It isn’t the most glamorous aspect of home ownership, but understanding the principles behind water overflow vs water backup is undoubtedly important. Homeowners can save themselves plenty of trouble and a substantial amount of money by being clear on the distinction between these two water-related problems. So, let’s jump in and clear up any confusion and learn the difference between these two types of water issues.
Water Overflow vs Water Backup: What’s The Difference?
Define Water Overflow
First, what is water overflow? Imagine this: it’s rained cats and dogs for days, and your gutters are spilling water so hard that it looks like a waterfall running off the edges. That’s water overflow.
It’s any situation where water, often from rain, lacks a route for proper flow and drainage. Instead of the water draining away as it should, it pours over the edge of your gutters, sinks, or tubs.
Water overflow is usually caused by obstructions or clogs in your drainage system. Take, for example, gutters full of leaves and other debris; they can’t channel water away from your home. Similarly, a clogged sink or bathtub drain means rising water spills over the sides.
A silver lining with water overflow damage is that it’s generally a surface-level problem. It’s like when you overfill a glass: it spills onto the table. It’s a mess but relatively easy to clean up.
What is Water Backup?
Water backup is slightly more insidious. It can cause much more damage to your home if not handled promptly and professionally. This happens when water from outside your home pushes through your pipes, drains, and other entry points into your home. The water comes from storm drains, sewers, or other external sources.
Unlike water overflow, this problem can occur for any number of reasons. For example:
- Heavy rains can eventually overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing them to back up into homes.
- Or, it can be something totally organic that causes the problem, like tree roots. They can infiltrate and block your sewer line to a point where it won’t let wastewater flow out of your home.
The result is sewer backup in your house.
Water backup can cause significant damage because it’s not just the water itself that comes up. Often, it often brings along sewage and other contaminants. This issue can result in serious health risks and require professional cleanup and restoration repairs.
Imagine standing in water in your basement, not from the rain, but from whatever was in the sewer system. That’s not a great mental picture, right? Now, Imagine cleaning that up.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding the difference between water overflow vs water backup is important because it will help you determine the best way to deal with the problem. More importantly, it determines how your insurance will handle your claim for repairing the damage.
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies don’t offer water overflow coverage. It’s often regarded as preventable. If you keep your gutters and plumbing in good condition, no overflowing should occur.
This is opposed to water backup coverage, which in most cases is excluded from these standard policies on the grounds of being a separate hazard.
Knowing the difference can help you make informed decisions about your insurance coverage. Ensure you’re protected from water damage that could affect your home.
The last thing you need is severe damage on your hands, steep repair bills, and no payment from your insurance company. Especially if you’ve been paying premiums to the insurer monthly for years.
Water Overflow Prevention and Solutions
In general, preventing water overflow is simple. Clear out your gutters and downspouts routinely so water can drain freely away.
- With sinks and tubs, be mindful of what’s going down the drain
- Prevent certain clogs to your plumbing system by not pushing hair down the drain or flushing it down the toilet after shaving
- Regularly cleaning out your drains to remove debris that might accumulate to form a blockage
Water backup prevention requires a proactive approach to the situation. Schedule annual inspections on sewer lines, especially if you live in an older house.
To keep yourself on the right side of your insurer, install a backwater valve. This valve keeps the water from backing up into your home. It allows the water to flow out of your home as it’s supposed to but automatically closes if it senses water trying to flow back inside.
Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services
With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From flood and fire damage restoration to sewage backup, and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep, disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.
Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it give us a call: 303-237-4406.
