Water Customers to Receive Solicitation About City-Endorsed Sewer Line Program

City of San Angelo water customers will soon receive a letter on City letterhead endorsing a sewer line warranty program. City officials stress that participation in the program is voluntary and that the City is only endorsing the company involved rather than acting as its agent.

The City Council on Dec. 16 approved allowing Service Line Warranties of America to send to water customers a solicitation letter with the City’s logo. Signed by Neighborhood and Family Services Director Bob Salas, the letter explains that repairs to sewer lines between homes and the public utility connection are the responsibility of property owners, regardless of the cause. Participation in the Sewer Line Warranty Program provides repair coverage of up to $4,000 per incident with no deductible.

The insurance costs $7 per month or an annual payment of $79. Those who meet an enrollment deadline will get immediate coverage with no standard 30-day waiting period.

“We want to be clear: Purchasing the insurance and participating in the program is strictly voluntary,” Salas said. “The City endorses this company and its program based upon its reputation and because we see it as an affordable way, particularly for low-income households, to avoid repair costs that can run into the thousands of dollars.”

Water customers will likely receive the letter in late May. Residents will receive a follow-up reminder about two weeks after receiving the first letter.

Service Line Warranties of America is also endorsed by the National League of Cities, an advocacy and educational organization for more than 19,000 cities, towns and villages across the U.S. The company is also a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business with an A-plus rating.