Bloomington Utilities Partners with Oncourse to Offer Home Protection Plans
The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has partnered with Oncourse Home Solutions, an independent provider of home protection programs, to give residential customers access to optional protection plans for water and sewer service lines and in-home plumbing systems.
The partnership is designed to help Bloomington homeowners manage the unexpected costs associated with repairs to private utility infrastructure. Through the program, eligible residents can purchase service plans at preferred pricing, providing an additional layer of financial protection when plumbing or underground service line problems occur.
Protection Against Unexpected Repair Costs
Many homeowners may not realize that certain portions of the water and sewer infrastructure serving their homes are their responsibility to maintain and repair. While CBU operates and maintains public utility infrastructure, private service lines and sewer laterals connecting individual properties to the utility’s systems can fall under the homeowner’s responsibility.
When these lines become damaged, repairs can be expensive. Depending on the location and severity of the problem, homeowners may face repair bills ranging from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies may also exclude certain types of service line or plumbing repairs, leaving property owners responsible for the full cost.
Through its new partnership with Oncourse Home Solutions, CBU customers can choose to enroll in protection plans covering eligible exterior water and sewer service lines, commonly known as laterals, as well as certain plumbing systems inside the home.
The plans are intended to reduce the financial impact of unexpected breakdowns and provide homeowners with access to repair services when covered issues arise.
Addressing Bloomington’s Unique Infrastructure Challenges
Bloomington’s environment and aging infrastructure can create additional challenges for homeowners. One concern is tree root intrusion, which can damage underground water and sewer lines.
Bloomington has a significant urban tree canopy that contributes to the city’s character and environmental benefits. However, tree roots can grow around or into underground infrastructure, potentially causing blockages, cracks, leaks, or other damage to private service lines.
Some older portions of Bloomington’s sewer infrastructure and private sewer connections also contain clay piping. Over time, clay pipes can become vulnerable to cracking, shifting, deterioration, and leakage. These issues can result in costly repairs if they are not addressed.
For homeowners, having access to an optional protection program can provide an alternative way to prepare for these potential expenses.
Support Through a Nationwide Service Network
Oncourse Home Solutions brings decades of utility-related experience to its home protection programs. The company has approximately 30 years of experience in the industry and supports nearly two million homeowners across the country.
The company says its services include 24/7 live customer support and access to a network of local contractors. For covered repairs, Oncourse coordinates the process, helping homeowners navigate the practical requirements associated with resolving service line and plumbing problems.
This can include coordinating technicians, managing applicable local permits, and arranging repair work. By handling these elements, the company aims to reduce the time and effort homeowners need to spend managing unexpected home infrastructure emergencies.
CBU Director Katherine Zaiger said the partnership gives Bloomington residents an optional and affordable way to prepare for potentially expensive home maintenance costs.
“Home maintenance comes with plenty of unexpected expenses, and repairs to underground water and sewer service lines can be among the most costly,” Zaiger said. “This partnership gives Bloomington residents an optional, affordable way to prepare for those repairs.”
Focus on Affordability and Convenience
For homeowners, unexpected plumbing or service line failures can create both financial and logistical challenges. Identifying the source of a problem, finding a qualified contractor, obtaining permits when necessary, and arranging repairs can be complicated, particularly when an issue occurs unexpectedly.
Aaron Cooper, CEO of Oncourse Home Solutions, said the company’s partnership with CBU is intended to provide homeowners with additional support during these situations.
“Our partnership with City of Bloomington Utilities aims to protect families from the uncertainties of homeownership,” Cooper said. He added that Oncourse manages different aspects of the repair process, including permits and the deployment of local technicians.
According to Cooper, the company aims to provide a transparent protection option that supports household affordability while complementing the city’s infrastructure priorities.
Participation Is Completely Optional
CBU emphasized that the protection programs are optional and are not required for customers to receive utility services. Choosing not to enroll will not affect a customer’s water or sewer service.
Customers interested in the plans are encouraged to carefully research their options before enrolling. CBU recommends reviewing the specific terms, coverage limitations, exclusions, and other conditions associated with each plan to determine whether the protection is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Enrollment, billing, claims processing, and repair coordination for the programs are handled directly by Oncourse Home Solutions rather than CBU.
The partnership therefore gives Bloomington residents another option for managing the financial risks associated with private water, sewer, and plumbing infrastructure. By combining optional protection coverage with access to repair coordination and contractor services, the program is intended to help homeowners prepare for unexpected maintenance expenses while reducing some of the uncertainty that can accompany major plumbing and service line repairs.
For residents considering enrollment, understanding which parts of their property’s utility infrastructure they are responsible for—and what their existing homeowners’ insurance already covers—can help them make an informed decision about whether an additional protection plan is worthwhile.
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