Best Home Warranties for Sewer Lines
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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
- Choice Home Warranty (CHW)
- Elite Home Warranty (EHW)
- First American Home Warranty (FAHW)
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
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 table 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.
| Star Rating | Sewer Line Coverage Caps | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield |  | Unlimited | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Choice Home Warranty |  | $3,000 | $46–$55 | $100 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Elite Home Warranty |  | $1,000 | $44–$58 | $70 | B+ | VISIT SITE | |
| First American Home Warranty |  | Unlimited | $42–$82 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty |  | $2,000 | $27–$61 | $65–$100 | A | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Sewer Line Coverage Caps | Unlimited |
| Monthly Cost | $29–$89 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Choice Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Sewer Line Coverage Caps | $3,000 |
| Monthly Cost | $46–$55 |
| Service Fee | $100 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Elite Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Sewer Line Coverage Caps | $1,000 |
| Monthly Cost | $44–$58 |
| Service Fee | $70 |
| BBB Rating | B+ |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Sewer Line Coverage Caps | Unlimited |
| Monthly Cost | $42–$82 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Sewer Line Coverage Caps | $2,000 |
| Monthly Cost | $27–$61 |
| Service Fee | $65–$100 |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Provider | Overall Score (Out of 5) | Plumbing Stoppage Coverage Cap | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Fee | Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| $3,000 | $46–$55 | $100 | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| $1,000 | $44–$58 | $70 | B+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Unlimited | $42–$82 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| $2,000 | $27–$61 | $65–$100 | A | VISIT SITE |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of December 2024
Our Reviews of the Best Sewer Line Home Warranty Companies
Here are our top home warranty providers for sewer line coverage:
American Home Shield
Choice Home Warranty
Elite Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
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.
Determine Coverage Needs
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.
Check Technician Availability and Workmanship Guarantee
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.
Compare Costs
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.
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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.