Yes, most home warranty plans typically cover water heaters, as they are considered essential home systems. Additional home warranty coverage for home systems can include heating, ductwork, central air conditioning, garage door openers, attic, ceiling and exhaust fans, central vacuum systems, and electrical systems.
Age of the Water Heater: Insurance companies may reduce coverage for water heaters beyond a certain age, typically around 12-20 years. Older water heaters are more prone to leaks, corrosion, and other issues, increasing the risk of damage.
Home warranties don't cover pre-existing problems
Home warranties cover systems and appliances that are in good health when you sign your Home Warranty Service Agreement. You cannot purchase a Service Agreement to cover items that have problems that exist before you purchased it.
Hot water heater replacement is typically excluded from your homeowners insurance coverage unless it breaks as a result of a covered peril, such as a house fire or hurricane. Because of this, it's often recommended to purchase extended warranties on expensive home appliances that you hope to last a long time.
If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.
The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour. On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.
The good news is that most standard home warranty plans will cover your water heater.
Most brands of residential water heaters have six (6) year tank and a six (6) year parts warranty. This will vary with different models and manufacturers. The labor warranty from the manufacturer is one year.
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Some examples of items not covered include: Acts of nature: Home warranties typically don't cover damage caused by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other acts of nature. Pest damage: Damage from termites, rodents, or other pests is usually not covered by home warranty plans.
Home warranties can cover systems such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and appliances like dishwashers, ovens, clothes washers/dryers, refrigerators, water heaters and more – items typically not covered by homeowners insurance.
For example, implied warranties do not cover problems such as those caused by abuse, misuse, ordinary wear, failure to follow directions, or improper maintenance.
Gradual damage: Insurance policies usually don't cover damage that occurs gradually over time. This includes damage from slow leaks, deteriorating plumbing, or seepage through your home's foundation. These issues are considered the result of normal wear and tear, and the cost of repairs falls on the homeowner.
Air Conditioning/Heating/Ductwork – COVERED: All components and parts of the following systems: ducted, central, electric, split and package units, forced air (gas, electric, oil), geothermal, wall-mounted units, mini-splits, heat pumps, floor furnace, hot water or steam circulating heat, and electric baseboard.
Sure, there are always exceptions to the rule, but the newer you can make the interior and the fixtures in your home look, the more confidence buyers will have in your property. Replacing your water heater will make your home seem less outdated and less at risk of needing significant work down the line.
Visit your manufacturer's website to insert your serial number and check your warranty coverage. If you're still uncertain or find you are without coverage, contact the manufacturer or nearby plumbing company to assist you.
If your water heater unexpectedly bursts or leaks, the water damage caused by the leak will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, repairs or replacement of the water heater itself will not be covered.
If your heater is about 10 years old or older, replacing it might make financial sense. If you have an American Home Shield home warranty, we will repair or replace your covered water heater break down and make sure you get the right Pro for the job.
Your water heater warranty can be voided for being installed outside without proper and adequate protection from the elements. It can be voided for being a residential water heater in a commercial application. The warranty can be voided if the temperature and pressure relief line wasn't run up to code.
If you need to replace your water heater, there's no need to call a plumber. Let us replace and install your new water heater. Our Independent Service PROviders can help you with both tankless and traditional water heater tanks, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters and tankless gas water heaters.
Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.