A $5,000 Problem Hiding Underground — And a $2.49 Solution
If your home was built 20 or more years ago, there are two plumbing issues you may want to get ahead of — and both can be surprisingly expensive:
Failing water service lines from the house to the street Aging polybutylene interior plumbing, a pipe material that’s known for failing without warning.
Let’s Start Outside: The Water Line to the Street
Over the past few years, I’ve seen at least six or seven homes right here in our neighborhood (and many more across Williamsburg, York County, and James City County) that had to replace their exterior water service lines.
These lines are your responsibility from the house to the meter — and when they leak or collapse, the fix typically costs around $5,000. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it, and most people don’t realize it until there’s already water bubbling up in the yard.
And Inside: Polybutylene Pipes Are a Quiet Risk
If your home was built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, there’s a chance your interior water pipes are made of polybutylene (also called “poly” or “PB” pipe).
These were commonly used back then due to low cost and easy installation — but time has not been kind to them. Polybutylene pipes are now notoriously prone to failure, often cracking or leaking due to water chemistry reactions. Repairs can be extensive and invasive, often requiring full pipe replacements.
So What Can You Do?
I’ve personally carried a HomeServe policy for the past 20 years, and they now offer affordable service plans that cover both of these hidden issues:
Exterior Water Service Line Plan
$2.49/month for the first year (then $4.99) Covers full excavation and repairs to the line from the house to the meter $0 service call fee Unlimited annual benefit Work done by licensed local pros One-year guarantee on all covered repairs More info here: HomeServe Water Line Coverage
Interior Plumbing Plan (Including Polybutylene Repairs)
Coverage for leaking or failed interior water lines, including polybutylene Multiple service calls per year $0 service call fee Work done by licensed plumbers Avoids out-of-pocket emergency repair bills Explore the interior plan here: HomeServe Interior Plumbing & Drainage Coverage
Why I Share This
I’m not affiliated with HomeServe. I’m a local real estate agent who lives here, works here, and has helped hundreds of homeowners across our region. I’ve seen how water line failures and pipe leaks can blindside people — especially in older homes.
This is one of those small, proactive investments that I truly believe in. If you’re living in a home built before the early 2000s, I encourage you to take a serious look.
Have questions about this, polybutylene plumbing, or anything else related to homeownership in the Williamsburg area? I’m always happy to help.
John Womeldorf