American Water Resources Service Protection Ins. archived
Jan 18, 2008 at 3:22am
Its a complete waste of money and a scam. Its exactly like PSEG's "Worry Free Maintenace" program.
100% scam. Believe me--I found out the hardway. You do not need sewer line insurance--this is the same as the "protection plans" you are harassed to buy at Circuit City or Best Buy to protect a new product you are buying.
100% scam. Believe me--I found out the hardway. You do not need sewer line insurance--this is the same as the "protection plans" you are harassed to buy at Circuit City or Best Buy to protect a new product you are buying.
I haven't bought the sewer line protection, but have bought the 4 year plan for a HDTV at BB. Good thing too, Jr. threw a toy at a 3 year old TV, broke some of the pixels. We called BB, they came, saw that it couldn't be fixed, and gave us a refund for the unit, bought a brand new one with the refund.
I signed up. I have the sewer protection and the in-house protection billed on my NJ Water bill. I've had a few friends have sewer line back-ups and breaks and poop flying into their house - I think it's worth the $3.99/month. The in-house protection - last year when my sink clogged up it was $200 to get the whole thing fixed, this year it was $50 (plus my $3.99/month). I called the number on a Saturday and a guy came within a few hours and fixed it.
I guess whatever works for you. That's why these "plans" are in place, becuase people buy them and they are added revenue streams for the company.
Personally, I have only had a clogged sink maybe three of four times in the twelve years I lived in my house. Those times that i had to call a plumber for a bad clog--it cost me $80.00, $100.00 respectively.
If you protect your sinks (minimize the things that drop down them, then clogged sinks will be rare) The hose from the washer should have a screen over it (which has to be regularily changed) to keep lint out of the drain--you can buy them at any hardware store for like a dollar. You can also but the rubber caps to fit over the shower and bathtub drain to prevent hair going down the sink, etc., etc.
Sewer line problems in your house are a rarity--you are more likely to have a broken pipe or a clogged sink. Sewer line problems outside the house will be taken care of by the city.
A final thought on these plans--specifically the Worry Free Maintenace" plan of PSEG. I had the plan--was paying like an extra $8.00 a month. The plan states that if anything fails, (water heater, heat, electrical, gas appliances), PSEG will come out and repair or replace for $50.00. Sounds good right? I was a sucker for it. I did it. Last year my boiler breaks down--completely breaks down--was cracked and had to be replaced. Absolutely no heat. So, I remember--"ah, Worry Free Mainteance" hey maybe this won't cost as much. I did not think the boiler would be $50.00 but I did think it would cost less than the $6000--$7000 cost I was getting from other plumbers.
So, I call PSEG--they send someone out--yes, boiler has to be replaced. They say they will have one of their plumbers install a new one for $8500.00!!! and that DID NOT include the cost of disposing of the old one. When I picked my jaw up off the floor--the plumber told me--never to have PSEG do anything--that it is cheaper and better service to call a plumber on your own. I said what about "Worry Free." He laughed.
So, I called Gateway Plumbing--they came out within a few hours--installed a new boiler and took the old one all for $6000.00
These mainteance plans are a joke--its alot like insurance--not really needed--at least for small things. Home insurance and car insurance are the law--yes I accept that--but insurance for an appliance, a TV, an ipod--don't think so.
But again to each his own
Personally, I have only had a clogged sink maybe three of four times in the twelve years I lived in my house. Those times that i had to call a plumber for a bad clog--it cost me $80.00, $100.00 respectively.
If you protect your sinks (minimize the things that drop down them, then clogged sinks will be rare) The hose from the washer should have a screen over it (which has to be regularily changed) to keep lint out of the drain--you can buy them at any hardware store for like a dollar. You can also but the rubber caps to fit over the shower and bathtub drain to prevent hair going down the sink, etc., etc.
Sewer line problems in your house are a rarity--you are more likely to have a broken pipe or a clogged sink. Sewer line problems outside the house will be taken care of by the city.
A final thought on these plans--specifically the Worry Free Maintenace" plan of PSEG. I had the plan--was paying like an extra $8.00 a month. The plan states that if anything fails, (water heater, heat, electrical, gas appliances), PSEG will come out and repair or replace for $50.00. Sounds good right? I was a sucker for it. I did it. Last year my boiler breaks down--completely breaks down--was cracked and had to be replaced. Absolutely no heat. So, I remember--"ah, Worry Free Mainteance" hey maybe this won't cost as much. I did not think the boiler would be $50.00 but I did think it would cost less than the $6000--$7000 cost I was getting from other plumbers.
So, I call PSEG--they send someone out--yes, boiler has to be replaced. They say they will have one of their plumbers install a new one for $8500.00!!! and that DID NOT include the cost of disposing of the old one. When I picked my jaw up off the floor--the plumber told me--never to have PSEG do anything--that it is cheaper and better service to call a plumber on your own. I said what about "Worry Free." He laughed.
So, I called Gateway Plumbing--they came out within a few hours--installed a new boiler and took the old one all for $6000.00
These mainteance plans are a joke--its alot like insurance--not really needed--at least for small things. Home insurance and car insurance are the law--yes I accept that--but insurance for an appliance, a TV, an ipod--don't think so.
But again to each his own
I have a PSEG maintenance contract on my boiler and water heater. Earlier this season, a water valve and spigot on the boiler literally broke off. I called PSEG. They came within an hour (granted, it was early in the season, but just one hour!), replaced the broken parts, and were done in 15 minutes. No charge. So, I'm very happy with their service and their contract.
Five months after we moved in, our water main broke. Cost about $2500 to fix. Wish I had the insurance then.
The sewer lines in a lot of our houses are old, narrow and corroded.
The sewer lines in a lot of our houses are old, narrow and corroded.
Sorielly,
The homeowner is responsible for the water line running FROM the street to your house. Many of those pipes have been in the ground for a quite some time, as Dave mentioned with regards to the sewer pipes. If you're willing to take the risk that there won't be any problems, or you can "self-insure" the $2,500+ repair, then the plans aren't for you. If that's a risk you'd rather not take, get the plan.
The homeowner is responsible for the water line running FROM the street to your house. Many of those pipes have been in the ground for a quite some time, as Dave mentioned with regards to the sewer pipes. If you're willing to take the risk that there won't be any problems, or you can "self-insure" the $2,500+ repair, then the plans aren't for you. If that's a risk you'd rather not take, get the plan.
I started a thread on this last fall called Water and Sewer Line Protection. One of the posters, a plumber, posted that the cost of repairing a broken sewer line was more like $2,000-$6,000. I've decided that I'd rather stick with the insurance coverage than run that risk.
soreilly:
There really are two schools of thought--some want insurance and protection against anything happening, so they buy the "insurance" which these companies are all too ready to sell to you. Many people buy "insurance" on refrigerators, washers, TVs, boom boxes, ipods, etc., etc. In fact a friend of mine at Best Buy told me the company highly values these mainteance plans and pushes their employees to sell them. Same at PSEG, same at American Water. This is a business for them--they're not giving you anything. Its not free. Its how they make more money. Talk to any plumber, a ruptured sewer line is a relatively rare incident. Yes, it could happen, but alot of things could happen. Of course, the companies want to tell you it is "likely" to happen because the pipes are old. Really? Well, where aren't they old?
The poster above who says the valve on the boiler that broke off was fixed for no charge is not correct. They were charged--at more than likely a higher rate then if they had not paid for the "maintenance" The reality is that as long as they have relatively small things happen, a valve, a spigot it will seem like its worth it. Once their water heater or boiler fails PSEG may still come there in an hour--but they won't be replacing or repairing it for "nothing." In fact you will be paying at least 40% ABOVE what a tradesman would charge to do the same thing--and that includes your monthly "worry free."
The PSEG plumbers will tell you exactly that.
I'm just trying to give you another side, the real side of these "maintenace plans". I don't think they're worth it. Everything that can go wrong . . . does not always go wrong. Besides, if you do the math, in the end, you are probably paying more than if you didn't have it. It seems like a little every month, but it adds up. That's the psychology behind it and that's why they work.
There really are two schools of thought--some want insurance and protection against anything happening, so they buy the "insurance" which these companies are all too ready to sell to you. Many people buy "insurance" on refrigerators, washers, TVs, boom boxes, ipods, etc., etc. In fact a friend of mine at Best Buy told me the company highly values these mainteance plans and pushes their employees to sell them. Same at PSEG, same at American Water. This is a business for them--they're not giving you anything. Its not free. Its how they make more money. Talk to any plumber, a ruptured sewer line is a relatively rare incident. Yes, it could happen, but alot of things could happen. Of course, the companies want to tell you it is "likely" to happen because the pipes are old. Really? Well, where aren't they old?
The poster above who says the valve on the boiler that broke off was fixed for no charge is not correct. They were charged--at more than likely a higher rate then if they had not paid for the "maintenance" The reality is that as long as they have relatively small things happen, a valve, a spigot it will seem like its worth it. Once their water heater or boiler fails PSEG may still come there in an hour--but they won't be replacing or repairing it for "nothing." In fact you will be paying at least 40% ABOVE what a tradesman would charge to do the same thing--and that includes your monthly "worry free."
The PSEG plumbers will tell you exactly that.
I'm just trying to give you another side, the real side of these "maintenace plans". I don't think they're worth it. Everything that can go wrong . . . does not always go wrong. Besides, if you do the math, in the end, you are probably paying more than if you didn't have it. It seems like a little every month, but it adds up. That's the psychology behind it and that's why they work.
Our water line from the house to the street burst in a few places and the water company replaced the entire line. It was a huge job. They had to dig up our entire lawn and cut our sidewalk. They are going to re-seed in the spring and they are going to fix the sidewalk too. So worth it for us.
Also--I just remembered something else. PSEG and probably American Water will not come out to your house and do any work on pipes that are wrapped in asbestos until YOU pay someone for abatement. Cost of abatement starts at about $2000.00 That was another thing I learned. Other plumbers WILL come in and work through or around asbestos covered pipes (knowing that it is not hazardous unless it is disturbed--and that most old homes have it). Since most of the homes in Maplewood due to their age, probably have asbestos, this will pose another problem when you have to deal with PSEG or American Water.
Again, you have to be your own judge--I hope I have helped you, soreilly. When someone, anyone tells you, "just pay this amount, and we'll cover everything at little or no cost to you" be sure to run the other way.
Good luck
Again, you have to be your own judge--I hope I have helped you, soreilly. When someone, anyone tells you, "just pay this amount, and we'll cover everything at little or no cost to you" be sure to run the other way.
Good luck
Many houses in SO and MW (and other towns in the area) have water service pipes and sewer lines over sixty years old. The "insurance" (actually a service contract) makes sense if you don't know how old your services are or you know they are old.
The caveat is that one of our plumber posters indicated that the water company will sometimes try to repair a leak, instead of replacing the old line, which is a little like the Dutch Boy and the dyke.
The caveat is that one of our plumber posters indicated that the water company will sometimes try to repair a leak, instead of replacing the old line, which is a little like the Dutch Boy and the dyke.
TomB, some of the things you are saying is simply wrong....actually not simply wrong, but grossly wrong.
I think if you ask around your block, you will learn most blocks have 2,3, 4 homes in the past year with pipe breaks from their house, to the street. You are responsible for this, not the town.
Ours burst in November. Back-hoes, diggers, etc etc came, dug out the yard, repaired/replaced, not one question asked. Completed it within 3 days. Not one bill. We had the insurance. Our gas line burst two months later...PSEG is responsible for those pipes.
The reason I signed up for the plan was because our friends up the street had their pipes burst, and they spent $10,000, and are in a fight with their home-owners insurance (something about an omitted clause). Took them 2 weeks to get the contractor to address it. Scared me enough to get the insurance.
I am of the belief that all of our pipes were installed the same time, so if mine burst, yours will soon enough. But thats my opinion....yours to decide.
I think if you ask around your block, you will learn most blocks have 2,3, 4 homes in the past year with pipe breaks from their house, to the street. You are responsible for this, not the town.
Ours burst in November. Back-hoes, diggers, etc etc came, dug out the yard, repaired/replaced, not one question asked. Completed it within 3 days. Not one bill. We had the insurance. Our gas line burst two months later...PSEG is responsible for those pipes.
The reason I signed up for the plan was because our friends up the street had their pipes burst, and they spent $10,000, and are in a fight with their home-owners insurance (something about an omitted clause). Took them 2 weeks to get the contractor to address it. Scared me enough to get the insurance.
I am of the belief that all of our pipes were installed the same time, so if mine burst, yours will soon enough. But thats my opinion....yours to decide.
DH:
you say: I think if you ask around your block, you will learn most blocks have 2,3, 4 homes in the past year with pipe breaks from their house, to the street.
Well, actually now you are grossly wrong--or actually grossly exagerating to instill fear and drive home a point. I cannot speak for everywhere in town, but I do know on the long block on which I live, there have NOT been 2, 3, 4 breaks of the main leading from the home to the street in the past year or even the past two years. Beyond that, I don't know. I am part of the neighborhood association so I know personally most of the people on my block. The others I don't know are known within the circle of friends in the neighborhood association and I have not heard of the break of a main on my block within the last year, or for that matter, 2, 3, 4.
I don't know what is wrong with my post--everything I have stated is accurate--asbestos covered pipes will NOT be touched by PSEG or American water until YOU remove it, that's a fact. PSEG "Worry Free" mainetenace even though they say it covers appliances--DOES NOT fully cover or even partially cover a water heater or burner that craps out. YOU are responsible for that TOTAL COST. That's a fact. Last year, we had trouble with a gas pipe that had to be looked at by PSEG. Worry Free did not cover it. that's a fact. Furthermore, the plumbers that work for PSEG have prices that are 40% ABOVE the average cost of a hired plumber. That's a fact. There own plumbers will tell you to shop around--you will get better rates. We did and hired Gateway. That's a fact.
Insurance works on fear and granted some insurance--home, car, medical are necessary and important.
The fact that your pipes broke in your house does not in any way mean that all of the pipes in town are on the verge of breaking.
Reminds me of what American Water told people would happen last year after they raised the pipes out of the street to flush them clean. Remember that? They were telling people that once they did this--the water pressure would be so strong it would "blow the fixtures off sinks, tubs, etc." LOL
Instead, since they have done this--the water pressure has slightly decreased.
These companies love people that they can instill fear in. Some car mechanics do it all the time. if you go to Circuit City--and purchase a digital camera or ipod--try and get out of the store without a sales rep trying to sell you an insurance plan--because of what might happen to your ipod.
Its an added revenue stream for the company. You are not getting anything for free--and if nothing does happen--you are out the money. Maybe you feel like it was free because they came and fixed your water main--but I can assure it was not.
you say: I think if you ask around your block, you will learn most blocks have 2,3, 4 homes in the past year with pipe breaks from their house, to the street.
Well, actually now you are grossly wrong--or actually grossly exagerating to instill fear and drive home a point. I cannot speak for everywhere in town, but I do know on the long block on which I live, there have NOT been 2, 3, 4 breaks of the main leading from the home to the street in the past year or even the past two years. Beyond that, I don't know. I am part of the neighborhood association so I know personally most of the people on my block. The others I don't know are known within the circle of friends in the neighborhood association and I have not heard of the break of a main on my block within the last year, or for that matter, 2, 3, 4.
I don't know what is wrong with my post--everything I have stated is accurate--asbestos covered pipes will NOT be touched by PSEG or American water until YOU remove it, that's a fact. PSEG "Worry Free" mainetenace even though they say it covers appliances--DOES NOT fully cover or even partially cover a water heater or burner that craps out. YOU are responsible for that TOTAL COST. That's a fact. Last year, we had trouble with a gas pipe that had to be looked at by PSEG. Worry Free did not cover it. that's a fact. Furthermore, the plumbers that work for PSEG have prices that are 40% ABOVE the average cost of a hired plumber. That's a fact. There own plumbers will tell you to shop around--you will get better rates. We did and hired Gateway. That's a fact.
Insurance works on fear and granted some insurance--home, car, medical are necessary and important.
The fact that your pipes broke in your house does not in any way mean that all of the pipes in town are on the verge of breaking.
Reminds me of what American Water told people would happen last year after they raised the pipes out of the street to flush them clean. Remember that? They were telling people that once they did this--the water pressure would be so strong it would "blow the fixtures off sinks, tubs, etc." LOL
Instead, since they have done this--the water pressure has slightly decreased.
These companies love people that they can instill fear in. Some car mechanics do it all the time. if you go to Circuit City--and purchase a digital camera or ipod--try and get out of the store without a sales rep trying to sell you an insurance plan--because of what might happen to your ipod.
Its an added revenue stream for the company. You are not getting anything for free--and if nothing does happen--you are out the money. Maybe you feel like it was free because they came and fixed your water main--but I can assure it was not.
Look around our streets. Where you see ice next to the curb may be a sign that there is a leak in the water pipe that leads to the house. Eventually the homeowner will need to fix that pipe. DH's story sounds exactly like the experience of our next door neighbor--the insurance covered the fix and then the fix to the gas line--all during one of the coldest periods we have had in a long time.
We didn't have the insurance when our pipe failed--had to pay about $1,500 to get it fixed and would highly recommend the company that fixed it.
We didn't have the insurance when our pipe failed--had to pay about $1,500 to get it fixed and would highly recommend the company that fixed it.
I've been wondering about all the ice on the streets - I thought that ice is from people's basement pumps though.
Jan 29, 2008 at 4:15am Edited
Posted By: TigerLillyI've been wondering about all the ice on the streets - I thought that ice is from people's basement pumps though.
That is everyone's sump pump doing their job. If it was leaky pipes, we'd be swimming in the streets.
Jan 29, 2008 at 5:57am Edited
soreilly-
I also shun every type of add-on "buyer protection", "extended warranty" "worry free whatever"-
EXCEPT the American Water insurance plan. It's the only one I buy.
TomB says that problems are rare- that may be- but when you have one, it's a whopper. I also have friends (read: more than one) who have gone through this the hard way. It can be a 5-figure job, depending on complications. They also cover sewer line clogs- I practice every preventative TomB describes, but still needed $575 on Labor Day to get it cleared.
I just signed up last December after living in my Maplewood home since 1997.
To me it's statistical:
So I've been "uninsured" for 11 years, my house is 80 years old, and I don't know how old the line is- perhaps 80 as well.
I may end up living in my house another 20 years, and at this point I'm simply betting that a system that old is going to have problems before I move (or croak).
My plan is $12/month. At $144/year, in 20 years I'll pay about $2880 to insure replacement (and surely another clog two) which will be a fraction of the total cost of a major job. Just a calculated risk. And maybe I lose- but I pick my spots with this stuff, and this is one of them.
I don't think it's a scam...it's just...insurance.
I recommend it.
I also shun every type of add-on "buyer protection", "extended warranty" "worry free whatever"-
EXCEPT the American Water insurance plan. It's the only one I buy.
TomB says that problems are rare- that may be- but when you have one, it's a whopper. I also have friends (read: more than one) who have gone through this the hard way. It can be a 5-figure job, depending on complications. They also cover sewer line clogs- I practice every preventative TomB describes, but still needed $575 on Labor Day to get it cleared.
I just signed up last December after living in my Maplewood home since 1997.
To me it's statistical:
So I've been "uninsured" for 11 years, my house is 80 years old, and I don't know how old the line is- perhaps 80 as well.
I may end up living in my house another 20 years, and at this point I'm simply betting that a system that old is going to have problems before I move (or croak).
My plan is $12/month. At $144/year, in 20 years I'll pay about $2880 to insure replacement (and surely another clog two) which will be a fraction of the total cost of a major job. Just a calculated risk. And maybe I lose- but I pick my spots with this stuff, and this is one of them.
I don't think it's a scam...it's just...insurance.
I recommend it.
The PSE&G plan doesn't cover everything for sure. However, they do show up within hours when you have a problem. Last year we had them out twice for our hot water boiler. Once the thermocouple had burned out and it was fixed under the plan. The second time the coupler on the circulating pump broke and it was repaired on the spot. If the pump had gone they wouldn't cover that. This is a six or seven hundred dollar repair. Both times we called them a service tech was at our house within three or four hours on a weekend.
Water and sewer line protection is imho a good idea with an old house. The line from the main to your house is galvanized steel, or maybe even lead. Both are living on life support if they are over 50 years old. If you live in a new house take your chances. If you live in an old house take Drew's advise.
Nothing is certain in life except death, taxes and a broken water line. :angry:
Water and sewer line protection is imho a good idea with an old house. The line from the main to your house is galvanized steel, or maybe even lead. Both are living on life support if they are over 50 years old. If you live in a new house take your chances. If you live in an old house take Drew's advise.
Nothing is certain in life except death, taxes and a broken water line. :angry:
Jan 29, 2008 at 2:56pm Edited
Posted By: TomBSewer line problems in your house are a rarity--you are more likely to have a broken pipe or a clogged sink. Sewer line problems outside the house will be taken care of by the city.
TomTom....where to begin....first, you are clearly confusing your concerns (albeit well intententioned, I believed) among various insurance options we are frequently provided. Secondly, I'll reiterate that your facts are wrong. I won't go through all of them, because it's serious thread drift, and I'm not picking a fight, but the poster above posted a serious question and deserves factual responses. Second, you come off as quite paranoid....are you that way in real life?
Your post above is wrong. First, Sewer line problems are quite common in this town. Secondly, you absolutely are responsible for sewer line problems outside of the house....straight to the curb, my friendly neighbor. The rest of your posts are revolving around PSEG's Worry Free service which has nothing to do with the American Water sewer line protection, NOR does it have anything to do with Asbestos on Pipes (Asbestos addresses the insulation on the INSIDE of your home), nor does it have anything to do with ANYTHING on ANY PIPE inside of your house.
Finally, while not in this quote above, I'll have to say that if you think Gateway is 20-30% less than ANY PLUMBER ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET, you haven't shopped around. We've used them a bunch, and Gateway's a great service, but they are not cheap, and I think they'll tell you that outright if you ask!!!
Are we overinsured and is insurance a suckers game? Thats a discussion we can have in Soapbox or Finance Topic. Discussing it here does nothing to help Soreilly make a decision.
DH:
You know this makes me laugh--you tell me I am not straight with the facts and then you turn the facts around again to fit your argument.
First--soreilly asked about a Water service contract. Is it worth it? I say no. I make a comparasion to PSEG service contract which is similiar to American Waters, because I have had a bad experience with it. Turns out PSEG's contract only covers very small fixes, not major fixes--like they say it does. But I agree with you--PSEG has nothing to do with American Water, so I'll let that go. Also asbestos has nothing to do with this argument, you're right. Let go.
You have taken an exercept from my first post here weeks ago--in which I said that mains going to the curb are the town's responsibility--that was an error on my part--they are the responsibility of the homeowner.
You say sewer line problems are quite common in this town--based on what? What does that mean, quite common. Do you think its as high as 30%? You can't say quite common without providing facts. Just because it happened to your friends--doesn't make it "quite common." Consequently, my friends never had it--does that mean it never happens. Your argument is flawed. Yesterday, you said there were 2,3,4 cases of main breaks going from the home to the street on my block. I can tell you that is flat out wrong, wrong, wrong. Are they quite common? I don't think so. Do they happen? Of course. And when they happen, yes they can be costly. But, I would hazard a guess that it is statistically comparable to anything else that goes wrong (roof damage to winds or due to age, a leaking oil tank, a cracked water heater, cracks in the foundation, termites, etc., etc.)
Finally, read my above post fully--I never said Gateway is 20-30% lower than any other plumber. I made this statement because I was talking about PSEG and how their "Worry Free contract" sends over plumbers who charge more than 40% ABOVE what any other plumber charges. PSEG plumbers themselves tell you that. If you need major work done in your house--water heater, boiler and you use one of their plumbers--their cost will be 40% ABOVE what you would have gotten had you opened the yellow pages or, as in our case called Gateway. The only comparasion was between Gateway AND PSEG, not Gateway and the world.
C'mon--read the post fully, my friend. These arguments are silly.
As for being paranoid--not in the least. It is your choice to add on these insurances and if it makes you feel secure--hey, this is America, go for it.
Just don't make it appear that these issues are so common as to be happening 2,3,4 times on every block on any given day. That's ridiculous . . . and most importantly, not accurate.
The bottom line is--purchase the insurance if you feel its important. If someone asks my opinion I will say no--you can probably do without it.
You know this makes me laugh--you tell me I am not straight with the facts and then you turn the facts around again to fit your argument.
First--soreilly asked about a Water service contract. Is it worth it? I say no. I make a comparasion to PSEG service contract which is similiar to American Waters, because I have had a bad experience with it. Turns out PSEG's contract only covers very small fixes, not major fixes--like they say it does. But I agree with you--PSEG has nothing to do with American Water, so I'll let that go. Also asbestos has nothing to do with this argument, you're right. Let go.
You have taken an exercept from my first post here weeks ago--in which I said that mains going to the curb are the town's responsibility--that was an error on my part--they are the responsibility of the homeowner.
You say sewer line problems are quite common in this town--based on what? What does that mean, quite common. Do you think its as high as 30%? You can't say quite common without providing facts. Just because it happened to your friends--doesn't make it "quite common." Consequently, my friends never had it--does that mean it never happens. Your argument is flawed. Yesterday, you said there were 2,3,4 cases of main breaks going from the home to the street on my block. I can tell you that is flat out wrong, wrong, wrong. Are they quite common? I don't think so. Do they happen? Of course. And when they happen, yes they can be costly. But, I would hazard a guess that it is statistically comparable to anything else that goes wrong (roof damage to winds or due to age, a leaking oil tank, a cracked water heater, cracks in the foundation, termites, etc., etc.)
Finally, read my above post fully--I never said Gateway is 20-30% lower than any other plumber. I made this statement because I was talking about PSEG and how their "Worry Free contract" sends over plumbers who charge more than 40% ABOVE what any other plumber charges. PSEG plumbers themselves tell you that. If you need major work done in your house--water heater, boiler and you use one of their plumbers--their cost will be 40% ABOVE what you would have gotten had you opened the yellow pages or, as in our case called Gateway. The only comparasion was between Gateway AND PSEG, not Gateway and the world.
C'mon--read the post fully, my friend. These arguments are silly.
As for being paranoid--not in the least. It is your choice to add on these insurances and if it makes you feel secure--hey, this is America, go for it.
Just don't make it appear that these issues are so common as to be happening 2,3,4 times on every block on any given day. That's ridiculous . . . and most importantly, not accurate.
The bottom line is--purchase the insurance if you feel its important. If someone asks my opinion I will say no--you can probably do without it.
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We received an "Invitation" from American Water Resources to enroll in their water/sewer line insurance. Have any of you enrolled? If so, is it worth the money?? Or is it a complete waste of money?