When it comes to home insurance, most homeowners think about fire, theft, or hail damage, but what about what’s happening underground? Sewer backups are one of the messiest and most expensive types of water damage. Without the right coverage in place, you could be left footing a hefty bill and dealing with a health hazard in your own home.
Let’s break down what sewer backup coverage is, what it protects, and why it’s worth considering for both homeowners and renters.
What Is Sewer Backup Coverage?
Sewer backup is an optional type of home insurance coverage that protects your property when wastewater or sewage flows into your home through drains, pipes, or the municipal sewer system. This usually occurs when the system is overwhelmed, typically due to extreme weather, tree root infiltration, blockages, or old sewer lines, and the result is often devastating. Contaminated water in your basement or lower levels, damaged belongings, and costly cleanups.
Standard home insurance policies do not include this type of protection, making sewer backup coverage a crucial add-on if you want full water-related coverage.
What Does It Cover?
Sewer backup insurance generally covers:
- Damage to the home and personal property: Includes damage caused by water and sewage. Mold resulting from the sewer backup may be covered, but often subject to separate limits or exclusions.
- Cleanup and remediation costs: Includes the cost of cleaning up the sewage and disinfecting the affected areas, as well as any necessary repairs to the home.
- Additional living expenses: If you're unable to live in the home due to the damage, this coverage may help pay for temporary housing and other related expenses. It is important to note that this is not available with all companies.
- Liability Coverage: This may cover legal and medical expenses if someone is injured or becomes ill due to the sewer backup.
What Isn’t Covered By Sewer Backup Coverage?
It’s just as important to understand what isn’t covered:
- Water damage not caused by a sewer backup (e.g., rain seeping in through windows or foundation)
- Pre-existing damage or mold
If you’re looking for more comprehensive water coverage, ask your broker about water protection packages that may include sewer backup, overland water, and ground water coverage.
What Causes a Sewer Backup?
Sewer backups can have a number of different causes. A few of them can include
- Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, or rapid snow melt overwhelming the municipal sewer system
- Improper disposal of grease and/or paper products down the drain
- Tree roots damaging sewer lines
- Blocked municipal sewer systems
- Collapsed pipes
- Sump pump failure
These events are often unpredictable and out of your control, making coverage all the more important.
Sewer Backup Coverage for Renters
Renters may not own the property, but they’re still at risk. A backup can damage personal belongings, and landlords typically aren’t responsible for replacing your stuff. Adding sewer backup coverage to a tenant insurance policy protects your furniture, electronics, clothing, and more in case of a backup.
Sewer Backup Covearge Availability in the Market
Sewer backup coverage is becoming more difficult to obtain in certain areas, especially those with a history of flooding or overwhelmed municipal infrastructure. In some neighbourhoods, coverage may be unavailable altogether, or only offered at high premiums with strict conditions like mandatory backwater valve installations.
The availability and cost of this coverage can vary significantly between insurance companies. Each insurer uses their own data and risk models to determine whether to offer sewer backup protection, how much it will cost, and what limitations will apply.
At Armour Insurance, we work with a range of insurance providers. If coverage is available for your property, we’ll help you find the best possible option based on your location, claims history, and the preventative measures you’ve taken.
How Much Does Sewage Backup Coverage Cost?
The cost of sewer backup coverage varies based on:
- Where you live
- Your claims history
- Coverage limits and deductible
- Age and condition of your home
- Flood or sewer backup history in your neighbourhood
It can be affordable or quite expensive depending on your risk profile. Often ranging between $200-$800 per year.
How To Prevent a Sewer Backup
While you cannot control the weather or aging infrastructure, you can take steps to reduce your risk of a sewer backup.
Start with smart habits. Never pour grease down the drain, avoid flushing wipes or paper towels, and make sure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Tree roots are another common culprit. Trim them back if they are near your sewer line.
For added protection, consider installing a sump pump to remove excess groundwater and a backwater valve to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rainfall. Both are highly effective flood prevention tools, and many municipalities and insurers recommend them.
Regular plumbing inspections and annual maintenance of these systems can go a long way in protecting your home from costly water damage.
Final Thoughts
A sewer backup can be one of the most disruptive and unpleasant events a homeowner can experience, but the right insurance coverage makes all the difference.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us at Armour Insurance today and ask about adding sewer backup coverage to your home or tenant insurance policy. We’ll help you protect your home and everything that makes it yours.
