THE SHORT VERSION
- Manufacturer warranties usually replace the tank or part; labor is often limited or excluded.
- Installation, maintenance and water quality can affect coverage.
- Get the installer’s own labor warranty in writing.
Three kinds of coverage
Tank coverage handles a leaking tank; parts coverage handles components like elements or controls; labor covers the work to fix them. They often run for different lengths. One A.O. Smith warranty pairs a 6-year tank and parts term with 1 year of labor; its 12-year tier includes 3 years of labor.
Examples from real documents
- A.O. Smith split heat pump tank (2025): 10-year tank, 10-year parts, 1-year labor for authorized labor.
- Rheem gas tankless: 15-year heat exchanger, 5-year parts and 1-year labor for residential use; all warranties void after 12,000 hours of operation.
- Rheem 120V plug-in heat pump: 10-year limited tank and parts.
- ENERGY STAR requires at least a 6-year warranty on certified heat pump and gas storage water heaters.
Terms vary by model and change over time. Check the certificate for the exact model number on your quote.
What usually isn’t covered
An older A.O. Smith warranty says the owner pays for labor, removal, materials and permits, and it isn’t transferable. A 2013 Rheem certificate excludes labor, permits and haul-away. Bradford White is different: its warranty extends to later owners while the heater stays installed, and claims go through the servicing contractor.
What can reduce coverage
- Installation that doesn’t follow local code or the manufacturer’s instructions
- No provision for thermal expansion, or no certified relief valve
- Sediment build-up or damage from water quality
- Relocating the unit or converting its fuel or voltage
- No proof of installation date (coverage may start from the manufacture date instead)
Questions for your installer
- Which exact model and warranty tier is this price for?
- How long is your labor warranty, and is it in writing?
- Who registers the product, and by when?
- Who handles a claim, and what will I pay for labor if a part fails?
Sources
Sources checked September 29, 2026. Prices, codes and rebates change. Check current details with your installer and local permit office.