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While the typical home warranty plan covers replacement and repair costs for your home’s major systems and appliances, add-on options protect other types of items, such as utility lines and septic pumping.
We’ve reviewed more than 35 providers and narrowed down the best home warranty companies nationwide. From there, we researched each provider’s sewer line coverage and vetted its repair plans. Below, learn how sewer line coverage works and what each company’s coverage options and exclusions are.
Do Home Warranty Plans Cover Sewer Lines?
Most home warranty companies offer at least one systems plan and several add-on options for your home’s plumbing system. Enrolling in a home warranty can help you anticipate repair costs and mitigate potential water service interruptions in the future.
Covered Issues
If you choose a home warranty plan with systems coverage, plumbing and plumbing stoppages are often covered. The typical plumbing protection for your sewer line includes these problems:
- Leaks and breaks of drain, gas, waste, vent, and water lines
- Clearing of sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet stoppages
- Clearing of mainline drain and sewer stoppages through an accessible cleanup within 100 feet of the access point
- Clearing of lateral drain line stoppages
Add-On Options
Home warranties typically cover interior components within the occupied living space, but you can often add optional coverage items to your plan, such as the ones below, for an additional monthly fee:
- Mainline stoppages/clogs in your septic system pumping (which can typically be used once per plan term)
- Septic tank systems, which include jet pumps, aerobic pumps, and sewage ejector pumps
Exclusions
Home warranty coverage applies to covered items damaged by normal wear and tear. It does not cover accidental damage or breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance. Sewer line protection typically excludes the following:
- Broken or collapsed sewer lines outside the foundation
- Stoppages due to tree roots
- Disposal of waste
- Cost of finding or gaining access to septic tank or sewer hookups
- Systems with insufficient capacity
How Do You Know if Your Sewer Line Has Collapsed?
While you’ll need a plumber and a diagnostic camera to confirm your sewer line has collapsed, there are a few telltale signs. Some common symptoms of a collapsed sewer pipe include these:
- Grass growing quicker in one area of the yard
- Standing water in your yard that wasn’t previously an issue
- Clogs in multiple drains in your home
- Drain backflowing into the tub or sink when not in use
- Foul odors, especially coming from the drain or toilet
- Toilet bubbling
While a home warranty does not cover collapsed pipes, it can help offset the cost of diagnosing a plumbing problem. You can file a claim if you notice an issue with your home’s sewer service line, then schedule a technician to confirm if your home warranty can clear the stoppage.
How Do You Know If Your Sewer Line Is Leaking?
If your sewer line is leaking inside your home, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Water sounds inside your wall
- Localized rodent or insect activity
- Slow drains
- Damaged sheetrock or moldy walls
- Discolored, wet, or soggy flooring
- Foul odors
- Foundation cracks
- Raw sewage anywhere
Best Home Warranty Providers for Sewer Lines
Here are the top home warranty companies for protecting your sewer line:
- American Home Shield : Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard : Best Add-On Variety
- First American Home Warranty : Best for Home Systems Coverage
- America’s 1st Choice Home Club : Best Membership Perks
- Select Home Warranty : Best for Cost-Effective Plans
*We obtained pricing information for this article by requesting quotes for a 3,200-square-foot, single-family home in Tempe, Arizona. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s size, type, and location, plus your coverage selections.
American Home Shield
Fast Facts:
- Claim response time: Less than 24 hours
- Coverage limits: Up to $5,000 for systems; Up to $4,000 for appliances
- State availability: 48 (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
- Service fee: $100–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit AHS site
American Home Shield (AHS) is our top pick for sewer line repairs due to its unlimited coverage cap for plumbing systems. Alongside comprehensive plumbing coverage, AHS offers generous major system and appliance protection. The company also provides two service call fee options that will raise or lower your monthly premium depending on your choice.
Plan Coverage
American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. It includes plumbing coverage in each of its plans. You can also add coverage for one annual septic tank pumping.
AHS’s plumbing coverage includes toilets and their related mechanisms, plus leaks and breaks in the water, drain, gas, waste, and vent lines. AHS will also cover clearance of sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet stoppages. AHS technicians can clear the mainline drain, sewer, and lateral drain line through an accessible cleanout within 100 feet of the access point. Additionally, the company covers up to $1,000 in wall and access point repair. Note that AHS leaves these repairs with a rough finish.
American Home Shield’s service agreement excludes blockages caused by collapsed, broken, and damaged service lines outside your home’s foundation. Septic tanks are not covered. If a technician cannot easily locate the cleanout for your sewer line, AHS will not cover the cost of locating or accessing these sites.
Plan Costs
American Home Shield allows you to choose from a $100 or $125 service call fee. If you choose the $125 service fee, you’ll pay a lower monthly fee. Below is a pricing breakdown of American Home Shield’s coverage plans:
- ShieldSilver: $29.99–$39.99 per month
- ShieldGold: $49.99–$59.99 per month
- ShieldPlatinum: $79.99–$89.99 per month
Read more: American Home Shield Review
Liberty Home Guard
Fast Facts:
- Claim response time: 24–48 hours
- Coverage limits: Up to $2,000 for most systems and all appliances; Up to $500 for plumbing and electrical systems
- State availability: 50
- Service fee: $65–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit LHG’s site
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is another home warranty company that offers solid sewer line coverage. It holds stellar customer reviews on various third-party review sites, plus an A rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). LHG also offers an extensive list of add-ons for those who need coverage for unique items.
*BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
Plan Coverage
Liberty Home Guard’s plumbing system coverage includes protection for leaks, breaks, and stoppages in drain, sewer, and water service lines within 100 feet of an accessible point. According to the Liberty Home Guard’s service contract, the company also covers built-in bathtub whirlpool motors plus toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms. LHG provides a $500 coverage limit for plumbing and sewer line coverage, which is the industry standard. Note that LHG won’t cover sewer line stoppages or leaks if there isn’t an accessible area to fix the issue.
Liberty Home Guard only covers septic system pumping, whereas most providers cover septic system components and pumping. If your home uses a septic system for drainage, LHG may not be the best home warranty company for your needs.
Plan Costs
Unlike some home warranty companies, Liberty Home Guard doesn’t offer flexible service call fees. We spoke with a sales representative who said the company assigns your service call fee based on your home’s size, type, and location, plus your plan selections. The service call fee ranges from $65 to $125 per claim.
Here is a pricing breakdown for Liberty Home Guard’s coverage plans:
- Appliance Guard: $49.99 per month
- Systems Guard: $54.99 per month
- Total Home Guard: $59.99 per month
Read more: Liberty Home Guard Review
First American Home Warranty
- Claim response time: 24–48 hours
- Coverage limits: Unlimited for most systems; Up to $7,000 for appliances
- State availability: 35 (all but Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin)
- Service fee: $75–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit First American’s site
First American Home Warranty provides comprehensive coverage for sewer lines, major systems, and appliances. First American offers the highest sewer line coverage limits of all the companies in this article. However, we don’t consider it our top pick because it covers fewer states than American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard. That said, First American provides great value through its generous coverage caps and upgrade plan that covers miscellaneous fees that most home warranties exclude.
Plan Coverage
First American includes plumbing system and sewer line coverage in each plan. We read First American’s sample contract and found it covers sewer line breaks and leaks not caused by frozen pipes or roots. Like American Home Shield, First American will cover removing concrete or other obstacles that obstruct access to your home’s sewer line. Additionally, the company increases its restoration limit from $500 to $1,000 in its Premium plan.
First American stands out from other providers for its coverage of sewer line stoppages up to 125 feet from an access point. Every other provider in this article only covers stoppages up to 100 feet from an access point.
First American also covers several septic system components, such as sewage ejector pumps. It covers up to $500 per claim, which is separate from its standard plumbing system limit.
Plan Costs
First American allows you to choose from three service call fees. The fees range from $75 to $125 per claim. You’ll pay a lower monthly premium if you select a higher service call fee. Below is a pricing breakdown for First American Home Warranty:
- Starter: $42–$57 per month
- Essential: $52–$67 per month
- Premium: $67–$82 per month
Read more: First American Home Warranty Review
America’s 1st Choice Home Club
Fast Facts:
- Claim response time: Up to 48 hours
- Coverage limits: Up to $3,500 per appliance; Varied systems limits
- State availability: 49 (all but Hawaii)
- Service fee: $75–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit AFC Home Club site
America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is another reputable home warranty company that offers sewer line coverage. AFC Home Club provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee that lasts for the life of your plan. This means AFC won’t charge you a service call fee if a previously repaired item breaks down again.
Plan Coverage
AFC Home Club’s systems coverage includes plumbing systems and plumbing stoppages. It will pay up to $500 for visible interior leaks and breaks in water supply pipes and drain, vent, waste, and dishwasher supply lines. Technicians must have unobstructed access to a stoppage within the confines of the home. It does not cover pipe failures or blockages that result from collapses, freezing, or tree-root damage.
According to AFC Home Club’s service agreement, its in-network technicians will pay up to $200 to restore the access point to a rough finish. AFC Home Club subtracts this amount from your plumbing system coverage limit.
AFC Home Club also offers add-on coverage for your septic system, which includes the sewage ejector, jet, and aerobic pumps. It does not cover the septic tank, the line from the house, leach lines, field lines, lateral lines, cleanout, insufficient capacity, or the grinder pump. It will pay up to $500 per plan term, separate from the total plumbing limit.
Plan Costs
AFC Home Club allows you to select from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. The lower the service call fee, the higher your monthly premium. Below is a pricing breakdown of AFC Home Club’s coverage plans:
- Silver: $43.67–$48.67 per month
- Systems: $51.17–$56.25 per month
- Gold: $58.75–$63.83 per month
- Platinum: $63.83–$68.83 per month
Read more: AFC Home Club Review
Select Home Warranty
- Claim response time: Up to 48 hours
- Coverage limits: Up to $3,000 for HVAC systems; Up to $500 for remaining covered systems and appliances
- State availability: 47 states (all but Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin)
- Service fee: $60–$75
- Get a quick quote: Visit Select Home Warranty’s site
Select Home Warranty offers competitive pricing for its sewer line and standard item coverage. While Select doesn’t offer particularly high sewer line coverage caps, it does provide roof-leak repair coverage in each plan. Other home warranty companies only offer roof-leak coverage as an add-on.
Plan Coverage
Select Home Warranty provides three home protection plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Gold and Platinum Care cover plumbing systems up to $500 per claim. We read Select’s sample contract and found it covers drain, waste, and vent line leaks, breaks, and stoppages. However, it won’t cover damage caused by frozen pipes or tree roots.
Select also won’t cover a plumbing stoppage if there isn’t an easily accessible entry to your home’s plumbing system.
The company also covers septic system component coverage as an add-on, paying up to $400 per claim. The company covers aerobic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, and the septic tank itself. It doesn’t cover septic system pumping, however.
Plan Costs
Select offers the lowest service call fees of all the companies listed in this article. Its standard service fee is $75. However, we found you can obtain a lower $60 service fee if you purchase a plan over the phone. Below is a pricing breakdown of Select’s coverage plans:
- Bronze Care: $44.42 per month
- Gold Care: $44.42 per month
- Platinum Care: $47.75 per month
Read more: Select Home Warranty Review
Compare the Top Home Warranties for Sewer Line Coverage
Each home warranty provider will have a different coverage cap for its plumbing systems and a separate coverage cap for its add-on options.
You can compare the best home warranty companies for sewer line coverage in the table below.
| Company | Sewer Line Coverage Cap | Add-On Coverage Cap | Service Call Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Unlimited |
Varied |
$100–$125 |
|
|
$500 |
$500 |
$65–$125 |
|
|
Unlimited |
Varied |
$75–$125 |
|
|
$500 |
Varied |
$75–$125 |
|
|
$500 |
$400 |
$60–$75 |
Our Recommendation
Home warranties allow homeowners to bundle their essential systems and appliances under one protection plan, which can help eliminate the inconvenience of understanding the terms of separate policies. To confirm you’re making the best choice for your home’s needs, we recommend requesting a quote from three providers and comparing their plan options, covered items, and fine print.
American Home Shield is worthwhile because its base plans cover more items than its competitors, plus its sewer line coverage is comprehensive. Liberty Home Guard is another reputable choice due to its long list of add-on coverage options. Finally, we recommend First American Home Warranty if you live in a state the company covers.
How to Take Care of Your Sewer Line
With basic sewer maintenance, you can prevent many inconvenient backups and clogs. Regularly maintaining your sewer line also decreases the likelihood of a denied claim. Here are a few easy tips to ensure your service line stays in working order:
- Dispose of grease and cooking oil by throwing it in the trash: Grease will solidify in your pipes. Over time, grease build-up can create a significant backup.
- Be discerning about what you put in your garbage disposal: You shouldn’t put animal bones, eggshells, or fibrous foods in your garbage disposal, as it can lead to a clog.
- Call a plumber if you notice a clogged drain: If your home is prone to clogs, you can snake your drain once a month to prevent recurrent blockages.
- Maintain your landscaping: Tree roots and shrubs can disrupt your home’s foundation and service lines, leading to sewer line problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sewer line warranty?
A sewer line warranty—also called a sewer service line warranty or sewer line insurance—is a protection plan for your sewer line and related items. Many home warranty providers offer plumbing, sewer line, and septic system coverage. Home warranties cover plumbing failures due to normal wear and tear, unlike homeowners insurance, which covers hazardous events.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line breaks?
Homeowners insurance policies cover sewer lines within your property lines, but it does not cover any preventable damage. Your homeowners insurance should cover repairs if your sewer line breaks due to weather, civil disturbances, falling objects, vehicular damage, vandalism, and similar events. However, physical damage and sewage backups are not covered.
How We Chose the Top Home Warranty Providers
Our team reviewed and researched dozens of home warranty providers, thoroughly analyzed sample agreements, and identified customer pain points based on our analysis of customer reviews and interviews with industry experts. Our in-depth methodology outlines our review process to provide transparent information about the companies we review.
We determined that the following factors are the most important when comparing home warranty companies: available plans, plan coverage, price range, industry reputation, customer support, and additional features. Our research supported that plan coverage, customer service, and industry reputation should carry the most weight. While important, the other factors should not have as much influence when choosing a home warranty provider.
