Sewer and Drain Insurance Riders

The Western Virginia Water Authority highly recommends that homeowners purchase a “backup of sewer and drain” rider as part of a homeowner’s insurance policy. Insurance agents can provide more information about this coverage.

Fortunately, sewer backups don’t happen very often. It is important, however, to know in advance what to do if a sewer backup happens in a home or business.

Please see our Backflow Valve Reimbursement Policy & Procedure (updated March 2025)

Reducing the Risk of Future Backups

Sewer backups occur because of sewer line blockages or because of excess water in sewer pipes. While sewer backups are rare, there is an increased chance of them occurring during wet weather. When sewer pipes back up, they can create sewage overflows in homes and along points in the sewage collection system. This is because stormwater gets into the sewer system and increases the total volume of water in sewer pipes. If there is too much water for the pipes to convey, backups can occur.

Long-term solutions to reducing the risk of sewer backups in wet weather include:

• disconnecting downspouts from sewer pipes

• disconnecting sump pumps from sewer pipes, and redirecting the water outside, away from the foundation of homes

• capping sewer pipe floor drains and sewer clean-outs in yards

Sewer maintenance tips every homeowner should do:

Sewage backups can also be caused by roots that penetrate pipe joints and by FOG (fats, oils and grease) that can build up and cause blockages.  The maintenance of sewer pipes on a homeowner’s property is the responsibility of the homeowner.

• NEVER pour FOG down the drain. As it cools, it will congeal, clogging pipes. 
• Don't plant trees near sewer lines to minimize the risk of root invasion.  Don't know where your sanitary sewer line is located?  The green lines on the Authority GIS mark all the sanitary sewer lines.  But remember, you must call 811 before you dig, even if you think you know where your lines are located.
• If you have gutters and roof drains that are connected to the sanitary sewer system, disconnect these lines and have them drain into your yard.