Have you thought about all the “service lines” running under and around your house lately? Those things that give you access to water, electricity, gas, internet connection and more. If you are like me, you usually only think about them when Netflix stops working. It is about that time when we all think about who to call to get all these things back up and working, but did you know that homeowners are the ones responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of service lines connected to your house?
Energy companies and other service providers are only responsible for the infrastructure up to where it connects to your property. That means that if one of your pipes freezes or your sewer line backs up into your house, you have to pay to fix it.
Think about this: You have a beautiful old oak tree in front of your house. All its rustic elegance has disguised the fact that its roots are growing closer and closer to penetrating your main water line. What began as a small, unnoticed crack eventually expands and causes your pipe to rupture. To fix it, you’ll have to dig up your yard and replace the pipe. That could be a big mess — and an even bigger bill. This type of job can easily run to $5,000 or more.
Good news, if you have service line coverage, it could pay for the excavation, the new pipe, labor, and even the costs of any outdoor property damaged because of the leak. Certainly, better than paying the full cost out of pocket!
The typical types of lines covered include:
- Water
- Waste disposal
- Electrical power
- Drainage
- Compressed air
- Communications
- Heating
Many of our home insurance carriers now offer an endorsement to provide coverage for residential service lines for just a few dollars a month. Call your W&A agent today to learn more!
Kelly McCormack
The Kristal Carpenter Agency
Jackson, Tennessee