Managing a single clogged drain is frustrating enough, but widespread backups in showers, sinks, and toilets can feel overwhelming. Severe sewer line issues often come with hefty repair bills, but a home warranty with sewer line coverage offers a budget-friendly alternative. These warranties can help ease financial strain and reduce stress by connecting you with preapproved plumbers when issues arise. According to our 2024 survey of 1,000 homeowners, nearly 29% purchased additional sewer drainage coverage when selecting a home warranty plan, highlighting its value.
To find the best sewer line coverage, we evaluated 13 leading home warranty companies. American Home Shield (AHS) emerged as our top choice, largely thanks to its unlimited plumbing stoppage coverage and protection for preexisting sewer line issues and damage.
Learn more about our top five picks below, along with advice on sewer line coverage and how to select the right warranty.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines
After researching 13 home warranty companies, we selected the following as our top choices for sewer line coverage:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- 2-10 Home Warranty: Cheapest Appliances Plan
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines
When evaluating home warranty companies for sewer line coverage, we focused on monthly plan costs and service call fees, which the homeowner pays for each repair visit. We also considered plumbing stoppage coverage limits, which are the maximum amount home warranty providers will pay for repair services. If a company didn’t specify a limit for stoppages, we reviewed its home plumbing coverage instead.
The panel below outlines how our top picks compare based on these criteria. We obtained quotes for a 1,964-square-foot single-family home in Baltimore, Maryland, to ensure accurate pricing.
Our Reviews of the Best Sewer Line Home Warranty Companies
Here are our top home warranty providers for sewer line coverage:
American Home Shield
Coverage Overview
- Covers some preexisting conditions and physical damage, which is typically excluded from other home warranty plans
- Has an unlimited coverage cap for most plumbing-related components and issues
- Offers a $1,000 pipe access repair cap, twice the typical amount
Keep in Mind
- Provides only six add-ons, the fewest amount from providers in this review
- May charge higher monthly rates than some home warranty companies
Company Review
American Home Shield (AHS) stands out for its comprehensive sewer line coverage, including unlimited plumbing limits for most items and coverage for undetectable preexisting conditions. This can benefit homeowners with older sewer lines that wouldn’t otherwise qualify for coverage due to age.
AHS also covers up to $1,000 for access pipes through a floor, wall, or ceiling, which is twice as much as other providers, such as First American, which limits coverage to $500. AHS covers its sewer line repairs with a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is a promise from a home warranty company that it will perform quality work and fix defects or issues within a given timeframe. A 30-day workmanship guarantee is the industry standard.
Where AHS falls short is in its cost and customization options. While AHS offers more comprehensive protections than other providers, it generally charges more for its services. It also only offers six add-ons, none of which provide additional sewer line protections. On average, most providers offer eight to 12 add-ons. Having more add-ons options can help you extend your sewer line coverage to include other essential home items and services.
Customer Experiences
After reading online reviews, we discovered that many homeowners praised American Home Shield for its quick response times and easy-to-use claims submission options. When our AHS tester submitted their claim, they received a next-day appointment within 10 minutes of submission. Reviewers also praised the technicians for being approachable and clearly discussing their system’s issues.
Several negative reviews raised concerns about the quality of service technicians, with some of the companies dispatched having low online ratings. Other reviews mentioned that multiple technicians were often required to complete a single repair job.
Here’s what real customers have to say about American Home Shield:
“The service man was on time and quickly diagnosed the problem. He returned that afternoon with the part. After checking out other parts and lubricating moving parts, he made sure all was in working order. He was professional yet friendly. He was well versed in his technical knowledge.” —Steve O. via Trustpilot on Nov. 24, 2024
“I put in a claim to have my sewer line snaked [because] waste [was] backing up in the basement. [The] plumber came out two days later but couldn’t fix the problem, so he said he would contact the warranty company to see what to do next. I’ve been calling them every day to check the status, but they couldn’t give me an update on when someone else would come out to fix the problem. It’s been more than a week, and I can’t use my washer, and my house smells like sewage!” —Michelle via Trustpilot on July 2, 2024
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Provides $3,000 for plumbing system and stoppage coverage
- Offers the most affordable comprehensive plan with sewer coverage in this review, making it one of the cheapest home warranty plans available
- Backs repairs with a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer additional sewer-related add-ons
- Generally charges a standard $100 service call fee, limiting your pricing flexibility
Company Overview
Choice Home Warranty offers the most affordable comprehensive plan with sewer coverage in this review. Its plans, which cover both systems and appliances, cost less than $55 per month. That’s almost $35 lower than American Home Shield’s top-tier plan, ShieldPlatinum. Along with its $3,000 cap for plumbing issues, Choice includes a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee for labor. This exceeds the 30-day workmanship guarantees offered by other providers. Longer guarantees can offer more reliability, ensuring you have ample time to address recurring sewer issues without incurring extra costs.
However, Choice falls short with its pricing flexibility. Other providers offer flexible service call fees that can help you tailor your monthly costs to your budget. With Choice, you’re generally limited to a standard $100 fee, though the company may offer discounts to lower pricing overall. In addition, the company is currently involved in an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office regarding deceptive practices related to contracts and claims payouts. Before signing up for a sewer line warranty, we recommend researching companies based on reputations and available services.
Customer Experiences
When reading through customer reviews, we learned that homeowners appreciated Choice’s affordable coverage and prompt technician dispatching. Negative reviews mentioned inconsistency with technician quality, with some homeowners needing multiple technicians to complete one job. Our team’s Choice tester also experienced mixed results with repairs, with some cases requiring three or four technicians.
Here’s what real customers have to say about Choice Home Warranty:
“Assigned a tech for my issue within 15 minutes of filing the claim. The technician was able to arrive sooner than the appointment time set. He was fast, efficient, and very personable. I’d want him again for my plumbing issues.” —Debbie via Trustpilot on Nov. 17, 2024
“Two separate plumbing companies were sent out to perform a task that was never fixed. I paid $100 to have a line cleared and the person said I might have roots in my line using a hand crank snake. The other plumbing company said I needed to have my line jetted all while not having a long enough snake. All were not true. I called [another company] and they cleared the line in 15 minutes. The people [that Choice] sent me were not experts at their jobs and didn’t know what they were doing.” —Elmo J. via Trustpilot on Nov. 23, 2024
Elite Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, longer than the industry standard
- Lets you choose your own repair technician
- Offers more than 30 add-on options, including additional sewer line protections
Keep in Mind
- If you choose your own technician, the company will not protect the repair under its workmanship guarantee
- Limits coverage for plumbing stoppage services to twice per year
Company Overview
Elite Home Warranty offers flexible and robust sewer line coverage, including $3,000 worth of add-on coverage for service lines, which contains exterior water and sewer line coverage. This coverage is distinct because it includes excavation services to reach the sewer line, which most providers exclude, though Elite only pays up to $1,000 for access to underground pipes. Plus, Elite allows you to select your own technician, making it easier to work with a trusted local contractor.
However, our team found a few limitations to keep in mind. Elite caps plumbing stoppage clearings at two per year, which is less generous than other providers that don’t impose limits. Although you can pick between in-network and out-of-network contractors, the workmanship guarantee only applies to technicians the company chooses. If an out-of-network contractor’s repair work fails, the homeowner must pay another service call fee to fix the issue.
Customer Experiences
After reading reviews, we learned that Elite customers appreciated the company’s dedicated level of customer service, with some people mentioning they had an agent specifically assigned to their claims. Homeowners also praised the quick turnaround for claims processing and technician scheduling. Our team’s Elite tester also experienced prompt claims processing, with a representative contacting him 30 minutes later to set a next-day appointment.
On the negative side, some reviewers mentioned that claims processing took 48 hours or longer. Some homeowners had to make multiple calls to resolve their submitted claims.
Here’s what real customers have to say about Elite Home Warranty:
“I actually waited for over two years to write a review for this company. I have been with Elite home warranty since 2021 and they never disappoint me in any way. The claim was very easy and fast, and they also went above and beyond to get my equipment fixed in a timely manner. Would recommend them to anyone who’s thinking about buying home warranty.” —Mojeed P. via BBB on Aug. 13, 2024
“Elite Home Warranty makes it very difficult to get the money they say they will pay you. They will lie about it, and try to dodge you every time you call with a legitimate complaint. We have been promised money numerous times [and] so far have not received part of the money they said they would send us. I don’t trust them and I wish we had not chosen them for our home warranty company. Once we are able we are going to drop them and go with a different company.” —David L. via BBB on Aug. 24, 2024
First American Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Includes 125 feet of stoppage coverage, which is 25 feet longer than other providers we reviewed
- Offers up to $250 in coverage for ground-level cleanout installations with its premium plan — a rare benefit
- Provides unlimited coverage caps for most sewer line items
Keep in Mind
- Limits the most robust sewer line coverage to its highest and more expensive plan
- Excludes ground-level cleanout installations for its two lowest plans
Company Overview
Like American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty provides unlimited coverage for most sewer-related items and issues. However, it goes one step further by covering clog clearance for sewer lines up to 125 feet away from cleanouts. Most other providers only cover up to 100 feet. This extended coverage can benefit homeowners who need longer sewer lines to connect to the municipal system.
First American’s highest coverage tier, the Premium Plan, offers up to $250 for ground-level cleanout installation. A cleanout serves as the primary access point for the plumber to reach the blockage. Most providers require that a cleanout is already in place for service and do not offer installation. You’ll also get First American Advantage, which covers damage caused by improper installations and modifications.
One aspect we don’t like about First American is its inconsistent sewer line coverage across different plans. The company limits its best plumbing coverage to its most expensive plan. However, if you need extended blockage clearance and cleanout installation services, you might find paying more for First American’s premium plan is worthwhile.
Customer Experiences
After we read through customer reviews, we noticed high satisfaction with First American’s quick and efficient claims process. During our team’s testing, our online claim was processed and a technician was assigned within 30 minutes after submission. We also noticed several reviewers described themselves as longstanding customers, something we rarely see in home warranty reviews.
Some customers note that the company’s repair quality has dropped over time, resulting in poor workmanship and shoddy components. Reviewers also claimed that First American has been outsourcing its customer support, leading to longer wait times and some language barrier issues.
Here’s what real customers have to say about First American Home Warranty:
“First American Home Warranty is a great service. I have needed to use them for services twice—once for my hot water heater and once for my toilet. They sent a plumber in a timely manner [who] were professional and efficient! I would highly recommend [First American] to anyone needing a home warranty service!” —Mico S. via Trustpilot on Nov. 23, 2024
“[They] have absolutely the worst contractors. Their contractors almost all have a 1 [out of 5] star review on Yelp. I have had to contact First American four times, and [each time, I got] really bad contractors. First American refuses to allow other contractors even when the assigned person is non-communicative for 10 days after the issue was reported. Don’t waste your money on this company. They do not solve the problem.” —Sanjeev via Trustpilot on Oct. 6, 2024
2-10 Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Offers add-ons for increased plumbing caps and extended coverage
- Features the most service call fee flexibility in this review with three options
- Provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee with its plans
Keep in Mind
- Excludes plumbing coverage from its lowest plan, Simply Kitchen
- Charges a 9.5% processing fee for monthly plans
Company Overview
Homeowners looking for reliable protection for sewer line repairs may value 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s unlimited workmanship guarantee. This key feature eliminates repeat service fees for the same issue as long as your coverage remains active, offering long-term savings and convenience for recurring repairs. It also offers a Luxury Package add-on, which boosts your plumbing coverage to $5,000 per contract term. You can also get extended pipe leak coverage for hard-to-reach pipes outside your home’s foundation.
However, 2-10 does have a few drawbacks. Its base plan doesn’t offer plumbing protection, and its mid-tier plan only includes $2,000 for plumbing and sewer coverage, which is on the lower end. To match competitors such as Choice Home Warranty or First American Home Warranty, you’d need to purchase the Luxury Package. Plus, if you choose monthly payments, a 9.5% processing fee applies, increasing your overall costs. While spreading payments out can offer convenience, this added fee can make the plan less budget-friendly in the long run.
Customer Experiences
When our team read through customer reviews for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, we noticed that homeowners described very mixed results. Positive reviews praised 2-10 for its prompt claims processing, which typically took 24–48 hours. However, some customers were displeased with poor technical quality and lower-than-expected payouts for item replacements.
Here’s what real customers have to say about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty:
“I have been with them for over five years [and] all of my claims have been honored and paid. The process for repairs is OK—I wish the company would call within the 24 hour period versus me contacting them. The appointment is scheduled without my approval and then we have to reschedule to fit into my schedule.” —Sherri T. via BBB on May 23, 2024
“Our water heater broke and we filed a claim over a week ago. [2-10 Home Buyers Warranty] had someone out here the next day and filled out the paperwork to get a new one. Over a week with no water and they keep saying they’re trying to find a replacement. They have no notes of any of our calls or information. They wont let us talk to a supervisor to get this handled. We still have no water heater. They keep telling us one thing then doing another.” —Alisa M. via BBB on Oct. 22, 2024
Which Parts of Your Sewer Line Does a Home Warranty Cover?
If your sewer line fails, a home warranty can help reduce repair costs, but it’s important to understand what’s included in the coverage. Below, we’ve outlined commonly covered repairs under a sewer line warranty.
- Pipe access and restoration: Service technicians will repair or replace pipes behind unobstructed surfaces, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Unobstructed means a flat surface with no decorative tiles, shelves, or other items blocking the technician’s access. You must remove these items at your own cost before repairs occur. The surface is typically returned to a rough finish. This means the technician will patch the access hole, but you must hire another contractor to complete the drywalling, painting, and finishing.
- Mainline and lateral drain line blockages: Most protection plans cover blockage removal up to 100 feet from your drain cleanout. The drain cleanout is located in your yard and has a removable cap to provide direct access to your main sewer line. Plumbers open the cleanout to clear blockages and make necessary repairs. Some home warranty plans do not cover blockages exceeding 100 feet, so you would have to hire a plumber at your own expense.
- Water service line repairs: Typical coverage includes leaks, breaks, and stoppages within the home’s main foundation. Based on our review, it’s rare that a home warranty company covers a water line leak or break beyond your home’s main structure.
It’s important to note that this review focuses on sewer line warranties rather than septic systems. Although these home components share a similar purpose—managing wastewater—they operate differently. Sewer lines connect your home to a municipal sewer system, while septic lines, including tanks and drain fields, handle wastewater independently on your property. Septic warranty coverage often requires add-ons since this protection isn’t included under standard sewer repair plans.
Key Sewer Line Coverage by Provider
The table below compares coverage for sewer line issues across the most comprehensive plans from our top five home warranty providers.
| Sewer Line Coverage | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty | 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covered limits for plumbing access through walls, ceilings, or floors | Up to $1,000 | Up to $500 | Up to $250 | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Covered distance for stoppage clearouts from an access point | Up to 100 feet | Up to 100 feet | Up to 100 feet | Up to 125 feet | Up to 100 feet |
| Cleanout installation | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| Excavation coverage | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Plumbing coverage limit upgrades | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Sewer line add-ons | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Preexisting conditions | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Improper installations or repairs | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
Cost of Sewer Line Coverage
A home warranty plan with sewer line coverage typically costs between $40–$90 per month, depending on factors such as the plan type, included services, and your location. Additional costs may arise from add-ons, such as extended coverage for line access repairs, which can add $5–$15 per month to your home warranty cost. You’ll also need to account for service call fees, which generally range from $75–$125 per visit. These fees apply each time a technician visits your home, regardless of the scope of the repair.
While these costs can add up, sewer line coverage can save you thousands of dollars on repairs for major issues such as clogs, leaks, or cracked water pipes—problems that are often expensive to address without a warranty. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of common sewer line repair costs to help you determine whether a home warranty with sewer line coverage is a worthwhile investment.
| Sewer Line Issue | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Clog removal | $95–$500 |
| Leaking pipes | $175–$550 |
| Main line water leak repair | $600–$4,500 |
| Minor debris removal | $100–$600 |
*Cost data sourced from Angi
Reading the Fine Print of Your Sewer Line Coverage Plan
When selecting a home warranty plan with sewer line coverage, it’s important to understand what’s excluded to avoid unexpected costs. For example, many plans exclude repairs for misuse, such as flushing unsuitable items, and won’t cover the costs of restoring driveways or lawns disrupted during pipe repairs. Below are some common exclusions you might find in a sewer line warranty.
- Certain blockages: Blockages caused by tree roots or foreign objects are typically excluded from sewer line coverage.
- Cost to locate, access, or install ground-level cleanouts: These tasks often involve additional labor and excavation, generally creating an out-of-pocket expense the homeowner must cover on their own.
- Damage beyond the foundation or 100 feet: Many home warranty plans limit coverage to issues within the foundation or a specified distance, such as 100 feet from an access or connection point. If a plumbing problem occurs beyond that area, homeowners may need to purchase additional coverage or pay for repairs out of pocket.
- Natural disaster or flood damage: Damage resulting from natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods, is generally excluded from home warranty coverage. These events are typically covered by homeowners insurance.
- Preexisting conditions or improper installation: Most home warranty policies exclude coverage for damage from preexisting conditions or faulty installation. Coverage typically starts once the policy is in effect and may not extend to issues that existed beforehand.
- Weather-related damage: Damage caused by weather-related events, such as frozen pipes, is often excluded from home warranty coverage. These issues are typically not considered normal wear and tear, which most home warranties cover.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
Before considering sewer line coverage, assess the condition of your sewer line and any existing problems, such as aging pipes or issues with tree roots. You can use the following steps to help you shop for the right home warranty with sewer line coverage.
When researching home warranty providers, consider the coverage caps for both stoppages and general plumbing issues, as some companies combine these protections, while others separate them. If your house is farther from the city’s connection point, look for coverage that includes clog issues beyond the typical 100-foot limit.
Since many sewer problems require immediate attention, ensure the home warranty company has technicians available in your area. Check each provider’s technician network, claims line availability, and repair submission process. If a company has limited technicians in your area, choose a provider with better availability or one that allows you to select your own technicians. In addition, verify the length of the workmanship guarantee and ensure it covers repairs for at least 30 days—the industry standard. Note that, if you choose your own technician, the home warranty company may not cover repairs or issues under its workmanship guarantee.
Finally, compare costs for sewer warranty plans by requesting sample quotes from at least three companies. Include any add-ons for extended coverage and check for available discounts or seasonal specials that could lower your costs. Also, consider service call fees, as you’ll need to pay these for each repair, regardless of the job size.
Advice From Real Homeowners
Sewer line issues can strike at the most inconvenient times, often leading to unexpected repairs and costly bills. For homeowners, dealing with clogged pipes, backups, and slow drainage can become a stressful situation, especially when it happens during a busy holiday season or when emergency services are in short supply.
Homeowner Advice
Margaret L., a homeowner in Charleston for over 30 years, had never experienced a sewer line issue until one Thanksgiving holiday.
“Whenever the shower was running, bubbles would appear in the toilet,” Margaret said. “Then, the shower started draining very slowly. That’s when I knew something was wrong.”
At first, she tried to plunge the toilet, thinking it was just a clog. But soon, black sludge appeared at the bottom of the shower, and the toilet wouldn’t flush properly. Realizing the issue wasn’t something she could easily fix, Margaret turned to emergency repair companies.
“I tried calling several emergency repair companies to find someone that would come out during the holiday,” Margaret said. “I finally found someone the next day, but I ended up paying an $800 bill for services.”
With a home warranty in place, Margaret wouldn’t have had to search for emergency services or face such high home repair costs, as these issues would likely have been covered under her plan. The home warranty company also could have found and dispatched a technician for her, eliminating the stress of calling around for repairs. A warranty could have provided peace of mind, especially during a busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sewer Line Warranties
Does a home warranty cover clogged pipes?
Yes, home warranties often cover clogged pipes under plumbing or sewer line coverage. However, exclusions may apply, such as clogs caused by tree roots, foreign objects, or preexisting pipe conditions. Always review your contract to understand your coverage’s specific terms and limits.
Does homeowners insurance typically cover broken sewage pipes?
Homeowners insurance typically covers broken sewage pipes caused by specific perils such as fire, explosion, or vandalism. However, issues such as wear and tear, poor maintenance, or tree root intrusion are generally excluded from coverage.
How often should you replace sewer lines?
Sewer lines typically need replacement every 50–100 years, depending on the material. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes can last over 100 years. Cast iron and clay or cement pipes usually last 75–100 years, while Orangeburg pipes often require replacement around 50 years.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers on Sewer Line Coverage
Below, we have outlined how we researched, evaluated, and ranked leading home warranty companies based on their sewer line coverage.
Our Rating Methodology
We began our research by consulting with home warranty experts, reviewing online customer reviews, and evaluating home warranty plans. Our team also contacted customer support teams, and purchased home warranty plans for 11 leading providers. Finally, we conducted surveys with home warranty customers to learn more about their shopping process, claims experiences, and home needs.
Based on this research, we created a detailed rating methodology and scored each company in six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
When evaluating sewer line warranties, we also considered the following factors:
- Covered sewer line issues: Effective sewer line protection should cover common issues such as stoppages, leaks, and breaks. We prioritized providers that included these baseline protections in their main coverage plans. Any provider requiring an add-on for basic coverage was excluded from our list.
- Plumbing and sewer line coverage limits: Higher coverage limits for sewer-related issues help minimize out-of-pocket expenses during an emergency. We selected providers offering a minimum of $2,000 in plumbing coverage and/or $1,000 for plumbing stoppages. Providers offering $500 or less for either coverage type were not considered.
- Sewer or plumbing-related add-ons: Comprehensive sewer line coverage is important, but the ability to extend protections is equally essential. We gave extra consideration to providers offering optional add-ons for sewer line coverage or opportunities to upgrade plumbing coverage limits.
- First-hand claims experience: While customer reviews provided useful insights into providers, we wanted to focus on real-world experiences. Our team tested 11 home warranty providers, evaluating both the sign-up process and their claims procedures. This hands-on approach allowed us to gain firsthand experience with how claims were handled, the responsiveness of customer service, and the overall ease of the process.
