Home Warranty Blog and Resources

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.