quote at 800-670-8931!

How long is a typical water heater warranty?

The length of a typical water heater warranty can vary. It depends on the brand, model, and type of heater. Standard warranties usually span three to five years.

It is important to note that manufacturers have specific exclusions in their warranties. Therefore, it’s essential to read and understand your contract to avoid any expensive surprises.

A Select Home Warranty contract is 12 months long, with full coverage starting 30 days after you sign up.

How much does it cost to repair a water heater if it breaks?

The cost of a water heater depends on the type of system you have (tank-based, tankless, heat pump, etc.), but can range from eight to 15 years or more, with an average cost of $500 to repair and around $2,500 to replace.

Understanding the lifespan and costs associated with your major appliances can save you thousands down the road. This includes your home’s water heater.

These costs can be even higher in certain markets due to labor rates and local installation requirements. For example, homeowners in Birmingham often face additional expenses related to older home plumbing that requires specialized work during water heater repairs or replacements. Many protect themselves from these escalating costs by choosing a reliable Birmingham home warranty company that handles both standard and complex installation scenarios

Is your water heater covered

Are water heater leaks covered by warranty?

Yes, water heater leaks are usually covered if they are caused by internal failure, and normal wear and tear, and the unit has been properly maintained. In such cases, the warranty may pay for repairing or replacing the water heater.

However, most providers exclude coverage for leaks due to factors such as manufacturing defects, improper installation or lack of maintenance. It’s important to review your warranty contract for clarity on leak coverage.

Is fixing hot water in the shower covered under home warranty?

Home warranty coverage for hot water issues in the shower can vary.

Is the problem related to the water heater itself, such as a malfunctioning heating element or thermostat? Then the answer is likely yes!
Is the problem caused by a malfunction with your plumbing system? Refer to your coverage plan to see if your plumbing system is covered.

Pro Tip: If you have a SHW Platinum plan, you’re likely covered!

Why should I choose Select Home Warranty to cover my water heater?

We believe trust is the foundation of a successful warranty agreement. We do our best to provide full transparency to our potential and current clients. We even include sample contracts for your review.

Looking for a great deal without compromising quality? As the best value in home warranties, we offer various discounts and a referral program to help our customers save even more. We offer a 30-day free trial period and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can trust that you’re making the right choice with us.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out hundreds of positive reviews from real SHW customers. When you’re ready to sign up, just click the link below or dial 800-670-8931.

Conclusion

So, do home warranties cover water heaters? Yes, and for most homeowners, that coverage is one of the most practical benefits of having a home protection plan in place. Water heaters fail without warning, and repair or replacement costs can disrupt a household budget fast.
The right plan means that when your water heater stops working, you are not scrambling to find a technician or calculating how to cover the bill. You submit a claim, a technician is dispatched, and covered costs are handled, so you get hot water back without the financial hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of water heaters are covered under home warranties?

Most home warranties cover common residential water heaters, including gas, electric, and tankless models. While standard tank models are almost always included in basic plans, some providers also include tankless or solar systems, but coverage limits may differ.

Does a warranty cover full replacement or just repairs?

If the unit cannot be repaired, your warranty plan will cover replacement up to a specified limit.

Are pre-existing issues with water heaters covered?

No, pre-existing conditions are generally excluded unless the issue was undetectable during inspection.

Is maintenance required to keep coverage valid?

Yes, lack of basic maintenance can void your claim, especially in cases like sediment buildup or corrosion.

Can I choose my own technician for water heater repairs?

No, with Select Home Warranty, you typically cannot choose your own technician. Service requests are handled through their network of approved technicians who are assigned to your claim.

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