Yech! Are You Insured For Sewer Backup?

Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500
Wash. D.C.: 202-833-1580

April 5, 2005 -- Backups of raw sewage through the drains in your home or business can be a nasty experience. While they occur infrequently, they can be very costly.

Most homeowner and business insurance policies will not cover a sewer backup without sewer backup coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

"Obtaining an insurance rider on a homeowners or business policy would cover such damage if it occurs," said Loretta Worters, vice president, I.I.I. "Sewer backup coverage is available from most insurers for a nominal cost- usually $40-$50 on an annual insurance policy," she said.

Most homeowners and business owners may not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral --the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main, usually located in the street -- and the building. The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner including any part, which may extend into the street or public right of way. A cracked or deteriorated lateral or one filled with tree roots can allow groundwater to seep into the system contributing to the problem.

Blockages due to Tree Roots -- Shrubs and trees seeking moisture will make their way into sewer line cracks. These roots can cause extensive damage. They may start out small, getting into a small crack in the pipe; but as the tree or shrub continues to grow, so does the root. Tree roots can enter the service pipe at joints and cause blockages. Tree roots can travel a long way, and roots from different types of trees act differently. If city trees are suspected, your plumber can contact the city, and samples of the roots will be used to help identify the trees and who is responsible for cleanup. Sometimes blockage is a result of a combination of city and private trees. In this case costs are split between the city and property owner.

Sanitary Main -- A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the main can backup into homes and businesses through floor drains. Usually this happens slowly, giving the owner time to call a licensed plumber to assess the damage. If water is entering into your basement at a rapid rate, call the city public works office and report the problem immediately so that a city operator can investigate.

Water in Basement -- Most basement flooding is not related to the sanitary sewer system. In many cases, soil settles adjacent to the building, and if not corrected, leads to rainwater flowing towards the building and down the outside of the foundation wall. Particularly in older buildings where cracks may have developed in the foundation or floor slab which allows water to enter the basement. The cement floor and basement walls of these structures may have deteriorated to the point that they are no longer waterproof. Water can show up in a basement which has never had a water problem. This will usually happen after a number of rain storms, when the ground is saturated. Drainage can be improved by making sure that water drains away from the building. Owners may also prevent flooding by water sealing the basement.

Homeowners and business insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance will cover your losses in the event of a flood. Flood insurance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is sold via the more than 80 participating insurance companies that write and service policies through a special arrangement with the Federal Insurance Mitigation Association (FIMA), as well as through thousands of insurance agents nationwide. Contact your insurance agent for details or call the NFIP at 1-800-638-6620. Your insurance agent or broker can handle the claim for you.

For insurance purposes, take before-and-after photos of the affected areas and itemize any property losses. Save all receipts related to repair, cleaning or damages and contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible.

For more information regarding insurance, access the I.I.I.'s website at www.insurance.info.

Dispose of Grease Properly: Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly, after it cools off, not in the drain. Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As grease cools off, it will solidify either in the drain, the property owner's line, or in the main sewer causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.

Dispose of Paper Products Properly: Paper towels, disposable (and cloth) diapers, and feminine products cause a great deal of problems in the property owner's lateral as well as in the city main. These products do not deteriorate quickly, as bathroom tissue does.

Replace your line with new plastic pipe: One way to prevent tree roots from entering your line is to replace your line and tap with new plastic pipe. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your lateral, you may have to have them cut periodically.

Illegal Plumbing Connections: Do not connect French drains, sump pumps and other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer. It is illegal, and debris and silt will clog your line. Consult a plumber to correct any illegal connections.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve: A backwater valve is a fixture installed into a sewer line, and sometimes into a drain line, in the basement of your home or business to prevent sewer backflows. A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows sewage to go out, but cannot come back in. Property owners are responsible for the installation and maintenance of backwater valves. The cost to install one is dependent upon the type of plumbing in your home or business and the difficulty of installation. Check with a qualified plumber.

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business, and even result in electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience, prevent mold or further damage. Immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property. This should include:

• Wet-vacuum or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering and
• Cleanup of ductwork