When we install a water heater, our responsibility doesn’t end when the hot water turns back on. This page explains what to expect after installation, how your warranty works, and how we support you long after the install is complete.
Manufacturer Warranty (Tank Coverage)
All residential water heaters we install come with a standard 6-year manufacturer warranty on the tank.
-
Optional upgrade:
The manufacturer warranty can be extended to 10 years for an additional $250 at the time of installation. Thermal expansion tanks do need replaced every 7 years, so the 10 year warranty doesn’t allow for a set it and forget it approach. -
This warranty covers tank failure due to manufacturer defects. Most of the failures we see are due to excessive water pressure or poor quality materials during installation.
If a tank were ever to fail, KC Water Heaters handles the paperwork, coordination, and logistics so you’re not stuck dealing with the manufacturer on your own.
KC Water Heaters Labor Warranty
For homes without a water softener, we provide a full 2-year labor and materials warranty on every installation.
This includes:
-
All installation labor
-
All installation materials
-
No surprise charges related to our work
If an issue is tied to how the system was installed, we take care of it.
Important Note About Water Softeners
Water softeners significantly increase the rate of corrosion inside a water heater and will shorten the lifespan of the tank and internal components especially anode rods.
Because of this:
-
Homes with a water softener receive a 1-year labor warranty
-
Manufacturer tank warranties remain unchanged
-
This policy is non-negotiable and based on long-term, real world performance
This isn’t about limiting coverage it’s about being honest about how softened water affects water heaters over time.
No Required Annual Maintenance
We do not require annual flushing or anode rod replacement to maintain your labor warranty.
-
Routine maintenance is optional
-
No annual service contracts are required
-
The only exception is homes with water softeners, where accelerated wear is expected. When there is a water softener the anode rod should be inspected after 12-24 months.
If maintenance ever makes sense for your specific setup, we’ll explain why.
Fast Response on Warranty Calls
Warranty calls are handled with the same urgency as your original installation request.
That means:
-
No delays because it’s “just warranty”
-
No being passed off to the manufacturer
-
You’ll talk to someone who knows your system
We Stock Parts for the Units We Install
Because we focus on a narrow range of equipment, we keep common replacement parts in stock, including:
-
Gas valves
-
Pilot assemblies
-
Burners
-
Temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valves
-
Anode rods
-
Fill tubes
-
Other unit specific components
This allows us to resolve most issues quickly without waiting on parts to ship.
The Most Common Callback: Water Pressure
The most common post-installation callback we receive is related to water pressure.
This can happen any time:
-
A tank is flushed or drained
-
Water is shut off and restored
-
Sediment is disturbed during repressurization
For this reason, we always ask customers to:
-
Check water pressure at every faucet before we leave
-
Confirm normal flow while we’re already on site
It’s much easier to address pressure issues immediately than schedule a separate return visit later.
T&P Valve Dripping or Discharge
Another common concern is a dripping or discharging T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve.
To reduce this risk, we almost always install:
-
A whole house pressure reducing valve (PRV) when needed
-
A properly sized and calibrated thermal expansion tank
Stable water pressure is the single most effective way to prevent T&P discharge. When pressure is controlled correctly, the valve rarely if ever needs to release water.
Our Approach
We install water heaters the same way we’d want them installed in our own homes:
-
No unnecessary maintenance requirements
-
Clear warranty boundaries
-
Proper pressure control
-
Local support with stocked parts
-
Real accountability after the install
If you ever have a question after installation even if you’re unsure it’s a problem just call. We’d rather answer it once than have you guessing.