The study of the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) shows that the majority of the homeowner and insurance policies do not provide coverage for Sewer Backup unless and until they have added it with their specific coverage plan. Therefore, we suggest our clients take out time and thoroughly review their insurance coverage to exactly know what they are and what they aren’t covered for in order to save themselves from any hassle in the future.

Common Causes of Sewer Backup

1. Blockages cause by tree roots and other plants:

When planting trees at your property, you need to consider the fact that they’ll grow in a few years’ time. Planting a baby tree seems no harm but when it grows tall and starts to lean towards your property seems to be a risk. Therefore, when planting trees properly map out how and where you want to plant them. Trees are a common source of the problem that causes a Sewer backup. Tree and shrub roots grow long in the ground and can damage the sewer lines causing havoc for you. The sewer line damage can be caused by the tree in your own garden or the area under the city jurisdiction. If the sewer lines get damaged by the tree roots, authorities will run tests on the tree roots to determine which tree caused the problem and then determine who will repair the damages.

2. Blockages caused by clogs:

It’s a very bad habit of people to flush down things in the toilet. People need to understand that toilets are not dustbins where you can throw garbage and it will disappear. All the things that you flush down the toilet are being collected in sewer pipelines. Once the amount of garbage has enough been gathered, they cause the lines to burst out.

3. Grease and sewer pipelines are enemy

Pouring down grease through the drain is another major factor that damages the sewer lines. People believe that there’s no harm in doing so as they will just open the hot water tap after it that will take them down the grease with it. But it’s wrong. Grease sticks to the pipelines and with time it hardens weakening the integrity of the sewer pipelines.

4. Damaged Pipelines

Installing low-quality or unbranded pipelines tends to get damaged early. These pipelines then fail to drain properly. The waste from the sewer starts to gather in the pipelines and back up. One study showed that the most common reason behind damaged pipelines is improper installation. Therefore, we suggest that when getting your homemade, hire professionals to do these jobs.

5. Sanitary Main:

Sewer lines can be backed up if there are any pipelines that have been blocked coming from the city. This could result in sewage from the pipelines rerunning back to homes or businesses through drains from the floor. This could result in water entering the basement. If you notice such a thing at your home, immediately report the problem to the city public works so that they can fix it. Is “Sewer Backup” considered Water Damage or Flooding or is

Its own risk?

If we take a look at the definition of Pipe Backup, it’s defined as the water from a pipe or drain that has backed up or is overflowed. Blocked sewer pipelines and drain back up during heavy rains or in case there is a storm. So, when it comes to insurance claims, what you think is a flooded house or basement may not in reality be that. It’s all basically based on how the water enters your home. Homeowners and real estate investors make sure the houses are well built and don’t have any kind of flaws. They invest and maintain proper drainage systems in their basement and have also gotten sump pumps installed to help prevent water damage from Sewer Backup.

Difference between a “Sewer Backup” & “Flood”

The difference between these two is that flood occurs for natural reasons. Such as the city could be hit by a storm or heavy rainfalls that can cause the rivers and reservoirs to overflow causing flooding. In floods, the water rises and is very much different from sewer backups in which the drainage water flows through the pipes. Flood coverage is never part of the Basic, Broad, or Special coverage forms-it is set up as a stand-alone policy and is purchased separately from your other coverage of Property and Liability.

How to add Sewer Insurance and will it cost me heavily on the pocket?

Some insurance companies allow their customers to complement an additional cost to Sewer Backup coverage. Let alone say, having this coverage is not very easy on the pocket and can be costly depending on your insurance provider. If you plan to get Sewer Backup coverage, then you should keep in mind a higher deductible to offset the extra premium for this peril.

How much Sewer Backup damage can cost me?

Like said before, the cost of sewer backup depends on the damage it has made. If we give you a rough idea, it can cost an individual ranging from a little of hundred dollars to even thousands of dollars depending on the damage or tree root intrusion.

What can I do to protect myself?

First, find out what's in your policy: Take out time and thoroughly review your insurance policy to exactly

know what things you have under the insurance coverage.

Hire a professional to do the plumbing: As said before, sewer backups also occur due to improper installation of pipes. Hiring a professional can help you save from the hassle in the long run. Dispose of garbage properly: People tend to use toilets and drain as garbage disposals. If you want to protect your home from sewer backups or damaged drain pipes, then properly dispose of garbage in the bins. Stump Pumps: These pumps come in handy to clear out water from the drains and send it on its way.

Be sure that the client knows that the policy does not protect your personal property:

Add a provision in the contract that allows landlords to have protection for rentals – and guarantee that you follow it. Let them know of the protection that you have on the house, as the owner is not protecting their personal belongings. Impress upon them the value of notifying you or the property manager promptly of any unsafe situations on the premises. You may want to include a section in your lease where the tenant recognizes that they understand these items. Another option is to buy a product like our Tenant Protector Plan that does cover your tenant's contents.

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