{"id":3474,"date":"2018-01-29T19:31:37","date_gmt":"2018-01-29T19:31:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/server.trenchlessmarketing.com\/~inhouseplumbingc\/?p=3474"},"modified":"2018-01-29T19:31:37","modified_gmt":"2018-01-29T19:31:37","slug":"plumbing-pipe-protection-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bigwesttemp.com\/inhouseplumbing\/plumbing-pipe-protection-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Plumbing Pipe Protection Plans Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recently we performed a\u00a0sewer leak isolation test<\/a>\u00a0at a home in Plano. With our test we found two leaks, both in a Jack and Jill bathroom near the front of the house. One leak was at the tub and the other at the toilet. We then gave the homeowner an estimate based on our results.<\/p>\n

About a week later we got a call from the homeowner. Turns out he had been paying a small yearly fee to a company that provides a plumbing pipe protection program.<\/p>\n

This company is not in any way related or connected to his homeowner\u2019s insurance policy, and it is not insurance. It\u2019s a separate company that offers a plan that covers his under slab pipes kind of like a warranty.<\/p>\n

When the homeowner called to find out if the repairs we recommended were covered by his plan, they sent a plumbing company to verify our findings. The plumber performed a sewer camera inspection and said there were no leaks but there were roots in the area where we found the leaks. And because roots in the pipes are a maintenance issue, it is not covered by his plan.<\/p>\n

So of course, the homeowner called us back confused and wondering who was telling the truth.<\/p>\n

What We Know About Sewer Camera Inspections<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve followed our blog for any amount of time, you know how we feel about\u00a0sewer camera inspections<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In short, sewer cameras can\u2019t locate leaks.<\/p>\n

In fact, we feel so strongly about this, it bears repeating. You cannot use a sewer camera to determine if there is a leak or to locate leaks. The only way to determine if you have a leak is with a\u00a0hydrostatic sewer leak test<\/a>. And the only way to find a leak or leaks is with a sewer leak isolation test.<\/p>\n

Leak or No Leak?<\/h2>\n

So the company offering the pipe protection coverage, who gets a nominal yearly fee, sent a plumber out to verify our findings. And the plumber from the other company didn\u2019t find any leaks when we found two.<\/p>\n

There could be a few possibilities for this:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The plumber from the other plumbing company inaccurately believes (as many do) that a sewer camera inspection is the right way to find sewer leaks<\/li>\n
  2. Under slab repair is expensive so the coverage company will find any way they can to not have to pay for the repairs<\/li>\n
  3. Our test was wrong<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As to the first two, that\u2019s speculation and we can\u2019t really say.<\/p>\n

    But consider the fact that the other plumber said there were roots in the line. How would roots from outside of the sewer line get inside the pipe? There would have to be a be a break in the line. And what causes a leak? A break in the line.<\/p>\n

    In-House Company Values<\/h2>\n

    Regarding the third possibility this is what we can say.<\/p>\n

    First and foremost, honesty and integrity in everything we do is of the utmost importance. After working for dishonest business owners in the past, Shawn started In-House with a commitment to run an honest company.<\/p>\n

    \"\" Shawn spoke with the homeowner on the phone for about 30 minutes to better understand what happened and discuss the homeowner\u2019s concerns.<\/p>\n

    After explaining why it\u2019s impossible to find a sewer leak with a camera inspection, Shawn then recommended the homeowner call the coverage company back and request a hydrostatic sewer test. And if they agreed, he offered to send a team member from In-House to be there on the homeowner\u2019s behalf free of charge.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, Shawn explained that he is so confident in the original test results and his team that if In-House repairs the leaks and it turns out there are no leaks anywhere in the house, we won\u2019t charge the homeowner for any unnecessary work done by In-House Plumbing Company.<\/p>\n

    You can read more information about our guarantee\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Shawn also advised the homeowner that if the coverage company does end up covering the cost of repairs done by their approved company, he should get another hydrostatic sewer test done by a company he trusts to verify that ALL the leaks were repaired. It\u2019s an unfortunate truth that many in the industry will go in, fix one leak, and leave.<\/p>\n

    And if all the leaks are not fixed, the homeowner could end up with potential foundation problems. This translates into, at worst, more money for a bigger repair down the line. And at least, more money for additional excavation and repairs.<\/p>\n