American Home Shield is our pick for the best home warranty company for sewer lines. A home warranty with sewer line coverage can help you pay less out-of-pocket if unexpected problems hit this critical system. Dealing with multiple clogged drains already creates enough stress, and widespread backups in your showers, sinks, or toilets can quickly disrupt your home. Major sewer line damage often forces contractors to dig in your yard to locate the issue, which can quickly drive up repair costs.
Our team reviewed the best home warranty companies that cover sewer and plumbing lines so you can limit your financial risk against unexpected repairs. Learn more about our top picks, see how home warranty plans work, and decide whether this type of coverage fits your needs.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines
After researching 13 home warranty companies nationwide, we selected the following as our top choices for sewer line coverage:
- American Home Shield — Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty — Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty — Best for High-End Items
- 2-10 Home Warranty — Cheapest Appliances Plan
- What Homeowners Are Choosing: According to a 2025 This Old House home warranty survey of 2,000 homeowners, American Home Shield is the most widely used provider, with 40.65% of respondents naming it as their current home warranty company. First American Home Warranty came in as the second most popular at 10.65%, followed by Choice Home Warranty at 9.65% and Liberty Home Guard at 8.55%.
Coverage and Cost Details
- Average Cost: A home warranty plan with sewer line coverage typically costs between $40–$90 per month, depending on factors such as plan type, coverage level, and your location.
- What is Covered: Coverage typically includes clearing mainline blockages, repairing or replacing accessible sewer pipes, and addressing leaks or breaks within the home’s foundation, though limits may apply based on distance and access.
- Why Coverage is Needed: Sewer line repairs can be complex and costly, especially when digging or pipe replacement is required, making warranty coverage a helpful way to manage unexpected expenses.
- Typical Service Fees: Service call fees typically range from $75–$125 per visit and apply each time a technician comes to your home.
- What the Data Shows: According to the This Old House 2025 Home Warranty Survey of 2,000 homeowners, the most common service call fee is $75, making it the single most frequently reported amount among respondents. This aligns with the lower end of the typical $75–$125 range, suggesting that many homeowners can find plans with more affordable per-visit costs.
Key Considerations
- Coverage limits to review: Sewer line coverage often excludes issues such as tree root blockages, damage beyond a set distance, or repairs requiring excavation, making it important to carefully review plan limits.
- Purchase motivation: In our 2026 home warranty survey, over 32% of homeowners said they added sewer line coverage to protect against expensive repairs or replacements.
- Repair timelines: Many sewer line claims are resolved quickly, with nearly 58% of our surveyed homeowners reporting their issues were fixed within one week.
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. 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.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | ||
B | $60–$68 | $100 | ||
B+ | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | ||
A+ | $27–$61 | $65–$100 |
Homeowner Insights
Plumbing was the fourth most popular major system our 2026 survey respondents reported purchasing, with nearly 12% opting for plumbing system coverage.
When asked which major home system mattered most for warranty coverage, 15.35% of respondents in the This Old House 2026 Home Warranty Survey ranked plumbing as their top priority — trailing only heating or furnace (31.05%), air conditioning (25.35%), and electrical (20.20%). This underscores how critical plumbing protection, including sewer line coverage, is for a significant share of homeowners.
Sewer and water line coverage is one of the more commonly purchased add-ons among warranty holders. In the This Old House 2026 Home Warranty Survey, 28% of respondents reported adding sewer or water line coverage outside the home to their base plan — making it the most popular add-on option after roof-leak coverage (40.10%).
Our Reviews of the Best Sewer Line Home Warranty Companies
When going through each home warranty provider’s sewer line coverage, we 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. 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
- Charges higher monthly rates than some home warranty companies
- Provides only six add-ons, the fewest amount from providers in this review
Company Review
American Home Shield 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.
American Home Shield also provides an unlimited coverage cap for access pipes through a floor, wall, or ceiling, which is more than other providers. The company 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 American Home Shield falls short is in its cost and customization options. While the provider 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 protection. On average, most providers offer eight to 12 add-ons. Having more add-on options can help you extend your sewer line coverage to include other essential home items and services.
Customer Experiences
After reading online reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we discovered that many homeowners praised American Home Shield for its quick response times and easy-to-use claims submission options. When our American Home Shield 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 having a hard time cancelling a policy.
Here’s what real customers have to say about American Home Shield:
“Once I contacted American Home Shield with my issue, they got on it right away without a lot of roadblocks. Someone contacted the same day and asked for certain information about the issue, and then a service company was assigned, and they contacted me to set up an appointment to handle the problem. Quick, easy, courteous service and professional communication. The issue was resolved and the equipment replaced within four days, including the weekend. Outstanding customer service and customer care.” —Norman D. via Trustpilot, February 2026
“The company makes it very difficult to cancel. Multiple transfers and sales pitches. Tried to tell me to call back next month because my payment was due yesterday. I told them to keep the money and cancel effective today. The excuse was that you just paid. Why forfeit coverage? Ridiculous!!!” —Melissa B. via BBB, February 2026
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Backs repairs with a 30-day guarantee on parts and labor
- Offers the most affordable comprehensive plan with sewer coverage in this review, making it one of the cheapest home warranty plans available
- Provides $3,000 for plumbing system and stoppage coverage
Keep in Mind
- Charges a standard $100 service call fee, limiting your pricing flexibility
- Doesn’t offer additional sewer-related add-ons
Company Overview
Choice Home Warranty offers one of the more budget-friendly comprehensive plans with sewer coverage in this review. Its plans, which cover both systems and appliances, cost less than $68 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 30-day guarantee on parts and labor.
However, Choice falls short with its pricing flexibility. Other providers offer flexible service call fees, allowing you to tailor your monthly costs to your budget. With Choice, you’re limited to a standard $100 fee; however, the company may offer discounts to lower the overall pricing.
Customer Experiences
When reading through customer reviews, we learned that homeowners liked 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:
“Service for our appliance was fast and thorough. The serviceman was professional and actually worked beyond expectations. He checked everything to be sure that the appliance was working perfectly.” —Daniel B. via Trustpilot, February 2026
“Don’t waste your money purchasing a Choice Home Warranty plan. If they can’t repair your appliance, they won’t replace it with a new unit. Instead, they may offer a cash payout that’s significantly lower than the current retail price of the appliance. Be sure to read the fine print carefully before signing up.” —Claribel M. via BBB, February 2026
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
- Charges high monthly premiums
- Limits the most robust sewer line coverage to its highest and more expensive plan
Company Overview
First American Home Warranty is another company we recommend for sewer line coverage. It 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. A cleanout serves as the primary access point for the plumber to reach the blockage. Other providers only cover up to 100 feet. This extended coverage can benefit homeowners who have longer sewer lines that connect to their municipal system.
We also like that First American’s highest coverage tier, the Premium Plan, offers up to $250 for ground-level cleanout installation. Most providers require that a cleanout already be in place for service. 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. Another con is that First American is only available in 36 states. Every other provider in our list has nationwide coverage. However, if you need extended blockage clearance and cleanout installation services, and you live in its service areas, 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 will deny claims without a clear explanation.
Here’s what real customers have to say about First American Home Warranty:
“My refrigerator quit working, so I made an appointment online very easily. First American Home Warranty called me immediately and set up an appointment. They did a great job repairing my refrigerator. My last home warranty was awful, so I am very pleased with First American Home Warranty and Madden repair. I plan to use your company in the future and would recommend you.” —Ava via Trustpilot, February 2026
“Years ago, [First American Home Warranty] was very good. Now, they are horrible. They make you wait a long time for an appointment. You must pay in advance for the service, and then they deny the claim or want more money for the repair. They also hire terrible contractors. Every single one has not completed a repair properly. Do not recommend.” —April D. via BBB, February 2026
2-10 Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Offers an unlimited coverage cap for all plumbing system coverage
- Features the most service call fee flexibility in this review with three options
- Provides member benefits like smart home tech installation and dryer vent cleaning
Keep in Mind
- Excludes coverage for plumbing stoppages outside the covered home
- Has poor customer reviews on third-party review sites
Company Overview
Our final recommended provider for sewer line protection is 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. Like American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty, 2-10 will cover mainline drain plumbing stoppages that are within 100 feet of an existing access point or cleanout. The provider also has three service call fees, which can customize your monthly premium.
However, 2-10’s biggest drawback is that it doesn’t cover plumbing stoppages for sewer lines that are outside your home’s foundation. If you have a plumbing system in a guest unit, for example, 2-10 won’t cover it. Another con we found is that 2-10 only offers five optional add-ons, which is the fewest of all the providers we’ve reviewed.
Customer Experiences
When our team read through customer reviews for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, we noticed that homeowners generally described poor results, with no positive reviews coming through in 2026 on the review sites we checked. The most positive recent review we found was in October of 2025. Overall, 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 had 2-10 Home Warranty since we purchased our home in 2010. I have used them for multiple appliance and HVAC issues. I have had great service, even when a contractor didn’t perform as expected. They replaced the contractor, and my issue was resolved satisfactorily and within a satisfactory time frame. I recommend them as a good home warranty company.” —Perry via the BBB, October 2025
“We called 2-10 about a plumbing problem last November 11, 2025. It’s February 17, 2026. Our faucet still has not been fixed. 2-10, and their plumbing contract has been unresponsive. —Zoe T. via the BBB, February 2026
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 | 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 $500 | Up to $500 |
| Covered distance for stoppage clearouts from an access point | Up to 100 feet | Up to 100 feet | Up to 125 feet | Up to 100 feet |
| Cleanout installation | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| Excavation coverage | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Plumbing coverage limit upgrades | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Sewer line add-ons | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Preexisting conditions | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Improper installations or repairs | ✔ | 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 $65–$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 | $147–$345 |
| Leaking pipes | $250–$850 |
| Main line water leak repair | $150–$4,700 |
*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. In our 2026 nationwide survey, 29% of homeowners who experienced a denied claim reported that preexisting conditions were the reason. Only some home warranty providers, like American Home Shield, offer this protection.
- 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.
Survey Insights from Homeowners Nationwide
Our team surveyed 2,000 homeowners with home warranties in 2026 to better understand their coverage priorities. We then gathered insights from homeowners who purchased plumbing and sewer line protection within their plans. This helped us learn more about the customer service and claims experiences from real home warranty consumers who have sewer line protection.
Homeowners Bought Plans To Cover Costly Repairs or Replacements
Over 32% of the homeowners who bought plumbing and sewer line protection said that they bought a home warranty to safeguard against an expensive repair or replacement. Another 27% of homeowners said they purchased a home warranty plan because they own older appliances and systems. We also found that 71% of these respondents owned a pre-owned home, with 40% reporting that their home was older than 20 years old. Home warranties provide a safeguard for older plumbing systems and appliances that likely have expired manufacturer’s warranties.
Homeowners Prioritize Plan Coverage and Cost
We found that half of homeowners who bought sewer line protection considered plan coverage as the most important feature when shopping for a home warranty. Price was the second most important, with 28% of homeowners choosing it as the primary feature. Sewer line replacement can cost thousands of dollars, so it makes sense that homeowners care about how much coverage they receive for the system.
Most Homeowners Have Positive Claim Experiences
We found that 94% of homeowners who bought sewer line protection and have submitted a recent claim had their request approved. Of those respondents, nearly 58% said that their home warranty provider fixed the issue in one week or less. Additionally, nearly 91% of homeowners said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of their claim.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
In 2026, we surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders across all 50 U.S. states to better understand how homeowners view and use their policies. Our survey aimed to capture why homeowners bought a home warranty, uncover coverage satisfaction levels, and reveal claim and customer service experiences. Our survey also gathered insights on pricing, add-on selections, and policy renewal rates.
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.
FAQs About Home Warranties for Sewer Lines
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 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%).
To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to learn more about their experiences. We’ve also signed up for home warranty plans with 11 leading providers over a two-year span to directly experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves.
When evaluating sewer line warranties, we 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.
