Does A Home Warranty Cover Fixtures?

You know how important it is to protect your investment when you are a homeowner. A home warranty provides that protection. But what about fixtures? Does a home warranty cover them? This article will explore whether a home warranty covers fixtures such as plumbing and lighting. 

Fixtures a Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty covers various major systems and appliances in your home, ensuring financial protection when unexpected repairs or replacements are needed. Here are some key components that a home warranty typically covers:

1. Plumbing Systems: Your home warranty can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements for plumbing systems, such as pipes, drains, and fixtures like sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. This type of home warranty is called a service line warranty. 

2. Electrical Systems: If there are issues with your home's electrical system, a home warranty can assist in covering the necessary repairs or replacements.

3. Heating and Cooling Systems: Whether it's your HVAC system, furnace, or air conditioner, a home warranty can help cover the expenses of repairs or replacements.

4. Kitchen Appliances: Home warranties typically include coverage for kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and cooktops.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Lighting Fixtures?

In most cases, a home warranty will cover lighting fixtures that are permanently installed in your home. This includes overhead lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, and other light fixtures. When these lighting fixtures stop working or require repair, you can rest assured that your home warranty will cover the cost of fixing or replacing them.

Keep in mind that home warranty coverage varies across providers, so review your contract or contact your home warranty provider to understand the exact coverage and any limitations that may apply.

Does a Home Warranty Cover a Cracked Bathtub?

What happens if you find a crack in your bathtub? There are three main reasons a bathtub cracks:

• Lack of support

• Damage from heavy objects

• Damage from heavy cleansers

Some bathtubs are made of flexible materials like fiberglass. If these tubs aren’t properly supported, heavy weight over time will lead to cracks and a damaged bathtub. Cracking can also happen when heavy objects are dropped into a tub. Heavy cleansers like bleach can eventually destroy a bathtub’s surface, leading to erosion and moisture seeping into the material, which also causes cracks.

Since home warranties will most likely not cover cracked bathtubs or showers, what about homeowner’s insurance? If your bathtub crack leads to moisture seeping into your walls or floors, the damage may be covered by your homeowner’s policy. But remember, the policy covers restoring your home to the pre-damage state. It will not replace your bathtub. It’s the same situation if your washing machine breaks down and floods your laundry room, damaging the floors. Insurance will cover the damaged floors but not the faulty washer. 

In the case of a cracked, damaged bathtub, neither your homeowner’s policy nor a home warranty will pay to replace it. In this instance, you will have to pay to replace your damaged tub out of your own wallet.

What is Not Covered by a Home Warranty for Fixtures?

Fixtures have exclusions when it comes to coverage under a home warranty. Familiarizing yourself with these exclusions will help you avoid any surprises when filing a claim.

Here are some common exclusions from home warranty coverage:

1. Pre-existing conditions: Home warranty providers typically do not cover issues that existed before the warranty went into effect.

2. Cosmetic issues: Home warranties generally do not cover cosmetic damage, such as scratches or dents.

3. Certain types of damage: There may be limitations on coverage for specific types of damage, such as damage resulting from neglect, misuse, or acts of nature.

4. Non-covered items: Certain components, like detached structures or items not considered part of the primary home, may not be covered by the warranty.

By being aware of these exclusions, you can better manage your expectations and ensure you're prepared for any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

How to File a Home Warranty Claim for Fixture Repairs?

If you need to file a home warranty claim for fixture repairs, follow the proper steps to ensure a smooth process. You can initiate the claims process and receive guidance by contacting your home warranty provider.

1. Contact your home warranty provider: Reach out to your home warranty provider when you encounter an issue with a covered fixture. They will provide instructions on how to proceed and may ask for specific details regarding the problem.

2. Provide accurate information: Be prepared to provide detailed information about the specific issue with the fixture. This may include the type of fixture, the symptoms of the problem, and any relevant supporting documentation, such as photographs or previous repair records.

3. Follow the claims process: Your home warranty provider will guide you through the claims process, which may involve filling out claim forms or providing additional documentation. Following their instructions and promptly submitting any required information is important to avoid delays.

4. Connect with a qualified service provider: Once your claim is approved, your home warranty provider will connect you with a qualified service provider to assess and repair the fixture. The service provider will coordinate with you directly to schedule an appointment and resolve the issue.

5. Pay any applicable service fees: Depending on your home warranty contract, you may be responsible for paying a service fee or deductible for each claim. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your home warranty to understand your financial obligations.

Remember to keep all communication and documentation related to the claim for future reference.

A home warranty can provide valuable coverage for fixtures in your home, including plumbing and lighting. By reviewing the terms and conditions of your home warranty, you can understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions that may apply. With fixture coverage in your home warranty, you can have peace of mind, knowing that major components of your home are protected.