Best Home Warranty For Septic Systems: Top Providers & Costs

A home warranty can be a lifesaver when major home systems break down, including your septic system. With approximately 25% of American homes relying on septic systems, these homeowners face additional maintenance and repair challenges. A septic system failure can lead to repair costs ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, making a home warranty with septic coverage a valuable investment.

But do home warranties actually cover septic systems? Yes, but with limitations. This guide explores the best home warranties for septic systems, their costs, coverage details, and key factors homeowners should consider before choosing a home warranty plan.

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What is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure commonly used in homes that are not connected to a city's sewer system. It treats and disposes of household wastewater by separating solids from liquids and allowing water to be filtered naturally into the soil.

A typical septic system consists of the following components:

• Septic Tank: A watertight underground container that holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle at the bottom (sludge) and oils/grease to float to the top (scum).
• Effluent Pump: Moves liquid waste (effluent) from the septic tank to the drain field when gravity alone is insufficient.
• Drain Field (Leach Field): A network of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches that allows treated wastewater to slowly seep into the surrounding soil.
• Baffles and Filters: Direct wastewater flow inside the tank and prevent solids from entering the drain field.
• Distribution Box: Distributes wastewater evenly across the drain field.

Proper maintenance, including regular pumping and inspections, helps ensure the system functions efficiently and avoids costly failures.

Do Home Warranties Cover Septic Systems?

Not all home warranty plans automatically include septic system coverage. Many providers offer septic system protection as an optional add-on, which homeowners must purchase separately.

What’s Typically Covered?

A home warranty for septic systems may cover:

• Septic tank pumps (including aerobic, jet, sump pumps, or sewage ejector pumps)
• Effluent pumps
• Septic system pumping
• Minor repairs to covered septic tank components

What’s Not Covered?

Most home warranties exclude:

• Septic tank replacements
• Pre-existing damage or lack of proper maintenance

Before purchasing a plan, always review the contract carefully to understand coverage limits and exclusions.

Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

Not all home warranty companies offer septic coverage, and those that do vary in terms of cost, limits, and reliability. Most septic home warranty add-ons cost between $5 and $15 per month. Here are some of the best options:

First American Home Warranty

• What We Like: Septic system add-on coverage is inexpensive, only costing $7.08 per month, and provides a one-time septic pumping. The Premium plan offers comprehensive coverage for more appliances and systems than most home warranties.
• What We Don’t Like: First American is only available in 36 states, and even its most basic plan is more expensive than some companies’ higher-tier plans.
• Coverage: Septic ejector pump, jet pump, aerobic pump, septic tank line, one-time septic pumping
• Coverage limit: Up to $500 per term

First American Home Warranty

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Liberty Home Guard

• What We Like: Liberty Home Guard has an extensive list of optional add-ons, so its coverage is very customizable. It’s also available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• What We Don’t Like: The coverage limit is lower than with some companies, at a max of $2,000 per item per term for most things and a limit of $500 for all plumbing, electrical systems, and add-ons.
• Coverage: Septic pumping, pump repairs, pipe and line repairs, drain field, septic tank
• Coverage limit: Up to $500 per term

Liberty Home Guard

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Choice Home Warranty

• What We Like: The highest-tier plan is less expensive than many providers and offers pretty comprehensive coverage. The septic add-on also includes septic pumping, unlike some competitors. Choice Home Warranty coverage is available in 49 states.
• What We Don’t Like: The service fee is a flat $100, which is higher than many providers. The $250 coverage cap per term for septic pumping is also lower than that of some competitors.
• Coverage: Sewage ejector pump, control box, jet pump, aerobic pump, septic pumping
• Coverage limit: Up to $500 per term for most add-ons, $250 per term for septic pumping

Choice Home Warranty

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Select Home Warranty

• What We Like: Select Home Warranty’s plans are affordable, with the highest-tier option starting at $48/month. Septic system coverage only costs an additional $6/month, which is very affordable.
• What We Don’t Like: The septic coverage doesn’t include septic tank pumping and coverage limits for certain items are lower than some competitors. Mixed customer reviews regarding claim acceptance and customer service.
• Coverage: Sewage ejector pump, septic tank, jet pump, aerobic pump
• Coverage limit: Up to $500 per term

Select Home Warranty

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Other providers with septic add-ons include, but are not limited to, American Home Shield, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, and Elite Home Warranty.

Cost of a Home Warranty That Covers Septic Systems

The total cost of a home warranty with septic system coverage depends on the provider and plan selection.

Average Costs

• Home warranty plan: $40–$70 per month ($480–$840 annually)
• Septic system add-on: $5–$15 per month
• Service call fee: $75–$150 per claim

For example, First American Home Warranty charges $7.08 per month for septic coverage, which translates to about $85 per year.

What to Look for in a Home Warranty for Septic Systems

Choosing the right home warranty involves looking at coverage, costs, and contract terms. Key factors include:

1. Septic system add-on availability: Ensure the provider offers an optional septic add-on.
2. Covered components: Look for coverage of septic pumps, effluent pumps, and possible pumping services.
3. Exclusions and limitations: Read the fine print for caps on payouts and excluded parts like drain fields.
4. Customer reviews: Check ratings for claim approval rates and customer service quality.

Common Septic Claim Denial Reasons

There are various reasons why a septic system warranty claim may be denied, including:

• Lack of maintenance, such as failure to pump the tank regularly
• Pre-existing conditions, meaning damage existed before purchasing the plan
• Non-covered components, such as drain fields or tank replacements

To ensure claim acceptance, make sure to review your service contract carefully to familiarize yourself with your plan's coverage limitations and stipulations.

The Bottom Line

A home warranty with septic system coverage can save homeowners thousands in repair costs, but only if they choose the right provider.

Before purchasing a plan, read the fine print, compare costs, and check customer reviews to ensure the warranty meets your needs. With the right coverage, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your septic system is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a home warranty cover septic pumping?

Some warranties include coverage for septic pumping, but only if a backup occurs.

What happens if my septic system fails completely?

Home warranties typically cover repairs to components, not full system replacements.

Can I get coverage for an older septic system?

Typically, yes, but pre-existing conditions won’t be covered. Maintenance records may be required.

Do all home warranty providers offer septic system coverage?

No, septic coverage is usually an optional add-on, and some providers don’t offer it at all.