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Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing (2024)

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Jacquelyn Kfoury Updated 06/23/2024

Investing in a home warranty plan that covers plumbing issues can make repairing or replacing any part of your home’s plumbing system less stressful and more affordable. Many homeowners experience residential plumbing issues, whether it’s slow water leaks or busted sewage lines. Our team created this guide to help you find a provider that offers best-in-class home warranty plumbing coverage to protect against these issues before they arise. We’ve researched the best home warranty companies nationwide and compiled a list of the five highest-ranking providers based on coverage options, pricing, customer satisfaction, and more.

We recommend American Home Shield as our top pick for plumbing system coverage. Plumbing coverage is built into all of the company’s plans and it offers the most generous plumbing coverage caps out of all the companies we reviewed.

Key Takeaways

  • The best home warranty companies for plumbing are American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
  • A home warranty with plumbing coverage costs $662 annually on average, or $43-$67 per month, depending on your plan and coverage.
  • Our home warranty survey revealed that 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their home warranty plan, while less than 1% were dissatisfied.

Did You Know?

  • In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.

Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing

The following is a list of the best home warranty companies for plumbing we recommend based on our in-depth methodology:


Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing

Review the table below to compare our top home warranty providers for plumbing coverage. We obtained monthly cost figures for each company by calculating national averages. Your monthly premium may differ based on your home’s size and type, your location, your plan, and optional add-ons. 

For the most accurate pricing estimate, we recommend pulling a quote from the company you’re considering.

Liberty Home Guard
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American Home Shield
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Select Home Warranty
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First American Home Warranty
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AFC Home Warranty
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Overall Score

4.4 / 5 4.8 / 5 3.7 / 5 4.6 / 5 4.6 / 5

BBB Rating

NR B B- B B

Monthly Cost

$49–$59 $49–$109 $44–$47 $47–$87 $34–$92

Service Fees

$65–$125 $100–$125 $60–$75 $75–$125 $75–$125

Customer Support Options

Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal Email, Phone, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal

Response Time

Up to 48 hours Up to 48 hours 48-84 hours 4–48 hours 24-48 hours

Pros

  • Extensive add-on catalog
  • 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Accessible customer support
  • High coverage caps
  • Preexisting coverage included
  • Bonus discounts on maintenance services
  • Low-cost plan options
  • High HVAC coverage
  • Free roof leak protection
  • Unlimited system coverage
  • Solid add-on catalog
  • Optional upgrade for preexisting condition coverage
  • Excellent plan flexibility
  • Technician flexibility
  • Unlimited HVAC coverage

Cons

  • Reviews mention low claim payouts
  • Low coverage caps for electrical and plumbing
  • Higher costs for comprehensive coverage
  • Smallest add-on catalog
  • Low coverage caps for other items
  • No service call fee flexibility
  • No AC coverage in the lowest plan
  • Excludes essential appliances from its lowest plan
  • Depreciation policy for older items
  • Immediate claim submission required

Summary

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations.

We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. 

We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems.

Promotions

$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection $150 Off Any Plan Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off + 2 months free $100 Off with Code “PROTECT” Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage

Rating Categories

Liberty Home Guard American Home Shield Select Home Warranty First American Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty

Coverage

2.9 / 5
4.8 / 5
2.1 / 5
4.9 / 5
3.9 / 5

Value

4.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.8 / 5

Trustworthiness

4.3 / 5
3.7 / 5
3.7 / 5
4 / 5
4.3 / 5

Plan Transparency

2.5 / 5
5 / 5
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
3.5 / 5

Customer Support

4.5 / 5
4 / 5
3 / 5
2.8 / 5
3 / 5

Flexibility

3.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5

The Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing Coverage

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Support
4.4

Liberty Home Guard is a new home warranty company, but it has made a name for itself in terms of customer satisfaction and quality of service. Liberty Home Guard provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee and a solid $2,000 coverage cap per plumbing system component. Liberty is available in all 50 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides plumbing stoppage coverage Extends a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all completed repairs Includes a live-chat feature for convenient customer service Cons Lacks transparency with service call fee pricing Doesn’t let you choose your service provider

Plumbing Info

Plans and Prices

Liberty Home Guard provides three plans: System Guard, Appliance Guard, and Total Guard. System Guard protects essential systems, including your plumbing, air conditioning, and heating systems. Appliance Guard covers appliances such as your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and refrigerator. The Total Guard plan covers both systems and appliances.

Liberty Home Guard pairs your plan with a service call fee that ranges from $65 to $125. Your service call fee varies based on your home’s size, type, and location and your plan selections.

Here is a table comparing Liberty Home Guard’s pricing and plans:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Liberty Home Guard’s service contract provides additional coverage information for each plan.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

American Home Shield (AHS) is one of the industry’s most experienced home warranty companies. It serves every state except for Alaska and Hawaii. It provides comprehensive coverage for major systems and appliances, including your plumbing system, and allows customers to select a service call fee between $100 and $125.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a $1,000 coverage limit on plumbing systems Covers rust, corrosion, and sediment damage Includes coverage for improperly installed systems and appliances Cons Provides a limited selection of add-on coverage Prices plans higher than competitors

Plumbing Info

American Home Shield covers plumbing repairs, leaks and breaks in water, drain, gas, waste, and vent lines, toilets and related mechanisms, shower heads, permanently installed sump pumps, and other plumbing system components. It also covers damage due to rust, corrosion, sediment, unknown pre-existing conditions, improper installation, and insufficient maintenance. American Home Shield covers up to $5,000 per covered plumbing repair.

Plans and Prices

AHS provides three protection plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS customers can choose a $100 or $125 service fee for all three plans. The higher the service fee, the lower the monthly premium.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $4,000

AFC Home Warranty

Best Technician Flexibility
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is a solid choice for plumbing system protection. Although it has a $500 coverage limit on plumbing systems, it extends an unlimited workmanship guarantee per completed repair, giving you peace of mind. In addition, AFC Home Club includes membership perks, such as free credit monitoring.

Pros and Cons

Pros Extends an unlimited workmanship guarantee on completed repairs Allows you to choose your service provider Offers three service call options Cons Covers plumbing stoppages only in the Platinum Plan Provides a low $500 coverage limit for plumbing systems

Plumbing Info

Three of AFC Home Club’s four plans cover major plumbing components such as drain, vent, and waste lines, flush valves, water supply pipes, and toilet tanks and bowls. AFC Home Club’s most comprehensive plan, Platinum, adds plumbing stoppage coverage. It also covers up to $250 for access to unobstructed walls, ceilings, or floors. Note that the $250 applies to AFC Home Club’s total plumbing coverage limit of $500.

Plans and Prices

AFC Home Club offers four plans: Silver, Systems, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver Plan covers major appliances, such as garage-door openers. The Systems Plan covers major systems, including HVAC. Its Gold and Platinum plans bundle systems and appliance coverage. The Platinum includes coverage for built-in microwaves, faucets, and plumbing stoppages. In addition, AFC Home Club lets you choose from a $75, $100, and $125 service call fee.

Here is a table comparing AFC Home Warranty’s plans and pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Systems Plan

$38.25–$42.75

$75-$125

$3,000

Silver Plan

$31.50-$36

$75-$125

Caps vary by system

Gold Plan

$45–$49.50

$75-$125

Systems: varies

Appliances: $3,000

Platinum Plan

$49.50-$54

$75-$125

Systems: varies

Appliances: $3,000

AFC Home Club’s fine print gives more details if you want to learn more.

First American Home Warranty

Best for High-End Items
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

First American Home Warranty is a veteran provider—it has served homeowners nationwide since 1984. First American provides comprehensive coverage for your home and plan flexibility via three plans and three service call fees. First American is available in 34 states but not in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides an unlimited coverage cap on plumbing systems Covers working plumbing components regardless of age Includes access to select appliance discounts Cons Lacks coverage in 15 states Charges slightly higher premiums compared to other providers

Plumbing Info

First American does not include coverage caps for plumbing system repairs, which most providers do. All three coverage plans cover plumbing system components, including pressure regulators, circulating hot water pumps, bathtub motors, permanently installed sump pumps, valves, water line leaks/breaks, toilet tanks, and plumbing stoppages up to 125 feet from an access point located in your home’s main foundation. The Premium Plan adds additional coverage for faucets, hose bibbs, and shower heads. First American also offers septic system coverage, water softeners, and well-pump coverage as an add-on.

Plans and Prices

First American offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. The Standard Plan and Essential Plan protect a mix of home appliances and systems. The Premium Plan includes the items covered in the plans above, plus additional coverage cap increases. First American allows you to choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee.

Here is a table comparing First American Home Warranty’s plans and pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$47–$62

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57–$72

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$72–$87

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

Select Home Warranty

Best Budget Plan
3.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Select Home Warranty is a solid option for those on a budget. Select provides a low deductible, ranging between $60 and $75. It offers plans for less than $50 a month and includes roof-leak repair coverage with all protection plans. Select boasts a 30-day repair guarantee and discounts on multi-year coverage plans. Select’s Gold Care and Platinum Care plans cover major plumbing problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes $400 roof-leak repair coverage in each plan Offers low service call fees Provides two extra months of coverage when you purchase an annual plan Cons Limits plumbing systems to a $500 coverage cap Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions

Plumbing Info

Although Select’s Gold Care and Platinum Care plans cover major plumbing problems, such as plumbing stoppages and water heater issues, it only provides up to $500 per covered plumbing item. That said, Select covers the following plumbing system components: leaks in water, drain, waste, and vent lines, toilet bowls, toilet tanks, toilet flushing mechanisms, angle stops, risers, and more. Select offers additional coverage for plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and shower heads. If your plumbing system is fairly new and you are on a budget, Select is worth considering.

Plans and Prices

Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. The Gold Care and Platinum Care plans cover plumbing systems, but the Bronze Care plan only covers home appliances. Select charges customers a service fee of $60–$75.

Here is a table comparing Select Home Warranty’s prices and plans:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same


What Does a Plumbing Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty typically covers a plumbing system’s core components, including the following:

  • Drain lines
  • Pipes
  • Sewer lines
  • Toilet components
  • Valves
  • Water lines

Home warranties also cover damage to plumbing components, including the following:

  • Pipe breaks and leaks
  • Plumbing line stoppages
  • Sewer line and mainline clearing within your home’s foundation

Most providers offer certain types of coverage, such as septic tank pumping as an add-on, through our recommended septic warranty companies.

In addition to plumbing system coverage, a home warranty protects major home systems and major appliances, including but not limited to your HVAC system, ceiling fans, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and water heaters. Explore our article on the best home appliance insurance companies to find coverage for these crucial items.


What Does a Plumbing Home Warranty Not Cover?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), if a provider doesn’t list an item or component within its service contract, it likely doesn’t cover it. 

There are several conditions or damages a home warranty provider won’t cover regarding your plumbing system. These include the following:

  • Broken or leaking pipes caused by freezing
  • Miscellaneous plumbing system components such as toilet lids
  • Plumbing line stoppages caused by foreign objects or tree roots
  • Sewer line and mainline clogs outside your home’s foundation

Quick Tip

  • We recommend reading a provider’s fine print to understand its exact terms of coverage and exclusions.

What Are the Benefits of a Plumbing Home Warranty?

Not only can a home warranty protect your plumbing system, but it can also protect other important systems and appliances, such as your electrical system, heating, clothes washer, dryer, oven, well pump, pool, and spa.

According to our 2021 survey of 1,000 homeowners, over 51% of respondents said their most expensive home costs outside of their mortgage involved repairing or maintaining a system or appliance. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers damage to your home from natural disasters, fire, or theft, a home warranty protects your most important home items.

Additionally, purchasing home warranty coverage prevents you from paying expensive out-of-pocket costs for unexpected repairs and replacements on home items caused by normal wear and tear. Having a home warranty also saves you from searching for a technician whenever you need a repair. Most home warranty companies have a network of experienced professionals who can repair or replace your broken system or appliance within two to three business days of receiving your claim.

Before deciding on a home warranty, we recommend requesting quotes from the providers listed in this review to help you compare pricing and coverage in your area. Read our article on the basics of a home warranty and provider sample contracts to understand contract terms, conditions, and exclusions.


Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a company’s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your home’s size, type, and location.

Lifespan and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot


The Best Residential Plumbing Insurance Companies – Our Final Take

American Home Shield is our top recommendation for plumbing system coverage. Not only is plumbing coverage built into all of the company’s plans, but it also offers the most generous plumbing coverage caps of any company we’ve reviewed. In addition, AHS covers up to $1,000 coverage in cases where the contractor must cut through concrete to access plumbing components. 

Liberty Home Guard is our second choice for plumbing coverage. We like its $2,000 plumbing system coverage cap and competitively priced plans, which range from $50 to $60 per month.


FAQs About Plumbing Home Warranties

Do home warranties cover broken pipes?

Yes, home warranties cover broken pipes plus leaks and blockages. However, providers may have exclusions on pipe coverage. For example, many providers won’t cover a pipe break outside your home’s main foundation. Read your provider’s service contract to understand coverage exclusions and limitations.

What are the benefits of a home warranty for plumbing?

The main benefit of having a home warranty for your plumbing system is it covers expensive repairs or replacements. In addition, home warranties source a reputable plumber for you.

Does a home warranty cover faucet replacements?

Typically, home warranties don’t cover faucet replacements unless specified in their service contracts. However, some providers, such as AFC Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty, cover faucet replacement in their comprehensive plans.

What is normal wear and tear?

Wear and tear is a phrase commonly used in the home warranty industry to describe a system or appliance’s deterioration due to regular use. It isn’t considered normal wear and tear if your item is damaged due to tampering or improperly installing or maintaining your items. Examples of common plumbing failures from normal wear and tear include leaky faucets or pipes, broken valves, and degradation. 

Does a home warranty cover plumbing?

Yes, many home warranty companies cover plumbing. American Home Shield has plumbing built into all of its plans, and offers the highest coverage caps out of all the plumbing insurance companies we reviewed.



Our Rating Methodology

We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.