Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?

Yes, homeowners insurance may cover sewer line replacement, but only if the damage is sudden, accidental and caused by a covered peril. Commonly covered events include fire, explosions, vandalism, falling objects, windstorms and vehicle crashes on your property. For example, your sewer line would likely be covered if:

• Vandals set a fire in your yard during a riot
• A tree falls and crushes the line during a windstorm
• A car crashes into your property and damages the line

Policies may also cover damage from aircraft, explosions, and sudden tearing or cracking caused by external forces, as long as the event is unexpected and not due to neglect.

However, coverage for natural disasters varies. Most standard policies exclude sewer line damage from floods and earthquakes. If you live in a high-risk area, you may need separate flood or earthquake insurance for financial protection. Always check your policy for specific exclusions.

Most sewer line damage isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance because it’s caused by issues like wear and tear, root intrusion, or backups. All these fall under maintenance, not sudden perils. Unless you have a specific endorsement, you'll likely pay for repairs out of pocket. Common exclusions include:

• Tree root damage
• Clogs and corrosion from aging pipes
• Sewer backups
• Gradual deterioration
• Flood and earthquake damage (unless you have separate coverage)

To ensure full financial protection, especially if you have an older home or live in a high-risk area, consider adding a sewer line or service line endorsement to your policy.

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 down the road. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Top insurers like State Farm, Progressive, GEICO and Farmers offer homeowners insurance policies that may 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 may 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 may need.

We explained when homeowners insurance covers sewer line replacement, what exclusions apply, and how to protect yourself with the right coverage. While standard policies may cover damage from sudden, external events like fire or vandalism, they don’t apply to the most common issues, including 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.

Sewer line coverage can be confusing, especially since many homeowners aren’t sure what’s included in a standard policy. The answers to these frequently asked questions break down what’s covered, what’s not and how to better protect your home.

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 allows us to provide 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 also reflects industry standards, insurer policy documents and regulatory best practices to help you understand how to protect your home from uncovered costs.