Insurance Coverage for Sewer Drain Backups - a Stinking Issue in Florida

Posted: Oct 24, 2013
Author: William Dustin Septic

It is important to buy and maintain flood insurance – especially when you consider Florida’s vulnerability to flood damage. Flood water, however, is not the only ground water than can enter your home. If your sewer drain backs up, that would really stink in more ways than one. A standard insurance homeowner’s policy does not cover sewer backups, so you should purchase an affordable, separate endorsement.

An endorsement is attached to your policy that changes the terms and conditions of coverage. It’s also known as a rider. Riders for sewer drain backups vary among insurance companies, but they all address one thing – surface water runoff. A sewer backup is not considered the same as real flooding. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a flood is defined as something that affects one or more properties. Without an endorsement on your policy, a sewer backup would be considered your own smelly problem.

Many homeowners don’t realize they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of sewer laterals on their properties. These are pipes that go from buildings and connect with a town or city’s main underground sewer line.

Causes of sewer drain blockages include flushing solid objects down toilets and drains. Sewers also backup when hair, grease and oils clog the pipes. Over time, structural damage of sewer lines can cause them to deteriorate. Another offender is tree roots, which can enter at pipe joints, grow through them, and eventually cause cracks. A rider on your insurance policy will enable you to claim for the repair of this type of damage.

If you need service on your sewer drain in Lakeland FL, contact us at William Dustin Septic. We are ready for even the toughest and dirtiest septic jobs! Request a free estimate today.