Plumbing problems are among the most stressful and expensive problems that a homeowner may face. Plumbing failures, such as clogged drains, leaking pipes, unexpected water heater breakdowns, and much more, can easily cause a major disruption to your daily routine and result in serious financial strain. That is why many homeowners turn to home warranty plans for added protection, especially those that include home warranty plumbing coverage.
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major household systems and appliances when they fail due to normal wear and tear. Within these plans, home warranty plumbing is a specialized category that deals with components of your home’s plumbing system.
This may involve water supply lines, drains, toilets, stoppages, and other essentials of plumbing. Homeowners do not need to pay huge and unexpected bills to plumbers, but a fixed service fee, with the rest taken care of by the home warranty provider.
Service Plus, a trusted name in home warranty protection, provides a variety of services, which are subject to plumbing system coverage, to help homeowners easily manage the cost of unexpected repairs.
Why Plumbing Coverage Matters for Homeowners
Plumbing problems usually occur unexpectedly. Even well-maintained houses may experience deterioration of the pipes, rust buildup, mineral deposits, or accidental damage due to shifting soil or high water pressure.
Here’s why home warranty plumbing coverage is so valuable:
1. Plumbing Repairs Are Expensive: Simple fixes like unblocking a clogged drain may be affordable, but the major issues, such as pipe leaks behind walls or replacement of sewer lines, can be quite expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
2. Water Damage Spreads Quickly: A minor leak can escalate into structural damage, mold growth, and rotting floors. Home warranty plans do not cover damage from leaks; however, they help in repairing the issue before the damage occurs.
3. Emergency Plumber Visits Add Up: Premium service costs are charged for late-night or weekend plumbing emergencies. A warranty cover helps in the management of these expenses.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you can get some assistance with just a simple service call eliminates stress and ensures that your home functions smoothly.
What Plumbing Issues Are Typically Covered?
While coverage may be different according to provider, many home warranty plans, including the ones offered by Service Plus, include essential components of plumbing. The general breakdown of what to expect is:
1. Interior Plumbing Pipes: Covers any leaks or blockages in water supply lines, drain lines, and vent lines that are within interior walls of the house.
2. Toilets and Toilet Mechanisms: These are flushing mechanisms, leaks, wax seals, and stoppages that affect the functioning of the toilet.
3. Faucets and Showerheads: Depending on your provider and plan, they usually include failures of faucets, shower valves, and showerheads.
4. Tub and Shower Leaks: This includes plumbing behind the tubs and showers, which are caused by normal use.
5. Water Heaters: Most home warranty plumbing plans cover water heaters, covering parts and labour used for repair and replacements for units that fail because of normal wear and tear.
6. Built-In Sump Pumps: This coverage often extends to primary (non-battery-operated) sump pumps, which are invaluable for preventing basement flooding.
7. Stoppages and Clogs: The coverage is usually available for interior drain stoppages caused by normal use, not foreign objects.
Service Plus incorporates such coverage plans to help ensure that homeowners have solid protection against a broad range of plumbing issues.
Read More: https://www.serviceplus.com/blog/homeowner-moving-checklist
What’s Not Covered in Plumbing Home Warranties?
Not all plumbing-related issues are covered under a home warranty. Some common exclusions include:
Damage caused by improper installation
Pre-existing issues
External plumbing, including the one outside the home foundation
Damage caused by the breakage or collapse of sewer lines
Leaks that are caused by freezing pipes
Upgrades to outdated systems or a change of code compliance
Fixtures such as jetted tubs or decorative faucets, depending on the plan
It is important to review the terms of your plan carefully. Service Plus makes the plan details clear, making the homeowners know exactly what is expected.
How a Home Warranty Helps With Plumbing Problems
When a covered plumbing problem occurs, the process is simple:
1. File a Claim: As soon as the problem occurs, you contact your home warranty company, like Service Plus, either via phone or online.
2. Schedule a Service Visit: The warranty company makes sure that a licensed plumber visits your home.
3. Pay a Service Fee: You do not have to spend lots of money on repair, but instead a fixed charge for a service call outlined in your contract.
4. Repair or Replacement: The technician diagnoses the issue, and if it’s covered, the warranty company takes care of the repair or replacement cost.
This process is time-saving, hassle-free and most importantly, saves money.
FAQs
1. Are pipes covered under a home warranty?
Yes, most of the home warranties cover interior plumbing pipes, including the leaks and blockages that are caused by normal wear and tear. Coverage is usually applicable for supply lines, drain lines, and vent lines that are located within the home’s foundation.
2. What are common exclusions for plumbing coverage in home warranties?
The common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, improper installation, damage from freezing pipes, and problems with plumbing outside the home’s foundation. Upgrades, code violations, and speciality fixtures may also be excluded.
3. What plumbing issues do home warranties typically cover?
Home warranties generally cover leaks, clogs, toilet mechanisms, shower valves, water heaters, and interior pipe failures. The coverage applies when the issue results from normal wear and tear.
4. Is plumbing failure covered by home insurance?
Home insurance covers sudden, accidental water damage, like burst pipes, but it does not cover the repair of plumbing itself. Wear-and-tear plumbing failures are handled under a home warranty.
