If you own a home in Burlingame, you probably don’t think about your sewer line until something goes wrong. But when it does, it can cause serious damage, smelly messes, and expensive repairs. The big question is — will your homeowners insurance help cover the cost?

This article breaks down exactly how sewer line issues are (and aren’t) covered by insurance policies, what extra protection you might need, and how sewer line inspections can help you avoid big surprises. Let’s keep it simple, clear, and helpful — just like your coverage should be.

Sewer Line Problems Are More Common Than You Think

Your home’s sewer line is an underground pipe that carries waste from your toilets, sinks, and showers to the city’s main sewer system. Think of it like a hidden highway under your lawn.

When this pipe gets blocked, cracked, or broken, wastewater has nowhere to go — except back into your home or yard. That’s when the panic starts.

Some early warning signs include:

Gurgling sounds in your drains
Water backing up in tubs or toilets
Patches of soggy grass in your yard
Foul smells inside or outside your house

That’s where a sewer line inspection comes in — it helps you catch problems before they become disasters.

Does Standard Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Issues?

The answer is: it depends. Most standard homeowners insurance policies only cover sewer line damage if it was caused by something sudden and accidental.

Here are a few examples of things that might be covered:

A sewer line crushed by a fallen tree or heavy equipment
Sudden collapse due to the weight of snow or ice
Damage caused by someone else digging on your property

But most of the time, sewer line problems are caused by things not covered under basic policies, such as:

Aging pipes (especially older clay or cast iron ones)
Tree root invasion — this is super common in Burlingame’s leafy neighborhoods
Wear and tear from years of use
Shifting soil or earth movement

These are considered maintenance issues, and insurance companies usually won’t help with that.

What Is Sewer Backup Coverage and How Does It Work?

Sewer backup coverage is a separate add-on you can ask for. It protects your home if sewage or water backs up through drains, toilets, or sump pumps and floods the inside of your home.

This doesn’t fix the broken sewer line outside, but it helps cover damage to your:

Floors and walls
Furniture and belongings
Cleanup and sanitization

It’s an affordable upgrade — and definitely worth asking about if your home is in a flood-prone area or has a basement.

Understanding Service Line Coverage: The Key Add-On You Might Be Missing

Want coverage that does pay for repairing or replacing the actual sewer line in your yard? You’ll need service line coverage — another optional upgrade.

This newer type of protection helps cover:

Excavation costs to dig up the yard
Pipe repairs or replacement
Landscape restoration after the work is done

It can cover not just your sewer line, but also buried water, electric, and internet lines. And good news — it usually costs only around $30 to $100 a year to add to your policy.

Many Burlingame homeowners are surprised this kind of protection even exists, so it’s smart to ask your insurance company about it.

When Sewer Line Damage Might Be Covered – Real-Life Scenarios

Here are a few examples, based on real stories from homeowners:

✅ Covered by insurance:

A sewer line collapsed after a heavy storm caused the ground to shift. The insurance policy included service line coverage, so repairs were paid for.
A construction crew accidentally cut through a sewer pipe. Since the damage was sudden and accidental, it qualified under the standard policy.

🚫 Not covered by insurance:

A 50-year-old pipe cracked from years of wear. The insurance company said it was a maintenance issue.
Tree roots grew into the sewer line, causing a blockage. Unless the policy had specific root damage protection, this wasn’t covered.

That’s why a sewer line inspection can be so helpful. It shows what’s going on underground — and may even help your case if you need to file a claim.

Should You Get Sewer Line or Utility Line Insurance Separately?

If your homeowners insurance doesn’t include service line coverage — or you can’t add it — there’s another option: standalone sewer line insurance from private companies.

Some utility providers and third-party companies offer monthly plans that cover:

Sewer line repairs
Water line repairs
Emergency response
Excavation and cleanup

These plans usually cost between $5 to $15 a month, depending on the company and your home’s location. In Burlingame, where older homes and tree-lined streets are common, this extra protection could be a smart move.

Pros:

No need to go through your homeowners insurance
Dedicated coverage for sewer or water line damage
Some plans offer 24/7 customer support

Cons:

May not cover as much as service line add-ons
You’ll still need to check for exclusions and limitations

Before signing up, compare the cost and coverage with what your home insurance company offers. Make sure you understand what’s included — and what isn’t.

What to Do if You Suspect a Sewer Line Issue

Think something’s wrong with your sewer line? Don’t wait. Here’s what to do:

Watch for the warning signs:
- Slow drains throughout your house
- Water backing up into tubs or sinks
- Patches of extra-green grass or foul odors in the yard
Call a licensed plumber to perform a sewer line inspection. Most plumbers use a camera to check the pipe from the inside. This helps find cracks, blockages, and tree root damage early.
Check your homeowners insurance policy. Look for any mention of:
- Service line protection
- Sewer backup coverage
- Exclusions about age or wear and tear
Contact your insurance agent and ask about adding coverage if needed. Don’t wait until a pipe bursts to find out what you’re missing.
Schedule regular inspections, especially if your home is older or you’ve had problems before. Prevention is often cheaper than emergency repair.

How to Add the Right Coverage to Your Policy

If your current homeowners insurance doesn’t include sewer line coverage, you might be able to add it. Here’s how to do it:

Call your insurance provider: Ask specifically about “service line coverage” and “sewer backup endorsements.”
Review your deductible: Some plans require you to pay a portion of the repair cost. Make sure you understand what that is.
Ask about limits: Many service line coverages will cap how much they’ll pay — usually between $5,000 and $10,000.
Customize your coverage based on your home:
- Older Burlingame homes may need more protection
- Homes surrounded by large trees should consider root damage risks
- Sloped lots or homes near creeks should be on alert for water movement

Adding coverage often costs less than a few cups of coffee a month, but it could save you thousands.

Peace of Mind Starts Below Ground

Sewer line problems are messy, stressful, and expensive — but they don’t have to take you by surprise. With the right coverage in place and regular sewer line inspections, you can catch small issues early and avoid big bills later.

Whether it’s adding service line protection to your homeowners insurance or signing up for a separate sewer plan, it’s all about making sure you’re not left on the hook when things go wrong.

Burlingame homeowners — especially those in older homes — should take a few minutes today to check their policy, book an inspection if needed, and talk to their insurance agent about their options.

Remember, what you don’t see underground can hurt you — but with the right steps, it won’t have to.

Burlingame Sewer Line Inspection – JK Plumbing

Worried about what’s happening under your home? At JK Plumbing, we specialize in Burlingame sewer line inspection and repair services that help protect your home before disaster strikes. Using advanced camera technology, we locate hidden sewer problems—like cracks, clogs, or tree root invasions—before they turn into costly repairs.

Whether you’re dealing with backups or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Our local team knows the unique challenges of Burlingame homes, especially older properties with aging sewer lines. We offer fast service, honest pricing, and real solutions.

Call us today at (415) 359-4588 to schedule a sewer line inspection or ask about your plumbing concerns. Don’t wait for a messy surprise—JK Plumbing makes it easy to stay ahead of sewer line issues and keep your home running smoothly. Reliable, professional, and right here in Burlingame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tree root damage to a sewer line covered by insurance?

Tree root damage to a sewer line is one of the most common causes of sewer line problems, especially in areas with older infrastructure like San Francisco and Burlingame. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance policies usually don’t cover tree root intrusion because it’s considered a result of poor maintenance or lack of upkeep.

However, if the damage leads to sudden and accidental events such as a backup into your home, and you’ve added water backup coverage or a sewage backup endorsement, the resulting damage inside your home (like soaked floors or ruined personal property) might be covered. But the actual repair or replacement of the sewer line itself likely won’t be, unless you have extra coverage like a service line endorsement.

Some insurance companies do offer optional sewer line protection or a standalone policy that covers damage from tree roots, pipe relining, and even structural damage caused by broken pipes.

To be sure, review your current sewer line insurance policy, check coverage limits, and speak with a homeowners insurance agent. It’s also smart to schedule routine inspections to track root growth and avoid hidden water damage.

Preventive measures, like planting trees far from utility lines and keeping up with regular maintenance, can help reduce the risk and save you from costly repairs later.

What’s the difference between sewer backup coverage and service line coverage?

Sewer backup coverage and service line coverage are two very different types of insurance, and understanding both is key to protecting your home from unexpected events and costly repairs.

Sewer backup coverage is an endorsement that covers damage from raw sewage or water backing up into your home through drains, toilets, or a sump pump failure. This often includes personal property coverage for damaged items and structures coverage for flooring, walls, and insulation. It doesn’t fix the broken sewer line outside your house—it only helps clean up the mess inside.

Service line coverage, on the other hand, is a sewer line endorsement that helps cover physical damage to the actual underground pipes on your property, including cable lines, water lines, and sewer service lines. This typically includes excavation, pipe replacement, and landscape restoration.

Here’s a breakdown:

Sewer backup coverage: Helps with damage inside the home
Service line coverage: Helps with repairing the damaged pipe outside

For full protection, you may need both types of coverage. Be sure to check with your homeowners insurance company about these options and any coverage limits.

Will insurance cover sewer line replacement if the pipe collapses?

It depends on the cause of the collapse and the coverage in your policy. Most standard homeowners policies do not cover sewer line replacement due to wear and tear, corrosion, or poor maintenance. However, if the pipe collapses because of a sudden event, like accidental damage from a contractor or a natural disaster like an earthquake, it might be covered under dwelling coverage or additional coverage.

Adding a service line endorsement is one of the best ways to protect against service line damage, including collapsed pipes. This add-on may cover:

Excavation costs
Sewer line replacement
Restoration of landscaping

Keep in mind, coverage for sewer line damage typically stops at the property lines, so anything beyond that is usually the city’s responsibility.

In areas like Burlingame or San Francisco Bay, where homes are older and pipes are often metal or clay, the risk of collapse is higher. Routine maintenance and a professional inspection can catch early signs of damage before a full collapse occurs.

Document any collapse thoroughly if filing a homeowners insurance claim, and be ready with a plumber’s report, inspection footage, and repair estimates.

How do I file a claim for a broken sewer line?

Filing a homeowners insurance claim for a broken sewer line can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step helps. Here’s what to do:

Call a qualified plumber to diagnose the issue. Ask for a video sewer line inspection if possible. This will confirm the cause and location of the damage.
Take photos and videos of any visible damage—inside your home and outside.
Review your insurance policy for any mention of coverage for damages, including service line protection, sewage backup endorsement, or dwelling coverage.
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the issue. Be ready to explain:
- What happened
- When it occurred
- What type of sewer line you have (e.g., plastic pipes, metal pipes)
Submit documentation:
- Plumber’s report
- Inspection video/images
- Repair estimates
- Receipts for emergency cleanup (if any)

The insurance adjuster will assess your claim and determine if your coverage limits include sewer line replacement, raw sewage cleanup, or other types of damage.

Pro tip: keep records of routine maintenance and previous inspections to show you’ve taken proactive measures and avoided poor upkeep.

Is sewer line coverage worth it for older homes in Burlingame?

Absolutely. Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, often have aging plumbing systems made of cast iron, clay, or metal pipes that are more prone to pipe damages, corrosion, and root intrusion. In cities like Burlingame or San Francisco, these older homes may be at a higher risk of major issues below ground due to natural disasters, shifting soil, or heavy rains from the nearby coast.

A damaged sewer line can lead to:

Sewage leaks in your yard or home
Clogged drains and drain backup
Hidden water damage and even structural issues
Unexpected sewer line repair costs that can exceed $5,000 to $10,000

Adding a sewer line insurance policy or a service line endorsement to your homeowners insurance coverages can protect you from this kind of unexpected expense. Some providers even offer add-on coverage for as little as $5–$10 per month.

Given the high cost of sewer line replacement, and the fact that standard home insurance policies rarely cover this kind of damage, extra coverage brings real peace of mind knowing you’re protected from one of the most costly repairs a homeowner can face.

What causes sewer line damage?

Sewer line damage can happen for many reasons—some natural, some preventable. Understanding the causes can help homeowners take the right preventive measures and avoid costly repairs.

Common causes include:

Tree root intrusion – Roots naturally grow toward moisture and can break into pipes through small cracks. This is especially common in older neighborhoods in Burlingame and San Francisco where trees are abundant and pipes are aging.
Ground shifting or settling – Over time, soil movement or seismic activity (like in the San Francisco Bay area) can put pressure on underground pipes, leading to misalignment, cracking, or collapse.
Corrosion and material decay – Older pipes made of cast iron, clay, or metal can deteriorate over time. This leads to structural damage, leaks, or breaks.
Poor maintenance – Clogged drains, grease buildup, and flushing improper items can stress the system and damage pipes over time.
Heavy traffic or construction above the sewer line – Large vehicles or construction equipment can crush or shift buried pipes.
Weather extremes – Heavy rains, flooding, or even a volcanic eruption in certain regions can cause water to overload the system, leading to failure.

Staying on top of routine inspections, keeping records of proper maintenance, and watching for signs of damage (slow drains, foul odors, soggy lawns) can go a long way in preventing damage to your sewer lines.

What causes sewer lines to break or leak?

Sewer line leaks and breaks don’t usually happen overnight. They often result from a combination of time, pressure, and neglect. Let’s break down the most common reasons:

Aging materials: Many older homes in Burlingame and San Francisco have sewer pipes made from materials like clay, cast iron, or orangeburg (a paper-based material). These degrade over time, especially if exposed to moisture and shifting soil.
Tree roots: Even small cracks can invite root systems to grow into the pipes. Once inside, roots can expand, block water flow, and crack or even crush the pipe walls.
Improper installation: Pipes that weren’t installed correctly can become misaligned or disconnected, leading to leaks and blockages.
Ground movement: Earthquakes, soil erosion, or nearby construction can cause pipe location shifts, putting stress on joints and causing breaks.
Grease buildup or foreign objects: Cooking oils, “flushable” wipes, and other non-degradable items can cause plumbing issues that lead to pressure and cracks.
Heavy rainfall or flooding: Excess water can overload the system and push raw sewage back through weak or leaking pipes.

A professional plumber can identify issues early using advanced technology like camera scopes, which provide a clear view inside the sewer system without digging. Early detection helps avoid catastrophic damage and considerable repair costs.

How long does a sewer line repair typically take?

The time it takes to repair a sewer line depends on several key factors, including the extent of the damage, location of the pipe, and the repair method used. In general, repairs can take anywhere from one day to a full week.

Here’s a basic timeline:

Same-day repair: If the issue is minor—such as a clog or minor leak—a plumber may be able to clear or patch it using non-invasive methods within a few hours.
1–2 days: For more serious problems like pipe relining (inserting a new lining inside the old pipe), repairs usually take a day or two. This is often used for pipes that are still structurally intact but leaking or deteriorating.
3–7 days: If the pipe is completely broken or collapsed and requires digging and full replacement, the job will take longer. Excavation, weather delays, and obtaining permits can extend the timeline.

Factors that affect repair time:

Pipe location (under a driveway, sidewalk, or landscaping)
Severity of the damage
Type of repair (trenchless vs. traditional digging)
Availability of materials and permits

During this time, you may be unable to use your plumbing system. Some homeowners also experience added costs due to landscape restoration, permit fees, or temporary accommodations.

Hiring a qualified plumber who uses advanced technology ensures the job is done right the first time, and often more quickly.

Is sewer line insurance worth the cost?

Yes—especially if you own an older home or live in an area with lots of trees, shifting soil, or aging infrastructure like Burlingame and much of the San Francisco Bay area. Sewer line repair costs can be unpredictable and expensive, with full replacements ranging between $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Sewer line insurance—whether through a service line endorsement or a standalone policy—can protect you from that unexpected expense. It typically covers:

Excavation
Sewer line replacement or repair
Landscape repair
Additional service costs like debris removal

The average sewer line insurance cost is about $5 to $15 per month, depending on your provider, location, and coverage limits. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing you won’t be caught off guard by a sudden repair bill.

For many homeowners, it’s not a matter of if a sewer issue will happen—it’s when. And when it does, having the right coverage for sewer line damage could save you thousands.

Always read the fine print and speak with your homeowners insurance agent to understand the types of damage your policy covers, your coverage limits, and what you might need to add.

Read What Happens During a Sewer Line Inspection? A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Are Sewer Line Issues Covered by Homeowners Insurance? What Every Burlingame Homeowner Should Know