Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs (2024 Guide)
American Home Shield tops our list of the best septic warranty coverage available. Read our guide to discover why and which other companies made the list.
Septic system issues can disrupt your home life and create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions. You could also face hundreds or thousands in emergency repair costs to fix the damage. If your septic system or its components fail, a home warranty with septic system coverage could provide peace of mind and financial protection.
We’ve reviewed and rated 13 of the best home warranty companies to rank the top providers offering septic system coverage. We recommend Liberty Home Guard due to its septic add-on, which covers mainline stoppages and clogs. American Home Shield is another great option for homes with older systems, thanks to its inclusion of items with preexisting conditions. Keep reading to learn about sewer warranty protection, maintenance tips to keep your repair costs down, and our list of recommended providers.
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.
Summary of Septic System Warranty Providers
We narrowed our selection to the top home warranty providers listed below after assessing 13 companies based on their sewer system coverage.
- Best Customer Ratings: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best Appliance Coverage: First American Home Warranty
- Best Value: Select Home Warranty
Compare Top Septic System Warranty Providers
Our evaluation of septic system coverage was based on 31 factors, including coverage caps, monthly costs, and service call fees. The following table compares our top-rated providers across these key rating factors.
Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Septic Coverage Caps | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$49–$59 | $65–$125 | $500 | VISIT SITE | ||
$56–$139 | $100–$125 | $500 | VISIT SITE | ||
$42–$82 | $75–$125 | $500 | VISIT SITE | ||
$44–$47 | $60–$75 | $400 | VISIT SITE |
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,850-square-foot, single-family home in Atlanta, Georgia. Your monthly premium may vary based on your home’s location, size, and type, as well as your plan and add-on choices.
How We Rated Septic System Home Warranty Companies
Our search for the best septic coverage warranties began with basic research into typical septic protections, including key components and services. We contacted home warranty experts to learn more about common plan protection and typical homeowner needs. Our team read through service contracts to verify septic coverage add-ons and included protections. We also compared overall plan costs, coverage caps, and workmanship warranties. Finally, we conducted firsthand testing for some providers and conducted secret shopping to gain insight into the customer experience.
We developed a detailed methodology to score each company based on coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. Our team awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating.
Our Home Warranty Experts
Our team spoke with the following home warranty experts to learn more about the industry and homeowners’ coverage needs.
- Angel Conlin: Conlin serves as the Chief Insurance and Compliance Officer at Kin Insurance.
- David Tully: Tully is the founder and owner of LPT Realty, a real estate company.
Understanding Septic Warranty Coverage
New septic tanks typically include a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage applies only to the septic system and its components and covers certain failures that occur during that time. If the system breaks due to a manufacturing defect, the warranty will cover the cost of repair or replacement. Once the warranty ends, you’re responsible for the full costs of any septic system failures.
We’ll explain how a home warranty with septic tank coverage can offer extended protection to your system.
What Is Covered Under a Septic System Warranty?
Home warranties that cover septic systems are different from manufacturer’s warranties. A home warranty provides protection for most major home systems and appliances. Septic warranties cover components that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. They may also cover the cost of pumping due to a blockage.
Typically, home warranty coverage includes septic systems as an add-on for an extra cost. This means you must select some form of standard coverage and then add coverage for a higher cost. However, many homeowners are willing to invest in coverage to provide added protection for their home. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their home warranty coverage and learned that 34% of respondents choose add-on coverage specifically for septic tank pumping.
All home warranty companies provide different septic system coverage options. Therefore, you should know what is and isn’t covered before purchasing a plan. Septic warranty coverage may include the following parts:
- Aerobic pump
- Jet pump
- Septic tank
- Septic tank pumping
- Sewage ejector pump
- Sewer lines
However, some home warranty companies exclude the following septic issues and components from coverage:
- Additional access points beyond the main sewer line
- System failure caused by poor maintenance
- Ground-level cleanouts
- Insufficient capacity
- Leach beds
- Lift stations
- Overgrown tree roots
- Tile fields
How Much Does Septic Coverage Cost?
On average, septic coverage with a home warranty costs $45–$72 per month and comes with service call fees that range between $75 and $125. To receive septic coverage, you’ll need a home warranty service contract with a septic system add-on. The cost of septic system add-ons varies between companies. Based on quotes we received from leading home warranty companies, you may pay anywhere from $4–$20 for add-on services.
You can save money by selecting a system-only or appliance-only plan instead of a comprehensive plan. These specialized plans offer more focused coverage at lower rates. Choose a specialized plan if you only need coverage for specific appliances or systems. More essential systems and appliances receive coverage with a comprehensive plan, which increases your overall costs.
You may also save more with an annual plan. Our survey revealed that 52.5% of respondents choose an annual versus a monthly plan. Many companies offer free months of service and discounted rates for annual options. The best way to find the right coverage is to compare plans. We recommend getting quotes from a few companies to find coverage that fits your budget.
- Read more: Average Home Warranty Pricing
Is a Septic Warranty Necessary?
Your septic system should last 15–20 years with the proper attention and maintenance, but an extremely well-maintained system may last up to 40 years.
This doesn’t mean that your septic system or components will be immune to the occasional breakdown or malfunction. If the septic sewage ejector pump in your system fails or another component stops working, professional service is required and a septic system repair or replacement may be necessary.
A septic warranty can provide coverage for your system, but it lasts for a limited time and only protects your brand-new septic system. On the other hand, a home warranty covers septic system repairs and replacements due to wear and tear, no matter the system’s age. The home warranty company will send a trusted technician to your home to make fixes promptly.
Investing in a home warranty for septic protection should happen sooner rather than later. Conlin says, “You need to have a home warranty prior to having a problem with a system or appliance for the coverage to kick in. In fact, most home warranty companies have at least a 30-day waiting period before you can make a claim.” You should purchase a septic warranty when you notice your septic equipment showing signs of aging, rather than waiting until after it starts experiencing issues or malfunctions.
Home Warranty Companies for Septic Coverage
Below are detailed reviews of our top home warranty providers offering septic coverage.
What To Consider When Buying a Septic Warranty
You can find the best septic system coverage by comparing home warranty plans and finding the one that gives you the protection you need for a budget you can afford. Below is a list of tips to keep in mind when shopping for a home warranty with septic system coverage:
- Check for coverage exclusions: Most home warranty companies provide sample contracts on their websites. Look for any exclusions and limitations with each home warranty plan. Carefully read the terms and conditions of any septic system coverage before purchasing, as there may be certain exclusions or limitations that could make the coverage less valuable.
- Choose the right type of plan: Most home warranty companies provide several plans, typically a systems plan, an appliances plan, and a combo plan. Septic coverage is nearly always an add-on, so choose a plan based on your budget and the other types of coverage needed. Additionally, check the fine print of the septic add-on to verify coverage for items such as the drain fields, pumps, and the septic tank.
- Compare costs: Septic warranty coverage is usually an add-on with home warranty companies. Compare the add-on price plus the plan price from at least three companies before making a final decision.
- Understand each company’s repair process: Not every company offers the same repair turnaround, so it’s important to research how to get your septic system serviced. Tully says, “You need to understand how to file a claim with your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them. Also, get to know the turnaround time for the repairs and replacements.” You should verify the number of service technicians in our area and their credentials.
Septic System Maintenance Costs and Tips
A septic system home warranty covers repair and replacement costs up to certain dollar amounts. These limits vary between companies but could range from $500–$2,000, depending on the provider.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that repairing or replacing a traditional septic system could cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Septic system coverage may greatly reduce your repair bills, but it probably won’t cover the cost of replacing the whole system. Completing proper maintenance and having comprehensive septic system coverage will help you reduce out-of-pocket repair expenses.
The EPA offers the following tips for proper septic system maintenance:
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down your toilet.
- Don’t pour cooking oil or harsh chemicals down your kitchen or bathroom sinks. Also, limiting food waste deposited into garbage disposal will prevent unwanted clogs and buildup.
- Have your septic system inspected every three years. This typically costs anywhere from $250–$500, but it could save you money in the long run. Professional maintenance may also be necessary to maintain your home warranty coverage.
- You should also pump your septic tank every three to five years (or even sooner if you have many people living in the home).
- Reduce your overall water consumption to improve septic tank operations. This could include installing high-efficiency appliances, showerheads, and washing machines.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty.
Use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- Enter your estimated number of claims
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
---|---|---|
Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Note: Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot
FAQ About Septic Warranties
What should I do if I suspect a septic problem?
If you notice slow-draining sinks or sewage backing up in a toilet or tub, there may be an issue with your septic system. Those with a home warranty should contact their company to file a claim. The provider should send a contractor to diagnose the problem within 48 hours of receiving your claim.
What else does a home warranty cover in addition to a septic system?
A home warranty covers major systems and appliances such as your air conditioning, refrigerator, electrical, and plumbing. A home warranty covers items that break down due to normal wear and tear and doesn’t cover damage to your home from natural disasters, fire, or theft.
How can I protect my septic system?
One of the most effective ways to prevent expensive damage to your septic system is by practicing proper maintenance. Routinely inspect your pump at least once every three years, use water efficiently, and dispose of waste properly.
Does homeowners insurance cover septic systems?
Yes, homeowners insurance usually covers all systems and structures on a property, including septic systems. However, this insurance only covers damage from certain events such as natural disasters, not regular wear and tear.
Related Resources
We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.
More on Home Warranties
- What Is a Home Warranty?
- Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
- Residential Service Contract
- Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
Related to Home Appliances
- Appliance Extended Warranties
- Best Refrigerator Warranty
- Home Depot Extended Warranty
- Sears Appliance Warranty
- Best Home Warranty for High-End Appliances
Related to Home Systems
- Best Home Warranty for HVAC
- Best Water Heater Home Warranty
- Best Sewer Line Home Warranty
- Best Plumbing Home Warranty
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