When you suddenly have to deal with damage to your home due to sewer problems, you are often shocked by the impact.

You expect your insurance to handle this properly, but sometimes, to your dismay, you receive a rejection notice for a claim following sewer problems. What now?

You are then faced with the challenge of understanding why the request for compensation was rejected. Is it due to overdue maintenance, an error in the policy conditions, or is your insurer citing external fault? Chances are you have questions about liability, water nuisance, and water damage. This happens more often than you think, and every case is different.

Don't be discouraged by legal jargon or tricky technical details. While you investigate your rights, it pays to stay sharp. Approach your claim differently, gather evidence such as the damage report, and enlist the help of an expert. This is the only way to ensure you aren't left empty-handed after a rejection.

Definition of damage following sewer problems and what a rejection means

When you are faced with a clogged sewer in your home or business premises, water damage can quickly lead to major frustrations. Leaks, unpleasant odors, and even damage to the foundation are common consequences. You expect the damage to be covered by your buildings insurance or liability insurance. However, you sometimes receive a rejection of your claim for water damage, mold, or structural damage caused by a sewer problem. A rejection means that the insurer states that the cause falls outside the coverage, such as in the case of neglected maintenance or improper use of sanitary facilities.

Causes and history of damage rejections for sewer problems

In the past, many conflicts arose because insurers and homeowners interpreted differently whether a sewer problem constituted a sudden event or overdue maintenance. Since the 90s, parties such as Vereniging Eigen Huis and the Dutch Association of Insurers have emphasized clear policy conditions regarding water damage risks. The deployment of qualified unblocking services as Ontstoppen.nl helps prevent disputes through professional reports. Rejection often occurs because an insurer claims, based on the expert report, that there is gradual wear and tear rather than a defect.

• Report by a recognized drain cleaning serviceReports from companies such as Ontstoppen.nl support your claim with photos, camera footage, and a clear analysis of the problem.
• Outdated piping versus acute leakageAge is often used as an argument to reject claims. Regular inspections, as recommended by Stichting Rioolbeheer Nederland, can counteract this.
• Insufficient maintenanceFailure to regularly flush or inspect the sewer leads to the rejection of your damage claim in many cases.
• Incorrect connection or construction defectIn the event of installation by non-certified plumbers, as established in reports by Rijkswaterstaat, the insurer may invoke structural defects to refuse the claim.

Step-by-step plan: How do you handle a rejection of damage after sewer problems?

Have you found yourself in a situation where your damage claim has been rejected? With this approach, you increase your chances of a successful review.

1. Read the rejection letter carefully: Check whether the stated reasons for rejection correspond with the policy document and the fine print.
2. Ask for an explanation from the insurer: Contact the claims specialist directly and ask specific questions about the reasoning behind the rejection.
3. Assess the substantiationCheck whether the expert has conducted sufficient investigation and whether the cause was correctly assessed as faulty maintenance or an incident.
4. Submit a counter-reportHave by an independent party such as Ontstoppen.nl conduct a second opinion or sewer inspection that maps out the situation.
5. Engage interest groupsOrganizations such as the Financial Services Complaints Institute (Kifid) or Vereniging Eigen Huis guide you through the process of filing an objection.
6. File an objection: File a formal objection with your insurer and include the additional evidence from the recognized sewer specialist.

How We Work

How we work

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Report a blockage (without obligation)

Tell us where the blockage is (drain, plumbing, toilet, or sewer). We'll immediately analyze the situation by phone, WhatsApp, or form.

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Free quote

You'll receive a clear, all-inclusive price for unblocking—including call-out fees, labor, and a no-win, no-fee policy. No surprises.

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National coverage

Our certified sewer specialist often arrives the same day. We unclog drains without any demolition work, using professional equipment.

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Unblocking & warranty

We'll fix the blockage, inspect all pipework, and offer an 8-week warranty. Safe, durable, and professional.

The role of technical investigation in damage claims caused by sewer problems

Following an incident of damage, a visit from an expert often follows. The expert examines the cause of the blockage or leak, assesses whether there is any overdue maintenance, and can take samples. During inspections, camera technology is used, among other methods, to visualize the inner walls of the sewer and locate leaks. It is also determined whether the damage is related to rainfall, faulty connections, or subsidence of the pipework. Expert companies are affiliated with Uneto-VNI, the trade association for installation and maintenance, which contributes to the reliability of the report.

• Use of modern detection equipmentFlooded water, sewer breaks, or root growth are adequately determined using, among other methods, endoscopic inspections and leak detection equipment.
• Analysis of incidents versus structural problemsThe difference between a one-off calamity and gradually occurring damage determines whether a claim is honored.

Chances of success when appealing a rejection of a claim for damages following sewer problems

Successfully appealing a rejection requires convincing evidence and clear communication with the insurer. If you can clearly demonstrate that an incident occurred rather than long-term deferred maintenance, you have a stronger case. Always use supporting material, such as photos before and after the incident, receipts for maintenance work, and expert reports. If you still receive a rejection, organizations such as Kifid or Consumentenbond offer an accessible route for independent mediation.

Compile a file with:

• Damage reports from recognized partiesThis gives your claim extra weight.
• Proof of regular maintenance: Such as invoices for periodic inspections or having the sewer flushed at Ontstoppen.nl.
• Photos and timelines: Before and after the damage occurred, plus any email correspondence with municipalities regarding possible shortcomings in the municipal mowing and maintenance schedule.

Always help and rates for resolving sewer problems after damage

Whether you live or work in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven, with a no cure no pay guarantee and transparent rates, we help Ontstoppen.nl get rid of your blockage. For a single blockage, a fixed rate of €169,50 including VAT applies. If it concerns a more complex situation, such as a blockage in the main sewer, you pay an all-in flushing rate of €296,45. Always check for affordable prices. the rates for unblocking services after damage caused by sewer problems.

Are you facing a rejected insurance claim? With our expertise, comprehensive reports, and support with your objection, you will be in a stronger position vis-à-vis the insurer. Would you like to know what a blockage unblocking or sewer inspection costs in your situation and how we can help with a claim? Then do not hesitate to request a quick, no-obligation consultation. request a quote for resolving damage after sewer problems. Ontstoppen.nl is always there for you with practical advice and decisive help.

Frequently asked questions