Best Home Warranties for Plumbing (2024)
From slow leaks to broken pipes, plumbing problems are common for homeowners. And if you’ve ever dealt with an issue, you know how quickly repair costs can add up. A home warranty plan with plumbing coverage can make these unexpected fixes much more affordable. In fact, 48% of the 1,000 homeowners we surveyed in 2024 said they bought a home warranty to protect their plumbing.
To help you find the best plumbing coverage, our team reviewed 13 of the most popular home warranty companies. American Home Shield topped our list thanks to its unlimited coverage for most repairs and its protections for plumbing items with existing damage. First American Home Warranty was a close second because it covers clogs up to 125 feet from your home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all five of our favorite home warranty providers for plumbing coverage and share some tips on what to look for when shopping.
Comparing Top Home Warranty Companies on Cost and Plumbing Coverage
The table below compares our top home warranty picks with plumbing coverage based on key criteria like monthly costs and coverage caps (i.e., the maximum your company will pay for specific item repairs in a year).
| Provider | Plumbing Coverage Cap | Plumbing Add-On Coverage Caps | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500–unlimited | $500–$1,500 | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| $500–unlimited | $500–$1,500 | $42–$82 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| $3,000 | $250–$500 | $46–$55 | $100 | VISIT SITE | |
| $750–$2,000 | $1,000–$1,500 | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
| $150–$2,000 | $500 | $27–$61 | $65–$100 | VISIT SITE |
*We requested quotes for each provider using a 1,961-square-foot single-family home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Our Reviews of the Top Home Warranty Providers for Plumbing
Here’s an in-depth look at our recommended home warranty companies for plumbing coverage.
American Home Shield
Best Comprehensive Coverage
Plumbing Coverage Cap: $500–unlimited
Plumbing Coverage Overview
- Covers plumbing items with existing damage, including rust, sediment, and corrosion
- Includes sump pumps in main coverage (often an add-on with other providers)
- Covers unlimited repairs for most plumbing items
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover cosmetic plumbing items, such as toilet lids, seats, or tank covers
- Excludes bathtubs and sink replacements from its coverage
Our Review
American Home Shield (AHS) stands out for its comprehensive plumbing protection, which is included in all three of its plans. The company provides unlimited coverage for most plumbing items, meaning it will pay for as many repairs as you need regardless of cost. Other providers have annual limits that require you to pay out of pocket once you hit the cap. The only exception is that AHS has a $500 limit for nonseptic sewer ejector pumps, which help transport wastewater from lower levels to the main sewer line.
AHS is also unique in that it covers preexisting conditions, meaning any issues present before your coverage started. Most home warranty providers exclude this. AHS also covers items affected by rust, corrosion, sediment buildup, and improper installation or repair, making it an excellent choice for homes with older plumbing systems. You can add coverage for septic pumps at just $5 per month and for well pumps at $8, ensuring reliable water access and effective waste management.
While AHS covers many major plumbing items, it excludes cosmetic features that don’t affect function. For instance, the warranty covers sink, bathtub, and toilet clogs but not the physical replacement of these fixtures. Additional exclusions include items like bidets, jetted tubs, and shower enclosures. If these fixtures are damaged, you’ll have to pay for them yourself.
Customer Experiences
Based on online reviews, many homeowners like American Home Shield’s quick claims process and have had positive experiences with the technicians dispatched for repairs. Our tester also experienced a quick claims process, with repairs completed the day after submitting his claim. However, negative reviews point to inconsistent service, with some people’s repairs taking several days to weeks.
Here’s a sample of customer reviews for AHS:
“Fantastic service, worth every penny! Three times now I have had plumbing issues…and each time it was of course on a weekend. Nonetheless, AHS quickly found a reliable contractor to diagnose and make the repair immediately. I could not be happier with AHS service.” — Ethan C. via Trustpilot, October 2024</span
“My water heater stopped producing warm water. I filed a claim with AHS. They sent a plumber who took 15 minutes to say the water heater needed [to be] replaced. [The] plumbing company then said they would replace the water heater, but it required an additional $1,485 to install the new unit. I contacted a local licensed plumber who checked it out and said we needed new elements and thermostats. I purchased two new elements and thermostats and had them installed. Cost me less than $100,” — Higbee via Trustpilot, August 2024
First American Home Warranty
Best for High-End Items
Plumbing Coverage Cap: $500–unlimited
Plumbing Coverage Overview
- Covers stoppages up to 125 feet away from your home, whereas most providers only cover up to 100 feet
- Covers ground-level cleanout installation in its highest plan
- Provides a free upgrade to cover damage caused by improper modifications, installation, or repair
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover water heaters in its lowest plan
- Only covers faucets and showerheads in its highest plan
Our Review
First American Home Warranty (FAHW) is a great option for homeowners needing extensive plumbing system protections. It’s the only provider in our review that covers plumbing stoppages up to 125 feet from an access point—25% farther than most providers. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with clogs deep within your sewer lines.
Similar to AHS, each of First American’s plans offer unlimited coverage for most plumbing items. Plus, its Premium Plan includes $250 for ground-level cleanout installation (this is a handy access point in the plumbing system used during maintenance). Coverage for this is rare among home warranty companies.
While FAHW doesn’t cover preexisting conditions like AHS, you can add the First American Advantage to cover any problems caused by poor installations, modifications, or repairs. Additionally, FAHW offers coverage for well pumps and septic systems for just $7.08 per month, about half the cost of AHS.
That said, First American Home Warranty has some limitations. While it covers toilets under each plan, the lowest tier only provides a very basic, white replacement toilet. For any other style or color, you’ll have to pay for the replacement out of pocket. Furthermore, FAHW only provides comprehensive plumbing coverage in its most expensive Premium Plan, and water heaters aren’t included in the Starter Plan. This differs from other providers, like AHS, which offers consistent coverage across all plan tiers.
Customer Experiences
First American Home Warranty has received positive feedback for its plumbing coverage, particularly for its customizable add-ons and quick response times. Many customers say the claims process was convenient and efficient.
However, some homeowners have said it took several days for FAHW to assign them a technician. Our home warranty tester also waited several days for servicing, though it was over a weekend. After he filed his claim on a Friday, he received a service visit the following Monday.
Some reviewers were also frustrated that their plumbing issues required two or more technicians to be fixed. Others were disappointed that their replacement fixtures didn’t match their original items, leading to dissatisfaction with the overall service experience.
Here are some examples of customer feedback about First American Home Warranty:
“The representative was very helpful in guiding me through the process to see if the leak was covered by my warranty. It was … [so] I was scheduled for the first available day for a plumber to come out within 3 business days. The plumbing company actually came out sooner since they were in the area and it was fixed in even less time than was stated. Thank you.” —Natasha V. via Trustpilot, October 2024
“I recently canceled my First American Home Warranty contract after being denied coverage twice for two separate issues. In my most recent experience, I had a plumbing issue where the water barely trickled out of my bathtub faucet. I thought this would be covered like any reasonable person, as it’s a clear plumbing issue. However, they denied my claim, citing a fine print clause that states if something is blocking the water flow in the freshwater line, they won’t cover it.” —Ryan F. via Trustpilot, October 2024
Plumbing Coverage Cap: $3,000
Plumbing Coverage Overview
- Has the most affordable sump pump coverage in this review
- Offers the cheapest comprehensive home warranty plans of all our reviewed companies
- Provides a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover bathtubs, sinks, or shower replacements, similar to AHS
- Provides the lowest add-on plumbing caps in this review
Our Review
Home warranty companies typically offer appliance-only plans, system-only plans, and comprehensive plans that cover both systems and appliances, with comprehensive plans being the most expensive. Choice Home Warranty (CHW) offers some of the most affordable comprehensive plans in this review. Its highest plan costs less than $60 per month, while some providers charge $60 or more for the equivalent. Choice has a coverage limit of $3,000 for plumbing, which is midrange compared to other providers. Although it doesn’t offer unlimited coverage like AHS and FAHW, it does provide higher limits for specific items, such as its sewer ejector pump coverage, which exceeds other brands by $2,500.
Choice Home Warranty offers plumbing add-ons ranging from $3.33–$10 per month, including well pumps, sump pumps, septic systems, and septic tank pumping. It backs its repairs with a solid guarantee: 60 days for labor and 90 days for parts. This means if any issues pop up with completed repairs during these time frames, CHW will schedule follow-ups at no extra cost. The company also offers a 60-day labor guarantee to cover any labor-related problems.
On the downside, Choice Home Warranty has low coverage limits for its add-ons compared to other providers. For instance, it offers just $250 for septic tank pumping, whereas other companies we reviewed provide $500–$1,500. This may not matter for homeowners with standard sewer line systems, but it could lead to unexpected costs for those relying on independent septic systems.
It’s also worth noting that CHW is currently facing a lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for allegedly denying claims and providing lower payouts in bad faith. So, review your contract and service terms carefully.
Customer Experiences
According to online reviews, Choice Home Warranty customers like that the company has affordable plans and friendly customer support staff. Many homeowners found the claims process very easy and received technical assignments in a day or two.
Negative reviews mention claims being denied for unclear reasons. Additionally, customers have reported delays when parts need to be ordered rather than being available immediately. Our CHW tester also experiences frequent delays with some of their repairs, requiring three to four technician visits to resolve their issues.
Below are two sample reviews for Choice Home Warranty:
“I placed the claim by phone and within 20 minutes received a call from CHW plumbing contractor. They were available and 20 minutes away. This offer was so very helpful. The techs introduced themselves, assessed the problem.and resolved it quickly and efficiently. This was an amazing experience.” —Ann B. via Trustpilot, September 2024
“I have been with Choice since 2022 and paid for warranty until 2026. The biggest waste of money completely unsatisfied and I cannot even get a refund. Water heater went out 2 days before someone could come out (I had to replace it myself), and now a refrigerator stopped working. It’s a $800 repair, but I have to pay close to $500 to fix it going through Choice!” —T.V. via BBB, October 2024
Plumbing Coverage Cap: $750–$2,000
Plumbing Coverage Overview
- Covers plumbing fixtures—including showerheads, sinks, and toilets—in its base plan
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, longer than CHW’s
- Provides the most plumbing add-ons, including coverage for external lines
Keep in Mind
- Includes lower limits for certain items, like valves and drain lines, compared to other providers
- Sets annual repair limits for certain plumbing issues, such as plumbing stoppages
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty offers more add-ons for plumbing than any of our other reviewed providers. In addition to standard add-ons for wells, septic tanks, and sump pumps, Elite offers coverage for service lines, which protects your property’s exterior sewer and water lines and extends to the external pipes that run to the municipal sewer system. This covers you financially if your external lines break or clog—something not typically covered by home warranties.
Elite also offers add-ons for grinder pumps and ejector pumps. These components help prevent water damage and ensure effective waste management, which is especially valuable for homeowners with basements or lower-level living areas.
However, Elite limits how many repairs you can get for many plumbing items. For instance, you can only claim three fixture replacements and two plumbing stoppages per year, while other providers like AHS and FAHW have no limit. We also don’t like that Elite has lower coverage limits for some key items, such as valves, drain lines, and water lines. For example, valves are only covered up to $750, compared to CHW’s $3,000 limit.
Customer Experiences
Customer reviews praise Elite Home Warranty’s personalized concierge service, which assigns a dedicated representative to manage your claims. Many people also like Elite’s affordable pricing and that its numerous add-ons make customizing their plans easy.
Negative feedback points to Elite’s lack of online resources, such as an online quote tool or claims status tracker, which other companies typically offer. Instead, homeowners must rely on callbacks from the support team, with some customers waiting three or more days.
Read what some homeowners had to say about Elite Home Warranty:
“Great experience today. The company responded timely and deployed someone to address my plumbing concern. The plumber was very professional and did an incredible job.” —Susan B. via Trustpilot, May 2024
“Elite Home Warranty makes it very difficult to get the money that they say they will pay you. They will lie about it, and try to dodge you every time you call them with a legitimate complaint. We have been promised money numerous times, so far we have not received part of the money they said they would send us. I don’t trust them, and I wish we had not chosen them for our home warranty company. Once we are able, we are going to drop them and go with a different company.” —David L. via Better Business Bureau (BBB), September 2024
Plumbing Coverage Cap: $150–$2,000
Plumbing Coverage Overview
- Has an unlimited workmanship guarantee—longer than all reviewed providers
- Offers a Luxury Package add-on to increase plumbing coverage to $5,000
- Will refund service call fees if your claim is denied or you require multiple repairs
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover jetted tubs, sewer ejector pumps, or septic tank pumping
- Requires you to buy an add-on to cover plumbing fixtures
Our Review
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty could be a solid choice for homeowners who want extra protection on plumbing repairs, thanks to its unlimited workmanship guarantee. This means that any issues that arise after the initial repair will be covered for as long as you still have an active home warranty plan. Most companies only have guarantees of 30 days.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty also has a Luxury Package add-on that allows you to increase plumbing coverage from $2,000 to $5,000 for only $6 more per month. Its plumbing add-ons include septic system, well pump, and extended pipe-leak coverage. 2-10’s extended pipe-leak coverage is the same as Elite’s: $1,000 for leaks that occur beyond the home’s foundation.
A standout feature of 2-10 is its “Even If” Service Fee Guarantee. Your service call fee is the amount you pay whenever a repair person visits your home. However, this guarantee means 2-10 will refund you if your claim is denied or the component being repaired has failed multiple times within the term agreement. While some home warranty providers may offer similar protections, it’s not explicitly stated in a policy like this.
We don’t like that 2-10 requires you to buy an add-on for certain plumbing coverage, like plumbing fixtures. Though this add-on is only $10 more per month, its coverage limit is lower than that of other providers. For instance, faucet sets are covered up to just $150, while companies like Choice and Elite offer $250 or more. 2-10 also excludes certain items, such as jetted tubs, sewer ejector pumps, and septic tank pumping, that other providers do cover.
Customer Experiences
Homeowners generally praise 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for its responsive and professional customer service team and technicians. Many customers appreciate the company’s flexibility, particularly when it comes to reimbursement for hiring their own technicians for repairs. This can be especially helpful in urgent situations where waiting for a contractor may not be an option.
However, some customers have encountered challenges with the company’s contractor network, noting that technicians are sometimes dispatched from far away locations. This can lead to longer wait times. Additionally, a few homeowners reported delays when reaching out to customer support, and there have been instances where multiple technicians were needed to resolve a single issue, making repairs take even longer.
Here’s a sampling of reviews for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty:
“As a builder, I’ve worked with HBW 2-10 for over 10 years. They’ve always been great to work with. I have yet to need their services, so I can’t comment on that portion of the process. I’m very disappointed to see the extremely low rating! Hopefully, they will work on their customer service issues.” —Peter L. via BBB, April 2024
“Our water heater broke, and we filed a claim over a week ago. They had someone out here the next day and filled out the paperwork to get a new one. Over a week with no water and they keep saying they’re trying to find a replacement. They have no notes of any of our calls or information. They won’t let us talk to a supervisor about getting this handled. We still have no water heater. They keep telling us one thing and then doing another. Do not use them.” —Alisa M. via BBB, October 2024
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
While reviewing the best home warranty companies for plumbing, we excluded some providers that have excellent overall coverage but fall short on plumbing. However, they may still be great options for homeowners with specific needs. We’ll go over those companies below.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty offers unlimited coverage for certain major home systems, such as heating and cooling, but sets lower limits for plumbing coverage, with a $500 cap for plumbing systems, $300 for stoppages, and $150 for faucets. Valves and pressure regulators are excluded. However, AFC’s Diamond Plan covers external sewer and water lines, unlike FAHW, which requires an add-on for this additional protection. AFC could be a solid choice for homeowners who want extra exterior line protection without paying for an add-on.
Liberty Home Guard (LHG)
Although Liberty Home Guard offers an extensive add-on catalog of over 40 items, including plumbing options like septic system pumping, its baseline plumbing coverage is limited to $500, which falls well below our top picks. LHG also requires add-ons for certain plumbing items that other providers include in their main coverage plans, such as faucets, showerheads, and pressure regulators. Still, LHG could be a good option for homeowners seeking lower plumbing coverage caps and other unique coverage.
Our Experience Filing a Plumbing-Related Claim
One of our team members recently filed a claim with American Home Shield for a leak affecting his bathroom and kitchen floor. He found the claim process to be simple and quick. Here are the steps he follow:
- Used his smartphone to log into his account
- Selected the appropriate claim icons
- Submitted his claim
He received immediate text and email confirmations, and a local contractor reached out five minutes later to schedule a next-day appointment. The contractor arrived ahead of schedule, completed the repair in two hours, and offered helpful tips for mold prevention.
What Plumbing Parts Are Covered by a Home Warranty?
A home warranty typically covers the core components of your plumbing system, including the following:
- Drain lines
- Pipes
- Sewer lines
- Sink, shower, and toilet components
- Valves
- Water lines
Most companies cover common repairs, such as pipe breaks, leaks, and stoppages within plumbing lines. This includes sewer line and mainline clearing within your home’s foundation, a service that removes blockages in the primary wastewater pipes beneath your home.
Some companies include appliances and other systems under plumbing coverage, such as water heaters and garbage disposals, recognizing their importance to daily household functions. Given that nearly every home relies on a water heater, we prioritized this coverage when selecting our top companies.
In addition to the plumbing coverage included in their main plans, most providers offer add-ons for other plumbing items, such as well pumps and septic tanks. Our survey revealed that 34% of respondents added coverage for septic tank pumping, while 25% opted for well pump coverage.
In the table below, we compare each company’s most comprehensive coverage plans for plumbing side-by-side. Since these providers cover many of the same items, we focused on the coverage caps for key items, as this is an important differentiator.
Key Plumbing Item Coverage Caps by Provider
| Plumbing Coverage | American Home Shield | First American Home Warranty | Choice Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Heater | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,250 |
| Toilets | Unlimited | $600 | $3,000 | $750 | $300 |
| Faucets | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $750 | $150 |
| Showerheads | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $750 | $150 |
| Pressure regulators | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Jetted tubs tub and components | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $750 | 𝗫 |
| Plumbing stoppages | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Sewer ejector pump (non septic) | $500 | $500 | $3,000 | $1,000 | 𝗫 |
| Waters lines | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Drain lines | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Valves | Unlimited | Unlimited | $3,000 | $750 | $2,000 |
| Sump pumps | Unlimited | Unlimited | $500 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Well pump | $1,500 | $1,500 | $500 | $1,000 | $500 |
| Septic tank | $500 | $500 | $250 | $1,500 | $500 |
| Septic pumping | $500 | $500 | $500 | $1,500 | 𝗫 |
How Much Does Plumbing Coverage Cost?
Home warranties that include plumbing coverage typically cost $460–$840 per year, depending on the provider and specific coverage options. If you choose add-ons for specialized systems like septic tanks or wells, you can expect to pay $5–$10 per month on top of your base home warranty cost.
A home warranty plan with strong plumbing coverage is essential to protect against potentially expensive repairs, as a common pipe leak or clog can lead to significant damage. For example, fixing a leaky pipe may start at $150, but if left untreated, it could result in thousands of dollars in structural damage.
With a home warranty, you only pay a service fee when a repair person visits your home, and your provider pays the rest (or up to any coverage caps stated in your contract). These service fees are usually lower than emergency plumbing repairs, which can often surpass $500.
While home warranty coverage effectively addresses many common plumbing issues, it’s important to note that it generally excludes major replacements and preexisting conditions, or any issues your items had before starting coverage. We recommend reviewing your plan carefully to understand the specific terms and conditions.
The chart below outlines potential plumbing repair and replacement costs you could face without a home warranty:
| Plumbing Issue | Average Cost for Repair or Replacement* |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief valve replacement | $50–$300 |
| Toilet repair | $100–$300 |
| Shower valve replacement | $125–$500 |
| Sump pump repair | $150–$500 |
| Faucet and fixture replacement | $150–$600 |
| Water heater repair | $150–$750 |
| Pipe leaks repairs | $150–$4,700 |
| Main sewer clog repair | $185–$556 |
| Septic tank repair | $500–$3,000 |
| Main line water leak repair | $600–$4,500 |
| Repairing burst pipes | $1,000–$4,000 |
*Cost data sourced from Angi.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Plumbing Coverage
Home warranty coverage includes various exclusions and limitations you should be aware of to fully understand your policy. For instance, many companies won’t cover damage caused by preexisting conditions or issues resulting from improper maintenance, such as neglecting to clear clogs or service plumbing fixtures.
Below are typical exclusions we found in plumbing warranty coverage:
- Certain drainage issues: Most home warranty plans exclude coverage for drainage issues caused by foreign objects or invasive tree roots, as these are typically considered preventable or external factors rather than internal system failures.
- Clogs beyond a certain distance: Many home warranty providers limit coverage for clogs that occur beyond a certain distance from an access point, typically ranging from 100–125 feet. An access point refers to locations where plumbing systems can be accessed for maintenance or repair, such as cleanouts, drain openings, or sinks.
- Cosmetic items not required for proper use: Home warranties don’t typically cover cosmetic items associated with plumbing systems that are not essential for their proper function. This includes decorative fixtures, trim, and nonfunctional elements that don’t affect the plumbing’s ability to operate. For example, toilet seats are generally considered cosmetic items since they don’t impact the toilet’s functionality.
- Damage caused by freezing: Most home warranty plans exclude coverage for plumbing damage due to freezing temperatures, including broken or leaking pipes resulting from uninsulated or poorly maintained systems.
- Damage from natural disasters: Plumbing damage caused by earthquakes, floods, or severe weather is usually exempt from coverage, since it’s limited to normal wear and tear. In these cases, you would need homeowners insurance.
- Improper maintenance or repair: Damage from a lack of regular maintenance, such as failing to clear drains or service plumbing fixtures, is often excluded from coverage.
- Issues outside your home’s foundation: Depending on the plan, you may not receive coverage for sewer line and mainline clogs that extend beyond your home’s foundation.
- Limited coverage for accessing hidden plumbing: Home warranty plans usually cover the cost of accessing pipes only to a “rough finish.” This means they’ll open a single layer of drywall to reach a covered plumbing issue and patch the wall but won’t provide full cosmetic repairs. Additionally, many plans cap coverage for accessing plumbing behind concrete or masonry, often up to $1,000, making homeowners responsible for any costs that exceed this limit.
How To Choose the Right Plumbing Coverage
When choosing a home warranty plan that includes plumbing coverage, it’s important to assess your specific coverage needs. Think about the plumbing issues you frequently encounter or the areas that require the most attention. For instance, if your sewer line often has problems because of its age, you’ll want a plan that covers preexisting conditions. Keep in mind that many home warranty providers have standard plumbing coverage in their basic plans, which may be enough if you don’t have specialized systems like a well or septic tank.
If you do have these specialized systems, many home warranty providers cover them as add-ons. Keep this in mind as you budget, as you’ll need to pay for a base plan plus any add-on fees. If your biggest concern is plumbing, a systems-only plan may be sufficient. Choose a provider that offers essential plumbing coverage as well as the specific add-ons you may need.
Finally, evaluate each provider’s coverage limits and repair caps. Many home warranty plans set maximum annual limits on plumbing repairs, which means you’ll have to pay out of pocket if you exceed these caps. Choose a provider whose coverage limits align with your needs, protecting you against high-cost repairs without unexpected expenses.
Advice From Real Homeowners
One of the main benefits of plumbing coverage is the peace of mind it provides during emergencies—especially if you need a repair quickly to prevent worse damage.
Isabell D., a homeowner for 20-plus years in Charleston, South Carolina, experienced a plumbing crisis when she couldn’t turn off her water. After shutting off the main water supply, she was faced with finding last-minute plumbing repairs after 8 p.m. on a Saturday. “I didn’t have any water coming into my home at all, so I had to get someone in immediately,” she said. “Since I didn’t have home warranty coverage for plumbing, I had to call around to several plumbing services that could complete repairs that evening.”
Isabell eventually found someone to come out for emergency service, but she paid almost $400. Had she been covered by a home warranty plan, she would have had access to a network of preapproved professionals ready to respond, even after-hours. She also would have only had to pay a service call fee (usually $125 or under).
How We Evaluated Providers on Plumbing Coverage
Here’s an overview of how we researched, scored, and ranked our top home warranty companies that offer plumbing coverage.
Our Rating System
To form our recommendations, we consulted home warranty experts, reviewed various providers, and read their contracts and coverage terms. We also reached out to each company’s customer support team and bought plans from 11 leading providers to test the claims process firsthand. Additionally, we surveyed homeowners who currently use home warranties to understand how and why they select their coverage and gather insights about their personal claims experiences.
Next, we created a detailed scoring system to rank each provider in six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
Since plumbing coverage varies by provider, our team also evaluated the following factors to ensure we selected the best options for plumbing protection.
- Plumbing coverage limits: Plumbing coverage should significantly offset repair and replacement costs. We prioritized home warranty providers that offer at least $1,000 in plumbing coverage. This amount generally covers major plumbing components, such as water lines, stoppages, and water heaters. Providers with coverage below this threshold were excluded from our list.
- Plumbing inclusions: We confirmed that each provider covered key plumbing items in its base plan. This included leaks, clogs, sink and shower components, and more. If a company excluded any important plumbing repairs, such as pressure valves, we took it off our list.
- Add-on plumbing options and upgrades: In addition to a base plan, you may need add-ons to cover your plumbing needs. We gave more points to companies that offered add-ons for additional plumbing systems, upgrades to higher coverage limits, or protections for things that are typically excluded, such as preexisting conditions.
- Firsthand claims testing: No amount of research can substitute for real, firsthand experience. To test how reliable companies are, we submitted claims to 11 home warranty providers, including plumbing repair requests. This allowed us to evaluate the overall claims experience, customer support, and technician quality firsthand.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
