Follow This Old House online:

We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.

The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.

Best Home Warranties for Sewer Lines

American Home Shield offers the best home warranty for sewer lines, with unlimited plumbing stoppage coverage and protection for preexisting sewer damage—coverage most providers exclude.

Updated 11/18/2025

Purchasing a home warranty with sewer line coverage can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses when dealing with unexpected repairs for this important home system. Managing multiple clogged drains is challenging enough—let alone facing widespread backups in your showers, sinks, or toilets. Severe sewer line issues can lead to hefty repair bills, especially if they require digging in your yard to find the damage.

We found the best home warranty companies that cover sewer and plumbing lines so you can protect yourself financially from the cost of unexpected repairs. Learn more about our top sewer line warranty companies, how a home warranty plan works, and if coverage is right for you.

Key Takeaways

  • American Home Shield tops our list as the best home warranty company for sewer line coverage due to its unlimited plumbing stoppage coverage and coverage of preexisting sewer line issues and damage.
  • Choice Home Warranty is our second choice since it offers an affordable, comprehensive plan with sewer coverage at less than $68 per month.
  • Home warranty plans with sewer line coverage usually cost between $40–$90 per month, and according to our 2025 survey of 1,000 homeowners, nearly 14% purchased additional sewer drainage coverage with their home warranty plan.

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:


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 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
American Home ShieldExplore Plans
B
$36–$100
$100–$125
Choice Home WarrantyExplore Plans
B
$60–$68
$100
First American Home WarrantyExplore Plans
B+
$77–$130
$100–$125
2-10 Home WarrantyExplore Plans
A+
$27–$61
$65–$100

Our Reviews of the Best Sewer Line Home Warranty Companies

Here are our top home warranty providers for sewer line coverage:

Best for Comprehensive Coverage

American Home Shield

Is American Home Shield available in your area?

American Home Shield is available in your area.Click below for a free estimate.

American Home Shield is not available in your area.Consider one of the options below.

is not valid.Please try another Zip Code.

4.9
Overall Score
Monthly Cost $36–$100
Service Fee $100–$125
Sewer Line Coverage Caps Unlimited

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

  • Provides only six add-ons, the fewest amount from providers in this review
  • May charge higher monthly rates than some home warranty companies

Company Review

American Home Shield (AHS) 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.

AHS also provides an unlimited coverage cap for access pipes through a floor, wall, or ceiling, which is more than other providers, such as First American, which limits coverage to $500. AHS 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 AHS falls short is in its cost and customization options. While AHS 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 protections. On average, most providers offer eight to 12 add-ons. Having more add-ons options can help you extend your sewer line coverage to include other essential home items and services.

Customer Experiences

After reading online reviews, we discovered that many homeowners praised American Home Shield for its quick response times and easy-to-use claims submission options. When our AHS 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 that multiple technicians were often required to complete a single repair job.

Here’s what real customers have to say about American Home Shield:

“Our air conditioning (AC) went out on a very hot day. We called AHS, and within an hour received a call from a repairman saying he would be at our home in less than an hour. We were very happy with the service.” —Marcia M. via Trustpilot, August 2025

“This company is a complete rip-off. Two years ago, my premium was $43 per month. Now it’s $123. More money, less service. I called to get a fridge pre-approved for a repair. They approved it and are now saying they won’t cover it. Now my AC is out, and they want to give me $495 to replace it. I explained to them the reason why I have a warranty with them is for them to cover my issues, and the supervisor hung up on me.” —Paul F. via Trustpilot, September 2025

Best Basic Plan Coverage

Choice Home Warranty

Is Choice Home Warranty available in your area?

Choice Home Warranty is available in your area.Click below for a free estimate.

Choice Home Warranty is not available in your area.Consider one of the options below.

is not valid.Please try another Zip Code.

4.7
Overall Score
Monthly Cost $60–$68
Service Fee $100
Sewer Line Coverage Caps $3,000

Coverage Overview

  • Provides $3,000 for plumbing system and stoppage coverage
  • Offers the most affordable comprehensive plan with sewer coverage in this review, making it one of the cheapest home warranty plans available
  • Backs repairs with a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor

Keep in Mind

  • Doesn’t offer additional sewer-related add-ons
  • Generally charges a standard $100 service call fee, limiting your pricing flexibility 

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 that can help you tailor your monthly costs to your budget. With Choice, you’re generally limited to a standard $100 fee, though the company may offer discounts to lower pricing overall. In addition, the company is currently involved in an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office regarding deceptive practices related to contracts and claims payouts. Before signing up for a sewer line warranty, we recommend researching companies based on reputations and available services.

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:

“I have had three great experiences with Choice Home Warranty. They provide service that is fast, reliable, and of high quality. Thanks for the recent repair to my freezer and the previous repair to my furnace. I have recommended this warranty company to all of my friends and family.” —Kimberly via Trustpilot, September 2025

“Choice Home Warranty denied my dryer and washer repair for normal wear and tear. They sent their accredited technicians, who didn’t know what they were doing. I have been with them since 2021. I wasted my money paying for the contract and service fee for the technicians.” —Ryan M. via Trustpilot, September 2025

Best for High-End Items

First American Home Warranty

Is First American Home Warranty available in your area?

First American Home Warranty is available in your area.Click below for a free estimate.

First American Home Warranty is not available in your area.Consider one of the options below.

is not valid.Please try another Zip Code.

4.6
Overall Score
Monthly Cost $77–$130
Service Fee $100–$125
Sewer Line Coverage Caps Unlimited

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

  • Limits the most robust sewer line coverage to its highest and more expensive plan
  • Excludes ground-level cleanout installations for its two lowest plans

Company Overview

Like American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty 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. Most other providers only cover up to 100 feet. This extended coverage can benefit homeowners who need longer sewer lines to connect to the municipal system.

First American’s highest coverage tier, the Premium Plan, offers up to $250 for ground-level cleanout installation. A cleanout serves as the primary access point for the plumber to reach the blockage. 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. However, if you need extended blockage clearance and cleanout installation services, 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:

“Easy to schedule. Very professional and courteous. The repair technician was knowledgeable. They arrived on time and explained everything that he was doing. Would use them again.” —Ramon P. via Trustpilot, August 2025

“This is the third time I have dealt with this company, as I have many properties. Each time with poor results. A hot water heater started to leak, so I paid for a service call. The next day, the plumbing contractor arrived to say the hot water heater needs replacement, and they will take a week to get a replacement unit. When I called First American Home Warranty, however, they said they don’t pay for the installation of hot water heaters and can’t provide information until the contractor contacts them. I will have to pay for installation and any non-covered actions.” —Marc L. via Trustpilot, August 2025

Cheapest Appliances Plan

2-10 Home Warranty

Is 2-10 Home Warranty available in your area?

2-10 Home Warranty is available in your area.Click below for a free estimate.

2-10 Home Warranty is not available in your area.Consider one of the options below.

is not valid.Please try another Zip Code.

4.1
Overall Score
Monthly Cost $27–$61
Service Fee $65–$100
Sewer Line Coverage Caps $2,000

Coverage Overview

  • Offers add-ons for increased plumbing caps and extended coverage
  • Features the most service call fee flexibility in this review with three options
  • Provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee with its plans

Keep in Mind

  • Excludes plumbing coverage from its lowest plan, Simply Kitchen
  • Charges a 9.5% processing fee for monthly plans

Company Overview

Homeowners looking for reliable protection for sewer line repairs may value 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s unlimited workmanship guarantee. This key feature eliminates repeat service fees for the same issue as long as your coverage remains active, offering long-term savings and convenience for recurring repairs. It also offers a Luxury Package add-on, which boosts your plumbing coverage to $5,000 per contract term. You can also get extended pipe leak coverage for hard-to-reach pipes outside your home’s foundation.

However, 2-10 does have a few drawbacks. Its base plan doesn’t offer plumbing protection, and its mid-tier plan only includes $2,000 for plumbing and sewer coverage, which is on the lower end. To match competitors such as Choice Home Warranty or First American Home Warranty, you’d need to purchase the Luxury Package. Plus, if you choose monthly payments, a 9.5% processing fee applies, increasing your overall costs. While spreading payments out can offer convenience, this added fee can make the plan less budget-friendly in the long run.

Customer Experiences

When our team read through customer reviews for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, we noticed that homeowners described very mixed results, with few positive reviews coming through in 2025. Of the positive reviews we found, customers praised 2-10 for its prompt claims processing, which typically took 24–48 hours. However, some 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:

“2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is great. We bought our house, and right after we moved in every everything started breaking down. They got a repair person out pretty quickly and saved us a lot of money.” —Diana B. via the BBB, January 2025

“2-10 approved me to use my own plumbing technician because they didn’t have one available the first three times I filed a claim. The tech comes out and does the work for $220. I called 2-10 to get reimbursed, but they won’t reimburse the money because it was over their $200 limit. What plumber are you going to find for less than $200? But they won’t reimburse the money because I needed an approval code before having the work done. I thought that their verbal approval for me to use my own tech was the approval. Apparently not. They will find any way not to pay you back. —Zoe T. via the BBB, August 2025


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 CoverageAmerican Home ShieldChoice Home WarrantyFirst American Home Warranty2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Covered limits for plumbing access through walls, ceilings, or floors Up to $1,000Up to $500Up to $500Up to $500
Covered distance for stoppage clearouts from an access point Up to 100 feet Up to 100 feetUp to 125 feetUp to 100 feet
Cleanout installation𝗫𝗫𝗫
Excavation coverage𝗫𝗫𝗫𝗫
Plumbing coverage limit upgrades𝗫𝗫𝗫
Sewer line add-ons𝗫𝗫𝗫
Preexisting conditions𝗫𝗫𝗫
Improper installations or repairs 𝗫𝗫

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 IssueAverage 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.
  • 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.

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 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 team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

More on Home Warranties