Home Warranty Blog and Resources

When the weather starts getting colder and we all retreat into our homes to stay warm, it’s important to make sure that your house is in good condition to withstand the outdoor elements. Make sure you check the following systems and parts of your home to prepare for winter weather: RoofAtticFireplace and chimneyWindows and doorsCeiling fansAir conditionerFurnaceHeat pumpPipesBoilerSump pumpSmoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors Roof The winter months can bring unpredictable weather beyond snowfall, such as rain and/or high winds. For that reason, it’s a good idea to visually check out your roof before the weather changes. You may not even have to climb up onto your roof — just taking a look at it from the ground can give you a quick visual of its condition. If you’d like to do a more comprehensive check of your roof, you can climb up and check the shingles and other areas of concern. Take a look at your roof for any signs of damage. Look out for any signs of damaged, buckled, or missing shingles.  Replace loose shingles and repair any visual damage. It is important to visually inspect your roof, particularly if you live in an area that experiences snowfall. The cycle of snow accumulating, freezing, and thawing can be damaging to your roof; check your roof once the winter season has ended in case it has incurred any damage. Attic A lot of heat in a home can be lost through a poorly insulated attic. It is important to inspect your attic insulation and assess whether or not it needs to be replaced. Inspect and install insulation. Inspecting insulation will typically require that you get up into your attic and then measure how much insulation you have. Insulation level recommendations will vary depending on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is as follows: if your insulation measures below your joist, it probably isn’t enough insulation. A standard joist is typically measured at 2” X 8”, and you should have anywhere from 13 to 18 inches of insulation, depending on your location. For more information regarding insulation, check out this insulation guide from Insulation Institute. Fireplace and chimney While the weather outside is frightful, the fire will only be delightful if your fireplace and chimney are in good repair. Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning. Debris, soot, leaves, and even bird nests can accumulate in your chimney, which could cause chimney fires if not swept away. Thus, it’s important to get your chimney inspected and cleaned for the winter months. Windows and doors If heat is escaping your home, or cold air is entering, windows and doors are typically the culprit. For that reason, it’s important to prepare your home for colder weather by doing the following: Check and replace weatherstripping. Check and repair caulking, but be careful where you caulk. You don’t want to cut off small openings necessary for air flow and/or drainage. It is recommended that you don’t caulk certain exterior fixtures of your home, as well as on operable windows and doors that are in frequent use. In most cases, weatherstripping will be the better option, especially for windows and doors. Remove window screens. Doing so can maximize natural light, in addition to protecting your window frames from damage caused by debris or snow getting trapped in between the screen and your windows. Ceiling fans It can be easy to forget about your ceiling fans, because you obviously wouldn’t be running them through the winter anyways. But in terms of winter preparation, your ceiling fans aren’t something you should ignore. Reverse your ceiling fans. Reversing your ceiling fans can give your heating system a helping hand by forcing warm air down that has risen. This could allow you to lower your thermostat, helping you save more energy and cut back on heating costs. Air conditioner You likely won’t be using your air conditioning system during the cold winter months, but that doesn’t mean you should just turn it off and ignore it. Winterize your air conditioner. According to Climate Care, there are five steps to winterize your air conditioner: Turn your air conditioner off. Clean units. Change the filters. Check pipe insulation. Cover your air conditioner. You may be able to clean and prepare your air conditioner for the winter months by yourself, but it can also be helpful to have a technician come check, clean, and cover it, ensuring that it will remain in good condition throughout the winter. Furnace One of the most important things to take care of before the winter months is your furnace. Get your furnace inspected. Clean air ducts. Change furnace filters. Getting your furnace inspected early on can ensure that you catch any potential problems, or even buy a new furnace, if needed, before the cold sets in. You may be able to easily clean furnace air ducts and change filters easily by yourself, but it is best to have a professional come to inspect your furnace to make sure that everything is working properly. And while you are in the basement, it is a good idea to double check water entry points. If you are concerned about potential flooding, waterproofing the basement may be a good idea.  Heat pump You can follow some of the following steps to prepare your heat pump for the winter months: Clear the area around your heat pump. Change your heat pump filter. Pipes Pipes exposed to cold air can burst, which can cause a lot of damage to your home. So you’ll want to take a few steps to keep your pipes from freezing: Inspect exterior wall pipes. Consider adding insulation to your pipes. Keep your thermostat at at least 55 degrees. This is especially important if you’re going to be out of town. Boiler You wouldn’t want your boiler breaking down during the winter months, so you can take some of the following steps to make sure it’s in good condition before it starts getting cold: Turn it on before winter starts. Check for leaks or any other damage. Schedule a boiler maintenance appointment. Sump pump A sump pump is used to detect water levels and keep them from rising. Typically located in the basement of a home, it is important to ensure that your sump pump is in good condition or else you could risk a flood. Take some of the following steps to properly winterize your sump pump: Remove the sump pump discharge hose. If water freezes inside the hose, it would render the pump unusable until water thaws. Clear out any debris. Test the pump regularly. Simply run some water through to ensure that everything is working properly. Never unplug your sump pump. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors Having functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is important all year round. However, during the winter months there is less fresh air flow in your home because your windows will be closed to keep cold air out. This can result in a higher risk of carbon monoxide build-up. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The bottom line Most maintenance can be done visually and quickly. However, while there are many inspections and fixes that you may be able to do yourself, it can always be a good rule of thumb to schedule professional maintenance, especially for home systems. For further protection, homeowners may want to look into purchasing or renewing their home warranty to ensure full coverage amidst the harsh winter months.  It is important to ensure that all your home systems are functioning properly when winter sets in. But some maintenance can even save you more money on your energy bills, like reversing your ceiling fans and checking your attic insulation, which can both help regulate the heat in your home.

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. Jump to the best home warranties for septic systems 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 Get A Quote 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 Get A Quote 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 Get A Quote 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 Get A Quote 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: Septic system add-on availability: Ensure the provider offers an optional septic add-on. Covered components: Look for coverage of septic pumps, effluent pumps, and possible pumping services. Exclusions and limitations: Read the fine print for caps on payouts and excluded parts like drain fields. 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. See More Home Warranty Providers See the top-rated home warranty providers to find the right one for you. Compare Companies 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.

Selling a home comes with many decisions, and one of the most overlooked yet potentially valuable options is purchasing a home warranty. While many buyers consider home warranties to protect themselves after purchasing a property, sellers can also benefit from having a home warranty in place before and during the sale process. But is it worth the investment? This guide will explore how a seller’s home warranty works, what it covers, how much it costs, and why it could be a smart move when selling your home. What is a Seller’s Home Warranty? A seller’s home warranty is a service contract that helps pay for repairs or replacements of major home systems and appliances while the home is for sale. This warranty, unlike the one a buyer purchases after closing, protects the seller from unexpected repair costs before the sale is complete. Seller’s home warranties are ideal for older homes with aging systems and appliances. If something breaks while the home is listed for sale, the warranty can help cover the repair costs. This reduces the chances of last-minute expenses that could delay the closing or cause renegotiations. What Does a Seller’s Home Warranty Cost? The cost of a seller’s home warranty varies depending on the provider, the level of coverage, and the location of the home. On average, sellers can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a basic policy, with optional add-ons increasing the price. Factors that influence the cost include: The age and condition of the home’s systems and appliances The warranty provider and plan selected The level of coverage, including any additional protections for items like pools or septic systems The location of the home, as prices can vary by region In addition to the upfront cost of the policy, sellers should be aware of service call fees, which typically range from $75 to $150 per claim. These fees apply whenever a technician is dispatched to assess or repair a covered item. What Does a Seller’s Home Warranty Cover? A seller’s home warranty typically covers major household systems and appliances, but coverage details vary by provider. Most standard plans include protection for essential home components that could break down due to normal wear and tear. Commonly covered items include: Home systems: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and water heaters Kitchen appliances: Dishwashers, ovens, stovetops, refrigerators, and built-in microwaves Laundry appliances: Washers and dryers While a home warranty provides valuable protection, it’s important to review the policy carefully. Some items may not be covered, and pre-existing conditions or improper maintenance can result in claim denials. If applicable, sellers should also consider optional coverage for items like pools, spas, or well pumps. Benefits of a Seller’s Home Warranty A seller’s home warranty offers multiple advantages that can make the selling process smoother and more cost-effective. Here are some of the key benefits: Attract More Buyers Buyers often feel more confident purchasing a home with a warranty in place. It reassures them that if something breaks after moving in, they won’t be stuck with expensive repairs. This added peace of mind can make the home more appealing in competitive markets. Reduce Post-Sale Disputes If an appliance or system fails soon after the home is sold, a home warranty can help cover repairs, reducing the risk of the buyer blaming the seller for undisclosed issues. This can help prevent legal disputes and maintain a smoother transaction. Minimize Out-of-Pocket Repair Costs Selling a home can be expensive, and unexpected repair bills can add to the financial burden. A home warranty helps cover repair or replacement costs if something breaks while the home is on the market. Transferring the Home Warranty One of the biggest advantages of a seller’s home warranty is that it can often be transferred to the buyer upon closing. This means the buyer will receive continued coverage for a set period, usually one year after the sale. Here’s what sellers should know about transferring a home warranty: Some home warranty companies charge a transfer fee, while others include it as part of the policy. The buyer will typically have the option to renew the policy after the initial coverage period. Transferring a home warranty can be a great selling point, as it provides added value to the buyer. Before purchasing a home warranty, sellers should confirm the transferability details with their provider to ensure a smooth handoff to the new owner. Why Should a Seller Buy a Home Warranty? A seller’s home warranty isn’t mandatory, but it can be a wise investment, particularly if: You have an older home. If your appliances or systems are old, a home warranty can help you avoid unexpected repair costs before closing. You want to reduce negotiation risks. If something breaks during the home inspection or before closing, the warranty can cover repairs. This can help you avoid price cuts or concessions. You want to attract more buyers. Offering a home warranty can make your home more appealing in the market, especially in areas where buyers look for extra incentives. You’re selling in a buyer’s market. When buyers have many homes to choose from, including a home warranty can make your listing stand out and more attractive. The Bottom Line A seller's home warranty can help when selling your house. It protects against unexpected repairs, attracts buyers, and can reduce disputes after the sale. Although it comes with a cost, the benefits — like increased buyer confidence and less financial risk — often make it worth it. If you're getting ready to sell your home, look into the best home warranty providers to find a plan that fits your needs. Investing a little now can make the selling process easier and more rewarding later on.