Water Heaters: warranties compared
11 brands. We read every warranty so you don't have to. Checked through October 2026.
10 of 11 brands cover water heaters in full for one year or less. The longest full coverage is 5 years, from Rinnai. 9 brands keep some parts covered after full coverage ends, and 1 keeps something covered for life.
Every brand, side by side
- 1Rinnai85/100Full: 5 yearsPartial: to 15 yearsPartial covers: Heat exchangerCheck your model's manual
- 2Navien41/100Full: 1 yearPartial: to 15 yearsPartial covers: Heat exchanger; Parts
- 3EcoSmart40/100Full: NonePartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Water heater (ECO 8-36); Leaks (ECO MiniTank); Leaks (ECOS, POU, SmartBoost); and more
- 4Bosch35/100Full: NonePartial: to 15 yearsPartial covers: Heat exchanger; Parts; Labor (allowance)
- 5A. O. Smith34/100Full: 1 yearPartial: to 6 yearsPartial covers: Tank; Component partsCheck your model's manual
- 6Rheem30/100Full: NonePartial: to 8 yearsPartial covers: Tank; Component partsCheck your model's manual
- 7Ruud30/100Full: NonePartial: to 8 yearsPartial covers: Tank; Parts
- 8State Water Heaters25/100Full: NonePartial: to 6 yearsPartial covers: Tank (GS6); Parts (GS6); Tank and parts (SCI)Varies by model line
- 9Stiebel Eltron25/100Full: NonePartial: to 6 yearsPartial covers: Leaks; Whole product (parts only)
- 10Bradford White10/100Full: NoneNo partial coverage
- 11Noritz10/100Full: NoneNo partial coverage
From each maker's published warranty. “Unverified” means we couldn't confirm the terms on the maker's own site. How we rate warranties
What these warranties often leave out
- Water damage8 of 11 brands
- Leaks5 of 11 brands
- Cracks3 of 11 brands
- Stopping working from outside causes3 of 11 brands
- Noise1 of 11 brands
- Scratches, dents and looks1 of 11 brands
How long stores give you to return it
Longest return window first, for water heaters.
- SupplyHouseMost items365 days
- Blain's Farm & FleetUpper Midwest storesMost items90 days
- AJ MadisonMost items30 days from delivery
- Do it BestMost items30 days
- FergusonMost items30 days
- Lowe'sWater heaters and HVAC systems30 days
Show all 8 stores
- SutherlandsSouth Central storesMost items30 days
- The Home DepotAir conditioners, dehumidifiers, pumps, portable evaporative coolers and portable heaters7 days
From each store's published return policy, using its rule for water heaters where it has one. Member and holiday extensions aren't counted. Check yours before you buy.
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Questions shoppers ask
Which brand of water heaters has the best warranty?
On paper, Rinnai scores highest, with 5 years of full coverage and longer coverage on some parts.
Is a long warranty on water heaters really that long?
Often not for the whole product. Many longer warranties cover only certain parts after the first year or two, and you usually pay for the labor. The bars above show full and partial coverage separately.
Do I need to register to get the warranty?
3 of 11 brands require registration for some of their coverage, often within a set number of days. Keep your receipt either way.
Forward the receipt and I-BUY.AI tracks the return window and warranty for you.