UPDATED: AUGUST 25, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
A septic tank system processes wastewater from lavatories, showers, and basins. They’re for residences on rural lands without access to a municipal sewer system. They function as storage tanks for wastewater and solid waste. But does your standard homeowners insurance cover septic tanks? Read on to learn more.
Does home insurance cover septic tanks?
A home insurance policy typically covers all damage to the septic tank and its contents, including any pipes, pumps, fittings, and other equipment connected to it.
However, there are some exceptions where a homeowner might not have coverage for damages to their septic system.
How do home insurance policies cover septic tanks?
Dwelling coverage usually covers the cost of repairs or replacement cost of the septic tank if the damage occurs due to fire, vandalism, or other natural disasters, such as a windstorm. In other words – if a covered peril causes damage.
What isn’t covered by your homeowners policy?
However, there are some cases where the homeowners coverage does not cover repairing or replacing a septic tank. There may be a list in your policy that explains the exclusions.
For example, if damage to the septic tank caused by a flood was an exclusion from your standard home insurance policy coverage. You may need a separate flood insurance policy for the coverage to replace or repair the tank.
Other situations where homeowners insurance may not cover the septic tank include:
- If the homeowner knowingly caused the damage by a lack of maintenance or failure to follow instructions from a professional service provider. An example may be if the homeowner poured cooking oil down the drains, leading to a system failure due to it getting clogged.
- If the policyholder rented their home and didn’t inform their landlord about any repairs needed on their septic system.
Importance of Regular Maintenance for Septic Tank Systems
Regular maintenance is important when it comes to septic tank systems. Neglecting proper care can lead to a host of issues that not only affect the system’s functionality and result in costly repairs and potential health and environmental hazards. Here’s why regular maintenance is crucial for septic tank systems:
Prevent Costly Repairs
Regular maintenance, including inspections and pumping, helps identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Detecting and resolving problems early on can save homeowners from expensive repairs, such as septic tank leaks, drain field failures, or damage to system components.
Extend the System’s Lifespan
A septic tank system can enjoy an extended lifespan with regular care and maintenance. Well-maintained systems can function efficiently for many years, providing homeowners with reliable waste disposal and wastewater treatment.
Protect Property Value
Septic system failures can lead to property damage and health risks, potentially decreasing the value of a home. By staying on top of maintenance, homeowners can maintain the value of their property and avoid potential complications during property transactions.
Ensure Proper Wastewater Treatment
An optimally functioning septic system effectively treats wastewater, removing harmful pathogens and contaminants before the effluent is released into the soil. Neglected systems may struggle to adequately treat wastewater, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards.
Prevent Health and Environmental Hazards
Untreated or improperly treated wastewater can pose significant health risks to homeowners and the surrounding community. It can contaminate groundwater, wells, and nearby water bodies, leading to waterborne diseases and environmental damage.
Comply with Regulations
Many localities have specific regulations regarding septic tank systems’ maintenance and inspections. Keeping up with these requirements ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.
Minimize Disruptions to Daily Life
Septic system failures can be disruptive and inconvenient for homeowners. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected issues, such as sewage backups, foul odors, or toilets that won’t flush, preventing disruptions to daily life.
Identify Hidden Problems
Some septic system issues may not be immediately noticeable to homeowners. Regular professional inspections can reveal hidden problems, such as clogged pipes, leaking tanks, or malfunctioning components.
Preserve the Environment
Properly maintained septic systems play a crucial role in protecting the environment. By effectively treating wastewater, they prevent contamination of soil and water sources, preserving the local ecosystem.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your well-maintained septic tank system provides peace of mind to homeowners. It eliminates worries about unexpected failures and ensures the system operates efficiently and safely.
Tips for Proper Septic System Care
Proper care and maintenance of your septic tank system are essential to ensure its performance, longevity, and to prevent costly repairs. Here are some helpful tips and procedures to help homeowners effectively maintain and protect their septic tank systems.
Mind What Goes Down the Drains
One of the most critical aspects of septic system care is being mindful of what you and your family put down the drain. Avoid flushing or draining the following items into the system:
- Non-biodegradable items: Never flush non-biodegradable materials such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or plastic down the toilet.
- Grease and oils: Cooking oils, grease, and fats can solidify in the pipes and cause clogs. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
- Harsh chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like bleach, drain cleaners, or pesticides down the drains as they can disrupt the natural bacteria in the septic tank responsible for breaking down waste.
- Medications: Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet, as they can contaminate the groundwater.
Conserve Water Usage
Excessive water usage can overload the septic system and reduce its efficiency. Implement water-saving practices in your household, such as:
- Fixing leaks promptly: Address leaks in faucets, toilets, or pipes to avoid wasting water and overwhelming the system.
- Install water-efficient fixtures: Consider installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water consumption.
- Space out water-intensive activities: Avoid doing multiple loads of laundry or running the dishwasher consecutively, as it can strain the septic system.
Regular Inspections and Pumping
Schedule regular inspections by a licensed professional to assess the condition of your septic tank system. Professionals can detect early signs of potential issues and recommend timely maintenance. Septic tanks typically require pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on the household size and usage. Regular pumping prevents solids from accumulating and clogging the system.
Protect the Drain Field
The drain field is a vital septic system component for filtering and distributing the treated effluent into the soil. To protect the drain field:
- Avoid parking vehicles or placing heavy objects on it, as this can compact the soil and reduce its ability to treat effluent.
- Do not plant trees or large shrubs nearby, as their roots can infiltrate the drain field and cause damage.
Educate Household Members
Ensure that all household members are aware of the proper use and care of the septic system. Educate them on what can and cannot go down the drains and the importance of water conservation.
Keep Records
Maintain a record of inspections, pumping schedules, and any repairs or maintenance performed on the septic tank system. Having this information readily available can be valuable for future reference and potential insurance claims.
Preventing damage caused by your septic tank system
The septic tank system is a vital part of your home. It helps to break down waste and keep it out of the water supply. However, if the system isn’t maintained correctly, it can cause a lot of damage.
Many things can go wrong with your septic system, but there are also things you can do to prevent these problems from happening.
- It would be best to have a professional come out at least once a year to inspect your septic tank and ensure everything works correctly. They will be able to identify any potential problems before they become severe and costly.
- If you know that there has been an issue with your septic tank in the past, then you should have them come out more often than once per year.
- You should ensure that you’re not putting anything down the drain that’s not meant for wastewater disposal, as this can clog up your pipes and cause damage to your system as well.
Signs of a serious issue
Several things can let you know if there’s a problem with your septic tank system.
- A gurgling sound coming from the toilets
- Wet spots in the field or thick growth of vegetation
- Sewage reaching the surface of the leach field
- Slow drains
- A foul smell in the drain field
If you can address issues early, you can mitigate the cost of a complete system failure and avoid an insurance claim that may get rejected.
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover septic system failures?
Your homeowners insurance policy will provide coverage for septic tank damage only in cases of sudden incidents, not resulting from negligence. It is essential to understand that general wear and tear or inadequate maintenance by the homeowner are not included in the coverage.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
The first sign that you might have an issue with your septic system is when you notice a sewer backup into your house or overflowing onto your property. Heavy rains, tree roots growing through the system, or something that has gone down a drain that should not be there could cause the backup. You may also notice that water drains slowly in sinks and toilets and a foul smell from your drains when used.
Should a septic tank be covered?
The septic tank should always have a lid as a matter of safety to prevent children or animals from falling into it. The lid prevents rainwater, dirt, and other solid particles from getting into the tank and clogging up its filter, which could cause it to fail, overflow or cause water damage.
How many years does a septic system last?
The average lifespan of a septic tank is about 20 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on how often you use the tank, what type of soil it’s in, and if it has regular maintenance. If you can get regular inspections and make repairs when needed, this can extend the lifespan of your septic system. Don’t connect your sump pump to your septic system; it can pump too much water and cause damage.
What happens if the septic tank is not pumped?
It will overflow if you don’t maintain the septic tank and pump it regularly. This can lead to sewage spilling out onto the ground or into the basement of your home. It would help to inspect your tank every few years for any cracks or leaks so you can take care of them before they worsen.
What are other ways to dispose of septic tank waste?
One of the ways is by using a septic tank sewage treatment plant. A sewage treatment plant will take in the raw sewage from your home and treat it before releasing it into the ground and a body of water. This will allow you to dispose of your wastewater without adversely affecting the environment or groundwater.
What is the average cost for a septic tank?
You can expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars to install a new septic tank system in your home. On average, for a professional installation, the cost is $5,828. However, the total cost for the installation can range from $3,000 to $8,000.
What are the health risks of a septic tank?
A septic tank’s health risks include infection from bacteria and viruses that may grow and enter groundwater or surface water. The presence of these pathogens could lead to disease outbreaks and epidemics. Other health risks include exposure include:
- Raw sewage
- Toxic chemicals from household cleaners that leach into wastewater
- Fumes from decomposing organic matter in the septic tank
What are the costs of maintaining a septic tank?
The cost of proper maintenance for a septic tank is dependent on its size. The cost can vary based on if it requires pumping. If it does, then there will also be a cost for disposal. Prices can vary from $200 to $500 for pumping and cleaning services. Replacement parts for your septic system can be costly, a lid might only be $50, but a new pump or leach field could cost you thousands of dollars.
How to get homeowners insurance coverage for your septic tank
Even if your insurance company does cover the cost of a new septic tank, it doesn’t mean you have to replace your old one. Suppose you have a functioning septic system well-maintained and inspected by a licensed professional. In that case, your current septic system will work fine for years.
Fill out our online request form to find the best home insurance rates in your area. We can provide you with the rates from top companies and put you in touch with a home insurance specialist.
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