Water and Sewer Service Lines
Township and homeowners share ownership of and responsibility for the repair and maintenance of water and sewer service lines that connect a homeowner’s property to the Township’s water and wastewater systems.
The Township maintains the water and wastewater service lines from the watermain up until the homeowner’s property line.
Homeowners are responsible for repairs to the portion of the water and sewer service lines located on their property. If a leak, break or operational failure occurs in the private portion of these lines, the homeowner is responsible for hiring a plumber or contractor and paying any of the associated repair costs. A breakdown to these lines could happen without warning resulting in an unexpected and costly emergency repair. The lifespan of a service line depends on many factors including construction material, soil conditions and use and the location. Sewer lines can also be affected by the number and species of nearby trees.
While not typically covered by basic homeowners’ insurance, residents are encouraged to check with their current provider to find out what their coverage is in this area, and to arm themselves with information such as deductible amounts and exclusions or confirm if coverage is offered as an add on.
The Township has also entered into an agreement with a third-party provider to offer residents optional repair plans they can choose to sign up for.
Optional Service Line Protection
The Township of Terrace Bay has partnered with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC), an independent company, to offer eligible homeowners access to optional repair plans for service lines on private property.
These plans may help protect homeowners from unexpected repair costs related to:
- Exterior water service lines
- Exterior sewer/septic lines
- Interior plumbing and drainage
Participation in this program is completely voluntary. The program is managed by SLWC and uses no public funds.
Residents will not be solicited in person or by phone.
Program Benefits
Residents who choose to enroll in an SLWC plan may have access to:
- A repair hotline available 24/7, 365 days a year
- No deductible for covered repairs, up to the benefit amount
- Repairs completed by insured and licensed plumbers
- A one-year guarantee on covered repairs
- The ability to cancel at any time
Before You Enroll
Residents are encouraged to review their existing homeowner’s insurance policy before considering optional coverage.
Some insurance providers may offer service line coverage as an add-on or endorsement. Residents should confirm their existing coverage, deductible amounts, exclusions, and whether additional protection is already available through their insurance provider.
Learn More or Enroll
For more information about the optional Service Line Warranty Program, please contact SLWC directly:
Phone: 1-866-922-9004
Website: www.slwofc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Service Line Warranty of Canada (SLWC)?
Service Line Warranty of Canada (SLWC) is an independent company, separate from your local utility or community. SLWC is partnered with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and plans are available in over 80 municipalities across Canada.
SLWC has saved Canadian homeowners $18 million on 34,000 repairs (based on savings from Canadian homeowners with a plan from SLWC, from January 2015 to April 2026).
Why did the Township of Terrace Bay partner with SLWC?
There are several benefits the voluntary SLWC program brings to Township of Terrace Bay and its residents, including:
- Educating residential property owners about their responsibilities for the maintenance, repair and replacement of water service and sewer lines (portion from their homes to the property line) – at no cost to the Township.
- Assuring the Township that all repairs are performed to code and that all appropriate permitting is pulled.
- Reducing expense to property owners and the Township because the service plans encourage residents to report exterior water service and sewer/septic leaks in a timely manner. Timely exterior water service line repairs conserve water and reduce water loss for the Township. Timely sewer/septic line repairs also help minimize wastewater pollution.
- Resulting in fewer calls and involvement of Township personnel regarding infrastructure that is the responsibility of property owners helps save overall taxpayers money.
Is participation mandatory?
No. Participation is completely voluntary.
Residents are not required to enroll in any SLWC plan. The decision to participate is up to each individual property owner
Is this program run by the Township of Terrace Bay?
No. The program is administered by Service Line Warranty of Canada (SLWC).
The Township has entered into a partnership with SLWC to make the optional program available to eligible homeowners, but SLWC is responsible for enrollment, billing, service calls, contractors, and claims related to the plans.
Will residents be contacted in person or by phone?
No. Residents will not be solicited in person or by phone.
Information may be provided by mail and through Township communication channels so residents can review the program and decide whether they are interested.
Why is the Township logo used on SLWC materials?
The Township permits Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) to use the Township logo to show that a formal partnership is in place and to help residents recognize that the program is legitimate.
All program materials should clearly state that participation is voluntary and that SLWC is an independent company, separate from the Township of Terrace Bay.
What can happen to service lines?
Buried underground, exterior lines can be vulnerable to many factors which may lead to an unexpected breakdown. Your lines may weaken, break, may be susceptible to freezing temperatures, and corrosion, and sewer lines may become blocked due to tree roots.
Doesn't my homeowners insurance already cover these repairs?
Typically, most basic homeowners insurance does not cover repairs from normal wear and tear. Most homeowners are surprised to learn that the repair and replacement of broken or leaking utility lines on their property from normal wear and tear is usually not covered on basic homeowners insurance policies.
While most basic homeowners policies will pay to repair the damage created by failed utility lines (such as floor damage from a water leak), they typically do not cover the cost of the repair of the line itself when damaged from normal wear and tear.
Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) and the Township of Terrace Bay encourages residents to call their insurance company to determine their actual coverage.
What is the difference between a plan from SLWC and Insurance Coverage?
A plan from Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) is a service plan on the water and or sewer lines themselves and covers repairs due to normal wear and tear, including frozen lines and tree roots that break through a sewer line.
Plans have no deductible, but rather plans include covered repairs up to a benefit limit (with multiple service calls annually).
Plans from Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) also arrange for a licensed and insured contractor to perform any necessary work.
Does coverage include well or septic lines?
Yes. According to Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) coverage provides for repair or replacement of well and septic lines. It does not include Septic tanks or any other type of collection tank.
How can I stop receiving mail from SLWC?
Residents who wish to be removed from future Service Lines Warranty of Canada (SLWC) mailings can contact SLWC directly by email at:
Please include your name and full mailing address when requesting removal.