Does Home Insurance Cover Sewer Lines?

Sewer line issues, such as sewage backups, leaks, and breaks, aren’t just unpleasant. They can also be costly. While standard homeowners insurance policies may cover sewer line damage under certain circumstances, protections are limited.

If you’re concerned about sewer line coverage, understanding when your standard homeowners policy may (or may not) help with coverage can help you decide if you should purchase a sewer line policy or add a sewer line or service line endorsement to your existing policy. 

When does home insurance cover sewer line damage?

The standard homeowners insurance policy can protect your sewer line from covered perils, including: 

• Severe weather or natural disasters (except flooding, earthquakes, and sinkholes)

• Explosions

• Falling objects, such as a tree or a telephone pole

• Fires

• Vandalism

• Damages caused by a vehicle or aircraft

When does home insurance not cover sewer line damage?

Coverage for damaged sewer lines is generally limited under a standard home insurance policy. As such, a basic policy generally will not cover sewer lines under the following circumstances:

• Intentional neglect, such as failure to address a known leak 

• Faulty construction, such as the improper installation of the sewer line

• Tree roots that break or otherwise damage the sewer lines

• Flooding, earthquakes, and sinkholes, all of which are excluded from a standard policy. 

• Pests and animals, including damage caused by termites or rodents 

What is sewer line coverage?

Sewer line coverage is an optional type of coverage that can provide financial protection for damage to the sewer and septic lines under your home.

Sewer lines aren’t typically part of a standard homeowners insurance policy, but you can often add an endorsement to extend coverage to sewer lines. You can also usually purchase sewer line coverage as a stand-alone policy from your water utility provider. 

Optional coverage for sewer lines

While home insurance doesn’t cover everything, you can use endorsements to enhance your policy and increase protection. Here are two common types of coverage you may be able to add to your existing homeowners policy or purchase separately.

Service line coverage

This optional coverage provides protection for your sewer lines as well as other utility lines, like cable or electric, that run under your property. Coverage details can vary, but this type of insurance typically can cover damage caused by

• Wear and tear

• Corrosion, rust, or deterioration

• Mechanical or electrical 

• Trees/tree roots

• Pests

Water backup coverage

This optional coverage can help pay for repairs if your home or personal property is damaged after a water backup, such as:

• Clogged sewer lines

• Drain backups

• Sump pump failures

Note that while water backup coverage can help pay for repairs caused by the backup, it won’t cover the cost to replace the faulty or broken system, such as a failed sump pump. 

Learn more: When does home insurance cover water damage?

How to submit a claim for sewer line damage?

If you have a sewer line damage and need to file a claim, these steps can help you address the issue as quickly as possible:

1. Document the damage. 

Take photos or videos of damage to your pipes, the affected area, and your things. If you need to make temporary repairs or call the plumber, save any receipts you get.

2. Contact your insurer

Be sure to report the loss to your insurer as soon as possible. If you’re unsure if damage is covered, contact your insurer. They can help you determine if you’re eligible to file a claim. 

Many companies let you contact them through their online form or mobile app, but you can also reach out by phone. Be prepared to provide your policy number, support documentation, and details of the incident.

3. Reduce the risk of further damage

In some cases, you can reduce the risk of further damage and costly claims. For instance, if the sewer line issue leads to water in your basement, it’s a good idea to take efforts to remove the water from your basement, allowing the area to dry to prevent mold growth. 

4. Meet with an insurance adjuster

As part of the claims process, your insurance company may want to send a claims adjuster to inspect your damaged or burst pipes. Be prepared to show the adjuster the source of the loss, including any damaged or lost belongings.

5. Review your settlement

After processing your claim, your insurance company will send you an offer for review. Once you accept it, they may pay in one of three ways: directly to the contractor, into your bank account, or by mailing a check to you. If you have a mortgage on your house and pay for coverage via an escrow account, the insurer may include the lender’s name on the payment. 

Keep in mind that your claim will likely have a deductible, and your insurer will subtract that amount from your claim payout.

How to prevent sewer line damage

The best defense against sewer line damage and backups is taking preventative measures. Here are a few tips to ensure your pipes remain in top-notch condition. 

• Properly dispose of grease. Washing grease down your sink can clog your drains, particularly when it is cooled. Instead, you should dispose of hot cooking oil in a heat-resistant container. 

• Properly dispose of paper products. Paper towels, cleaning wipes, and feminine products don’t break down as easily as toilet paper. Only flush toilet paper to prevent blockages. 

• Cut tree roots regularly. Tree roots can enter through cracks in old and worn pipes. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to cut roots regularly if you experience issues with root growth.

• Upgrade to plastic pipes. Replacing old pipes with plastic ones, such as PVC or HDPE, can help prevent root growth.

• Correct faulty plumbing connections. Improper plumbing connections can cause clogs from silt and debris. A plumber can help inspect and correct any bad connections. 

• Install a backwater prevention valve. A backwater valve prevents sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rain. Your valve should be installed and routinely serviced by a licensed plumber.