Understanding the Hidden Risks Beneath Your Street
Van Meter Public Works customer Melanie Vivone of Van Meter, Iowa, discovered the reality of service line ownership came with a steep price tag—and a valuable lesson for her community.
Living in Crestview Estates, a development only a decade old, Vivone never anticipated infrastructure issues so soon. She certainly didn’t expect to be financially responsible for a utility line buried beneath the public street.
“I really thought that the city or the developer was responsible for it,” Vivone shared, recounting the moment she learned about the repair. “People should know that they are responsible for this, even if it is on the other side of the street.”
The High Cost of Misunderstanding
The confusion surrounding service line responsibility is common, but the financial impact is very real. Vivone faced a repair bill of $4,000 when her service line failed. The culprit appeared to be soil erosion that had compromised the copper piping much faster than expected.
While Vivone replaced the lines with more durable plastic to prevent future issues, the experience left her frustrated. “That is just too much,” she said regarding the cost.
Determined to help others avoid this “unwelcome surprise,” Vivone took action. She spoke with the mayor and began educating her neighbors in Crestview Estates. “I’ve probably spoken to half the people in Crestview Estates and they didn’t know that they are responsible,” she noted. “I thought it would be the city’s responsibility, but it’s there in black and white, and I didn’t know that.”
City Leadership Takes Action
Vivone’s advocacy highlighted a significant gap in public awareness. Van Meter City Manager Jake Anderson acknowledged that most residents share Vivone’s assumption.
“It’s not something a lot of people think about until there’s a problem,” Anderson explained. “It’s fairly common for people to think it’s the city’s responsibility.”
Realizing that lack of awareness was leaving residents vulnerable to financial shock, the City Council sought a proactive solution. They needed a partner that could provide both education and protection. This search led them to the HomeServe Service Line Program, a solution endorsed by the Iowa League of Cities.
In July 2017, the City adopted the program to help bridge the knowledge gap and offer residents a safety net.
Education and Protection for Homeowners
The partnership with HomeServe addressed the city’s two main concerns:
- Education: The program sends educational materials to homeowners at no cost to the city. This ensures residents understand their responsibilities before a break occurs.
- Affordable Solutions: It provides residents access to optional repair service plans that cover the high costs of service line emergencies.
“I think most people aren’t aware, and it can be a shock,” Anderson said, emphasizing the value of the educational component. “There’s just a lack of awareness.”
A Nationwide Infrastructure Challenge
The city of Van Meter is not alone in facing these challenges. HomeServe currently partners with over 1,300 municipalities and utilities across North America to address similar issues.
With the median age of American homes nearing 40 years, infrastructure concerns are growing. Many older properties rely on galvanized steel water lines, which are prone to sediment clogging, corrosion, and leaks. However, as Vivone’s story proves, even newer developments aren’t immune to soil conditions and unexpected failures.
By partnering with HomeServe, communities can protect their residents from the stress and expense of emergency repairs. Contact us today to learn how we can help your city build a more informed and protected community.
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