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

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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Tree proximity

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

• 

  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.

• 

  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:

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.

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