You might not notice your home’s water heater until it breaks and you’re left with a cold shower. At first, you may be covered by a water heater warranty, but that may not last its lifespan.
Our team provides unbiased information on products and services available across a variety of industries, including options for top home warranty companies in the U.S. We evaluated several appliance warranties to find what providers offer the best water heater warranty and coverage.
See why we chose American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty, then compare quotes between these industry leaders below.
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Water Heater Warranty Overview
A water heater warranty is a manufacturer’s warranty that comes with a new product. Usually, the warranty period will be encoded in the model or serial number of the water heater. Depending on what company made the water heater, you may need to register your product for the warranty to apply.
How long are water heaters under warranty?
Water heaters installed for use by a single family are typically under warranty for six to 12 years.
How many years does a hot water heater last?
Tank-style water heaters typically last eight to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years.
How much does it cost to replace a hot water heater?
The average tank-style water heater costs around $400 for the unit and between $250 and $500 for the labor. Tankless water heaters are around $1,000 for a new unit, and labor costs tend to run between $450 and $1,200.
Water heater replacement isn’t cheap. A home warranty can offset those costs in the case of a broken or old water heater.
Water Heater Coverage with a Home Warranty
Home warranties give homeowners, buyers and sellers peace of mind in the event that an appliance or system needs repairs. Home warranties are not required, but having one helps save time and money. They also connect you with a licensed, insured professional who can repair or replace damaged or broken appliances or systems in your home.
Water heater warranties and home warranties are different contracts. Home warranties are a separate purchase from your water heater and offer coverage when the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t apply. They cover water heaters and other systems and appliances such as:
- Clothes washers
- Clothes dryers
- Garbage disposals
- Refrigerators
- Stoves/ovens
- Built-in microwaves
- Cooktops
- Dishwashers
Most home warranties can be purchased at any time regardless of the age of the home or how long the homeowners have lived in it. Generally, home warranties cost between $400 and $700 with service fees that range between $60 and $100 per call.
There are many advantages and some drawbacks to having a home warranty plan for the appliances and systems in your home:
| Pros | Cons |
| For a small monthly fee and service call fee (usually a flat rate), you can receive repairs or replacements on covered appliances and systems you use every day. | Most home warranty companies require you to wait 30 days between purchasing a policy and the start of your coverage. |
| Most companies offer flexible plans for every budget type, plus several companies provide discounts and referral bonuses. | Many warranty plans have coverage limitations or require you to purchase additional coverage for certain appliances and systems. |
| Many companies allow you to customize your plan, so you only cover exactly what you need. | |
| A majority of home warranty companies allow you to file a claim at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. |
Best Overall: American Home Shield
American Home Shield offers three plans: one for systems, one for appliances and a combination plan that covers appliances and systems. Additionally, you can choose the Build Your Own Plan™, which allows you to bundle a minimum of 10 appliances and systems of your choosing. Certain terms and conditions and exclusions do apply to the Build Your Own Plan.
To get a free quote, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this easy form.
Water heaters are covered under the American Home Shield warranty plan for systems. The online sample contract states that all components are covered, including tankless water heaters and circulating pumps.
The Systems Plan™ also covers:
- Air conditioning and ductwork
- Heating and ductwork
- Electrical
- Plumbing (including stoppages)
- Instant hot/cold water dispensers
- Central vacuums
- Garbage disposals
- Smoke detectors
- Ceiling fans
- Doorbells
- Re-key
The Appliances Plan™ covers 10 essential appliances regardless of age, make or model, including:
- Refrigerators
- Ranges/ovens/cooktops
- Clothes washers
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwaves
- Trash compactors
- Freestanding ice makers
- Built-in food centers
- Garage door openers
Warranty plans range from $49.99 per month to $59.99 per month. Service fees range from $75 to $125 per call and vary based on your monthly payment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible plans with build-your-own plan option | Requires 30 day waiting period before servicing starts |
| Sliding scale for service call costs | Coverage limitations for air conditioning systems |
| Discounts available for referrals, additional properties and retail products | Additional coverage required for some items like pools and pump systems |
| Coverage for tankless water heaters |
To get a free quote from AHS, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this easy form.
Best for Aging Homes: Choice Home Warranty
Homeowners who live in aged or historic homes with older appliances and systems can benefit from having service contract coverage with Choice Home Warranty.
To get a free quote, call 800-495-1292 or fill out this quick form.
This industry leader offers two appliance insurance plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. Optional coverage is available for a variety of indoor and outdoor appliances and systems. Water heater warranty coverage is available through either plan.
The Basic Plan covers:
- Heating system
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system (including stoppage)
- Water heater
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Oven, range, and stove
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Ductwork
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
The Total Plan covers every item in the basic plan plus air conditioning systems, refrigerators, clothes washers and clothes dryers.
Optional coverage can be added for other appliances and systems around the home, including:
- Pool or spa
- Central vacuum
- Second refrigerator
- Stand-alone freezer
- Well pump
- Sump pump
- Septic system
- Septic tank plumbing
- Limited roof leak
Warranty plans with Choice Home Warranty range between $300 and $600 per year, depending on the plan type, extent of coverage and size of your home. Each service trade service is $85 per claim, regardless of the total cost of the repair or replacement. Claims for appliances or systems needing servicing can be submitted online or by phone. The claims hotline at Choice Home Warranty is available 24 hours.
| Pros | Cons |
| Two coverage plan options plus optional add-ons | $85 service fee |
| Claims made almost any time | Spending caps on certain categories lower than other home warranty companies |
| Includes circulating pump coverage in water heater warranties | More water heater components exclusions than American Home Shield |
| Does not cover tankless water heaters |
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, call 800-495-1292 or fill out this quick form.
Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is a great option for price-conscious consumers.
To get a no-commitment quote, call 888-370-3956 or fill out this easy form online.
The company has three home warranty coverage plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care. Platinum Care is the most popular plan and is a combination of the Gold and Bronze plans. Water heaters are only covered under the Gold and Platinum plans.
Gold Care also includes:
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Ductwork
Platinum Care adds:
- Plumbing stoppage
- Clothes washer
- Clothes dryer
- Garbage disposal
- Refrigerator
- Stove/oven
- Built-in microwave oven
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling fans
Plans range from $34 to $42 per month. If you pay the cost up front, you can get two free months of coverage.
Claims can be made 24/7 by phone or online. Once the claim is received, you’ll pay a service fee, and Select Home Warranty will send a local licensed professional to repair or replace your covered item.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly pricing and discounts for paying up front | Requires 30 day waiting period before servicing starts |
| Option to choose appliances only or systems only | Doesn’t cover solar or tankless water heaters, leaks or pumps |
| Low coverage costs for add-ons like pumps or lawn sprinklers |
To get a quote, call Select Home Warranty at 888-370-3956 or fill out this easy form on its secure site.
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