Waranty language question hot water heater failure

October 16, 2024 2:23 PM

My hot water heater failed within the 1 year period where labor is supposedly covered. The company only wants to cover $100 for removal and re-installation which seems ridiculous. I need help understanding if the language in the warranty should indeed cover the full labor costs and if yes how to pursue this with minimal headache? Language under the fold:

SERVICE AND LABOR RESPONSIBILITY

UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR WILL PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT WATER HEATER OR PART THEREOF FOR THE TERM STIPULATED ON PAGE ONE, AND LABOR DURING THE FIRST YEAR ONLY. THE OWNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS. Such costs may include but are not limited to:

a. Labor charges for service, removal, or reinstallation of the water heater or part thereof subsequent to the first year.

b. Shipping and delivery charges for forwarding the new water heater or replacement part from the nearest distributor and returning the claimed defective water heater or part to such distributor.

c. All cost necessary or incidental for handling and administrative charges, and for any materials and/or permits required for installation of the replacement water heater part.

posted by 12%juicepulp to Law & Government (2 answers total)

This seems quite clear that it covers labour to replace the water heater. None of the exemptions are relevant to the question of labour cost within the first year.

Did you buy the water heater from the same person who installed it? If so, this should be their problem to deal with the manufacturer. Or it not, where did you buy it?
posted by ssg at 2:53 PM on October 16

I would absolutely agree, it's very clear. I would get it fixed if you haven't already and start putting together a letter to send certified mail, return receipt requested indicating that they are in breach of contract. And adding reasonable interest to the amount they already owe you. And regardless of the outcome I would make just-the-facts posts everywhere you can think of that they tried to screw you because that is super shady.
posted by wnissen at 10:04 AM on October 17