Water Overflow vs. Water Backup: What’s the Difference?

Water Overflow vs. Water Backup What’s the Difference
Water overflows and water backups can both cause serious damage to your property. However, when it comes to a water overflow vs. a water backup, you may be confused about the difference between the two.  While both terms are used interchangeably, there are some key differences in how each of them occurs. It’s important to know these differences so that you can pinpoint what type of damage you may be dealing with. It will also help you know how much of your damage will be covered by insurance. Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about water overflow vs. water backup.

Water Overflow

A water overflow occurs when water overflows from something within your home. This may include appliances like bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, or toilets. When these appliances overflow and spread to the surrounding areas of your home, you are dealing with a classic water overflow. Water overflows may cause significant damage. This is especially true if sewage or contaminated water has made its way into your home. The good news is that, in most cases, water overflow will be covered by your homeowners insurance. You can expect to receive up to $5,000 to $10,000 in repair costs. However, a licensed water restoration company will work with you to deliver an accurate estimate.

Water Backup

A water backup occurs when there is a blockage in your pipes, drain, sump pump, or sewage line. When a blockage occurs, water will pour out in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, water backups are often more damaging than water overflows and put your household at risk of mold exposure if left untreated.  Water backups are not covered by homeowners insurance. However, you may invest in water backup coverage for your property in case you ever fall victim to a water backup incident.

Water Damage Caused by “Backups”

Since water damage backups are not covered under homeowners insurance, you will want to pay extra attention to any red flags so you can prevent the backup from occurring in the first place. Certain warning signs to look out for that may indicate a backup include clogged drains, bubbling drains, and a slow-flushing toilet. Likewise, if you notice yard flooding or tree roots near your main sewer line, this may also lead to clogs and pipe damage within your home.

Water Damage Caused by an “Overflow”

Even though water damage overflows are typically covered under your all-risk policy, no one wants to deal with the hassle of this type of water damage. Not to mention, water damage could expose you to mold and other harmful bacteria. To prevent water damage caused by backups, you should always make sure to regularly maintain the appliances in your home. If you notice anything off, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. Also, be mindful not to flush too much toilet paper, paper towels, or other objects that could clog your toilet and lead to an overflow.

Call Power Dry for Your Emergency Water Removal

Water Damage Kansas City | Water Damage Restoration & Removal Are you in need of emergency water removal services for your home? Power Dry is here to help. By utilizing our 24/7 services, our licensed and hard-working contractors will be able to inspect your water damage immediately and provide you with an estimate before restoring your damage. We understand that water damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with. By choosing us as your trusted water removal and restoration company, you can rest assured the process will be as stress-free and smooth sailing as possible. Give us a call today at (913) 285-8837 or contact us on our website with any other questions or inquiries.

What Our Water Damage Customers Are Saying...

Deb K
Deb K
Gardener, KS
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This is the team to get when you have water damage! They showed up within an hour of initial call to analyze and provide plan. They immediately started service after our approval. Every day they called and checked on the drying equipment they set up. They even called Saturday to see if they could stop in on Sunday! Amazing! If you need water removal, this place should be your professionals!
Sharla S
Sharla S
Kansas City
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Power Dry came out within an hour after me calling (it was not an emergency) and provided excellent service. I was very impressed with their professionalism. Highly recommend!
David L.
David L.
Olathe, KS
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I just had a great experience with Power Dry! Their response time was incredibly fast! The work was completed much faster than I expected. Everyone I dealt with was very professional and friendly. The price for their services was more than fair. The quality of their work is great! I highly recommend using Power Dry.
Pat C
Pat C
Kansas City
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Very professional and kind during a stressful time for our family. I hope we don’t need to use their services again, but if we do we will not hesitate to have them help us out again.