Septic and sewer line issues can become an expensive problem you have to deal with as a homeowner. While your home is protected by homeowners insurance, you usually aren’t protected against sewer line damage unless you purchase additional coverage specifically for the utility lines connected to your home.
Sewer lines can become damaged with age and crack or leak. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, tree roots, or a disturbance in the ground. Left unrepaired, these damaged sewer lines can damage your home’s flooring and piping, and even cause structural damage.
Sewer line insurance may be available as an insurance rider, or coverage you can add to your homeowners insurance policy. Or, you may be able to purchase a separate sewer line insurance policy if your insurance carrier doesn’t offer it as an endorsement option for your homeowners insurance.
When does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?
Your homeowners policy may cover damage to your pipes if they burst because of freezing weather or if they are damaged suddenly or by an accident. However, water lines outside of your home that are still on your property won’t be covered by your homeowners policy unless you added a service line endorsement.
How do you know if you have sewer line damage?
Sewer line damage is always visible and you may not know you have damage until you see things like sewage water standing outside of your home, mold, rodent or insect problems, foundation cracks, slow drains or notice a foul odor.
How does sewer line coverage protect you?
If you purchase a sewer line policy or add it by endorsement to your homeowners insurance, you will have protection for your home’s pipes and wiring that connect your home to water and sewage services for your locality. If you can’t find a policy to cover it, you can sometimes purchase a service plan for your utility company.
What sort of things does a sewer line policy cover?
Sewage line insurance covers damage caused by rust, normal wear and tear, root damage, damage from rodents or insects, and damage caused by the weight of equipment or vehicles that may damage pipes. It can cover repair costs such as replacing damaged piping, removing blockages, or landscaping services to fill holes in your lawn. You can also purchase water backup coverage to repair damage to your property resulting from a damaged sewer line.
If you’d like to make sure you are covered against sewer line damage, give us a call at (478) 471-8800 to go over your homeowner insurance coverage. We are here to help you stay protected!
