Plumbing systems go through constant wear and tear, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of the most likely parts of your home to experience problems. Unfortunately, plumbing issues are often quite expensive — especially if they involve leaks and resulting water damage or larger components, like your water heater. Luckily, home warranties often cover plumbing systems and can help offset some of the repair and replacement costs.
This guide will discuss the best home warranties for plumbing systems based on coverage, plan exclusions, cost, and more. We’ll also include the average prices homeowners like you pay for these home warranty service plans based on numbers acquired by our secret shoppers.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing?
We’ve looked carefully at the plumbing coverage offered by all of the top home warranty companies, and we’ve determined that the below options are your best bets for plumbing coverage:
Compare the Best Plumbing Home Warranty Companies
The table below includes a quick look at how our top four picks for the best plumbing home warranty stack up against each other. This should give you insight into which provider might be best for you.
Company | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Limit | Response Time | Rating | States Covered |
 | $46.83–$54.75+ | $85 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 49 states, excluding WA |
 | $49.99–$99.99 | $75–$125 | $6,000 | 24–72 hours | 4.5 | 50 States |
 | $49.99–$69.99+ | $65–$125 | $2,000 | 12–48 hours | 4.3 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $60.42–$63.75+ | $60–$75 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.2 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $30.00–$60.00 | $75–$125 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.3 | 49 states, excluding HI |
 | $39.99–$54.99 | $100–$125 | $2,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.1 | 48 states, excluding AK and HI |
 | $17.00–$60.00 | $65–$100 | $2,500 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 42 states, excluding AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, and WY |
 | $36.00–$46.50 | $75–$125 | $3,500 | 24–48 hours | 3.9 | 34 states, excluding AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, and WI |
*Quote and cost data gathered January 2023. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously. Liberty Home Guard service fees vary based on your location and home and are not determined by higher or lower monthly fees.
Liberty Home Guard
4.5
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) takes our top spot for providing the most plan customization options for plumbing and other systems. The company has three plans, two of which fully protect your plumbing system. LHG has an incredible 42 add-on options, 11 specifically related to plumbing. If you’re looking to customize your plumbing coverage, Liberty Home Guard is your best option, in our opinion.
LHG has two plans that include plumbing coverage — a systems-only plan and a combined plan for home appliances and systems — and quite a few add-ons related to your plumbing system. The add-on coverages include things you don’t normally get coverage for from other providers, like ejector pumps, grinder pumps, and plumbing fixtures.
LHG’s pricing is reasonable and falls below average, although we would be remiss if we didn’t note that adding specialized plumbing coverage with add-on options will drive up your monthly costs.
LHG is a relatively young company but has already established a relatively positive reputation in the home warranty industry. It has good payout rates and provides a high coverage cap for major home systems that can cover even larger plumbing problems.
Liberty Home Guard has three plans available. One covers appliances only, one covers home systems only (including plumbing), and one is all-inclusive. Below, we’ll provide a detailed list of what each plan covers:
- Appliance Guard: The Appliance Guard plan is the only option from LHG that doesn’t cover your plumbing system. This option is for appliance protection only, and it covers your refrigerator, stove, cooktop, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, clothes washer, and clothes dryer. There are some miscellaneous coverages as well, like exhaust fans, garage door openers, and ceiling fans. This plan will run you $49.99 per month and is the most affordable option from LHG.
- Systems Guard: The Systems Guard is a little more expensive at $54.99 per month. It provides coverage for all of your home systems, including plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioner systems. The heating/cooling coverage includes your ductwork, and your plumbing coverage includes your water heater.
- Total Home Guard: The Total Home Guard plan is the most expensive at $59.99 per month but offers the widest coverage range. It includes all of the appliances and systems in the first two plans, including your plumbing system and water heater.
Total Home Guard: The Total Home Guard plan is the most expensive at $59.99 per month but offers the widest coverage range. It includes all of the appliances and systems in the first two plans, including your plumbing system and water heater.
- Ejector pump
- Grinder pump
- Hot water dispenser
- In-ground sprinkler system
- Plumbing fixtures
- Reverse osmosis water filter
- Septic system pumping
- Sump pump
- Water softener
- Water dispenser water line
- Well pump
In addition to these add-ons, you can choose from 31 additional coverage options to further customize your home protection plan. We’ll list the other options below:
- Additional spa
- Carpet cleaning
- Central vacuum system
- Electronics protection
- Exterior power washing
- Freestanding ice maker
- Gutter cleaning
- In-fridge ice maker
- Lighting fixtures
- Outdoor generator
- Pest control
- Pool and spa
- Pro-series clothes dryer coverage
- Pro-series clothes washer coverage
- Pro-series dishwasher coverage
- Pro-series microwave coverage
- Pro-series oven or cooktop coverage
- Pro-series refrigerator coverage
- Rekeys
- Roof leak (limited)
- Saltwater pool
- Second refrigerator
- Small guest units
- Stand-alone freezer
- Swamp cooler
- Trash compactor
- TV mounting (65 inches and below)
- TV mounting (up to 85 inches)
- Window washing
- Wine cooler
Liberty Home Guard doesn’t cover pre-existing issues with your plumbing system or other systems and appliances. It also won’t cover problems that could have been avoided if you carried out routine maintenance. Additionally, cosmetic repairs, smart technology, routine maintenance, commercial appliances, and problems caused by poor installation or prior repair will not be covered.The coverage limits from LHG are simple and easy to understand, and they’re high enough for most homeowners to feel protected. All items included in the three coverage plans get up to $2,000 of protection, while add-ons get up to $500 each.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty has some of the lowest prices in the industry, but it doesn’t compromise much in the way of the quality or breadth of service. Like LHG, two of its three plans will protect your plumbing system. The coverage caps aren’t quite as high — so it might not be the best option for major plumbing damages — but given the low monthly cost, we still think it’s well worth the money.
Select Home Warranty has two service plans that protect your plumbing system, which come in at $60 and $64 per month. Compared to the coverage offered by other companies at this price point, we feel SHW offers excellent quality for the money, especially if you end up using the plan to cover what could be hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of plumbing repairs.
Select Home Warranty has lower coverage caps than our top two picks, with the coverage for plumbing equipment coming in at just $500 for most occurrences. However, there is no lifetime limit for coverage as with some other companies — we believe this is suitable for homeowners concerned that their plumbing systems may need multiple repairs in the coming years.
Many home warranties offer a workmanship guarantee that lasts for 30 days — and while this is better than nothing, it doesn’t instill much confidence in the quality of the work. Select Home Warranty guarantees all of its services for 90 days. This is more in line with what you should look for to cover work on a critical home system like plumbing.
Select Home Warranty has three plans: Bronze, Gold, and Platinum. Gold and Platinum both cover your plumbing system, and Platinum also includes appliance coverage. We’ll list the included items in each plan below to compare them.
- Bronze Care plan: The Bronze Care plan is meant for appliance coverage only, so it’s the only one from SHW that won’t cover your plumbing system. It protects your refrigerator, stove, range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, washer, dryer, and garbage disposal. For an appliance-only plan, this is quite expensive at $60 per month.
- ShieldGold: The ShieldGold plan covers everything in the ShieldSilver plan, plus all of your major home appliances. These include your oven, cooktop, refrigerator, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, hot and cold water dispensers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. This plan costs either $99.99 or $109.99, depending on your selected service fee.
- Platinum Care plan: The Platinum Care plan is the biggest reason we think Select Home Warranty offers the best value for the money for plumbing coverage. For just $64 per month (on average), this plan protects all appliances and systems in your home, including your plumbing system and water heater. It also adds protection for your ceiling fans and garage door openers.
Select Home Warranty has a few add-on products you can pay extra for, four of which relate specifically to plumbing in your home.
- Central vacuum systems
- In-ground sprinklers
- Pool
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezers
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Select Home Warranty is similar to many other providers in that it won’t cover issues that result from a lack of maintenance on your part or improper installation or repair in the past. Perhaps most notably for your plumbing system, SHW covers stoppages — but only if they occur within 100 feet of an access point. It also won’t cover mainline stoppages without a ground-level cleanout or stoppages caused by root intrusion.The only other major exclusions are for the add-on coverages. These are based on the add-on option, so it’s best to read through the company’s sample contract for information on limitations.Select’s coverage limits top out around $500 for most appliances and just $400 for most other repairs, including plumbing work and water heater repairs or replacements. The only exception is your HVAC system, which has a higher limit.
American Home Shield
4.2
Our Rating
American Home Shield is our top pick for high coverage limits, primarily because it doesn’t cap coverage at all for your plumbing system. Most built-in systems in your home get unlimited coverage, while your HVAC system comes with a hefty $5,000 coverage cap. Appliance coverage is also above average at $2,000 or $4,000 for the Gold and Platinum plans, respectively. Since plumbing issues can be expensive, having no coverage cap is massively helpful for saving money over time.
AHS is one of the only home warranty providers that doesn’t cap coverage for plumbing systems — making it the best option if you’re looking for total protection for your pipes, fixtures, and plumbing-related equipment. It also has unlimited coverage for your electrical system and above-average caps for your HVAC system and covered appliances.
High coverage caps are especially helpful for new construction homes because the brand new equipment and fixtures tend to cost more to repair or replace. Having no limits to the coverage you get helps keep your long-term upkeep and maintenance costs to a minimum. Ultimately, we feel the high monthly price for this provider’s plans is worth it, given the peace of mind you get.
AHS also has a decent reputation in the home warranty industry, meaning you get above-average coverage and are likely to see payouts for covered issues.
American Home Shield has three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. All three plan options include unlimited coverage for your plumbing system. We’ll explain what each plan offers below:
- ShieldSilver: ShieldSilver covers all of your major home systems, plus quite a few components of those systems that other companies sometimes exclude. You get protection for your plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems, plus coverage for your HVAC ductwork, water heaters, most plumbing fixtures, plumbing lines, electrical breakers and wiring, ceiling fans, garage door openers, doorbells, exhaust fans, and ceiling fans. Based on your service fee, the Silver plan costs between $79.99 to $89.99 per month.
- ShieldGold: The ShieldGold plan covers everything in the ShieldSilver plan, plus all of your major home appliances. These include your oven, cooktop, refrigerator, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, hot and cold water dispensers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. This plan costs either $99.99 or $109.99, depending on your selected service fee.
- ShieldPlatinum: The ShieldPlatinum plan covers everything in the Silver and Gold plans. For additional money per month, you also get unlimited refills for AC refrigerant, a free annual tune-up for your AC, limited roof coverage, and coverage for permits, code violations, and modifications to your new home. Coverage caps for your appliances are also higher with this plan.
American Home Shield doesn’t have many add-on coverages to choose from. There are only four additional coverages to choose from, which we’ll list below.
- Pool equipment
- Spa equipment
- Septic pump
- Well pump
Each plan offers discounts on air filters, which start at $5.95 if you have coverage.
One of the best things about AHS is the lack of exclusions in coverage. Unlike most competitors, this provider will cover issues relating to improper maintenance and undetectable pre-existing conditions, which are some of the most common problems with plumbing systems. It also covers problems related to rust and corrosion — which, again, is a big deal when protecting your metal plumbing pipes.
However, AHS won’t cover damages or clogs caused by tree root intrusion, collapsed pipes outside your home, or stoppages caused by foreign objects. It also excludes septic tank coverage, location services if you don’t have a ground-level cleanout installed, and some other minor things, like caulk and grouting in bathroom or kitchen fixtures and water filtration systems.
The coverage for your plumbing system is unlimited with all plans, as is coverage for your electrical system. Your HVAC system gets up to $5,000 of protection, and appliances are covered up to $2,000 or $4,000 in the ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans, respectively.
Choice Home Warranty
4.1
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is our No. 1 pick if you’re looking for a high claim-to-payout ratio. Choice Home Warranty is a trustworthy company with a high payout rate, so it’s likely to protect you from even the most severe plumbing problems. All of the plans offered include coverage for your plumbing system and most of the major issues you’ll run into — including problems with your water heater and whirlpool bathtubs and plumbing stoppages.
One of our favorite things about Choice Home Warranty is that all plans available include protection for your plumbing system. Other companies do not guarantee this, as many offer appliance-only plans as their low-tier options. With Choice, you can get the coverage you need without worrying about your plumbing system not being included.
Choice Home Warranty has over a decade of experience serving the home warranty industry, and many of its customers are pleased with the services and reliability they receive.
Choice Home Warranty’s coverage caps are simple and easy to understand, at $3,000 per covered item for the components and systems included in the base plans. Many other competitors base the coverage limits on the covered item, which can get confusing. Not to mention that a $3,000 coverage limit — above average — is a nice thing to have for plumbing repair, which can very quickly get expensive.
Choice Home Warranty has two plans to choose from, and — as mentioned previously — both cover your plumbing system. The Basic Plan covers fewer items than the Total Plan but comes at a lower monthly price. We’ll break down what each option covers below:
- Basic Plan: The Basic Plan protects your plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. The plumbing coverage includes stoppages, water heaters, and whirlpool bathtubs. You also get coverage for most major appliances, including your stove, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, and garbage disposal. HVAC ductwork, garage door openers, exhaust fans, and ceiling fans are also covered as a bonus. The Basic Plan starts at $46 per month but can increase if you choose add-on coverages.
- Total Plan: The Total Plan covers everything in the Basic Plan, including your plumbing system, water heater, stoppages, and jetted bathtubs. It also covers your air conditioning system, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and refrigerator, which are excluded in the Basic Plan. This coverage is a bit more expensive at $55 per month (on average).
Choice Home Warranty provides access to some add-on options for homeowners who need to customize their protection plan a bit. We’ll include a complete list of the add-ons available from CHW below.
- Additional refrigerator
- Additional spa
- Central vacuum system
- Irrigation systems
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Pools and spas
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
The base plans only apply to homes below 5,000 square feet, so you can also pay for an “add-on service” to cover larger homes.
Choice Home Warranty stands apart from the competition for a few reasons, but one of the most impressive is the lack of exclusions for coverage. It doesn’t cover pre-existing issues, but no other major restrictions exist. Most other providers will have a laundry list of things that aren’t included, but CHW provides total peace of mind by limiting what they exclude in their service contracts.
As mentioned above, CHW has higher coverage caps than most competitors, which is ideal for larger systems like plumbing that often come with costly repairs. All covered items have a $3,000 coverage limit, while add-ons are covered for up to $500 each.
AFC Home Club
4.2
Our Rating
Since your plumbing system is such a high-cost, high-risk system in your home, ensuring that you only ever get your system serviced by reputable service technicians is important. That’s why we recommend America’s First Choice Home Club to homeowners who want a guarantee that the work being done through their home warranty is high-quality. The company guarantees all service for the length of the contract, which is unheard of in the industry.
AFC Home Club offers a service guarantee for the length of your contract, which is either a year or three years. This is outstanding compared to most other providers — which offer 30 to 90 days on average. When you need repairs and maintenance done to your plumbing system — which regularly has above-average repair costs and can put your entire home at risk if work is done improperly — having a contract-term service guarantee provides the ultimate peace of mind.
AFC Home Club’s service plans are affordable, so the value-to-cost ratio is outstanding. Plus, you can save even more than usual with this company because you can avoid recurring service call fees for repeat issues.
The company’s coverage limits aren’t as desirable as you’d get from other providers — especially the others on our list. The total coverage per year for plumbing systems is $500, including up to $250 for access and closing access points, up to $300 for plumbing stoppages, and up to $150 for faucets. This is a bit low, but the plans are affordable, so many customers get their money’s worth.
AFC Home Club has four plan options, the cheapest of which is just $33 per month — one of the most affordable options in the industry. The premier plan, the most comprehensive option, is $52 per month. The plans cover appliances, systems, or some combination of the two. We’ll break down specific covered items per plan below.
- Silver Plan: The Silver Plan is the most affordable at $33 a month and the only one that doesn’t cover your plumbing system. This is for appliances only, protecting your refrigerator, stove, cooktop, garbage disposal, washer, dryer, and garage door opener.
- Systems Plan: The Systems Plan covers systems in your home, including the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems. Your water heater is included in the plumbing coverage, and your HVAC ductwork is included in the heating/cooling coverage. This plan totals $40 per month.
- Gold Plan: The Gold Plan includes protection for everything in the previous two plans, including your plumbing system and dishwasher. The total cost is $47 per month, making it a better value overall than the previous two options alone.
- Platinum Plan: The Platinum Plan provides the most coverage for the money. It protects all systems and appliances included in the other three plans, plus microwaves, ceiling fans, and stand-alone ice makers. Most notably, it also covers plumbing stoppages.
AFC Home Club has ten additional coverage options you can choose from, but only four of them relate to your plumbing system. Here’s a list of all add-ons:
- Central vacuum
- Double oven
- Electronics protections
- Hot water dispenser
- In-ground pool/spa
- Roof leak (limited)
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
AFC Home Club is pretty standard when it comes to exclusions. It won’t cover problems that stem from improper maintenance or repairs that aren’t done properly, and it won’t cover pre-existing issues with appliances or systems. It also won’t cover cosmetic repairs.
There are some exclusions specifically for plumbing systems as well. These include issues that are caused by collapsing pipes, freezing (particularly important for residents in colder climates like Alaska), tree root growth, stoppages caused by foreign objects, gas leaks, leaks in lines running through your slab foundation, fixtures, water softeners, pressure regulators, mainline cleanouts where there isn’t a ground-level cleanout installed, snaking, or hydro jetting.
The company has varying coverage limits ranging from $250 up to $3,000. We encourage you to check the company’s sample contract for information related to specific covered items. As mentioned above, the coverage cap for your plumbing system is $500 per contract. Any issues coming up within 30 days of signing your contract only get $150 of coverage, which is understandable.
Quick Tips When Shopping for Plumbing Home Warranties
Although plumbing systems are a covered item with most home warranty companies, there are a few more specific things we recommend looking for to ensure your plumbing system is fully protected. We’ll discuss these additional coverages below.
- High coverage caps: Plumbing repairs can often be some of the most expensive in an aging home, partially because locating and accessing the issue is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment. Not only that, but repairs to plumbing fixtures like water heaters can be costly due to equipment prices and labor costs. A plan with high coverage caps is recommended for plumbing protection, as a higher coverage limit is more likely to cover the problems you’ll experience with your plumbing system.
- Plumbing stoppages and leaks included: Many home warranty companies offer plumbing protection but exclude stoppages, clogs, and plumbing leaks. Clogs are some of the most common plumbing problems, and leaks can be expensive. We recommend choosing a home warranty provider that includes coverage for both, as this will provide the greatest peace of mind and potential for savings over time.
- Plumbing fixtures included: Many companies also don’t cover plumbing fixtures, including things like faucets, toilets, and even water heaters. Not having coverage for these items restricts how useful your home warranty plan will be and makes your coverage less useful overall. Since your fixtures take the most wear and tear due to moving parts, choosing a plan that includes them in coverage is best.
Our Ratings of the Best Home Warranty Providers for Plumbing Systems
The table below shows how we’ve rated the companies we reviewed above. Keep in mind that the scores mentioned in the table represent the companies as a whole and not necessarily just for plumbing coverage.
| Ranking Factors | Liberty Home Guard | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | America’s First Choice Home Club |
| Plans and Coverage (out of 24) | 25.5 | 20.0 | 22.0 | 18.5 | 21.0 |
| Affordability (out of 22.5) | 20.0 | 22.5 | 21.0 | 20.5 | 20.5 |
| Customer Experience (out of 18.5) | 14.5 | 15.0 | 12.5 | 14.5 | 17.0 |
| Company Reputation (out of 17.5) | 14.5 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 8.0 | 12.5 |
| Claims Process (out of 12.5) | 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 12.5 | 8.0 |
| Availability (out of 5) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Total Score (out of 100) | 90.0 | 84.5 | 83.0 | 79.0 | 84.0 |
How Much Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Plumbing Cost?
On average, you should spend around $60 per month (or $360 per year) for a home warranty covering your plumbing system. It’s possible to pay even less if you don’t need appliance coverage. If you want to protect your plumbing system, a systems-only plan usually costs around $45 monthly. The average service fee is $85, ranging from around $65 to $125, depending on the provider.
With that said, keep in mind that your price will vary based on many factors, including the coverage, the service fee you pick, and the company you decide on. Below, we’ll explain some of the most significant pricing factors for your plumbing coverage.
- Covered items: No home warranty plan covers your plumbing system. Instead, you’ll have to choose a systems-only plan — which typically covers your plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems — or a comprehensive plan that covers systems and appliances. If you just need protection for your home systems, you’ll spend less than if you wanted a combo comprehensive coverage plan.
- Coverage caps: The coverage limits for your plan will dictate your coverage price to some extent. Companies with lower caps on coverage amounts can afford lower prices for their home warranty plans because they’re on the hook for less if something goes wrong. However, a plan with high coverage caps can be worthwhile and even save you money if you run into an expensive issue.
- Exclusions: The more components and situations excluded from your plumbing coverage, the less you’ll pay. Companies that offer robust protection plans that cover stoppages, leaks, fixtures, and more will naturally be more expensive to offset the cost of repairs and replacements.
- Service fees: A service fee is similar to the deductible you pay with your homeowner’s insurance policy; it’s a fixed amount you’re responsible for per claim before coverage kicks in. Some companies have a few options for service fees, and the more expensive ones usually come with lower per-month prices for plumbing coverage.
The infographic below visually represents the monthly pricing options offered by the home warranty companies we’ve reviewed above.
What Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Plumbing Cover?
The coverage you get for your plumbing system will vary based on the company and plan you choose. We’ve excluded companies like Cinch Home Services and First American Home Warranty in part because of their exclusions.
Generally speaking, though, your home warranty will cover leaks, pipe breaks, and issues with fixtures. Some companies will also cover plumbing stoppages, issues with sump pumps, well pumps, or ejector pumps, water heaters, and high-end fixtures like whirlpool tubs.
Below are some of the things we specifically suggest looking for in your plumbing protection plan:
- General stoppages: We strongly recommend choosing a plan that covers plumbing stoppages. Clogs are one of the most common problems you’re likely to run into, and they’re also often excluded by home warranty companies.
- Mainline stoppages: Besides general stoppages, we suggest looking for a company that covers mainline stoppages. Clogs in your main sewer line tend to be more severe than those in individual fixtures, so many companies exclude them. You’ll be glad you had coverage if you run into a mainline stoppage. Make sure to check if the company requires that you have a ground-level cleanout installed to be eligible.
- Water heaters: Water heaters go through a lot of normal wear and tear, and they can be expensive equipment to repair and replace. Some companies won’t include water heater breakdowns, repairs, or replacements to save money, so we recommend choosing a provider that does offer water heater coverage.
The table below provides a quick look at what plumbing-related coverages each of the companies we’ve reviewed offers.
So, What is the Best Home Warranty for Plumbing Systems?
We believe Liberty Home Guard is the best option if you’re looking for a home warranty for plumbing coverage. LHG has above-average home warranty coverage limits, ideal for expensive plumbing repairs. The company also offers many add-on coverage options, including 11 that pertain to your plumbing system. You can customize coverage with LHG based on your home’s plumbing pipes and fixtures.
We’re confident that all of the companies reviewed above will provide excellent value for the money, so we feel comfortable recommending any of them. We suggest getting a free quote from Liberty Home Guard and comparing estimates from the other providers if you feel you need them.
FAQs About Best Home Warranties for Plumbing Coverage
In the sections below, we’ll answer some questions often asked about home warranties for plumbing protection.
Do home warranties cover clogged pipes?
In most cases, a home warranty will cover stoppages in your plumbing system. Some providers will exclude clogs caused by specific issues, like pipes freezing or tree root intrusion into your waste lines. Some home insurance providers will cover these issues, though.
Many companies also have restrictions on coverage based on where the clog is occurring. Some will only cover clogs within 100 linear feet of an access point, and many will only cover mainline stoppages if a ground-level cleanout is installed.
We recommend reading through what is and isn’t included in plumbing coverage with any company you’re considering to ensure you get exactly the protection you feel you need.
Will home warranty replace kitchen faucets?
In many cases, yes! Your home warranty should cover kitchen faucet replacement if there’s a covered issue. However, some companies exclude all plumbing fixtures, and others exclude specific fixtures. Make sure you check your covered items and exclusions before making a service call.
What home warranty company is the cheapest?
Of the companies we’ve reviewed above, AFC Home Club has the cheapest plan for plumbing coverage. The company’s Systems Plan comes in at $40 per month. However, we recommend Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan, which covers more items, has higher coverage limits and is only a little more expensive at $46 per month.
Is a home warranty worth it for plumbing coverage?
In many cases, yes, a home warranty can be well worth the investment for plumbing coverage. Your plumbing system goes through a lot of wear and tear, and since it’s hidden behind your walls, it’s very challenging to identify issues with it before they become severe. This is especially the case for new home buyers who can only rely on a home inspection to uncover unknown problems. Plumbing fixes can be quite expensive, so paying a small monthly fee can not only save you money over time but also provide you with some peace of mind.
Methodology: How We Rank Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
