The short answer
Usually not. A standard homeowners policy is built to cover sudden, accidental damage. Most septic failures happen slowly, as tanks age, drain fields clog or pipes wear out. Those are treated as maintenance issues, and most policies exclude them.
There are exceptions. If a covered event damages the system, your policy may help pay for repairs. The details depend on your policy, your carrier and the cause.
When septic damage may be covered
- A fire, lightning strike or explosion damages the tank or lines
- A tree falls and cracks the tank during a storm
- A vehicle drives over and damages the system, depending on who caused it
- A covered event causes sewage to damage the inside of your home
Often not covered
- Systems that fail from age, wear and tear or poor maintenance
- Clogs from grease, wipes or other items flushed into the system
- Tree root damage, under many policies
- Sewage backups into the home, unless you add water backup coverage
- Ground movement, settling or flooding, which most policies exclude
Endorsements that can help
Many carriers sell add-ons that cover some of what a standard policy leaves out. Availability, limits and prices vary by carrier and state.
- Water backup coverage, for sewage or drain backups into your home
- Service line coverage, for buried utility lines on your property
- Equipment breakdown coverage, which some carriers extend to certain home systems
Read your policy
Start with your declarations page, which shows your limits, deductible and any endorsements. Then read the covered perils and exclusions. Look for wording about sewer or drain backup, wear and tear, earth movement and service lines. If you aren't sure what applies, ask your agent to explain it in plain terms.
Keep your system healthy
Prevention costs far less than replacing a drain field. Have the tank inspected and pumped on the schedule your local septic professional recommends, often every few years. Spread out heavy water use, like laundry. Keep cars and heavy equipment off the drain field, and plant trees well away from it. Keep records of every inspection and pumping. They can help if you ever file a claim, and buyers often ask for them when you sell.
If something goes wrong
- Limit water use right away to reduce backups.
- Call a licensed septic professional to find the cause.
- Photograph any damage inside or outside the home.
- Contact your agent or carrier if a covered event may be involved.
