Let us tell you a story. Recently, we had a client call us because the water heater she purchased from a big box store would not stay lit. Our technician went out, diagnosed the problem, and determined that the water heater was beyond repair and needed to be replaced.
We took the old water heater out, took it to the big box store to swap it out for a manufacturer warranty replacement.
When we arrived at the big box store, they asked for the original purchase receipt, which we did not have and neither did our customer. The water heater was purchased in January 2022, making the unit one year and four months old. The water heater was purchased for $1,392, including tax, but the big box store prorated their manufacturer warranty. The current price of the water heater at the big box store was $1,234, including tax, BUT the prorated price the big box store was offering was $658. That means our customer would be responsible to pay the difference of $576! For a water heater that was purchased and installed one year and four months ago.
Now let’s talk about another scenario. Having a licensed plumber, purchase and install a professional grade water heater and not getting it from a big box store. In this scenario the specialized plumbing supply stores follow a different process when it comes to manufacturer water heater replacements. This means that they file a claim with the manufacturer directly, to have a brand new water heater swapped out for the old water heater for the price of around $50-$150 for the manufacturer warranty processing fee, depending on the brand.
Unfortunately, if a water heater is purchased at a big box store, it cannot be exchanged at a specialized plumbing supply store due to the quality and grade of these units.
What Does A Manufacturer Warranty Cover?
A water heater manufacturer warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a certain period of time after the installation of the unit (typically 6 years on most residential units). This means that if there is a problem with the water heater due to faulty materials or workmanship, the manufacturer will repair or replace the unit at no cost to the customer. It is important to note that the warranty does not cover the labor to switch out the unit with a new one. This means that the customer will need to pay for the cost of installation or replacement services, even if the new unit is covered by the manufacturer warranty. It’s also important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the warranty to understand what is and isn’t covered, and to work with a qualified and licensed professional to ensure that the installation or replacement is done safely and correctly.
How Much Does Instant Plumbing and Rooter Charge For A Manufacturer Warranty Water Heater Install?
At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we offer competitive pricing for water heater replacement services. For manufacturer warranty water heaters, our pricing ranges from $800-$1,500, plus any necessary parts (depending on size and if the old unit was up to code). However, if the original water heater was purchased at a big box store, we ask that the customer accompany us to the store with their original receipt or purchase card to make the warranty exchange. This is to ensure that the exchange process goes smoothly and that the customer receives the correct replacement unit. Our experienced technicians are trained to handle all aspects of water heater replacement, including ensuring that the new unit is installed safely and in compliance with all relevant codes and regulations. We strive to provide our customers with high-quality service and reliable solutions for all their plumbing needs.
Next time you’re in need of a new water heater please remember, not all water heater manufacturer warranties are created equal and it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before purchasing a unit. Purchasing a water heater from a big box store can lead to complications when it comes to warranty replacements, as these stores have different rules and pricing structures compared to plumbing supply stores. While a manufacturer warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship, it’s important to note that the warranty does not cover the cost of labor to replace the unit. At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we offer competitive pricing for manufacturer warranty water heater replacements and our experienced technicians are trained to ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly. By working with a licensed professional, customers can have peace of mind knowing that their water heater replacement needs are being handled by experts in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly does a manufacturer warranty for a water heater cover?
A: A manufacturer warranty for a water heater typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, usually around 6 years for most residential units. This means if your water heater has issues due to faulty materials or poor workmanship, the manufacturer will repair or replace the unit. However, it’s important to remember that this warranty doesn’t cover the labor costs for installing the replacement unit.
Q: How does the warranty replacement process differ between big box stores and specialized plumbing supply stores?
A: When you purchase a water heater from a big box store, the warranty replacement often involves prorated pricing, and you might need the original purchase receipt. On the other hand, specialized plumbing supply stores usually handle warranty replacements by filing a claim directly with the manufacturer, often requiring only a small processing fee (around $50-$150). This difference can significantly impact the overall cost and convenience of the replacement process.
Q: What are the potential downsides of purchasing a water heater from a big box store?
A: One major downside is the complexity and potential extra cost involved in the warranty replacement process. If your water heater fails, you might end up paying a significant amount out of pocket, even with a warranty. Additionally, water heaters from big box stores cannot be exchanged at specialized plumbing supply stores, which might offer more straightforward and cost-effective warranty services.
Q: How much does Instant Plumbing and Rooter charge for installing a manufacturer warranty water heater?
A: At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, our pricing for installing a manufacturer warranty water heater ranges from $800 to $1,500, plus any necessary parts. This price can vary depending on the size of the unit and whether the old unit was up to code. We ensure that the installation is done safely and in compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
Q: Why is it important to work with a licensed professional for water heater installation and warranty replacements?
A: Working with a licensed professional like Instant Plumbing and Rooter ensures that your water heater is installed safely and correctly, in line with all relevant codes and regulations. This not only gives you peace of mind but also helps in smoothly navigating the warranty replacement process, avoiding unnecessary complications and costs. Our experienced technicians are trained to handle all aspects of water heater replacement, providing high-quality service and reliable solutions.
