Does A Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Repairs?
Plumbing troubles happen. But does your home warranty cover plumbing? Let’s discuss plumbing warranty options, what typical home warranty plumbing coverage looks like, and when you might need to call a pro or the warranty company.
Plumbing: The Heartbeat of Your Home
Your home’s plumbing moves water in and out, keeping everything flowing smoothly. These pipes and fixtures handle a lot, from kitchen sinks to showers and toilets. Over time, normal wear and tear can lead to leaks, breaks, or clogs. Plumbing repairs can get expensive, especially if something major breaks underground or behind walls.
A plumbing warranty promises to take some of that financial sting away. But like any contract, plumbing warranty plans have limits. Understanding these limits helps you avoid surprises when you file a claim.
What Plumbing Repairs Do Home Warranties Usually Cover?
Most home warranty plumbing coverage focuses on the system’s key parts that fail through everyday use. Under many plans, you can expect repairs or replacements for broken pipes, leaks, water heaters, faucets, and toilets.
Some warranties cover stoppages in main drains or sewer lines, but often this is an add-on. Repairs to your septic system, sprinkler systems, or anything outside the home usually aren’t covered.
If a pipe bursts or a faucet won’t shut off, your home warranty plumbing plan likely kicks in to fix or replace the faulty part. But it won’t pay for damage caused by floods or pipe freezing, that’s something homeowners' insurance usually handles.
What’s the Difference Between Home Warranty Plumbing Coverage and Homeowners Insurance?
Home warranty plumbing coverage covers repairs due to regular use and breakdowns. Homeowners insurance steps in for damages caused by unexpected disasters like floods or fires.
If a pipe breaks due to age, your plumbing warranty might help fix it. But if water damage occurs because of a flood or frozen pipes bursting, that falls under your homeowner's insurance.
It’s smart to have both types of coverage. One covers wear and tear, and the other covers sudden damage. Plumbing warranty and insurance together better protect you.
Are All Plumbing Issues Covered?
Home warranty companies often exclude certain plumbing problems. For example, clogged drains caused by misuse or buildup may not be covered. If a drain stops up because of tree roots invading sewer lines, you might have to pay out of pocket.
Maintenance issues such as corrosion or gradual leaks are often not covered, either. The warranty usually protects against sudden breakdowns, not slow deterioration.
If your home has older plumbing, some companies might exclude coverage on parts past a certain age. That’s why reading the contract carefully before signing up is key.
How To Know If You Need Plumbing Coverage in Your Home Warranty
Homes with aging plumbing benefit most from plumbing warranty coverage. Pipes, fixtures, and water heaters all wear out eventually. If your home is newer and the plumbing is in good shape, you might not need this coverage right away.
Adding plumbing coverage makes sense if you’ve had past plumbing repairs or anticipate problems. The cost of a plumbing warranty is often worth it compared to the high price of emergency plumbing repairs.
What Is a Plumbing Warranty Add-On?
Some basic home warranties don’t include plumbing repairs. You have to pay extra for this coverage. These add-ons cover parts of your plumbing system that aren’t included in the standard plan.
For example, sewer line repair, sump pump maintenance, or well pump repair might be add-ons. If you want full protection, check if these add-ons are available and affordable.
The extra cost can save you big money if a major plumbing failure occurs. But if you rarely have plumbing issues, skipping the add-on might make sense.
How Claims for Plumbing Repairs Usually Work
When your plumbing acts up, call your home warranty provider first. They’ll provide authorization for a licensed plumber to inspect and diagnose the problem.
You’ll likely pay a service fee or deductible for each visit, usually between $50 and $100. Companies like Complete Protection™ pay the service call fee to diagnose the failure without any deductible. If the repair is covered, the warranty company pays for parts and labor.
If the problem falls outside coverage or exceeds repair limits, you cover the extra cost. Sometimes the repair is too big or costly for the warranty to handle. It’s good to know these limits before filing a claim.
What To Watch Out For in Plumbing Warranty Contracts
Plumbing warranty contracts often have caps on repair costs. For example, the warranty might cover up to $500 for plumbing repairs per year. If a repair costs $1,000, you’re responsible for the difference.
Some companies limit the number of plumbing claims per year. This protects them from frequent, small claims.
Always check if repairs to water heaters or sump pumps are included. These items often come with special rules or extra fees. Reading the contract lets you avoid surprises during a plumbing emergency.
Can Plumbing Warranties Cover Water Heaters?
Water heaters are one of the most common plumbing repairs. Most home warranty plumbing coverage includes water heater repair or replacement. The warranty might cover the repair if your water heater leaks, won’t heat properly, or stops working.
Some companies also cover parts like thermostats, heating elements, and valves. Again, there can be limits based on the age or type of your water heater. Tankless water heaters may require different coverage or cost more.
How Plumbing Warranties Handle Sewer and Drain Line Repairs
Sewer and drain lines often cause headaches when clogged or damaged. Some home warranties include these repairs in plumbing coverage. But many companies require you to pay extra for sewer or drain line protection.
Root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or blockages may be covered only with a sewer line add-on. If your home relies on a septic system, plumbing warranty plans usually don’t cover it. Septic tank issues typically fall outside warranty coverage and require specialized repair services.
DIY Plumbing vs. Plumbing Warranty Repairs
Small plumbing fixes like unclogging a drain or tightening a faucet might be easy to handle yourself. But bigger problems need a pro.
Home warranty plumbing coverage helps you avoid the guesswork and expense of finding a reliable plumber during a crisis. When the water heater floods or a pipe bursts, calling the warranty company gets the job done quickly and saves money.
Tips for Keeping Your Plumbing Warranty Working Smoothly
Taking good care of your plumbing helps avoid denied claims. Regular maintenance, such as clearing drains, checking for leaks, and winterizing pipes, reduces failures.
Some warranty plans even offer preventive maintenance visits for heating and plumbing systems. Recording repairs and service calls speeds up claims and helps track plumbing health.
Does Every Home Warranty Include Plumbing?
No. Some basic home protection warranties exclude plumbing repairs entirely. They focus on appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washers.
Always check if plumbing is part of the plan or if you need to buy a plumbing warranty add-on. Choosing a plan that fits your home’s needs avoids paying for coverage you don’t want.
How to Pick the Best Plumbing Warranty for Your Home
Look for a home warranty company that clearly lists plumbing coverage details. Check reviews to see how well they handle plumbing claims.
Consider the cost of premiums, service fees, and claim limits. Some companies cover all parts inside the walls, while others exclude older pipes. Customer service matters. Quick response times and friendly support make plumbing emergencies less stressful.
The Bottom Line on Home Warranty Plumbing Coverage
Plumbing repairs can be costly and stressful. A home warranty plumbing coverage plan can alleviate much of this worry.
It covers many common plumbing breakdowns but has limits and exclusions. Review your plan carefully to determine what is covered and what is not.
Protect Your Plumbing with a Complete Protection™ Home Warranty
Plumbing repairs can come out of nowhere and hit your budget hard. Complete Protection™ offers solid home warranty plumbing coverage to help keep those costs manageable. Our plans cover everything from leaky pipes to water heater failures and more. With four customizable plans starting at $49 per month, you can pick the right level of protection for your home and wallet.
Our Ultimate plan includes plumbing and electrical systems, plus fixtures, along with free preventive maintenance checks. There are no deductibles or hidden fees, just clear coverage for parts, labor, and service calls. You also get to choose your own repair technician, so you get fast, trusted service.
Since 1998, CP™ has served homeowners and home inspectors across the U.S. and Canada. We help home inspectors add value by recommending reliable warranty plans to clients. Our live customer support, month-to-month plans, and quick claims make managing repairs hassle-free.
Whether you’re a new buyer, a homeowner, or a home inspector helping clients, we have the right plan for you. Call 800.978.2022 or visit our website to get your personalized quote today. Keep your plumbing and peace of mind flowing with Complete Protection™.