Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs

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:

• Availability and service (4.3 out of 5): It scored lower for its inflexible service technician policy.
• 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.

Pros and Cons

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:

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.

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

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:

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.

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

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:

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.

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

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:

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.