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Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs (2024 Guide)

American Home Shield tops our list of the best septic warranty coverage available. Read our guide to discover why and which other companies made the list.

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Jacquelyn Kfoury Updated 12/02/2024

Septic system issues can disrupt your home life and create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions. You could also face hundreds or thousands in emergency repair costs to fix the damage. If your septic system or its components fail, a home warranty with septic system coverage could provide peace of mind and financial protection.

We’ve reviewed and rated 13 of the best home warranty companies to rank the top providers offering septic system coverage. We recommend Liberty Home Guard due to its septic add-on, which covers mainline stoppages and clogs. American Home Shield is another great option for homes with older systems, thanks to its inclusion of items with preexisting conditions. Keep reading to learn about sewer warranty protection, maintenance tips to keep your repair costs down, and our list of recommended providers.

Did You Know?

  • In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.

Summary of Septic System Warranty Providers

We narrowed our selection to the top home warranty providers listed below after assessing 13 companies based on their sewer system coverage.


Compare Top Septic System Warranty Providers

Our evaluation of septic system coverage was based on 31 factors, including coverage caps, monthly costs, and service call fees. The following table compares our top-rated providers across these key rating factors.

Star Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time Septic Coverage Caps Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
$49–$59 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours $500 VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
$29–$89 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours $500 VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
$42–$82 $100–$125 4-48 hours $500 VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
$44–$47 $60–$75 48-84 hours $400 VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $49–$59
Service Fee $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
Septic Coverage Caps $500
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $29–$89
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
Septic Coverage Caps $500
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $42–$82
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
Septic Coverage Caps $500
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $44–$47
Service Fee $60–$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
Septic Coverage Caps $400
VISIT SITE
Company Star Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Septic Coverage Caps Visit Site
4.4
$49–$59 $65–$125 $500 VISIT SITE
4.8
$29–$89 $100–$125 $500 VISIT SITE
4.6
$42–$82 $100–$125 $500 VISIT SITE
3.7
$44–$47 $60–$75 $400 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,850-square-foot, single-family home in Atlanta, Georgia. Your monthly premium may vary based on your home’s location, size, and type, as well as your plan and add-on choices.


How We Rated Septic System Home Warranty Companies

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
13
Companies Considered We carefully considered 13 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Homeowners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most for home protection.
5700
Reviews Analyzed We went through 5,700 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

Our search for the best septic coverage warranties began with basic research into typical septic protections, including key components and services. We contacted home warranty experts to learn more about common plan protection and typical homeowner needs. Our team read through service contracts to verify septic coverage add-ons and included protections. We also compared overall plan costs, coverage caps, and workmanship warranties. Finally, we conducted firsthand testing for some providers and conducted secret shopping to gain insight into the customer experience. 

We developed a detailed methodology to score each company based on coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. Our team awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating.

Our Home Warranty Experts

Our team spoke with the following home warranty experts to learn more about the industry and homeowners’ coverage needs.

  • Angel Conlin: Conlin serves as the Chief Insurance and Compliance Officer at Kin Insurance.
  • David Tully: Tully is the founder and owner of LPT Realty, a real estate company.

Understanding Septic Warranty Coverage

New septic tanks typically include a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage applies only to the septic system and its components and covers certain failures that occur during that time. If the system breaks due to a manufacturing defect, the warranty will cover the cost of repair or replacement. Once the warranty ends, you’re responsible for the full costs of any septic system failures.

We’ll explain how a home warranty with septic tank coverage can offer extended protection to your system.

What Is Covered Under a Septic System Warranty?

Home warranties that cover septic systems are different from manufacturer’s warranties. A home warranty provides protection for most major home systems and appliances. Septic warranties cover components that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. They may also cover the cost of pumping due to a blockage.

Typically, home warranty coverage includes septic systems as an add-on for an extra cost. This means you must select some form of standard coverage and then add coverage for a higher cost. However, many homeowners are willing to invest in coverage to provide added protection for their home. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their home warranty coverage and learned that 34% of respondents choose add-on coverage specifically for septic tank pumping.

All home warranty companies provide different septic system coverage options. Therefore, you should know what is and isn’t covered before purchasing a plan. Septic warranty coverage may include the following parts:

  • Aerobic pump
  • Jet pump
  • Septic tank

However, some home warranty companies exclude the following septic issues and components from coverage:

  • Additional access points beyond the main sewer line
  • System failure caused by poor maintenance
  • Ground-level cleanouts
  • Insufficient capacity
  • Leach beds
  • Lift stations
  • Overgrown tree roots
  • Tile fields

How Much Does Septic Coverage Cost?

On average, septic coverage with a home warranty costs $45–$72 per month and comes with service call fees that range between $75 and $125. To receive septic coverage, you’ll need a home warranty service contract with a septic system add-on. The cost of septic system add-ons varies between companies. Based on quotes we received from leading home warranty companies, you may pay anywhere from $4–$20 for add-on services. 

You can save money by selecting a system-only or appliance-only plan instead of a comprehensive plan. These specialized plans offer more focused coverage at lower rates. Choose a specialized plan if you only need coverage for specific appliances or systems. More essential systems and appliances receive coverage with a comprehensive plan, which increases your overall costs. 

You may also save more with an annual plan. Our survey revealed that 52.5% of respondents choose an annual versus a monthly plan. Many companies offer free months of service and discounted rates for annual options. The best way to find the right coverage is to compare plans. We recommend getting quotes from a few companies to find coverage that fits your budget.

Is a Septic Warranty Necessary?

Your septic system should last 15–20 years with the proper attention and maintenance, but an extremely well-maintained system may last up to 40 years.

This doesn’t mean that your septic system or components will be immune to the occasional breakdown or malfunction. If the septic sewage ejector pump in your system fails or another component stops working, professional service is required and a septic system repair or replacement may be necessary.

A septic warranty can provide coverage for your system, but it lasts for a limited time and only protects your brand-new septic system. On the other hand, a home warranty covers septic system repairs and replacements due to wear and tear, no matter the system’s age. The home warranty company will send a trusted technician to your home to make fixes promptly.

Investing in a home warranty for septic protection should happen sooner rather than later. Conlin says, “You need to have a home warranty prior to having a problem with a system or appliance for the coverage to kick in. In fact, most home warranty companies have at least a 30-day waiting period before you can make a claim.” You should purchase a septic warranty when you notice your septic equipment showing signs of aging, rather than waiting until after it starts experiencing issues or malfunctions.


Home Warranty Companies for Septic Coverage

Below are detailed reviews of our top home warranty providers offering septic coverage.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Support
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $49–$59

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for homeowners who need specialized coverage for their septic system and other key items. The company offers three specialized coverage plans and 42 add-ons, including septic tank pumping.

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We scored LHG 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how the company rated in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): LHG received high points for its three specialized plans and septic coverage option. 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its unclear service fee policy and assigned fees.
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG received more points for its excellent customer review score across third-party sites.
  • Availability and service (4.3 out of 5): It scored lower for its inflexible service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Backs its repairs with a 60-day workmanship warranty, twice the industry standard Includes add-on options for septic system pumping and sewage ejector pumps Offers three specialized coverage plans to suit your needs Cons Excludes coverage for certain septic system components Doesn’t cover stoppages or clogs beyond the main line Offers only $500 of coverage for its add-on coverage

Plans and Cost

LHG offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Appliance Guard covers home appliances, while Systems Guard covers almost all major systems. The company’s comprehensive plan is Total Home Guard, which bundles system and appliance coverage.

The septic add-on from LHG covers mainline stoppages and clogs as long as there’s an accessible clear-out. LHG also includes an annual pumping service for your septic system, and you can purchase separate coverage for a sewage ejector pump. Reviewing the LHG sample contract shed light on the fact that the company excludes coverage for all other septic system components.

Here’s a breakdown of LHG’s home warranty plans:

  • Appliance Guard: This plan offers protection for nine appliances, such as built-in microwaves, refrigerators, and washers. 
  • Systems Guard: This system-only plan includes six built-in systems, including air conditioning, electrical, and water heaters. 
  • Total Home Guard: This highest plan offers comprehensive coverage, combining the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.

When speaking with an LHG representative, we discovered that the service call fee is assigned to your policy based on your home’s size and type, location, plan selection, and add-on coverages. Expect to pay between $65 and $125 per filed claim.

LHG’s monthly pricing options and coverage caps are listed below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

LHG offers 42 add-on options, the largest catalog in this review. Pricing ranges from $3.00–$35.99 per month. Septic system pumps cost $12.99 per month, which is on the higher end compared to other providers. You’ll pay $14.99 monthly for sewer ejector pump coverage. You receive a $500 limit for LHG add-ons, which is average for this type of coverage.

Additional add-ons include the following items:

  • Grinder pumps
  • Sump pumps
  • Well pumps

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

The BBB recently updated LHG’s rating to NR (or “Not Rated”) and added a Pattern of Complaints alert in March 2024. According to the notice, LHG has received increased complaints since 2023 regarding “the claims process, customer service, and sales tactics.”

The BBB contacted LHG on March 11 to request cooperation in resolving these complaints. LHG responded on March 12 and said that “new software upgrades are currently being deployed which are intended to facilitate the communication regarding the scheduling of technician appointments and streamlining the claims process.” In addition, the company reports that it’s increasing its customer service headcount, and augmenting the training sessions and oversight for its sales representatives.

We contacted LHG regarding this issue, and the company provided the following statement:

“Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”

LHG continues to stand out as a top provider even after this recent update, boasting higher customer review scores with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars or higher on most third-party review sites. We analyzed dozens of LHG reviews and learned that the company received a mix of positive and negative reviews. Positive reviews complimented the company’s smooth claims process and readily available customer support staff. Negative reviews mentioned lower-than-expected payouts and issues with denied claims.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $29–$89

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for homeowners looking for comprehensive home coverage for older septic systems. The company offers plans with septic system add-on coverage and coverage for preexisting damage and physical damage. 

How We Scored American Home Shield

AHS earned 4.4 out of 5 stars. Here’s how it did in each category:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS scored well for its coverage which includes commonly excluded conditions. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): The company lost points for its slightly higher pricing for its comprehensive plans. 
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.25 out of 5): AHS lost points for its lower customer review scores across several third-party sites. 
  • Availability and service (4.7 out of 5): The company scored well for its fast claims processing, which takes 24 hours or less in many cases. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers damage due to insufficient maintenance, which most companies exclude Offers add-on coverage for septic system and ejector pump pumping Provides a $5,000 coverage cap for non-septic system plumbing coverage Cons Charges slightly more for its plans compared to other providers Doesn’t provide an appliance-only plan Limits septic system add-on coverage to $500

Plans and Cost

AHS provides three coverage plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver plan covers major systems. The ShieldGold plan includes systems and major appliance coverage. The ShieldPlatinum plan covers appliances and systems and includes roof-leak repair.

It covers septic pumping and septic sewage ejector pump services as a single add-on. Coverage includes mainline stoppages that are accessible via an existing cleanout. The company includes items with unknown preexisting conditions or damage from improper installation and repair, which is rare. All repairs include a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Here’s an overview of AHS’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only plan covers key systems, including cooling, heating, and electrical.
  • ShieldGold: The plan offers comprehensive system and appliance protections, including kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, and water heaters.
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest comprehensive plan includes ShieldGold items and adds other benefits, including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.

AHS charges slightly higher for its coverage plans than other providers. Plans include service fee options of $100 or $125. We requested a sample quote and learned that choosing a higher service fee lowers your monthly premium.

Here’s a look at AHS’s monthly premiums and coverage levels:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $4,000

AHS offers six add-on options, which is the smallest catalog in this review. You’ll pay between $5 and $24.99 for add-ons. Septic pumping, which includes the septic sewer ejector pump, costs $5 per month.

Here’s a short list of some other popular add-ons:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Pools and built-in spa equipment coverage 
  • Roof-leak repair coverage 

Our Experience With American Home Shield

One of our team members, who holds an AHS home warranty plan, tested the claims process to repair a leaky bathroom pipe. After submitting an online claim, he received immediate text and email confirmations. A service technician reached out within five minutes to schedule a next-day appointment. The technician completed the repairs in two hours and our team member only had to pay the service call fee.

This efficient claims process aligns with the positive customer reviews we analyzed, where customers appreciated the prompt service and helpful technicians. However, some negative reviews mentioned instances of denied claims for covered items and the need for multiple technician visits to complete repairs.

First American Home Warranty

Best for High-End Items
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $47–$87

We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need more comprehensive coverage for high-end appliances and reliable sewer protection. The company offers some of the highest appliance coverage in this review and a sewer system coverage add-on.

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

First American 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how it did in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): First American received a high score for its generous coverage caps for systems and appliances
  • Value (4 out of 5): We deducted points for its service call fees, which are slightly higher than its competitors. 
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.8 out of 5): We awarded more points for its higher customer review average and solid brand reputation.
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): First American received a lower score for its limited service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers septic tank components and pumping under its add-on Offers an optional upgrade for extended coverage, including higher limits and coverage Provides some of the highest appliance overage in this review Cons Charges slightly higher service call fees than most providers Doesn’t cover improper installations, modifications, or repairs without the upgrade Only offers comprehensive coverage plans

Plans and Cost

First American provides three plans: the Starter Plan, Essential Plan, and Premium Plan. The Starter and Essential plans cover a mix of major systems and appliances, which includes unlimited coverage for most systems and $3,500 for appliances. The Premium Plan doubles its coverage caps for appliances, increasing to $7,000. First American also includes its First American Advantage upgrade within the Essential and Premium Plans. This upgrade covers miscellaneous repair fees that a standard home warranty won’t take care of.

First American offers both septic system pumping and component coverage as a single add-on. Coverage includes a septic tank pumping service once per contract term. We checked the First American sample contract and confirmed that the covered components include jet pumps, aerobic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, and the septic tank line from the house to the septic tank. You receive $500 with your coverage.

Here’s a look at each of its plans:

  • Starter Plan: The lowest comprehensive plan covers many essential items, including cooktops, plumbing, and ovens.
  • Essential Plan: The next plan includes Starter Plan coverage and adds more key items such as air conditioning, clothes washers and dryers, and water heaters.
  • Premium Plan: The highest plan tier includes all items under the Essential Plan and adds luxury appliances, roof leaks, and window air conditioning units

First American offers $75, $100, and $125 service call fees, which you’ll pay each time you file a new claim. These fees are slightly higher than those of its competitors and align closer to AHS pricing. However, the pricing flexibility lets you customize your premium costs. Our premium pricing decreased when we chose the highest service call fee in our sample quote.

Here’s a breakdown of First American’s monthly premiums and coverage caps:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$47–$62

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited
Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57–$72

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)
Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$72–$87

$75–$125

Systems: Caps remain the same
Appliances: $7,000

First American includes 12 add-on options, with costs ranging from $2.08–$20.83. Expect to pay $7.08 per month for septic tank pumping/system coverage. The standard coverage cap is $500 for this protection. However, you can add the First American upgrade to the Essential and Premium Plan at no charge. Adding this upgrade to the Premium Plan increases protection to $1,500.

Below are additional add-on options:

  • HVAC tune-ups
  • Up to three additional refrigerators
  • Up to two pools/spa equipment

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

Our team member submitted a claim with First American to repair his broken garage door opener. He received a text with the technician’s full details 30 minutes after submitting his claim. A half-hour later, the technician reached out to set a service appointment. The repairs took less than 30 minutes, and he only paid the service call fee for the visit. 

We found that other customers also had positive experiences with First American. After reading customer reviews, we learned that many homeowners were pleased with the efficient claims process and helpful technicians. However, some negative reviews detailed shoddy repairs that included low-quality replacement parts.

Select Home Warranty

Best Budget Plan
3.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $44–$47

We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who value affordable pricing more than extensive coverage. The company provides the best value for your septic system, covering multiple septic system components for less than $50 per month.

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

Select earned 4.3 out of 5 stars. Here’s how it did in each category.

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): The company received a low score for its coverage caps, which fall below other reviewed providers. 
  • Value (5 out of 5): Select received a perfect score for its premium pricing, which is lower than its competitors.    
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.5 out of 5): It lost points for its low third-party review scores, which fall below a 3-star average.
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): Select received a lower score for its claims processing, which can take longer than other reviewed companies.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides free roof-leak coverage with every plan Includes three affordable plan options priced under $50 Covers multiple septic system components, such as jet pumps and septic tanks Cons Excludes septic pumping coverage, which every other provider in this list provides Imposes separate service fees for each individual claim, even if multiple claims are filed simultaneously. Limits coverage to $400 for its add-on option

Plans and Cost

Select provides its Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care plans for your home protection needs. Bronze Care includes systems coverage and Gold Care comes with appliance coverage. The Platinum Care plan bundles the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans into one comprehensive package.

Select provides the best value for your septic system and home protection needs. Its septic system coverage includes multiple components, such as aerobic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, jet pumps, and septic tanks. However, unlike other providers, the company doesn’t cover septic pumping.

We’ve detailed Select’s coverage plans below:

  • Bronze Care: This plan offers appliance-only coverage and protects key items, including cooktops, ovens, and refrigerators.
  • Gold Care: This system-only plan includes six major home systems, such as air conditioning, electrical, and heating.
  • Platinum Care: Its highest plan combines Bronze Care and Gold Care coverage and  adds ceiling fans, garage door openers, and plumbing stoppages.

One of Select’s strengths is its competitive premium pricing, which ranks among the lowest in our review. The company assigns service call fees to accounts ranging from $60 to $75. Our research revealed that Select’s lowest service call fee option of $60 is only available as a special deal offered over the phone.

Here’s an overview of Select’s monthly premiums and coverage limits:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

Select offers nine add-on options which are priced under $9, some of the lowest in this review. You can add septic system coverage for $5.83. Despite its affordable rate, Select only offers $400 worth of coverage, which is lower than that of other reviewed providers.

Other add-on options include the following items:

  • Central vacuums
  • Sump pumps 
  • Well pumps

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

According to its service contract, Select uses service technicians from its network of contractors. However, the company allows you to choose your own technician, subject to its approval, if none are available in your area.

We analyzed hundreds of Select reviews and found the company received mixed reviews. Many customers appreciate the simplified claims process, while others are dissatisfied due to frequently denied claims. Homeowners noted that payouts were much lower than expected, even when their claims were approved.


What To Consider When Buying a Septic Warranty

You can find the best septic system coverage by comparing home warranty plans and finding the one that gives you the protection you need for a budget you can afford. Below is a list of tips to keep in mind when shopping for a home warranty with septic system coverage:

  • Check for coverage exclusions: Most home warranty companies provide sample contracts on their websites. Look for any exclusions and limitations with each home warranty plan. Carefully read the terms and conditions of any septic system coverage before purchasing, as there may be certain exclusions or limitations that could make the coverage less valuable.
  • Choose the right type of plan: Most home warranty companies provide several plans, typically a systems plan, an appliances plan, and a combo plan. Septic coverage is nearly always an add-on, so choose a plan based on your budget and the other types of coverage needed. Additionally, check the fine print of the septic add-on to verify coverage for items such as the drain fields, pumps, and the septic tank.
  • Compare costs: Septic warranty coverage is usually an add-on with home warranty companies. Compare the add-on price plus the plan price from at least three companies before making a final decision.
  • Understand each company’s repair process: Not every company offers the same repair turnaround, so it’s important to research how to get your septic system serviced. Tully says, “You need to understand how to file a claim with your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them. Also, get to know the turnaround time for the repairs and replacements.” You should verify the number of service technicians in our area and their credentials. 

Septic System Maintenance Costs and Tips

A septic system home warranty covers repair and replacement costs up to certain dollar amounts. These limits vary between companies but could range from $500–$2,000, depending on the provider.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that repairing or replacing a traditional septic system could cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Septic system coverage may greatly reduce your repair bills, but it probably won’t cover the cost of replacing the whole system. Completing proper maintenance and having comprehensive septic system coverage will help you reduce out-of-pocket repair expenses.

The EPA offers the following tips for proper septic system maintenance:

  • Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down your toilet.
  • Don’t pour cooking oil or harsh chemicals down your kitchen or bathroom sinks. Also, limiting food waste deposited into garbage disposal will prevent unwanted clogs and buildup.
  • Have your septic system inspected every three years. This typically costs anywhere from $250–$500, but it could save you money in the long run. Professional maintenance may also be necessary to maintain your home warranty coverage.
  • You should also pump your septic tank every three to five years (or even sooner if you have many people living in the home).
  • Reduce your overall water consumption to improve septic tank operations. This could include installing high-efficiency appliances, showerheads, and washing machines.


FAQ About Septic Warranties

What should I do if I suspect a septic problem?

If you notice slow-draining sinks or sewage backing up in a toilet or tub, there may be an issue with your septic system. Those with a home warranty should contact their company to file a claim. The provider should send a contractor to diagnose the problem within 48 hours of receiving your claim.

What else does a home warranty cover in addition to a septic system?

A home warranty covers major systems and appliances such as your air conditioning, refrigerator, electrical, and plumbing. A home warranty covers items that break down due to normal wear and tear and doesn’t cover damage to your home from natural disasters, fire, or theft.

How can I protect my septic system?

One of the most effective ways to prevent expensive damage to your septic system is by practicing proper maintenance. Routinely inspect your pump at least once every three years, use water efficiently, and dispose of waste properly.

Does homeowners insurance cover septic systems?

Yes, homeowners insurance usually covers all systems and structures on a property, including septic systems. However, this insurance only covers damage from certain events such as natural disasters, not regular wear and tear.


We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.

More on Home Warranties

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Related to Home Systems

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