--- title: What is Water Back Up Coverage? description: Learn more about your homeowners coverage and how to protect yourself from water back up. --- - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) [**703-683-6601](tel:17036836601) [     Client Portal](https://portal.csr24.com/mvc/6601690) [![clarke&sampson](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/logo.png "clarke&sampson")](http://www.clarkeandsampson.com/) - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) [**703-683-6601](tel:17036836601) [     Client Portal](https://portal.csr24.com/mvc/6601690) # Clarke & Sampson Blog # What is Water Back Up Coverage? Scott Jefferson | Monday, February 1, 2021 Share | Facebook Twitter [Email ](mailto:?body=https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/blog/what-is-water-back-up-coverage) Whether it’s a sump pump failure or a clogged drain, water back up is one of the most common types of losses. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Do you know how your homeowners insurance would respond? A standard homeowners policy provides coverage for accidental discharge or overflow of water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning as long as it originates on the premises.  For example, if your shower drain clogs and causes water to overflow, you would have coverage for the resulting damage. What if your back up originates off premises? Imagine a scenario with heavy rains causing the sewer line to back-up into your basement. Coverage is specifically excluded for off premise back ups unless you have the water back up of sewer and drains endorsement. The water back up endorsement removes the exclusion for overflow and discharge from sump pumps. It also expands coverage to include back ups that originate off premises. The endorsement generally includes several limit options ranging from $5,000 up to the full dwelling amount. **Quick tip**: Be sure to confirm with your agent that your water back up endorsement provides coverage for both building and contents.   It’s important to distinguish that the water back up endorsement is NOT flood insurance. A flood, as defined by [FEMA](http://www.fema.gov/), is a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or two or more properties. In order to obtain flood coverage, you must purchase a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.    [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/289889/2aaa9965-04eb-4835-a5c0-24332e4a075a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/289889/2aaa9965-04eb-4835-a5c0-24332e4a075a)   Share | Facebook Twitter [Email ](mailto:?body=https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/blog/what-is-water-back-up-coverage) #### Contact Clarke & Sampson, Inc Office: 703-683-6601 Fax: 703-739-8967 228 S.Washington St. Ste. 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 [Send an Email](mailto:sjefferson@clarkeandsampson.com) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by Agency Revolution to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. Agency Revolution is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2018 Agency Revolution. [Privacy Statement](http://www.clarkeandsampson.com//legal) | [Contact Us](http://www.clarkeandsampson.com/contact-us) ![Trusted Choice](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/1.jpg)  ![Independent Insurance Agent](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/2.jpg)  ![PIA](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/3.jpg)  ![Google](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/4.png)