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5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines (2024)

Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield offer the best home warranty coverage to safeguard your sewer line. Our guide explains the value of sewer line warranties and provides a comprehensive list of our top recommended providers.

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Michael Mansueto Updated 05/06/2024

If you’re concerned about repair costs for your home’s sewer lines, a home warranty plan that covers your plumbing system and septic tank could give you peace of mind. After researching over 30 sewer line warranties, we recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for additional sewer and drainage add-on options and excellent customer support. We also chose American Home Shield (AHS) for comprehensive protection, including sediment, rust, and corrosion damage coverage.

To determine our top recommendations, we conducted thorough company research, analyzed essential sewer line coverage options, spoke with industry experts, and performed secret shopping. We scored each provider on 31 key factors to identify the best home warranty companies with excellent sewer line protection. Here’s what to look for in a sewer line warranty, plus our picks for the best home warranty for sewer line coverage.

Key Takeaways

The best home warranty companies for sewer line coverage are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of 30 sewer line warranties.
A home warranty with sewer line coverage costs $30-90 per month, depending on your provider and coverage.
Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Line Coverage

Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage

Compare Top Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Line Coverage

The table below compares the top home warranty companies for sewer lines based on some of the 31 key factors from our methodology, including monthly cost, BBB ratings, and service fees. 

Company Our Rating Monthly Cost** Service Fee Sewer Line Coverage Caps Visit Site
4.5
$49–$59 $65–$125 $500 VISIT SITE
4.4
$29–$89 $100–$125 Unlimited VISIT SITE
4.6
$42–$82 $75–$125 Unlimited VISIT SITE
4.6
$35–$94 $75–$125 $500–$4,000 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

*We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,477-square-foot, single-family home in Cleveland, Ohio. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.


Our Sewer Line Warranty Research Process

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Homeowners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most for home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

We thoroughly researched the market to find the top home providers with sewer line coverage. We examined over 50 companies and compared over 30 plans. We examined sample contracts and compared sewer line coverage, system coverage limits, plumbing exclusions, and available sewer and septic add-ons. We consulted industry experts to understand standards for sewer line protection. Additionally, we tested the claims process and customer service for several providers through secret shopping.

We developed a detailed methodology to score each company based on our research. We scored based on four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating scale.

Our Home Warranty Experts

We’ve spoken to more than 15 home warranty professionals throughout our home warranty research process. We consulted the following two experts for insights on this article.
Mark Buskuhl: Buskuhl is the Founder & CEO of Ninebird Properties, a cash house buyer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Patrick Grayson: Grayson owns Stolco Designs, a construction company, and partners with Paramount Property Buyers, a real-estate business. Both businesses are based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How Do Sewer Line Warranties Work?

Have questions about the basics of a sewer line warranty? We’ll explain common coverage, typical costs, and more below. 

What Does a Sewer Line Warranty Cover?

How Much Does a Sewer Line Warranty Cost?

How Long Does a Sewer Line Warranty Last?

What Should You Look for in a Sewer Line Warranty?

Home warranties protect your home’s plumbing and sewer lines from breaks, leaks, and stoppages. However, most policies don’t offer protection for every issue. While reviewing sample policies, we learned that no home warranty covers every potential sewer service line or plumbing problem. We compiled a list of typical sewer line warranty coverages, add-ons, and exclusions to help you compare coverage options.

Covered Issues

Here’s the sewer line coverage you can expect from most top-rated home warranties:

  • Access to pipes behind unobstructed walls/ceilings/floors returned to a rough finish (usually subject to a benefit amount limit)
  • Mainline and lateral drain line blockages up to 100 feet from the main access point
  • Water service line leaks, breaks, and stoppages within the main foundation

Exclusions

Providers typically exclude the following coverage from most home warranty sewer line plans:

  • Damage due to improper maintenance
  • Damage due to sediment, rust, or corrosion in pipes and water lines
  • Leaks or stoppages outside of the main foundation
  • Septic tank waste disposal or chemical cleanout
  • Stoppages caused by collapsed/damaged drain lines, tree roots, or freezing

Add-On Coverage Options

Not every provider includes every coverage option in its protection plans. The following coverages are typically available as plan add-ons for an extra fee:

  • Septic tank pumping (once per year or contract term)
  • Septic tank systems, such as sewage ejector pumps, jet pumps, and aerobic pumps
Based on sample quotes we pulled, sewer line warranties typically cost around $52 per month or $633 annually. Final costs depend on your coverage plan type, service fees, and add-on sewer protections. Here’s an overview of the factors that affect premium costs:
  • System only vs. comprehensive coverage: Most home warranty providers offer sewer line protections within their standard plans. However, these plans may include additional appliances and systems for which you may not need coverage. Grayson says, “When shopping for a home warranty, consider the coverage that each company offers and make sure it fits your needs.” If you only need sewer line protection, look for companies that offer system-only plans. These plans cost less than more comprehensive plans, helping you save on your monthly premium. 
  • Add-ons: Additional coverage for septic systems and cleansing will require additional coverage. Costs vary between companies, ranging from $3–$30 monthly for added protection. Limit add-ons to only essential protections to help keep your sewer line protection more affordable. 
  • Service fees: Most companies we researched offered flexible service fees, with costs between $55–$125. In most cases, choosing a higher service fee results in a lower monthly premium and vice versa. Remember that you will pay this service call fee every time you schedule a service repair. A few home warranty providers charge multiple service fees if several issues are found during one visit.

Usually, your sewer line warranty lasts as long as your active home warranty plan. Most home warranties last 12 calendar months and must be renewed to continue coverage. However, the length and coverage amount can vary between providers and policies. We recommend carefully reviewing contract details to understand your full coverage terms. 

As you shop for sewer line protection, we recommend checking each company for the following items:
  • Coverage limit: Verify the coverage limits offered by each home warranty company. A $500 is the industry standard for plumbing and sewer line coverage. Some companies exceed that standard, offering from $2,000 up to unlimited coverage for plumbing lines. 
  • Exclusions: Read through sample contracts to verify the sewer coverage details. Buskuhl points out that certain exclusions or limitations could reduce the value of the coverage. For instance, some plans may exclude damage caused by neglect or lack of proper maintenance. Look for terms specifying exclusions for root damage, preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, and stoppages located beyond accessible points. 
  • Reputation and reviews: Research each potential company and check third-party review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Best Company, for customer reviews. Check review for patterns of denied claims, low payouts, and delayed repairs.

The 5 Best Home Warranty Providers for Sewer Line Coverage

Below are our top choices for home warranty companies offering sewer line protection.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for its excellent brand reputation and extensive add-on catalog of 42 items, the largest in this review. The company offers sewer line protection under two of its standard plans, plus add-on coverage for additional septic needs.

Monthly cost: $49–$59

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We awarded LHG 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): LHG scored well for its extensive add-on catalog and Industry-standard sewer line coverage. 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): LHG lost points for its inflexible service call fee policy. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG received a high score due to its excellent customer review scores across several third-party review sites. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): LHG lost points for its inflexible service technician policy.

Sewer Coverage Pros and Cons

Pros Covers mainline drain and plumbing stoppages up to 100 feet from an access point Offers system-only and comprehensive plans for sewer line protection Provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee, twice the industry standard Cons Assigns its service call fees, limiting plan flexibility Doesn’t cover pipe access repairs Only covers septic system pumping, whereas other providers also cover components

Plans and Cost

Liberty Home Guard offers three plan options: Appliance Guard, System Guard, and Total Guard. Sewer line coverage comes with the System Guard and Total Guard plans. We read the Liberty Home Guard sample contract to learn more about its sewer line protections. We discovered that LHG offers a $500 limit for plumbing coverage, which is the industry standard. 

The company offers standard coverage for stoppages clearable by a snake. Stoppages must be within 100 feet of an access point and within the main foundation. LHG excludes clogs or stoppages due to overgrown tree roots and freezing, a common exclusion. 

Here’s an overview of LHG’s coverage plans:

  • Appliance Guard: This appliance-only plan includes nine essential appliances, including dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators. All appliances receive a $2,000 coverage cap. 
  • Systems Guard: The next plan protects six essential built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Although plumbing and electrical systems receive a $500 cap, all other systems include a  $2,000 cap.
  • Total Home Guard: The highest plan tier combines Appliance Guard and Systems Guard coverage. All coverage caps are the same.

LHG offers monthly and annual premium options, which is common with many home warranty providers. However, it’s one of the few companies that assign its service fees to customers. These range from $65–$125 per service call. We spoke to an LHG representative concerning the inflexible service call policy. The representative explained that fees are assigned based on your location, selected plan, and add-on selections. 

We’ve provided a breakdown of LHG’s monthly pricing below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing and electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

LHG offers 42 add-on choices, making it the largest catalog of the review. The company offers septic tank pumping for $12.99 per month. This includes main line stoppages, clogs, and one pumping per year. Coverage excludes replacement for components, which other home warranty providers offer. LHG provides five additional plumbing, sewer, and drainage add-on items:

  • Ejector pumps
  • Grinder pump
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Sump pumps
  • Well pump

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

Through secret shopping, we tested LHG’s communication channels to find the fastest options. Calling customer support was the quickest, connecting us to a representative in under one minute. The live chat also connected in under a minute but first routed us to an automated bot. We had to request a live agent twice before being transferred to a live representative. Overall, calling was the fastest way to reach an LHG representative.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for those who need comprehensive coverage for sewer lines, plus additional systems and appliances. Unlike most other companies, it covers sediment, rust, and corrosion damage. 

Monthly Cost: $29–$89

How We Scored American Home Shield

AHS received 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated the company in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS received higher points for its comprehensive system and appliance coverage, including HVAC and plumbing. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): AHS lost points for its expensive plans, which were higher than other reviewed providers. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its lower average customer review score. 
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS received higher points for its efficient claims process.

Sewer Coverage Pros and Cons

Pros Includes an unlimited cap for plumbing systems Offers $1,000 pipe access repair cap, twice the limit compared to other providers Provides sewer line coverage under every plan Cons Charges higher than other reviewed providers Limits coverage plans to monthly premiums only Only offers two septic-related add-ons

Plans and Cost

American Home Shield provides three plan options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. After reviewing the American Home Shield sample contract, we learned that all three plans include sewer line protections. The company offers unlimited plumbing coverage for most items. Sewage ejector pumps receive a $500 cap, while pipe access repairs have a $1,000 limit. 

Coverage includes mainline and lateral drain line stoppages within 100 feet of an access point. AHS also covers wall and access point repairs up to $1,000 if plumbing can only be accessed through a floor, wall, or ceiling. Blockages caused by service line issues outside the foundation, such as collapsed, broken, or damaged lines, are excluded from coverage. All repairs come with a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is the industry standard. 

Here’s a breakdown of AHS’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only plan includes cooling, plumbing, and sewer lines. Most systems receive a $5,000 coverage, but plumbing doesn’t have a cap on coverage. 
  • ShieldGold: This plan includes ShieldSilver coverage but adds essential appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers. You receive a $2,000 limit for appliances and the same system coverage limits.
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest plan includes ShieldGold coverage plus added perks, such as roof-leak protection. Appliance coverage doubles to $4,000 per item. System coverage remains the same. 

AHS is one of the few providers to limit its plan options to only monthly premiums. The company does offer an option with its service fees, with either a $100 or $125 option. Our monthly premium decreased when we chose a higher fee for our sample quote.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $4,000

AHS only offers six add-on options, making it the smallest catalog in this review.  Based on our research, most home warranty providers offer eight. The company has two sewer and septic protection options: septic pumps and well pumps. Unlike LHG coverage, AHS does cover components and parts of the septic tank, plus one pumping during the contract period. Septic pump coverage costs $5 per month, while well pump protection costs $8 monthly. 

AHS offers the following add-on coverage:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Limited roof-leak coverage
  • Guest unit 
  • Pool and spa

Our Experience With American Home Shield

We recently tested AHS’s claims process firsthand when a team member needed repairs for a leaky bathroom pipe. He submitted the claim online and, within five minutes, received text and email confirmations. Another five minutes later, a technician called to schedule a next-day appointment. The technician completed the repairs in two hours the following day. Our team member only had to pay the standard service call fee.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Select Home Warranty if you need basic sewer line protection at an affordable price. Select offers plans under $50 per month and service call fees under $80, some of the lowest pricing in this review. 

Monthly cost: $44–$47

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty received 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): Select lost points for its lower appliance and system caps, which include $500 for sewer line coverage. 
  • Value (5.5 out of 5): Select earned a perfect score for its low-cost premiums. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): We deducted points for its lower customer review scores. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): Select lost points for its slower claims processing, which could take 48 hours or longer.

Sewer Coverage Pros and Cons

Pros Charges a lower service fee than other providers Offers budget-friendly sewer line coverage under $50 Provides free months of coverage with annual plans Cons Only covers plumbing stoppages under its highest plan Excludes septic system pumping from its coverage Limits most appliances and systems coverage caps to $500

Plans and Cost

Select provides three coverage plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. We read through the Select Home Warranty sample contract and discovered that Gold Care and Platinum Care provide sewer line protection plans, offering the industry standard $500 for sewer lines. In fact, Select limits coverage to $500 for most appliances and systems. The only exception is HVAC systems, which receive a $3,000 cap. Plumbing stoppages are only included in the Platinum Care plan.  

Select covers leaks, breaks, and drain, waste, and vent line stoppages. However, plumbing stoppages are not covered if there is no easy entry point to your home’s plumbing system. Like other providers, the company excludes damage caused by tree roots or frozen pipes.

We’ll cover Select Home Warranty’s plans below:

  • Bronze Care: This plan protects eight major appliances, such as cooktops, refrigerators, and ovens. Alliances received a $500 cap.
  • Gold Care: This system-only plan protects six major home systems, such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. HVAC systems receive a $3,000 limit, while all other systems, such as septic lines, max out at $500. 
  • Platinum Care: The highest plan combines Bronze and Gold Care coverage plus additional items, such as ceiling fans and plumbing stoppages. All coverage limits remain the same. 

Select Home Warranty offers monthly and annual premium options. Our sample quote included a $150 discount and two additional months of coverage with the annual plan. We also learned that Select Home Warranty assigns service call fees between $60 and $75.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

Select Home Warranty offers nine add-on options, with three offering added sewer and septic protections for under $9 monthly. At $5.83 per month, Select’s septic system pricing is lower than most of its competitors. Septic system coverage includes aerobic pumps, sewage ejectors, jet pumps, and septic tanks with a $400 limit. However, septic system pumping is not covered. Additional drainage add-ons include sump pumps and well pumps for $3.33 per month. 

Select also offers the following add-on options: 

  • Central vacuums
  • Lawn sprinkler systems 
  • Pools
  • Standalone freezers
  • Spas

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

When getting a quote from Select Home Warranty, we were offered the lowest service fee in an exclusive, over-the-phone deal. The Select rep recommended calling for claims and account issues rather than using the online portal.

We also learned Select Home Warranty uses its preapproved network of technicians for repairs. You can request your own technician if none are available nearby, but Select must still approve them before service.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for its extended sewer line stoppage coverage and unlimited system caps. The company will pay to clear clogs within 125 feet of access points, farther than most companies.

Monthly cost: $44–$84

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

We scored First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): First American scored well for its coverage plans, which include high appliance caps and multiple add-on appliance options.
  • Value (4 out of 5): First American lost points due to its service call fees which are slightly higher than competitors.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): First American scored well due to its excellent reputation and higher customer review scores.  
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): First American lost points for its inflexible service technician policy.

Sewer Coverage Pros and Cons

Pros Includes preexisting conditions under its First American Advantage upgrade Offers extended coverage for stoppages within 125 feet of an access point Provides unlimited coverage caps on most home systems, such as sewer lines Cons Doesn’t offer a system-only plan Doesn’t offer pipe access repair coverage under the Starter Plan Excludes ground-level cleanout installations for its two lowest plans

Plans and Cost

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. We analyzed the First American’s sample contract and learned that sewer lines and plumbing receive unlimited caps. We also learned that First American doesn’t offer a system-only plan. Each plan offers a mix of appliance and system coverage. 

The Starter Plan excludes key coverage, such as pipe access repair. While the Premium Plan includes $1,000 for removing concrete or other obstacles that block sewer line access, you receive only $500 with the other two plans. The Premium Plan also includes up to $250 for ground-level cleanout installation. You can add the First American Upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans to extend your coverage to include preexisting conditions, plus rust and corrosion damage.

Here’s a breakdown of First American’s coverage plans:

  • Starter Plan: This plan provides appliance and system coverage for some essential items, such as heating systems, plumbing, sewer lines, and refrigerators. Systems receive unlimited caps, while appliances receive $3,500 limits. 
  • Essential Plan: The next plan includes Starter Plan coverage and adds additional items, such as air conditioning and clothes washers and dryers. Water heaters receive $1,000, but all other caps remain the same. 
  • Premium Plan: The highest plan tier includes Essential Plan items, but adds faucets,  luxury appliances, and roof leaks. System caps remain the same, but appliance coverage doubles to $7,000. 

First American’s premiums are a bit higher, comparable to American Home Shield’s pricing. The company offers annual and monthly premium options. It provides options for service call fees at $75, $100, or $125, allowing for more customized pricing. The quote we received had the highest service fee, which brought the premium costs down.

Here’s a list of First American’s costs and service call fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$44.00–$59.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited
Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$54.00–$69.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)
Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$69.00–$84.00

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same
Appliances: $7,000

First American includes 12 add-on options but only septic system/pumping for additional sewer line protection. You receive one septic tank pump per contract term if the stoppage is due to a backup in the tank. You receive a $500 limit for septic system coverage, including the aerobic pump, jet pump, sewage ejector pump, and the septic tank line from the house to the septic tank. Coverage costs $7.08 per month. 

Additional First American add-on coverage includes the following items:

  • HVAC tune-ups
  • Up to three additional refrigerators
  • Sump pumps

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

One of our team members tested First American’s claims process when his garage door opener broke. He submitted an online claim on a Friday and, within 30 minutes, received a text with his technician’s details. The technician then contacted him to schedule an appointment for the following Monday. The repair took less than 30 minutes, and our team member only had to pay the service call fee.

AFC Home Warranty

Best for Customization
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for the best plan customization, offering three plans with sewer line coverage, three service fee options, and 13 add-ons. The company also offers a plan-length workmanship warranty, the longest guarantee of this review. 

Monthly cost: $34–$92

How We Scored AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty earned 4.6 out of 5 stars, and here’s how it scored in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored lower for its depreciated value policy. 
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored higher for its plan flexibility and variety.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): The company scored well for its unlimited workmanship guarantee, a rarity among home warranty providers. 
  • Availability and Service (5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty achieved a perfect score for its flexible service technician policy. 

Sewer Coverage Pros and Cons

Pros Includes sewer line coverage under three of its four plans Lets you choose your own service technician Offers an unlimited workmanship guarantee Cons Excludes plumbing stoppage coverage from its two lowest plans Only covers exterior sewer and water lines under its highest plan Varies coverage limits for each included system

Plans and Cost

AFC Home Warranty offers four plan options: a Silver Plan, Gold, Plan, Platinum Plan, and Diamond Plan. After reviewing the AFC Home Warranty sample contract, we learned that sewer lines and plumbing receive a $500 limit per 12-month period for visible interior leaks and breaks of water supply pipes, drains, vents, and waste lines. 

Plumbing and sewer line coverage comes with three plans: Gold, Plan, Platinum Plan, and Diamond Plan. However, only the Platinum Plan and Diamond Plan include plumbing stoppages, which receive a $300 limit. In addition, only the Diamond Plan includes external sewer lines and $250 access opening coverage. All repairs and replacements include a plan-length workmanship guarantee.

Here are the details of each AFC Home Warranty coverage plan:

  • Silver Plan: The lowest plan covers nine appliances, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves. You receive a $3,000 limit for appliances. 
  • Gold Plan: The next plan offers system and appliance protection for 15 items, such as air conditioning, plumbing, and water heaters. Coverage caps vary between systems, but appliance limits remain the same. 
  • Platinum Plan: This plan includes 20 essential systems and appliances, such as faucets and plumbing stoppages. Coverage caps remain the same.  
  • Diamond Plan: The highest plan tier includes Platinum coverage, electronics, and external sewer and water lines. Note: The Diamond Plan is unavailable in AK, CA, HI, MT, MS, NC, NJ, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WI.

AFC Home Warranty offers annual and monthly premiums. Annual plans include a $100 annual discount for a one-year commitment and $250 off for a three-year plan. Our sample contract included service fees of $75, $100, or $125.

Here’s an overview of AFC Home Warranty’s pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$34.33–$39.08

$75–$125

$3,000

Gold Plan

$48.50–$53.17

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000
Systems: Unlimited

Platinum Plan

$53.17–$57.92

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Diamond Plan

$87.75–$92.50

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

AFC Home Warranty has 13 different add-on options, with pricing starting as high as $25 per year. You can add septic system coverage for $50 per year. Coverage includes aerobic, jet, and sewage ejector pumps. Coverage exclusions include the septic tank, line from the house, leach lines, field lines, lateral lines, cleanout, insufficient capacity, and grinder pump.

Additional add-on options include the following items:

  • Hot water dispensers
  • In-ground pools and spas
  • Sump pumps
  • Well pump

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

Through secret shopping, we found that AFC Home Warranty uniquely allows you to choose your own service technician, whereas most providers restrict you to their preapproved network. Our sample quote also included exclusive perks like free credit monitoring, insurance discounts, and identity protection.


Are Sewer Line Warranties Worth It?

Yes, a sewer line warranty is worth it to provide added financial protection for your home. As sewer lines are generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies, you could face substantial out-of-pocket expenses of up to $6,000 for replacement costs. 

Our 2024 survey also showed that many homeowners prioritize sewer line protection. We surveyed 1,000 home warranty plan holders and found more than a quarter (27%) of purchased coverage plans that provided sewer line protection.

Additionally, most standard home warranty plans come with sewer line coverage, which helps safeguard other crucial systems and appliances in your home. Investing in sewer line protection protects your sewer line and provides peace of mind for other parts of your home.


What Are Signs of Sewer Line Damage or Issues?

With a sewer line warranty, homeowners have added protection against unexpected backups, clogs, and other drainage issues. You should address any notable sewer issue signs immediately. Below are some clues that you may need a sewer line repair.

  • Clogging in multiple drains
  • Excessive flooding or mud in your yard
  • Frequent plunging of toilets or sinks
  • Foul odors coming from your drains or yard
  • Gurgling sounds in your drains
  • Increased insect and rodent infestation
  • Slow-draining sinks, showers, or toilets
  • Water backing up in your drains or toilets

How Do You Maintain Sewer Lines?

With typical sewer line replacement costs falling between $3,000 and $6,000, we recommend regular maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. Below are a few tips on proper sewer line maintenance.

  • Call a professional for major issues: If you experience any major clogs or backups, contact a professional plumber to resolve the issues.
  • Don’t flush the wrong items: Ensure only waste and toilet paper are flushed down toilets to reduce your chances of clogs and buildup. Even products designed for flushing, such as disposable toilet wipes, could cause sewer line problems.
  • Limit garbage disposal waste: Don’t place certain food, such as egg shells or bones, in the disposal. To avoid unwanted clogging, deposit them in the trash or compost.
  • Maintain your landscape: Tree roots can grow into your sewer line and cause blockages. Keep shrubs and trees well maintained and cut back any nearby roots.
  • Throw oil away in the trash: Avoid pouring oil or grease down the kitchen drain line. These substances will solidify, creating build-up and clogs. Safely dispose of cooled grease in the trash instead.


Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:

  1. Enter your monthly premium
  2. Enter your service call fee
  3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost

Dehumidifier

$50–$200

$1,300–$2,800

Microwave

$50–$400

$60–$2,000

Dishwasher

$50–$500

$400–$3,000

Exhaust Fans

$16–$300

$250–$950

Electric Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Gas Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Dryer

$100–$400

$450–$2,300

Oven

$100–$430

$400–$3,000

Washer

$50–$450

$400–$2,300

Freezer

$90–$500

$160–$2,900

Refrigerator

$40–$350

$200–$5,000

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot

Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a company’s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your home’s size, type, and location.


FAQs About Sewer Line Warranties

Does my home insurance cover sewer line repairs?

No, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover normal sewer line repair. This type of insurance only covers your home and personal property from damages caused by perils or natural disasters such as fires, lightning strikes, and hail. 

What does a sewer line repair plan typically protect?

Many plans protect your sewer lines from stoppages within your main foundation. Some may also cover damage due to rust and corrosion.

What other items does a home warranty cover?

Home warranty plans typically cover repairs and replacements to appliances and systems in your home damaged through normal wear and tear. In addition, some protection plans cover items such as refrigerators, cooktops, dishwashers, heating systems, and electrical systems.

How do you know if your sewer line has broken?

You can tell your sewer line has a break if you notice unpleasant smells inside your home, mold growth, slow draining in your sink or toilet, or an infestation of pests. We recommend contacting a plumber to pinpoint where your sewer line broke since they are hard to spot.

How long does a sewer line last?

Sewer lines can last anywhere from 50 to over 100 years, depending on the material. PVC pipes have the longest life span of over 100 years. Cast iron and clay/cement pipes typically last 75–100 years. Orangeburg pipes generally last around 50 years before needing replacement.


How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state below.


Related Resources

We’ve done extensive research on the best home warranty companies across the country and have compiled easy-to-digest guides and comparisons:

More on Home Warranties

Related to Home Systems

Related to Home Appliances


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