Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Damage?

Standard homeowners insurance usually excludes sewer line damage and backups — but two cheap endorsements (water backup and service line) cover them.

By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Last updated 2026

Why excluded

Buried lines and backups are treated as maintenance or gradual failure.

Add these

• Water backup coverage for drain/sewage backups.
• Service line coverage for buried line repairs.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sewage backup covered?

Only with the water-backup endorsement.

Who fixes the street line?

The municipality.

The bottom line

Standard policies exclude sewer lines and backups — add the two endorsements.

Related guides

• What Is NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.