Sewer Backup Insurance

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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on October 17, 2025 min read

About sewer backup coverage in Canada

Imagine this: you come home to find sewage backing up into your basement. The smell is overwhelming, the damage is extensive, and the cleanup is a nightmare. This isn't a scene from a horror movie; it's a very real risk for Canadian homeowners.

While basic home insurance often doesn't cover this devastating event, sewer backup can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property and belongings. That's where sewer backup insurance comes in. It's a crucial add-on, often called a rider or endorsement, that protects you from the financial burden of a sewer backup.

Don't wait until disaster strikes – let ThinkInsure help you find the right sewer backup insurance coverage to safeguard your home and peace of mind. Learn more below about how this essential protection works and how we can help you secure the best rates for sewer backup coverage.

Key takeaways about sewer backup insurance:

Sewer backups, caused by city sewer issues or plumbing blockages, are not covered by basic home insurance.
Sewer backup protection can be added to your home insurance for an additional cost, typically ranging from $20 to $250 annually.
Consider a sewer backup rider/endorsement for added protection against cleanup, repair, and replacement costs, but be aware of coverage limits and higher deductibles.
Condo and apartment residents. Landlord insurance doesn't cover tenant belongings damaged by sewer backups, so tenants need their own coverage.

What is sewer backup insurance?

When wastewater flows back into your pipes from the city's main sewer lines, it can cause a sewer backup. It will typically seep up into your basement through floor drains. It can also happen when there is a blockage in the plumbing or sewage system.

Sewer backup insurance is an optional policy endorsement. Insurers commonly referred to it as a sewer backup rider. This means it's an add-on and not part of basic home insurance plans.

It provides you with additional insurance specifically against damage caused by backups in your home. It will cover the costs of cleaning up and repairing the areas affected and replacing and restoring affected personal belongings.

When comparing endorsement options, be mindful that many of these policies have defined coverage limits and higher than average insurance deductibles. So, make sure you select an add-on that reflects protection requirements.

How does sewer backup insurance work?

Sewer backup insurance, an add-on endorsement to your Ontario home insurance, is crucial if you have a finished basement or store items there. Basic plans don't cover it, and it's not a standalone policy. This extra protection, costing around $100 annually, can cover up to $30,000 or more in repairs for damaged drywall, flooring, and appliances, saving you from out-of-pocket expenses. When considering it, assess your home's elevation, neighbourhood density, severe weather frequency, and claim reports. Some insurers may require a backwater valve installation, especially if you've had significant damage.

A sewer backup insurance example

Imagine a heavy thunderstorm rolls through your town, causing the municipal sewer system to overflow. Water and sewage back up into your basement through your drains, damaging your finished walls, flooring, furniture, and electronics.

Without sewer backup insurance, you would be responsible for the entire cost of cleanup, repairs, and replacement of damaged items, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars ($10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage).

With sewer backup insurance, your policy would cover these costs, up to your coverage limits, significantly reducing your financial burden.

How to get sewer backup insurance

Get additional protection for your home with sewer backup insurance. Get started by comparing quotes online and then our advisors will help you get insured.

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What does sewer backup insurance cover?

Sewer backup insurance covers unexpected water that enters your home through drains, septic tanks, downspouts, pipes, and eaves troughs. This can be caused by a clog in the sewer line, heavy rainfall or snow melt, or outdated sewer systems.

It will cover the costs of cleaning up and repairing the areas affected in your home, and replacing and restoring affected personal belongings. Without this, you will have minimal to no protection in the event of a sewer backup.

What is not covered by sewer backup insurance?

Sewer backup insurance does not cover all types of water claims. When comparing quotes, you should consider adding overland water insurance and water damage insurance. It also does not cover damages caused by neglecting regular maintenance. Some providers offer water-related packages, so your property is protected no matter what type of water seeps in.

Do you need sewer backup insurance for a condo?

Many people assume that if they live in a condo or high-rise sewer backups won't happen to them. After all, they only happen in basements, right? Unfortunately, not.

Sewer backups can also happen in high rise dwellings, especially in the lower-level unit. Therefore, it is something worth considering. You might have a storage locker on the lower level of the building. Talk with your condo management to see if it’s included or if you should add it to your condo insurance quote.

Do tenants need sewer backup coverage?

While landlord's property insurance typically covers the building itself, it usually does not extend to the tenant's personal belongings in case of a sewer backup. It is highly recommended that tenants secure their own tenant insurance policy, which often includes or offers as an add-on coverage for sewer backup. This ensures personal property is protected from damage caused by a sewer line overflow or blockage.

Example: Sarah's basement apartment experienced a sewer backup, flooding her living space. While her landlord's insurance covered the repairs to the building's structure, it didn't cover the damage to Sarah's furniture, electronics, and clothing. Fortunately, Sarah had tenant insurance with sewer backup coverage, which helped her replace her damaged belongings.

What causes a sewer backup?

The causes of sewer line backups are more specific than those that cause general water issues. In most cases, they are related to weather events or if you live in low-lying areas or valleys.

Here are five leading causes of these incidents:

Weather events: Large amounts of precipitation, sudden rainstorms, and even a fast winter thaw can bring more water into the sewer than it can handle, causing it to enter your dwelling.
A clog: Sewer lines can become clogged just like your drains, and when they do, the sewage needs to go somewhere, and it’s usually into your home.
Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into your pipes and cause holes and blockages. They can also wrap around your sewer line and crush the pipes.
Broken sewer lines: It’s common for older houses to experience collapsed lines. Over time, older cast iron and clay pipes will break down, creating backup issues.
Sump pump malfunction: Excessive water in a short period can cause it to stop working correctly. Poor maintenance could also cause your sump pump to malfunction.

Sewer backup insurance FAQs

How much does sewer backup insurance cost?

Sewer backup protection is an additional $20-$250 per year on your home insurance. If you’re wondering about adding this to your current plan, call ThinkInsure today to get a quote.

Is sewer backup insurance worth it?

Whether sewer backup insurance is worth it depends on your situation. Key factors are where you live and if there is a history of homes experiencing backups. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, then it's worth it. The cost of adding a rider more than outweighs the cost of cleanup and repair. This can easily add up to $10,000 or more.

Do I need sewer backup insurance if I have a septic tank?

Yes – you will need to add sewer backup protection to your policy if you have a septic tank. Even if you are not connected to the municipal sewer, you are still at risk for backup or discharge from your septic system. The endorsement will ensure you have coverage and will be protected.

Does sewer backup coverage cover floods?

Sewer backup insurance usually doesn't cover floods - flood insurance is separate. While floods can come from sewers, most flood insurance only covers overland flooding. For best protection, get both sewer backup and flood insurance. Some flood policies also cover temporary living expenses.

How much sewer backup coverage do I need?

The amount of sewer backup insurance you need depends on your risk. If you live in an area with frequent backups, have had backups before, or have a valuable basement, you'll need more coverage.

Signs you may be at risk of a sewer backup

Don’t ignore the signs of a sewer backup. The sooner you can get the following problems looked at by a licensed plumber, the less chance you’ll deal with severe damage. Signs include:

Sewage back up in the bathtub or basement drain.
You notice a foul smell coming through the drain.
Your toilets are consistently clogged.
Issues with your washing machine not draining or backing up into the bathtub or toilet.
The toilet or sink bubbles more than once.
Plumbing fixtures are clogged or drain slowly.

How to prevent a sewer backup

As with other potential threats to your home, being proactive is always the best approach for prevention. Taking steps to prevent sewer backups can reduce the odds of dealing with a basement full of sewage water. Here are some effective approaches to prevention:

Choose a location on higher ground: Buying a home in an area that is considered low risk for floods and on high ground is something to consider. Another thing to consider when purchasing a home is large trees, as their roots can cause many plumbing issues.
Maintain your drains: Most clogs can be prevented by performing regular maintenance and using your drains properly. Avoid putting anything other than toilet paper in the toilet, avoid pouring potentially harmful substances down the drain (such as grease or coffee grounds), and if you have one, be smart with how you use your garbage disposal.
Get your sump pump serviced regularly: It is a good idea to have your sump pump looked at professionally every few years to make sure clogs are not developing, and it is running efficiently.
Address plumbing issues right away: Don’t allow plumbing issues to linger. They will only become more difficult and costly to repair, and they can lead to significant issues such as sewer backups, basement flooding, and other problems.
Install a backwater valve: If the city's main drain backs up, a backwater valve can prevent excess water from flowing into your home.
Direct water away from your home: Ensure downspouts are three to six feet away from your house. Also, consider rain barrels or a rain garden, which can support rainwater collection.

What to do if your sewer backs up

a plumber repairs, assembles and installs bathroom fixtures.

The number one thing to do if you experience sewer backup issues is to leave your home. Not only does a backup smell terrible, but it is also toxic to your health. The airborne and physical contaminants in sewer water can spread infection, illness, and disease.

Here are some other steps to follow to keep you and your family safe:

Turn off the main power if it is safe to do so.
Contact your local municipality to report it.
Don’t use any plumbing fixtures until you’ve called a plumber.
Install a backup valve after the clean-up to prevent it from happening again.
Call your insurer once you secure your home.

Make sure you have proper sewer backup coverage

At ThinkInsure, our experts will ensure you have proper sewer backup coverage. We'll compare quotes and coverage from the top insurers in Canada. Find the lowest rates for sewer backup insurance today.

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Kayla Jane Barrie

Digital Content Writer

Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.

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