We have a question here in the office that we cannot agree on as to coverage, and would appreciate your input. Our insureds used the toilet in the basement family room, and some time later realized the carpet was wet. The husband found the toilet had continued to run so that water was coming out of it and running onto the floor. A defective flap caused the malfunction.

The insureds have a septic system. We spoke with the septic maintenance person, and he said the tank was full of water; he thought the pipe leading to the drain fields was plugged, thereby reducing the output. More water was coming in than going out because of the constantly running toilet, and because the water had nowhere to go it overflowed the toilet. The insured says the septic tank was pumped out the previous year, and when he replaced the toilet flap, there were no further problems with the toilet or the septic system.

The insured has a homeowners policy similar to the standard ISO HO 00 03, with a backup of sewer or drain coverage endorsement. The endorsement has a $2,000 limit, which we paid.