What Is Water And Sewer Backup Coverage?

What is water backup coverage, and why do homeowners choose it? Simply put, it helps protect your home if water or sewage backs up through a drain, pipe, or sump pump. While these situations aren’t something anyone plans for, they can happen in many homes over time, especially during heavy rain or as plumbing systems age.

Water and sewer backups don’t have to be dramatic to be disruptive. Even a small backup can lead to water damage, cleanup costs, and repairs to flooring or walls. Having the right coverage in place helps make the process easier and less stressful.

At The Huneycutt Group, we focus on helping homeowners understand their options so they can decide what level of protection makes sense for their home.

What Is Water Backup Coverage?

Water backup coverage, sometimes called water backup insurance, is an optional coverage that helps cover water damage caused when water or sewage backs up into your home through drains, pipes, or a sump pump.

This type of backup coverage may apply when:

• A sewer line becomes blocked
• Water backs up through a floor drain
• A sump pump overflows
• A sump pump failure occurs during power outages

Without this coverage, most standard home insurance policies do not cover water damage caused by these situations. Adding water backup insurance can help cover damage to flooring, walls, cabinets, and certain personal belongings affected by the backup.

Water Backup Coverage vs. Sewer Backup Coverage

Water backup and sewer backup coverage are often offered together, but they describe slightly different sources of water damage.

• Water backup coverage typically applies to water entering through drains, pipes, or a sump pump.
• Sewer backup insurance applies when wastewater backs up through the sewer line, often due to tree roots, clogs, or older plumbing.

Many insurance companies combine these into a single water backup endorsement, making it easier to add this protection to your homeowners policy.

Is Water Backup Coverage Included in Homeowners Insurance?

In most cases, no. Water backup coverage is an optional coverage and is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Because this type of water damage is usually excluded under standard home insurance, it’s worth reviewing your policy to see what’s covered.

The team at The Huneycutt Group can help you understand if your current policy includes water backup coverage and add it if needed.

Why Homeowners Add Water and Sewer Backup Coverage

Many homeowners choose water and sewer backup coverage because it helps cover damage that isn’t covered by your home insurance policy and a single event could cost thousands of dollars.

If water backs up into your home, the costs include:

• Cleanup and drying
• Repairing drywall or flooring
• Replacing cabinets or damaged belongings
• Preventing further damage

Water backup insurance helps simplify the repair and claim process, allowing you to focus on getting your home back to normal.

The dangers of sewer backup extend beyond property damage. Exposure to sewage can be harmful to your health. Mold growth, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens thrive in these environments, making it critical to address the damage quickly and thoroughly nd usually involves a mitigation specialist.

What Doesn’t Water Backup Coverage Offer?

While water backup coverage helps offer protection against a variety of incidents, it does not cover every water-related disaster. It generally doesn’t include:

• Repairs needed due to the normal wear and tear of pipes, plumbing systems, or sump pump equipment
• Water damage caused by external sources, such as swimming pools or natural bodies of water like oceans
• Damage caused by flooding
• Damage resulting from surface or underground water

Note: For flood protection, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or another provider.

How Much Does Water Backup Coverage Cost?

Water backup coverage is usually inexpensive compared to the protection it provides. The cost of sewer and drain backup coverage will depend on your insurer, your location, and your home’s susceptibility to backups.

Many homeowners add this optional coverage for around $50 to $250 per year. Considering that the average water or sewer backup claim can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, this endorsement is quite affordable.

Is There a Separate Deductible?

In most cases, yes. Water backup coverage typically comes with its own deductible, separate from your standard homeowners insurance deductible. The deductible can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on your policy and insurer. 

It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand what your deductible would be in the event of a claim. Be sure to ask our licensed agents at The Huneycutt Group when discussing your coverage.

Is Water Backup Coverage Available for Renters?

Yes. Renters insurance may also offer optional water backup coverage. While renters aren’t responsible for damage to the home’s structure, this coverage can help cover damage to personal property caused by a sewer or drain backup.

How to Get Water Backup Coverage

Adding water backup coverage to your home insurance policy is easy. You can contact us anytime to ask about adding this endorsement. We’re here to help you determine how much coverage you need based on your home and location.