Service Line Warranty Program - Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC)

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The City's endorsement with SLWC

The City of Ottawa has endorsed Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) to offer Ottawa homeowners protection plans to help cover repair costs associated with their portion of water service and sewer/septic lines. SLWC is solely responsible for the administration of the program and participation is optional and voluntary for Ottawa homeowners.

Water and sewer service lines connect a homeowner’s property to the City’s water and wastewater systems. Homeowners are responsible for repairs to the portion of water and sewer service lines, including the stormwater sewer service line, located on their property. If a leak, break or clog occurs in the private portion of these lines, the homeowner is responsible for hiring a plumber and paying any of the associated repair costs.

The graphic shows a home connected to the City’s water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems, along with connections to interior plumbing and drainage lines. It also identifies the homeowner’s responsibility by indicating the division between public and private property. Generally, the division is located at the property line; however, for water services the division is located at the service isolation valve.

As public infrastructure ages so does the private portion of water and sewer service lines on a homeowner’s property. Water and sewer/septic service lines are subject to changing soil conditions, ground shifting, corrosion and especially to the cold temperatures we typically see during Ottawa’s winters.

Repairs to private water and sewer/septic service lines are not typically covered by basic homeowners’ insurance and are not the City’s responsibility. Repair or replacement can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the nature of the work required. The City’s collaboration with SLWC provides a way to increase a homeowner’s awareness of their responsibility for these costs, while offering an optional solution for those who would like to participate.

SLWC is an accredited Better Business Bureau organization and is solely responsible for the administration of the program. SLWC specializes in providing home repairs using local, licensed and insured plumbers to make any necessary repairs.

Contact SLWC at 1-844-958-0069 or visit plansforottawa.ca to enroll or to learn more about the program.