Does a home warranty cover water lines?
Check water line coverage to avoid costly surprises later
Water main problems typically need fixing ASAP. Even a small leak can lead to an astronomical water bill. Getting a water main fixed can also cost a lot. Your home warranty may be able to help lower the repair costs and take over the hunt for an available plumber. Here’s what you need to know.
Many home warranty companies cover main water lines.
Jump to insightYour contract typically has limitations and exclusions that could lead to a claim denial.
Jump to insightCoverage caps can limit how much the warranty company will pay for a main water line repair or replacement.
Jump to insightWhat main water line services does a home warranty cover?
If your home warranty package covers plumbing, you probably have at least some coverage for your main water line, typically including breaks, stoppages and leakage. However, the coverage may not be what you hoped for. For example, some home warranty companies don’t cover main water line repair or replacement all the way to where it merges with the city water pipes. Some will only cover a certain number of feet away from your home.
If you have coverage, your home warranty company will typically pay for the repairs or replacement of your main water line, including parts and labor. The company will also find a plumber for you.
Potential exclusions to main water line home warranty coverage
Your contract typically has limitations and exclusions that could lead to a claim denial. For example, if the company finds that there was substantial damage to your water main before you signed your home warranty contract, then they may deny your claim. Some companies will refuse a claim if the home doesn’t have a cleanout pipe for removing blockages, too. Another problem you may run into is your home warranty may not cover damage caused by tree roots.
Coverage caps can also limit how much the warranty company will pay for main water line repair or replacement. For example, if your plan offers $5,000 worth of coverage for water mains, and the repair costs $6,000, then you would need to pay the remaining $1,000.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover main water lines
If your home warranty plan doesn’t cover main water lines, you may be able to switch to a package that includes it or get it as an add-on. This can add to your home warranty costs, but it can be worth it, especially since it costs $352 to $1,687 on average to repair a water line.
If that’s not an option, when your contract term is up, you can always switch to a company that does cover main water lines, like Cinch Home Services.
FAQ
What does a home typically warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
Does a home warranty cover corroded pipes?
Typically, home warranty companies offer corroded pipe protection, but your coverage will vary depending on your package and the company.
Are water leaks covered under warranty?
No, water leaks are not covered under a home warranty, but your homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage.
Bottom line
Home warranties may cover main water lines in certain cases, but coverage can vary depending on the provider and the terms of your specific contract. Some home warranty plans include coverage for main water lines as part of their plumbing coverage, while others may offer it as an optional add-on or may not cover it at all. It's important to carefully review your home warranty contract to understand what is covered and what is excluded.
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:
- Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Main Water Line?” Accessed April 4, 2024.
