Yes, homeowners insurance covers sewer line replacement, but only if damage is sudden, accidental and caused by a covered peril. Commonly covered events in home insurance include:
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?
Updated: October 29, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Standard homeowners insurance covers sewer line damage from fire, wind or vandalism, but not wear, clogs or neglect. Coverage falls under dwelling or other structures, depending on your insurer.
Tree root intrusion and gradual deterioration commonly cause sewer line damage but aren't covered without an endorsement.
You'll need a service line or sewer backup endorsement for full protection from common sewer issues.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?
Fire, Vandalism or Explosions
Standard homeowners insurance covers sewer line damage from sudden, destructive events like fire, explosions or vandalism. If vandals set a fire in your yard or someone detonates fireworks that damage underground pipes, your policy pays for replacement.
Falling Objects or Vehicle Impact
Your insurance covers replacement 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.
Windstorms or Lightning
Sewer line damage from windstorms or lightning is covered. 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
Gradual deterioration causes most sewer line damage, which standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover.
Examples include rusted metal pipes, cracks from long-term ground pressure or sagging lines. Insurers consider these maintenance issues and 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. Clogs from grease, debris or "flushable" wipes are also excluded.
Floods, Earthquakes and Ground Movement
Sewer line damage from flooding, earthquakes or shifting soil is excluded unless you have separate coverage or an endorsement.
Even if your sewer line cracks during heavy rain or a tremor, standard homeowners insurance won't pay for repairs. You'll need specialized flood or earthquake insurance 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 while keeping your homeowners insurance cheap, but note that availability can vary by state.
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 like American Family 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. American Family and Auto-Owners Insurance may offer this in your state. |
Home Warranty | A separate service contract covering sewer line repairs from normal wear and tear. Includes limits, exclusions and a service call fee. |
Protection Plan | Utility companies or private firms offer standalone sewer line plans covering damage from aging or usage. Include emergency service and full or partial replacement costs. Enroll through your utility provider or companies like HomeServe. |
SERVICE LINE ENDORSEMENT VS. SEWER BACKUP ENDORSEMENT: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A service line endorsement protects the pipe itself, while a sewer backup endorsement only applies once wastewater enters your home.
One pays for excavation and pipe replacement, the other pays for cleanup and restoration. Since the risks don't overlap, adding both is the only way to cover the full range of sewer line problems.
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:
- 1Document 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.
- 2Contact 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.
- 3Review Your Deductible and Coverage Limits
Check your policy to see what you'll pay out of pocket. Most claims require a deductible, and sewer line coverage may have its own limit or sublimit. Understanding these amounts helps you decide if filing a claim makes financial sense.
- 4Get a Professional Inspection
Have a licensed plumber or contractor inspect your sewer line and explain what caused the damage. Ask for a written report noting whether damage was sudden or resulted from long-term wear.
Maintenance logs or recent inspection reports can strengthen your claim by showing the damage was unexpected.
- 5Schedule 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.
- 6Review 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.
Signs Your Sewer Line May Need Repair or Replacement
Knowing the warning signs of sewer line trouble helps you catch issues early and determine whether insurance coverage may apply. Common indicators include:
Slow Drains | Multiple sinks, tubs or toilets draining sluggishly may signal a blockage in the main sewer line. |
Foul Odors | Persistent sewage smells indoors or outdoors often point to underground leaks or cracks. |
Lawn Indentations or Wet Spots | Soft patches, puddles or sinking areas in your yard can indicate a collapsed or damaged pipe. |
Gurgling Noises | Toilets or drains that gurgle when water runs suggest trapped air from a failing sewer line. |
If you notice one or more of these issues, schedule an inspection promptly. Quick action reduces repair costs and strengthens your case if you need to file a claim.
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.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best home insurance policy for your needs. The average cost of a policy in the U.S. costs 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 damage is sudden, accidental and caused by a covered peril like fire, vandalism or a falling object. Most policies exclude damage from 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 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 for protection from 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 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 data, official filings, and independent research. We use premium data from Quadrant Information Services, which gathers rate filings from state Departments of Insurance in all 50 states.
This helps us provide accurate and current insights into what’s covered, including sewer line replacement, and how coverage and costs differ by insurer and location.
We also reviewed how insurers handle sewer line damage, including what’s excluded and which add-ons are available.
We then looked at how this coverage is classified, such as whether it falls under dwelling or other structures. Our findings are based on industry standards, insurer documents, and regulatory guidelines to help you understand how to avoid unexpected repair 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.