Your Best Option for Plumbing Insurance in 2020

A home with plumbing system leaks can lose up to 70,000 gallons of water per year. Water loss at any level can hike up your water bill, and poor plumbing can cause flooding and expensive water damage. Should these events happen in your home, plumbing insurance is a smart way to prevent having to pay for the repairs yourself.

A home warranty can help cover the costs of your plumbing repairs and keep an old plumbing system running like new. House Method’s recommended home warranty provider, Choice Home Warranty, offers varying levels of coverage for plumbing and septic system repairs. Read our in-depth Choice Home Warranty review for all of the details.

If your plumbing shows signs of regular deterioration, it may be time to get a warranty, and we’ll show you how. You can get a free quote for a home warranty online or by calling 848.256.4658.

What is plumbing insurance?

There are two types of coverage for faulty plumbing. One is intended for homeowners, while the other is intended for plumbing businesses.

• Home plumbing insurance, in the form of homeowner’s insurance or a home warranty, covers the repairs or replacement of plumbing parts for specific reasons outlined in the policy. This form of insurance or warranty is aimed at making repairs easier and more affordable.
• Plumbing insurance for businesses is designed to legally protect plumbing contractors in the workplace. States require plumbers to have general liability insurance, as well as insurance that covers injury or property damage in the event of a lawsuit or complication on the job.

Home insurance vs. home warranty

You may hear the term home insurance swapped haphazardly with the term home warranty, but make no mistake that these are two separate forms of coverage that have their own set of limitations. They are often used together to protect homeowners financially from a fuller range of appliance or systemic damage.

• Home insurance—This is also known as “hazard insurance,” because it covers the repair or replacement of property that is stolen or damaged by fire, disaster, accident, or theft. If you have a mortgage, then you most likely already have home insurance as required coverage.
• Home warranty—This is not insurance, but rather a service contract or protection plan. Instead of protecting property from disasters, a warranty covers the majority of the cost of repairs and some replacements for home systems and appliances that are likely to break down due to regular wear and tear. In order for you to use your home warranty, you must prove that you maintain your appliances and systems.

Which home coverage is appropriate? It depends on the situation.

Notice the difference in these situations. A slow accumulation of water is most likely caused by normal deterioration of part of a septic system over time and therefore covered by a home warranty. A sewer line under your home’s foundation that was poorly insulated upon installation causes water damage that is more likely covered by home insurance. Finally, frozen pipes in a vacation home that are damaged due to neglect are likely to be disqualified from coverage altogether, because the property is not being regularly maintained.

Complete plumbing insurance: Combining home insurance with a home warranty

Adding a home warranty as additional coverage with your home insurance is ideal for homeowners who want complete protection. This is especially true if you’re purchasing or living in an older home.

Older homes are more likely to require repairs, and these repairs may happen well after a manufacturer’s or builder’s warranty. If you are purchasing an historic home that comes with older appliances, hen adding a home warranty will cover more bases. You will save money on repairs from storms or disasters and long-term wear and tear.

The value of a home warranty

With a home warranty, such as a protection plan from Choice Home Warranty, you have peace of mind knowing that you won’t pay the full price if a repair or replacement is needed.***

Having a home warranty gives you numerous benefits:

• You won’t waste time trying to find parts or fix an old appliance yourself.
• You’ll save money by paying a small service fee rather than the full repair price—sometimes several thousand dollars in contractor labor fees and parts.
• A home warranty covers multiple home systems and appliances simultaneously, so your plumbing, septic system, refrigerator, and washing machine are covered all in one.
• It is easy to register for a plan for Choice Home Warranty and just as easy to make a claim.

Real estate agents, renters, and families selling their homes can boost their chances of success by including a home warranty. Home warranties are appealing to these groups, because they:

• Mitigate some risk for buyers
• Make repairs easier for property owners who rent property to families or students
• Improve overall client happiness

Common plumbing repairs and warranty coverage

A study by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) found that plumbing pipes and drain systems are the leading causes of interior water damage. Plumbing problems can cause expensive damage, but regular maintenance can reduce the likelihood that you’ll need a repair.

The following are plumbing problems that can be avoided with routine maintenance.

• Frozen pipes—Poor water flow or a strange odor can be a sign of freezing pipes. Raising the temperature in your home by a few degrees or by intermittently running faucets can prevent further damage.
• Brown water—Brown sediment from a faucet can be a sign of an old water heater that needs repairs. If you haven’t already, try flushing your water heater to help it run more efficiently. It may just need a repair, but a heater over 15 years old may need a full replacement. Both instances can be covered by your water heater warranty.
• Wastewater backup—Be careful what you flush. Depending on your provider, a home warranty can cover repairs to your septic tank as part of an optional add-on.
• Metallic tap water—If your tap water tastes funny, it could be eroded pipes. Worn copper pipes should be brought to the attention of a professional.

It’s important to note that not all plumbing parts are covered by plumbing insurance or home warranties. While a slow, continuous leak may likely be covered for repairs, a sudden burst is more likely to be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Sometimes, damage is not covered by insurance or a warranty.

Real Estate Investor, Rae Dolan, of AMI House Buyers, states, “Exterior water and sewer lines are also often not covered in base hazard insurance policies since they are outside the four walls of the home.” Look into your home warranty contract to see if they follow the same policy.

Our recommended provider: Choice Home Warranty

House Method reviews and compares the best home warranty providers, and Choice Home Warranty is our pick for home warranty providers that cover plumbing related repairs and replacements.*** There are two plans—Basic and Total—with the option of additional covered items* .

Both warranty plans cover the home’s plumbing system and plumbing stoppage, as well as other major home systems and appliances. You can also include the following add-ons for an additional cost:

• Septic system
• Septic tank pumping
• Sump pump
• Well pump
• Pool/spa
• Central vacuum
• Limited roof leak
• Second refrigerator
• Standalone freezer

Choice Home Warranty competitive features

Boasting 10 years in the industry, Choice Home Warranty has made a name for itself and set itself apart from other providers. You’ll find true value in the company’s home warranty plans.

Coverage

Access to sample contracts brings transparency to your coverage. And, already comprehensive plans allow for customizability with available add-ons, such as septic systems or a second refrigerator.

Price

With a basic warranty plan that starts at just $29 per month, Choice Home Warranty is one of the most affordable providers in the industry. You won’t have to eat into your weekend fund for drain or line repairs. The first month is also free when you sign up for a single payment annual home warranty plan—giving you 13 months of coverage.

Customer Service

Your customer service experience will be thoughtful, fast, and effective.** An expert will find a local, pre-screen technician for you and schedule an appointment at your availability.

“Efficient prompt service. Very understanding and courteous associates who seem to be concerned about customer needs. Very grateful and impressed with results. Thank you.” – Anne, August 2018

“Customer service is awesome. They are very polite and helpful.” – Andrea, January 2019

Convenience

No need to worry about a home inspection. It’s not required to get a home warranty with this provider.

The claim process is also a breeze. Customers have 24/7 access to professional support, and you can submit your claims online.

“I have Choice Home Warranty for the past 2 years. I had an issue with my washer recently and I was amazed at the speed of follow-up and courtesy of CHW representatives. I highly recommend CHW.” – Sanjiv, January 2019

“The claim process is relatively easy and the contractors have been responsive and, on the whole, very helpful and professional. My most recent claim experience was a model of how things should go—taken care of quickly, professionally, and with no complications. I’m grateful to have Choice Home Warranty.” — John, August 2018

“Replacement of garbage disposal in Louisiana. Within less than 24 hours of getting a Claim Request Reference Number, I was assigned to a technician. Being with CHW for a number of years and having presently 5 homes under CHW, I am extremely pleased with the fast service as well as the pleasant reps who took my requests. I will continue with CHW in the near future; working on house #6.” — Catalina, April 2018

Protect your wallet today by taking the first step toward plumbing “insurance” with a home warranty. Call 848.256.4658 or fill out the online form to get a free quote.

*Terms and conditions apply. Review complete limits of liability and any exclusions. CHW offers service contracts which are not warranties.
**See policy for specifics on response times.
***CHW reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of CHW’s actual cost (which at times may be less than retail) to repair or replace any covered system, component or appliance.
****In the event a claim is denied, and a customer seeks to have Us review that denial, We have the right to request routine maintenance records in reviewing its decision.