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8 Home Repairs that can be Covered by a Home Warranty
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8 Home Repairs that can be Covered by a Home Warranty

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From broken air conditioners to leaking water heaters, a home warranty can help with covered breakdowns to the most common and costly household headaches: including HVAC, appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Various home systems and appliances

Key takeaways for AHS Home Warranties

  • Common home repairs may be covered. AHS plans can help with breakdowns like stopped-up drains, faulty light switches, and your fridge that just won’t cool.


  • You can customize your coverage. Add-ons are available for roof leaks, pools, septic systems, home electronics, and more.


  • Not everything is covered. While covered breakdowns due to normal wear and tear are included, it is important to review your plan details to understand plan limitations, exclusions, and coverage limits.

See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.

8 Common home repairs covered by a AHS home warranty

When something breaks in your home, it rarely happens at a convenient time, and it’s almost never cheap. That’s where a home warranty can step in. Depending on your home warranty plan, American Home Shield® will fix covered parts of your home systems or appliances you rely on daily for breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. But does a home warranty cover plumbing? Does a home warranty cover electrical?

Here are eight real-world breakdowns that may be covered by your home warranty.*

1. HVAC breakdowns


HVAC repairs are some of the most expensive and inconvenient home issues, and replacement costs can be thousands of dollars.

  • AHS can help fix covered parts of:
    • Central air conditioning and heating
    • Ductwork
    • Compressors, motors, and thermostats

If American Home Shield repair Pros can’t fix covered parts of your HVAC system, your plan may help pay for a replacement, up to plan limits. It’s one of the most valuable home warranty repairs American Home Shield offers.

2. Stopped-up drains


That slow-draining kitchen sink may seem like a small issue, until it’s completely blocked and backing up onto your counters. Stopped-up drains, tubs, and toilets often require more than a plunger.

Does American Home Shield cover plumbing issues like this?

  • Yes, if the blockage is caused by everyday wear and tear, AHS can send a Pro to clear it up.*

3. Plumbing leaks


Small leaks can lead to big damage. Even a small drip from an under-sink pipe could soak your vanity and damage the drywall below.

Do AHS home warranty plans cover plumbing issues like this?

  • American Home Shield will fix covered parts of your plumbing system, including:*
    • Interior water and drain line leaks
    • Leaky faucets, valves, and shower heads
    • Waste, vent, and gas line issues

Note: Burst pipes due to freezing aren’t covered, so take preventive steps in cold weather.

4. Faulty light-switch


You flip the switch and—nothing. Or worse, it sparks. Electrical problems are annoying, yes, but they can also be potentially dangerous.

Does American Home Shield offer coverage for electrical repairs? Yes. Covered items may include:

5. A stalled ceiling fan

A ceiling fan that won’t spin leads to discomfort and can drive up your cooling costs. Whether it’s humming without turning or not powering on at all, it could be time for a fix.

6. Water heater not heating


No hot water? That’s more than inconvenient: it’s disruptive. When a water heater breakdown leads to icy showers, dishes that won’t get clean, or laundry piling up, water heater issues need attention.

  • AHS can help repair or replace covered parts of your water heater, including:*
    • Tank and thermal expansion tanks
    • Circulating pumps
    • Mixing valves

7. Refrigerator stopped cooling


From spoiled groceries to mystery puddles, a broken fridge or non-freezing freezer is one of the most frustrating and expensive surprises a homeowner can face.

  • AHS offers plans with coverage for:*
    • Compressors, fans, thermostats
    • Ice makers and water dispensers
    • Broken seals and leaking components

Have more than one fridge? Good news: AHS can cover multiple refrigerators in the same household.

8. Washer won’t drain


You go to switch the laundry, and instead of clean clothes, you find a drum full of standing water. Not ideal.

  • AHS offers home warranty plans that cover parts of washers and dryers, including:
    • Drain pumps and motors
    • Control boards
    • Lid switches and belts

Select AHS plans offer coverage for major parts and components of dryers.

Need help troubleshooting?

Sometimes, you’re not sure if the problem you’re experiencing is really a problem problem. It can be useful to have a second set of eyes. With the American Home Shield video chat feature, you can talk to a home repair Expert to help assess or even fix the problem.

If you’re a ShieldGold™ or ShieldPlatinum™ member, you can connect straight from the AHS app for help in real time. It’s easy, helpful, and at no extra cost way to figure out if a service request is necessary, or if it’s something you can fix yourself with a little guidance.**

What does American Home Shield not cover?

A home warranty can be a lifesaver. But like any coverage plan, there are limits and exclusions.


Here’s a quick overview of some of the issues that are not covered under American Home Shield plans:

  • Pre-existing issues: Problems that existed before your coverage began

  • Known issues: Things like scratches, dents, or worn finishes

Generally, home warranties cover system and appliance breakdowns caused by misuse, abuse or physical damage.

Exclusions, limitations, and plan limits apply. Some AHS home systems and appliances have coverage limits based on your plan level.

How to request a home warranty repair


When a covered item breaks, How to request service under your home warranty. With AHS, you can request service 24/7 in three simple ways:

  1. Online:
    Log in to MyAccount
on ahs.com

  2. Mobile App:
    Use the AHS app to 
file and track service requests on the go

  3. Phone:
    Call 1-800-776-4663 to speak with a support rep

Once you request service and pay your service fee, AHS will assign a qualified, independent repair Pro to diagnose the issue. AHS will fix covered parts of your system or appliance. If AHS can't repair it we'll replace it.*

Customize your coverage

Whether you have an older home with older systems and appliances, or just want extra peace of mind, AHS plans are customizable to fit your lifestyle and your budget.

Like if you’ve ever wondered, do American Home Shield plans include coverage for parts of pools and spas?" The answer is yes, as an add on. Here’s what else you can add:

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Sources:

1 https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/new-hvac-system-cost/

*See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.


**Video chat feature available as a benefit to AHS members with select plans. See AHS.com for hours and details.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. AHS plans cover certain plumbing repairs due to normal wear and tear, including leaks, stoppages, and more (with exclusions for things like root damage or outdoor line collapses). See ahs.com/contracts for plan details including exclusions, limitations, and plan limits.

Yes. Your home’s internal electrical wiring, panels, light switches, outlets, and even ceiling fans may be covered depending on your plan.
See ahs.com/contracts for plan details including exclusions, limitations, and plan limits.

Generally speaking, a home warranty covers breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. Coverage is not provided for cosmetic damage, known pre-existing breakdowns, or mis-use/abuse, among other things. see ahs.com/contracts for plan details including exclusions, limitations, and plan limits.

Roof leak repair covered is included in ShieldPlatinum™ and offered as an add-on. Coverage is subject to limitations, exclusions, and plan limits may apply. See ahs.com/contracts for plan details.

AHS offers optional septic system add-on coverage, which may include components like the septic tank, line from the house, and even pumping (with limitations). 
See ahs.com/contracts for plan details including exclusions, limitations, and plan limits.

Yes. Coverage for pools and built-in spa equipment is available as an optional add-on. It typically includes items like pumps, motors, filters, and heating systems—but doesn’t cover liners, lights, or cleaning systems.
See ahs.com/contracts for plan details including exclusions, limitations, and plan limits.

Not necessarily. ShieldSilver™ covers systems only, ShieldGold™ adds appliances, and ShieldPlatinum™ includes both plus premium perks. You can compare plans here.