Updated On

March 13, 2024

Why You Can Trust Us

Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Learn More

    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.

    Rheem currently has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and it has a long reputation in the industry as a trustworthy brand with excellent customer service. However, you may still need a little extra coverage to ensure your Rheem products stay in top shape.

    With a home protection plan, 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.

    Not Recommended
    BBB Rating:
    A+
    Monthly Cost:
    $28–$68
    Service Fee:
    $75–$125
    Coverage Limit:
    Varies

    Our Preferred Home Warranty Alternatives

    Today’s Homeowner recommends a few home warranty companies to our readers. Below you’ll see our latest suggestions and their money-saving deals. You can also read our review of the best home warranty companies to learn more about these top picks.

    Best Coverage Limits
    AHS Logo
    Visit Site
    Limited Time:
    40% Off Our Most Popular Plan
    Best Claims Acceptance
    choice home warranty logo
    Visit Site
    Limited Time:
    $50 Off + 1 month free!
    Best for Customization
    Visit Site
    Limited Time:
    $200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage
    Best Value
    select home warranty logo
    Visit Site
    Limited Time:
    $150 Off (Code HOUSE25)

    What is the 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.


    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.

    What Are 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.


    Does It 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.

    Water temperature controls on a hot water heater can it be repaired by rheem's wrranty?

    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.

    It’s tough to find good home warranties sometimes, which is why we recommend Choice.

    The following are covered items for each plan.*

    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:

    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.

    Best Claims Acceptance

    4.3

    choice home warranty logo
    Limited Time:
    $50 Off + 1 month free!

    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.

    If you want to explore more warranty options and you need a warranty company that is focused on water heaters, we encourage you to read our American water heater warranty guide to help your decision-making.

    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.

    Comparing Additional Home Warranty Providers

    Not sure if Choice Home Warranty is your best option for water heater coverage? Compare some other top brands in the table below.

    Company

    Our Rating

    Monthly Cost

    Service Fee

    Coverage Cap

    States Covered

    $49.99–$69.99+

    $65–$125

    $2,000

    All 50 states

    $49.99–$99.99

    $100–$125

    $6,000

    48 States ex. AK & HI

    $44.99–$58.99

    $70

    $15,000

    47 States ex. CA, TX, WA

    $46.83–$54.75+

    $85

    $3,000

    48 states, ex. WA & CA

    $60.42–$63.75+

    $60–$75

    $3,000

    47 states, ex. NV, WA, & WI

    $30.00–$60.00

    $75–$125

    $3,000

    49 states, ex. HI

    $39.99–$54.99

    $100–$125

    $2,000

    47 states, ex. CA, AK, & HI

    $17.00–$60.00

    $65–$100

    $2,500

    42 states, ex. AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, & WY

    $36.00–$46.50

    $75–$125

    $3,500

    34 states, ex. AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, & WI

    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.



    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

    Learn More

    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

    Learn More

    Browse by State