Sewer Line Coverage and Home Insurance: What You Need to Know

Sewer line coverage doesn’t cost much and can help protect you financially if your sewer line is damaged.

Kim Porter
Written byKim Porter
Kim Porter
Kim Porter
  • Co-authored the book “Future Millionaires’ Guidebook”

  • 13 years writing personal finance content

A former chief copy editor at Bankrate and past managing editor at Macmillan, Kim specializes in writing easy-to-understand, actionable personal finance content.

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Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

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Updated October 24, 2024

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As a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining the underground sewer line that runs from your house to the city’s water main. Standard homeowners insurance policies often won’t cover sewage backups or damage to your sewer line.

To make sure you’re protected, you can get an endorsement from your insurance company or check out stand-alone policies from home warranty companies that offer coverage.[1]

Homeowners insurance vs. sewer line coverage

Homeowners insurance and sewer line coverage can both financially protect your property. Here’s how each type of policy covers sewer line damage.

Homeowners insurance

A standard homeowners policy may pay to repair or replace the sewer line if a covered peril, such as a windstorm or fire, causes the damage. The policy can pay up to your coverage limits, but if sewer line damage falls under the “other structures” portion of your homeowners policy, it may limit coverage to 10% of the insured value of the home.

Your homeowners insurance won’t cover you in the event of a sewage backup or if an excluded peril, such as negligence or an earthquake, damages the sewer line.[2]

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Sewer line coverage

Sewer line coverage takes many forms, such as home warranty plans and home insurance add-ons. Generally, these policies pay to repair or replace any underground pipes, power lines, and wires on your property. They may also cover expenses related to a covered loss, such as the cost of excavating soil and replanting damaged landscaping.

The inclusions and coverage limits vary by the type of sewer line coverage you choose and the company that sells it.

Benefits of sewer line coverage

Without any type of additional coverage, the average homeowner spends between $2,000 and $10,000 for sewer line repairs or replacements.[3] But service line coverage provides financial protection against those costly repairs and other expenses you might not consider.

For example, the plan may pay to replace your pavement, landscaping, and sewer equipment. It may also cover issues arising from normal wear and tear, which standard homeowners insurance policies usually exclude.

This type of coverage also offers peace of mind that you’ll get a vetted professional on the job quickly. The company may also provide a guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.

Types of sewer line coverage

If you’re looking for sewer line protection, here are a few ways you can get it.

Sewage backup rider

You can add sewer backup coverage as an endorsement to your home insurance policy. This type of add-on costs about $50–$250 per year. It pays to repair damage to your house and replace your personal items after a sewage backup or sump pump overflow. But the rider won’t cover damage to the sewer line itself.

Sewer line rider

Also called service line coverage, you can add this rider to a home insurance policy. It covers service line damage and may also pay for expenses like excavation costs and lawn replacement. Adding the endorsement costs around $30 annually for about $10,000–$20,000 in coverage. If you need to file a claim, you may pay a deductible, such as $500.

Stand-alone sewer line coverage

Some companies provide coverage in the form of home service agreements, home warranties, or service contracts rather than true insurance policies. You may be able to buy a stand-alone plan directly from a company or through your utility provider.

These agreements usually cover service line repairs and associated costs, like excavation, pipe cutting, lawn reseeding, and pavement. But these policies often won’t cover damage to your home from sewer backup.

The cost varies with each company and policy. Sewer line warranty providers offer extensive coverage for about $40–$90 per month, while a simpler plan through your water company might cost less than $20 per month.

Factors to consider when choosing sewer line coverage

Before buying a policy, consider these factors:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/543689d6cb/renewable-energy-96x96-orange_013-faucet.svg

    Age and condition of pipes

    Older homes — generally, ones built before the 1970s — are more likely to have old pipes, which increases the risk of backups.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/52b2836106/weather-96x96-blue_032-rain.svg

    Your local climate

    Wet climates that are prone to storm damage may lead to flooding. Similarly, a power outage can disarm a sump pump and lead to further water damage.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/4ec24627d2/flood-coverage.svg

    Whether you have coverage

    If your homeowners insurance doesn’t include a sewer line endorsement and you’d like coverage, you may add a rider or buy a stand-alone policy.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/6e0d01315d/renewable-energy-96x96-yellow_040-tree.svg

    Tree proximity

    Large trees near your sewer line can cause damage when their roots grow into the pipes.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/e8ac7218a5/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_026-road.svg

    Neighborhood history

    If your neighbors recently repaired their sewer lines, it could indicate a potential issue with the local sewer system, which may affect your property as well.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/262b007b88/renewable-energy-96x96-green_041-tidal-power.svg

    The presence of a basement

    Homes with basements are at a higher risk of sewer backups because these rooms are underground.

Typical policy inclusions and exclusions

Sewer line policies may cover damage that’s a result of:

  • Collapse

  • Freezing

  • Damage from rodents or insects

  • Damage from trees or roots

  • Decay and deterioration

  • Improper installations or repairs

Policies usually exclude accidents and negligence.

  • Insufficient maintenance

  • Mechanical or electrical breakdown

  • Mismatched HVAC systems

  • Rust, corrosion, or sediment

  • Wear and tear

How to file a claim

The process of filing a claim varies with the type of sewer line coverage you have and may also depend on the company’s policies. Here are the general steps you may take when you need to file a claim:

  • Act quickly. If sewage is backing up into your home, your drains are clogged, or you notice other signs of sewer line problems, turn off your main water valve. This step can help prevent further issues and a runaway water bill.

  • Check your plan. Go over your annual coverage limits, whether a service fee applies, and whether you need to hire a professional within a specified network.

  • Document the damage. Take pictures of the affected areas and any damage. Then, itemize your property losses.

  • Contact the service provider. Some companies can dispatch a professional to your home within a few hours or a couple of days. Other plans may require you to call a plumber, pay for the service, and submit a claim for reimbursement.

  • Keep documents. Save copies of your correspondence with the warranty or insurance company along with receipts and invoices related to the damage, cleaning, and repairs.

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Maintenance and prevention tips

Although your plumbing and water line connect to a municipal source, you’re still responsible for maintaining the sewer lines on your property. Here are some tips for maintaining the line and preventing damage:

  • Prevent clogged pipes. Household items, like cooking grease, paper towels, diapers, and hygiene products, can clog your pipes and cause sewer backups. Instead of pouring them down the drain or flushing them in the toilet, dispose of these items in the garbage when possible.

  • Maintain trees in your yard. If tree roots are damaging your sewer lateral, you may need to hire a professional landscaper or arborist to trim them back. A plumber may also need to replace the sewer line with a plastic pipe to keep tree roots out and prevent leaks.

  • Install a backwater prevention valve. This simple device prevents sewage from flowing backward into your home if storms or other problems overload the main sewer line.

Sewer line coverage FAQs

Plumbing coverage can be confusing, so check out the information below if you still have questions.

  • Does homeowners insurance cover underground sewer pipes?

    Yes, in some cases. A standard home insurance policy can pay to repair sewer line breaks if a covered peril causes the damage.

  • How often should a sewer line be cleaned?

    Plumbing companies recommend checking and cleaning your sewer line every 18–24 months.

  • How can you determine if you need sewer line coverage for your property?

    Homeowners typically buy coverage when they have older homes, live in wet climates, have trees planted near the sewer line, or have basements.

  • What are the common signs that your sewer line may need repair or replacement?

    Sewer line problems can show up in different ways. If you notice the following issues, call a plumber and ask about next steps:

    • Septic waste pools

    • Foul odors

    • Mold growth around plumbing areas

    • Indentations or pools of water on your lawn

    • Slow drains

    • Rodent or insect problems

    • Cracks in the foundation

  • How much does sewer line coverage typically cost, and what factors affect the price?

    The cost of sewer line coverage depends on the type of policy you buy. A homeowners insurance endorsement typically costs around $30 each year. A home warranty costs about $40–$90 per month, while simple coverage through a utility provider may cost a few dollars each month.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "Which disasters are covered by homeowners insurance?."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "Homeowners Insurance Basics."
  3. HomeGuide. "How much does it cost to replace or repair a sewer line?."
Kim Porter
Kim Porter

Kim Porter is a writer and editor who's been creating personal finance content since 2010. Before transitioning to full-time freelance writing in 2018, Kim was the chief copy editor at Bankrate, a managing editor at Macmillan, and co-author of the personal finance book "Future Millionaires' Guidebook." Her work has appeared in AARP's print magazine and on sites such as U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, NextAdvisor, Credit Karma, and more. Kim loves to bake and exercise in her free time, and she plans to run a half marathon on each continent.

Kim has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.

Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

Featured in

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