The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems of 2023

From mainline stoppages to septic tank pumping, the best home warranty for septic systems offers customers additional peace of mind when it comes to keeping their septic systems running efficiently.

By Katie Ziraldo | Published Feb 28, 2023 11:02 AM

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The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Options

Photo: istockphoto.com

For many homeowners, the septic system is out of sight, out of mind. But finding the septic tank and taking steps to care for it can save the homeowner thousands of dollars in expensive repairs down the road.

Alongside septic tank treatments, regular septic tank pumping is a crucial component of routine maintenance that can contribute to the septic tank’s lifespan; on average, the cost of septic pumping is around $409. When compared with the cost of replacing a septic tank, which ranges from $3,000 to close to $10,000, septic tank pumping seems relatively inexpensive. Homeowners will want to be aware of another way to potentially offset these expensive repair and replacement costs: septic insurance in the form of a septic system home warranty.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Cinch Home Services
  2. RUNNER-UP: Choice Home Warranty
  3. BEST FOR LOW RATES: AFC Home Club
  4. BEST STANDARD COVERAGE: American Home Shield
  5. ALSO CONSIDER: Liberty Home Guard
The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Options

Photo: istockphoto.com

What  to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

Homeowners who have a septic system will want to consider several factors before selecting a home warranty provider. Every company will have its own limits and exclusions for this type of coverage, so prospective policyholders will want to weigh the following details when building their septic protection plan.

Service Area

The first step to selecting a home warranty is determining which companies service the area the home is in. This might seem like it goes without saying, but when comparing a long list of home warranty providers, it can be easy for a homeowner to get caught up in things like the average costs and coverage caps. Taking a moment to identify the service area can save homeowners the time of exploring an option only to discover it isn’t available to them.

Septic System Coverage

To determine the septic system coverage that is needed, homeowners will want to consider the age and condition of their system alongside the common causes for septic system failure, which include sewage backup, hydraulic overload, septic tank structural issues, and inadequate tank pumping.
In general, most home warranties with septic system add-ons cover septic tanks, jet pumps, sewer lines, aerobic pumps, and sewage ejector pumps. However, prospective customers will need to inquire about the specific types of repairs that are covered within the policy they plan to purchase because every company is different and the last thing a homeowner wants is to find out a repair isn’t covered when they go to submit a claim.

Septic System Coverage Amount

In addition to considering the types of septic system repairs that are covered, homeowners will want to consider the extent of repairs that are covered. In this case, that means the coverage limit enforced by the home warranty company.

Septic system coverage amounts typically range from as low as $250 to as high as $1,000, and in some cases, the specific limit may depend on whether the service needed is septic tank pumping or related to the septic system itself. Because of this, it’s important for a homeowner to pay attention to the coverage amounts designated for septic system add-ons when getting home warranty quotes.

Policies and Plans

Each home warranty company will offer its own plans and policies, which can typically be customized using optional add-ons for homeowners seeking additional coverage. The base policy will strongly impact the overall value of the home warranty, so homeowners targeting septic system insurance will still want to take the time to understand the ins and outs of the plans and policies that are available to them to ensure they choose the plan that best protects their home’s crucial systems.

Average Monthly Rate

The average monthly rate is the amount a homeowner can expect to pay in exchange for their home warranty coverage. Rates can vary widely among home warranty companies, so monthly and annual costs are important to add up and compare alongside the household budget to choose a policy that fits the homeowner’s financial needs.

In addition to considering the average monthly rate of each company’s standard coverage, homeowners looking to protect their septic systems will also need to consider the average monthly cost of the septic system add-on, which will also vary among providers.

Discounts

Some home warranty companies will reward customers who purchase full-year or multiyear plans, as opposed to paying monthly, with generous discounts. These discounts can add up quickly and dramatically reduce the overall cost of the home warranty, so homeowners will want to consider these discounts alongside the average monthly rates and service fees to get a full picture of what the policy will cost them.

Service Fee

When it comes time to use their septic system coverage, homeowners will be required to pay a service fee, which is stipulated in the policy terms. Service fees can range from $60 to $150, which means this factor can greatly impact the overall cost of the plan. To get a real idea of what the policy will cost, prospective policyholders will want to pay close attention to these fees.
Homeowners will also want to note that while they may be able to find home warranty companies with less

expensive service fees, these companies will typically charge more for their monthly rates. This means the homeowner will need to weigh whether they would rather pay more up front for their coverage or be on the hook for more money at the time of service.

Waiting Period

It’s not uncommon for home warranty companies to enforce a waiting period before a new policyholder can file a service claim, so homeowners will want to make note of how long they would be required to wait before scheduling repairs on their septic system. In general, waiting periods tend to be around 30 days, although this period could be longer or waived entirely depending on the company. Before signing on the dotted line, homeowners will want to read the fine print in their home warranty contract closely.

Claims Process

When a crucial home system breaks down, homeowners are typically eager to get things back up and running. Because of this, it’s important that they select a home warranty provider that will ensure a smooth claims process.

Most home warranty companies accept claims online or over the phone, but each company has its own steps for processing these service requests, which means the time it takes to process the claim and dispatch a technician can vary significantly. Navigating difficult or delayed claims processes can be a nuisance when urgent repairs are needed, so homeowners will want to look into the claims process ahead of time.

Workmanship Guarantee

If the initial repairs completed on a system do not resolve the root of the issue, a workmanship guarantee allows the homeowner to schedule additional repairs without having to pay another service fee. Workmanship guarantees are pretty standard in the home warranty space, but the length of these guarantees can range from as little as 30 days to up to several years. Customers who select companies with shorter workmanship guarantees could end up paying more out of pocket for service fees, so this is an important consideration to make.

Our Top Picks

To identify the best septic system warranty companies, we looked for providers that service the majority of the United States and offer add-ons for septic system coverage along with a smooth claims process and workmanship guarantee to ensure the customer experience is a satisfactory one.

Best Overall

The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Option Cinch Home Services
Photo: cinchhomeservices.com

Why It Made the Cut: Unlike many of its competitors, Cinch Home Services covers the underlying issues that most commonly impact septic systems—and it’ll pay up to $1,000 to replace the septic tank.

With Cinch Home Services, customers who purchase the septic system add-on coverage will also receive up to $1,000 to put toward a full replacement of their septic tank. Warranties from Cinch Home Services also include coverage for damage caused by rust, corrosion, and sediment, which may not always be the case with other warranty providers. Some customers may feel more comfortable with a warranty that specifically includes coverage for this type of damage, as septic systems may be more likely to develop rust or build up sediment over time, and paying out of pocket to repair this type of damage can be costly.

When it’s time to actually use their coverage, homeowners with warranties through Cinch can rest easy knowing they won’t be kept waiting long for repairs. Although service fees are relatively high at $100 to $150, the company promises to make a reasonable effort to provide a referral to a service professional within 2 hours of receiving the service request, which might make the higher out-of-pocket cost worth it.

Customers who opt for Cinch’s “Complete Home” warranty plan will receive the added benefit of homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement coverage, which will reimburse the homeowner up to $500 to help cover the cost of paying a deductible if they file a claim against their homeowners insurance during their home warranty term. This benefit could help customers cover the cost of septic system repairs that might not be covered by their home warranty but may be covered by their homeowners insurance depending on what caused the damage. Last but not least, prospective policyholders who are on the fence about obtaining a home warranty can have peace of mind signing with Cinch as its 30-day money-back guarantee promises a full refund for cancellations within the first 30 days of coverage.

Specs

  • Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Alaska or Hawaii)
  • Septic system coverage: Mainline stoppages, septic tank pumping, ejector pump, septic tank replacement
  • Septic system coverage amount: $500 for pumping; $1,000 for septic tank replacement
  • Service fee: $100 to $150
  • Claims process: Online, phone
  • Workmanship guarantee: 180 days

Pros

  • Septic tank replacement coverage available
  • Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
  • Quick response within 2 hours of service request possible
  • Homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement offered
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Relatively high $100 to $150 service fee

Runner-Up

The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Option Choice Home Warranty
Photo: choicehomewarranty.com

Why It Made the Cut: Choice Home Warranty offers a wide range of septic system coverage add-ons and an all-hands-on-deck claims approach that puts customers first.

Choice Home Warranty’s add-on options include septic system coverage for tank pumping, cleaning stoppages, ejector pumps, jet pumps, aerobic pumps, and control boxes. Covering such a wide range of repairs and replacements makes Choice stand out among other providers when it comes to septic system coverage. Homeowners will want to note that Choice has two separate service add-ons that cover septic system parts and pumping, so customers may have to pay for two add-on services to get the coverage they need. On the flip side, customers who only need coverage on parts or pumping have the flexibility to choose the coverage they want without paying for what they don’t.

When a claim is submitted with Choice Home Warranty, homeowners will know their repair request is in good hands; the company has a unique claims process in which multiple representatives are assigned to each claim to ensure requests are processed quickly and without delays. This approach may also make it easier for customers to get in touch with a representative who is familiar with their case if they have questions they need to have answered. Choice will also waive the 30-day waiting period for new customers who can prove they have an existing home warranty with another company and want to make a switch. This option can help customers avoid gaps in coverage when switching from one provider to another.

Specs

  • Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in California)
  • Septic system coverage: Mainline stoppages, septic tank pumping, ejector pump, control box, jet pump, aerobic pump
  • Septic system coverage amount: $250 for septic tank pumping; $500 for septic system
  • Service fee: $85
  • Claims process: Online, phone
  • Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor, 90 days parts

Pros

  • Relatively extensive septic system coverage available
  • Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty
  • Hands-on claims support from multiple representatives

Cons

  • Separate septic system and septic tank pumping service add-ons

Best for Low Rates

The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Option AFC Home Club
Photo: afchomeclub.com

Why It Made the Cut: With septic system coverage that costs less than $5 per month, AFC Home Club provides affordability to customers who need septic protection.

Another option for homeowners to consider is AFC Home Club. Some customers might be surprised to find that septic tank pumping is not included within AFC’s septic tank add-on coverage, as this is a common inclusion with other companies. However, AFC Home Club only charges $4.17 per month for its septic system coverage, which is a relatively low cost for this type of add-on. This means customers whose top priority is affordability can find septic tank coverage with AFC Home Club for just a few dollars more per month than the cost of their standard policy, which may make up for the fact that septic tank pumping is not covered.

Customers who have an AFC home warranty also have the flexibility to choose their own service professional to complete repairs—a unique feature as most home warranty companies select contractors from their own preferred network. The opportunity to select their own technician may appeal to homeowners who have a qualified, trusted service provider in mind, especially if they have worked with them before. And regardless of the technician they choose, homeowners can be confident that the work done on their septic system is protected by the company’s workmanship guarantee, which comes in a length of either 1 or 3 years.

Specs

  • Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Hawaii)
  • Septic system coverage: Ejector pump, jet pump, aerobic pump
  • Septic system coverage amount: $500 for septic system
  • Service fee: $75 to $125
  • Claims process: Online, phone
  • Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years

Pros

  • Low monthly rate for septic system add-on coverage
  • Customer-selected technician option
  • Long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee

Cons

  • Septic tank pumping coverage not available

Best Standard Coverage

The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Option American Home Shield
Photo: ahs.com

Why It Made the Cut: American Home Shield puts the power in the customer’s hands, offering limited septic system coverage as a standard inclusion on policies as well as allowing policyholders to leverage add-ons for additional protection.

Warranties from American Home Shield (AHS) cover plumbing systems regardless of the policy tier the customer chooses. This includes some limited septic system coverage such as clearing sewage stoppages up to 100 feet from the access point. Although this coverage is limited without purchasing an add-on, the fact that septic system coverage is included with standard coverage at all is unique and could help customers cover aspects of their septic system without paying an additional cost. All AHS policies also provide coverage for malfunctions due to sediment, rust, and corrosion—ailments that commonly affect septic systems—so customers won’t need to worry about a claim being denied due to the underlying cause being one of these issues. Prospective policyholders will want to note that American Home Shield’s contracts and user agreements do not detail the coverage limit for septic system claims, so to get a clearer picture of what service costs will be covered, customers may need to call the company directly.

AHS policies do include a workmanship guarantee, but it’s important to mention that it only lasts for 30 days, which is a relatively short length of time within the home warranty space. In some cases, this could lead to a customer having to pay an additional service fee if they need to schedule follow-up work after 30 days because the initial repair did not resolve the underlying issue. But the good news is that customers of AHS have the option to cancel their policy within the first 30 days of coverage, minus any fees related to submitted claims. This option can put new customers’ minds at ease about selecting a home warranty policy as they know they can cancel their contract and get their money back if they decide it’s not the right fit.

Specs

  • Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Alaska)
  • Septic system coverage: Mainline stoppages, septic tank pumping, ejector pump
  • Septic system coverage amount: Unknown
  • Service fee: $75 to $125
  • Claims process: Online, phone
  • Workmanship guarantee: 30 days

Pros

  • Limited septic system coverage with every policy
  • Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Unknown septic system coverage limit
  • Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee

Also Consider

The Best Home Warranties for Septic Systems Option Liberty Home Guard
Photo: libertyhomeguard.com

Why It Made the Cut: Low service fees, flexible payment options, and an easy-to-understand online quote tool make Liberty Home Guard worth considering for a home warranty for septic systems.

For homeowners seeking clarity about their home warranty options, Liberty Home Guard could be a great choice with an online quote tool that breaks down the types of coverage included in each plan and how much the service add-ons would cost to include. This lets customers who want to add extra services to their plan see how those add-ons would impact the total cost of their policy. This customization and transparency can make it easier for prospective policyholders to build out a home warranty quote that is personalized to their needs.

Flexible payment options are another perk, with Liberty Home Guard offering everything from monthly payments to multiyear policies that provide up to 5 years of coverage. This allows Liberty Home Guard customers to choose the payment cadence that best fits their budget—but those who choose a longer plan will reap the benefits of larger discounts and interest-free payment plans that can help them save money on their home warranty.

Though Liberty offers a septic system add-on, the coverage only applies to line stoppages and septic tank pumping; it does not cover replacing any parts within the system itself. Some customers may find this coverage limited, especially when they consider that the cost of the add-on is $12.99 per month. However, Liberty Home Guard offers service fee options as low as $60, which is a relatively low cost when compared with other companies, so customers may pay less out of pocket when the time comes for them to submit a repair request. Liberty initially caps septic system pumping at $250, but after just 90 days of coverage, this limit jumps up to $500, so customers won’t have to wait too long for their coverage limit to increase.

Specs

  • Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Washington or Wisconsin)
  • Septic system coverage: Mainline stoppages, septic tank pumping
  • Septic system coverage amount: $500 for septic tank pumping ($250 within the first 90 days of coverage)
  • Service fee: $60 to $125
  • Claims process: Online, phone
  • Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

  • Low $60 minimum service fee
  • Transparent and customizable quote process
  • Flexible payment scheduling options

Cons

  • Somewhat limited septic system coverage available
  • High monthly rate for septic system add-on coverage
  • Lower septic system repair limit for first 90 days of coverage

Our Verdict

We gave the award for Best Overall to Cinch Home Services due to its unique offering of $1,000 toward a full septic tank replacement plus its coverage of rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. The company also quickly responds to claims, reimburses homeowners insurance deductibles up to $500, and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Runner-Up award goes to Choice Home Warranty due to its relatively extensive septic system coverage, its hands-on support throughout the claims process, and the ability to waive the waiting period in select cases.

How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

To determine the best home warranty companies for septic system coverage, we first considered the service area of each company, then examined the standard and add-on coverage options offered as they relate to septic systems. Both the overall coverage limit and the specific types of repairs covered on septic systems were weighed.

Cost considerations were also a factor, including add-on coverage costs, average monthly rates, service fees, and the availability of discounts. To understand and represent the customer experience, we also looked at the quote and claims process, workmanship guarantee, and payment policies for each company to gain insight into what prospective policyholders could expect.

Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

With such a long list of factors to consider—and many home warranty companies offering multiple base plans and add-on options—it can be easy for homeowners to get overwhelmed when looking for the right septic system coverage. And because the specific coverage options and their associated costs can vary so significantly among providers, prospective policyholders will need to ask themselves a few questions to guide their way, starting with the big one: Is a home warranty worth it for them?

The answer to this question will depend on the individual homeowner and property, but in general, if homeowners are researching home warranties, it’s probably for a reason. Home warranties can provide valuable peace of mind for the homeowners who opt for them, but on the other hand, homeowners with established emergency funds may be able to afford to pay for repairs out of pocket rather than paying for a warranty.

After deciding whether they need a home warranty, homeowners will then want to consider the extent of coverage they require, including whether the septic system needs coverage beyond what is offered with a standard policy. Having a warranty for septic systems can be a lifesaver when urgent and expensive repairs are needed, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Therefore, homeowners will need to consider the age and condition of their septic system to make the decision that is right for them.

Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

The average cost of a home warranty with standard coverage is between $300 and $600 annually, though factors like the home’s location and overall condition will play a role in determining rates. Add-on septic system coverage will add an additional $50 to $150 per year depending on the company and extent of the coverage.

In addition to these predictable costs, having a home warranty will also mean paying money out of pocket at the time of service. These service fees range from $60 to $150 depending on the company, so the exact cost of the home warranty will ultimately depend on both the average rates and service fees combined. The length of the workmanship guarantee can be an indicator of how often the homeowner might need to pay these service fees and help them approximate the long-term cost.

The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Septic System Coverage

Like any financial decision, choosing whether to opt into a home warranty will require homeowners to weigh several pros and cons. Although home warranties are an additional monthly cost, this cost comes with some distinct advantages. The same can be said of an add-on septic system warranty: Protecting the septic tank and its parts will cost a few extra dollars per month, but the coverage could mean the difference between having to wait for repairs and getting them done immediately.

Without septic tank warranties, septic system failure can cost thousands of dollars to repair and may lead to damage elsewhere in the home. Choosing to add home warranty septic coverage will therefore allow homeowners to benefit from the following:

  • Easier financial planning due to predictable monthly rates and service fees when compared with unpredictable and expensive out-of-pocket repair costs;
  • Less expensive repairs, as the out-of-pocket cost of repairs is almost always more expensive than using a home warranty, even with service fees; and
  • Easier access to qualified technicians who have experience working on septic systems, as these pros are typically provided through the home warranty company’s preferred network.

FAQs

Home warranties are nuanced and many of the details may be hiding in the fine print. To ensure they’re selecting the home and septic tank warranty that best suits their needs, homeowners will want to take the time to understand the answers to these commonly asked questions.

Q. Are septic systems covered by homeowners insurance?

Most homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for other structures on the property, which includes septic tanks, although this septic tank insurance usually only applies in the case of sudden damage that is deemed unpreventable. More common issues, including normal wear and tear, are typically not covered.

Q. How do I choose the best home warranty for septic systems?

To choose the best home warranty plan for septic systems, homeowners will want to consider several companies and examine their septic add-on options and the specific types of repairs that are covered.

Q. How can I protect my septic system?

Homeowners can care for their septic system and potentially avoid costly repairs by using water efficiently, properly disposing of waste, maintaining their drain field, and frequently getting the septic tank pumped. In addition, using one of the best septic tank treatments can help maintain the health of the system for longer.

Q. Does a septic warranty cover waste disposal?

Most home warranties do not cover septic tank waste disposal, so homeowners will want to familiarize themselves with the coverage exclusions included in their policy to avoid surprises when service is needed.

Q. What should I do if I notice that my septic system has a problem?

When a homeowner notices issues with their septic system, it’s important to take action. Most home warranty companies accept service requests online or over the phone, so the homeowner will want to make note of the issue and any suspected causes and file the claim right away.

Q. How much is a home warranty for septic systems on average?

The average home warranty cost is around $600 annually, although this amount could be higher depending on the cost of the company’s septic system add-on coverage.