The storms that pummeled the Shenango Valley this week have left many homeowners wondering how they will pay to repair the damage to their homes.

Ralph C. Mehler of Ralph C. Mehler Agency Inc., Sharpsville, said a lot of insurers sell coverage for backup of sewers and drains as an endorsement to their homeowners' policy.

Brookfield residents Ed and Betty Cornell have such an endorsement policy, which covers damage caused by sewer backups or sump-pump overflows, Mehler said, adding it costs about $35 for a $5,000 limit.

"People that usually buy it have had problems on their streets in the past," he said.

Many may not understand the difference between flood insurance and the endorsement covering sewer backups, but Mehler set the record straight.