If you’ve ever dealt with a backed-up toilet, gurgling drains, or sewage odors rising from your floors, you know how stressful—and expensive—a main line plumbing stoppage can be. Many homeowners wonder: Do home warranties cover plumbing stoppages to the main line? The short answer? Sometimes—but it depends on your plan, provider, and what caused the clog. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and how to avoid costly surprises.
What Is a Main Line Plumbing Stoppage?
A main line plumbing stoppage occurs when your home’s primary sewer line—the pipe that carries wastewater from your house to the municipal sewer or septic tank—becomes blocked. Unlike clogs in individual fixtures (like a kitchen sink or shower drain), a main line blockage affects multiple drains simultaneously.
Common signs include:
Water backing up in unusual places (e.g., toilet flush causes water to rise in the shower)
Slow drainage throughout the house
Foul sewer smells indoors
Gurgling noises from drains or toilets
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), sewer line repairs average $2,500–$5,000, with full replacements costing up to $20,000 depending on pipe material and accessibility.
Do Home Warranties Typically Cover Main Line Stoppages?
Yes, many home warranty plans do cover main sewer line stoppages—but with important caveats. Coverage usually applies only to sudden, accidental clogs caused by normal wear and tear, such as:
Buildup of grease, soap, or organic waste
Minor root intrusion (in some plans)
Pipe scale or sediment accumulation
However, most warranties exclude damage from:
Pre-existing conditions (issues present before coverage began)
Corrosion, rust, or pipe deterioration due to age
Municipal sewer issues (problems beyond your property line)
Structural damage (e.g., collapsed or cracked pipes)
💡 Pro Tip: Always read your service contract’s fine print. Terms like “stoppage” vs. “repair” can drastically change what’s covered.
How Home Warranty Coverage for Plumbing Works
Home warranties function differently than insurance. Instead of paying for full repairs, they typically:
Cover service call fees (often $75–$125 per visit)
Pay for parts and labor to clear the stoppage (e.g., hydro-jetting or snaking)
Exclude full pipe replacement unless you have an upgraded plan
For example, American Home Shield’s Platinum Plan includes main sewer line stoppage coverage up to $4,000 per term, but only for clogs—not structural failures.
Plan Type
Main Line Stoppage Coverage?
Pipe Replacement Covered?
Annual Limit
Basic
❌ No
❌ No
N/A
Standard
✅ Yes (partial)
❌ No
$1,000–$2,000
Premium/Platinum
✅ Yes
✅ Limited (with add-on)
$3,000–$5,000
Note: Coverage varies by provider and state regulations.
Understanding the root cause of your stoppage is key to knowing if it’s covered:
Cause
Typically Covered?
Why?
Tree roots
⚠️ Sometimes
Minor intrusion may be covered; severe root damage usually excluded
Grease buildup
✅ Yes
Considered normal household use
Flushing non-flushables (wipes, toys)
❌ No
Viewed as improper maintenance
Pipe collapse due to age
❌ No
Classified as “pre-existing” or wear beyond normal use
Ground shifting
❌ No
Considered an external structural issue
A 2023 study by HomeAdvisor found that 68% of sewer line issues stem from tree roots or aging clay pipes—both of which often fall into coverage gray areas.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Main Line Is Clogged
If you suspect a main line stoppage, act fast to minimize damage:
Stop using all water fixtures immediately to prevent backups.
Check cleanouts: Locate your sewer cleanout (usually near the foundation or in the yard). If sewage is rising there, it’s likely a main line issue.
Call your home warranty providerbeforehiring a plumber. Unauthorized repairs may void coverage.
Schedule a diagnostic: The provider will send a certified technician to inspect and attempt clearing (e.g., via auger or hydro-jetting).
Review the service report: If the issue is covered, repairs proceed at no extra cost (beyond your service fee). If excluded, you’ll receive a detailed explanation.
🛠️ Real-World Example: In 2024, a homeowner in Atlanta had sewage backing into her basement. Her Choice Home Warranty plan covered hydro-jetting ($420 value) after a $100 service call fee—saving her over $2,000 in potential excavation costs.
Common Exclusions to Watch Out For
Even with “plumbing coverage,” many plans deny claims based on these exclusions:
Lack of maintenance: If you haven’t used drain treatments or avoided flushing wipes, the provider may deny coverage.
Shared lines: In townhomes or condos, main lines shared with neighbors may not be covered.
Distance limits: Some plans only cover the line up to 100 feet from your home.
Non-standard materials: Cast iron or Orangeburg pipes (common in homes built before 1970) are often excluded due to high failure rates.
Always ask your provider: “Does this plan cover stoppages in the main sewer line from the house to the street?”
How to Maximize Your Coverage
Choose a plan with explicit “sewer line stoppage” coverage—don’t assume “plumbing” includes main lines.
Add a sewer/drain line protection rider if offered (e.g., by Liberty Home Guard or Select Home Warranty).
Document pre-existing conditions: Before signing up, get a sewer scope inspection (~$250) to prove your line was functional.
Maintain your system: Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly and avoid flushing anything but toilet paper.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is a main sewer line stoppage the same as a regular drain clog?
A: No. A main line stoppage affects all drains in your home and originates in the primary sewer pipe. A regular clog is isolated to one fixture (e.g., a kitchen sink).
Q2: Will my home warranty pay for a camera inspection of my sewer line?
A: Sometimes. If the inspection is part of diagnosing a covered stoppage, yes. But standalone inspections for “peace of mind” are rarely covered.
Q3: Are septic systems covered under home warranties?
A: Generally, no. Most home warranties only cover homes connected to municipal sewer systems. Septic tank issues fall under specialty policies.
Q4: How long does it take to get a claim approved?
A: Most providers approve stoppage claims within 24–48 hours. Emergency services (e.g., sewage backup) may be handled same-day.
Q5: Can I upgrade my plan to include main line coverage?
A: Yes! Many providers offer add-ons like “Sewer Line Protection” or “Plumbing Guard” for $5–$10/month.
Q6: What if the plumber finds a broken pipe during the stoppage repair?
A: Coverage usually stops at clearing the clog. If the pipe is cracked or collapsed, that’s considered a separate (and typically excluded) repair.
Conclusion
So, do home warranties cover plumbing stoppages to the main line? In many cases—yes, but only for clogs caused by everyday use and not structural damage. The key is choosing the right plan, understanding exclusions, and acting quickly when issues arise.
Don’t wait for a sewage emergency to learn your coverage limits. Review your home warranty contract today, and if you’re shopping for a new one, prioritize providers with transparent main line stoppage terms.
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