When a natural disaster causes flooding in your basement, your sump pump is the first line of defense against water damage, pumping the water down and away from your home. But what if your sump pump breaks or fails? Does your insurance policy cover the water damage or will this be a loophole for them to use to get out of paying for the repairs?
In most cases, the answer is no. Homeowners insurance policies tend to not cover water damage caused by broken or damaged sump pumps. However, there is something you can do to make sure you are covered.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device installed in a pit below the main surface of your basement floor to channel water out of your basement to the exterior of your home. The pump contains sensors that detect increasing water levels and when these levels exceed a certain point in the pit, the sump pump will start removing the excess water through a discharge line to a designated drainage area, preventing the water from flooding your basement.
Not all homes need a sump pump. If you live in a very dry area or there is a minimal risk of flooding, your home likely won’t need one. But for homes in areas receiving heavy rain or snow that have finished basements or experienced previous water issues, sump pumps provide several important benefits, including:
- Prevents flooding and water damage in basements
- Protects your home’s foundation from cracking, sinking and shifting
- Prevents mold growth by reducing the moisture levels in your basement
How Can I Obtain Coverage for Water Damage Caused by a Broken Sump Pump?
You can add something to your insurance policy called an endorsement. Endorsements can be added at a relatively low cost and will cover all damage caused by backed up water. Not only will the policy cover the cost to clean and fix your home, but also items and possessions damaged by the water (barring any human negligence, like not having your sump pump regularly serviced and maintained).
What Type of Insurance Endorsement Should You Get?
There are three types of endorsements you should add ensure you have coverage for water damage in the event your sump pump breaks:
- Water backup endorsement
- Sump pump failure and overflow endorsement
- Equipment breakdown endorsement
The water backup and sump pump failure/overflow endorsements will cover the repair of your home and items, but not the repair of your sump pump, which is the root cause of the problem. If not fixed, another basement flood will likely happen next time heavy rainfall occurs. By investing in the equipment breakdown endorsement, you are covering the actual sump pump so it can be repaired to like-new condition. This will help you prevent basement flooding in the future.
Speak with an insurance agent to get the details on endorsements, as coverage varies from policy to policy. Your insurance agent can also customize your endorsements so they protect you, your home, and equipment in your unique situation. If you’re near a flood plain or in an area greatly affected by natural disasters, these endorsements will provide you with important protection in the event of water damage from a broken sump pump.
How Do I Know if My Sump Pump Is Covered Under My Current Homeowners Insurance?
You should take the following steps to determine whether your sump pump is covered under your current homeowners insurance policy:
- Review Your Policy – While standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover water damage from sump pump failure, your policy may offer limited coverage or have the specific endorsements necessary to cover this damage.
- Check for Endorsements – Look for a “water backup and sump pump overflow endorsement” or a similar add-on coverage associated with your policy. This optional coverage will provide the protection you need in the event that you develop water damage from a sump pump failure.
- Contact Your Insurance Agent – Sometimes the best approach is to just ask your agent. If you’re unsure whether your policy contains the necessary endorsements, reach out to your insurance agent to find out. They can let you know whether you have this important coverage and if not, what options are available to you for adding sump pump protection.
- Understand Coverage Limitations – Even with an endorsement, it’s important to understand that the sump pump may not be covered for repair or replacement unless you have the specific equipment breakdown endorsement. In addition, there may be coverage limits which may prevent your policy from covering the full costs associated with all required water damage restoration work.
Keep in mind that insurance policies vary, so taking the steps above to ensure you understand your specific coverage is an important precaution that will allow you to make any upgrades to your coverage necessary to ensure you have adequate protection in the event of flooding after a sump pump breakdown.
How Can I Prevent Water Damage from a Broken Sump Pump?
The best way to prevent a broken sump pump from causing water damage to your basement is to perform regular maintenance. This should include:
- Testing the Pump Annually – Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and discharges water properly
- Cleaning the Sump Pit – Remove debris, sludge and dirt from the basin and inlet screen regularly to avoid clogs
- Inspecting for Corrosion or Faulty Parts – Check for rusted components, especially around the float switch and battery, and replace worn out parts as needed
You should also take the following steps to prevent clogs in your sump pump:
- Elevate the Pump – Place the sump pump on a pedestal to prevent debris from entering it
- Cover the Pit – Use an airtight lid to keep out dirt, small objects and animals
- Check the Discharge Line – Make sure it is free of debris and ice, and install grates or attachments to keep it clear
It’s also a good idea to install a battery backup to ensure the sump pump continues working during power outages, which often occur during severe storms. You should also check electrical connections regularly to confirm the pump is plugged in and your GFCI outlet is functioning properly.
Professional Water Damage Restoration Services Are Essential After Basement Flooding
The basement flooding that can occur when your sump pump breaks can wreak havoc on your home, resulting in significant structural damage and serious health risks. Time is of the essence after water damage, since failing to address the problem in a timely manner can create even more extensive problems. It’s critical to work with an experienced water damage restoration company who can ensure the entire process is handled correctly.
It’s understandable that you may want to handle repairs yourself if you don’t have the proper endorsements on your insurance policy to cover the damage. However, taking a DIY approach to water damage restoration is never a good idea and in most instances, it will cost you more money in the long run due to the additional problems that develop when water damage isn’t handled properly by a restoration expert.
Burke's Restoration Can Help After Water Damage in the greater Post Falls & Spokane Metro Area
If you experience basement flooding due to a sump pump breakdown, Burke’s Damage Restoration Experts can help restore your home to its pre-damage condition. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration company in the greater Post Falls & Spokane Metro Area since 2012. Our team offers 24/7 emergency flood services and will arrive shortly after receiving your call ready to begin work. This prompt response time is critical to minimizing the damage to your home.
Our technicians are all fully licensed and insured in the greater Post Falls & Spokane Metro Area, and we have extensive experience handling water damage restoration from basement flooding. We can address every phase of the process, from initial damage assessment through all necessary reconstruction work, ensuring every step is completed properly. You’ll enjoy a hassle-free experience that helps you move on from this challenging time in your family’s life.
Contact us today at 208-664-6433 to schedule an appointment. Burke’s Damage Restoration Experts serves customers in the greater Post Falls & Spokane Metro Area.