x
Breaking News
More () »

Gas pipe protection: Worth your money?

CenterPoint's coverage does not include damage caused by neglect or improper installation of gas lines, just normal wear

MINNEAPOLIS – Amid the political flyers in your mailbox this month, you may have noticed a pitch from CenterPoint Energy.

The natural gas utility has sent out 650,000 mailers promoting its pipe protection plan, a sort of insurance coverage should the gas lines inside your home wear out.

Cost: $3.95 a month, added to the gas bills of CenterPoint customers.

“We really thought that this is a good product, it's a product that many of our customers want,” said CenterPoint’s Doug Peterson, who signed the letter.

But four veteran plumbers contacted by KARE 11, suggested skipping the coverage.

“I would recommend you throw it in the garbage,” said master plumber Dick Blaylock, the president of Blaylock Plumbing in Richfield. “If your gas line was installed properly, it will not wear out for the life of your house."

The CenterPoint mailing correctly points out that customers are responsible for the cost of gas line repairs on the house side of their gas meters, which, the utility says, could run into the hundreds of dollars.

CenterPoint's coverage does not include damage caused by neglect or improper installation of gas lines, just normal wear.

Peterson concedes, “typically gas pipes themselves don't wear out,” but maintains that connectors and attachments to appliances can.

Blaylock still isn't buying it. He holds up a copper fitting in his shop. “They'll never wear out with gas going through them,” he says.

CenterPoint says it’s signed up 16,000 Minnesotans homes since the program was more quietly launched seven years ago.

And as for those skeptical plumbers?

“Perhaps they don't want the customers to have our coverage because they'd like to make that repair,” Peterson said.

Asked what he would tell his customers, Blaylock was short and to the point. “Don’t waste your money.”

Before You Leave, Check This Out