What Does A Hot Water System Warranty Cover?

Introduction to Hot Water System Warranties

Knowing the coverage and limitations of your water heater warranty is crucial for protecting your home investment. Water heater warranties provide assurance that the costs for any repairs or replacements needed after installation are covered.

At Beverly Hills Plumbing, we’re committed to providing information on your system’s performance post-installation to help you make well-informed decisions.

The most common types of warranty hot water heater systems that we install are:

• Bradford White gas storage water heaters
• Electric storage water heaters
• Continuous flow gas water heaters
• Solar water heaters
• Tankless water heat pumps

Warranty periods differ significantly across brands and models, typically providing several years of coverage for parts and internals from the date of installation. Gas hot water heater models are frequently accompanied by warranties ranging from 3 to 6 years from the date of installation, whereas electric hot water tank models cover 3 to 12 years. Tank warranties for heat pump and solar hot water systems generally range from 5 to 10 years.

Water heater warranties typically activate upon a manufacturing fault or defect, signalling a quality failure covered under your warranty. Warranty terms explicitly exclude issues arising from improper installation or inadequate maintenance. It is crucial to be mindful of the warranty’s expiry date since it guarantees the repair or replacement of the product should it fail within the coverage period.

At Beverly Hills Plumbing, Our expert team is here to offer personalised advice on hot water systems and clarify various warranty options for your home. Discover the range of options available for your hot water heater by contacting us for guidance in understanding your choices.

What Is Typically Covered Under a Hot Water System Warranty

Call us for insights into home warranties for hot water systems, which commonly cover the following components and services:

• Heat exchanger / Water tanks
• Electrical and gas controls
• Pumps and valves
• Collector panels (solar systems)
• Enjoy labor warranty coverage for the repair of defective parts within the first year of operation.

Water heater warranties specify coverage and duration, impacting the cost of components like tanks and heat exchangers, which usually last between 3 and 10 years. Labor warranties are often capped, generally covering replacement parts and services only in the first year after installation.

Issues arising from inadequate maintenance, water supply problems, or incorrect installation are generally not covered by warranty claims.

Length of Coverage Under Hot Water Warranties

Basic warranties typically cover repairs within a 3-5 year span, while premium models may offer extended assurance, including operational costs.

• Electric storage: 5-12 years
• Gas storage: 3-6 years
• Gas hot water instant systems: 3-5 years
• Solar: 5-10 years
• Heat pump: 5-10 years

Longer warranty periods provide better long-term value and reassurance about your purchase. However, it’s important to understand exactly what’s covered under the warranty fine print.

Our qualified plumbers can provide tailored hot water service advice for your warranty against defects.

Types of Hot Water System Warranties

There are several main types of water heater under warranty that your unit can be covered by:

Manufacturer’s Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty, provided by the brand, usually covers a period of 3-10 years depending on the model, adhering to industry standards. It may cover parts labour costs, the heat exchanger, etc. Length and inclusions depend on the manufacturer.

Extended Warranties

Certain brands provide extended warranties for a fee, extending coverage beyond the standard warranty’s expiration. These range from 5-15 year parts and labour warranty, and provide extra peace of mind.

Third Party Warranties

Companies like American Home Shield offer service contracts through third-party warranties, covering repair and replacement of appliances, hot water systems included. They can supplement or replace manufacturer warranties.

Review details carefully when comparing manufacturer and third-party warranties to fully understand the coverage scope. Manufacturer warranties typically offer more extensive coverage for parts than third-party warranties.

Making a Warranty Claim

To understand the warranty process for your new hot water heater, follow these steps to assess your situation and potential claim:

1. Gather all documentation pertinent to your product purchase and the installation date, such as your serial numbers, receipts, installation certificates, and warranty papers.
2. Contact the water heater’s manufacturer or installer directly to report the suspected fault or failure.
3. Provide a detailed account of the issue, including any relevant error codes.
4. The manufacturer assesses the issue to decide if it qualifies for a warranty claim, and if it does, repairs are undertaken.
5. Following approval, if the goods fail acceptable quality standards, the manufacturer will arrange for a technician to inspect the unit and carry out repairs under the warranty coverage terms.
6. If the defect is classified as a 'does amount to major failure’ beyond the warranty scope, you’ll be directed to options for reasonable compensation or an alternate replacement or refund solution.

At Beverly Hills Plumbing, when water heater issues arise, our dedicated service team offers guidance for warranty claims and liaises with manufacturers on your behalf. Contact us on 1300 349 338 or [email protected].

Factors That Can Void a Warranty

There are several key factors that may result in voiding the warranty coverage for your hot water system:

• Choosing unlicensed technicians for installation - Warranties are often voided by using uncertified plumbers or attempting DIY installation.
• Neglecting maintenance - Skipping regular servicing, tank flushing, or specified relief valve and anode replacement can void warranties
• Water quality issues - Water chemistry problems like high sediment or corrosive elements, for which guarantees cannot be excluded under Australian warranty claims
• External physical damage, like dents, cracks, or burns, is typically not covered by warranties
• Modifications - Altering original parts or adding non-approved accessories voids warranty

Adhering closely to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, maintenance and operation guidelines is key for preserving your hot water system warranty. If you come across any concerns not covered by your water heater warranties, don’t hesitate to call us for specialised assistance.

The Role of Proper Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to preserving your warranty coverage and extending your plumbing system’s lifespan.

Using licensed, brand-approved installers is critical for proper fitting and maintaining the validity of your heater’s warranty. Likewise, closely following the recommended maintenance schedule and procedures prevents warranty voidance.

At Beverly Hills Plumbing, our plumbing professionals provide installation and maintenance services to the highest industry standards. By guaranteeing that we receive your service request, you preserve your warranty and promote the long-term efficiency of your appliance.

Get in touch with our team to arrange professional installation and maintenance checks for optimal system performance.

Exclusions and Limitations of Warranty Coverage

Under Australian consumer law, goods come with guarantees, and these warranties should not be disregarded as they represent a level of assurance for your hot water system. Typical limitations to be aware of include:

• Prorated hot water heat coverage - Warranties usually offer full coverage for only the initial 2-5 years, thereafter reducing the coverage annually. For instance, warranties may only cover 50% of the costs by the seventh year.
• Parts only - Labour and servicing costs may not be included beyond the initial period of 12 months. Afterward, consumers are typically responsible for these costs.
• Water quality damage - Corrosion, sediment buildup and scale voids many warranties if maintenance is not conducted properly.
• DIY installation - Improper installation often voids factory warranties.

Expect that over time, hot water systems may develop significant issues due to their finite lifespan and wear and tear, leading to failing to meet quality standards. Such issues are not covered under warranty and could lead to additional foreseeable costs. Being informed of these exclusions can help prevent unexpected future expenses.