Leaking Rheem Water Heater Under Warranty?
A warranty may help with the replacement unit—but getting it installed correctly is still your responsibility. A Drop Above Plumbing helps Rockford-area homeowners through the replacement process from diagnosis to professional installation.
What happens when a warrantied water heater starts leaking?
A leaking tank usually means replacement—not a simple repair. The first step is confirming the leak and checking whether the unit is still covered.
For this recent project, the homeowner had a Rheem water heater under warranty. We removed the existing unit, helped obtain the replacement from Home Depot, and installed the new water heater. The homeowner paid the difference in the replacement cost, and the new installation included a two-year labor warranty.
We also install warranty replacements for Rheem, Richmond, and A. O. Smith water heaters. Exact coverage varies by model and warranty terms, so we review the situation with you before the work begins.
Important: “Under warranty” does not always mean “free installation.”
The manufacturer or retailer may cover some or all of the replacement unit. Installation labor, materials, permits, code upgrades, disposal, and any price difference may still be the homeowner’s responsibility.
A real Rheem warranty replacement in progress
These photos show the existing water heater and the removal stage of the project. We document the condition of the unit and explain the replacement options before moving forward.
How our water heater warranty replacement process works
We make the next steps clear so you know what is covered and what the installation will cost.
Confirm the problem
We inspect the leak, identify whether the tank or a connection is failing, and help determine whether a warranty replacement may apply.
Review your options
Have your brand, model, serial number, and warranty information ready. We explain the replacement, installation requirements, and estimated cost.
Install the replacement
We remove the old water heater, install the replacement correctly, check operation, clean up, and back the new installation with our labor warranty.
Water heater warranty replacement FAQs
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from Rockford-area homeowners.
Does a Rheem warranty cover installation labor?
Many manufacturer warranties cover a replacement tank or part, but installation labor and required materials may be separate. Coverage depends on the specific warranty, model, retailer, and warranty terms.
What information should I have ready?
Have the brand, model number, serial number, photos of the unit and leak, and any warranty or retailer information available. This helps us provide a more accurate estimate.
Can you install Richmond or A. O. Smith replacements?
Yes. We provide warranty replacement installation for Rheem, Richmond, and A. O. Smith water heaters, subject to the replacement unit and site requirements.
How quickly can a leaking water heater be replaced?
Timing depends on the warranty approval, replacement availability, size and type of water heater, and local installation requirements. Call us so we can review the situation and available options.
Warranty replacement installation throughout the Rockford area
A Drop Above Plumbing is a family-owned, Illinois licensed and insured plumbing company. We come to you.
Is your warrantied water heater leaking?
Call A Drop Above Plumbing for an estimate on professional replacement installation. We’ve got this, so you don’t have to.