Compare the best home warranties for plumbing
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Monthly starting cost | Service fee(s) | Workmanship guarantee | Availability | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 American Home Shield | Get a Quote | 3.7 | Best overall | $29.99 | $100 or $125 | 30 days | 48 states | 1971 |
 Cinch Home Services | Learn More | 4.2 | High coverage limits | $30.99 | $100 to $150 | 180 days | 48 states | 1978 |
 HomeSafe | Get a Quote | 4.3 | Claims handling | $69 | $65 | 60 days | 49 states | 2002 |
 Old Republic Home Warranty | Learn More | 3.9 | Plan selection | $50 | $100 or $125 | None specified | 25 states | 1974 |
Methodology: How we found the best home warranties for plumbing coverage
To select our top picks for this guide, we evaluated popular home warranty companies using a weighted scoring system based on both customer feedback and plumbing coverage details.
First, we analyzed verified ConsumerAffairs reviews from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, focusing on satisfaction with customer service, claims handling, coverage and overall value.
We then compared plumbing-specific features, including coverage limits and the number of plans that include plumbing protection.
Companies received scores for each factor, and those scores were weighted differently depending on the category. The company with the highest weighted score earned the recommendation.
American Home Shield
- Standard plumbing claims
- Broad coverage with no separate plumbing cap disclosed
- Biggest plumbing-related limit
- $1,000 cap for concrete access
- Service fee(s)
- $100 or $125
- Workmanship guarantee
- 30 days
Cinch Home Services
- Standard plumbing claims
- Coverage subject to plan limits
- Biggest plumbing-related limit
- Up to $1,000 plumbing claim cap in sample contract
- Service fee(s)
- $100-$150
- Workmanship guarantee
- 180 days
HomeSafe
- Standard plumbing claims
- Covered under home systems plan
- Biggest plumbing-related limit
- $3,000 systems-category limit
- Service fee(s)
- $65
- Workmanship guarantee
- 60 days
Old Republic Home Warranty
- Standard plumbing claims
- Broad coverage with rider options
- Biggest plumbing-related limit
- $1,500 slab leak limit and $600 toilet replacement limit
- Service fee(s)
- $100-$125
- Workmanship guarantee
- None specified
Home warranties for plumbing: a guide
Home warranties generally cover plumbing system issues caused by normal wear and tear. It’s important to read through the plumbing exclusions in a home warranty provider’s contract, though you may be able to purchase optional coverage for specific excluded items.
What home warranties cover
Home warranties typically cover issues caused by normal wear and tear.
Plumbing elements usually covered by these warranties include:
- Gas, drain, water and vent lines
- Shower and tub valves
- Built-in bathtub pumps
- Clearing of sink, shower, tub and toilet stoppages
- Clearing of drain and sewer stoppages
» MORE: What does a home warranty cover?
What home warranties don’t cover
Most home warranties don’t cover the following:
- Damaged, broken or collapsed drains
- Vents or lines outside the main foundation of the home
- A tub, sink or shower
- Septic tanks
- Saunas
- Shower enclosures
- Toilet lids or seats
- Water filtration systems
How much home warranty plumbing coverage costs
A typical home warranty costs $30 to $90 per month. Plumbing coverage is almost always included as part of a broader home warranty plan rather than sold on its own. Plans with higher plumbing coverage limits or optional sewer, septic and well coverage generally cost more.
Service fees typically range from $75 to $150 per claim. When you make a claim, all you pay is a trade service call fee, and the warranty company covers the rest.
Is a home warranty worth it for plumbing coverage?
If you know it wouldn’t be easy for you to cover the cost of major plumbing repairs and other issues out of pocket, a home warranty could be worth it. A home warranty also makes it easy to find a qualified contractor.
However, home warranties aren’t for everyone. If you live in a newer home with appliances and systems still covered by the manufacturer, a home warranty probably won’t be helpful. Also, keep in mind that many plans don’t provide coverage if you’re not properly maintaining appliances and systems.
FAQ
Will a home warranty pay to replace my plumbing system?
A home warranty with plumbing coverage will generally cover the cost of replacing covered items that can’t be repaired. However, companies have exclusions and coverage limits, so it’s essential to read the terms of the contract before signing up.
Do home warranty companies cover preexisting conditions for plumbing?
Most home warranty companies don’t cover preexisting conditions, whether they are known or unknown. However, some companies, such as American Home Shield, offer coverage for items with undetectable preexisting conditions.
What is the waiting period for a home warranty to cover plumbing issues?
Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period. There may be exceptions, such as if you’re switching providers and haven’t had a lapse in coverage.
What are some red flags of home warranty companies?
Some red flags of home warranty companies include frequent claim denials, bad customer service, long repair times and hidden fees or exclusions not clearly stated in their contracts.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Trade Commission, “Warranties for New Homes.” Accessed June 16, 2026.
