With the winter season in full force, rain and snow are a part of the seasonal forecast. This means more water must be safely directed away from our homes and streets through our perimeter drains and sewers.
Most home and condo owners have home insurance policies with coverage for some water damage that may occur. Still, many policies do not cover flood or water sewer backup damage- unless this coverage was explicitly requested. When it comes to coverage on the damage to a property from flood or sewage, many owners don’t realize that they’re not covered.
What Is Water Sewer Backup?
Sewer backup commonly occurs after heavy rain or snow has overflown the city’s and your home’s main drains. This causes sewage water to back up and overflow into your property below or from your drains. This damage can be costly to repair, with the average cost in Canada to fix a single flooded home’s basement being close to $50,000.
Causes of Water Sewer Backup
Harsh climates often cause water sewer backup, but aging, damaged, or blocked drains can also be the leading causes. Old sewer lines can break, collapse, be crushed, clogged, or even penetrated by tree roots. Drains may get clogged over time from grease, food particles, coffee grounds, hair/fur, and other items that should not be put down in the drains or sewer systems. All of this can contribute to the water sewer backing up.
How To Prevent Sewer Water Floods
Homeowners can take some action items to help prevent water back up on their property. This includes:
- Inspecting sewage and perimeter drains to ensure they are in good condition and clear for water & sewage to properly flow through.
- Install a backup water valve.
- Once again, only allow water (or other liquids with water-like consistency) to go down the drain. Avoid food scraps, coffee grounds, hair, fur, and grease from your drains or toilet. Use a garbage bin instead and a filter in the sink drain.
- Secure water sewer backup coverage protection for the property.
Water Sewer Backup Coverage Protection
Sewer backup coverage is additional coverage for your property that protects you from the risks of repairing the damage done from water backup flood damage. Since the average cost to repair flooded basements and other types of property damage done by floods or water-sewer backup are close to $50,000, it makes sense to know what kind of coverage your current policy has for these specific risks and to ensure coverage for it possibly. Many standard home insurance policies do not have water sewer backup coverage unless specifically requested, so check your coverage!
Speak & Work Pro-Actively with Your Insurance Broker
As we often suggest, working closely with your insurance broker to know exactly what types of coverage are included in your current policy (and which are not) is a brilliant idea. Once you feel you have all the necessary information and options, you can move forward with the best insurance coverage and policy for your property. You are working with an independent insurance broker that can provide you with the best quotes, and your property is strongly recommended.
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Contact us today if you have questions about water sewer backup coverage for your property, condo, or home. We’d be happy to help provide answers, and we can also offer free and quick quotes too!
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