Heavy rains have overburdened sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into drains in homes throughout the country. Backed up sewers can wreak havoc on a home, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. As the City of Davenport moves ahead to deal with an aging sewer system it is time to ask if you are adequately covered?

“Sewer backups or the inability of sump pumps to handle runoff water from major downpours are not covered under a typical homeowners insurance policy, nor are they covered by flood insurance,” said Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. “Those types of coverage must be purchased either as a separate product or as an endorsement to a homeowners policy.”

Worters noted that sewer backup coverage is available from most insurers for a nominal cost—usually an additional annual premium of $40-$50.  “Don’t let a sewer backup be a drain on your home or finances; make sure to have the proper coverage,” Worters advised.

“Most of the time clients call to verify if they have the sump pump endorsement,” said Helen Missel, claim specialist at Molyneaux Insurance. “Heavy rains, especially in our area, can trigger a lot of claims.”

For homes that have been severely damaged and are uninhabitable, homeowners policies may provide Loss of Use coverage, which provides reimbursement for lodging, food and other living expenses you may incur as a result of having to live outside of your home. Loss of Use coverage also reimburses you for the lost rental income if you rent out part of the house.

CAUSES OF SEWER BACKUP
Aging Sewer Systems: The Civil Engineering Research Foundation reports that the number of backed up sewers is increasing at an alarming rate of about 3 percent annually. A recent report from the American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that the nation’s 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old.
Combined Pipelines: Problems arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline. The systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle.
Sanitary Main: A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the main can back up into homes and businesses through floor drains.
Water in Basement: Most basement flooding is not related to the sanitary sewer system. Blockages due to tree roots are also a main cause of backup.

Most homeowners 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 that extends into the street or public right of way.

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
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 agent as soon as possible.

HOW TO PREVENT BACKUPS
Dispose of Grease Properly: Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly. Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As the 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 can cause a great deal of trouble in the property owner’s lateral as well as in the city main. These products do not deteriorate quickly, as bathroom tissue does, so do not put them down the drain or toilet.
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.
Correct 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.
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. Check with a qualified plumber.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE A SEWER BACKUP

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business, and can even result in electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and prevent mold or further damage. Here are some ways to mitigate your damage:

• Wet-vacuuming 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
• Cleanup of ductwork

Source: Insurance Information Institute