April 15, 2025

Water service line protection available for City of Newton homeowners

By Newton News
The City of Newton claims the Iowa Legislature's property tax law penalizes communities with less growth than communities who have been experiencing massive amounts of growth.

The City of Newton has partnered with Service Line Warranties of America and is making residents aware of protection available for the water service lines that connect their homes to the utility systems. (Christopher Braunschweig)

The City of Newton has partnered with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) to educate residents about their service line responsibilities and offer protection for the water service lines that connect their homes to the utility systems. Coverage is voluntary and available at an affordable monthly price.

“Many residents are not aware that damage to the service lines on their property is their responsibility to repair,” Jody Rhone, utilities director for the City of Newton, said. “In the event of a service line repair emergency, the resident is responsible for scheduling the repair and covering the associated cost. As homes age, along with the infrastructure serving them, SLWA repair plans offer an optional solution for residents so they may be prepared for this kind of surprise repair.”

The SLWA Service Line Warranty Program protects against repairs needed to the pipes on homeowners’ property. These repairs are not covered under basic homeowners’ insurance or by the municipality. In the event a customer’s water service line needs a repair, a simple call to the SLWA 24-hour hotline will dispatch a local licensed contractor familiar with local code. There are no service fees or deductibles, and the repair is guaranteed for one year.

This program is voluntary for homeowners, at no cost to the City of Newton, and no public funds are used to promote or administer the program.

“Our service plan not only covers the cost of the repair; it also provides homeowners with reputable, local contractors who will do the best possible job,” Tom Rusin, Global CEO of SLWA parent HomeServe Membership, said. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the City of Newton and look forward to the opportunity to provide homeowners with the assistance they need when faced with a home repair emergency.”

Founded in 2003, SLWA has partnered with more than 850 leading cities and municipalities in the U.S. to provide repair service plans that offer peace of mind and convenience to homeowners. SLWA has been recognized as the nation’s largest and most trusted source of utility line plans endorsed by the National League of Cities. The company is committed to delivering an excellent customer service experience and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

For questions about this service or to enroll, contact SLWA at 866-922-9006 or visit www.slwofa.com.