⊸ Blog⊸ Septic Tank Insurance

Mar 9, 2023

Understanding how septic tanks work and their effect on insurance

two men lifting a septic tank lid

A septic tank plays an essential role in your home. If you are a homeowner with a septic tank, you may be wondering if your policy can help in the event it’s damaged.

If your home has a septic tank, it’s imperative to know how they work and understand the appropriate maintenance protocols. You also need to know if you have home insurance and the limits in place. If there are unforeseen issues with it, you may be on the hook to pay for all repairs or replacements. Replacing a septic tank can cost up to $5,000 (or more!) depending on many factors.

In this blog, we’ll flush out how septic tanks work, how to support their longevity with proper maintenance, and if insurance can help you if there are repairs or damages.

Click below to go to key points

Learn how septic tanks work
Will insurance cover septic tanks?
Discover what septic tank damage your policy does not cover
How to submit a claim for septic tank damages
Top 6 tips to take care of your septic tank
Common septic tank FAQs

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is a contained waste system made of steel, fibreglass, or concrete that is placed underground in your yard or side of the house. It is designed to hold and treat sewage and wastewater.

If you live in a rural area that is far from municipal services, you will likely have a septic tank. They are used in situations where homes cannot be connected to centralized sewer systems. Since septic tanks deal with those elements, it’s worth including additional coverage such as insurance for water damage.

How does a septic tank work?

Septic tanks move materials through pipes underground into the tank where wastewater and solid materials are separated. The water is released from the tank into the surrounding soil and waste is collected until it is pumped out during yearly maintenance.

Thanks to gravity, the sludge (solids) goes to the bottom, scum (grease) ends up at the top, and effluent (watery mix) ends up in the middle. The sludge and scum need to be cleaned from the septic tank to ensure the water keeps flowing smoothly. If it is not cleaned, it can cause issues like sewer backup.


Does insurance cover septic tanks?

Most policies include protection for structures such as septic tanks, pools, or fences. If your septic tank experiences a sudden accident, such as falling objects, electrical, fire, or weather related issues, you should be covered by home insurance in Canada. You will likely be asked by your insurer if you have a septic tank when you get a quote.

How much septic tank insurance coverage do I have?

Your septic tank coverage will be a percentage of your total policy limit. For example, your policy limit may be around 10% of what your entire home is insured for. Let’s say your home is insured for $400,000 – your septic tank would be covered up to $40,000. That should be enough to repair or replace a tank if the damages are caused by an accident.

It’s crucial to understand there are limitations within your policy where these additions may not be covered, which is why it’s important to connect with your insurer if you have any questions about your plan, and if you should add any endorsements.

Damage to septic tanks that are not covered

If a problem can be traced back to human error and poor maintenance, your policy will likely not cover your claim. Some examples include :

  • Not having adequate drainage.
  • Flushing chemicals, oils, and non-biodegradable solids.
  • Driving over the tank, placing heavy objects, or building on top of it.
  • Neglect, maintenance issues, or damage from overuse.
  • Damage caused by pests, insects, or rodents.

Policies will specifically declare what is not covered and what could be prevented by maintenance and proper construction. If you have any questions about how your septic tank impacts your home insurance in Ontario, contact ThinkInsure today.

diagram of how a septic tank works

Is septic tank repair covered by insurance?

If a septic tank requires repair due to a sudden event or accident, then it may be covered depending on your policy. It may also include damages caused to your home by a septic tank leak. If the repair could have been prevented or was caused by neglect, you will likely not be covered for repairs.

How to submit a claim for septic tank damage

If you need to submit a claim related to your septic tank, be sure to document the area and be ready to provide proof, such as photos, that the issues were caused by a sudden accident. It’s also good to have receipts that prove you are committed to proper maintenance and inspection. Once you have your documents and policy handy, contact your insurer and begin the process of submitting a home insurance claim.

Septic tank pros and cons

If you have a septic tank or are planning to buy an older home with one, you will need to be mindful about how much water you are using so you don’t overwhelm the system. Below are some more pros and cons of having a septic tank :

Pros

  • Cost efficiency : City sewer lines are expensive to build and maintain; septic tanks are cheaper to install and have minimal costs for basic maintenance.
  • Durability : Septic tanks rarely need to be replaced with proper maintenance and use.
  • Environmental impact : Septic tanks don’t contaminate the water supply because they remove bacteria before water is released back into the soil.

Cons

  • Scheduled maintenance : Homeowners must take responsibility for getting their septic pump every 1-5 years, depending on the manufacturer's requirements and usage limits. This can cost between $200-$500.
  • Ruptured pipes : If a drainage pipe breaks due to tree roots, heavy weight placed on top, digging, or earthquake, pipes can rupture. The wastewater would then leak into the soil causing a foul smell and soggy group.
  • Backed-up drains : If the pipes get clogged by materials that shouldn’t be flushed or put down the drain, it can cause damage to the pipes and plumbing systems.

How often do I pump a septic tank?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how often they should pump a septic tank. The answer is, it depends.

Pumping annually is good practice, but depending on tank levels you may get it cleaned every two to three years. To find out if you need to get it pumped, you can contact a certified professional, or you can locate and carefully remove the septic tank lid. If you notice the scum has reached six inches thick, it is likely time to schedule a pump.

6 Tips for taking care of your septic tank

Most of the damage caused to septic tanks is caused by wear and tear and human error. If you have a septic tank, it’s important to follow proper maintenance and take precautions. To prevent damage :

  1. Do not flush strong chemicals because they can end up killing the bacteria that break down solid objects.
  2. Do not flush cooking oils, they cause sludge to build up and can clog the system’s pipes.
  3. Do not flush any non-biodegradable objects because objects that can’t break down will cause your tank to fill up faster, leading to it needing to be pumped more frequently.
  4. Keep trees at least 100 feet away from the system to limit the risk of root damage.
  5. Dispose of hazardous chemicals properly, not down the drain.
  6. Plant grass on the drain field to minimize soil erosion.

Routine inspections are critical to prolonging the tank and avoiding costly repairs. Aim to have it inspected once a year, pumped every 1-3 years (depending on the size and tank levels), and put heavy objects such as vehicles directly over buried parts of the system.

Don’t forget to keep track of all the work you’ve done on your septic tank! This can help if you ever need to make a claim and assist with the scheduling of maintenance.


Common septic tank and insurance FAQs

If the septic tank collapses due to an unforeseen incident or accident, you may be covered under home insurance, depending on your limits and the specifics that are outlined in your agreement. You may need to add additional insurance endorsements to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Depending on the type, size, and materials, the cost of a septic tank can cost between $2,000 to $10,000. You will also need to consider building materials, plumbing, and construction costs along with the tank itself.

If you are buying a home, a home inspection should confirm if you have a septic tank. Other signs will be how close your home is located to municipal water – most subdivisions or busy neighbourhoods are connected to sewers. You can also call your local water management agency to confirm.

With daily use and proper care, septic tanks will generally not freeze. If the system is not in use for prolonged periods, it may be at risk of freezing.

Don’t ignore septic tank maintenance

Even though there are no specific policies for septic tanks, your home insurance should include aspects related to your tank if there is one on the property. Be sure to read your documents thoroughly and ask any questions.