Blog | ARW Home | Home Warranty Coverage

Does a Home Warranty Cover Water Heater Replacement?

Written by Erica Lee | Apr 15, 2025 1:15:50 PM

A broken water heater can disrupt your home’s comfort, leaving you with cold showers, unexpected repair costs, and unnecessary stress. For homeowners, a home warranty is a practical solution, covering repairs or replacements of major home systems and appliances, including water heaters.

In this guide, we'll explore how a home warranty can help with water heater replacement, what’s typically covered, and how to ensure your policy provides the protection you need.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing key home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. Unlike homeowners insurance, which typically covers unexpected damages (such as fire or theft), a home warranty protects you from the costs of appliance and system breakdowns due to everyday use.

For example, if your electric water heater malfunctions, a warranty may cover the cost of repair or replacement — saving you from expensive, out-of-pocket expenses. 

A typical home warranty plan covers:

Coverage can vary by provider, but the core benefit remains the same: reducing the financial burden of costly repairs and ensuring that your home remains in good working order. Explore more of the ins and outs of home warranty coverage.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Water Heater Replacement?

Yes, most home warranties do cover water heater repairs and replacement, including tankless, gas, and electric water heaters. However, coverage can vary by plan, so it’s important to understand the details of your policy.

Typically, water heater (gas, electric or tankless) coverage includes:

  • Gas Valve
  • Main Burner
  • Limit Control
  • Pilot Burner
  • Thermocouple
  • Flame Spreader
  • Regulatory
  • Standard Thermostat
  • Manifold
  • Relief Valve
  • Vent Damper
  • Electrical Heating Element

Some warranties may also cover labor costs, but there are usually coverage limits. For example, certain repairs related to water heaters (like issues caused by external factors) may not be covered. Always check your warranty agreement for specific terms.

For a water heater replacement to be covered, the failure must be due to normal wear and tear, such as a rusted tank or an irreparable crack. If the unit was neglected or improperly maintained, the claim may be denied. When it comes to repairs, a technician will assess the water heater to determine if it can be fixed. If repairs are not possible, a replacement will be provided.

Pro Tip: Some home warranty providers require proof of maintenance, such as annual tank flushes. Failing to perform regular maintenance may void your warranty coverage.


ARW Home’s Water Heater Coverage

At ARW Home, we understand how essential your water heater is to daily life. That’s why we offer comprehensive home warranty plans that provide coverage for both repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a tankless system, we have flexible coverage options to fit your needs.

How ARW Home Protects Your Water Heater

With ARW Home, you can add water heater coverage to any of our three primary plans, ensuring protection against unexpected breakdowns:

  1. Kitchen Plus Plan – Primarily covers kitchen appliances, but water heater coverage can be added.
  2. Platinum Plan – Covers major home systems and appliances, including water heaters.
  3. Platinum Premier Plan – Our most extensive plan, providing broad coverage for appliances, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, including water heaters.

Flexible Add-On Options

If you need extra protection, you can customize your plan with additional coverage options, ensuring your water heater is fully safeguarded against potential failures.

Why Choose ARW Home for Water Heater Coverage?

  • Comprehensive Coverage – Protects against wear and tear, helping you avoid expensive out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs.
  • 24/7 U.S.-Based Support – Get assistance anytime, ensuring quick response times for urgent water heater issues.
  • No Long-Term Contracts – Enjoy the flexibility to choose a plan that best fits your needs, without being locked into a long-term agreement.

Explore ARW Home's Plans Today

Find the perfect coverage for your home’s essential systems, including water heaters. Visit ARW Home’s Plan Comparison Page to explore your options and customize the right protection for your household.

Common Issues With Water Heater Claims

When filing a claim for a water heater replacement, several issues might arise. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

  • Age Limitations: Many warranties exclude units older than 10 to 15 years. To avoid denial, ensure your water heater is within the acceptable age limit for coverage.
  • Poor Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance, like annual tank flushes, can lead to denied claims. Regular upkeep helps extend your water heater’s lifespan and ensures compliance with warranty requirements.
  • Improper Installation: If your water heater was installed incorrectly or by an unlicensed contractor, the warranty may not cover the issue. Always hire professionals for installations and repairs.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Any issues present before the warranty start date are excluded from coverage. It’s essential to inspect your systems before purchasing a warranty plan

How to Maximize Home Warranty Coverage for Water Heater Issues

Here are some proactive steps to maximize your water heater warranty:

  1. Review Your Policy: Know the age limits, maintenance requirements, and exclusions before a problem occurs.
  2. Schedule Annual Maintenance: Keep your water heater in top condition by having it professionally inspected yearly.
  3. Report Issues Early: Promptly notify your provider if you suspect a problem to avoid potential coverage issues.
  4. Use Approved Contractors: Always work with licensed contractors recognized by your warranty provider to ensure compliance.
  5. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of maintenance, receipts, and contractor communications as proof of care.

Protect Your Home With ARW Home

At ARW Home, we provide tailored home warranty solutions to fit your needs, ensuring your home systems and appliances are always covered. Whether you need plumbing, HVAC, or water heater protection, our plans offer comprehensive coverage with no long-term contracts.

Why Choose ARW Home?

  • Industry Recognition: Awarded by Forbes Advisor as one of the best of 2023, and Consumer Affairs as a Best Choice for 2024.
  • Affordable Plans: Our coverage options are designed to fit your budget and offer flexibility, from basic to premium plans.
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: We stand behind our services with a risk-free money-back guarantee.
  • No Hassle, No Hidden Fees: Transparent, easy-to-understand policies without hidden costs.

Discover more about our comprehensive plans by visiting our Plans Comparison page. Our Home Electronics Plan and Water and Sewer Line Coverage are perfect additions for homeowners looking to protect all their essential systems.

Get in touch with ARW Home today and find the perfect warranty plan to keep your home running smoothly year-round.

Final Thoughts

A home warranty can be a lifesaver when it comes to covering the cost of unexpected repairs, like water heater repairs or replacement. By choosing the right plan from ARW Home, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your water heater, plumbing, and other critical systems are protected — with no hidden costs or long-term commitments. Whether you choose a basic system plan or a comprehensive combo, we have a solution for your home’s unique needs.

Don’t wait for your water heater to fail. Get started with ARW Home today and ensure your home stays covered, no matter what winter brings.