If you’ve ever filed a water heater claim through a home warranty company, you may have heard something like:
“Your water heater needs upgrades before we can replace it.”
For many homeowners, that raises an immediate question:
Is this a real code requirement, or just company policy?
The answer matters, because it can mean the difference between a necessary safety upgrade and an unexpected out-of-pocket expense. Here’s what Arizona homeowners need to know before approving any work.
Home warranty companies often cover only the base replacement of a water heater. Anything beyond that may be labeled as an “upgrade” and billed to the homeowner.
However, not all upgrades are created equal. They generally fall into two categories:
Company Policy or Installation Standards
Understanding which category applies to your situation is critical.
Code upgrades are not optional. They are required by local, state, or national plumbing and safety codes, and any licensed plumber is legally obligated to follow them, regardless of who is paying for the water heater.
Common Arizona code requirements may include:
Thermal Expansion Tank (when required by the plumbing system)
Earthquake Strapping (for garage or elevated installations)
Proper Drain Pan & Drain Line
Correct Venting & Combustion Air
Gas Sediment Trap (Drip Leg)
Temperature & Pressure Relief (T&P) Discharge Line
Updated Shut-Off Valves
If an item is truly code-required, any licensed plumbing company should tell you the same thing.
This is where confusion often happens.
Some “required upgrades” are not code, but rather internal policies set by:
Home warranty companies
National installation contractors
Franchises or volume installers
Examples may include:
Mandatory pipe replacements beyond code
Required valve replacements when existing ones are functional
Upgraded venting methods not required by local code
Standardized installation packages
These may be good practices, but they are not always legally required.
That doesn’t mean they’re wrong. It just means you deserve clarity.
Before approving any additional charges, homeowners should always ask:
Is this upgrade required by Arizona or local plumbing code?
Or is this a company or warranty policy?
If the answer is “policy,” you have the right to:
Ask for documentation
Request a code reference
Get a second opinion
One of the smartest things you can do is consult another licensed plumbing company, especially one that is independent and local.
A second plumber can:
Confirm which upgrades are code-required
Identify which items are optional or policy-based
Ensure you’re not paying for unnecessary work
Help you understand long-term reliability and safety
If two licensed plumbers tell you the same thing, you can move forward with confidence
Water heaters are one of the most heavily regulated plumbing appliances in a home. Codes change over time, and many Arizona homes were built under older standards.
When a water heater fails, it often triggers:
Code updates that didn’t exist when the home was built
Safety improvements required today
Conflicts between warranty coverage and modern requirements
This doesn’t mean your warranty company is wrong, but it does mean you need clarity before agreeing to upgrades.
At Rapid Rooter Plumbing, we regularly help homeowners who are confused or frustrated after hearing conflicting information from warranty companies.
Our approach is simple:
We clearly separate code requirements from company policy
We explain why something is required (or not)
We reference applicable codes when needed
We provide honest, written breakdowns
We never pressure homeowners into unnecessary upgrades
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision, not just approve a bill.
If a home warranty company tells you your water heater needs upgrades, don’t panic, and don’t blindly approve charges.
Instead:
Ask whether each upgrade is code-required or policy-based
Request explanations and references
Consult a second licensed plumbing company
Make a decision based on facts, not pressure
Your home, your money, and your safety deserve transparency.
If you’d like an honest second opinion or help reviewing a warranty recommendation, Rapid Rooter Plumbing is here to help.
📞 Call/Text: (623) 581-0346
🌐 Visit: RapidRooterAZ.com
📍 Serving Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Scottsdale & the West Valley