Home warranty coverage for well pumps
A standard home warranty plan covers essential systems and appliances in your home. Well pumps are often included in standard home warranty plans. Homeowners should review contracts carefully or contact the home warranty provider directly to inquire about well pump coverage and any potential limitations or additional costs.
If a well pump isn’t covered by a standard policy, some providers might offer optional add-on or higher-tier plans that include well pump coverage.
If a well pump isn’t covered by a standard home warranty plan, some providers might offer well pump coverage under add-on or higher-tier plans.
Pros and cons of well pump coverage
Consider the pros and cons of getting well pump coverage with a home warranty plan:
Pros
- Covers repairs or replacements
- Peace of mind knowing your well pump is protected
- Predictable monthly or yearly warranty expenses
Cons
- Coverage limitations, caps and exclusions
- Monthly costs even without needing repair
Coverage limitations for well pumps
While well pumps are generally covered in standard plans, there can be certain coverage limitations and exceptions, such as restrictions related to age, preexisting conditions or improper maintenance.
Covered components
Home warranty coverage for well pumps typically includes the pump itself and its primary components. The well pump must also be located on the property to be covered.
Components that aren’t covered
Coverage may not extend to well pump components such as:
- Well drilling
- Well casing
- External piping leading to the house
- Electrical lines
- Booster pumps
- Storage tanks for your well
Coverage limits
Coverage is also typically capped at a maximum limit, which typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, based on our research. This means the company will pay up to that limit per contract term for well pump repairs or replacement. If your bill is over that cap, you’ll need to pay the rest.
Well pump coverage costs
A standard home warranty plan typically costs between $30 and $90 per month, and this cost may include coverage for well pumps. If well pump coverage isn’t included in your plan, you may need to purchase add-on coverage or upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
If you don’t have home warranty coverage for your well pump, repair and replacement costs can vary widely. Costs typically depend on the type of pump and your location.
FAQ
How much is a well pump without a home warranty?
New well pumps typically range from around $400 to $7,000 depending on the type of well pump, according to our research. For example, solar-powered pumps are typically on the higher end of that spectrum, while shallow well pumps are more affordable.
How long do well pumps last?
Well pumps usually last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. You can get the most out of it by keeping your pump running well.
How do I know if my well pump is bad?
You can generally tell if your well pump is in bad shape if you have water pressure issues, the pump is making unusual noises or your pump switches on and off. Some other signs include dirty water or not getting any water at all.
Does homeowners insurance cover well pumps?
Homeowners insurance generally covers well pump damage caused by a fire or storm. If your well pump is damaged by a covered event, your insurance may pay for repair or replacement. However, homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover well pump wear and tear, mechanical failures or damage due to lack of maintenance.
Bottom line
Home warranty plans often cover well pumps in their standard plans. Still, homeowners should be aware of potential limitations and exceptions. Be sure to look over different plans, compare coverage and choose the one that best suits your specific needs related to your well water system before settling on a policy.
Also, keep your well pump well maintained to avoid voiding the coverage from your home warranty policy. It’s a good idea to get annual checkups from a professional and perform regular maintenance to keep your pump in good working order.
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:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Private Drinking Water Wells.” Accessed Dec. 8,
