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Plumbing issues are one of those unpleasant things that occur without any warning and leave us with no other choice but to solve them immediately. In some cases, these conditions lead to several residual problems like drywall damage, flooring rot, mold, etc. These issues are not only troublesome but dangerous and expensive as well. However, you can solve such problems by purchasing a home warranty plan for your plumbing system.
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the costs of repairs and replacements of your home’s major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. It can be a valuable and convenient approach over DIYs, as it is not easy to tackle plumbing repairs on your own.
This article explains everything about home warranty coverage for plumbing systems and how you can save your money on extra repair costs.
Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing Coverage
Higher coverage caps with choice on service call fee.
We have picked AHS because they are one of the most trusted home warranty companies in the market for almost 50 years now. All of their plans offer coverage for plumbing systems. Other than the breaks and leaks, they also cover damage caused by unknown pre-existing conditions, rust, sediment, corrosion, improper installation or maintenance. As per reviews on HWR, customers find their services fast and effective. However, in recent times, people have complained regarding emergency claims services and problems with contractors.
Coverage for roof repair
Choice Home Warranty
Service call fees
$85
Monthly premiums
$46 – $55
Discounts – Free First Month
Why we picked it
Our next pick, Choice offers comprehensive plans and does not require a home inspection for coverage to begin. Both of their plans offer coverage for Plumbing Systems including leaks, toilet, faucet, shower, gate-valves, clearing of the bathtub, sink, and toilet stoppages. As per our user reviews, CHW has mixed responses. Some people like them for their quality services and 24/7 customer assistance, whereas others find them expensive.
One of the main reasons for recommending SHW is because they offer the lowest deductibles in the industry. They provide coverage for Plumbing Systems under two of their plans. For plumbing systems they cover breaks and leaks in the water, drain, waste, and vent lines. Toilets, plumbing stoppages in vent and sewer lines up to 100 feet are also covered. Reviews for SHW indicate that customers were satisfied with their quick services but lately there have been complaints about claims fulfilment.
Workmanship guarantee of 180 days
Sears Home Warranty
Service call fees
$75 – $100
Monthly premiums
$49.99 – $69.99
Discounts – $500 Off On Bathroom And Shower Remodel
Why we picked it
With more than 20 years of industry experience, they handle about 7 million claims every year. Two of their plans offer coverage for plumbing systems. Along with breaks and leaks they cover mechanical parts and components of garbage disposal, shower, tub valves, faucets, and toilets. As per customers’ response, Sears has mixed reviews and customers have complained about repair services.
Online Customer assistance
ServicePlus Home Warranty
Service call fees
$75
Monthly premiums
$54–$60
Discounts – $200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Coverage For Limited Time
Why we picked it
Despite being new to the industry, this company is one of the preferred home warranty companies due to the quality services provided by them. They offer plumbing coverage in both their plans including stoppages too. Overall, customers have been pleased with their extensive network of contractors. However, there have been concerns about low coverage caps and claim settlements.
What does plumbing coverage include?
The following is a list of the most common plumbing issues that home warranty plans cover in general:
Interior water heater gas line
Toilet tanks, tank assembly parts, bowls, flanges
Breaks and leaks in your drain line, water supply line, waste line, gas line, and vent line
Electric and gas water heaters
Showerheads, shower arms, and faucets
Drain line stoppages
Interior and exterior hose bibs
You can also incorporate some additional coverage to your plan at some extra cost. It can be the plumbing systems of your spa or swimming pool.
What are the exclusions for a plumbing system?
There may be some exceptions to your plumbing system coverage because home warranties generally don’t cover accessory parts. For example, your plan might not cover broken, unfiltered, or blocked lines (due to roots growth); repair or replacement of the entire bathtub, shower, sink, base pan, lawn sprinkler system, toilet lids or seats.
You may also find other limitations to your plan. To determine which parts of your plumbing system are covered, read your service contract thoroughly.
Why get a home warranty for plumbing system coverage?
When you invest in a home warranty for your plumbing system, it can provide protection against most plumbing problems including leaks in pipes, old valves, faucets and showerheads, pumps and motors, sink, tub, shower, or toilet.
If you consider hiring a local plumber to solve your plumbing issues, it can cost you thousands of dollars and even more for emergency or weekend visits.
Plumbing issues can also cause damage to carpet, drywall, or wood finishing and even become dangerous when electrical systems are involved. To save yourself from such situations, you can consider purchasing a home warranty plan for your plumbing system.
With a home warranty plan, you just need to pay a small deductible or service call fee when the technician visits your home. You can save both time and money if you get a home warranty plan for your plumbing system.
Some issues with your plumbing system may result in significant water damage causing problems to your home. You may have a homeowners’ insurance to cover the structural damage to your home but having a home warranty can help you resolve the issue before the problem gets worse.
Home Warranty vs Retail Plumbers
The average cost to hire a local plumber ranges from $160 to $430 and even more if they charge any additional fees for emergency or weekend visits. If you purchase a home warranty, you would only need to pay for the service call that usually ranges from $50 to $120. Hence, you pay less for your plumbing repairs.
You get qualified and licensed technicians with a home warranty.
If you’ve recently moved to a new area, go for a home warranty as you might not know the local technicians of that area well.
How to use a home warranty to make a plumbing claim?
If any of the covered parts from your plumbing system breaks down, follow these steps to make a claim:
1.
Contact the customer service, or log in to the online portal, or follow any other guidelines mentioned in your service contract.
2.
Once you file your complaint, an appointment will be scheduled. A qualified service technician will conduct a preliminary diagnosis to check whether the broken part is eligible for repair or replacement.
3.
If the repair is approved, the technician will repair the problem at hand. To carry out the complete process, you would be required to pay the service call fee to the contractor.
How to improve the claim success rate with plumbing maintenance?
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your home safe and functional. One of the common reasons for plumbing emergencies is the lack of maintenance. If not done, it can result in denial of home warranty claims.
You can follow these steps to maintain your plumbing systems:
Avoid putting coffee grounds, grease, or eggshells down the drain.
Clean your kitchen’s disposal systems regularly.
Keep checking for leaks.
Flush your water heater.
Don’t flush out things like wipes down the toilet.
If you live in a cold region, add pipe insulation.
To enhance your claim approvals:
Understand your service agreement
Don’t reach out to your local contractor beforehand
Plumbing issues are inevitable, but you can reduce the resultant stress by purchasing a home warranty plan for your plumbing systems. With a home warranty plan, repairs can be tackled immediately. However, your plan will not cover every problem you might have with your plumbing system. We recommend going through the contract thoroughly before signing up and selecting a plan that suits your plumbing requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q.
How soon after buying can I use my plumbing system warranty?
A.
After buying a home warranty for the plumbing system, there is a waiting period. This period lasts as long as 30 days. You can start using the plan for your plumbing system once it ends.
Q.
Will the home warranty cover pre-existing plumbing system problems?
A.
Very few home warranty companies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, if it’s an unknown pre-existing condition, it can be covered.
Q.
Does home insurance cover plumbing? Why get a home warranty if it does?
A.
The purpose of a home insurance policy is to cover damages caused by accidents, storms, fire, etc. It does not cover plumbing issues. However, it may cover water damage and only if it is caused by burst pipes. You can purchase a home warranty to cover plumbing issues like breaks, leaks or stoppages.
Q.
Do home warranties cover plumbing replacement?
A.
Yes, some home warranty companies do offer a replacement if something can’t be repaired or fixed by them. If the company cannot replace the product, they can pay cash in lieu of that replacement.
Q.
What is plumbing stoppage coverage?
A.
The main sewer line stoppage or sewer clog is known as plumbing stoppage and considered a top plumbing emergency. The coverage includes stoppages in the bathtub, sink, toilet, and shower. Some home warranty companies offer coverage for the same depending on the cause of the stoppage.
Q.
Will my home warranty company cover the plumbing system if I get my bathroom renovated?
A.
The home warranty company wouldn’t cover any damage done to the pipes during a bathroom renovation. Any modifications not permitted by the manufacturer would also not be covered. However, if the plumbing is left untouched and later breaks down, the home warranty may cover the issue.
Q.
Does the home warranty cover re-piping?
A.
Home warranties usually do not cover re-piping unless it is mentioned in the service contract.
Q.
Does the home warranty cover frozen pipes?
A.
Yes, some companies do offer coverage for frozen pipes. A home warranty plan for frozen pipes typically covers:
Leaks and ruptures in the pipes
Blockages in the shower, sink, tub, or toilet
Old valves, faucets, or showerheads
Q.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
A.
Plumbing emergencies can be a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, frozen pipes, water heater failure, or a broken water outlet. If you are facing any of these problems, place a service request as soon as possible.
Q.
Do home warranties cover slab leaks?
A.
Home warranties cover slab leaks only when the causes are poor construction or damage due to construction.
Q.
Is a plumbing home warranty useful when I am selling my home?
A.
Yes, a home warranty will be a good idea to offer with a house. For instance, if you have an older home with outdated plumbing connectivities, a home warranty can bridge the negotiation gaps.
Q.
Is broken water main covered by a home warranty?
A.
A home warranty plan usually covers the repair and replacement of the main water line only if it breaks due to normal wear and tear. However, you may not find broken or collapsed main water lines included in your plan.
Q.
Can I get coverage for exterior plumbing lines?
A.
You may get coverage for exterior plumbing lines only if the company you’ve chosen provides the same.
