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Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing in 2025?
Home warranties typically cover plumbing systems, but some areas may be excluded depending on the plan.
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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.
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.
M-F 9:30am-9:30pm ET, Sa 10am-7pm ET, Su 10am-6pm ET
Call Liberty Home Guard
Limited-Time Deal: $200 off plus 2 free months of coverage
when the payment is annual
on Liberty Home Guard's website
Monthly fees
$50 and up
Based on quotes gathered in October 2024.
Service fees
$70–$125
per claim
States available
50
states, and Washington, D.C.
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.
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.
NerdWallet's Best Home Warranties
Good coverage with affordable premiums
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.
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.
