Every year, thousands of homeowners face devastating repair bills that could have been prevented. Learn the warning signs before these common problems cost you thousands—and discover how a home warranty can protect you from financial disaster.
As a homeowner, you're no stranger to unexpected expenses. But some repair bills can be so devastating they put your financial stability at risk. The worst part? Many of these costly disasters could have been prevented with early detection and proper maintenance.
We've analyzed thousands of home warranty claims and identified the three most common—and most expensive—repair traps that catch homeowners off guard. More importantly, we'll show you the warning signs to watch for and how to protect yourself financially.
The average cost homeowners pay when all three of these issues strike within a single year—without warranty protection.
Complete system replacement can exceed $10,000 in some cases
Your HVAC system is the hardest-working appliance in your home, running thousands of hours each year. Yet it's also the most neglected—until it stops working on the hottest day of summer or the coldest night of winter.
With ServiceOne coverage, HVAC repairs and replacements are included. Instead of facing a $7,000 emergency expense, you pay only your service call fee—typically $75-$125. We connect you with certified technicians who respond quickly, often within 24-48 hours.
Add $2,000-$8,000 more if water damage occurs to flooring, drywall, or belongings
Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years, but most homeowners never think about them until they fail catastrophically. A burst water heater can release 30-50 gallons of water into your home in minutes, causing extensive damage that often exceeds the cost of the unit itself.
"I noticed rusty water for a few weeks but kept putting off calling someone. Then one Saturday morning, I woke up to 2 inches of water throughout my basement. The water heater replacement was $2,400, but the water damage restoration cost me another $6,800. If I'd just acted on those warning signs, I could have saved thousands."
— Michelle T., Arizona homeowner
A ServiceOne home warranty covers water heater repairs and replacements, whether it's a tank or tankless system. We'll arrange for a qualified plumber to assess the situation and either repair or replace your unit—all for just your service call fee.
Bonus protection: Many of our plans also include coverage for resulting water damage when you add optional coverage, giving you comprehensive protection against this expensive trap.
Slab leaks and sewer line replacements can exceed $15,000
Plumbing problems are insidious because by the time you notice them, the damage is already extensive. Water leaking behind walls, under floors, or in your foundation can cause structural damage that takes months and tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Average Cost: $2,000-$4,000 for detection and repair, up to $10,000+ if foundation work is needed
Warning Signs:
Average Cost: $3,000-$7,000 for repairs, $8,000-$15,000+ for full replacement
Warning Signs:
Average Cost: $2,000-$10,000 depending on extent and accessibility
Warning Signs:
ServiceOne home warranty plans include comprehensive plumbing coverage. We cover repairs to water, drain, gas, and sewer lines—including access and diagnosis. When you have a plumbing emergency, you're not scrambling to find a trustworthy plumber or worrying about a massive bill.
Fast response: Our network includes thousands of licensed plumbers nationwide who can respond quickly to prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters.
Here's what procrastination actually costs homeowners
Most homeowners will face at least one of these major repair emergencies within 5 years of homeownership. Many will face all three at some point. The question isn't if these expensive repairs will happen—it's when.
A home warranty transforms unpredictable, budget-destroying expenses into predictable, manageable costs. Instead of scrambling for thousands of dollars when disaster strikes, you have peace of mind knowing you're protected.