Kenmore Water Heater Warranty Guide
Manufactured by Various OEM manufacturers (previously Sears) · Warranty info last verified: March 2026
Quick Warranty Facts
Tank / H.E. Coverage
9–12 years
Parts Coverage
12 years max
Labor Coverage
1 year
Transferable
No
Extended Warranty
N/A
Registration Required
Recommended
Warranty by Product Line
Coverage periods vary by model series. Check your model against the table below.
| Product Line | Tank / H.E. | Parts | Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Residential (prior to 2018) Most Kenmore water heaters sold at Sears carried 9-year tank warranties. Manufactured by A.O. Smith or Rheem depending on era. | 9 yr | 9 yr | 1 yr |
Premium Residential (prior to 2018) Higher-end Kenmore models featured 12-year tank warranties. | 12 yr | 12 yr | 1 yr |
How to Register Your Kenmore Water Heater
Product registration is strongly recommended, even if not strictly required. It ensures Kenmore has your information on file for warranty service and safety notifications.
You will need:
- Serial number (from the rating label)
- Model number
- Installation date
- Installer's name and contact info
- Your name and address
What's Covered
- Defects in materials and workmanship
- Tank leaks from manufacturing defects (during tank warranty period)
- Internal component failures under normal use
- Heat exchanger failure (for tankless units)
- Manufacturer's defects discovered during warranty period
What's NOT Covered
- Units manufactured after Sears bankruptcy (2018) may have limited warranty support
- Improper installation
- Sediment and scale damage
- Labor after year one
How to File a Kenmore Warranty Claim
- 1
Locate the serial number on the rating label
- 2
Contact Kenmore support at 800-536-6673 — note that support options have become limited since Sears' 2018 bankruptcy
- 3
Identify the original OEM manufacturer (A.O. Smith or Rheem) from the serial number format
- 4
Contact the original OEM directly for parts and service support
Kenmore warranty line: 800-536-6673
Warranty Transferability: No
Warranty is for the original purchaser only.
If you recently bought a home with a Kenmore water heater, the warranty likely did not transfer to you. Check the age of the unit with our free tool and consider a home warranty plan if the unit is aging.
Additional Notes
Kenmore water heaters were sold exclusively at Sears stores and were manufactured by A.O. Smith or Rheem depending on the model and era. Following Sears' 2018 bankruptcy reorganization, Kenmore warranty support has become limited. If your unit is older than 10 years or Sears/Kenmore support is unavailable, contact A.O. Smith (800-527-1953) or Rheem (800-374-8806) to identify if they manufactured your unit based on the serial number format.
Kenmore Warranty FAQ
How long is the warranty on a Kenmore water heater?
Kenmore water heater warranties range from 9 to 12 years for tank coverage, depending on the model series. Parts are typically covered for 12 years and labor for 1 year(s).
Is a Kenmore water heater warranty transferable?
No. Kenmore warranties are not transferable. Warranty is for the original purchaser only.
How do I check if my Kenmore water heater is still under warranty?
Use our free serial number decoder at WaterHeaterChecker.com to find your manufacture date, then compare the age to Kenmore's warranty period for your model. You can also contact Kenmore directly at 800-536-6673 with your serial number.
What voids a Kenmore water heater warranty?
Common warranty voiding issues for Kenmore include: Units manufactured after Sears bankruptcy (2018) may have limited warranty support; Improper installation; Sediment and scale damage.
Does Kenmore offer an extended warranty?
Kenmore does not currently offer a standard extended warranty program. Contact them at 800-536-6673 for current options.
What do I do if my Kenmore water heater fails under warranty?
Locate the serial number on the rating label. Then contact kenmore support at 800-536-6673 — note that support options have become limited since sears' 2018 bankruptcy. Contact Kenmore at 800-536-6673 for assistance.
More for Your Kenmore Water Heater
Not sure which Kenmore model you have?
Check your Kenmore water heater's age, model info, and estimated warranty status with our free serial number decoder.
Decode Your Kenmore Serial NumberThis information is provided as a helpful reference only. Warranty terms are set by Kenmore and may change at any time. Always refer to the warranty certificate that came with your water heater for the definitive terms of your coverage. WaterHeaterChecker.com is not affiliated with Kenmore or Various OEM manufacturers (previously Sears).