Did you know?
Water and sewer service lines connect a homeowner's property to the Town's water and wastewater systems. Homeowner's are responsible for repairs to the portion of water and sewer service lines 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 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, number and species of nearby trees.
While not typically covered by basic homeowner's 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 con firm if coverage is offered as an add on.
Residents may also consider coverage from an external service plan provider.
Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC)
The Town of Bancroft has partnered with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC), an independent company, to offer eligible homeowner's
optional repair plans which can help protect residents against potentially expensive emergency repairs to water/well service lines or sewer/septic lines on their private property. The partnership 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.
Participation is
optional and
voluntary for homeowner's. The program is solely managed by SLWC and uses no public funds. Residents will not be solicited in person or by phone. A homeowner who chooses to enroll in this program should do so with the knowledge that the Town of Bancroft in no way warrants or is liable for the work or performance of SLWC.
Residents who choose to sign up for a plan have access to these benefits:
• A repair hotline available 24/7, 365 days a year
• Pay $0 for covered repairs up to a benefit amount
• Repairs performed by an insured and licensed plumber
• One-year guarantee on covered repairs
Plans available in the Town of Bancroft:
• Exterior Water Service Line coverage - $5.00 per month + any applicable taxes
• Exterior Sewer/Septic Line coverage - $7.25 per month + any applicable taxes
• Interior Plumbing and Drainage Coverage - $6.50 per month + any applicable taxes
For more information:
• Click here: visit
SLWC PLANS
• Toll-free phone number: 1-844-616-8444
• Ask SLWC a question: email
[email protected]
• Or to learn more on how this partnership works, please view this video:
HOW THE PARTNERSHIP WORKS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Who is SLWC?
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 70 municipalities across Ontario.
How is the SLWC program advertised?
SLWC occasionally sends letters directly to residents with information on homeowner responsibility and information on their available plans. The envelopes will include the SLWC logo and the Town logo to verify this is a legitimate and vetted program. SLWC will never solicit in person or by phone. SLWC plans are 100% optional.
How can I stop getting mail from SLWC?
To be removed from future mailings, contact SLWC directly at the email
[email protected].
Why did Bancroft partner with SLWC?
There are several benefits the voluntary SLWC program brings to Bancroft 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 Town of
Bancroft.
• Assuring the Town of Bancroft that all repairs are performed to code and that all appropriate permitting is pulled.
• Reducing expense to property owners and the Town of Bancroft 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 Municipality. Timely sewer/septic line repairs also minimize wastewater pollution, helping the environment.
• Resulting in fewer calls and involvement of Town of Bancroft personnel regarding infrastructure that is the responsibility of property owners saves overall taxpayers money.
Doesn't my homeowner's insurance already cover these repairs?
Typically, no. Most homeowner's are surprised to learn that they are responsible for the repair and replacement of broken or leaking utility lines on their property. While most basic homeowner's policies will pay to repair the damage created by failed utility lines, they typically do not cover the cost of the repair of the line itself. SLWC encourages residents to call their insurance company to determine their actual coverage.
Does this coverage include well or septic lines?
Yes, coverage provides for repair or replacement of well and septic lines. It does not include septic tanks or any other type of collection bank.
Why does SLWC use the Town of Bancroft logo in its marketing materials?
The Town of Bancroft allows SLWC to use its logo in communications to indicate that there is a formal relationship in place and to let residents know that the offering is legitimate, it is for the residents' benefit and has the approval of the Town of Bancroft. All mailings SLWC sends to Bancroft residents are first reviews and approved by Bancroft staff prior to use.
SLWC is committed to transparency in all its communications. All SLWC materials clearly state that the services the company offers are voluntary and that they are offered by SLWC, a private company that is separate from the Town of Bancroft.