What Does a Home Warranty for Water Heaters Cover?

A water heater is one of the most essential systems in your home. It provides hot water for your showers, laundry, cooking, and cleaning. However, like all appliances, water heaters eventually wear out over time, often when you least expect them to.

If you’ve ever dealt with a leaking water heater or sudden loss of hot water, you know how disruptive and costly water heater problems can be. This is where a home warranty with water heater coverage can help. In this guide, we’ll explain how a home warranty can help take care of covered water heater repairs or replacements, what to look for in a plan, and why many homeowners find it to be a valuable safeguard.

Why Consider a Home Warranty for Your Water Heater?

Conventional tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models can last 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, when they fail, it often comes without much warning. A leaking tank or faulty heating element can leave you scrambling for solutions.

Without a home warranty, you could face hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in water heater repair costs. In some cases, replacing your water heater may be the only option, which can be even more expensive. By investing in a water heater warranty, homeowners can reduce the financial strain of these breakdowns.

A home warranty for water heater coverage offers:

• Budget protection: When your water heater breaks, you call us, pay a service call fee, and First American handles covered repairs or replacement.
• Access to qualified professionals: No scrambling for a plumber at the last minute. We assign a technician from our network of prescreened contractors.
• Peace of mind for homeowners: You can rest more easily knowing you have a plan in place when your water heater fails.

What Does a Water Heater Warranty Typically Cover?

While details vary by provider, water heater home warranty coverage from First American includes:

• Repair or replacement of mechanical parts when your water heater stops working due to normal wear and tear.
• Coverage for gas, electric, and tankless water heaters.
• Access to prescreened service technicians who can diagnose the issue and work to either fix a covered repair or replace it.

Not all costs for replacing a water heater may be covered. For example, modifications or alterations to structures aren’t covered. Home warranties also typically do not cover preexisting issues, such as problems with your water heater that existed before your coverage started.*

Related: Learn more about what a home warranty doesn’t cover.

Choosing the Best Home Warranty for Water Heater Coverage

Not all warranty providers are the same, so it’s important to shop carefully. When evaluating the best home warranty for water heater protection, consider:

1. Coverage details: Does the plan cover both repair and replacement if needed?

First American will repair your covered water heater or replace it if it can’t be repaired.

2. Service call fee: What is the cost each time you request service?

First American service fees start at around $100 and vary by plan.

3. Limits and caps: Are there dollar limits on repairs or replacements?

First American doesn’t limit the dollar amount for repairing or replacing your water heater so long as it is a standard water heater.

4. Type of water heater: Make sure your tankless system is covered.

First American covers tank and tankless water heaters, whether they are electric or gas.

Selecting a warranty that balances comprehensive protection with affordable costs ensures you’ll get the most value when dealing with unexpected home repairs.

How a Home Warranty Works When Your Water Heater Breaks Down

Here’s how the home warranty process works:

1. You notice a problem: Maybe your water isn’t heating, or you spot a leak around the tank
2. You file a service request: Contact your home warranty provider online or by phone. The company assigns a technician to diagnose the issue and confirm coverage.
3. Repair or replacement: The technician will repair the covered issue or replace the water heater.

Instead of managing everything on your own, this process can save you time, money, and stress.

Protect Yourself with a First American Home Warranty

Water heaters are essential, but they’re also prone to breakdowns as they age. Without warranty protection, the cost of water heater repairs or a complete water heater replacement can add up quickly. By choosing a home warranty with the best water heater coverage, you’ll gain financial protection, quick access to professional technicians, and lasting peace of mind as a homeowner.

If you’re ready to safeguard your home against water heater issues and other costly system breakdowns, consider a First American Home Warranty. Get the coverage you need today. Visit our site to get a free quote and find the right plan for your home.

Water Heater Warranty FAQs

Do First American Home Warranty plans include water heater coverage?

Nearly all of our plans include water heater coverage. See what’s covered in our homeowner plans.

How long does a water heater home warranty last?

Most First American home warranty plans last one year and are typically renewable.

Do you cover tankless water heaters?

Yes, our plans cover tank-style and tankless water heaters for both gas and electric models.

Do you have dollar limits on water heater repairs or replacements?

No, there is no limit on the dollar amount we’ll cover to fix or replace your covered water heater.

*Some plans that are purchased as part of a real estate transaction will protect you from unknown pre-existing conditions—if at the time the coverage begins, the defect is not known or could not have been reasonably observed by looking at or operating the system or appliance.