Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing? | Home Service for Plumbing

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing?

According to the consumer website Angi, a typical plumbing bill can range from $75 all the way up to $4,000. Even if you have an emergency savings fund, this can be a major financial challenge unless you have a home warranty. 

But does home warranty cover plumbing costs? Yes, but not all plans are the same. Here’s what you need to know about home warranty plumbing coverage and how it affects your home.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a financial protection plan that covers the cost of servicing, repairing, or replacing your home’s appliances or household systems. Depending on your provider, this can extend to major appliances, your home’s HVAC system, or even consumer electronics. 

Does home warranty cover plumbing services? Yes, though you’ll need to check with your specific provider regarding what exactly is covered in your warranty policy. Many providers offer a dedicated water and sewer policy that protects the plumbing fixtures and infrastructure on your property.

Why Are Home Warranty Plans Important for Homeowners?

A home warranty is not the same as your homeowner's insurance policy, which only covers certain catastrophic events. Instead, a home warranty will guard against wear and tear and can provide gaps in your home’s protection plan.

For example, if your hot water heater breaks down, most insurance providers will make you pay for the repair yourself. But a home warranty will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the unit. 

Your Home’s Plumbing System Basics

Chances are you don’t give much thought to your home’s plumbing system. But it helps to understand the basic supply, drain, and sewer lines that keep things flowing. This will also help you understand your specific needs from a home warranty policy.

Supply Lines

Supply lines refer to the pipes bringing fresh water into your home. These lines will connect fixtures like sinks, showers, hot water heaters, and washing machines.

Drain Lines

Drain lines carry waste water away from your sinks, tubs, and appliances and channel them to your sewer line or septic system. Your home’s drain lines are typically located inside the house, while sewer lines and septic systems are outside it.

Sewer Lines

Located outside your home, sewer lines carry wastewater from your home to a municipal sewer or a septic tank.

Septic System

Depending on where you live, you may have a septic system that’s composed of a tank, distribution box, and drain field. These items are located outside your home and require maintenance to keep your plumbing system operating properly.

Common Plumbing Issues

Plumbing lines can come from many different sources. Here are some common plumbing issues that homeowners face and the average cost of repairing them.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains in your sinks or toilets can result from problems in your drain lines. A plumber will typically charge $125 to $360 to clear the line.

Low Water Pressure

If you’re experiencing less-than-adequate water pressure, it could be due to cracks, leaks, or blockages in your supply lines. Costs vary, but if you need to replace a supply line, it could run between $1,500 and $12,000.

Sewer Line Backups

Sewer line backups can cause wastewater to come up through your home’s drains. This can be the result of clogged pipes or tree roots intruding into your sewer lines. Sewer line replacement can be priced from $50 to $250 per square foot, which adds up fast.

Leaky Pipes

Leaks in your pipes can be the result of clogs, cracks, or improper installation. A clog alone can cost $125 to $360, though ignoring leaky pipes can lead to further damage and high utility costs.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Needs?

Does home warranty cover plumbing? Generally, yes — especially if you purchase coverage devoted to your home’s water and sewer lines. Here are the ways that a home warranty applies to your residential plumbing needs.

Home Warranty for Sewer Lines

With a home warranty, sewer lines are protected from leaks, breakages, and stoppages. Given the costs listed above, this can save you thousands of dollars in the event that you need these lines serviced or replaced. 

Does home warranty cover pipe replacement, though? Yes, it does. If you have a home warranty with septic coverage, you can also ensure that wastewater is dealt with properly.

Home Warranty for Main Water Line

Does home warranty cover main water lines? A home warranty can indeed cover repairs and replacements in the event of clogs or breakages. Covering your main water line will ensure that your home has a steady supply of fresh water and adequate water pressure.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Leaks, Damage, or Flooding from Plumbing Issues?

Does a home warranty cover water damage? Generally, no. Your homeowner's insurance may have provisions to clean up water damage, but most home warranties don’t repair structural issues of any type. 

However, your home warranty can address the problem that caused the damage. This can prevent the damage from getting worse in the future.

What Else Should Homeowners Know?

Does a home warranty cover water heater repair? Yes. Your home warranty is designed to repair your home’s systems and major appliances from wear and tear and any unexpected breakdowns. 

As a result, home warranties can provide greater protection than your home insurance policy alone. In most cases, it only covers damage due to a catastrophic event such as a fire. 

It’s also important to remember that a home warranty can provide more comprehensive coverage for your home and fill in the gaps of insurance exclusions. Some providers even offer policy provisions for consumer electronics such as TVs, computers, or audio equipment. With a secure policy in place, you can be prepared for every eventuality.

Find Coverage for Your Home and Plumbing

American Residential Warranty provides homeowners like you with home warranty coverage that extends to your plumbing system. Choose from a water line protection plan, a sewer protection plan, or a combined plan that offers full coverage at a reduced cost. Shop online, or contact our team for more details.