Prevent sewer backups

Dealing with sewer backups is unpleasant and potentially very costly. Many things can contribute to blockages, including tree roots, improper waste disposal (flushing things you shouldn’t), clogged pipes, older sewer systems and larger municipal sewer complications. When there is a block in your sewer line, wastewater can back up into your home, coming up out of drains. The better you understand the risks, the more prepared you will be to prevent or handle a backed-up sewer.

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Bankrate Insights

Sewer backups are increasing at an average rate of 3 percent per year. (Civil Engineering Research Foundation)

Between 23,000 and 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur each year. (EPA)

The average cost of a home insurance water damage claim is $11,098 (across all types of water damage). (iPropertyManagement)

A sewage or sewer backup happens when subsurface water comes up through the sewer or drainage system into your home via your toilet, sinks or shower. A sewer backup may be caused by pipe deterioration, tree roots intruding into the line or improper disposal of sanitary products, toilet paper, rags, fat, grease or oil.

Improperly diverting downspouts, stormwater or groundwater into the sewer system can also cause sewer backup into the home due to an overabundance of water overwhelming the drainage system. The private line on the property is often the cause, but sometimes, the sanitary sewer system can overflow and backfill into the public line and private homes.

The city’s responsibility usually begins at the main sewer line that sits beyond your private property boundaries. You are typically responsible for the sewer line on your property, including the upper and lower lateral lines. Though this line typically extends beyond your property, you are usually still responsible for it until it connects to the main sewer line.

There are several steps homeowners, renters and property owners can take to prevent sewage backups in your house. In general, the more of these tips you follow, the better your chances of avoiding a sewer backup may be. Still, there are no guarantees, and even when taking every precaution, sewer backups may occur.

Flush only toilet paper.

Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.

Do not plant trees or bushes near sewer lines or laterals.

Hire a professional to install an exterior cleanout.

Avoid putting fat, grease and oil down the drain.

Line or replace old pipes.

Install a sewer backup valve.

Avoid connecting downspouts, french drains, sump pumps or flood control systems to the sanitary sewer line.

Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing and sewer lines.

Elevate the house drain.

The main causes of sewer backups in the home are often the result of environmental conditions or resident errors. Most often, a backup in the sewer line happens due to:

Flushing sanitary products, flushable wipes, diapers and paper towels down the toilet.

Clogging pipes with fat, oil, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells and fibrous vegetables.

Planting bushes and trees close to sewer lines can cause roots to infiltrate the lines.

Excess rainwater or melting snow being diverted into sewer systems.

No backflow valve installed on the property (this may be required by city ordinance and can be remedied by a plumber).

Pipes aging and deteriorating, causing a break or fracture in the sewer line.

Aging infrastructure can also be a cause of sewer backups into the home from the main sewer line.

Sewer backups can cause damage to your home and belongings, depending on the extent of the backup. Not only is the cleanup intense and smelly, but it can also be costly to replace expensive bathroom and kitchen cabinets and fixtures.

If the water is not cleaned up quickly and thoroughly, mold could develop in your home. Wastewater can also contain bacteria, parasites, viruses and other toxins that can make you and your family very sick.

A sewer backup without dwelling or belonging damage is still fairly expensive to repair. The national average cost for water damage restoration is $3,455. However, that average includes all types of water damage, not just sewer backups. These costs tend to climb when considering damage caused by blackwater (sewage). In extreme situations, cleanup and repairs from a sewer backup could cost as much as $50,000.

When dealing specifically with sewer backups, average estimates often range from $2,000 to $10,000 for the cleanup and restoration, and it can get costly quickly if there is more damage, such as:

If the cause is unknown, a plumber will need to do a camera inspection, likely costing between $250 and $500.

If a tree root was found to be the cause, it could cost as much as $600 to remove.

If a sewer line needs to be replaced, it could cost between $50 to $200 per foot.

If you need a clogged drain entirely replaced, this could cost close to $200.

If you need your sewer lines snaked, it could cost around $100 to $250.

If you need a septic tank pumped, it could cost between $295 and $610.

Sewer backup coverage under a home insurance policy pays for accidental direct physical loss to your dwelling or personal property. Exact coverage limits vary by carrier, and almost all providers require an optional endorsement on your homeowners policy for this specific coverage. Consider your coverage limits when purchasing sewer backup insurance, which caps how much the insurance company will pay in the event of a backup. Given the hefty price tag that comes with sewer backups, sewer backup insurance is probably worth looking into, particularly if you live in an older home or area where the sewer lines are likely older, too.

A sewer backup can cause damage to your home and belongings and lead to mold and health problems if not cleaned up promptly. To prevent further damage and limit disease exposure there are some things you can have a professional do (or some you may be able to do yourself):

Shut off power to the affected areas of your home.

Use a wet vac to remove liquids and solids.

Disinfect solid floors and walls.

Remove and discard absorbent materials like carpets and wallboard.

Flush and disinfect pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Clean ductwork if needed.

Contact your home insurer.

Sewer backups are most often caused by clogged pipes from household materials, tree roots or pipe failures. Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper down the toilet and putting fats, oils, grease and other clogging materials down the drains. If a sewer backup occurs, take pictures of the damage to document it and begin cleanup immediately to prevent illness and further damage.

What is the best home insurance company?

The best home insurance company for you will depend on several variables and may not be the same company that is the best for someone else. Important things to consider when looking for the best company are the amounts and types of coverage offered and the rate these policies are offered at for you. Depending on your needs, you may also want a company that provides specific types of unique or add-on coverage options. You might want to also consider companies with a strong financial rating and a good reputation for customer experiences.

Does flood insurance cover a sewer backup?

In general, flood insurance does not cover sewer backups. If your sewer backup is caused by a flood in the area, and you have flood insurance, then your insurance may cover the sewer backup in that specific instance. However, sewer backups occurring outside of an active flood are not likely to be covered by flood insurance.

How do I know if my sewer line is backing up?

A backed up sewer line can be a major expense, but knowing the warning signs can help you to address the problem quickly. Keep an eye out for clogged or slow drains in your home. Know that bad smells coming from your drains can also be an early indicator of a problematic pipe. Plumbing that interferes with drains elsewhere in the home (a kitchen garbage disposal that causes a gurgle in the bathroom when it runs, for instance) can be reason to contact a plumber and have the issue looked at more closely.