For an additional premium to your homeowners insurance policy, an endorsement for water backup and sump discharge will cover losses caused by the following:

  • The backup of water or waterborne materials through a sewer or through a drain
  • Water or waterborne material that overflows from a sump, even if the backup of water is due to the mechanical breakdown of the sump pump. Coverage includes damage to covered property but excludes the sump pump and any related equipment that has broken down

The endorsement does not cover losses that involve owner negligence, such as from damage as the result of forgetting to turn on your sump pump, or damages caused by a flood.

Some water and sewer backups are unavoidable, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent backups in your sewer line:

  • Paper products: Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down your drain.
  • Cooking grease: Instead of rinsing grease down your drain, dispose of cooled grease in your garbage.
  • Shrub and tree roots: It’s common for the roots of trees and shrubs to make their way into sewer line cracks. Over time, the cracks allow debris to build up. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your sewer lateral, consider replacing it with a pipe made of plastic.
  • Illegal plumbing connections: Connecting flood control systems to your sanitary sewer only spells trouble. Consult a plumber to correct any illegal connections.

Water in Your Basement?

Often, water entering the basement is not due to a sewer backup but rather from poor soil grading around your home’s exterior. If you have a water problem and have ruled out sewer backup, making sure that water is draining away from your home’s foundation properly can often fix the problem.

The Cost of Coverage

The cost of sewer backup coverage is affordable. Our personal lines team can provide you with more information about coverage costs, limits and deductibles.

Have a question? Get an answer. Learn more at ehd-ins.com or call us toll-free 1-800-544-7292. Our experienced insurance and risk management professionals would be happy to answer your questions, help you explore your options and develop a customized strategy for you and your organization.

About EHD

Established in 1896, Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. — now EHD — is one of the most respected insurance brokers and advisors in Pennsylvania and one of the largest and most reputable full-service insurance brokers in the United States. We have offices in Exton, Lancaster, Pittsburgh and Reading and offer commercial insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance and risk management services to businesses, non-profit organizations, public agencies and individuals throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Ohio.

EHD has access to all regional, national and international markets, holding preferred status contracts among many insurers, which provide the leverage to negotiate the most favorable coverage and financial terms for our clients. We are absolutely committed to client service, and our staff of over 100 insurance professionals is among the most experienced and knowledgeable that you will find anywhere. It is no wonder why we are the partner-of-choice for over 5,000 organizations, with a client retention rate that approaches 100%.

Learn more at EHD-Ins.com or call 1-800-544-7292. Note: not intended to be exhaustive, nor construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel and/or an EHD insurance professional for appropriate advice. Original content source: © Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.