What is sewer backup insurance and how does it work?

What is sewer backup insurance?

Simply put, sewer backup insurance covers damage arising from standing sewage in your bathtub, toilet, basement or anywhere else in your house. Depending on the cause of the issue, sewer backup coverage can help pay to repair your sewer line (up to the city’s sewer line) and to rid your house of sewage and water. This type of coverage may also be called water backup insurance, sewer backup insurance or drain line backup coverage.

Does home insurance cover sewer backup? 

No, standard homeowners insurance does not cover sewer backup. However, many home insurance companies offer it as an optional coverage or endorsement that is added to a standard homeowners insurance policy. A sewer backup coverage endorsement offers a certain amount of coverage that will help pay for sewer or water backup claims.

For instance, here are two cases of sewer backup that would likely be covered by your homeowners policy if you were to select the sewer backup coverage endorsement:

• During a heavy downpour, your sump pump fails, causing water to back up into your finished basement, damaging your children’s playroom, all their toys and other personal items. You might also have to repair structural damage to the home.
• Outside your home, tree roots have grown into the underground septic line in your yard. As a result, the line breaks, flooding your house with sewage and ruining all the personal belongings in your basement. You’ll also need to dig into your yard to pull out the tree roots and repair the damaged septic line.

Causes of sewer backup

Sewage entering your house can happen for several reasons. Whether it is only a small leak or ankle-deep flooding, sewer backups can result in expensive damage to your property. Some common reasons sewage may back up include:

• Clogged pipes: Drain pipes can become clogged for various reasons, including a lack of general maintenance, flushing non-degradable items down the toilet and dumping large quantities of food down the drain. Letting the clog persist can result in a bigger problem — sewer backups in multiple parts of the house.
• Tree roots: When underground pipes become entangled in strong tree roots, they can break and collapse, leading to sewer backups. If you hear any unusual noises or notice that your drains are moving slowly, have them checked as soon as possible. Acting quickly can potentially prevent tree roots from damaging your sewer system.
• Broken line: Damage to the line that runs between your house and the main can often cause sewage to flow into your property. Contact your local municipality if you suspect this is the reason behind sewage backup in your house.
• Sump pump issues: A sump pump’s primary function is to remove water from a sump basin, which is typically located in the basement. But if it fails, you’ll experience dampness in the basement, or in some cases, flooding that can cause mildew and a host of other issues. Be sure to consult with a plumber if you suspect sump pump failure.
• Dated systems: If your home is equipped with an older plumbing system, it could be prone to sewage issues. In this case, it could be worth speaking with a plumber about updating your plumbing system to prevent backups. 

What to do if you have a sewer backup

If you experience a sewer backup, here are some steps you might want to take, especially if you have the appropriate insurance and are planning to file a claim:

• Call your utility department’s 24-hour emergency line to report the backup.
• Have a professional clean up the sewage immediately to minimize potential damage. 
• Take “before” and “after” photos to provide to your insurance company.
• Itemize any losses or damage to your belongings or home.
• Save all receipts related to repairs, cleaning or other damage.
• Contact your insurance professional to start a claim if you have sewer backup insurance. To file a claim for this type of issue, you will likely need to provide a Notice of Claim form, the date and time of the overflow or backup, a description of the damage and any supporting documentation (e.g., receipts and photos).

What does sewer backup coverage include?

Sewer backup coverage is different from flood insurance, which is a separate type of insurance that’s also not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy. Sewer backup flooding as a cause of loss is directly tied to the septic system and would not be accounted for in your flood insurance. Additionally, flood damage not related to your sewer lines or septic system is not covered by your sewer backup insurance. Although all home insurance companies provide unique coverage options, these are common things that sewer backup insurance generally will and will not cover:

What sewer backup insurance typically covers

• Damage to the sewer line that runs from your house to the city main.
• Removal of standing sewage from your house.
• Damage caused by standing sewage (up to coverage limits).

What sewer backup insurance does not typically cover

• A faulty or damaged plumbing system in your house.
• Damages caused over time by poor maintenance.
• Standing sewage caused by city or municipality mismanagement.

Since each insurance company is different, the best course of action is to read the fine print before you purchase sewer backup coverage and talk to your insurance agent so that you’re clear on what would be covered.

Frequently asked questions