At Bates Plumbing, we’ve dealt with home warranty companies more times than we can count. We’ve seen them save homeowners money, and we’ve also seen them cause major headaches. Some homeowners call us after their warranty company denied a claim. Others wait weeks for a warranty-assigned plumber—only to end up calling us anyway when the problem isn’t fixed right.
If you’re considering using a home warranty for plumbing work, it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s our honest take on the pros and cons—from plumbers who’ve seen it all.
When a repair is covered, homeowners typically only pay a service fee ($75–$150) instead of the full cost of the repair. If the problem is something major—like a burst pipe or a water heater failure—this can save you a good chunk of money.
Some warranties cover issues like leaky pipes, water heater malfunctions, and clogged drains, which can help homeowners with aging plumbing systems.
Warranty companies send a plumber for you. If you don’t have a go-to plumber, this can be convenient—but it’s also risky (more on that below).
We’ve seen home warranties be useful in real estate transactions. Buyers feel more secure knowing some repairs will be covered, and sellers sometimes include a warranty as a selling point.
We’ve had homeowners call us frustrated after their warranty company denied their claim. Why? Because many warranties don’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
❌ Pre-existing conditions (which can be hard to prove)
❌ Improperly installed plumbing (even if you didn’t install it)
❌ Outdoor plumbing (like sewer lines and sump pumps)
❌ Anything they classify as “lack of maintenance”
If your issue falls into a gray area, don’t assume it’s covered—warranty companies look for ways to deny claims.
We’ve seen homeowners wait days or even weeks for their warranty company to approve a claim and send a plumber. Meanwhile, they’re stuck with a leak or a backed-up drain. If it’s an emergency, a warranty company is usually not the best option.
We get calls all the time from homeowners who aren’t happy with the plumber their warranty company sent. That’s because warranty companies choose plumbers based on who gives them the cheapest rates, not necessarily the best quality of work.
We’ve been called in to fix jobs that weren’t done right the first time—because the warranty company’s plumber used quick, temporary fixes instead of doing it properly.
Some warranty companies pay their plumbers so little that the plumber has no choice but to use cheaper materials or do the bare minimum just to break even. We’ve seen this firsthand—jobs where a pipe was patched instead of replaced, or a water heater was “repaired” only for it to break again a month later.
Even with a warranty, you still pay a service fee for every call. If you have multiple plumbing issues, those fees can add up fast—sometimes costing more than if you had just hired a plumber directly.
✅ You already have a warranty in place and fully understand the coverage.
✅ The repair is fully covered, and the service fee is cheaper than out-of-pocket costs.
✅ You’re okay with waiting a few days for a plumber.
🚫 The issue is urgent (major leak, water heater failure, sewer backup).
🚫 You want quality service and a long-term fix instead of a patch job.
🚫 You prefer a trusted, local plumber who guarantees their work.
At Bates Plumbing, we’ve worked with plenty of homeowners who have home warranties. Some have saved money—but many have been frustrated by slow service, denied claims, or low-quality repairs.
If you’re dealing with a plumbing issue, ask yourself: Do you want a reliable fix from a plumber you trust, or do you want to deal with the red tape of a warranty company?
If you want it done right the first time, give us a call. We’re here to help!
ABOUT US
Welcome to Bates Plumbing, a third-generation family-owned and operated plumbing company. With decades of experience passed down from one generation to the next, we take pride in serving our community with the same dedication, skill, and integrity that our family has valued since day one.
As a local business, we’ve built lasting relationships with our customers, treating every job—big or small—as if it were in our own home. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring that each project is done right the first time, every time.
At Bates Plumbing, plumbing is more than just a trade; it’s a family legacy. Let our family take care of yours.
