The following excerpts are taken from The City of Ottawa news updates.

Ottawa residents can expect letters from Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) to reach their mailboxes in the coming weeks. The letters will provide homeowners with detailed information related to the optional and voluntary Service Line Warranties program, including coverage options and the enrollment process for interested residents.

Water and sewer/septic service lines, including the stormwater sewer line, connect a homeowner’s property to the City’s water and wastewater systems. Homeowners are responsible for repairs to the portion of the 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 and paying any of the associated repair costs.

The City of Ottawa is endorsing the SLWC program to offer Ottawa homeowners voluntary and optional protection plans to assist in the costs of possible future repairs. This warranties program will help address issues such as unpredictable failure, aging infrastructure and the high cost of repair. The letters from SLWC are being mailed in phases and will reach the mailboxes of all eligible residents by mid-summer.

Did you know?

• Ottawa is one of 79 municipalities endorsing the SLWC program.

• Repair or replacement can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the nature of the work required.

• SLWC provides 24/7/365 customer service, including weekends and holidays, to support homeowners in the event of an emergency.

For more information about the Service Line Warranties program, visit ottawa.ca/slwp and check out the frequently asked questions to see if this program is right for you.