3 Tips for Making a Sewage Backup Claim

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Falls Township, PA

3 Tips for Making a Sewage Backup Claim

A sewer backup can result in major damage at a residence in Falls Township, PA. In addition to the extent of damage and the necessity of thorough disinfection, cleaning up this damage may be made even more complicated by the fact that many homeowners' insurance policies exclude sewer backups. Here are three tips for increasing the likelihood that a sewer-related claim will be covered by any general homeowners' insurance or sewer damage policy.

1. Document Sewer Damage
No matter the cause of damage, insurers are more likely to cover a claim that is supported with documentation. Take photos or videos of the damaged area. You may want to periodically, perhaps once or twice per year, take pictures of each part of your home. These photographs can be helpful for supporting a claim, as is proof of regular and preventative maintenance.

2. Retain Maintenance Records
Homeowners should always file away records of maintenance on a toilet, pipes and other plumbing and sewer fixtures. It’s also a good idea to regularly back up house-related files. The ability to prove that structural systems have been maintained by licensed professionals may make coverage for a sewer backup more likely.

3. Consider Backup Coverage
Carefully review the terms of a homeowners insurance policy to determine whether coverage is available for sewer backups. Many policies exclude sewer and flood cleanup. Homeowners may be able to buy back coverage for these perils through separate policies or by adding endorsements or riders to a general home insurance policy.
A sewer backup is a messy situation that calls for thorough cleaning and disinfection. If backups frequently occur in your area of Falls Township, PA, you may want to consider having backup prevention plumbing fixes installed. Investing in reducing the likelihood that a sewer will allow contaminated water to enter a residence can be more cost effective that repeatedly repairing sewer damage.