Damage to basements caused by sewer backups can quickly become significant and cost tens of thousands of dollars. To avoid paying large sums for repairs, make sure that your home insurance coverage matches the value of the repairs you may need to make and the items you will have to replace.
Sewer backups occur when a pipe becomes clogged or damaged and wastewater (kitchen, bathroom or laundry water) is redirected to your floor drain and overflows into your basement.
Liability
New Brunswick’s Local Governance Act states that municipalities cannot be held liable for damages caused by sewer backups in residents’ homes. Unfortunately, due to the natural wear and tear of the water and sewer system and the type of maintenance performed by homeowners, backups are possible, and therefore claims for damage caused by sewer backups will be denied. The
City of Dieppe does not cover deductibles either.
Some insurance companies cover damage caused by sewer backups. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered and ask to see the total amount of coverage.
How can sewer backups be prevented?
- Call a certified plumber to install and maintain a check valve.
- Don’t flush wipes down the toilet, even if it says on the package that they are flushable.
- Use a small filter or sieve in the sink to catch food residue. Dispose of these residues in the green bag.
- Have your pipes inspected regularly for tree roots or other damage.
Cooking grease goes in the green bag!
Did you know that fats, oils and liquid grease do not mix well with sinks and toilets? When grease is flushed down the sink or toilet, it enters the sewer system where it cools, sets and sticks to your pipes. Over time, your pipes can become clogged and cause a sewer backup on your property.
Where do fat, oils and liquid grease come from?
Most of these liquids come from products used in the kitchen, such as butter or margarine, meats, cooking oils, shortening, sauces and dressings, dairy products, and cosmetics such as makeup, lotions and some soaps.
- Never pour fat, oils or liquid grease into sinks or toilets.
- Allow grease to cool and set, then throw it in the green bag.
- Use paper towels to absorb fat, oil and liquid grease, then throw them in the green bag.
Click here for more sewer do’s and don’ts.