A water supply line is the pipe that runs between the water meter, usually located near the road or street in front of your home, and your house. This line supplies all of the potable water to your home from your municipal water source. Your municipal water authority is responsible for repairing and maintaining the water main and the pipes that run from the water main to your water meter, but many homeowners are unaware that the homeowner is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the water line between the meter and the home.
If the water line breaks or begins leaking, the homeowner could be facing a water line repair bill that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some warranty companies offer insurance that covers water line repairs. This is separate from your homeowners insurance which does not cover routine maintenance such as water line repairs. These companies offer coverage for a few dollars a month to cover repair or replacement of a water line.
The insurance sounds like a great deal, but before you sign up, be sure you understand what you are getting into. Most water supply lines work for decades without any leaks or breaks. The exceptions are galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe. These types of water lines are prone to leaking after 10 to 20 years. If you have one of these types of water lines, insurance might not be a bad idea but be sure to examine the policy carefully to see if these types of water lines are excluded from coverage.
Also, in the unlikely event that a copper, PVC, or polyethelyne water line fails, it can usually be repaired for a few hundred dollars. A total water line replacement can cost thousands of dollars, but these types of water lines don’t usually require replacement.
Finally, check on the insurance company to see if there have been any complaints against it and to make sure it is sound. Your insurance will not be a bargain at any price if the company is out of business when you need them or has a history of denying claims.
