Recent heavy rains have overloaded sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up drains in homes.  Backed up sewers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture, and electrical systems, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Many people assume sewage backup or sump pump overflow is covered by their homeowners policy, but in fact, standard policies don’t cover the damage.  If it is on the policy, the coverage is minimal.  If you have a finished basement, it’s essential to buy sewer and sump pump overflow coverage. These protections can be purchased as an endorsement to a homeowners policy.  $10,000 of coverage costs about $65 per year, depending on the carrier.  Contact your agent for more information.

For insurance purposes:

• Take before and after photos of the affected areas
• Save all receipts related to repair, cleaning or damages 
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible
• Contact a qualified restoration contractor

How to prevent backups:

• Dispose of grease properly:  Do not put cooking oil down the drain.
• Dispose of paper products properly:  Paper towels, disposable diapers, feminine products do not deteriorate quickly. 
• Replace your line with new plastic pipe:  To prevent tree roots from entering your line.
• Correct illegal plumbing connections:  Do not connect French drains, sump pumps and other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer.
• Install a Backwater Prevention Valve:  Allows sewage to go out, but not to come back in.
• Make sure rain gutters are clean and down spoutes direct water away from the building foundation. 
• Be sure landscaping is sloped away from the foundation.  

From the Insurance Information Institute