Flood and sewer backup: two water gaps many homeowners miss

Bucks County has creeks, low-lying neighborhoods and plenty of finished basements. Two kinds of water damage are commonly left out of a standard homeowners policy, and the difference between them is easy to miss.

Parents and a young child playing a board game on the rug of a cozy finished basement

Flood is usually a separate policy

Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so it can't be bought at the last minute when a storm is forecast.

Sewer and drain backup is different

Water that backs up through a sewer line, drain or sump is typically excluded from a standard homeowners policy unless you add a water backup endorsement. Finished basements with furniture, flooring and electronics can be especially exposed.

You don't have to be in a mapped flood zone

Flooding can happen outside high-risk zones. You can look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and ask whether flood coverage makes sense for your home.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover a sump pump failure?

Often only if you've added a water backup endorsement. Check your policy wording.

Is there a waiting period for flood insurance?

NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, with some exceptions. See FloodSmart.gov.

Sources

General information only, not advice about any specific policy. Your policy wording controls. Last reviewed November 2026. [Verify each figure and source link before launch.]