Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?

With all the rain this year, sewer problems are inching high on the homeowner’s list of worries. What happens if a pipe bursts or you need to replace your septic tank? Are these homeowners’ insurance covered? And do you have to pay extra for sewer line insurance to protect your investment in your plumbing? Mr. Rooter Plumbing has seen every scenario and is here to help provide information. First and foremost, do not delay when you need a sewer repair or potentially even a sewer replacement. The more quickly the act, the less challenging the cleanup and repair will be.

A plumbing emergency is generally not covered. If you have a clog in your sewer line, it can cause severe damage to your home. This is why it’s essential to know whether or not your homeowners' insurance will cover sewer repair. You could be stuck with thousands of dollars in repairs if you don't have enough coverage.

Scenarios

If you are on city sewer, the line from the curb to the house is your responsibility. Having said that, if something happens to the line that impacts your home, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the city's insurance policy.

For example, your home is at the end of that particular sewer line. Somewhere along the way further on up the line, there is a problem. Everything flows downhill. The result is a complete backup into your basement, flooding your property from the sewer line. This was through no fault of your own. Expect some reimbursement for this situation.

On the flip side, if everything along the sewer line is fine, but a tree root breaks through the line under your porch — this is your sole responsibility. You cannot expect any coverage or reimbursement in this instance.

When the Damage is Not Likely To Be Covered

If there has been no prior damage to the sewer line, you may not be covered for future damage. For example, suppose your sewer line is damaged by tree roots or another defect in the ground that has yet to be previously identified and addressed by a licensed plumber or contractor. In that case, you may not be covered for these repairs.

Invest in Protection With Riders On Your Policy

You can purchase additional insurance coverage called riders to protect against future damage to these underground pipes and wires. This may be worth investigating if you have an older home or one with older plumbing systems before buying your next policy.

Sewer Line Problem Prevention

There are several things you can do to prevent problems with your sewer line:

Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly - You should pump your septic tank every 2-3 years if you don't have any problems with it. If you have a problem with your septic tank, it may be due to too much sludge build-up inside of it, and this sludge needs to be removed before it becomes too thick and clogs up the entire system.
Enzymes - Use an enzyme that breaks down organic material and grease in drain lines so they don't clog up as easily. This enzyme can be added directly into the drain line or poured down the toilet when doing a bowel movement to keep those drains flowing freely throughout the day without having to constantly plunge them or use chemical drain cleaners damaging to pipes and septic systems alike.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

To ensure you're getting the service you need, always work with a licensed and insured plumber. It's also important to know that homeowners insurance only sometimes covers sewer repair or replacement, especially in older homes (depending on your policy). The good news is that there's no reason to break the bank by hiring professional services if you can do it yourself.

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