Rheem Water Heater Drain Valve Class Action Settlement: Claim Up To $1,500 For Documented Losses
By Steve Levine
Published: January 13, 2026
Status: Proposed Settlement
Settlement Award: Up to $1,500
Claim Form Deadline: March 20, 2026
Proof required: Yes
What is the Rheem Drain Valve Class Action?
If you owned a Rheem water heater, or owned a home or building where one was installed between 2019 and 2023, this settlement may apply to you.The class action lawsuit case involves claims that certain round plastic drain valves used in some Rheem water heaters could crack or fail, leading to leaks, water damage, or repair costs. Rheem has denied any wrongdoing, and the Court has not ruled on the claims. The settlement is proposed and will only take effect if it receives final court approval.
What is the Total Settlement Amount?
The settlement described in the notice is not a simple cash fund for all class members. Instead, it provides:• An automatic two year parts only warranty extension for the covered drain valve, without filing a claim, and
• A claim process for reimbursement of documented losses up to $1,500 per class member, subject to settlement terms and an aggregate cap of $500,000 across all documented loss reimbursements, plus certain optional warranty or replacement benefits if you file a claim.
How Do I Qualify For a Payout?
You may qualify to request reimbursement if you are a class member and you have documented losses related to your use, installation, or ownership of the covered round poly drain valve.You are generally a class member if you own or previously owned:
• A covered round poly drain valve, or
• A home or other structure in the United States where a covered drain valve was installed.
The class action lawsuit states the covered products include certain round poly drain valves manufactured and advertised between 2019 and 2023, identified by specific part numbers in the official notice.
How Much Can I Get Paid?
Eligible class members may request reimbursement for documented losses up to $1,500 per class member.Important limits mentioned in the notice include:
• You must submit documentation such as dated receipts, invoices, technician reports, and or other records showing the amount incurred and the connection to the covered drain valve.
• Documented loss reimbursement is subject to a total aggregate cap of $500,000 across all claims, and payments may be reduced proportionally if valid claims exceed that cap.
How Do I File a Claim
To request reimbursement for documented losses, and or to elect certain optional benefits, you must submit a claim by the deadline.According to the notice, you will typically need your contact information and the serial number of your Rheem water heater to complete the claim.
You can submit a claim online through the official settlement website, or mail a paper claim form to the settlement administrator.
What is the Claim Form Deadline?
The claim deadline is March 20, 2026. Mailed claim forms must be postmarked by March 20, 2026.What are the Important Dates?
• Claim Deadline: March 20, 2026
• Opt Out Deadline: February 20, 2026
• Objection Deadline: February 20, 2026
• Final Approval Hearing: May 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (by Zoom)
When is the class action settlement payment date?
The notice does not provide a specific payment date. Settlement benefits, including any reimbursement payments, are expected to be provided after the Court approves the settlement and it becomes final. Appeals can delay timing.How long do Rheem water heaters usually last?
:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, depending on the model, water quality, maintenance, and usage. Some units may last longer with regular flushing and timely part replacements, while others may fail earlier due to corrosion, hard water, or component issues.What are common problems with Rheem water heaters?
Common issues reported with Rheem water heaters include leaking drain valves, sediment buildup inside the tank, faulty heating elements, thermostat problems, and pressure relief valve failures. In some cases, plastic components like drain valves may crack or wear out over time, which can lead to leaks and water damage if not addressed.How popular is Rheem?
Rheem is one of the most popular and widely used water heater brands in the United States. The company has been manufacturing water heaters for decades, and its products are sold through major home improvement stores, plumbing suppliers, and professional installers nationwide. Because Rheem water heaters are installed in millions of homes, issues involving Rheem products can affect a large number of homeowners.Is Proof Required to File a Claim?
Yes for documented loss reimbursement. The notice states you must include documentation such as dated receipts, invoices, technician reports, and or other records showing both the amount and the connection to the covered drain valve.For optional warranty or replacement elections, the claim still requires specific information, and the notice states you will need the serial number of your Rheem water heater.
What happens if I do nothing?
If you do nothing, you will receive the two year parts only warranty extension for the covered drain valve, but you will not receive reimbursement for documented losses and you will give up the right to sue Defendants over the claims resolved by the settlement, if the settlement is approved.Optional Benefits You Can Elect If You File a Claim
The class action settlement includes additional options that may be available if you submit a valid claim:• One Year Elective Parts and Labor Warranty Extension (limited to the first 100,000 valid claimants who elect it, according to the notice)
• Replacement Brass Drain Valve (limited to the first 20,000 valid claimants who elect it, according to the notice)
The settlement also states no labor is included with the replacement brass drain valve.
How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?
Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:Claim Form Website: Settlement Site
Submit Claim
Official Settlement Notice
Sources
• Official Settlement Website: Class Action Site• U.S. District Court, Central District of California, West v. Rheem Manufacturing Company and Melet Plastics, Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-09686-CAS-MAAx
Filing Class Action Settlement Claims
Please submit only truthful information. False claims can be rejected and may carry penalties. If you are unsure whether you qualify, review the official notice or contact the settlement administrator. OpenClassActions.com is a consumer news site and is not a settlement administrator or a law firm.
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Submit Claim| Class Action Summary | |
| Status | Proposed Settlement |
|---|---|
| Claim Form Deadline | March 20, 2026 |
| Settlement Relief | Automatic parts only warranty extension, plus possible reimbursement up to $1,500 for documented losses |
| Category | Consumer Product and Warranty |
| Estimated Payout per Person | Up to $1,500 for documented losses (subject to terms and a $500,000 aggregate cap) |
| Case Number | 2:24-cv-09686-CAS-MAAx |
| Case Title | West v. Rheem Manufacturing Company and Melet Plastics, Inc. |
| Court | United States District Court, Central District of California |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (by Zoom) |
| Opt Out Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
| Objection Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
| Claim Website | Settlement Website |
| Class Action Settlement Administrator | CPT Group, Inc. |