Sewer Backup Insurance in Maryland: What to Know

Sewer backups are one of the most common surprises in Maryland water claims. Homeowners assume their policy covers anything that comes up through a basement drain, then learn it doesn't. If you're dealing with a backup now, Laurel Dry Pros provides sewage cleanup in Laurel. This guide explains how the coverage works so you can check your policy before you need it.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Read your own policy and talk with your agent.

What is a water/sewer backup endorsement?

It's an add-on to a homeowners policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) explains that it protects your home when water overflows a sump pump or sewage enters through pipes designed to carry it away. The MIA notes this damage is typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy unless you buy the endorsement.

Maryland insurers must offer it

Maryland law requires insurers to offer water/sewer backup coverage. The MIA has pointed to Section 19-202 of the Insurance Article, which addresses coverage for water that backs up through sewers and drains when the backup isn't caused by the insured's negligence. Being offered the coverage isn't the same as having it, though. You have to choose it.

What sewer backup coverage usually covers

Is sewer backup coverage worth it?

For many homes with a basement, yes. The cost of one backup can be far more than the yearly price of the add-on. Farmers Insurance suggests it's worth a look if:

• Your sewer line is old, especially clay pipe
• You have a sump pump
• You have a basement, and even more so a finished one
• Your home is older, with older pipes
• Your town has aging sewer mains
• Your home sits lower than the homes around it

Remember that a sump pump can't run during a power outage unless it has a battery backup.

How much sewer backup coverage do I need?

Add up what a backup would cost to fix in your basement:

1. Finishes: drywall, flooring, carpet, trim and cabinets
2. Equipment: water heater, furnace, washer and dryer
3. Belongings stored on the floor
4. Cleanup: water removal, disinfection and drying

Farmers Insurance notes that backup limits commonly start at $5,000. An unfinished basement with little stored in it may need a low limit. A finished basement with a bedroom or a family room may need much more. Ask your agent for quotes at two or three limits and compare.

Limits and deductibles

The MIA notes that most insurers offer several coverage limit options for this endorsement, and that there is typically a deductible separate from your standard homeowners deductible for these claims.

A finished basement with carpet, drywall, furniture and electronics can cost a lot to clean up and rebuild after a sewage backup, because porous materials touched by sewage usually have to be removed. When you pick a limit, think about what's in your basement and what it would take to replace it.

• Find the endorsement on your declarations page. Look for "water backup," "sewer backup" or "sump overflow."
• Check the limit and whether it's per claim or per year.
• Check the separate deductible.
• Ask whether the limit includes cleanup costs or only property damage.
• Ask your agent about higher limit options if your basement is finished.

What's not covered: flood and surface water

The MIA is clear that the backup endorsement doesn't cover flooding or surface water. Water that rises from outside and comes through walls, windows or doors is flood damage. That needs a flood insurance policy, which usually has a 30-day waiting period. See how to prepare for a flood.

How to file a sewer backup claim

1. Stop using water in the house so you don't add to the backup.
2. Call a plumber to clear the line. In the WSSC Water area, WSSC recommends a WSSC-registered plumber.
3. Document everything with photos and video before cleanup.
4. Report the claim to your insurer quickly.
5. Start cleanup to prevent more damage. Sewage is Category 3 water. See our guide to Category 3 water.
6. Keep damaged items or detailed photos until the adjuster has seen them.
7. Keep receipts for the plumber, cleanup and any hotel stay.
8. If WSSC Water's line was the cause, contact its Claims Office as well.

Sewer backups and mold

Sewage leaves a lot of organic material behind, and mold can follow if drying is slow. Mold from a covered backup may be covered under the endorsement or your policy's mold provisions, often with limits. See does homeowners insurance cover mold.

How to lower your risk

• Ask a plumber about a backflow valve on your main sewer line.
• Don't flush wipes, paper towels or grease.
• Have tree roots cleared from your line if drains are slow.
• Test your sump pump and add a battery backup.

Local note: Homes with finished basements in Columbia, Burtonsville and Maple Lawn and Fulton rely on sump pumps and should check this coverage. Older homes with aging sewer laterals in Greenbelt and Silver Spring face more root-related backups.

Related reading: Our guide to sewage backup cleanup covers the first safe steps, and our Maryland water damage insurance guide explains other water claims.

When should you call a sewage cleanup professional?

Call a pro whenever sewage reaches carpet, drywall or a large area, or comes up through a basement floor drain. Professional cleanup protects your family, and itemized records help your claim.

Sewer backup in Laurel? Call (301) 368-0221 to reach Laurel Dry Pros for safe sewage cleanup and claim documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Maryland Insurance Administration: Flood damage vs. water damage
2. Maryland Insurance Administration: Understanding your homeowners coverage (water/sewer backup)
3. Maryland Insurance Administration: Water damage, what your homeowners policy covers
4. Maryland Insurance Administration: Report on coverage for water damage (Insurance Article § 19-202)
5. Maryland Insurance Administration: Storm-related damage FAQs
6. WSSC Water: Sewer backups
7. Farmers Insurance: What is water backup coverage and do I need it?