Water pressure: Do you need to insure your pipes?

Owning a home brings all sorts of responsibilities and the underground water-service line, the pipe that brings fresh water into your home, may not be something you give much thought?until it breaks or a sales pitch lands in your mailbox. A recent letter from Home Service USA, also known as HomeServe, caught our attention. It reminds homeowners that repairs to water-service lines can be expensive and that the local water company recommends customers consider buying line coverage from HomeServe for $72 a year. The water company?s logo appears on the top of the letter. HomeServe?s website says it partners with leading utility companies coast to coast, and one of the benefits for utility companies is added revenue with ?no financial or operational risk.? Kentucky?s attorney general, Jack Conway, announced a year ago that his office had reached a voluntary compliance agreement with Home Service USA after consumers and public utility officials complained that a mailing suggested that the water-line repair service was a mandatory fee imposed by the utility company. Home Service agreed to mail letters that clarified the service was optional and not required by the utility company. In April, Ohio?s attorney general entered into a voluntary compliance agreement with Home Service USA after the AG?s office determined that a mass mailing was deceptive in that it gave the appearance it was from a utility rather than a private company. The AG?s concerns were resolved and no further action was taken. Also confusing is who?s responsible for what when a pipe breaks. It depends on where you live and the local codes. In New York State, for example, the water provider is responsible for repairs on pipes up to the curb, and the homeowner is responsible for pipes on his or her property, says Steve Goudsmith, manager of communications for United Water New York. As always, reading beyond the claims and checking the fine print is crucial. Exclusions in HomeServe?s plan include acts of God, thawing of frozen pipes, and breakdowns due to pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, or from a controllable leak. And while membership lasts one year, there?s an initial 30-day waiting period, resulting in 11 months of coverage the first year. Before signing on, consider this: Find out what repairs you're responsible for and what repairs are handled by your water company. Check for red flags. Is the list of items not covered longer than the list covered? Read the contract carefully. Ask what contractors the company uses and do a background check. Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences with the company. Find out what your homeowner?s insurance plan covers. Call several contractors and ask about typical repair costs. Learn about the cancellation policy. ?Kimberly Janeway

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/water-pressure-do-you-need-to-insure-your-pipes.html

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