A broken water heater can wreak havoc on your day, week, or even month. Your dishwasher can’t use hot water, and your showers run cold. For owners of Rheem and Ruud water heaters, a limited warranty can fall short for these durable products that won’t need repairs until later in their lifespan.
With a home warranty, you can protect your Rheem water heater for years to come. In this guide, we break down the benefits of a home warranty, with Choice Home Warranty as our top recommendation for a Rheem water heater warranty.
For a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out an online form or call 929-400-6164.
About Rheem Water Heaters
Rheem and its subsidiary company Ruud sell a range of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment, water heaters, and pool/spa heaters. Their catalog of water heaters includes:
- Storage tank water heaters—Storage water heaters continuously heat 20–80 gallons of water in a reservoir or tank. The heating elements can be fueled by natural gas, electricity, or oil. Rheem offers the gas and electricity versions.
- Hybrid water heaters—Also called a “heat-pump” water heater, these units pull heat from surrounding air into the water heater.
- Tankless water heaters—This style of water heater lacks a storage tank or reservoir. Rheem tankless water heaters use gas or electricity to heat water on demand, rather than storing warm water in a tank.
- Solar water heaters—These water heaters use the sun to fuel solar-powered heating elements.
Rheem currently has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, and it has a long reputation in the industry as a trustworthy brand with excellent customer service.
Rheem Water Heater Warranty
All purchased Rheem or Ruud products come with a Certificate of Limited Warranty that lists the product warranty details.
You can also register your product to access additional Rheem water tank warranty information and learn about extended warranty options. For warranty registration, you need the model and serial number.
Rheem and Ruud residential water heaters come with varying levels of coverage. A water heater can have a limited warranty for anywhere from five to 12 years. In some cases, labor is covered for a few years within the warranty. Rheem also offers extended warranties under a Protection Plus plan that extends protection for an additional four years.
But what if you sell your home? A Rheem warranty is transferable to the new owners. You can transfer your warranty with a small charge of $25 within 30 days of the closing date.
Common Water Heater Repairs and Costs
Though Rheem water heaters are quite durable, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to problems. In fact, a few years ago, Rheem Performance Platinum electric water heaters were recalled after their control panels created fire and burn hazards from overheating.
Common water heater issues you may come across include:
- Slow leaks caused by age
- Rusty or dirty water caused by a corroded anode rod
- Sediment and bacterial buildup
- Valve failure
- Pilot light that won’t stay on
- Broken thermostat
Water heater failure and its indirect consequences can cost $4,444 per incident on average, and it is one of the top five sources of residential water damage. A typical water heater repair costs about $546, while a replacement costs an average of $1,065. Neglecting to repair or replace parts that are damaged or functioning poorly can lead to more severe problems down the road.
Protect Water Heaters with a Home Warranty
A home warranty is similar to an extended service warranty that some manufacturers offer to their customers. Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty, however, a home warranty is a bundle plan that protects several appliances and home systems at once.
It might not seem like there is a big difference when it comes to a water heater warranty, but home warranties have many hidden benefits.
- Home warranties cover parts and labor on all repairs, while some manufacturer warranties only cover labor for a portion of the warranty.
- Home warranties are always transferable.
- You don’t have to register each appliance individually under a home warranty, as you would with multiple manufacturer warranties.
A home warranty can be a good alternative to the Rheem water heater warranty if you own an older home with other aging appliances that you would like to cover in conjunction with your water heater.
Today’s Homeowner’s top-rated warranty pick: Choice Home Warranty
Home warranties from Choice Home Warranty cover your Rheem water heater, whether it’s old or new. You can choose from two plans and supplement your coverage with optional add-ons.
The following are covered items for each plan.*
| Basic Plan | Total Plan | Optional Coverage |
| Price: $29/month Service Fee: Up to $85 per claim Duration: One year Coverage: Water heater Heating system Ductwork Plumbing system/stoppage Whirlpool bathtub Electrical system Exhaust/ceiling fans Garage door opener Garbage disposal Oven/rage/stove Cooktop Built-in microwave Dishwasher | Price: Up to $42/month Service Fee: Up to $85 per claim Duration: One year Coverage: Everything in the Basic Plan plus: Refrigerator Clothes washer/dryer Air conditioner | Add-on options: *Pool/spa Central vacuum Limited roof leak Septic system Septic tank pumping Sump pump Well pump Second refrigerator Standalone freezer *Adding on items increases monthly fees. |
Choice Home Warranty water heater coverage and exclusions
Choice Home Warranty offers customers a sample contract so that you can get an idea of what’s included and excluded in a typical plan.
In general, home warranties do not cover appliances or home systems that have pre-existing conditions. A home warranty is meant as a safety net for future repairs caused by normal wear and tear. In addition, Choice Home Warranty does not cover appliances that are already protected under a manufacturer’s warranty.
More specifically, gas and electric storage tank water heaters are the only Rheem or Ruud water heaters covered by Choice Home Warranty. This rules out commercial water heaters, tankless water heaters, and solar water heaters.
Also excluded from Basic and Total Plan coverage:
- Insulation blankets
- Pressure reducing valve
- Sediment buildup, rust and corrosion
- Storage tanks
- Vents and flues
- Thermal expansion tanks
- Fuel
- Energy management systems
- Drain pans
- Units exceeding 75 gallons
Make sure to read the contract for your specific plan or contact Choice Home Warranty to see if your water heater or water heater component is covered by their home warranty.
Perks of Choice Home Warranty
Why do we choose Choice Home Warranty as the leader in home warranty service?
- Competitive pricing—The Basic Plan costs as little as $1 per day, meaning you’ll get protection for a more reasonable price than many other competitors.
- 24/7 customer service—Expert support is available around the clock, so you’re always heard. Plus, the support team will take care of finding a pre-screened technician with trusted credentials.
- Speed—A professional will take care of your claim within 48 hours (extra days may apply for weekends).**
- Easy enrollment—You are not required to get a home inspection to enroll in their home warranty program.
- Easy claim process—You can file a claim online at your convenience.
- Positive reputation—With a decade in the industry, it’s consistently named one of America’s fastest growing companies by Inc. 5000.
Additional home warranty providers to consider
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheem Water Heaters
How can I maintain my water heater so that it lasts longer?
Proper maintenance is important to make your water heater last and run efficiently. It’s also important to perform regular maintenance so that repairs are more likely to be covered by a warranty.
You can take care of your home’s water heater by setting the water temperature to 120°F to save energy and prevent mineral buildup that causes water to smell. You should also flush your tank every three months to reduce sediment buildup.
How do I know if it’s time to replace my water heater?
If your storage tank water heater is leaking substantial amounts of water, then a simple repair is most likely not going to solve the problem. Leaks are a sign that a water heater is failing and in need of replacement.
How do I contact Rheem?
You can contact Rheem through their website or by calling their customer service number.
What is the longest Rheem water heater warranty?
The longest warranty is for the Rheem Marathon® water heater. It is the only Rheem water heater with a lifetime warranty.
Do I need a home warranty for my water heater if I have homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance only covers damage as a result of events out of your control, such as natural disasters or theft. Regular wear and tear that necessitates water heater repairs will not be covered.
