Homeowners Often Unaware Of Repair Responsibilities

If you own a home, you know that when the roof leaks, it's your job to get it repaired. But what about when the water line running to your house springs a leak?

If you're like many homeowners, you probably expect the utility company to take care of the problem. But if the leak is in the line between the street and your house – in other words, if it's on your property -- it's your responsibility.

In fact, in many jurisdictions, the homeowner could be held liable for repairs to lines under the street, if their property happens to lie in a cul de sac. In some municipalities, the utility will take responsibility for the line a certain distance from the water main. That distance is usually enough to cover the distance from the water main to the curb.

Cul de sac dilemma

But if the property is in a cul de sac, that distance will not be far enough to reach from the water main to the property line. Therefore, if there is a leak, the property owner must pay to dig up the line under the street.

"One of the challenges of home ownership is that the potential for expensive repairs is always out there," said Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA, a national home repair service. "The fact that homeowners don't know about their responsibilities in these situations serves to make unexpected and expensive repairs harder to handle."

Typically the homeowner is responsible for the water service line from the curb or well casing all the way to the home, connecting to the water heater, sinks, showers and more. Temperature changes, shifting soil or the age of the line can all cause the line to become damaged.

Telltale signs of trouble

Many times this results in a loss of water pressure or a loss of water altogether. In other instances, the effects will not be noticed until there is a spike in the water bill due to an underground leak. Repairing a water service line can cost more than $2,000.

Sewer pipes can present a similar problem. Tree roots, drawn to the presence of moisture, can find and infiltrate the tiniest crack, causing blockage and damaging the pipe. Oftentimes, homeowners insurance will not cover these repairs.

That's why it's a good idea to maintain an emergency repair fund, to help you meet these unexpected expenses. And it goes without saying that, if you are shopping for a home, the condition of water and sewage lines is a major consideration.