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Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover sewer backups because it’s typically an avoidable problem with proper maintenance. The only exception would be if the backup is occurring because of local flooding and only if your city uses a combined drainage system for stormwater and sewage. If that’s the case, your policy should cover any resulting damage.

If you’re wondering whether rats can come up the toilet, the unfortunate answer is yes, it’s possible, though it’s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they’re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet’s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk.

Some flushable wipes companies say they are designed to disintegrate within a few hours to a few days after being flushed. These wipes allegedly use materials that are more water-soluble than traditional wipes. However, many experts have raised concerns that even so-called "flushable" wipes do not break down as easily as claimed and can contribute to clogs and blockages in sewer systems.

To prevent plumbing and sewer problems, avoid flushing wipes, even those labeled as flushable. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. This can help prevent costly plumbing issues and reduce the strain on wastewater treatment systems.

To get rid of a sewer smell in your crawl space, you’ll have to find the source of the problem. If it has to do with your sewer lines, then repairing the line will help. You may need to make other repairs, like fixing your sump pump or encapsulating your crawl space to reduce moisture. After you make the repair, depending on the issue, you may still need to clean out your crawl space to get rid of the stink.