TOH Rating: 6.97/10
Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA), a HomeServe USA company operating out of Pennsylvania, offers protection plans for your home’s heating, cooling, water, sewer, gas, and electrical lines. This company is separate from local utilities, and the service contracts it provides will cover damage to utility lines that home insurance and local municipalities won’t. Keep reading this review to learn more about plans, coverage, and pricing.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of Service Line Warranties of America below:
Pros and Cons of Service Line Warranties of America
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You only pay a low monthly premium (you don’t have to pay a service call fee) | Plans aren’t customizable and cover systems, not appliances |
| Customers get unlimited calls per year | Customers can’t choose their own contractor |
| A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Not available in much of the country |
Service Line Warranties of America Plans and Coverage
Service Line Warranties offers 10 basic repair plans, each corresponding to a home utility system. When you visit the Service Line Warranties website, you can input your zip code and see the available service line protection programs and plans in your area. Since Service Line Warranties of America doesn’t provide a coverage map, trying to find information on gas line coverage is a hit-and-miss search if it’s not available in your zip code.
Problems with exterior water lines can cause standing water in your yard or basement, which can lead to a number of other issues. Here’s what this plan from Service Line Warranties will cover.
Exterior Water Service Line Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Locating the blockage/collapse | Water lines that branch off the main service line |
| Excavation to expose pipe | Thawing of frozen pipes |
| Pipe replacement or repair | Water lines shared between multiple properties |
| Repair or replacement of seals and joints | |
| Unblocking | |
| Fitting external valves | |
| Fusing | |
| Welding | |
| Pipe cutting | |
| Backfilling of areas disturbed by repairs |
Although this warranty doesn’t cover the tank itself, it does cover all septic and sewer line repairs and any damage caused to your yard while repairing them.
Exterior Sewer and Septic Line Plan
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Locating the blockage/collapse | Septic tanks |
| Excavation to expose pipe | Leach fields |
| Pipe replacement or repair | Grinder pumps |
| Repair or replacement of seals and joints | Lift stations |
| Unblocking | Nonconforming drain lines |
| Fitting external valves | |
| Fusing | |
| Welding | |
| Pipe cutting | |
| Backfilling of areas disturbed by repairs |
Burst, blocked, and leaky pipes can cause substantial damage to the inside of your home, so Service Line Warranties technicians are prepared to solve these problems.
Interior Plumbing and Drainage System Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Leaking supply pipe to hot water heater | Appliances |
| Repair/replace burst interior water pipe | Fittings or fixtures |
| Unblocking an overflowing toilet or sink due to a clogged drain | Sprinkler systems |
| Leaking wax seal | Spigots |
| Clogged drain | Garbage disposals |
| Pumps or grinders |
Although this company doesn’t offer coverage for individual electrical appliances like refrigerators or freezers, it will cover the main electrical system inside your home.
Interior Electrical Line Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Distribution center (panel or fuse box) | Service entrance conductors |
| Faulty wiring to wall light | Knob and tube wiring |
| Faulty or damaged electrical outlet | Non-standard or non-permanent materials |
| Broken light switch | Damage due to disconnection from main electrical supply |
| Faulty or damaged GFCI outlet | Fixtures that must be plugged into an outlet |
| Faulty wiring to exhaust fan | |
| Receptacles | |
| Connectors |
Just because an electrical line is on the exterior of your home doesn’t mean it’s the city’s job to repair it if it wears out. Here’s what you can expect with exterior electrical line coverage.
Exterior Electrical Line Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Weatherhead | Damage due to disconnection from main electrical supply |
| Insulator | Transformers |
| Riser | Repair of low voltage wiring |
| Meter base | Generators |
| Service entrance conductor | Non-utility supplied power or lines |
| Permanent wiring | Appliances |
| High voltage wiring | Pool heaters |
| Wiring to detached garages | Light fixtures and fittings |
If you have central air conditioning, this plan will cover any major repairs that need to be done to the system.
Cooling System Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Capacitors and circuit boards | Air ducts |
| Internal fuses or breakers | A/C coils |
| Condensate pumps | Registers |
| Condenser motor and fan | Grills |
| Contactor switches and delay timer | Asbestos coverings |
| Fan controls, relays and filter dryer | Balancing of system |
| High and low pressure switches | External wiring/parts |
| Limit control | Compressors and chillers |
| Refrigerant | Condenser casings and coils |
| Relays, transformers and valves | Evaporator coils |
| Equipment fuses | Metering systems/TXV valves |
| Fan shafts, belts and relays | Thermostats or thermostat wiring |
| Standard thermostats with sub-base |
This plan covers all the major components of a furnace heating system.
Heating System Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Standard thermostats, transformers and wiring circuitry | Meter moves or replacement (except when required by code) |
| Blower bearings, belts, pulleys, motors, shafts and controls | Appliances |
| Standard air filters and spark igniters | Fixtures |
| Capacitors, equipment fuses and low pressure regulators | Lines not supplied by a utility |
| Disconnect fan, limit and rollout switches | |
| Main and pilot burners, pilot burner generators and thermocouples |
As gas lines age, they can begin to break down, so Service Line Warranties offers a plan specific for gas-heated homes.
Gas Line Coverage
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Natural gas supply lines | Meter moves or replacement (except when required by code) |
| Gas safety shutoff valve | Appliances |
| Sections of pipe furnace | Fixtures |
| Sections of natural gas supply pipe | Lines not supplied by a utility |
Most home warranty companies consider a water heater as its own system and provide separate coverage for it—Service Line Warranties is no exception.
Water Heater Repair Plan
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Burner supply tube and assembly | Jacket and interior doors |
| Drain and gas valves | Exhaust venting |
| Pilot light | Expansion tanks |
| Temperature control | Non-flexible piping |
| Main burner | Electrical service wiring |
There does not appear to be any add-on or customizable options with this home warranty company—you may only choose from the warranty plans that the company offers in your location. However, you can purchase packages that combine the company’s heating and cooling plans in some locations.
Service Line Warranties of America Pricing
Service Line Warranties of America is unique in that your premium is all you pay. Typically, you would have to pay a service call fee every time a technician comes to inspect a problem if you have home warranty coverage. However, with Service Line Warranties, you’re required to pay only a monthly premium.
The premium will vary by geographic area, but as an example, here are the prices and maximum payouts for the Wyncote, PA, zip code, 19095.
Pricing
| Type of Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Benefit | Max Cost per Call | Max Calls per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Water Line Coverage Service | $5.99 | $7,000 | None | Unlimited |
| Exterior Sewer and Septic Line Plan | $6.24 | $10,000 | $1,000 | Unlimited |
| Interior Plumbing and Drainage System Coverage | $11.99 | $5,000 | $2,500 | 2 |
| Plumbing and Drainage Coverage | $14.49 | $12,000 | $2,500 interior, $3,500 exterior | 2 interior, 2 exterior |
| Interior Electrical Line Coverage | $6.49 | $4,000 | $2,000 | 2 |
| Exterior Electrical Line Coverage | $5.49 | $3,000 | None | Unlimited |
| Cooling System Coverage | $11.49 | $1,750 | None | Unlimited |
| Heating System Coverage | $11.49 | $1,750 | None | Unlimited |
| Gas Line Coverage | $4.99 | $8,000 | None | Unlimited |
| Water Heater Repair Plan | $6.99 | Unlimited | $750 | Unlimited |
Note: Service Line Warranties offers discounts in some locations. For example, in this zip code, the company offers the first year of its Exterior Septic/Sewer Line plan for 50% off—it would normally be $12.48 a month. Purchasing a combo plan, if one is available in your area, may also save you money over purchasing both plans separately.
How to File a Claim with Service Line Warranties of America
The company will dispatch one of its contractors to repair or replace the faulty part, as long as it’s covered by your plan. There’s no need to pay the technician—you will only need to sign off on the service line repairs, and Service Line Warranties will pay the contractor.
Service Line Warranties of America Reviews
Service Line Warranties of America has been an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for 14 years, and it maintains an A+ rating based on its handling of customer complaints. Despite its rating, Service Line Warranties of America has a mix of positive and negative reviews, as any good home warranty company will have. Here is what some of the company’s customers had to say.
“Service Line Warranties are true to their word. We were having major water leak problems in our yard and they continued to send help until the issues were dissolved. We can’t say enough great things about [their] service and policies.” — Ken R., 1/28/20, 5 stars</p</
“Service prompt and results satisfactory.” — Linda M., 5/26/19, 3 stars
“They have charged me for 4 properties but have NEVER sent me a policy even though I keep requesting, calling, begging for them to send us our paperwork!” — Debbie E., 5/13/19, 1 star
Service Line Warranties of America Company Information
Service Line Warranties of America is the official provider for the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program, and the NLC Service Line Warranty Program is administered by SLWA parent, Utility Service Partners, Inc. Service Line Warranties of America and Utility Service Partners are part of HomeServe USA Corp, a company providing home repair solutions in the United States and Canada.
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team gives Service Line Warranties of America a 6.97/10. Service Line Warranties provides coverage for plumbing, sewer, gas, and electric systems and charges low premiums and no service call fees. The maximum caps on repair payouts are high and the claims process is simple. However, the company only covers some of your home’s systems and is available in only a few states.
This Old House’s Top Pick: American Home Shield
Our team rated more than 50 home warranty companies and found that American Home Shield is the best on the market. Its extensive plan options, nationwide availability, and five decades of experience make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Our Preferred Provider: American Home Shield
If you’re able to spend a little more each month, you can obtain repair coverage for the systems and major appliances in your home. We recommend American Home Shield (AHS), a home warranty provider with nearly 50 years in the business. AHS offers plenty of extra options for coverage, 24/7 customer service, and plans that are available everywhere in the U.S. except Alaska.
Instead of plans separated by utilities, American Home Shield offers a plan that covers all systems, another plan that covers all appliances with those systems, and the ShieldPlatinum™ plan that covers both systems and appliances with additional benefits like free roof leak coverage.
American Home Shield Plan Options
| Systems and Appliances | ShieldSilver™ | ShieldGold™ | ShieldPlatinum™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbells | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke Detectors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing and Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Heaters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Dispensers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central Vacuums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerators | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Washer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Dryers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-In Microwave | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Trash Compactors | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Freestanding Ice Maker | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-In Food Centers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Coverage Boost | ✓ | ||
| Roof Leak Coverage | ✓ |
Additionally, you can choose to augment any of the above plans with coverage for these other amenities.
- Pools and spas
- Well pumps
- Septic pumps
- Guest houses
- Extended electronics warranties
Ultimately, we recommend American Home Shield for its customizability and wider variety of coverage options.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers, and we aim to provide transparency in our review standards and research process.
Our research process includes speaking with representatives from more than 40 home warranty providers, requesting quotes, and asking clarifying questions to gain insight into each provider’s benefits and downsides. We also analyze sample contracts from each company to understand specific coverage terms.
To rate companies, we apply the data we have gathered to our review standards. These standards are on a 100-point scoring system, which is detailed below:
- Coverage (35 points): Providers are scored based on breadth and depth of coverage. We focused on key home systems (HVAC, plumbing, and electrical), essential appliances (refrigerator, ovens, and laundry machines), and unique coverage items (such as roof-leak coverage and code violation allowances). Coverage scores are weighted by taking into account coverage caps and other limiting factors, meaning providers with greater range of coverage and higher coverage caps score the highest.
- Value (30 points): A company’s plan value is a reflection of how well it serves the customer in comparison to what the customer pays for the policy. We accounted for monthly costs, service call fees, and cost flexibility (such as customizable service call fees, discounts, and multi-year policies).
- Trustworthiness and Transparency (21 points): Trustworthiness and transparency are a reflection of how well the provider considers the customer’s interests. We scored items such as the length of workmanship guarantees, online availability of a sample contract, policy change flexibility, and ease of cancellation. Additionally, we scored items that reflect industry reputation and customer satisfaction, including analyzing brand reputation across the Better Business Bureau and third-party customer review aggregators.
- Availability and Service (14 points): Quality of customer service is key to customer satisfaction. We dug into each provider’s guaranteed response times, claims processes, service flexibility, emergency availability, and more.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.