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water backup cleanupWorst of all, without the proper insurance coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for the cleanup and for any damage the water backup caused to your home. That’s because your homeowners policy may not cover water backup damage at all or may only offer very limited coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. A water backup endorsement can be added to a Farm Bureau Insurance homeowners policy. Policyholders may add the coverage at renewal for homeowners policies that have not yet renewed in 2021. After December 31, 2021 the endorsement can be added at any time during the policy term.

The water backup endorsement provides a range of affordable coverage options. Coverage limits range from $5,000 to $25,000. The premium charged will depend on your policy form and the coverage limit you select.  For example, adding $5,000 of water backup coverage to an HO9 policy costs $45 per year. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent can review your homeowners policy and provide a no-obligation quote based on your specific policy and needs. You should also review and refer to the endorsement for full details about the coverage that is offered, covered losses, and any exclusions that may apply.

Keep in mind the cost for the water backup endorsement is low compared to what it could cost if you suffer thousands of dollars in damage to your floors, electrical systems, furniture, walls and other belongings.

You can also take some steps to help prevent a water backup from occurring in the first place. Most homeowners may not realize they’re responsible for maintaining the sewer lines between their home and the street. These lines connect your home to the main sewer line and carry wastewater away from the home. Often times aging sewer lines and invasive tree roots are the main culprits for nasty water backups inside the home, since tree roots can block lines causing a backup.

If you have a sump pump, it too can cause water to backup and overflow into your home when the pump fails or becomes blocked.

Here are a few preventative steps you can take to limit your risk of a water backup from happening:

  1. Properly dispose of grease. Never pour cooking oil or grease down a drain.
  2. Monitor tree roots regularly and avoid planting trees near sewer lines.
  3. Check for illegal plumbing connections; consult a plumber if you suspect a problem.
  4. Install a backwater prevention valve to ensure water goes out but does not come back in.
  5. Dispose of paper products correctly. Don’t flush paper towels, baby wipes and feminine products.
  6. If you have a sump pump, schedule routine maintenance checks.

There are some issues that you simply have no control over that may cause a backup to occur. For example, heavy rain and flooding can overwhelm sewage systems, causing water to back up through the sewer lines. We hope you never have to deal with a water backup inside your home, but a water backup endorsement can help provide some relief should the unthinkable happen.

If you have questions about your homeowners policy or coverage options, be sure to contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent.