Water Heaters Standards
Coverage Summary
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation defects (electric) | ✓ | 1 year | Classic Homes warranty |
| Installation defects (gas) | ✓ | 1 year | Classic Homes warranty |
| Equipment/component failure | ✗ | — | Manufacturer warranty |
| Damage from lack of maintenance | ✗ | — | Homeowner responsibility |
If you smell gas, leave the home immediately and call the gas company. Do not flip switches or create sparks.
Water heaters are classified as appliance/consumer products. After the first year, refer to the manufacturer's warranty for coverage.
Performance Standards
Electric Water Heaters
Standard: Electric water heaters should heat water to the set temperature and maintain it.
Temperature Settings:
| Setting | Approximate Temperature |
|---|---|
| Hot | 120°F |
| A | 130°F |
| B | 140°F |
| C | 150°F |
| Very Hot | 160°F |
Coverage: Classic Homes covers installation defects for the first year. After that, refer to manufacturer's warranty.
Gas Water Heaters
Standard: Gas water heaters should heat water to the set temperature with proper combustion.
Recommended Setting: "Normal" for typical use.
Coverage: Classic Homes covers installation defects for the first year. After that, refer to manufacturer's warranty.
Condensation: New gas water heaters may have condensation inside that drips onto the burner flame. This causes no harm and usually disappears within a short time.
General Standards
All Water Heaters:
- Should provide adequate hot water for normal household use
- Installation should comply with building codes
- Gas units should have proper venting and combustion air
What's Not Covered
The following are excluded from warranty coverage:
- Equipment/component failure - Refer to manufacturer warranty for equipment issues
- Damage from lack of maintenance - Annual draining, element cleaning (electric), keeping area clean (gas)
- Improper temperature settings - Adjusting temperature is homeowner responsibility
- Scalding from high temperature settings - Higher settings increase risk
- Energy waste from high settings - Temperature selection affects efficiency
- Extended absence issues - Proper shutdown procedures are homeowner responsibility
Filing a Claim
If you believe you have a warranty issue:
- Review the Use & Care Guide for troubleshooting steps
- Check basics first:
- Electric: Breaker ON, temperature setting correct, water supply valve OPEN
- Gas: Pilot light lit (if applicable), temperature setting correct, water supply valve OPEN
- Refer to manufacturer's literature for specific troubleshooting
- For issues after Year 1, contact the manufacturer directly
- Request Service for first-year installation issues
Related Standards
Care Tips: See Water Heaters Use & Care for maintenance and troubleshooting guidance.