What does the term flood NOT include?

The term "flood" is generally defined as a condition in which water overflows onto land that is normally dry. This definition primarily encompasses scenarios such as the overflowing of rivers, heavy rain, and melting snow, which can all lead to water inundating areas beyond their normal boundaries.

When considering sewer backup, it's important to note that this situation typically results from a failure in the wastewater management system rather than an overflow of natural water bodies. Therefore, while sewer backup can cause significant water damage, it does not fall under the conventional definition of a flood since it is not the result of excess water from external sources overflowing its banks. This distinction is crucial in understanding what constitutes a flood in an insurance context, as coverage for flood damage usually applies to water that comes from natural sources rather than from plumbing or sewer issues.