Does homeowners insurance cover water line breaks? Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.
A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.
Many property owners are unaware that they own the pipes—called private service lines or laterals—that bring water into their homes and carry wastewater away. If service pipelines clog, leak or break, it is the property owner's responsibility to contact a plumber and pay for repairs.
Service line coverage, also known as buried utility lines coverage, is an endorsement that can be added to many home insurance policies to cover the cost of repairing or replacing a broken utility line running into your home.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $850–$5,500 for a new ejector pump, depending on the type of pump you need. The national average cost of water line replacement is $3,800, but can cost $10,000 or more. Most pipe materials cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot, but some can be up to $30 per linear foot.
On average, lead service line replacements across the country can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000. A standard estimate for the material and installation of a 65-foot-long service line is $5,000.
How much does service line coverage cost? The cost of service line coverage depends on where you live and how much coverage you want. A typical range is $20 to $50 per year, but we saw one company advertising rates as low as $9 per year for newer homes.
A limit is the highest amount your insurer will pay for a claim that your insurance policy covers. Think of it this way: It's like filling up a fishbowl. If you file a covered claim, your insurance policy will pay up to a certain amount. You're responsible for any expenses that exceed the limit.
The water service line includes the piping that carries water from the city water main which is usually located in the street to the inside of the house where the pipe connects to the meter. In rare cases, the city water main may be located under the sidewalk, but the same rules still apply under this definition.
Hire a professional: If the location of the water service line break is on your property, you will likely be responsible for the repair. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you will likely want to hire a professional plumber for the specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle the repair.
I live in Southern California, the water company is responsible for the water pipe that comes from the street until it reaches the water meter (usually near the curb in front of your house). The part of the pipe that goes from the water meter to your house and all the pipes inside your house are your responsibility.
The city is also responsible for the water meter, as well as the water line that leads up to the meter, and will pay for repairs unless the homeowner or a plumber caused damage to the water meter. The homeowner must maintain any portion of the water line past the water meter, after the water goes through the meter.
Home warranties cover all your home's systems, such as central heating and air, your home's electrical system and, yes, your plumbing system.
After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.
Service line coverage is insurance against unexpected expenses related to the damage of service lines on your property, such as power lines, phone and cable lines, water and sewer pipes and more. It covers the potentially costly expenses of excavation and repair of underground wiring and piping.
A service line is the pipe that connects a home to the water main. Homeowner (property owner) responsibility for the service line varies by community. In some communities, the homeowner is responsible for the portion of the line from the curb stop in their yard, where the shutoff valve is, into their home.
If a water main breaks, your city or town is responsible for fixing the break, but you often will be responsible for repair or replacement of the water main supply line connected to your house. If your home is damaged from a public water main break, contact your municipality as well as your insurance company.
Main water line replacement costs an average of $1,713 but ranges from $646 to $2,824, depending on the length and depth of the line, materials, and method. A plumber can assess your project. Main water line replacement costs an average of $1,713 or $50 to $150 per linear foot.
The Life Expectancy of Your Sewer Line
PVC piping is light, waterproof, and long-lasting. Clay pipes can last 50 to 60 years, while PVC pipes can last more than 100 years. However, sewer lines often experience issues years before they reach their life expectancy.
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover pipe replacement if the damage is due to gradual wear and tear, corrosion, or lack of maintenance. However, if the pipes are damaged by a sudden and accidental event, such as a burst pipe caused by freezing, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Inside the house, crews detach where the line connects to plumbing. A cable is fed through the old service line with a coil attached to one end of the new pipe. The crew uses equipment to pull the cable with the lead service line and the new pipe through the ground. The new pipe is then connected to the water main.
To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.