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Lateral Line ProblemsBy far, the most common cause of a basement backup is damage to your private lateral line. The lateral line is the sewer line running from your home to the main sewer line. Lateral lines can be damaged by items flushed down a toilet or drain, tree roots, grease, and other blockages. Because the lateral line is the homeowners' private property, the maintenance and repair of the lateral line is the repsonsibility of the homeowner.Most homeowner policies DO NOT cover damages to the home caused by a lateral line problem. Many homeowner policies exclude damage caused by sewer back-ups. Homeowners should verify their exact coverage and exclusions with their insurance company. Many municipalities throughout the St. Louis area offer lateral line insurance for their residents to help offset the cost of repairing lateral lines. For additional information, contact the Lateral Line Insurance Program sponsored by St. Louis City at (314) 647-3111, St. Louis County at (314) 615-8427 or your governing municipality. If your home does not qualify for a Lateral Line Insurance Program, you should contact a licensed professional plumber for repair. Main Line ProblemsThe Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District owns and maintains the main sewer lines that the homeowner’s lateral lines are connected to. Sometimes a main line can become clogged and result in a back-up. Vandalism- If the main line problem was caused by vandalism, such as rocks, concrete, bottles or other debris dumped into the line, MSD has no financial responsibility to cover the damage to your home. The same is true of clogs caused by homeowners pouring grease, sanitary napkins, toys or other such items down their drains. Overcharged Sewer Line- If a lot of rain falls within a short period of time, it can fill the sewer line so much that it can't hold anymore water. As a result, the sewer lines can discharge into your basement. If this is the cause, MSD will reimburse up to $2,500 --with a $100 deductible--to cover some of the damages that occur during the backup. Because damages may exceed MSD's assistance amount, it is recommended that the homeowner obtain additonal coverage through their insurance company. Blocked Sewer Line- If a sewer line collapses or is blocked by tree roots, or other debris that has washed into the sewer, it can cause a basement back-up. If this is the cause, MSD will reimburse the homeowner for the repairs to their home. To be eligible for coverage under the above two programs, you must contact MSD within 30 days of the basement backup. If your basement back-up was caused by an overcharged or blocked sewer, our crews will record that information and forward it to MSD's insurance claim adjuster. The adjuster will contact you to access your damages. Just like any other insurance claim, be sure to document your damages by making lists, taking pictures, keeping receipts, etc. Overland FloodingOverland flooding is caused by the build up or pooling of water on land following a heavy rain. Water can enter your home through your home's doors, windows, and/or cracks in the foundation. Because the flooding is not directly related to flow in watercourses, damage caused by overland flooding are the responsibility of the homeowner. Excessive Rain/FloodingThe most common reason for sewer back-ups is excessive rain or flooding. Excessive amounts of rain water can overflow the sewers and cause back-ups to occur in basements. MSD is not responsible for any damage resulting from excessive rain or flooding. Sewer Backup InsuranceMost homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover damage from water that backs up through the sewer, drains or sump pumps. Flood insurance typically exludes backups from sewer and drain backups. Coverage for sewer and drain backups is a separate rider. This rider is in the range of $50 per year. MSD encourages homeowners to verify their coverage with their insurance company and consider a sewer back-up rider.
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