[RP TownTalk] WSSC Water Line with Homeserve

[Sarah Wayland]

Hi Andrew,

I posted a letter to TownTalk about this a few weeks back. I'm reposting
below so you don't have to dig through the archives to find it...

I don't have any more updates from Fred Werth, but did see this Better
Business Bureau listing:
https://www.bbb.org/connecticut/business-reviews/water-and-sewer-line-protection/homeserve-usa-corp-in-norwalk-ct-87067998,
listing an A+ rating, but then the reviews are 76% negative....

I'm not planning to purchase the coverage, but we did just have to replace
our line a few years ago, so I don't think we would benefit from coverage.

-Sarah

--- Earlier message ---

I just saw this message on the HOPE listserv from local plumber Fred Werth,
and found it interesting (especially in light of the fact that I received
the referenced letter from HomeServe in the mail last week, and was
considering purchasing the warranty).

We had to replace the water line from our house to our meter (at the curb)
a few years ago - it was CRAZY expensive. Now my neighbors across the
street are having to do it as well.

-Sarah

1. HomeServe letter
    Posted by: "Fred Werth" mystical.plumber at comcast.net
    Date: Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:09 pm ((PST))



I am sending this to you because I wrote this to my list serve in
University Park because a person I know was confused about the letter she
received in a WSSC envelope and the letter heading had WSSC on the letter
heading.

The letter proceeded to speak about HomeServe warranty service and the
costs.

Most of my work as a plumber is not what HomeServe is in business for.

Since I sent this out a person suggested that UP start our own fund the
community could pay into. We have 980 house so when you take the amount
HomeServe wants per year we could run the program.

Hope this helps.

Warmly, Fred Werth



On Sun, Dec 11, 2016 at 2:54 PM, Fred Werth <mystical.plumber at comcast.net
<mailto:mystical.plumber at comcast.net> > wrote:

HomeServe warranty states that they can repair the water or sewer line 10
times before they must replace it. This does not include landscaping such
as grass seed. They only must do the backfilling of hole or ditch if
replaced.

I was told by a rep. of WSSC that the reason they did this was WSSC was not
liked by the rate payers and that this would be setting up a fund for less
fortunate individuals to be able to use the money for the repairs or
replacement. The fund would cap out at $300,000. Depending on how many
households signup.

We in the associations have many questions.

Such as


   - Who administers the fund and makes decisions as to who can use it?
   - What happens to this money if WSSC terminates HomeServe contract?
   - Why did WSSC not put this out to bid since there are many warranty
   companies?
   - Why does HomeServe use WSSC logo’s for their letters? Misleading as to
   most individuals think WSSC is running the program.
   - What is the quality control? We know that any work done by them must
   have a WSSC permit and inspection.
   - My expectation of their work and I mean HomeServe subcontractors is
   only the minimum plus looking to charge for anything else as extras.


This is only a few of the questions we have for them.

WSSC Master Plumbers Association with DC Master Plumbers Association have a
meeting with WSSC and HomeServe the 19th at WSSC.

Please contact your council members and ask them if they are going to it.

At present Marc Elrich at large council member from Montgomery County has
agreed to be there.

I am on the board of both associations and will be at the meeting with WSSC
and HomeServe.

After the meeting I will update on the list serve.

I hope this is helpful. Please read the fine print and do the research
worldwide as to this company.

Warmly, Fred Werth



Sarah Wayland, Ph.D. | www.GuidingExceptionalParents.com
<http://www.guidingexceptionalparents.com/>
Supporting students with learning differences & their families

*Raising a Challenging Child?*
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<http://guidingexceptionalparents.com/Presentations.html#OxygenMask>:
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