Sewer Backup refers to when wastewater or sewage flows backward through plumbing fixtures or drains and back into a building or property. This can occur for various reasons, such as blockages in the sewer line, heavy rainfall overwhelming the sewer system, or malfunctions in sewage pumping stations. Sewer backups can cause extensive property damage and pose health hazards due to the contamination of water with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.
Heavy storm rains and other scenarios can lead to sewage backups or basement flooding, especially if your sump pump fails during power outages. When faced with these issues, the consequences can escalate into mini disasters, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.
Homeowners can mitigate sewer backup risks by avoiding disposing of grease, paper towels, diapers, or other refuse down toilets or sinks, as these can cause pipe clogs. Additionally, it’s crucial to hire a licensed plumber to remove any connections between flood control systems and the sewer main, while considering installing a backflow-prevention device to prevent sewage from flowing back into the home, thereby safeguarding against potential water and sewage backup losses.
Various insurance policies cover different types of water damage, with homeowners and renters insurance typically including protection for burst pipes, wind-driven rain, and damage from roof ice dams. While standard policies may cover top-down water sources like rainfall, additional coverage such as sewer backup riders may be necessary for certain situations.
Murphy Insurance Agency provides insurance solutions across Massachusetts and New England. Where you live is not a barrier to our assisting you. We are proud to serve the communities where our customers live and work, including Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bellingham, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boston, Boxborough, Boylston, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Devens, Dunstable, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Natick, Norfolk, Northborough, Northbridge, Pepperell, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Upton, Uxbridge, Wayland, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Whitinsville, Worcester, and last but not least, Wrentham.