In recent years, water has become the top cause of home insurance claims. In fact, a Canadian study found that 48% of all home insurance claims are due to water damage.

Flooding and sewer or septic system backup damage probably isn’t something you want to think about happening to you. But the truth is, thinking about it now means you could stop an issue from arising when the rain starts to fall or the snow starts to melt. Here are five common types of water damage, along with tips on how to prevent each:

sewer backup cleaning

1. What is a sewer backup?

It’s when a sewer line backs up and flows into your home, causing property damage and health hazards.

Here’s how to prevent it:

Installing a backwater valve on the sewer line can help prevent loss or damage.

It’s also important to clean your prevention valves annually to reduce your risk of a backup.

2. What is a sump pump failure?

It’s when your sump basin overflows or discharges, causing damage to your basement.

Here’s how to prevent it:

Install a backup power supply (such as a secondary battery or generator) in the event of a power failure to ensure water continues evacuating from the area around your basement.

3. What is a septic system backup?

It’s when your septic system overflows onto your property or into your home.

Here’s how to prevent it:

Don’t pour cooking oils or grease down your drains or flush insoluble items down the toilet, as they could lead to a clog or backup.

To help maintain your septic tank, have a professional check for leaks regularly.

4. What is an overflowing eaves trough, downspout, or drain?

It’s when there is a heavy rainfall and your eaves trough, downspouts, or drains can’t keep up and the excess water leaks into your home.

Here’s how to prevent it:

Clean out eaves troughs at least once every season to prevent overflow during heavy rainfalls and extend downspouts about 6-8 feet2 leading away from the foundation of your home.

5. What is freshwater flooding?

living room water damagesIt’s when water enters your home due to heavy rainfall, which may also cause rising water levels from a nearby lake, river, or pond

 

Here’s how to prevent it:

While flooding is more difficult to prevent, you can help minimize potential damage by keeping basement drains clear, checking and repairing any potential water entry points, and installing a sump pump.

In addition to these preventative steps, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what your current policy covers and whether you need to add water coverage to your home insurance policy.

At Johnson Insurance, there are two types of water coverage depending on where you live and your specific needs:

Limited Sewer Backup Endorsement

This coverage protects your property from direct physical loss or damage caused by backing-up or escape of water from a sewer, sump pump, or septic system.

Enhanced Water Damage Coverage* Endorsement

This coverage option provides all the coverage of the Limited Sewer Backup Endorsement, plus the enhanced protection against damage caused by fresh water flooding and damage caused by the escape of water from an eaves trough, downspout or drain. Find out more about Enhanced Water Coverage Endorsement.

We all have a tendency to worry about Mother Nature from time to time, but by taking these simple preventative measures and adding on water coverage, you can rest easy knowing you and your home are protected.

Want to know more about adding or updating your home policy with water coverage? Connect with one of our friendly Johnson Insurance representatives today.

Source: Protecting Your Home From Water Damage

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