Some of you who have found your way to this article are looking for answers regarding home warranties. In addition, you may be looking for answers regarding your personal home warranty. Our biggest question is: Are plumbing repairs covered by my home warranty? But, those of you who can take the time, please continue to read so you can fully understand what you are up against with a home warranty service policy.
What Is The Difference Between A Home Warranty And Homeowner’s Insurance?
A home warranty and homeowner’s insurance are two different types of coverage that serve different purposes. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties typically cover items such as heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and kitchen appliances. When a covered item breaks down, the homeowner contacts the warranty provider, who will send a licensed contractor to diagnose the issue and repair or replace the item. Home warranties typically have annual and service call fees for each repair request.
Homeowner’s Insurance Protects The Structure Of Your Home
On the other hand, homeowner insurance protects the structure of your home and your personal belongings in the event of unexpected events such as theft, fire, or weather damage. Homeowner’s insurance policies can provide coverage for a wide range of events, including damage to your home, personal liability, and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered event. The policies typically have a deductible, which the homeowner is responsible for paying before the insurance coverage kicks in.
In summary, a home warranty covers the repair or replacement of specific home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. In contrast, homeowner’s insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal belongings in the event of unexpected events such as theft, fire, or weather damage.
What Does A Home Warranty Cover?
A typical home warranty will cover many plumbing system components and repairs due to normal wear and tear. Some common items that a home warranty might cover in a plumbing system include:
- Water heaters
- Airconditioners
- Washers and Dryers
- Leaks and breaks in water, gas, and drain lines
- Toilets and other general plumbing repairs
- Garbage disposals
- Sump pumps and sewage ejector pumps
- Stoppages and clogs in plumbing lines
- Built-in bathtub whirlpool motors, pumps, and air switches
- Pressure regulators
- Valves and risers for sprinkler systems
Please note that specific coverage may vary depending on your chosen provider and plan. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carefully review your contract to understand what is and is not covered by your home warranty. Additionally, most home warranties have a service call fee or deductible, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for each service call.
The Pros And Cons Of A Home Warranty
A home warranty is a type of insurance policy that covers the cost of repairs or replacements of certain home appliances or systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen appliances. Here are some potential pros and cons of having a home warranty:
Pros:
- Peace of mind: A home warranty can give homeowners peace of mind, knowing they have a plan in place to cover unexpected repairs or replacements.
- Cost savings: Home repairs and replacements can be expensive, and a home warranty can potentially save homeowners money on these costs.
- Convenience: A home warranty often provides a one-stop shop for home repairs and replacements, eliminating the need for homeowners to search for a contractor themselves.
Cons:
- Limited coverage: A home warranty may not cover all repairs or replacements, and some policies may have exclusions and limitations on coverage.
- Additional costs: A home warranty typically requires an annual premium, as well as a service fee for each claim filed. These costs can add up over time.
- Restrictions on service providers: Home warranty companies may have a restricted list of service providers, limiting homeowners’ options for who can perform repairs and replacements.
Ultimately, purchasing a home warranty will depend on individual circumstances and priorities. Homeowners should carefully consider the potential costs and benefits before deciding if a home warranty is right for them.
Read Your Policy Carefully
You must read and understand the details of your home warranty so that if something does happen, you’re not holding the bag. In addition, each contract writes differently, with different requirements and coverage. For example, most people are familiar with an extended warranty for a car. Usually, you get this with a used car since you don’t know the history of how a past owner has taken care of the car, and you want to safeguard yourself from significant unexpected repairs. Similarly, one can purchase a home warranty or service contract that protects the homeowner from high-cost unexpected system failures, appliance breakdowns, or other issues that can arise in a home.
Your Home Warranty Should Cover Your Plumbing Repairs
Home warranty coverages are different from home insurance coverages as defined above. Just like an automobile or medical insurance, the policyholder offers many plans with corresponding rates depending on how extensive (or not) you would like them to cover. Most importantly, homeowners can customize the policy according to their priorities and budget. Usually, a home warranty covers the major components and parts of your plumbing system. But, again, refer to your service contract that provides precise details on covered plumbing repairs and parts.
Make Sure The Plumber Is Approved
Another critical item to remember is to make sure that the plumber you choose can coordinate with your home warranty provider. Can you imagine reviewing your service contract, being confident that the plumbing repairs are covered, then when you find out the plumber you used will not get paid out of the home warranty policy because that provider is not on their list of approved companies?
We Work Closely With Home Warranty Companies
No need to fret. At Big B’s Plumbing, we work with many home warranty providers. We know the process and will educate you along the way if need be. We often communicate with your home warranty company so you won’t have to deal with it. Most home warranty companies have already approved us to complete any work on your plumbing system. Check out our reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google My Business. We’ll exceed expectations.
