Your home’s sewer line is a large pipe underground that collects all the wastewater from your toilets, sinks, showers and appliances. That wastewater is carried away from your home and directed to either a private septic tank or your municipal sewer system. 

Sewer line problems happen and as many of our customers have told us, “I’m sure my homeowners insurance covers this.” A damaged or ineffective sewer line can cost thousands of dollars to repair, and homeowners insurance may or may not cover it.

We suggest contacting your personal insurance company for specific information. 

How would I know if my sewer line had an issue?

Major signs indicating a problem would be slow drains, gurgling sounds from your toilets, foul odors or soggy spots on your lawn. 

Many Pittsburgh-area homes built in the 1950s-1970s have aging clay pipes and harsh winters can accelerate deterioration, so regular inspections can prevent issues and disputes with insurers.

What is typically covered under homeowners insurance for a sewer liner repair?

Damage that is sudden or accidental in nature may be covered. For example: If a pipe failure occurs due to a collapse or breakage from an external force. If there was construction being done in your area and one of the heavy machinery crushed your pipe while digging, this would be sudden damage. 

If you have water backup coverage endorsement, which is an additional insurance for sewage backup damage to your home interior and not the line itself, you could have added protection. This covers damage from water actually backing up into your home and can help with structural repairs, loss of personal belongings, mold remediation and more. 

What is typically NOT covered under homeowners insurance for a sewer liner repair?

Wear and tear or an aging infrastructure, tree root intrusion; any pre-existing damage; and gradual damage or neglect. 

When your tree roots grow into your sewer lines (attracted by the moisture and nutrients) it causes major blocks and can cause the pipe to collapse. The roots get into all the cracks of the pipe and can damage the structural integrity. 

Neglect would simply mean not taking care of red flags like slow drains or foul odors, leading to larger problems down the line. 

What should I do if I notice a sewer line issue?

The first step should be taking photos or videos of the damage, so you can create a timeline of events. Call us for a professional assessment and we can help determine the cause and extent of the damage. Then it’s time to call your insurance company and find out if you have any water  backup or service line endorsements. Report the claim to your insurance, even if you don’t know all the policy details, so it’s documented in a timely manner. 

Most sewer line repairs aren’t covered by standard homeowners insurance, but endorsements exist. Proactive maintenance is vital and a policy review can help you determine if you should add any additional coverage for your home. 

Terry’s Plumbing is here to help and we can provide detailed documentation for insurers, work with adjusters during the inspection process and present repair options, regardless of insurance outcome. Call us today for a professional assessment.