Investing in a reliable water heater is vital for any household as this guarantees a consistent supply of hot water for different daily needs.
For this reason, you must consider several factors and opt for brands that have been tried and tested for their impeccable quality.
One of these factors is knowing which brand would give you the warranty coverage.
Among reputable water heater brands, Rheem is a trusted name renowned for its durability and high performance.
Generally, Rheem water heater warranties are transferrable. However, specific terms and conditions also vary based on the heater’s model and warranty type. Some conditions include notifying the company, providing proof of transfer, the manner of installation, and the warranty duration. Rheem warranties usually cover different individual components, a combination of these components, or the entire appliance.
This article explains the different types of warranties and examines their transferability. We will also consider the duration these warranties can last on a Rheem water heater.
Can You Transfer Rheem Water Heater Warranty to New Owner?
You can transfer the Rheem water heater warranty to a new owner. However, reviewing the terms and conditions listed in the warranty documents is essential.
Typically, the steps involved in transferring Rheem water heater warranty include:
#1. Contact Rheem
The first step is for the previous owner to contact Rheem and inform them about the transfer. It is best to perform this process within a timeframe, usually 30 days.
This time allows Rheem to confirm the transfer, update their records, and recognize you as the new warranty beneficiary.
#2. Provide Proof of Transfer
During your thirty-day window, Rheem will ask you to provide proof of transfer. This proof could be a receipt, an agreement form, or any document that certifies the appliance transfer.
The importance of this proof is to establish credibility and prevent any possibility of theft or fraud.
#3. Ensure Proper Installation
Another factor Rheem takes into consideration is the condition of the installation.
It is essential that the previous owners installed the water heater following Rheem’s installation guidelines.
Preferably, Rheem expects that the previous owners employed the services of a licensed professional.
This step is vital in maintaining the warranty validity and the water heater’s optimality.
#4. Warranty Duration
The final condition is checking the remaining warranty duration. This period depends on the heater’s age and the type of warranty covering the heater.
Rheem does this to check and certify the amount of time left to transfer to the new owner.
Mostly, it is more convenient to reach out to their customer care center for specific information on the transferability of your warranty type.
This way, the service provider gives you adequate guidance regarding the existing warranty.
How Long Is The Warranty On A Rheem Water Heater?
The warranty length on a Rheem water heater varies based on the heater model and type. For example, the tank-type heater has a 6-to-12-year warranty.
The warranty may cover parts of the heater and labor or be restricted to only parts. For this reason, it is best to consult your Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions.
This instructions manual covers necessary areas of interest like the warranty terms, exclusions, and the steps to claiming a warranty.
You can search for a copy online or contact a customer service provider if you do not have your manual.
Rheem water heater warranties are either part or tank warranties:
#1. Part Warranty
This warranty only covers some parts of the water heater that may require replacement when they go wrong.
Some parts a part warranty covers are heating elements, thermostats, control boards, and other internal components.
The duration of a parts warranty ranges from six to ten years, depending on the heater type and model.
#2. Tank Warranty
This warranty covers the heater tank itself against leaks and possible structural defects. This guarantees that Rheem will fix your water heater if it has a leak or experiences any faults.
Like the parts warranty, the tank warranty duration depends on the heater type and model. It also ranges from 6 to 12 years.
Interestingly, some Rheem warranties include a combination of the parts and tank warranties. For instance, a water heater can have a six-year parts warranty and a 10-year tank warranty.
Rheem also offers extensions for some warranty options, which you can purchase separately. These warranty extensions provided extra coverage past the standard warranty period.
Below is a table showing information on the two types of Rheem warranties.
| Parts Warranty | Tank Warranty |
|---|---|
| Covers small (internal) components of the heater. | Covers the water heater tank against leaks and other possible faults. |
| Last from 6 to 10 years | Lasts for 6 to 12 years |
If you want to know the specifics of your warranty, it is best to enquire from a customer care representative.
However, you should know or write down your appliance serial number in preparation for that call. The representative will use this serial number to provide you with optimal information.
After you buy and install your heater, Rheem advises registering the model within two months of installation to activate the warranty.
The registration process requires you to have and submit your model and serial numbers, installation date, name, address, and email address.
You will also need the contractor’s name, address, and phone number.
The representative will ask you some questions to ascertain that the heater will only function in a domestic capacity. This inquiry helps to prevent overworking the machine.
This way, when there is a malfunction with your water heater, Rheem technicians will help you replace or repair the faulty parts.
Do Rheem Water Heaters Have a Lifetime Warranty?
Not all Rheem water heaters have lifetime warranties. Most models have a wide range of warranty years, starting from 6 years up to 12 to 15 years.
Some Rheem water heaters, like the Marathon water heater, have a lifetime tank warranty. This warranty goes to emphasize the durability of the appliance.
The warranty is such that as long as you own your home and fulfill all initial requirements of having the heater professionally installed, the warranty is for life.
Rheem also has the option to offer warranty extensions that go beyond the initial warranty duration. This warranty extension will help you relax while protecting the water heater.
Why Is Rheem Water Heater Warranty Not Transferrable?
From the previous sections, it is clear that transferring the Rheem water heater warranty is possible. Although, certain circumstances make the warranty become nontransferable.
Some of these circumstances are:
#1. Flaunting Installation Requirements
If the water heater installation process is not in line with Rheem guidelines or by a licensed technician, the water heater warranty may lose its transferability.
Proper installation is essential to ensure the appliance’s performance and safe utilization. If, for any reason, the previous owner did not obey the installation requirements, all warranties become void.
#2. Warranty Registration
Rheem advises all customers to register their products within the first two months of installation.
The warranty will not be transferrable if the previous owner fails to register the warranty or provide relevant information during the initiation or transfer process.
Some warranties require the owner to register the appliance within a given time or provide a document that certifies proof of ownership for transferability.
#3. Specific Warranty Terms
Some Rheem water heater models can have some transferability. These rules or terms are usually listed in the documents and vary based on the region or country where you buy the heater.
For this reason, it is crucial to go through the manual and documentation to know the specific warranty transferability details that apply to your water heater.
As always, the best alternative is to contact customer service and lay out your inquiries.
Understanding the warranty transferability conditions and requirements Rheem sets can help homeowners and potential buyers make informed decisions regarding warranty coverage for these water heaters.
