Let’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about them when service is interrupted. And when that happens, you may be surprised by what your basic homeowners policy covers, and what it doesn’t.

Did you know that, as a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of service lines connecting 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.

Consider this common scenario. You have a mature tree on the parking strip in front of your house and its roots have penetrated into 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.

However, if you have service line coverage, it would pay for the excavation, the new pipe, labor, and even the costs of any outdoor property damaged as a result of the leak. Doesn’t that sound better than paying the full cost out of pocket?

How Service Line Coverage Protects Your Home

Service line coverage protects you from damages that occur to your service lines running from the point of connection to the main service or utility line up to your home. The types of lines covered include:

• Water
• Waste disposal
• Electrical power
• Drainage
• Compressed air
• Communications
• Heating

Covered losses include, but are not limited to, such issues as:

• Wear and tear
• Rust and corrosion
• Mechanical breakdown
• Freezing
• Tree or other root invasion

Best of all, this coverage — and the peace of mind it brings — is available for just a few dollars per month. To learn more about service line coverage, or homeowners insurance in general, contact us today.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.