SO bought this water heater to replace at my daughters Condo, and it only has a 6 year warranty. I can purchase a warranty that extends the warranty after the original ends thru Lowes.

[www.lowes.com]

Just wonder if it is a good idea, or not a good idea?

Thoughts?

Five more years, including labor, for $70, I would go for it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2021 12:40PM by Dik2.

Total of 11 years warranty? For $70 I'd jump at that...

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Paul F.
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Eureka, CA

The additional years depend on the mfrs warranty. Could be no additional years, but with labor covered by the add on plan.

Protection Plan Coverage Period
Coverage starts after the manufacturer's labor warranty ends, if labor coverage is provided; otherwise, it starts on the date of plan purchase.. Coverage lasts for one, two or five years, or until the manufacturer's parts warranty ends, whichever is later.

How much to screw in a second sacrificial anode before installation? Or, better yet, get a powered anode.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2021 01:31PM by Speedy.

Water heaters have either 6 or 12 year warranties because they either have 1 or 2 sacrificial anodes. A single anode will roughly last 10 years +/- approximately 4 years (depending primarily on the corrosiveness of the water in your area), hence a 6 year warranty. Since water heaters are extremely simple devices, with few exceptions they won't fail until the anode expires.

Based on the above and the fact that water heater failures are often home-wrecking disasters, it probably makes more sense to install a second anode (or buy a 12 year water heater with two anodes) than to spend that money on an extended warranty. Also, pin a note on the water heater indicating in what year to replace the anodes.

I don't agree with Speedy's suggestion that you get a powered anode. The problem with those is that they can fail and the only way you find out is when the water heater springs a leak.

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You can also replace the anode at around the 5-6 year mark...

If it's an A. O. Smith heater, read the warranty coverage carefully. At one point it says that they'll provide, "an allowance" for labor if the service provider that they refer you to says it's defective. But, they also say that they have the right to require you to send the water heater or any replaced parts to them. Later in the warranty it says that unless state law requires it, they are not responsible for any labor costs nor for the costs of sending it back if they want to see it nor for the costs of sending you a new one. So, there are inconsistent statements in the warranty regarding labor costs. But, the requirement that you pay for shipping both ways (if they want to see it and, of course, they'll want to see it!) is very clear.

The A. O. Smith one looks like a baloney "warranty" to me. I think I'd get the Lowe's warranty, as well, and hope that the thing lasts beyond the A. O. Smith warranty time. Lowe's doesn't actually provide the warranty service for the extended warranty, but they do say that materials and labor are included. Also, I'd bet they will be more responsive if there's a problem since you can go look the manager in the eye. Of course, you should read the extended warranty conditions carefully, as well.

For $10/year, the cost of a bad pizza, you have coverage that could save you a bundle. If it doesn't work or you don't use it, then you are still only out the cost of a bad pizza every year.

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