Yes, homeowners insurance covers sewer line replacement, but only if the damage is sudden, accidental and caused by a covered peril. Commonly covered events include:
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?
Updated: August 7, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Standard homeowners insurance covers sewer line damage from fire, wind or vandalism, but not from wear, clogs or neglect. Coverage may fall under dwelling or other structures, depending on your insurer.
Tree root intrusion and gradual deterioration are common causes of sewer line damage, but they're usually not covered without an endorsement.
Most homeowners will need a service line or sewer backup endorsement to be fully protected from common sewer issues.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?
Fire, Vandalism or Explosions
Standard homeowners insurance covers sewer line damage caused by sudden, destructive events like fire, explosions or vandalism. For example, if vandals set a fire in your yard or someone detonates fireworks that damage underground pipes, your policy will pay for replacement.
Falling Objects or Vehicle Impact
If a falling tree or heavy object crushes your sewer line during a windstorm, or a car crashes onto your property and breaks the pipe, your insurance covers the replacement cost.
Windstorms or Lightning
Sewer line damage caused by natural events like windstorms or lightning is covered under standard homeowners insurance. For instance, if strong winds knock over a tree that crushes your sewer line or lightning strikes near your yard causing damage, your policy applies.
Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement: Exceptions
Most sewer line damage isn't covered by standard homeowners insurance because it's caused by preventable issues or maintenance problems. Common exclusions include:
Wear and Tear, Corrosion or Aging Pipes
Most sewer line damage is caused by gradual deterioration, which standard homeowners insurance does not cover. Examples include rusted metal pipes, cracks from long-term ground pressure or sagging lines. These are considered maintenance issues, and insurers expect homeowners to repair or replace aging systems.
Tree Root Intrusion and Clogs
Roots from nearby trees or shrubs can grow into sewer lines over time, causing blockages, cracks or complete collapses. Similarly, clogs from grease, debris or "flushable" wipes are excluded from coverage.
Floods, Earthquakes and Ground Movement
Sewer line damage from natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes or shifting soil is excluded unless you have a separate policy or endorsement. Even if your sewer line cracks during heavy rain or a tremor, standard homeowners insurance won’t pay for repairs. Specialized flood or earthquake insurance is required for coverage in these scenarios.
Optional Home Insurance Coverage for Sewer Lines
Since standard homeowners insurance rarely covers the most common causes of sewer line damage, optional add-ons can fill the gap. These protections are affordable and easy to add to your policy or service agreement.
Service Line Endorsement | Expands your homeowners insurance to cover underground utility lines like sewer pipes. Includes damage from root intrusion, corrosion and soil shifts. Available through major insurers as an optional add-on. |
Sewer Backup Endorsement | Covers damage from water or sewage backing up into your home due to a clog or municipal overflow. It doesn't cover pipe replacement but pays for cleanup, damaged property and restoration. Available as a low-cost add-on from most insurers. |
Home Warranty | A separate service contract that covers sewer line repairs caused by normal wear and tear. Includes limits, exclusions and a service call fee. |
Protection Plan | Utility companies or private firms offer standalone sewer line plans that cover damage from aging or usage. Include emergency service and full or partial replacement costs. Enroll through your utility provider or companies like HomeServe. |
How to File a Claim for Sewer Line Damage
Filing a claim for sewer line damage requires quick action and solid documentation. Here are six steps to stay organized and improve your approval chances:
- 1
Document the Damage
Take clear photos or videos of visible damage, such as yard flooding, sinkholes or indoor sewage backup. Note when the issue began and any unusual events, like a recent storm or fallen tree. Keep receipts from immediate repairs or plumber visits for potential reimbursement.
- 2
Contact Your Insurer
Call your homeowners insurance provider immediately to report the issue and ask if your policy includes sewer line coverage or endorsements. Be prepared to describe the event and provide documentation. Your insurer may recommend or require an inspection by an approved contractor.
- 3
Review Your Deductible and Coverage Limits
Check your policy to understand your out-of-pocket costs. Most claims are subject to a deductible, and sewer line coverage may have a separate cap or sublimit. Know these figures to decide whether filing a claim is financially worthwhile.
- 4
Get a Professional Inspection
Hire a licensed plumber or contractor to inspect the sewer line and determine the cause of damage. Get a written report that outlines whether the issue was sudden or due to long-term wear and tear. Maintenance records or recent inspections can support your claim by showing unexpected damage.
- 5
Schedule an Adjuster Visit
Your insurer may assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and verify its cause. Stay present during the visit and share your photos, plumber reports and maintenance records. The adjuster's report determines claim approval.
- 6
Review the Settlement Offer
After your insurer processes the claim, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Make sure it reflects your actual repair costs and coverage terms, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or challenge the offer if needed.
Sewer Line Replacement: How to Prevent Damages
Most sewer line issues aren’t covered by insurance because they result from preventable problems. Simple preventive measures can save you from expensive repairs and claim denials. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
Inspect Your Sewer System Regularly
Look for early signs like slow drains, gurgling toilets or soft spots in your yard. Schedule routine inspections every few years to catch small issues before they become major failures.
Don't Flush Nonbiodegradable Items
Paper towels, grease and flushable wipes can clog or damage your pipes. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which corrode your system over time, especially older metal pipes.
Replace Metal Pipes With Plastic
PVC piping is more durable and resistant to corrosion than older galvanized or cast iron lines. If your home still has metal sewer lines, consider upgrading to prevent future failures.
Periodically Cut Tree Roots
Roots from nearby trees can crack or clog your sewer line. Have a landscaper assess and trim problem roots before they cause structural damage.
Correct Illegal Plumbing Connections
Improper or outdated plumbing can lead to leaks and backups. Make sure all fixtures are correctly connected, and hire a licensed plumber for any upgrades or repairs.
Homeowners Insurance Sewer Line: Where to Buy
Top insurers like State Farm, Progressive, GEICO and Farmers offer homeowners insurance policies that include or allow add-ons for sewer line protection. Smaller companies like Lemonade and Hippo also provide flexible coverage options worth exploring.
To find the best rate and coverage, compare quotes from multiple insurers. The average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is around $175 per month, but your premium will be higher if you insure a high-value home or add endorsements for sewer or service line coverage. Use MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator to estimate how much coverage you need.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Lines: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance covers sewer line replacement from sudden, external events like fire or vandalism, but not the most common issues: root intrusion, age-related failure and poor maintenance.
Coverage also depends on whether your sewer line falls under dwelling or other structures protection, which varies by insurer. If your home is older or your sewer system is at higher risk, consider a service line endorsement to avoid paying out of pocket for expensive repairs.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair: FAQ
These frequently asked questions explain what's covered, what's not and how to protect your home better.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line replacement?
Yes, but only if the damage is sudden, accidental and caused by a covered peril like fire, vandalism or a falling object. Most policies exclude damage caused by wear, tree roots or neglect.
Is the sewer line covered under dwelling or other structures coverage?
It depends on your insurer and how the line is connected. Some policies treat sewer lines as part of the dwelling if they connect directly to the home, while others categorize them under other structures.
What’s not covered under a standard policy?
Most sewer line issues aren’t covered, especially those resulting from aging pipes, poor maintenance, blockages, root intrusion or gradual deterioration. These are considered homeowner responsibilities.
Do I need an endorsement for full sewer line protection?
Yes. You'll need a service line or sewer backup endorsement if you want protection for common issues like root damage or collapse. These add-ons are affordable and cover scenarios your base policy doesn’t.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?
Only if the repair is needed due to a covered peril, such as a windstorm or explosion. Insurance won’t pay for repairs due to clogs, corrosion, or gradual wear and tear.
Sewer Line Replacement Insurance Companies: Our Review Methodology
MoneyGeek evaluates homeowners insurance using real-world data, official filings and independent analysis. We source premium information from Quadrant Information Services, which collects rate filings submitted to state Departments of Insurance across all 50 states. This provides accurate and current insights on what’s covered, including sewer line replacement, and how policies vary by provider and location.
We reviewed coverage scenarios related to sewer line damage, including common exclusions, add-on endorsements and policy classifications (such as dwelling vs. other structures). Our guidance reflects industry standards, insurer policy documents and regulatory best practices to help you understand how to protect your home from uncovered costs.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.