Have you received a solicitation to purchase insurance for your water supply line? If so, you may be wondering if such insurance is necessary. As a general rule, the answer is that your money is probably better spent on something else. Most water supply lines will last a very long time without any problems. If a leak does develop, it is usually not very difficult for your plumber to dig up the line and repair it.
However, there are some situations in which you may want the peace of mind of water line insurance. There are two types of water lines that are known to be prone to leakage. Galvanized steel pipes were used for water supply lines in many homes up through the 1960s. From the mid 1970s to the early 1990s, polybutylene pipes were commonly installed. Both of these types of pipes are known to fail prematurely. Polybutylene typically fails within the first ten to fifteen years and cast iron pipe will last a little longer.
When these pipes fail, the entire line will need to be replaced and the water line repair can cost thousands of dollars. If your water supply line is galvanized steel or polybutylene, water line insurance might make sense. Be sure you buy it from a reputable company and read the policy carefully for any exclusions or limitations.
Fortunately, most of the galvanized steel and polybutylene water supply lines have long since been replaced so check to see what type of pipe you have for your water supply line before springing for insurance. Copper, PVC, and Polyethylene (PE) pipe are very reliable and usually last for decades without any problem. If in doubt, your plumber can help you determine what type of water supply line you have and whether insurance is needed.
