Does Building Insurance Cover Septic Tanks?

Building insurance can cover septic tanks, but only if the damage was caused by something sudden and unexpected, like a storm, a flood, or a falling tree. If it’s down to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, your insurer won’t pay out. Here’s what you need to know.

When building insurance cover septic tanks?

Your septic tank is a permanent fixture of your property, so it can fall under building insurance. But here’s the catch: cover only kicks in when the damage results from a specific, unexpected event.

Building insurance typically covers structural damage to septic tanks caused by insured perils such as weather events, flooding, or impact damage.

So if a storm rolls through and a falling tree crushes your tank, you’re likely covered. If it’s failed slowly due to age and neglect? That’s a different story.

One thing worth knowing: whether your septic tank is covered depends on who owns it. If it’s owned by you, the policyholder, you’re responsible for its maintenance, and it should fall under your building insurance. If it’s owned and managed by a water company, it’s their responsibility, not yours.

It’s also worth noting that septic tanks are excluded from home emergency cover, so if something goes wrong, it’s your building insurance policy you’ll need to rely on.

What types of septic tank damage are covered?

Common covered scenarios include storm damage, flooding, or impact from falling objects like trees. Here’s a closer look:

Storm damage

High winds, heavy rain, or severe weather that directly damages your septic tank or its surrounding structure? Most building insurance policies will cover this, as long as you can prove the storm caused it. Insurers typically ask for photographs of the damage, professional inspection reports, and maintenance records. Weather reports may also be required to establish the link between the event and the damage.

Flooding

Sudden flood damage to your septic tank may be covered, but check your policy carefully. Flood cover isn’t always included as standard and may need to be added separately. If flooding has been a recurring issue on your property, your insurer may treat it differently.

Falling trees and impact damage

If a falling tree lands on your septic tank, your building insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repairs. Document everything and get in touch with your provider quickly.

Accidental damage

Accidental damage cover isn’t always included as standard. It’s often an add-on. Check your policy documents carefully to see if it’s included and what it applies to.

What septic tank damage isn’t covered?

Wear and tear isn’t covered by home insurance policies. Over time, all septic tanks will deteriorate. If you’ve let maintenance slip and something goes wrong, your insurer is unlikely to pay out.

Here’s a quick summary of common exclusions:

Exclusion	What it means
General wear and gradual deterioration	Ageing tanks, corroding components, or a system that’s simply past its best
Poor or lack of maintenance	If problems are traced back to neglect, your claim is likely to be rejected
Blockages and waste build-up	Septic tanks need regular emptying and servicing; failure to do so won’t be covered
Faulty installation or poor workmanship	Damage arising from improper installation isn’t an insured event
Home emergency cover	Septic tanks are excluded from home emergency cover as standard

If your property includes a septic tank, staying on top of inspections and maintenance is key. Many insurers see these tanks as your responsibility to look after, meaning claims might be rejected if neglect is to blame. Regular cleaning and servicing can help prevent costly issues down the line.

What to do if your septic tank is damaged

If something goes wrong, act quickly. With Lemonade, you can start a claim directly in the app. Just report the damage with photos and a description, and the team will take it from there. Here’s how to handle the process:

1. Stay safe first. Sewage leaks can be a health hazard. Keep people away from the affected area and call a professional immediately if needed.
2. Document everything. Photos, videos, written descriptions. The more evidence the better, and the Lemonade app makes it easy to upload everything in one place.
3. Contact your insurer. With Lemonade, you can report your claim instantly through the app, any time of day. Delays could affect your claim, so don’t sit on it.
4. Get inspection reports. The claims process typically involves a loss adjuster assessment to determine the cause and extent of damage. Having professional inspection reports and repair quotes ready can help speed things up.
5. Hold off on permanent repairs. Wait for insurer approval before carrying out permanent repairs, unless there’s an urgent safety or health concern.

Some providers have approved contractor networks, so check before hiring someone independently. Many insurers allow you to select your preferred contractor, though they may require quotes or approve contractors beforehand.

Why septic tank maintenance matters?

Think of regular maintenance as your best defence, both against septic tank problems and against rejected claims. Most insurers require evidence that your tank was properly looked after before any damage occurred, making routine servicing records a valuable asset.

Getting your tank emptied and inspected regularly keeps it functioning safely and helps prevent costly failures. Every time you have your tank serviced, emptied, or inspected, make sure you get written documentation. Keep these records somewhere safe. They could make all the difference if you ever need to prove to your insurer that you’ve held up your end of the bargain.

Picture this:

A storm causes a tree to fall directly onto your septic tank. You file a claim, and your insurer asks for evidence that the tank was properly maintained before the incident. You’ve got annual servicing records going back three years. Claim accepted. Without those records, the outcome could have been very different.

Before we go

Your septic tank is part of your home, and when something unexpected damages it, your building insurance could step in. Just remember: insurance is for sudden, unforeseen events. Routine upkeep is still yours to stay on top of. Keep records, service your tank regularly, and review your policy documents so you know exactly where you stand.

Lemonade’s home insurance cover is built around you, not the small print. With straightforward building insurance that covers the essentials, and a claims process designed to be simple and human, you can feel confident your home is protected when the unexpected happens. Explore Lemonade’s home insurance options to find the right cover for your home.

Septic tank insurance FAQs