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Do Home Warranties Cover Septic Systems/Septic Tanks? | AHS

Key takeaways

American Home Shield® offers a septic system warranty add-on that covers one tank pumping per term and repair of the sewage ejector pump. Standard home warranties do not include septic systems. Some providers offer optional add-ons for septic tank coverage.

When a septic tank fails, it is more than unpleasant. It can also be very costly. Many systems last an average of 8.5-27.5 years, but heavy use or skipped maintenance can cause a breakdown sooner.

You know you might be in trouble if you notice slow drains, unpleasant odors, or wastewater pooling in the yard. That’s when homeowners often ask: Do home warranties cover septic systems? The answer depends on your plan, and with American Home Shield, there’s an option to add septic protection.

Septic systems explained

If your home isn’t connected to a municipal sewer line, you probably rely on a septic system. Septic tanks collect and treat household wastewater, breaking down solids and safely releasing liquid into the soil. They’re most common in rural areas, older neighborhoods, and some suburban communities.

A typical septic system includes:

Septic tank: A buried container with a primary and secondary compartment, where solids settle (sludge), lighter materials float (scum), and liquid effluent moves on through an input and output baffle. Pump: A separate chamber with a pump and float switch that pushes wastewater to the drain field when gravity alone won’t work. Drain field (or leach field): A network of perforated pipes that evenly disperses treated water into the ground. Soil: Acts as a natural filter, removing harmful bacteria and nutrients before the water reenters the groundwater supply. Access pipes/risers: Openings that allow for inspection and pumping of the septic tank.

Why coverage matters

Septic systems are out of sight, but when something goes wrong, they’re impossible to ignore. Repairs can be expensive, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to pump the tank to several thousand if the drain field needs replacement. Backups or leaks can also damage your yard, create health hazards, and disrupt daily life until the system is fixed.

Because these systems are essential for managing household wastewater, many homeowners look for ways to protect themselves from surprise costs. That’s where a septic system warranty or similar protection can help by offering financial relief and access to local repair Pros when problems arise.

How a standard home warranty treats septic issues

Most home warranty plans cover the plumbing lines inside the home, such as pipes, drains, and toilets. But do home warranties cover septic systems? Unfortunately, septic system components are often excluded from standard coverage.

The good news: some providers, including American Home Shield®, offer septic system warranty add-ons. With septic tank warranty coverage in place, you may be protected if your tank or certain related parts fail due to normal wear and tear. This kind of add-on can help reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.

AHS septic system ejector pump and pumping add-on

American Home Shield offers an optional septic system warranty add-on that gives homeowners extra peace of mind. This septic tank coverage includes:

One septic tank pumping per contract term. This helps prevent backups and costly emergency cleanups. Repair of the sewage ejector pump. This provides coverage in the event the pump that moves wastewater from your home to the septic tank stops working due to normal wear and tear.

With this septic tank warranty add-on, you can turn an unexpected headache into a manageable service request, backed by AHS’s nationwide network of independent repair Pros. Rest easy knowing that even out-of-sight systems like septic can’t catch you off guard in the event of a breakdown.

Maintenance best practices

Even with a septic tank warranty, proper upkeep goes a long way toward keeping your system healthy. A few best practices include:

Pump the tank every 3–5 years to prevent solids from building up and clogging the system. Avoid flushing grease, wipes, and harsh chemicals, which can damage the tank or block pipes. Keep the drainage field clear of vehicles, construction, or tree roots, since extra weight and root growth can damage underground pipes.

Good maintenance helps extend the life of your system and ensures your warranty coverage is there for true breakdowns—not preventable issues.