Rheem Water Heater Warranty Guide
Manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing Company · Warranty info last verified: March 2026
Quick Warranty Facts
Tank / H.E. Coverage
5–12 yr + Lifetime
Parts Coverage
12 years max
Labor Coverage
1 year
Transferable
No
Extended Warranty
Available
Registration Required
Yes: within 60 days
Warranty by Product Line
Coverage periods vary by model series. Check your model against the table below.
| Product Line | Tank / H.E. | Parts | Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
Performance / Professional Classic Entry-level residential line sold at Home Depot and through contractors. | 6 yr | 6 yr | 1 yr |
Performance Plus Mid-tier residential line. | 9 yr | 9 yr | 1 yr |
Performance Platinum / Prestige Premium residential line. Some models include up to 3 years labor. | 12 yr | 12 yr | 1 yr |
ProTerra / Hybrid Heat Pump Heat pump water heaters. Premium efficiency line. | 10 yr | 10 yr | 1 yr |
Tankless Gas 12-year heat exchanger warranty. Applies to Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, and Sure Comfort branded units. | 12 yr | 5 yr | 1 yr |
Tankless Electric Shorter warranty than gas tankless models. | 5 yr | 1 yr | None |
Marathon (Lifetime Tank) Lifetime tank warranty due to blow-molded plastic tank that cannot corrode. Parts covered for 6 years. No anode rod required. | Lifetime | 6 yr | None |
How to Register Your Rheem Water Heater
Registration is required within 60 days of installation to activate full warranty coverage. Don't skip this step. Missing the deadline may reduce your coverage.
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
- Improper installation or failure to meet local codes
- Installation by unlicensed contractors
- Sediment and scale buildup (considered routine maintenance)
- Thermal expansion damage — expansion tank required in closed systems
- Unauthorized third-party accessories or energy-saving devices
- Units with rating labels removed
- Labor costs after the first year (unless ProtectionPlus was purchased)
- Shipping costs for returning failed units
Extended Warranty: ProtectionPlus
Cost Range
$130–$250
Additional Years
+4 years
Includes Labor
Yes
Buy at Install
Required
Extends coverage up to 4 additional years with parts and labor. Must be purchased with the initial installation. Enhancement components are physically installed in the unit.
How to File a Rheem Warranty Claim
- 1
Locate your serial number on the rating label on the front or side of the unit
- 2
Register your water heater at rheem.com/warranties if not already registered
- 3
Verify warranty status online using your serial number
- 4
Contact the original installing contractor for service
- 5
If the original installer is unavailable, contact any local Rheem dealer or call 800-374-8806
- 6
The contractor diagnoses the issue and submits the warranty claim
- 7
Rheem may require the failed unit or parts to be returned for inspection
Rheem warranty line: 800-374-8806
Warranty Transferability: No
Warranty is only available to the original owner at the original installation location. It is not transferable.
If you recently bought a home with a Rheem 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
Rheem also manufactures water heaters sold under the Ruud, Richmond, GE, and Sure Comfort brand names. Warranty terms are identical across these brands. The effective warranty date is the installation date if documented, otherwise the manufacture date plus 90 days.
Related brands with similar warranty terms:
Rheem Warranty FAQ
How long is the warranty on a Rheem water heater?
Rheem offers a lifetime tank warranty on certain models. Other models have tank warranties ranging from 5 to 12 years. Parts are typically covered for 12 years and labor for 1 year(s).
Is a Rheem water heater warranty transferable?
No. Rheem warranties are not transferable. Warranty is only available to the original owner at the original installation location. It is not transferable.
How do I check if my Rheem 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 Rheem's warranty period for your model. You can also contact Rheem directly at 800-374-8806 with your serial number.
What voids a Rheem water heater warranty?
Common warranty voiding issues for Rheem include: Improper installation or failure to meet local codes; Installation by unlicensed contractors; Sediment and scale buildup (considered routine maintenance).
Does Rheem offer an extended warranty?
Yes. Rheem offers ProtectionPlus: Extends coverage up to 4 additional years with parts and labor. Must be purchased with the initial installation. Enhancement components are physically installed in the unit. Cost range: $130–$250.
What do I do if my Rheem water heater fails under warranty?
Locate your serial number on the rating label on the front or side of the unit. Then register your water heater at rheem.com/warranties if not already registered. Contact Rheem at 800-374-8806 for assistance.
More for Your Rheem Water Heater
Not sure which Rheem model you have?
Check your Rheem water heater's age, model info, and estimated warranty status with our free serial number decoder.
Decode Your Rheem Serial NumberThis information is provided as a helpful reference only. Warranty terms are set by Rheem 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 Rheem or Rheem Manufacturing Company.