Does a home warranty cover garbage disposal repair?

What garbage disposal services does a home warranty cover?

Many home warranty companies cover garbage disposal repairs due to normal wear and tear or jams. Most plans cover all garbage disposals' mechanical and electrical components. If the disposal can’t be fixed, the company will replace it completely.

Here are some items covered by a home warranty:

• Switches
• Wiring
• Motors
• Shredder rings
• Stoppers
• Drains
• Inlets for dishwashers

Potential exclusions to garbage disposal home warranty coverage

Even if your home warranty covers garbage disposals, your claim may still be denied. Most home warranty plans have exclusions in their contracts and only cover damage due to normal wear and tear.

Here are some things that may lead to claim denial:

• Weather damage
• Acts of God
• Misuse or abuse
• Mold or mildew
• Runner guards
• Interior lining
• Jams caused by bones or foreign objects

Coverage caps

Many home warranty companies have coverage caps. This means that the company will only cover up to a specific amount of the costs of parts and repairs, and then you will be responsible for the remaining fees.

Garbage disposals usually have a combined limit per coverage period with the other kitchen appliances in your plan. For example, if the limit for all of your kitchen appliances was $5,000 per coverage period, and the repair cost for your garbage disposal was $300, you would still have $4,700 to use on repairs for other appliances. If the total costs of parts and repairs for your appliances exceed $5,000, you will be liable for the excess costs.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover garbage disposals

If your home warranty plan doesn’t include coverage for garbage disposals, you might want to see if it's included in the company’s appliance plan or as an add-on. This will add to your home warranty cost but save you the costs of repairs and replacements.

You can also try replacing or repairing it yourself. An average garbage disposal costs between $90 and $625, and it isn’t too difficult to install. Most repair jobs with identical units only take an hour or two, and you’ll need a hammer, a pipe wrench, a wrench, plumber’s putty and a flathead and Phillips screwdriver. If you haven't previously had a garbage disposal and are considering installing one, it might be worth calling a handyperson for the electrical and plumbing.

Most garbage disposals usually come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. So some repairs may be covered by that.

Bottom line

With proper maintenance and a good home warranty plan, your garbage disposal could last 10 to 12 years. To add extra protection to your unit, double-check your policy to see if it covers a wide spectrum of problems and repairs. Also, remember to check if your garbage disposal has a manufacturer's warranty.