Water Back-Up and Sump Discharge or Overflow

December 31, 2019
By Eric Miller, Senior Underwriter, Personal Lines

Do you have the right coverage in the event of water back-up and/or sump discharge or overflow?  Will your unendorsed homeowner policy provide you with any coverage in the event water backs up if your sump pump fails and your basement floods?  Does your basement contain personal belongings or a finished living area?

  • Water back-up and sump discharge or overflow are not covered by your unendorsed homeowner policy.  
  • Coverage can be added by an endorsement onto to your homeowner policy to protect your personal items in the event water backs up into the basement or a sump pump failure occurs.
  • Purchasing the right limit of water back-up coverage will ensure your investment is protected.
  • Surface or groundwater are not covered by the water back-up endorsement.  Flood Insurance may be an option to buy back this type of coverage.
Sump Pump Routine Maintenance Checklist:
  • Remove items from the floor by placing them in watertight containers on pallets or shelves.
  • Locate the power supply to the sump pump and confirm it is working.  The pump must be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
  • Check the float on the pump, it should move freely up and down.
  • Inspect the intake or screen on the pump to make sure it is clear and free of debris.
  • Test the sump pump by filling the sump pit with water.  Make sure the float rises and the float switch engages with the water level properly.  Once the water level drops, the pump should turn off.
  • The pump must be secured in place so that any vibration from use does not cause the pump to overturn or the float to become stuck.
  • Check the drainage line and make sure it is clear and that water is exiting the line.
  • Have an additional sump pump available in the event the initial pump fails.

In addition to routine maintenance, you may also want to consider a backup power source for the sump pump.  A deep cycle marine battery or a generator would assist as back up power to the pump in case of a power outage.  Sump pumps have a limited life span depending on the quality, perform your maintenance checks at least annually.

MMG Insurance offers low-cost water back-up and sump discharge or overflow limits up to $50,000.  Contact your local Independent Insurance Agent today to purchase the appropriate coverage to protect your home and personal belongings.