What Does a Plumbing Warranty Cover and Do You Need One?

A typical home warranty covers a wide array of plumbing problems that can occur in a house. Coverage often extends to the plumbing system itself, with the kind of plumbing issues that can arise and the kinds of components usually covered. This often includes problems with the system lines, like leaks and breaks, that are supposed to direct water, waste, and air in and out of the home—all inside the home's foundation, of course. Coverage may also extend to fixtures (toilets, faucets, and so on), though stoppages aren't usually covered if they can't be cleared with standard tools. Most importantly, review the specific terms and conditions of the home warranty you're considering. Coverage can vary significantly between plans, and optional add-ons can make a real difference.

An ordinary plumbing warranty usually covers defects in the installation or repair of plumbing, along with the materials used. It often addresses problems like leaking pipes, poorly installed fixtures, and failing materials. The warranty period can vary widely, frequently falling in the range of one to five years, but sometimes extends much longer. Because the terms of plumbing warranties can vary so widely, from both company to company and even within a company's various service offerings, it's very important to read plumbing warranties thoroughly to know what's covered, what's not, and what might entail a nontrivial risk of voiding the warranty.

In general, a home warranty covers clogged drains, as long as the cause of the clog is normal wear and tear and not misuse or lack of maintenance. However, there can be significant variation in coverage between different providers and plans, so understanding what your warranty specifically states is crucial—especially since some providers are known to exclude drain-related coverage in the fine print.

Damage that occurs due to plumbing systems that are not well maintained is usually not covered by a typical homeowner's insurance policy. This means that if your plumbing fails because it is rusty, corroded, or simply old (not up to today's codes) and in poor condition (not well maintained), the damage that results from your plumbing failing is likely to be your problem, not your insurer's. And if you live in a place that is prone to flooding, and your sump pump (if you have one) fails, that too is probably not covered unless you have a bunch of extra insurance.

A range of plumbing problems is typically covered by home warranties, but coverage can vary significantly among providers and plans. Generally, a home warranty might cover the cost of clearing a clogged toilet if the blockage is due to normal wear and tear. However, if the clog is a result of improper use or has been caused by non-flushable items or foreign objects, it may not be covered. It's really important to know the specific terms of your home warranty to understand what plumbing problems, including clogged toilets, are covered.

Water leaks might be covered by a plumbing warranty, but it’s entirely dependent on the provider's terms and conditions. Normally, a plumbing warranty covers repairs and replacements needed when there are defects in the materials used or in the workmanship of the plumbing. If you have a plumbing warranty and you have a water leak, don’t just assume it's covered. As with any warranty, read the contract carefully, paying close attention to any exclusions or limitations. In addition, consult the plumbing warranty provider for specific coverage details.

A clogged toilet is not a fun problem to deal with, and it's one that may not always have the clearest resolution. Who is responsible for it, anyway? Typically, it depends on where the clog is located and why it's happened. If the blockage is in a rental property, the landlord or property manager is usually responsible for unclogging the toilet and ensuring that the plumbing throughout the unit is up to spec; however, if it's a foreboding bathroom rented by a group of gaffe-prone college students, the students may be financially responsible for the necessary plumbing repairs. In either case, it's important to know where responsibility ends and begins.

Usually, standard homeowner's insurance does not cover a clogged sewer line because it's seen as a maintenance problem that the homeowner should take care of. The insurance company thinks it covers sudden and accidental damage, not plumbing issues that pop up because of good old gradual wear and tear. If you want to find out about plumbing-related problems and how to cover them, you need to ask around about specific plumbing warranties and sewer line protection plans. Some of those might kick in for repairs and replacement if your sewer line gets blocked or damaged while you're living in your house.

Typically, a home warranty does not cover things like fixtures, such as a faucet or showerhead, and it usually does not cover routine maintenance service.

The price to fix a clogged toilet usually falls within the range of $100 to $200. However, factors like the severity of the clog, the plumber's rates, and your location can push the price above this typical range. Even within that range, prices can vary widely and may exceed it if the situation calls for special tools or a lot of elbow grease.