San Angelo Letters Endorse Utility Line Warranties

San Angelo residents are receiving two letters with information about a water line warranty program endorsed by the City of San Angelo.

The City is in the third year of a three-year agreement with Service Line Warranty of America to endorse its service. Under the agreement, the company sends two letters twice a year to City water customers. Printed on City letterhead with the signature of Neighborhood and Family Services Director Bob Salas, the letters currently being sent tout SLWA's water line warranties. Letters later in the year will endorse sewer line warranties.

The letters explain that repairs to lines between homes and the public utility connection are the responsibility of property owners, regardless of the cause. Participation in the warranty program provides repair coverage of up to $4,000 per incident with no deductible. The insurance costs $7 per month for sewer lines and $5 monthly for water lines. Those who meet an enrollment deadline will get immediate coverage with no standard 30-day waiting period.

Salas noted the City incurs no expense; it neither mails the letters nor manages the program. Water customers who wish to be removed from SLWA's mailing list can do so by calling 866-922-9006 or emailing service@slwofa.com.

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.

"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. We hope the City's endorsement reassures people this is a service with value".

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