The Truth About Sewer Line Backups and Insurance Coverage

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer line cleanup in Lumberville, PA

If you experience water damage in your home, you'll quickly turn to your insurance company for help. Homeowner's coverage in Lumberville, PA, will pay to clean up the water and the problems it causes. This includes replacing building materials and belongings and restoring your home. However, not all types of flooding are covered under a normal policy. A sewer backup would be your responsibility unless you supplement your insurance.

How Sewer Lines Develop Problems

If you smell a foul odor in your basement or see wastewater coming up through the floors or drains, you'll know there is a sewer backup issue. The line that runs between the city's mainline under the street and your home can become damaged, causing flooding in your house. This can occur because of the following causes:

• Blockage from tree and shrub roots
  
• Ground movement in the area
  
• Wear and tear as well as lack of maintenance and upkeep
  
  

Paying for Cleanup
Many homeowners don't realize that home insurance does not cover sewer line breaks and resulting flooding. This is your responsibility. The bad news is that cleanup costs from a professional sewage restoration company can be extensive, surpassing $20,000 or even $30,000 in some cases. Such incidents can also occur at any time without warning. 

Getting Help
If you are concerned about the possibility of a sewer line break causing a flood in your house, you can get supplemental insurance coverage. There are plans available to cover sewer flooding and damage. Make sure you speak to your agent if you are interested. This plan could be useful for something as seemingly minor as a backed-up toilet to a devastated sewer line that sends raw sewage into your basement. 
If the thought of a sewer backup scares you, talk to your insurance agent today about purchasing additional coverage. You can then have peace of mind to know that someone has your back.