Best Home Warranties for Sewer Lines
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Dealing with one clogged drain is already inconvenient, but backups in your shower, sinks, and toilets are even worse. Getting emergency help for a major sewer line backup like this can easily cost you thousands of dollars. That’s where having a home warranty with sewer line coverage comes in handy. Instead of scrambling for expensive emergency services, you’re connected with preapproved plumbers for less money out of pocket.
We reviewed 13 leading home warranty companies to find the best sewer line coverage. Our process included reading sample contracts to verify coverage caps, sewer line protections, exclusions, and available add-ons. Next, our team read through more than 5,700 reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and other third-party review sites to learn more about the customer experience. We also secret-shopped and tested the claims process for 11 home warranty providers to back our recommendations with firsthand experience.
Our final step involved surveying 2,000 current home warranty plan holders. We asked about coverage priorities, such as sewer line protection needs. We then scored each company on six criteria we consider most important when shopping for a home warranty: coverage, value, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- After researching 13 providers, we recommend Elite Home Warranty and American Home Shield as the best home warranty providers for sewer line coverage.
- Sewer line warranties cover some, but not all, possible sewer issues. It’s important to carefully read through contracts to ensure you get the coverage you need.
- A home warranty with sewer line coverage costs $40–$90 per month, depending on your provider and coverage.
Compare Top Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Line Coverage
Below, we compare all 13 home warranty providers we reviewed using key data such as monthly cost, response time, and service call fees. Since sewer line coverage falls under plumbing, we selected the top five sewer line warranty providers based on their plumbing coverage caps and included sewer line protections. If you’re more concerned about your plumbing systems in general, check out our top home warranty companies for plumbing coverage.
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| #1 out of 13 companies | #2 out of 13 companies | #3 out of 13 companies | #4 out of 13 companies | #5 out of 13 companies | #6 out of 13 companies | #7 out of 13 companies | #8 out of 13 companies | #9 out of 13 companies | #10 out of 13 companies | #11 out of 13 companies | #12 out of 13 companies | #13 out of 13 companies | |
| A+ | B | B | NR | B | B | B | B+ | A | A | A+ | C+ | A- | |
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Monthly Cost |
$44–$59 | $49–$109 | $47–$87 | $49–$59 | $34–$92 | $44–$47 | $46–$55 | $30–$56 | $27–$70 | $4–$70 | $40–$50 | $50–$60 | $39–$130 |
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Service Fees |
$70 | $100–$125 | $75–$125 | $65–$125 | $75–$125 | $60–$75 | $100 | $100–$150 | $65–$100 | $100 | $50–$125 | $65–$125 | $55 |
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Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
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Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 4–48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 24-48 hours | 48-84 hours | 24–48 hours | 2–24 hours | Up to 48 hours | Within 24 hours | 24–48 hours | 12-48 hrs. | 24–48 hours |
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Summary |
We recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who want fully customizable plans and extensive add-on coverage options. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend Choice Home Warranty for homeowners who want an affordable basic plan with generous coverage limits for most items. |
We recommend Cinch Home Warranty for homeowners who want coverage for items most providers don’t cover, such as built-in food centers and free-standing ice makers. |
We recommend 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for homeowners who want the most affordable appliance-only coverage. |
We recommend HomeServe for homeowners who want diverse plan options, as it offers up to 18 individual plans with varying coverage. |
We recommend America’s Preferred Home Warranty for homeowners who want an easy claims process that can be completed online. |
We recommend The Home Service Club for homeowners who want quick coverage without a home inspection required for it to kick in. |
We recommend American Residential Warranty for homeowners who want an affordable service call fee paired with customizable plans. |
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Promotions |
$150 off + 30-day free trial | Labor Day Sale: 50% OFF Select Plans | $200 Off with Code FA200 | $200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | Labor Day Sale: 30% Off All Plans | Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off + 2 months free | $50 off + 1 month free | First 2 months free on all plans | Get your free quote today! | 20% off your annual policy | Everyday Low Prices! | ||
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Rating Categories |
Elite Home Warranty | American Home Shield | First American Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | AFC Home Warranty | Select Home Warranty | Choice Home Warranty | Cinch Home Services | 2-10 Home Warranty | HomeServe | America’s Preferred Home Warranty | The Home Service Club | American Residential Warranty |
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Flexibility |
| Company | Our Rating | Monthly Cost** | Service Fee | Sewer Line Coverage Caps | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49–$59 | $65–$125 | $500 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $29–$89 | $100–$125 | Unlimited | VISIT SITE | ||
| $44–$47 | $60–$75 | $500 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $42–$82 | $75–$125 | Unlimited | VISIT SITE | ||
| $35–$94 | $75–$125 | $500–$4,000 | VISIT SITE |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2024.
**Note: We based the pricing information in this table on sample quotes we obtained for single-family homes under 3,000 square feet in the United States. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
Tips for Clearing Simple Drain Clogs
Sewer line warranties provide support during a major sewer line break or multiple backed-up drains but aren’t necessary for the occasional small clog. The video below explains how to tackle common household clogs in your sink, toilet, or shower.
Best Companies for Sewer Line Warranty Coverage
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Flexible Coverage :
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Best for Comprehensive Coverage:
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Best Appliance Coverage:
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Best Overall:
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Best for Customization:
Our Top-Rated Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Line Coverage
After researching 13 home warranty companies, surveying 2,000 home warranty customers, and testing 11 providers firsthand, we selected the following companies as our top choices for sewer line coverage.
For this review, we didn’t evaluate coverage for septic lines, such as tanks and pumping. These wastewater management systems serve a similar purpose but are completely different. Sewer lines connect your home to a municipal sewer system, while septic tanks handle wastewater for your individual home. A typical home has one or the other. If your home has a septic line, read our guide to septic warranty coverage instead.
Most providers also have similar exclusions. Since coverage for external sewer lines, preexisting conditions, and damage not caused by wear and tear is rare, our reviews highlight companies offering these benefits.
Flexible Coverage : Elite Home Warranty
$150 off + 30-day free trial
What We Liked
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, triple the industry standard
- Let’s you choose your own technician
- Offers 27 add-on options, such as additional sewer line protections
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t cover out-of-network technicians under its workmanship guarantee
- Sets a $15,000 annual limit on claim submissions
Our Scores
Elite Home Warranty earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. It received the highest points in the “Trustworthiness” and “Coverage” categories but scored lowest in “Value.”
Our Review
Unlike other providers that bundle all sewer protections under one coverage cap, Elite Home Warranty separates sewer protections into two categories. You receive $2,000 for plumbing and $1,000 for stoppages, totaling $3,000. These caps exceed other providers and offer better protection against costly sewer repairs. Repairs are backed by a 90-day workmanship guarantee—three times longer than most providers.
Elite offers $3,000 worth of add-on coverage for service lines, which includes exterior sewer systems and water line coverage. This coverage is distinct because it includes excavation services to reach the sewer line. If you have extensive sewer line damage that requires access to the line, you must pay someone to excavate the pipe. Some providers, such as American Home Shield, exclude excavation from their plans. AFC Home Warranty offers similar coverage, but it’s only available with its most expensive plan.
This add-on coverage costs an additional $29 per month. Though expensive, it’s worth considering if you think you may need extensive sewer line repairs that require excavation services. You’ll save money by not having to pay a separate contractor to excavate or backfill your yard.
The main issue with Elite is its coverage restrictions. It imposes a $15,000 aggregate annual limit on claims, meaning you can only claim up to $15,000 per year. Plumbing and sewer coverage is limited to $8,000 per year. So, if you submit $10,000 in claims for your sewer, you’ll be responsible for $2,000 out of pocket. It’s nice that Elite lets you choose between in-network and out-of-network contractors, but unfortunately it only includes workmanship coverage for in-network contractors.
Customer Reviews
- Polite representatives
- No-pressure sales
- Speedy claim processing
- Spammy sales calls
Elite has fewer third-party customer reviews compared to other providers. Nonetheless, it has an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the highest of our reviewed providers. On the BBB, it has only 428 reviews but an outstanding average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It also has 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 87 Trustpilot reviews. Our research shows that customers tend to write more negative reviews than positive ones, so maintaining such a high score speaks to Elite’s consistent service quality.
Elite customers like the company’s high customer service level, and many reviewers mention prompt responses. Homeowners are also pleased with the quick turnaround for claims and technician scheduling. We tested the company ourselves by submitting a claim online. An Elite specialist contacted us 30 minutes later to set a next-day appointment.
On the negative side, homeowners mentioned that their claims processing took 48 hours or longer. Some homeowners had to make multiple calls to resolve their submitted claims. This could indicate some inconsistencies with Elite’s customer support centers, leading to varied customer experiences.
Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
What We Liked
- Covers preexisting conditions and physical damage, which is rare
- Has an unlimited cap for most plumbing-related components and issues
- Offers a $1,000 pipe access repair cap, twice the typical amount
What We Didn’t Like
- Charges higher monthly rates than some providers, including Elite and Liberty Home Guard
- Provides only six add-ons, the least in this review
Our Scores
We scored American Home Shield 4.8 out of 5 stars. It earned the highest points in “Plan Transparency” and “Coverage.” Its lowest score was in “Value.”
Our Review
American Home Shield has unlimited plumbing coverage for most items. First American is the only other provider that offers this. AHS stands out for its coverage of preexisting conditions, which most other providers exclude. We like this for homeowners with older sewer lines that wouldn’t otherwise qualify for coverage due to age.
AHS covers up to $1,000 for access pipes through a floor, wall, or ceiling. This is twice as much as other providers, such as First American, which limit coverage to $500. AHS is also the only provider in this review to include a $500 cap for nonseptic sewer ejector pumps. These pumps move wastewater upward against gravity when your home sits below your main sewer line. All sewer line repairs are covered by a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is standard.
AHS falls short in its cost and customization options. While AHS offers more comprehensive protections than other providers, it also charges more. We pulled sample quotes from the company and found its most expensive comprehensive plan is $109 per month or more. By comparison, First American Home Warranty and AFC Home Warranty charge $87 and $92, respectively.
AHS also only offers six add-ons, none of which are additional sewer protections. On average, most providers offer eight to 12 add-ons. Having more add-ons helps you extend your sewer line coverage to include other essential home items and services.
Customer Reviews
- Efficient claims timelines
- Simple claims process
- Helpful support
- Underskilled technicians
AHS has mixed customer reviews. It averages 2.1 out of 5 stars based on 11,000 BBB reviews. Its scores on Best Company are much higher, averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 33,875 reviews. These are average scores for a home warranty company, with ratings typically falling between 2 and 4 stars.
Many homeowners praised AHS for responding to claims quickly and offering easy-to-use claims submission options. When we tested the claims process, we received a next-day appointment with a prevetted technician within 10 minutes. Reviewers complimented the technicians for being approachable and willing to talk through their system’s issues clearly.
Negative reviews mentioned issues with the service technician quality. Some reviews said multiple technicians were required to finish one repair job. A Trustpilot reviewer shared that an AHS-approved technician claimed his sewer line clog was beyond the 100 feet covered by the service and, therefore, not covered. However, when the reviewer hired his own plumber, the clog was found within 35 feet. As AHS does not cover out-of-network service technicians, the reviewer was responsible for these service charges.
It’s common for companies that maintain large nationwide networks of service technicians to offer varying repair quality. We recommend checking a home warranty company’s technician network or choosing a provider that lets you use your own technician.
Best Appliance Coverage: First American Home Warranty
What We Liked
- Includes 125 feet of stoppage coverage, 25 feet longer than other providers
- Offers ground-level cleanout installations, not typically offered by providers
- Provides unlimited coverage caps for most sewer line items
What We Didn’t Like
- Limits its most robust sewer line coverage to its highest plan
- Excludes ground-level cleanout installations for its two lowest plans
Our Scores
We rated First American 4.6 out of 5 stars. It earned the highest points in “Customer Support” and “Trustworthiness.” Its lowest score was in “Plan Transparency.”
Our Review
Like AHS, 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 is great for homeowners that need longer sewer lines to connect to the municipal system.
AHS’ lower-tiered Starter and Essential plans include an industry-standard $500 coverage cap for removing sewer line blockages. Coverage doubles to $1,000 under its highest Premium Plan, which also includes up to $250 for ground-level cleanout installation. The cleanout serves as the primary access point for the plumber to reach the blockage. Most providers require the cleanout to be in place for service and do not offer installation. We like that you can upgrade the Essential and Premium plans to include damage from improper installations and modifications, which are rare coverages in the industry.
One thing we don’t like about First American is the inconsistent sewer line coverage across its different plans. Its $1,000 cap for pipe access repairs is similar to American Home Shield, but AHS includes this protection in all of its plans. First American limits this coverage to its most expensive plan. This means you can pay as low as $30 for an AHS plan with this coverage but at least $69 for First American. However, if you need extended blockage clearance and cleanout installation services, it might be worthwhile to invest more in First American.
Customer Reviews
- Efficient claims processing
- Quick technicians assignments
- Excellent support staff
- Poor repair results
First American has mixed customer reviews. It has over 1,800 BBB reviews, averaging 1.7 out of 5 stars. In contrast, its Trustpilot score is 4.2 out of 5 stars based on almost 14,500 reviews. Its scores are comparable to AHS and are average for a home warranty company.
Overall, customers are highly satisfied with the company’s swift and efficient claims process. During testing, our online claim was processed and a technician was assigned within 30 minutes after submitting. Customers also liked First America’s friendly customer support staff. We noticed several reviewers are longstanding customers (10 or more years), something we rarely see in home warranty reviews.
Some customers note that the company’s repair quality has dropped within the last six months, resulting in poor workmanship and shoddy components. Reviewers also claim that First American has been outsourcing its customer support, leading to longer wait times and some language barrier issues.
One Trustpilot reviewer stated that his sewer line issues weren’t resolved because he didn’t have a cleanout installed. This is a requirement for First Ameircan’s sewer services unless you purchase the Premium Plan, which includes cleanout installation. We recommend reviewing any sewer line plan and ensuring you understand your full coverage terms before committing to the service.
Best Overall: Liberty Home Guard
What We Liked
- Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee, twice the industry standard
- Offers the largest add-on catalog in this review, providing more coverage customization
- Provides cheaper system-only and comprehensive sewer plans than AHS
What We Didn’t Like
- Imposes a 90-day waiting period for full plumbing coverage
- Won’t cut openings to inaccessible sewer lines, unlike other providers
Our Scores
Liberty Home Guard received a 4.6 out of 5 star score. We gave it high points in “Customer Support” and “Trustworthiness.” It scored lowest in “Plan Transparency.”
Our Review
We recommend Liberty Home Guard to budget-conscious homeowners who want an affordable plan with baseline sewer line coverage. It has systems-only and comprehensive plans with industry-standard protections. Coverage includes $500 for plumbing and mainline drain and plumbing stoppages up to 100 feet from an access point.
One of LHG’s biggest perks is its 42 add-on choices, the most in this review. Only Elite comes close with 27 options. This wide range of choices is perfect for homeowners who want more customizable plan options. The catalog includes home services, outdoor installations such as pools, and secondary appliances. This allows you to expand your sewer line coverage to include other essential home items.
LHG’s waiting period for full plumbing coverage is a con for us. Most providers have a 30-day waiting period before you can use your full coverage. However, LHG restricts plumbing coverage to $250 for the first 90 days. You may be responsible for higher repair costs if you submit a sewer line claim during that period. LHG also won’t cut or restore access openings to service sewer lines located behind walls, under floors, or encased in concrete. This means you must hire a professional plumber to repair internal sewer lines. Other reviewed providers, including Elite and AHS, offer these services with their coverage.
Customer Reviews
- Excellent customer support
- Quick claims process
- Knowledgeable technicians
- Vague depreciation policy
LHG is one of the few home warranty providers with high customer review scores across multiple third-party review sites. It has an impressive BBB rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on more than 2,400 reviews. Its Trustpilot score is 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 2,800 reviews.
Customers say that LHG stands by its promised coverage, especially with item replacements. Several reviewers received replacements within just a few days. Other positive reviews mention the company’s helpful customer support team and short call waiting time. We tested the customer support line and connected with a representative in under 30 seconds.
Some negative reviews note bad experiences with underqualified technicians, stating that their repairs were poor-quality. Others have even opted to forego coverage and pay for their own repairs due to unsatisfactory experiences. LHG maintains a nationwide technician network. If you experience poor repairs, contact your home provider immediately to report your experience. You can also file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency or office that regulates home warranties in your state.
Best for Customization: AFC Home Warranty
What We Liked
- Allows you to choose your own service technician
- Backs its sewer line repairs with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
- Offers three plans with sewer coverage, plus three service call fees for better plan flexibility
What We Didn’t Like
- Excludes plumbing stoppage coverage from its two lowest plans
- Only covers exterior sewer and water lines under its highest plan
Our Scores
We scored AFC Home Warranty a 4.4 out of 5 stars. It earned the highest points in “Customer Support” and “Flexibility.” Its lowest score was in “Coverage.”
Our Review
AFC Home Warranty is the only company in this review that backs its repairs with a plan-length workmanship guarantee. Most providers only offer 30–90 days of protection. This means you’ll pay fewer service call fees for any repeat issues.
The company also has the best plan flexibility of all providers in this review. It offers $500 of plumbing and sewer line coverage under three plans: the Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, and Diamond Plan. You can customize your plan costs with a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee.
However, similar to First American, its sewer line repair plan coverage is inconsistent. Only the Platinum Plan and Diamond Plan include plumbing stoppages, which have a $300 limit. These limits fall below other providers and industry standards for plumbing coverage. In addition, only the Diamond Plan includes $5,000 for external sewer lines and $250 for access opening coverage. Although this plan offers ample sewer coverage, you must buy the highest-tier option to get coverage other providers include in their cheaper plans. We recommend investing in AFC Home Warranty if you experience frequent sewer line issues or prefer the security of a longer workmanship guarantee.
Customer Reviews
- Comprehensive protection
- Excellent benefits
- Technician flexibility
- Depreciation policy issues
Like Elite, AFC has limited customer reviews. It has 125 BBB reviews averaging 1.8 out of 5 stars and 115 Best Company reviews with 3.4 out of 5 stars.
Positive reviews say the customer support staff was responsive, friendly, and helpful. Customers also like that the company followed up promptly and processed claims quickly. One BBB reviewer noted that when they decided to use their own technician, AFC processed a check quickly to pay the independent contractor for their services.
Negative reviews complain about low claim payouts, often resulting in cash payments significantly below the original coverage caps. One BBB reviewer needed a $250 replacement part for his water heater. When the part was unavailable, AFC opted to replace the entire unit. However, instead of covering the full replacement cost, AFC only offered $250—the same amount as the original part. He was responsible for the remaining cost, despite having water heater coverage.
We learned during our research that some home warranty companies do provide cash payouts that are less than the claim payouts stated in the contract. We suggest reviewing sample contracts to understand payout policies and noting any companies that offer reduced cash payouts as an alternative option.
How We Selected the Top Sewer Line Warranty Providers
We used consumer insights from our surveys and extensive company research to score providers on six key factors you should consider when shopping for sewer line coverage: coverage, value, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility.
Coverage
Although most home warranty companies cover common sewer line issues, no plan covers every possible sewer line or plumbing problem. Since sewer lines are generally excluded from homeowners insurance, you must rely on a home warranty plan for protection. See our article on home warranties versus home insurance for more information.
After reviewing 13 sewer line plans, we identified the three most common repairs typically covered by a sewer line plan:
- Pipe access and restoration: Service technicians will repair or replace pipes behind unobstructed surfaces, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. An unobstructed surface 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 easily clear blockages and make necessary repairs. This plan does not cover blockages exceeding 100 feet, so you'll have to hire a plumber at your own expense.
- Water service line coverage: Typical coverage includes leaks, breaks, and stoppages within the home’s main foundation. It’s rare that a company covers a line leak or break beyond your home’s main structure.
Many sewer line providers have similar exclusions, such as stoppages caused by collapsed or damaged drain lines, tree roots, or freezing. Only two providers, American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty, cover preexisting issues with pipes and water lines, which is ideal for homes with older sewer lines that would typically be excluded. We reviewed each company's plumbing coverage and awarded higher scores to providers that met or exceeded the industry-standard $500 sewer line coverage cap.
Though Elite Home Warranty doesn’t offer the best overall coverage due to its $15,000 annual coverage cap, it's our highest-rated option for sewer line coverage. This is because it offers the most comprehensive protection with a dedicated $1,000 cap for blockages and $2,000 for home plumbing systems. It also has an add-on option for up to $3,000 of additional sewer line protection. Other companies offer caps of $500–$2,000 and no option for additional sewer line protection.
Below are the coverage rankings for all reviewed companies:
Value
We determined a sewer line warranty’s overall value by comparing its monthly cost to the level of protection it offers. You don’t want to overspend on an expensive plan with more coverage than you need. However, you also shouldn’t choose a cheap plan that excludes important protections. This could result in more out-of-pocket repair costs, defeating the point of paying for a home warranty to save money. To find the right balance, we looked for companies that offer comprehensive sewer line coverage at a reasonable price.
To determine the typical cost of a home warranty, we compared average monthly charges, service call fees, monthly and annual payment options, and any available discounts for longer contract commitments. Sewer line warranty companies offering both monthly and annual payment options received higher points. Multiple payment options allow homeowners to choose the best option for their budgets.
Providers with uncommon surcharges and fees lost points. For example, Elite Home Warranty charges higher service call fees for after-hour and weekend repairs. We also deducted points for depreciation policies, which provide less reimbursement as your system ages. AFC Home Warranty, Liberty Home Guard, and Select Home Warranty received lower scores due to such policies.
While American Home Shield scored lower in this category overall due to its higher comprehensive plan costs, it offers the best sewer line-specific pricing and coverage. Its cheapest, $29.99 system-only plan has no plumbing coverage cap and includes double the standard coverage for pipe access. Though its coverage isn’t as extensive as Elite Home Warranty, it offers solid coverage for the most common sewer line issues. The company also covers preexisting conditions, offering protection for older sewer lines. Although Select rated higher overall for value, it doesn’t cover preexisting conditions and limits plumbing coverage to $500.
We’ve listed each company’s value scores below:
Trustworthiness
There's a misconception among consumers that home warranties are scams, and that companies deny claims without ever actually paying for repairs. While we’ve encountered some untrustworthy home warranty companies, we found that most home warranty providers are legitimate. The homeowners we surveyed reported a 98% claim approval rate for all providers.
Our team analyzed over 5,700 customer reviews across third-party review sites like the BBB, Best Company, and Trustpilot to verify company reputations. We used the sites’ ratings out of 5 to determine our own average scores. Providers with average scores of 3.8 stars or higher received the most points. Although sewer line-specific reviews were limited, our team noted any common positive or negative experiences about this coverage. Lastly, we looked for any ongoing legal issues or lawsuits.
We also reviewed each company’s workmanship guarantee, which backs its sewer line repairs for a set time and will resolve any issues within that time for free. The industry standard is 30 days, but we gave maximum points to companies with 60-day or longer guarantees. We also awarded points to companies that are members of national trade organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). Although membership in this nonprofit organization is optional, it shows that providers are committed to being properly licensed and reputable.
Elite Home Warranty scored highest overall in this category. Although the company has only 600ish reviews compared to the tens of thousands other providers have, it has the highest average score of any brand we reviewed, with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It also offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee, triple the industry average.
See how every provider rated for trustworthiness below:
Plan Transparency
No sewer line warranty covers every emergency. It’s important you know exactly what coverage you’re paying for to ensure you have the right protections. Sample contracts can be hard to read, and not all companies disclose their sewer line coverage on their website. If you don’t fully understand your coverage, you could have warranty claims denied and be forced to pay out of pocket.
Our team reviewed each company’s sample contracts, websites, and online quote tools (if available) to determine their policy disclosures and transparency. We checked for clear disclosures of sewer line coverage, exclusions, coverage caps, and service call fees. We also looked for details on cancellation terms and service technician policies. Providers that used vague language or omitted key disclosures received a lower score. For example, Liberty Home Guard lost points because it doesn’t disclose its service call fees until you complete the signup process.
American Home Shield was the only company we reviewed that received a perfect score in this category. Its website details its sewer line coverage, exclusions, and technician policies. No other provider offered these detailed disclosures.
AHS’ sample contracts are easy to read and include complete policy details on the first page, with an organized view of sewer line protections, coverage caps, exclusions, and service call fees. Its service contract also includes an FAQ section and an appendix defining common home warranty terms. For example, it provided a detailed explanation of what a “rough finish” is to help set expectations for your sewer line’s condition after a repair.
Here’s how each provider stacks up when it comes to plan transparency:
Customer Support
Having sewer line coverage isn’t helpful if the provider doesn’t also have accessible customer support and a quick claims process. A truly good company should offer dedicated emergency claims lines and easy access to trusted service technicians. Otherwise, you’re stuck scrambling to find a local plumber and paying thousands for sewer line repairs in a pinch.
We reviewed each company’s claim filing process for efficiency and ease of use. Providers earned higher points if they offered multiple claim filing options, a 24/7 claims line, or alternative communication options such as a live chat or dedicated app. Since sewer line emergencies must be handled quickly, our team evaluated each provider’s claim processing time. The industry standard is 24–48 hours, so providers received higher points if they met or exceeded this timeframe. Providers that took 48 hours or longer received lower scores.
Most companies offer phone support lines for their customers. Those that offer additional support options, such as email, chat, or apps, received more points.
Liberty Home Guard scored the highest for customer support. It's one of the few companies that offers a dedicated app for easy account accessibility and claim processing. Liberty also provides several contact support methods, including phone and email support. Its standout feature is its 24/7 live chat service, which we didn’t find with any other provider. We tested the chat and were connected to an agent in just seconds.
Below are the customer support scores for each reviewed provider:
Flexibility
Every home has unique coverage needs based on sewer line age, condition, and location. Customizable warranties let you choose monthly costs, add-ons, and service call fees that fit your specific needs and budget.
Having two plan options is standard for most providers, so we awarded more points to those with three or more plans. Any company with two or more service call fee options also scored higher. Additionally, our team checked service technician policies for each company. Home warranty companies typically dispatch technicians from their preapproved network. On rare occasions, providers let you select your own technician. Companies offering flexible technician options received extra points.
AFC Home Warranty stands out for its flexible sewer line warranty options. The company offers three plan options that include sewer line and plumbing protections. Additional customization options include three service call fees and 13 add-ons. The company also lets you choose your own service technician, which is a rare benefit.
Here’s how we rated each company scored for flexibility:
Pricing for the Best Sewer Line Warranties
The average home warranty costs $43–$72 per month. Sewer line coverage skews a bit higher, at $40–$90 per month. However, these costs vary based on your plan type, selected services, and location. We’ve compiled sample quotes from our top five sewer line providers in various U.S. cities to give you an idea of how much sewer line coverage may cost in your area. While some providers offer consistent pricing nationwide, others have variable costs depending on the location.
Provider Cost Comparison for Sewer Lines
| City | Elite Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Liberty Home Guard | First American Home Warranty | AFC Home Warranty |
| Cost Range in Annapolis, MD | $44–$58 | $29–$89 | $49–$59 | $62–$97 | 67–$107 |
| Cost Range in Atlanta, GA | $44–$58 | $29–$89 | $49–$59 | $52–$87 | $54–$94 |
| Cost Range in Charlotte, NC | $44–$58 | $49–$109 | $49–$59 | $47–$87 | $38–$64 |
| Cost Range in Cincinnati, OH | $44–$58 | $29–$89 | $49–$59 | $44–$84 | $34–$92 |
| Cost Range in Ocala, FL | $44–$58 | $49–$109 | $49–$59 | $47–$87 | $53–$92 |
*We based the pricing information in this table on sample quotes we obtained for single-family homes under 3,000 square feet throughout the United States. Your pricing may vary.
FAQ About Sewer Line Warranties
How long does a sewer line last?
Sewer lines can last anywhere from 50 to over 100 years, depending on the material. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes have the longest lifespan of over 100 years. Cast iron and clay/cement pipes typically last 75–100 years. Orangeburg pipes generally last around 50 years before needing replacement.
How can I tell if my sewer line is broken?
You can tell your sewer line is broken if you notice unpleasant smells inside your home, mold, slow draining in your sink or toilet, or pest infestation. Sewer lines can be difficult to locate, so we recommend contacting a plumber to identify the exact location of the break.
Does my homeowners insurance cover sewer line repairs?
No, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover normal sewer line repair. This type of insurance only covers your home and personal property from damages caused by perils or natural disasters such as fires, lightning strikes, and hail.
What are the common exclusions in a sewer line warranty plan?
Common sewer line warranty exclusions include damage from improper maintenance, sediment, rust, or corrosion. They also often don't cover leaks or blockages outside the home's foundation, plus any issues caused by collapsed drain lines, tree root intrusion, or freezing.
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