Most Delaware County homeowners assume they're covered when the basement fills with water. They're not, and the reason will surprise you.
Most standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover sewer and water backup damage. Most flood insurance policies don't either. That leaves the average DelCo homeowner facing a cleanup bill of $2,000–$10,000 or more with no coverage whatsoever, for a risk they could have protected against for as little as $50 a year.
One phone call tells you exactly where you stand. Most Delaware County homeowners are surprised by what they find out. Check your coverage now or call DD Insurance at 610-623-4750; it takes 60 seconds.
What Most Home Policies Actually Say About Water Backup
When water enters your home from a backed-up drain, toilet, or sump pump, most homeowners reach for one of two safety nets — and both come up short.
Standard homeowners' insurance covers sudden internal water damage, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance. But water that backs up from an external drain or municipal sewer line is not covered under most standard policies in Pennsylvania.
Flood insurance (purchased separately through FEMA or private carriers) covers surface water, water that enters from outside due to rising waterways or heavy rain runoff. It does not cover sewer or drain backups.
The result: two insurance policies, a flooded basement, and a $0 payout.
The only protection that covers a sewer or drain backup is a Water Backup Endorsement, a separate rider added to your homeowners policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, most insurers offer this rider for $40–$160 annually, depending on coverage limits and your risk profile. DD Insurance's carrier partners typically price it at $50–$250 per year for Delaware County homeowners.
Why Delaware County Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
This is not a generic risk. It is a documented, infrastructure-specific problem.
DELCORA, the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority, operates over 129 miles of combined and separate sewers serving approximately 500,000 residents across 46 municipalities. DELCORA has entered a federal Consent Decree with the U.S. government to address combined sewer overflow problems countywide.
At the residential level, the risk is just as direct. Delaware County has a high concentration of homes built between the 1920s and 1950s. Many still have original terracotta clay sewer laterals, the pipes connecting each house to the municipal main, that have never been replaced. Those laterals are now 70–100 years old. They crack under soil pressure, collapse from tree root infiltration, and fail when March snowmelt combines with heavy spring rain.
When that lateral fails, the backup surfaces through your basement drain, not the street.
If your home was built before 1960, your lateral may never have been replaced. That is a plumbing reality specific to Drexel Hill, Havertown, Upper Darby, and most of inner Delaware County.
Get a free Water Backup quote or call us at 610-623-4750 for personalized assistance.
What the Water Backup Rider Actually Covers
A Water Backup Endorsement typically pays for:
Structural cleanup — professional water extraction, drying, and sanitization ($2,000–$8,000 for a standard basement)
Floor and wall restoration — carpet, drywall, framing ($3,000–$10,000 depending on finished space)
Personal property — furniture, electronics, stored items damaged in the backup
Mold remediation — if caught early and reported promptly
It does not cover: the failed sump pump itself, repair of the lateral pipe, or damage caused by neglected maintenance. Think of it as the policy for the aftermath, not the plumbing repair.
Coverage limits typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. For a finished Delaware County basement, home office, rec room, laundry setup, DD Insurance generally recommends a minimum of $15,000 in backup coverage. Understanding what your full homeowners insurance policy covers in Pennsylvania is the essential starting point before adding any endorsement.
What a Sewer Backup Actually Costs Delaware County Homeowners
Scenario | Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost |
Minor backup, unfinished basement | $2,000–$4,000 |
Moderate backup, partially finished basement | $6,000–$12,000 |
Major backup, fully finished basement | $15,000–$30,000+ |
Annual cost of Water Backup Rider | $50–$250 |
One event without coverage costs more than 60–120 years of rider premiums.
For context on where home insurance costs in Delaware County currently stand, DD Insurance's 2026 guide to homeowners insurance rates in Pennsylvania breaks down the full picture, including which coverages Delaware County homeowners are most commonly missing.
Compare Water Backup coverage rates now or call (610) 623-4750. We work with 15+ carriers to find your best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does standard homeowners' insurance cover sewer backup in Pennsylvania?
Most standard homeowners' policies in Pennsylvania do not cover damage caused by water backing up through drains, sewers, or sump pumps. You typically need a separate Water Backup Endorsement added to your policy. Confirm with your agent whether your current policy includes it.
Does flood insurance cover a sewer backup in Delaware County?
No. Flood insurance covers surface water intrusion from rising waterways or heavy runoff. Sewer and drain backup is a separate peril that flood insurance does not address, which is why a Water Backup Endorsement on your homeowners policy is the right protection for this specific risk.
How much does water backup coverage cost in Pennsylvania?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, most insurers offer it for $40–$160 annually. DD Insurance's carrier partners typically price it at $50–$250 per year for Delaware County homeowners, depending on coverage limits and home risk profile.
Why are Drexel Hill and Upper Darby homes at higher risk for sewer backups?
Many homes in Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, and Havertown were built between the 1920s and 1950s with original terracotta sewer laterals. These pipes are now 70–100 years old and are highly susceptible to cracking, tree root infiltration, and collapse, particularly during March snowmelt and spring rain events.
How do I add water backup coverage to my existing homeowners' policy?
Contact your insurance agent and request a Water Backup Endorsement. DD Insurance can review your current policy, confirm whether coverage is already included, and compare rider costs across 15+ carriers. Call 610-623-4750 or request a quote online. Most reviews take under 10 minutes.