Are You Covered for Sewer or Drain Water Backups?

Most property insurance forms, including homeowners policies, exclude water damage caused by the backup of sewers or drains. The specific provisions vary by insurance company, but these exclusions typically appear in the policy under the exclusions section. 

Here’s a common example: “Property Exclusions: Water damage is excluded if caused by water or water-borne materials that back up through sewers or drains, or that overflow or are discharged from a sump, sump pump, or related equipment.”

This exclusion refers to water “overflowing” from sewers (such as toilet bowl backups) and water “backing up” through drains (such as floor drains or sinks). The source of the water or sewage may be “off-premises,” caused by a clogged public sewer system, or it may originate inside the home due to water being left on or a drain system that is plugged or restricted.

Note: Coverage for sewer or drain water backup can be added to your policy through an endorsement for an additional premium. We strongly recommend that all master policies and individual homeowners policies be endorsed with this coverage, because these types of claims can be costly to clean up and repair. Review your policy with your agent to determine whether this coverage is already included.

Why Do Homeowners and Other Property Policies Exclude Coverage for Sewer or Drain Water Backup?

1. Water backup losses are common, but preventable
   Water damage from clogged toilets and drains can often be avoided through regular maintenance. Homeowners should promptly repair any issues with sticking toilet bowls and slow-running drains. Regular observation and quick action can help prevent or minimize water damage.
2. Water systems require periodic maintenance
   Over time, drainage systems can become restricted by rust, debris, and deposits. Tree roots may also interfere with drainage, and drain fields can become saturated. Without proper maintenance, even slow-running drains may eventually fail to handle normal water flow or become completely blocked.
3. Off-premises sewage backups can be prevented
   Installing backflow preventers on drain lines can help prevent sewage backups from off-premises sources. Unfortunately, many older homes do not have these, but they’re worth considering as a preventative measure.
4. Flooding and rising water tables can cause sewer and drain backups
   During flooding, the rising water table often leads to water backing up through sewers and drains. Since flood damage is typically excluded under standard homeowners policies, this type of backup is also excluded unless specifically endorsed.

If we can assist with these coverages, please contact us at ccis@ciramail.com.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. The codes, coverages, and recommendations discussed may not apply to your specific association, property, or situation. Always consult with a licensed insurance agent to obtain a detailed explanation of the coverages and exclusions that are relevant to your unique circumstances.