Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing in 2026?

Home warranties typically cover plumbing systems, but some areas may be excluded depending on the plan.

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Updated Nov 19, 2025 · 1 min read

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Home warranties typically cover plumbing systems, including certain types of pipe leakage and most kinds of water heaters.

Many home warranty plans also cover toilet components and seals, shower fixtures and clogged drains that can be accessed with a standard sewer cable.

» MORE: How home warranties work

What a home warranty covers

Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers your home’s structures and offers liability protection, home warranties protect your home’s non-structural systems and appliances. You can think of a home warranty as picking up where your insurance leaves off. When you have both kinds of coverage, all the main parts of your home — structures, systems and appliances — are protected.

» MORE: Home warranty vs. home insurance: What's the difference?

A home warranty plan generally covers the following:

Plumbing systems, including toilet components, sump pumps, water heaters, water dispensers, garbage disposals and, in some cases, whirlpool or jetted tubs.
Electrical systems, including smoke detectors, doorbells, garage door openers, fan systems and central vacuum systems.
HVAC, including ductwork, air conditioning units and heating units.
Laundry appliances, including washing machines and dryers.
Kitchen appliances, including ovens, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, free-standing ice makers and trash compactors.

Best for inclusive coverage		Best for sprinkler systems
(877) 354-1408 Call American Home Shield	(833) 746-8170 Call Select Home Warranty	(800) 918-5133 Call Choice Home Warranty
Limited-Time Deal: 50% off select plans For a limited time GET STARTED on American Home Shield's website	Limited-Time Deal: $150 off any plan For a limited time GET STARTED on Select Home Warranty's website	Limited-Time Deal: $50 off and 1st month of membership for free when the payment is annual GET STARTED on Choice Home Warranty's website
Monthly fees $20 and up Based on quotes collected in August 2025.	Monthly fees $60 and up Based on quotes collected in June 2025.	Monthly fees About $49 and up Based on quotes collected in September 2025.
Service fees $100 or $125 per claim	Service fees $75-$100 per claim	Service fees $100 per claim
Plan types Systems-only and comprehensive	Plan types Appliance-only, systems-only and comprehensive	Plan types Comprehensive

Common plumbing issues covered by a home warranty

Home warranties offer broad coverage for many parts of your home’s plumbing system. While each home warranty company has its own specific plan options and add-ons, coverage for repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear may include:

Breakage and leaks in the home’s water, gas, waste, or drain lines, as well as waste vent lines and pipes.
Clogged drains or lines that can be accessed with a standard sewer cable.
Groundwater sump pumps, if permanently installed. This coverage includes the battery if it’s only used for the pump.
Valve parts and components.
Gas and electric water heaters.
Garbage disposals.
Shower heads and shower arms.
Toilet mechanisms, tanks, bowls and wax ring seals.
Whirlpool and jetted tub motors, pumps and air switch assemblies.

» MORE: Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing problems?

What home warranties don’t cover for plumbing

Although home warranties typically cover many parts of a home’s plumbing system, expect some exclusions as well. Areas that may not be covered, depending on your plan and provider, include:

Root damage.
Line clogs outside the home’s foundation.
Clogs that are inaccessible by cable or snake.
Radon systems.
Sprinkler and fire-suppression systems.
Water softeners.
Water filtration or purification systems.
Water storage tanks.
Saunas or steam rooms (optional coverage may be available with some companies).
Caulking and grouting.
Shower enclosures, tubs, sinks, bidets and base pans.
Septic tanks.
Toilet lids and seats.

🤓 Nerdy Tip

Because what’s covered can vary significantly between home warranty providers, read each plan option carefully before selecting the one that best suits your needs. If a specific part of your plumbing isn’t covered by a standard plan, you may be able to purchase an optional add-on plan for that component.

» MORE: How to know if it's worth getting a home warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a home warranty cover sewer line repair and septic systems?

A home warranty may cover sewer line clogs if they can be cleared out with a standard sewer cable. Be aware, though, that sewer line coverage doesn’t typically extend to problems in the lines that fall outside your home’s foundation. Damage to sewer lines caused by roots may also be excluded. Septic systems may or may not be covered, depending on your specific plan and provider.

Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?

A home warranty is not the same as homeowners insurance. Home warranties function more like service contracts that cover the repair or replacement of your home’s systems and appliances, rather than formal insurance. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, provides insurance for your home’s structures, along with liability insurance to protect you if you cause any harm to others or their property.

Another important distinction between these two types of coverage is that homeowners insurance may be required by your lender if you finance your home, while you’ll never be required to purchase a home warranty.

Is a home warranty worth it to cover my plumbing?

Purchasing a home warranty is a personal decision. It can be a helpful complement to your homeowners insurance if your home’s plumbing system and its components are on the older side, and no longer under manufacturer or credit card purchase warranty.

When budgeting for a home warranty, keep in mind that most home warranty companies offer a number of plan options at different price points, so that you aren’t stuck purchasing more coverage than you need. Prices can vary depending on where you live, and some plans may also come with deductibles, which means that even covered repairs might involve some out-of-pocket cost.

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