Why Sewer Lateral Insurance Coverage Is One of the Smartest Protections for Homeowners

Sewer lateral, in Port Washington, was blocked at every joint by roots, from house to street. Causing sewer to backup into the basement.

Most homeowners insure their roof, furnace, and even their appliances—but forget about one of the most expensive underground components of their home: the sewer lateral.

Out of sight should not mean out of mind. When a sewer lateral fails, the repair is often urgent, messy, and expensive. Having proper insurance coverage can mean the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a financial gut punch.

Let’s break down why this matters.

What Is a Sewer Lateral?

Your sewer lateral is the pipe that runs from your home to the city’s main sewer line—usually located under your yard, driveway, sidewalk, or even the street.

Here’s the part many homeowners don’t realize:

You are financially responsible for that entire line from your house all the way to the city connection.

If it collapses, cracks, separates, or fills with roots, the repair bill is yours.

Why Sewer Laterals Fail

Sewer laterals fail more often than people think, especially in older homes.

Common causes include:

• Tree root intrusion

• Clay pipe deterioration

• Ground shifting or settling

• Cast iron corrosion

• Freeze-thaw cycles

• Age (many original laterals are 40–100+ years old)

Clay tile pipes, in particular, are notorious for root intrusion at the joints. Over time, those small root hairs turn into thick masses that can completely block the pipe or cause it to collapse.

And when that happens? Sewage backs up into the house.

The Cost of Repair (And Why Insurance Matters)

Replacing a sewer lateral is not a small repair.

Typical costs can range anywhere from:

• $5,000 to $15,000+

• Even higher if excavation involves driveways, landscaping, or sidewalks

If the pipe runs under a concrete driveway or patio, restoration adds even more to the total cost.

Standard homeowners insurance policies usually do NOT cover sewer lateral replacement due to wear and tear or root intrusion.

That’s where sewer lateral coverage (sometimes called service line coverage) comes in.

For a relatively small addition to your annual premium, you may be able to protect yourself against thousands of dollars in unexpected repair costs.

What Sewer Lateral Coverage Typically Covers

While policies vary, service line coverage often includes:

• Repair or replacement of damaged sewer laterals, including lining of the sewer

• Excavation costs

• Restoration of landscaping

• Repair of driveways or sidewalks

• Some policies may also cover water, gas, or electrical service lines

Always check your specific policy details to understand:

• Coverage limits

• Deductibles

• Exclusions

• Whether root damage is included

• 
  

The Backup Risk: It’s Not Just the Pipe

When a lateral fails, it doesn’t just affect what’s underground.

It can cause:

• Sewage backups in basements

• Damaged flooring and drywall

• Contaminated belongings

• Health hazards

Sewer backup riders (a separate type of coverage) help cover interior damage caused by a backup event.

Ideally, homeowners carry both:

• Service line coverage (for the pipe itself)

• Sewer backup coverage (for interior damage)

They protect two different parts of the problem.

Older Homes Are at Higher Risk

If your home was built before the 1980s and still has:

• Clay sewer pipe

• Orangeburg pipe

• Original cast iron

You are statistically at a much higher risk of failure.

Even if you’re not experiencing slow drains today, deterioration happens quietly underground.

A sewer camera inspection can help you understand the current condition of your lateral before you need to file a claim.

Prevention + Protection = Peace of Mind

Insurance isn’t about expecting something to go wrong.

It’s about knowing that if it does, you’re not writing a five-figure check unexpectedly.

The smartest approach is:

1. Get a sewer camera inspection to assess your line.

2. Review your homeowner’s policy.

3. Add service line and sewer backup coverage if needed.

4. Address small problems before they become emergencies.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Your sewer lateral is one of the most expensive and overlooked systems in your home. When it fails, it fails big.

A small annual insurance add-on can protect you from major financial stress.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your sewer line, scheduling a professional camera inspection is the first step. It’s a simple way to understand your risk—and make informed decisions before a backup forces them for you.

Because when it comes to sewer problems, preparation is always cheaper than cleanup.

37.8ft from the street to the house, roots are blocking 95% of the sewer. Anything flushed, will get caught and cause a backup.

53.4ft from the street to the house, roots are blocking 60% of the sewer. Anything flushed, will get caught and cause a backup.

Mention this post and get $100 OFF

a maintenance camera inspection!

Offer is not valid for camera charge in

addition to or during a sewer cleaning.