If you own a home with a septic tank, you know it’s not always smooth sailing! Unlike homes connected to a municipal sewer system, there are a few extra things you need to keep in mind. From worries about backups to just keeping up with regular maintenance, we're here to help ease those concerns.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is an underground waste system that handles sewage and wastewater, typically made of steel, fibreglass, or concrete. If you live in a rural area without access to municipal services, you probably have a septic tank.
Septic tanks work by moving waste through underground pipes into the tank, where the solids and liquids are separated. The water is then released into the surrounding soil, while the solid waste stays in the tank until it’s pumped out during regular maintenance.
Gravity helps the process along: sludge (solids) sinks to the bottom, scum (grease) rises to the top, and the effluent (watery mix) stays in the middle. To keep things running smoothly, the sludge and scum need to be cleaned out regularly. If not, it can lead to problems like sewer backups.
When does homeowners insurance cover septic tank damage?
Home insurance policies include various types of coverage that protect different parts of your property. Since a septic tank is considered a built-in home appliance, it would typically fall under the dwelling coverage in your homeowners insurance if it gets damaged unexpectedly. Dwelling coverage includes "other structures" like septic tanks, pools, and fences, protecting them in a similar way to how it protects your house.
However, there are some limits to what’s covered. Typically, insurance only covers damage that happens suddenly and unexpectedly—things you couldn’t have done anything to prevent. Some of the most common examples of sudden damage include:
- Lightning or fire
- Hail or windstorms
- Damage from aircraft
- Explosions
- Damage from vehicles
- Theft or vandalism
- Falling objects
- Damage from the weight of snow, ice, or sleet
- Water damage from plumbing or HVAC overflow
- Water heater issues like cracking, tearing, or burning
- Frozen pipes
So, if your septic tank is damaged by a sudden accident that's covered by your homeowners insurance policy, like a falling object, electrical issues, or fire, your home insurance could help cover repairs or even a full replacement of your septic tank.
It's also important to note that while most home insurance policies cover weather damage, they don’t cover damage caused by earthquakes or floods. Depending on where you live, it might be a good idea to add separate flood insurance or earthquake insurance.
When does home insurance not cover septic tanks?
Most septic system failures are caused by poor installation, design issues, or lack of proper septic tank maintenance. In these situations, it's unlikely your insurance will cover your septic tank repairs. Generally, the damage to the septic tank must be sudden and unexpected for insurance to kick in.
Since many common septic tank problems come from human error or poor maintenance, it’s important to take good care of your system. Here are a few ways you might be unknowingly damaging your septic tank:
- Flushing chemicals, solids, or oils
- Driving over the tank
- Poor drainage
- Ignoring tree root issues
- Pest damage
- Neglect
What are some common reasons for septic system failure?
Septic system failures can happen for various reasons, and, as we mentioned, not all of them are covered by your insurance. This is why it's important to have your septic tank regularly maintained and cleaned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter:
Poor maintenance
A lack of proper maintenance is one of the most common reasons a septic tank fails. Septic tanks should typically be pumped every three years to remove the sludge and scum buildup, which helps prevent clogs in the drain field. If you use a garbage disposal, more frequent pumping may be necessary.
Septic tanks also have "T" fittings or baffles at both the inlet and outlet and these can wear out over time, falling into the tank. They keep sewage from short-circuiting and stop floating scum from entering the drain field. It's a good idea to check their condition during each pumping and replace them if needed.
Too much water
Using more water than the soil can handle is another very common reason for septic system failure. This can cause sewage to surface or back up into your basement. Often, this happens due to changes in water usage, like a larger family or adding a new water-using appliance.
Rainwater from roofs, driveways, or roads draining onto the septic field can also overload the system. If the soil is already saturated with water, especially during certain seasons, it can't absorb more. This can lead to untreated wastewater surfacing or backing up.
Clogged drains
If a pipe gets blocked, sewage can’t flow to the tank. You can prevent this by only flushing or pouring the right substances down the drain. If a clog happens, a plumber can often snake the line to get things moving again.
Clogged outlet baffle or filter
If this happens, sewage might back up into the tank—or worse, into your home. One solution is to have the tank drained and the blockage cleared.
Drain field failure
If your drain field gets oversaturated with water, sewage could back up into your home. You might notice wet spots around the field or stronger odours. This could be due to a malfunctioning system, or the drain field might be at the end of its life and need replacement.
Protect your home from unexpected septic tank issues with the right insurance coverage. Contact BrokerLink today to explore comprehensive home insurance options that include septic system protection. Don't leave your property vulnerable—secure your peace of mind with BrokerLink!
Get a home insurance quote [phone]
What are common signs of a failing septic system?
While we hope your septic system never fails, there are several signs to watch out for before it gets really bad. Here are some of them:
- Gurgling sounds coming from your plumbing.
- Standing water or damp areas near the septic tank or drain field.
- Sewage odours around the septic tank or drain field.
- Water and sewage backing up into your home from toilets, drains, or sinks.
- Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly.
- Bright green grass growing over the septic tank or drain field, even when it hasn't rained in a while.
What to do if your septic tank fails
If sewage from your plumbing or septic system backs up into your home, avoid direct contact, as it can contain harmful pathogens. Take pictures of the flood as best as you can to show your insurance company in case there's any damage to your home.
Next, call a local company that specializes in septic systems to come out and take a look at your tank to figure out why it failed. You can reach out to your local health department or regulatory agency for advice.
Once you've made that call, it's time to start cleaning your home. Make sure your cleanup crew wears protective gear, like long rubber gloves and face shields. You could also call a local cleaning company to handle it for you.
Once the cleanup is done, be sure to wash all tools, equipment, and clothing used during the process, along with the flooded area. Disinfect everything with a solution of 90% water and 10% household bleach. Make sure the area is completely dry and unused for at least 24 hours before returning to it.
Now that it's clean take additional pictures of any water damage to your home that wasn't visible before. Then, contact your insurance company or insurance broker to start your claim.
Additional septic tank coverage for homes with a septic system
To better protect yourself from potential septic system costs, you might want to consider adding extra coverage to your home insurance policy. Many standard homeowners policies don’t cover certain risks, but additional septic tank insurance can often be added through endorsements or other policy options. These coverages include the following:
Sewer backup coverage
A septic backup can be an unpleasant surprise in your home or on your property. Luckily, home insurance endorsements can offer financial protection. Sewer backup coverage, also known as sump pump coverage, is an add-on to your homeowners insurance that helps cover restoration or repair costs if sewage water backs up into your home from sewer or drain lines.
Flood insurance
Flood damage isn’t covered by standard home insurance policies, but you can usually add this coverage onto your policy through your insurance company or broker. Getting flood insurance can be a smart way to add extra financial protection in case your septic tank is damaged by a flood.
Earthquake insurance
Earthquake damage also isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, but if you live in an earthquake-prone area, you may need to add this coverage. It also covers mudslides and sinkholes. Like with flood insurance, adding earthquake insurance can be a wise choice to provide extra financial protection if your septic tank is damaged in an earthquake.
Service line coverage
Some insurance companies offer a service line coverage endorsement that you can add to your policy. As homeowners, you're financially responsible for the service lines that connect to and from your homes, like the pipe leading to your septic tanks. This coverage protects your septic pipes, as well as other lines, like water, power, natural gas, and internet.
All perils insurance
All perils insurance, also called an “All Risk policy,” offers some of the broadest coverage available. It covers everything except what's specifically listed in the exclusions section of your policy. Because it’s so comprehensive, this type of coverage is optional and tends to be a bit more expensive.
Tips for maintaining your septic tanks
Here are some helpful tips to help you maintain your septic tank:
- Pump your septic tank regularly, ideally every one to three years.
- Divert rainwater from the septic drain field.
- Regulate water usage - check faucets and toilets for leaks; reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.
- Keep trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system. Trees can cause root damage to the system.
- Display signs that notify your guests not to dispose of waste in the toilet. Items like disposable diapers, feminine sanitary products, paper towels, cigarette butts, and facial tissues will quickly clog your septic tank. Only flush biodegradable objects.
- Minimize heavy-duty cleaners. Heavy cleaners kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, impacting the breakdown of solids.
- Dispose of hazardous chemicals properly (i.e., varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline).
- Do not pour cooking oil down the drain, as it can cause sludge to build up and clog the pipes.
- Do not drive over the drain field or build on top of it.
- Plant grass on the drain field to minimize soil erosion.
Protect your home insurance with BrokerLink
BrokerLink insurance advisors take the time to get to know you so they can provide insurance solutions that meet your unique needs. In addition, you get something that’s hard to put a price on—peace of mind.
If you're ready to purchase comprehensive homeowners insurance, you can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
Get a home insurance quote [phone]
FAQs about septic tank damage
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Your septic tank should be pumped, ideally, every one to three years, but it depends on several factors. For example, a one-person household will need to empty its septic tank less frequently than a five-person household. Check with your local government, as there may be regulations to follow based on the area you live in.
What is the most common cause of septic tank failure?
One of the most common causes for a septic tank to fail is poor maintenance. This can be easily prevented to increase the life of your septic tank! Some of the most important maintenance tips include pumping your septic tank regularly, diverting rainwater from the septic drain field, and regulating water usage, such as checking faucets and toilets for leaks.
How do I maximize my homeowners insurance claim for a damaged septic tank?
It’s important you document everything possible for your claim, including taking photos of the damage done. This will ensure less guesswork will need to be done by your insurance adjuster. Also, understand what is covered by your homeowner’s insurance and what is not. By staying informed, you put yourself in the best possible position to understand what should be covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
