Is Sewer Repair Covered by Insurance? We Asked an Agent

You discovered a broken sewer pipe in your home — and the only thing more unpleasant than the smell is the quote for your plumbing repairs. You’re likely wondering, “Will my homeowners insurance cover the bill?” 

We spoke to Paxten Volbrecht, Director of Agency Operations at Jacobs Insurance Solutions, to gain expert clarity and actionable tips for homeowners trying to get their insurance provider to cover the cost of sewer repairs.

Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover sewer repair without a specific rider or add-on. If damage is from a covered event, follow our 3-step plan immediately to vastly increase the odds of getting insurance to pay for sewer repairs.

Need Dallas sewer repair? Call Mother- we’re here 24/7 to answer your call. Skip the line with priority scheduling and get the first appointment!

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Increase Your Coverage Odds: Do These 3 Things Now

If you discover a broken sewer pipe, act quickly and strategically. Paxten advises homeowners to take these 3 actions, in a specific order, to improve your chances of being covered.

Your crucial first steps: get your ducks in a row

1. Contact a Reputable Plumber: Obtain a thorough assessment of the damage, the likely cause, and a detailed repair or replacement estimate.
2. Document Everything: Take clear photos and videos of the broken pipe, the surrounding area, and any resulting damage. Keep all plumber reports and invoices.
3. Locate Your Insurance Policy: Have your policy documents readily available.

Always call your insurance agent first, not your direct carrier

As Paxten advises, contacting your insurance agent first can be a crucial step:

"If you have an agent, you can speak to the agent about the policy without it going on your claims history. So you can have a conversation with me, and it might not go on your claims record. Now, if you have a conversation with a carrier directly, that's going on your claims record, 100%." - Paxten Volbrecht

Speaking with your agent allows you to discuss the situation and understand potential coverage before filing a formal claim, which can impact your claims history even if the claim is ultimately denied.

Call a plumber to increase your approval odds

The difference between approved and denied claims often hinges on proper documentation from sources that your insurance provider trusts. This includes an inspection and quote from a certified Master Plumber.

A detailed report from a qualified plumber can provide crucial information about the cause of the break, which is vital for your insurance claim. Clear documentation (photos, videos, plumber's report) strengthens your case and helps the insurance adjuster understand the situation.

Sewer Line Coverage: It's About The Policy, Not The Problem

According to Paxten, the crucial factor isn't just the broken pipe itself, but the specifics of your homeowner's insurance policy and how the damage occurred.

"Ask me about [exactly] what you’re purchasing when you’re getting your policy set up." - Paxten Volbrecht

The gray area between sewer repairs and homeowners insurance

The question of insurance coverage for broken sewer pipes isn't a simple yes or no. 

Homeowner's insurance is designed to protect against sudden and accidental damage from covered perils. Sewer line issues often fall into a gray area, frequently stemming from gradual deterioration, root intrusion, or lack of maintenance – issues typically not covered by standard policies.

Understanding your coverage before a problem arises is a critical step in getting plumbing repairs covered by insurance.

Common Coverage Scenarios: When You Might Be Covered

While not guaranteed, your homeowner's insurance may cover sewer line breaks under specific circumstances, typically involving:

Sudden and accidental damage from a covered event

If a covered event, such as a tree falling on your property and damaging the sewer line, causes a sudden and accidental break, your policy might provide coverage.

Common Exclusion Scenarios: When You Likely Aren't Covered (without extra coverages)

Be aware that most homeowner's insurance policies exclude coverage for sewer line issues resulting from:

Gradual deterioration and wear and tear

Over time, pipes naturally degrade. Damage due to age or normal wear and tear is generally not covered.

Lack of regular maintenance

If the pipe break is deemed to have occurred due to a failure to properly maintain your sewer lines, coverage will likely be denied.

Scheduling annual sewer cleaning and maintenance with your plumber increases the odds of a future sewer repair project being covered by your insurance.

or example, members of Mother’s Pipeline get a $300 annual coupon for drain cleaning, plus free freshwater and wastewater leak tests.

Root intrusions

Tree roots growing into and damaging sewer pipes are a common cause of breaks and are often excluded from standard policies.

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Understanding the "Sudden and Accidental" Clause and Optional Add-on Coverage

The "sudden and accidental" clause is key. Insurance companies look for unexpected and immediate damage, not issues that develop over time. Paxten's initial question emphasizes the importance of understanding what your policy covers beyond just the broad strokes.

Consider whether you have any optional or add-on coverages, such as "water backup" or "service line" coverage, which may provide protection for sewer line issues that standard policies typically exclude.

Master Plumbers Answer Your Sewer Repair Insurance Questions

Since we published this article last year, we’ve received dozens of questions from homeowners trying to get their insurance to cover sewer line repair costs. Our Master Plumbers answered your 4 most commonly asked questions about the process.

Does insurance cover replacing cast iron pipes?

If you’re replacing cast iron sewer lines due to age, wear and tear, this typically isn’t covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy.

However, damage caused by a “sudden and accidental” burst- floor damage, water damage to walls, and some slab repairs- is often covered. Ask your agent about your specific policy.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken sewer pipes?

It’s all about the cause of the break. If your sewer line broke due to natural deterioration or wear and tear, you’re probably not covered. The same applies if overgrown trees (due to negligence) cause damage.

If your broken sewer pipe was damaged by an “act of God” or sudden accident- a tree falling, earthquake, seismic shift- you’re likely covered. 

Does my insurance cover frost damage to my sewer main?

Not usually- this is often categorized under a “maintenance” issue. You’ll need a specific rider or add-on that addresses frost damage from freezing events to gain coverage.

See “Service Line Coverage” in the section below- this is many homeowner’s best bet.

Who is responsible for my sewer pipe (and any damage)?

You are responsible for the entire sewer line from your house to its connection with the city or municipal line. Past that connection, it becomes the city’s responsibility.

If you’re unclear about responsibility for sewer line damage, read our guide to when the city’s on the hook for your repairs.

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Make Sure You Understand Your Policy Type

Don't just file a claim blindly. Take the time to understand the specifics of your homeowner's insurance policy. 

Ask your agent to guide you through the details of your policy. They’ll help you determine the likelihood of coverage based on your situation and policy language.

Policy add-ons and riders that help cover sewer line repair

Consider adding service line coverage and water backup coverage onto your policy to increase the chances of being covered for sewer line damage.

Service Line Coverage (also known as Buried Utility Line Coverage)

What it covers: This is the most direct type of coverage for damage to underground service lines on your property, including sewer lines, water pipes, electrical lines, gas lines, and communication cables.

Types of damage covered: Depending on the specific policy, it can cover damage from:

• Wear and tear
• Rust and corrosion
• Tree root intrusion
• Freezing
• Mechanical breakdown
• Electrical breakdown
• Collapse
• Weight of vehicles or equipment
• Excavation accidents (even by the homeowner)
• Rodents or insects

Additional benefits: Many service line coverage policies also help pay for:

• Excavation costs
• Repair or replacement of the damaged line
• Landscaping restoration (e.g., reseeding lawns, replacing shrubs)
• Loss of use expenses (if your home is uninhabitable due to the damage)
• In some cases, upgrades to more efficient or environmentally friendly materials.

Important Note: This coverage is specifically for damage to the service line itself.

Water Backup Coverage (also known as Sewer Backup Coverage)

What it covers: This endorsement primarily covers damage to your home and personal belongings caused by water or sewage backing up through drains, sewers, or overflowing from a sump pump.

Relation to sewer line breaks: If a broken sewer line causes sewage to back up into your home, this coverage would typically address the damage inside your house.

What it typically doesn't cover: It usually does not cover the repair or replacement of the broken sewer line itself.

Key benefit: It helps with the often costly expenses of cleaning, repairing, and replacing flooring, walls, furniture, and other personal property damaged by the backup. It may also cover additional living expenses if you have to move out temporarily.

5 Key Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent About Sewer Coverage

When you contact your agent, be sure to ask these 5 important questions:

• What type of homeowner's insurance policy do I have?
• Does my policy cover sudden and accidental damage to underground pipes, specifically sewer lines?
• Are there any specific exclusions related to sewer lines, such as gradual deterioration or root intrusion?
• Would a discussion about this potential issue be recorded as a claim, even if I don't formally file one?
• Do I have any optional coverage for water or sewer line issues, such as water backup or service line protection?

Need Sewer Line Break Documentation? Call Mother

The first step to getting your sewer repairs covered by homeowners insurance is proper documentation backed by experts your insurance provider trusts. That means hiring a Master Plumber with the credibility and experience to deliver a comprehensive inspection, analysis and quote of your plumbing damage.

Dallas area homeowners hire Mother Modern Plumbing for expert plumbing solutions that insurance providers value and trust. Our Master Plumbers lead a team with nearly a century of local experience with sewer line inspections, repair and replacement.

Need sewer line repair in Dallas? Call Mother 24/7- we’ll have an experienced plumber on site to assess your sewer line and provide the documentation needed to increase your odds of getting covered.

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