There are a lot of property risks to keep in mind if you’re a homeowner. But have you thought about the ones that might be lurking under your property?As a homeowner, underground service lines that run from your home to the property line are your responsibility to maintain. It’s easy for an incident, or general wear and tear, to eventually result in some unforeseen expenses.

Underground service lines coverage is typically not included in a standard homeowners policy. Utility companies may offer coverage, but these options can be costly and might only cover one utility line, as opposed to everything running under your property.

Hold the Line

Some examples of underground service and utility lines include:

• Water, sewer and drainage pipes
• Electric, telephone, internet and cable wires
• Natural gas lines

A lot can happen to utility lines underneath your property. A tree root could grow through a water pipe, causing a leak and higher bills until it is repaired. Freezing pipes, damage from animals, an artificial electric current and even just the repeated weight of vehicles pressing down on the ground can all cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Root Out Your Risk

Regardless of how the damage may occur, repairs can be costly. Fixing a water lateral is less simple than just repairing the pipe itself. As a homeowner without service line coverage, you may be responsible for expenses related to digging up your driveway, sidewalk or landscaping to reach the line, as well as repairing and replacing everything.

Underground service lines coverage may also cover hotels, meals and other living expenses should you be forced to leave your home while repairs are done. Take the necessary steps to protect your property and your wallet. Contact James L. Smith Insurance and ask about adding underground service lines coverage to your home.