Most homeowners are surprised to learn they may be responsible for more underground plumbing and wiring than they thought. In many homes, the lines that connect your house to public utilities—water, sewer, power, gas, and communications—can become the homeowner’s responsibility once they leave the street and run onto your property. If one of those lines fails, the repair can be messy, expensive, and time-sensitive. That’s the gap service line coverage is designed to help with. This guide explains what “service line” means, what this endorsement typically covers, common limits and exclusions, and a simple way to decide whether it’s worth adding. Quick answer: what is service line coverage? Service line coverage is an optional add-on (endorsement) that can help pay to repair or replace underground utility lines on your property when they’re damaged by a covered cause. Depending on the carrier, “service line” can include things like: Water line (from street connection into the home) Sewer line (from the home out to the main) Natural gas line Electrical line Cable / internet / phone line Sometimes drainage or related piping (varies) Think of it as protection for the “buried connections” that keep your home functioning. What counts as a “service line” (plain-English definition) A service line is typically the utility line that connects your home to a public or shared system. The important detail is location and responsibility : The utility company often maintains lines in the public right-of-way. Once the line crosses onto your property—or after a certain point—you may be responsible for repairs. That boundary isn’t the same everywhere. If you’re unsure, your utility provider can often tell you where their responsibility ends. Why service line repairs are so expensive Service line repairs aren’t usually expensive because the parts are rare.