Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Lines?

Homeowners insurance policies serve as a financial safeguard, offering protection against various perils that can impact a property. Among the many components of a home’s infrastructure, the sewer line plays a crucial role in waste removal, channeling wastewater from the house to a municipal system or septic tank. Understanding how these policies interact with potential sewer line damage is important for homeowners.

Standard Homeowners Insurance and Sewer Lines

Standard homeowners insurance policies, such as HO-3 and HO-5, do not cover damage to the sewer line itself, especially when the damage occurs outside the home’s foundation. This exclusion applies to issues stemming from gradual deterioration, such as wear and tear, corrosion, or aging pipes, and damage caused by tree root intrusion, clogs, or ground movement.

Many sewer line problems are considered maintenance issues or are caused by preventable factors. While standard policies may cover sewer line damage if it results from a sudden and accidental covered peril like fire, vandalism, or a falling object, they exclude damage from neglect or issues that develop over time. If damage to the sewer line is covered, it might fall under the “other structures” portion, with coverage capped at a percentage, often around 10%, of the dwelling’s insured value.

Typical Causes of Sewer Line Damage

Common causes of sewer line damage include:
Tree root intrusion, as roots seek moisture and can penetrate cracks in pipes, causing blockages or breaks.
Aging pipes, particularly those made of older materials like cast iron or clay, which are susceptible to corrosion, cracks, and deterioration.
Ground shifting or settling, often due to changes in soil conditions or heavy vehicle traffic, which can exert pressure on pipes.
Blockages from foreign objects, such as sanitary products or baby wipes, or the buildup of grease, restricting water flow.
Improper installation, including incorrect slope or substandard materials, contributing to premature failure.

Additional Coverage Options

Homeowners have additional coverage options to protect against sewer line issues. A sewer backup and water backup endorsement is a common add-on that covers damage from water or sewage backing up into the home through sewers, drains, or sump pumps. This endorsement addresses damage within the home, such as to flooring or personal property, and can also cover the cost of removing standing sewage. It does not cover the repair or replacement of the sewer line itself, unless the backup originates from a covered peril within the home or the policy specifically states otherwise.

Service line coverage, also known as buried utility lines coverage, is a specific endorsement designed to cover the repair or replacement of exterior service lines, including sewer, water, and electrical lines, that run from the property line to the house. This coverage is beneficial because it includes damage from causes excluded by standard policies, such as wear and tear, corrosion, freezing, tree roots, and the weight of vehicles. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the sewer line on their property up to the connection with the municipal system, making service line coverage an important consideration.

What to Do When Damage Occurs

Upon discovering potential sewer line damage, homeowners should first identify the signs of an issue. These can include slow drains, gurgling sounds from pipes, foul odors inside or outside the home, lush green patches of grass in the yard, or indentations in the lawn. If these signs appear, take immediate precautions, such as minimizing water use to prevent further backup or damage.

Contacting a qualified plumber for diagnosis and assessment is the next important step. A professional can utilize specialized tools to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the damage. Documenting the damage with photos and videos can be helpful for future reference. After understanding the nature of the damage and its cause, homeowners should contact their insurance provider to discuss their specific policy and any applicable endorsements, such as service line or sewer backup coverage, to determine potential financial assistance.