If the water company broke my curb stop, can they threaten and make me fix it?
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If the water company broke my curb stop, can they threaten and make me fix it?
A few months ago the water company came to my residence to shut off my water. In the process they broke the curb stop, the valve in the front yard that controls the water. Since then I paid my bill and have kept current. It is a slow leak and I still have semi-functional water service to my residence. The water company tells me it is my responsibility to fix this leak. I have gotten a few quotes and it is going to be several thousand to repair. Today I received a letter stating that if I don’t have it fixed in a week, they will repair it, charge me for the cost and shut off my service.
Asked on August 5, 2012 under General Practice, Iowa
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
It is entrely possible for the water company to charge you for the "curb stop" that its representative broke. However, under the laws of all states of this country, the water company is responsible for replacing it at its cost. After all, its representative broke it.
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