A sewer backup is one of the messiest and most expensive disasters a homeowner can experience. When stormwater overwhelms municipal systems or something blocks your home’s sewer line, wastewater can reverse course—flooding your basement or backing up through your drains and toilets.
Unfortunately, many homeowners discover after the damage is done that these events aren’t covered by a standard homeowners policy.
As rainfall increases across the Northeast and infrastructure continues to age, the risk of sewer and sump backups is growing—especially in Maine and New Hampshire. But the good news is: this problem is both preventable and insurable.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes backups, how to prevent them, and how to protect yourself financially.
A water backup and sump discharge endorsement is an optional add-on to your homeowners insurance policy. For a modest additional premium, it provides coverage for:
Backup of water or waterborne materials through a sewer or drain
Overflow of water or waterborne materials from a sump, even if the cause is a mechanical breakdown of the sump pump
This endorsement covers damage to your home and personal belongings but does not cover:
The broken sump pump or related equipment itself
Damage resulting from owner negligence (e.g., failing to turn on the sump pump)
Damage from flooding (which requires a separate flood insurance policy)
Despite its importance, this coverage is often overlooked or underestimated. Many policies offer only $5,000 in backup coverage—but actual cleanup, repairs, and remediation can cost between $20,000 and $80,000.
That’s why we recommend talking with an agent about raising your water backup limits to $50,000 or even $100,000, depending on your risk exposure.
While sewer backups can sometimes be out of your control, there are smart steps every homeowner can take to reduce the risk:
Schedule routine inspections with a plumber to ensure your pipes are functioning properly and free of blockages.
Your sewer lateral—the underground pipe connecting your home to the city sewer line—can become vulnerable to damage from tree and shrub roots. Roots can enter tiny cracks and grow, eventually causing serious blockages. If this is a known issue on your property, replacing older piping with a plastic line may help.
A major cause of backups is improper disposal of waste materials. Avoid putting the following down your drains:
Grease and fats: These solidify in pipes and cause clogs
Oils: Buildup can narrow pipe diameter and restrict flow
Paper products other than toilet paper: “Flushable” wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and napkins can all cause major backups
Always dispose of oils and fats in the trash, and only flush toilet paper.
Never connect sump pumps, French drains, or other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer line. These illegal connections can overwhelm the system and cause backups into your home or neighbors' homes. A licensed plumber can help correct any improper connections.
Before assuming a sewer backup, consider whether poor exterior drainage could be to blame.
Often, water in a basement isn’t from a sewer or sump issue—it’s caused by improper soil grading, clogged gutters, or downspouts that direct water too close to the foundation. To prevent this:
Make sure the ground slopes away from your home
Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation
Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris
Fixing these issues can prevent recurring moisture problems and protect your home’s foundation—regardless of backup risk.
Homeowners in Maine and New Hampshire are facing a growing number of heavy rain events that can overwhelm local infrastructure. Even well-maintained homes in rural or suburban areas can experience water damage from sudden backups, especially if they have basements, sump pumps, or older plumbing systems.
As a result, sewer and sump backup coverage isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of a well-rounded homeowners policy.
This is also a key example of why insurance isn’t a simple, interchangeable product. Every homeowner's needs are unique, and small gaps in coverage can lead to major headaches later.
At Chalmers Insurance Group, we’ve been helping families across Maine and New Hampshire protect what matters most for over 165 years. Our Personal Lines team can:
Review your current coverage
Explain your water backup endorsement options
Help you choose appropriate limits
Provide advice for preventing future claims
The cost of adding this coverage is often very affordable—especially compared to the out-of-pocket cost of cleaning and restoring a home after a backup.
Don’t wait for a costly surprise. If you’re not sure whether you have sewer backup protection—or if your current limits are enough—give us a call today at 800-360-3000 or visit www.chalmersinsurancegroup.com. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make confident, informed choices to protect your home.
