If you have a purification system rather than a local government sewer service, you know how important it is to properly maintain the tanks and associated plumbing. It can also be helpful to know if the homeowner’s insurance covers septic properties. tl; dr? If a septic malfunction occurs, insurance may be available to cover the costs, but it depends heavily on the source of the problem. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team explains.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover the cleanup system?
Usually, the septic tank falls into Other structural coverage A part of you Homeowner Insurance policy. This part of your policy covers things about your property that are not attached to your home like a gazebo, a shed, a peeled garage, and often your septic tank.
Generally, coverage of other structures in household insurance has insurance contract restrictions, which is 10% of the housing limit. So if you have $300,000 residential coverage, you could potentially have a $30,000 coverage of other structures of coverage.
Coverage of other structures can help pay for septic tank repairs or assist in a complete replacement if the tank is damaged. danger Not excluded by your policy. For example, if the top of the tank is damaged by a fire, the policy usually covers the replacement. (We provide more examples of what is normally covered and not covered a little later.)
Reviewing your insurance policy may help you understand when coverage will apply if your cleaning system is damaged. Standard HO-3 insurance contracts cover other structures on an open risk basis, allowing them to cover risks that are not specifically excluded from insurance contracts. To be careful, calling your home insurance for coverage of other structures means paying your deduction amount.
What are the common reasons for purification system failure?
Cleansing systems can fail for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, not all of them are covered by homeowner insurance. Some of the most common perpetrators behind the collapse of the purification system are:
- Clogged drain: If the pipe gets clogged or blocked, sewage may not be able to move into the tank. This can be avoided simply by pouring or pouring acceptable substances into the drain. If a clog occurs, the plumber may be able to meander the line to allow the liquid to flow again. Insurance companies usually think that clogged drains are a maintenance issue that the homeowner is responsible for, so it is not usually covered by home insurance.
- Blocked inlet baffles: This is part of a purification system that combines the pipes into the tank. Service professionals can clog it if possible by opening the tank or snaking the pipeline. If you flush out household items (such as wipes and paper towels), the intake baffle can become clogged if the septic tank maintenance fails. In these cases, the homeowner’s insurance will not pay to unblock it.
- Clogged outlet baffles or filters: This could potentially back up sewage into the tank. One option if this happens is to drain the tank and then remove the blockage. Like a blocked entrance baffle, this issue probably won’t be covered by home insurance.
- Drainage field failure: If the reach field is supersaturated with water, sewage can be backed up in the home. You may notice wet areas around the drainage channel and increased odor. This may be due to insufficient operating system, or the drainage field is at the end of its usable lifetime and may need to be replaced. If the drainage channel is worn over time, the insurance company probably won’t pay for the new one. Similarly, insurance companies will not fire new drainage fields if they are accidentally damaged (for example, by parking the car over it). However, if the damage occurs during a major storm or natural disaster, repair costs may be covered.
Much more Most septic disorders Insufficient installation or design or insufficient maintenance. In these cases, your insurance is unlikely to pay for repairs.
More rarely, sudden events such as fires or storms can cause septic system failure. In many cases, homeowners’ insurance covers these purification systems failures and may be able to file a claim for repairs with the insurance company. If you are unsure whether it is covered in the event of damage, read your insurance policy or contact your insurance agent.
What are the damage to the septic tanks that are normally covered by home insurance?
There are many but Various types of housing insurancemost standard homeowner insurance covers other damages from septic tank collapse, disability, and covered risks. Commonly covered dangers include:
- fire
- Vandalism and riots
- Hail, windstorm, lightning
- explosion
When is your septic tank covered by your home insurance?
In most cases, home insurance covers septic tank damage that arises from a sudden, unexpected event (you may have noticed it from the list above). However, home insurance is unlikely to cover damage caused by cleaning system problems caused by:
Types of septic tank insurance
We recommend that you consider adding cleansing insurance to your home insurance to protect yourself financially from the costs associated with the cleansing system. Many standard homeowner insurance exclude certain types of damage. However, broader clean-up conditions coverage may be available Approval or other policy options.
Service Line Coverage
As a homeowner, you are financially responsible for the service lines connecting and leaving your home. Some home insurers may be able to add service line coverage approval to your policy for minimal additions Fee. This approval protects other water bodies and sewage pipes as well as cleansing pipes, as well as power lines, internet cables and natural gas lines.
Water Backup Coverage
Septic tank backup can be an unwelcome surprise in your home or your property. Fortunately, home insurance approvals may provide financial protection from these events. Water Backup Coverageor Sump Pump Coverage is the homeowner’s insurance approval to cover repair or repair costs if water returns to your home from a sewer or drain.
Flood insurance
Flood damage is excluded from standard home insurance, but coverage may be available to purchase through private insurance companies or national flood insurance programs. Buying Flood Insurance It may be a wise way to give yourself an extra layer of financial protection in case your septic tank is damaged by a flood.
How to submit a septic tank insurance claim
All insurance companies are different, but if you are ready to file a septic insurance claim, the process usually goes like this:
- Please contact your insurance company. Before you begin the claims process, contact your insurance company to make sure the damage is covered. You can also ask about the best way to file a claim. It’s online, over the phone, or via an agent.
- Fill out the claim form and provide the documentation. We recommend that you file a home insurance claim as soon as possible. This is a good idea, especially if you have a big storm in your area and many neighbors also file claims. When submitting, include photos and detailed descriptions of all damages.
- Work with the adjuster. Your home insurance company will assign a claim adjustment to visit your home and inspect your damages. They will be your main contacts throughout the process, so be prepared to provide follow-up information and answer any questions they have.
- Repair damage. Once you know how much your insurance company will cover, experts can arrange to fix the damage (or replace the septic tank completely).
How to take care of a septic tank
Water backup and service line approval may help you avoid some of the costs associated with repairing a septic tank, but it is your responsibility to make the tank work best. This means not to flush the next item or throw it away in the drain.
- oil
- Solids such as cigarette butts, paper towels, diapers, baby wipes, coffee coverings, feminine hygiene products
- Grease/fat
- Stain/Paint
- Household chemicals
It is also best practice to ensure that vehicles are not driven across purification systems or their drainage channels. Beware of nearby trees that may extend the roots to the cleansing line. Monitor the tank to ensure proper drainage.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that septic tanks be inspected every few years and pumped every three to five years. Additionally, efficient use of water can put strain on your home septic tank and ensure optimal performance over time. If your home uses a purification system, install a highly efficient toilet, faucet aerator, or shower flow restrictor to limit water consumption and reduce stress on the purification system.
