When temperatures drop well below zero, like they have in the last few weeks, cracked or broken water lines can become a concern. No one wants to pay to repair or replace pipes. With that in mind, the City of Clarion reminds water customers that there is an insurance program available to them right on their water bill.
The city has been using the ServLine leak and line protection program for over two years now. The program provides voluntary leak and line protection. According to the ServLine flyer that the city provides, there are three available types of protection: water and sewer leak protection, water line protection, and sewer line protection.
Anyone who receives a Clarion water bill was automatically enrolled in the water and sewer leak protection when the program first started. For this, residential homeowners would see a $3.10 charge on their bill with the code ‘LP.’ You can call to opt out of this protection at any time. This coverage provides protection against excess water charges resulting from eligible plumbing leaks up to $2,500.
City Utility Billing Clerk Trisha Barz said that many people don’t even realize they have the leak protection. She related cases of people saving a great deal of money with the program after they have had leak issues with toilets or water softeners.
The water and sewer line protection has to be opted into and costs a few more dollars per month on top of the leak coverage. Both of these types of protection options provide up to $10,000 in coverage for repairs or replacements. As pipes are at risk of freezing and rupturing in the extreme cold, city officials say this coverage could be a big help and save headaches and money.
Barz reminded people that you need to have the ServLine coverage prior to any incident and there is a 30-day waiting period after you add it to your bill. People can call 515-532-7600 to add ServLine protection to their water bill.
City Administrator Clint Middleton reiterated, “This is just like any insurance. You don’t necessarily want to have to use it, but if you do need it, it’s the best money you could spend.”
