The State of Sewer Awareness: What Homeowners Don’t Know About Their Pipes

We surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners to answer a question that most people never think about until it’s too late: How much do homeowners actually know about their sewer lines—and are they prepared for what could be a $10,000+ repair?

Your sewer line is one of the most important systems in your home. It handles every flush, every shower, every load of laundry. Yet unlike your roof or HVAC system, it’s buried underground and completely invisible—until something goes wrong.

And when something does go wrong, the consequences can be severe: sewage backups, destroyed landscaping, and repair bills that average $4,000 to $10,000 (or more for complex jobs).

We wanted to understand how prepared homeowners really are. So we investigated awareness across 12 key areas, including inspection habits, knowledge of repair options, insurance coverage, and the true cost of waiting for an emergency.

We also broke down results by home age to identify which homeowners face the greatest risk—because a home built in 1975 has very different plumbing than one built in 2015.

The results reveal a troubling gap between what homeowners know and what they should know about the system carrying wastewater away from their home every single day.

Here’s what we found.

KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE

1. Nearly 4 in 5 homeowners (78%) have never had their sewer line professionally inspected—even though the likelihood of sewer failure increases by 3% every year.

2. 64% of homeowners don’t realize they’re responsible for their lateral sewer line. Most assume the city handles repairs from the house to the street—but that’s the homeowner’s responsibility in almost every municipality.

3. Only 9% of homeowners know what material their sewer pipes are made of (clay, cast iron, PVC, or Orangeburg)—even though pipe material is the #1 predictor of remaining lifespan.

4. Only 12% of homeowners have heard of “trenchless pipe repair”—despite the technology being available for over 30 years and the industry being worth over $7 billion.

5. 1 in 3 homeowners (34%) have experienced a sewer backup in the past 5 years. That’s far higher than most people expect.

6. 91% of homeowners with large trees near their sewer line have never taken steps to prevent root intrusion—the #1 cause of residential sewer line failure.

7. Homeowners in houses over 30 years old are 47% less likely to have ever inspected their sewer line compared to those in newer homes—despite facing significantly higher risk.

8. The average homeowner waits through 4.2 slow drain incidents before calling a professional—often allowing minor issues to become major repairs.

9. Only 23% of homeowners have insurance coverage for sewer line repairs, leaving 77% fully exposed to average repair costs of $4,000–$10,000.

10. Only 18% of recent home buyers requested a sewer scope inspection before purchase—even though a $300 inspection can uncover problems costing $4,000–$25,000 to fix.

11. 67% of homeowners said they would pay 10–15% more for a repair method that doesn’t require digging up their yard—showing strong demand for trenchless solutions.

12. Emergency sewer repairs cost an average of $6,800 more than planned maintenance—a 73% “procrastination penalty” that hits homeowners who wait until something breaks.

1. 78% of Homeowners Have Never Inspected Their Sewer Line

Background

Most plumbing professionals recommend having your sewer line inspected every 5 to 10 years—or more frequently if your home is over 30 years old or has large trees near the sewer line. A camera inspection, which typically costs $250 to $500, can identify cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, and blockages before they escalate into costly emergencies.

According to the Civil Engineering Research Foundation, the likelihood of sewer failure increases by approximately 3% every year as pipes age. With the average residential sewer line being 30 years old—and many approaching or exceeding their expected lifespan—regular inspections are one of the most effective ways to catch problems early.

We wanted to know: How many homeowners are actually following this guidance?

Results

Nearly 4 in 5 homeowners (78%) reported that they have never had their sewer line professionally inspected.

Of the 22% who had received an inspection:

• 11% had it done during a home purchase
• 7% had it done after experiencing a problem
• Only 4% had proactively scheduled a routine inspection

Context

This finding suggests that the vast majority of homeowners have no idea what condition their sewer line is in. For homes with aging clay or cast iron pipes, this means potential problems—cracks, root intrusion, corrosion—may be developing underground without any warning.

The low rate of proactive inspections (just 4%) is particularly notable. It indicates that most inspections only happen reactively: either during a real estate transaction or after a problem has already occurred.

Given that early detection can reduce repair costs by thousands of dollars, this represents a significant missed opportunity for homeowners to protect their investment.

2. Most Homeowners Don’t Know They’re Responsible for Their Sewer Lateral

Background

In nearly every municipality in the United States, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the “lateral” sewer line—the pipe that runs from the house to the connection point with the public main sewer line. This line is typically buried 3 to 6 feet underground and runs through the homeowner’s property, often beneath the lawn, driveway, or landscaping.

Despite this being a well-established legal responsibility, many homeowners assume that the city or local utility handles all sewer repairs.

We asked respondents a simple question: “Who is responsible for repairing the sewer line that runs from your house to the street?”

Results

64% of homeowners incorrectly believed that the city, municipality, or utility company is responsible for repairing their lateral sewer line.

Only 27% correctly identified themselves as responsible. The remaining 9% said they didn’t know.

Context

This knowledge gap has real financial consequences. When a lateral sewer line fails, homeowners who assumed the city would handle repairs are often caught off guard by repair bills averaging $4,000 to $10,000—or more if the line runs under a driveway or requires extensive excavation.

The confusion is understandable: the city does maintain the main sewer lines that run under public streets. But the “last mile” connection to each home is the homeowner’s responsibility. This includes not just repairs, but also any damage caused by tree roots, ground shifting, or pipe deterioration.

For homeowners who haven’t budgeted for this possibility, a sewer line failure can become a significant financial shock.

3. Only 9% Know What Their Pipes Are Made Of

Background

Residential sewer lines are made from a variety of materials depending on when the home was built. Common materials include:

• Clay (terra cotta): Common in homes built before 1950. Durable but prone to cracking and root intrusion at joints.
• Cast iron: Common from the 1950s through 1970s. Long-lasting but susceptible to internal corrosion over decades.
• Orangeburg (bituminous fiber): Used from the 1940s through 1970s. Known for short lifespan and frequent failures.
• PVC (plastic): Standard in homes built after the 1980s. Resistant to corrosion and root intrusion.

Pipe material is one of the most important factors in predicting a sewer line’s remaining lifespan and potential failure points. Yet this information is rarely top-of-mind for homeowners.

Results

Only 9% of homeowners surveyed knew what material their sewer pipes are made of.

Among those who did know:

• 4% reported PVC
• 3% reported cast iron
• 1% reported clay
• 1% reported other materials

The remaining 91% either didn’t know or had never thought about it.

Context

This lack of awareness is concerning because pipe material directly impacts maintenance needs and failure risk. A homeowner with 1960s-era cast iron pipes faces very different risks than one with modern PVC—but without knowing what’s underground, they can’t plan accordingly.

Home inspection reports sometimes include this information, but many homeowners don’t retain it or never received a detailed inspection. For those in older homes, a camera inspection can identify pipe material and current condition—valuable information for long-term planning.

4. Trenchless Repair: The $7 Billion Industry Most Homeowners Have Never Heard Of

Background

Trenchless pipe repair refers to a family of techniques that allow damaged sewer lines to be repaired or replaced without extensive excavation. The most common methods include:

• CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe): A resin-coated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one.
• Pipe bursting: A new pipe is pulled through the old one, breaking apart the damaged pipe as it goes.

These methods have been commercially available since the 1970s and have become increasingly sophisticated. According to industry research, the global trenchless pipe rehabilitation market was valued at over $7 billion in 2024 and is expected to continue growing.

The primary advantages over traditional excavation include less property disruption, faster completion times, and often lower total costs when landscaping restoration is factored in.

Results

Only 12% of homeowners surveyed had heard of “trenchless pipe repair” or “pipe lining” as a repair option.

When briefly explained, 67% of respondents said they would prefer a trenchless method over traditional excavation if costs were similar (see Finding #11).

[Awareness comparison – trenchless vs. traditional methods]

Context

This awareness gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Many homeowners facing sewer line repairs may not know to ask about trenchless options—potentially leading them to accept more disruptive and costly traditional excavation methods by default.

For homeowners with mature landscaping, driveways, or limited yard access, trenchless methods can offer significant advantages. But they need to know these options exist in order to request them.

5. 1 in 3 Homeowners Have Experienced a Sewer Backup

Background

A sewer backup occurs when wastewater cannot flow through the sewer line and instead backs up into the home—typically through floor drains, toilets, or showers. Backups can be caused by clogs, tree root intrusion, pipe damage, or main line issues.

The consequences range from minor inconvenience to significant property damage. In severe cases, sewage backups can contaminate flooring, walls, HVAC systems, and personal belongings. Cleanup costs alone can range from $7,500 to $30,000 depending on severity.

We asked homeowners whether they had experienced any type of sewer backup in the past five years.

Results

34% of homeowners reported experiencing at least one sewer backup in the past 5 years.

Among those who experienced a backup:

• 62% described it as minor (toilet or single drain backup, resolved quickly)
• 28% described it as moderate (multiple drains affected, professional service required)
• 10% described it as severe (significant property damage or contamination)

Context

A 1-in-3 rate is higher than many homeowners might expect. It suggests that sewer issues are more common than the “out of sight, out of mind” nature of sewer lines would suggest.

The 10% who experienced severe backups—roughly 3% of all homeowners in our survey—faced situations that likely required professional remediation, extensive cleaning, and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration.

For those who haven’t experienced a backup, this data point serves as a reminder that sewer problems are not rare occurrences—they’re a common reality of homeownership.

6. Tree Roots Are the #1 Threat—And Almost No One Is Prepared

Background

Tree root intrusion is widely recognized as the leading cause of residential sewer line damage. Roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients, making sewer lines an attractive target. They can enter through small cracks or joints in older pipes and, once inside, continue to grow—eventually causing blockages, pipe damage, or complete failure.

Homes with large trees—particularly water-seeking species like willows, maples, and oaks—within 25 feet of the sewer line face elevated risk. Common preventive measures include root barriers, periodic root cutting, and camera inspections to monitor for intrusion.

We asked homeowners with large trees near their home whether they had taken any steps to address potential root intrusion.

Results

91% of homeowners with large trees within 25 feet of their sewer line reported taking no preventive action.

Among the 9% who had taken action:

• 5% had a camera inspection to check for roots
• 3% had roots professionally cut or treated
• 1% had installed a root barrier

[Action taken by homeowners with nearby trees]

Context

This finding highlights a significant disconnect between risk awareness and action. While tree root intrusion is the most common cause of sewer line problems, the vast majority of at-risk homeowners have done nothing to prevent or monitor for it.

Part of the challenge may be visibility: unlike a leaky roof or a cracked foundation, tree roots growing into a sewer line produce no obvious warning signs until the damage is done. By the time slow drains or backups occur, root intrusion may already be significant.

For homeowners with mature trees, even a one-time camera inspection can reveal whether roots are present and how urgently action is needed.

7. Homeowners in Older Homes Face the Highest Risk—And the Lowest Awareness

Background

Homes built before 1970 are significantly more likely to have sewer lines made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg—materials with limited lifespans that are now approaching or exceeding their expected service life. These homes also tend to have more mature landscaping, increasing the risk of root intrusion.

Logic would suggest that owners of older homes would be more vigilant about sewer line maintenance. We wanted to test whether this was actually the case.

Results

Homeowners in houses over 30 years old were 47% less likely to have ever inspected their sewer line compared to those in homes built after 1995.

Specifically:

• 17% of homeowners in homes 30+ years old had ever had an inspection
• 31% of homeowners in homes under 30 years old had ever had an inspection

The gap was even wider for homes over 50 years old, where only 12% reported ever having an inspection.

[Inspection rates by home age bracket]

Context

This inverse relationship between risk and preparedness is one of the most concerning findings in our survey. The homeowners most likely to have aging, deteriorating pipes are the least likely to have inspected them.

Several factors may contribute to this pattern. Older homes may be more likely to be owned by long-term residents who haven’t had a recent home inspection. There may also be a “nothing’s broken yet” mentality that discourages proactive maintenance.

Whatever the cause, the data suggests that homeowners in older properties should prioritize sewer line assessment—precisely because they’re less likely to have done so.

8. The Warning Signs Homeowners Ignore (Until It’s Too Late)

Background

Sewer line problems rarely appear suddenly. In most cases, warning signs emerge gradually: slow drains, gurgling sounds, recurring clogs, or foul odors. These symptoms often indicate developing issues—blockages, root intrusion, or pipe damage—that will worsen over time if left unaddressed.

Plumbing professionals generally recommend investigating any recurring drain issue rather than simply treating the symptom. Early intervention can often resolve problems at a fraction of the cost of emergency repairs.

We asked homeowners how many times they had experienced slow drains or recurring clogs before calling a professional.

Results

The average homeowner reported experiencing 4.2 slow drain incidents before calling a professional.

The distribution was as follows:

• 18% called after 1–2 incidents
• 31% called after 3–4 incidents
• 34% called after 5–6 incidents
• 17% waited through 7 or more incidents

[Distribution of incidents before professional call]

Context

This pattern of delayed response likely explains why many sewer repairs become emergencies. A slow drain caused by early-stage root intrusion might be addressed relatively simply if caught early. The same problem, left for months or years, can develop into a complete blockage or pipe failure.

The 17% who waited through seven or more incidents represent homeowners who may have been repeatedly treating symptoms—using drain cleaners, plunging, or snaking—without addressing the underlying cause. While these temporary fixes can provide relief, they often allow problems to compound.

9. 77% of Homeowners Lack Insurance Coverage for Sewer Repairs

Background

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover sewer line repairs resulting from normal wear and tear, aging, or tree root intrusion. Coverage is usually limited to sudden and accidental damage—and even then, many policies exclude sewer lines entirely.

Some insurance companies offer sewer line coverage as an optional rider or endorsement, typically adding $50–$150 per year to the premium. Third-party warranty programs are also available through some utility companies and municipalities.

We asked homeowners whether their current insurance policy covers sewer line repairs.

Results

Only 23% of homeowners reported having insurance coverage that includes sewer line repairs.

Among the 77% without coverage:

• 52% were unaware that sewer repairs typically aren’t covered
• 25% knew their policy didn’t cover sewer repairs but hadn’t added coverage

[ Insurance coverage status and awareness]

Context

The combination of low coverage rates and low awareness creates a recipe for financial shock. A homeowner who assumes their insurance will cover a $6,000 sewer repair may discover too late that they’re fully responsible for the cost.

For homeowners considering whether to add sewer line coverage, the math is straightforward: $100 per year in premiums versus potential exposure to $4,000–$10,000+ in repair costs. The decision depends on individual risk factors—home age, pipe material, nearby trees—but the data suggests many homeowners haven’t made an informed choice.

10. Why Most Home Buyers Skip the One Inspection That Could Save Them Thousands

Background

A sewer scope inspection is a specialized inspection that uses a camera to visually assess the condition of a home’s sewer line. Unlike a standard home inspection, which focuses on visible and accessible components, a sewer scope examines the underground pipe that carries wastewater from the home.

Sewer scope inspections typically cost $250–$500 and take about an hour to complete. They can reveal cracks, root intrusion, bellied sections, corrosion, and other problems that may require repair. For home buyers, this information can be valuable for negotiating repairs or price adjustments—or for avoiding a costly surprise after closing.

We asked recent home buyers (those who purchased within the past 3 years) whether they had requested a sewer scope inspection before purchase.

Results

Only 18% of recent home buyers reported requesting a sewer scope inspection.

Among those who did request one:

• 67% reported that the inspection revealed at least one issue
• 42% used the findings to negotiate repairs or a price reduction

Among those who skipped the inspection:

• 44% weren’t aware it was an option
• 39% didn’t think it was necessary
• 17% cited cost or time constraints

[Sewer scope adoption among recent buyers]

Context

The low adoption rate is notable given the potential return on investment. A $300–$500 inspection can uncover problems that cost $4,000–$25,000 to repair. For the 67% of inspections that revealed issues, the information was clearly valuable.

The 44% who weren’t aware a sewer scope was an option suggests an education gap in the home buying process. Real estate agents and home inspectors may not consistently recommend this additional inspection, leaving buyers to discover problems after they’ve already closed.

11. Homeowners Want Less Disruption—And They’re Willing to Pay for It

Background

Traditional sewer line repair typically requires excavation: digging a trench along the length of the damaged pipe to access and replace it. This process can destroy landscaping, damage driveways, and require days or weeks of restoration work after the plumbing is complete.

Trenchless repair methods offer an alternative that minimizes surface disruption. While trenchless methods are sometimes priced higher than traditional excavation for the plumbing work alone, the total project cost can be lower when factoring in landscaping and hardscape restoration.

We wanted to understand how homeowners value minimal disruption relative to cost.

Results

67% of homeowners said they would pay 10–15% more for a repair method that doesn’t require digging up their yard.

The willingness to pay a premium varied by property characteristics:

• 78% of homeowners with mature landscaping
• 71% of homeowners with driveways over the sewer line
• 54% of homeowners with minimal landscaping

[Willingness to pay premium by property type]

Context

This strong preference for less disruption validates the value proposition of trenchless repair methods. Even when presented with a potential cost premium, most homeowners indicated they would choose the less invasive option.

For homeowners who have invested significantly in their landscaping—or who would face costly driveway repairs with traditional excavation—the preference is even more pronounced. This suggests that total project cost, not just plumbing cost, should factor into repair decisions.

12. The $6,800 “Procrastination Penalty” of Waiting for an Emergency

Background

Homeowners who address sewer line issues proactively—through scheduled inspections and planned repairs—generally face lower costs than those who wait until an emergency occurs. Emergency repairs often involve after-hours service calls, expedited timelines, and limited options for comparing contractors or methods.

Beyond the repair itself, emergency situations may also involve water damage restoration, temporary housing, and lost time from work—costs that rarely apply to planned maintenance.

We asked homeowners who had experienced sewer line repairs about their costs, distinguishing between planned repairs and emergency situations.

Results

Homeowners who waited for an emergency paid an average of $9,300 for repairs. Those who addressed issues proactively paid an average of $2,500.

That’s a difference of $6,800—a 73% “procrastination penalty.”

Emergency repair costs broke down as follows:

• Plumbing repair: $5,200 average
• Property damage/cleanup: $2,400 average
• Other costs (temporary housing, time off work): $1,700 average

Planned repair costs:

• Plumbing repair: $2,100 average
• Property damage/cleanup: $200 average
• Other costs: $200 average

[Cost comparison – emergency vs. planned repairs]

Context

The $6,800 difference represents one of the clearest arguments for proactive sewer line maintenance. While a camera inspection and early-stage repair might cost $500–$2,500, waiting until a backup or failure occurs can easily triple or quadruple the total expense.

The breakdown also reveals where the extra costs come from. Emergency plumbing repairs are more expensive on their own, but the bigger factor is the cascade of secondary costs: water damage cleanup, property restoration, and disruption to daily life. These costs are largely avoidable with early detection and planned repairs.

CONCLUSION

What This Means for Homeowners

The data paints a clear picture: most homeowners are flying blind when it comes to their sewer lines.

78% have never had an inspection. 64% don’t know they’re responsible for repairs. And when problems do arise, the average homeowner waits through more than four warning signs before calling a professional—often turning a manageable fix into a costly emergency.

But awareness is the first step toward better decisions. Now that you know what most homeowners don’t, you can take action before a problem becomes a crisis:

• Schedule a camera inspection every 5–10 years (or sooner if your home is over 30 years old)
• Know your pipe material—ask a plumber or check your home inspection report
• Ask about trenchless repair options if you’re facing a repair
• Check your insurance policy to see if sewer line coverage is included or available

Your sewer line may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind.

Over to You

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these findings.

What’s your biggest takeaway from this research? And when was the last time you thought about your sewer line?

Share this survey with a homeowner who needs to see these numbers.