Coping with sewer backups

Unpleasant and messy sewer backups can cause residents to worry about who will pay for the repair and cleanup.  Unfortunately, it’s usually the homeowner’s responsibility.  

If the stoppage is in Oklahoma City’s main line, the problem will be fixed as soon as possible.  However, if the problem is in the private line that connects the house to the main, the homeowner is responsible for the damage.

To make matters worse, sewer backups are not covered by homeowner policies.  Most don’t know that an endorsement could cover the damages for about $10 to $35 a year.  

Better yet, a backwater valve prevents sewer from flowing into the house.  Homes at risk are those in older areas or those in which the lowest level is below the highest sewer manhole, uphill from the house.  The price of a backwater valve is small, compared with the high cost of sewer backup repairs and cleanup.  

More information is available at www.okc.gov.