Does Home Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure and Water Damage?

Home insurance can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected expenses, but does it cover sump pump failure and water damage? Typically, standard home insurance policies do not cover sump pump failure.

However, some policies may offer additional coverage for sump pump failure, often referred to as "back-up sump pump coverage" or "water backup coverage".

This type of coverage may be included in a standard policy or purchased as an add-on. According to our research, about 20% of policies offer this type of coverage.

Typically, a basic homeowners insurance policy will cover plumbing if the damage is sudden and accidental, rather than gradual. Sudden and accidental damage means you, as the homeowner, had no way of predicting it would happen.

For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts and drenches your floor, your insurance carrier will probably cover the cost of cleanup and repairs. This is because you had no control over the burst pipe.

However, if you're aware of a slow leak but never get around to fixing it, your insurance carrier won't cover the cost of repairs. This is because you had the opportunity to prevent the damage.

Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered and not covered under homeowners insurance:

As you can see, sudden and accidental damage is typically covered, while gradual or preventable damage is not. Unfortunately, this means that if your sump pump fails and causes water damage to your home, you'll likely be responsible for covering the costs of repairs and replacement.

Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover long-term leaks, which can develop over time due to poor maintenance or neglect. This means if you've had a leaky faucet for a year and it causes mold and mildew, your insurance company might deny your claim.

Sump pump backup is also not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This is because the insurance company considers it a maintenance issue that you could have prevented.

Flooding is another type of damage that's often not covered by homeowners insurance. This can include water or sewer backup, which can be caused by a variety of factors.

Older pipes can also be a problem, as they're more prone to bursting and causing damage. This type of damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.

Here are some examples of plumbing claims that your homeowners insurance carrier may deny:

It's worth noting that some of these problems can be prevented with optional add-on coverages, which can provide additional protection for your home.

Plumbing damage can be a costly and stressful issue for homeowners. Homeowners insurance usually won't cover damage to your home caused by sewer, septic tank or drain backups, which can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

These backups can happen due to clogged drains, aging sewer systems, or tree roots getting into underground pipes. You can protect yourself by adding water backup coverage to your homeowners insurance policy.

Sewer backups can cause significant damage to your personal property, so it's essential to consider adding this coverage to your policy.

Sump pump failure can be a costly and stressful experience for homeowners. If your sump pump fails and causes water damage, you'll only be covered if you have water damage insurance or another endorsement supporting related damages.

Insurance companies will cover the damage caused by the water, but not the sump pump itself. You'll need to pay out of pocket for the replacement and any associated repair costs.

In most cases, insurance policies won't cover the cost of repairing or replacing the sump pump. This means you'll be responsible for hiring a plumber to install the new sump pump.

You'll also need to pay the deductible for the damage caused by the water. This can add up quickly, so it's essential to review your insurance policy to understand what's covered and what's not.

Your home insurance might cover the costs of installing a sump pump to prevent future mishaps, but it's best to ask your insurer before starting the project. This decision varies by insurer, so it's worth inquiring.

Some towns and cities offer rebates for sump pump installation, such as the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program in Toronto, which offers up to $3400 for installing a flood protection device.

To keep your sump pump working properly, follow these six maintenance tips:

A well-maintained sump pump can last up to 15 years, depending on its quality and usage. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging its lifespan.

The average life expectancy of a sump pump is between 5 to 15 years. This wide range is due to various factors, including the pump's quality and operating conditions.

A high-quality sump pump can last longer than a lower-quality one, so it's essential to invest in a reliable model.

Maintenance is key to ensuring your sump pump continues to work properly. It's a crucial system that helps prevent water damage and foundation issues.

To start, check the discharge piping for any obstructions. This is a simple task that can be done annually, and it's essential to keep the water flowing freely.

Clean the grate every six months to prevent dirt accumulation. This will keep your sump pump working efficiently and prevent clogs.

The power source, switches, and electric cord should be checked regularly to ensure they're all plugged in properly and functioning safely. This is a critical step to avoid any electrical hazards.

The outlet piping should be attached properly and at the correct distance from the foundation of your building. This ensures the water is being discharged correctly and not causing any issues.

Testing the pump on a dry day is a great way to ensure it's working properly. Simply dump a bucket of water into the reservoir and take note of how long it takes to start – delays could mean potential malfunctions.

The pump should be straight up – if it's not sitting upright the float arm can become jammed and fail. This is a simple fix, but it's essential to get it right.

Installing a sump pump can be a costly endeavor, but it's worth considering the potential savings on your insurance premiums.

Some insurers may cover the costs of sump pump installation if you're doing it to prevent future mishaps.

The decision will vary by each insurer, so it's worth asking before you begin the project.

In some areas, you can even get rebates for installing a sump pump.

For example, in Toronto, the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers up to $3400 if you install a flood protection device in your home.