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.
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.
Sewer backup insurance generally covers:
It’s just as important to understand what isn’t covered:
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.
Sewer backups can have a number of different causes. A few of them can include
These events are often unpredictable and out of your control, making coverage all the more important.
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 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.
The cost of sewer backup coverage varies based on:
It can be affordable or quite expensive depending on your risk profile. Often ranging between $200-$800 per year.
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.
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.
or