The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has announced a partnership with HomeServe, an independent company, to help educate homeowners about their responsibilities regarding water and sewer service lines. The collaboration also introduces optional protection plans for repairs to the lines that connect homes to utility systems.
Many residents may not realize they are responsible for maintaining and repairing the service lines located on their property. In cases of emergencies involving these lines, homeowners must find contractors and pay for repairs themselves. As infrastructure continues to age, SCWA’s partnership with HomeServe offers a voluntary solution for those seeking to manage unexpected repair costs.
“Reliably delivering high quality water to our customers goes to the very heart of our mission,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “Unfortunately, service line leaks or breaks can be a serious and unexpected burden for which many are unprepared. By partnering with HomeServe we are giving our customers an optional plan that can protect them in those circumstances.”
The new program is voluntary and does not cost SCWA anything. It uses no public funds, and homeowners who choose not to enroll will see no change in their utility service.
“Service plans from HomeServe not only help cover the cost of the repair; they also provide homeowners with reputable, local contractors who will do the best possible job,” said Tom Rusin, HomeServe CEO. “We’re pleased to be working with the Suffolk County Water Authority and look forward to the opportunity to provide area homeowners with the assistance they need when faced with a home repair emergency.”
HomeServe handles repairs needed for utility pipes on private property—repairs typically excluded from basic homeowners insurance policies due to normal wear-and-tear. Once covered repairs are finished, HomeServe pays contractors directly up to the specified benefit amount.
Homeowners enrolled in a plan can call a 24-hour hotline if there is a problem with their service line. A local contractor will then be dispatched by HomeServe. There are no service fees or deductibles on covered repairs, which are guaranteed for one year.
For more information about this program, residents can contact HomeServe at 844-870-9812 or visit HomeServeSCWA.com.
The Suffolk County Water Authority serves about 1.2 million people in Suffolk County as an independent public-benefit corporation under New York State law. It operates on a not-for-profit basis without taxing power.
HomeServe USA Corp., which has over 4.6 million customers across North America, provides protection plans for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other home repairs through partnerships with more than 1,350 municipal and utility entities.