Rheem Water Heater Drain Valve Class Action Settlement

Individuals who own or previously owned a Rheem water heater, or a home or other structure where a Rheem water heater with a round poly drain valve was installed, may be eligible to submit a claim for up to $1,500 and other benefits from a class action settlement.

Rheem Manufacturing Co. and Melet Plastics Inc. have agreed to pay to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged damages related to their round poly drain valves, which were sold both independently and as part of water heaters between 2019 and 2023. The plaintiffs claimed that the faulty drain valves led to water damage and in some cases, flooding.

Who can file a claim for a settlement payment?

Class members are include homeowners, landlords, property managers and other individuals that meet the following criteria:

• They own or have owned a Rheem water heater with a round poly drain valve, with specific part numbers manufactured and advertised between 2019 and 2023.
• They own or have owned a home or other structure physically located in the United States, in which the Rheem water heater with qualifying drain valve was or is installed.

The eligible drain valve part numbers are listed on the settlement website, and include:

• AP12159A through AP12159K
• AP14830A through AP14830G
• AP16800A through AP16800G
• AP16838A through AP16838G
• SP12159A through SP12159K
• SP14830A through SP14830G
• SP16800A through SP16800G
• SP16838A through SP16838G

How much is the class action payout?

Class members have multiple benefit options:

• Two-year automatic parts-only warranty extension: All class members automatically receive a two-year extension of their current parts-only warranty for the class product. A claim is not required to receive this benefit. This warranty covers only parts, and does not include labor or service costs.
• If the original parts warranty has expired, the new two-year warranty begins on the settlement’s effective date.

• Documented loss reimbursement: Class members can claim up to $1,500 for documented losses related to a qualifying Rheem water heater drain valve. This includes costs related to the use, installation, or ownership of the water heater.
• This total benefit is capped at $500,000. Payments will be reduced pro rata if the total number of valid claims exceeds the cap.

• One-year elective parts-and-labor warranty extension: Instead of the two-year parts-only warranty or the replacement brass drain valve, class members may submit a claim to receive a one-year warranty extension covering both parts and labor for Rheem water heater with a qualifying drain valve. The one-year extension will begin after any existing parts-and-labor warranty expires, or on the settlement effective date.
• This benefit is limited to the first 100,000 valid claims.

• Replacement brass drain valve: Class members that do not claim the one-year parts and labor extension can submit to receive a new brass drain valve for their Rheem water heater. Labor for installation is not included with the part.
• This benefit is limited to the first 20,000 valid claims.

How to claim a class action rebate

To receive a settlement payment or other benefit, class members can file a claim online or print the PDF claim form to mail to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: West v. Rheem Manufacturing Company and Melet Plastics Inc. c/o CPT Group Inc. PO Box 19504 Irvine, CA 92623

Claims must be submitted or postmarked by March 20, 2026.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

• Rheem water heater serial number required to submit a claim.
• Documented loss reimbursement claims require proof, which may include dated receipts, invoices, repair technician reports and other records showing repair information and damage.

Payout options

• Prepaid Visa gift card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Direct deposit
• Zelle
• Paper check (only option for mailed claims)

Rheem water heater settlement fund

The settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: $295,000
• Attorneys' fees and costs: Up to $950,000
• Service award to class representative: Up to $5,000
• Payments to approved documented losses claimants: Up to $500,000
• Warranty extensions and replacement drain valves: Provided by defendants

Important dates

• Deadline to submit a claim form: March 20, 2026
• Deadline to opt out of the settlement: Feb. 20, 2026
• Final fairness approval hearing: May 11, 2026

When is the Rheem water heater settlement payout date?

Payments and other benefits will be issued after the court grants final approval and claim processing is completed.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged that Rheem Manufacturing Co. and Melet Plastics Inc. were responsible for damages related to their round poly drain valves, which were sold independently and as part of water heaters between 2019 and 2023. The plaintiffs claimed these valves were defective and caused property damage or other losses.

The defendants denied the allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainty and expense of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Official settlement website
3. Claim form