Ruud Water Heater Company Did not honor warranty Montgomery Alabama

I purchased a Ruud water heater 4 years ago with a 6 year warranty and installed it in the same location as the original unit, a dry storage room. Recently I noticed rust forming under the white paint on the exterior. Water does not contact this part of the unit. After sending pictures and corresponding with 2 company reps, their final word is that they are not responsible for the manufacturing defect because it is not leaking water. They claim that household chemicals or other unknown factors caused the damage between the metal and the paint.

My warranty information does not specify that only the inner tank has warranty. It's obvious the metal was not properly prepped prior to being painted.

The company rep, in his last correspondence, denies any responsiblilty by the company for this defective unit. HOWEVER, they want to send me a check for $100.00. Why would they do that if they believe that I somehow got under the paint and caused the metal to rust?

I've reported this problem to the Alabama Office of the Attorney General. They apparently have no control over corporate rip-offs, and are waiting to see if I accept the payoff, which I will not.

Wayne
northport, Alabama
U.S.A.