Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line or Pipe Replacement?
Few home repairs are more stressful — or expensive — than a broken sewer line or collapsed pipe. Many homeowners are shocked to discover their insurance doesn’t automatically cover these types of problems. So, does homeowners insurance protect you from the high costs of sewer or pipe replacement? The answer depends on the cause and your coverage.
When Sewer or Pipe Damage Is Covered
Homeowners insurance typically covers sewer line or pipe damage if it’s sudden, accidental, and caused by a covered peril. Examples include:
Damage from a fire or explosion
Pipes destroyed by vandalism
A falling object that crushes part of the system
Damage caused by vehicles (like if someone drives into your yard and breaks the line)
In these scenarios, your policy may help pay for repair or replacement, subject to your deductible and coverage limits.
When It’s Not Covered
Unfortunately, most sewer and pipe issues aren’t caused by sudden accidents — they’re due to wear and tear, neglect, or natural processes. Common exclusions include:
Corrosion or deterioration over time
Tree root intrusion
Ground shifting or settling
Regular clogs or backups
Poor maintenance
Since insurers view these as preventable, homeowners policies usually won’t pay for repairs or replacement.
What About Water Backups?
Another common problem is water backing up into a basement or home. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes this — unless you’ve purchased water backup coverage as an add-on endorsement. This coverage can help pay for cleanup and repairs if a sewer backs up into your house.
Service Line Coverage: A Valuable Add-On
To fill these gaps, many insurers now offer service line coverage as an optional endorsement. This can cover underground utility and sewer lines running from your home to the street. With service line coverage, you may be protected against:
Tree root damage
Wear and tear
Collapse from ground movement
Accidental breakage
The cost for this endorsement is usually affordable compared to the thousands of dollars a repair could cost.
How to Protect Yourself
Since sewer and pipe problems can lead to major expenses, here are a few steps to reduce risk:
Schedule regular inspections of your plumbing system
Address slow drains or recurring clogs quickly
Remove trees with invasive root systems near sewer lines
Ask your agent about service line and water backup coverage
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we understand that unexpected home repairs can strain your budget. Our team can:
Review your homeowners policy to explain what’s covered and excluded
Recommend endorsements like water backup or service line coverage
Shop multiple carriers to find the best protection for your home
Guide you through the claims process if a covered loss occurs
Conclusion
Standard homeowners insurance won’t cover most sewer or pipe replacements, but with the right endorsements, you can avoid costly surprises. Protecting your home means looking beyond the basics and planning for the unexpected. Contact Hixson & Malinowski Insurance today to explore coverage options that keep your home — and your wallet — safe.
