The Overlooked Coverage Gap: Why Sewer and Drain Backup Isn’t Standard in Most Home Policies

In Arizona, we often focus on fire, flood, and storm risks, but there’s another type of damage that’s both common and costly: sewer and drain backups.

Despite the significant financial impact, this type of damage is not covered by most standard homeowners insurance policies. Without an added endorsement, you could be paying out of pocket for cleanup, repairs, and lost personal property.

What Causes Sewer and Drain Backups

• Tree root intrusion into sewer lines
• Heavy rainfall overwhelming city systems
• Blockages from grease, wipes, or debris
• Old or deteriorating pipes

The True Cost of a Backup
Water from a backup is considered “black water,” which contains harmful bacteria and requires specialized cleanup. The average claim for sewer backup damage in Arizona can range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the extent of contamination and repairs needed.

Why It’s Not Automatically Covered
Standard home insurance covers water damage only when the cause is sudden and accidental from within the home’s plumbing system. When water enters from a sewer or drain, it’s considered an excluded peril unless you’ve purchased an endorsement.

How to Add Protection

• Ask your agent about a Sewer and Drain Backup Endorsement
• Confirm your coverage limit, most endorsements start at $5,000 but can be increased
• Maintain your plumbing system with regular inspections

Bottom Line

Sewer and drain backup coverage is one of the most affordable, and most valuable, endorsements you can add to your policy. Without it, you could be left handling one of the most unpleasant and expensive home disasters entirely on your own.