
It was the month of Christmas, a time meant for relaxation and celebration for many, when Jack P. of Houston, Texas, encountered a homeowner’s worst nightmare. What started as strange gurgling sounds near his toilet and sink quickly escalated when he noticed water backing up after use.
"There are just certain sounds your house makes that lead you to realize there is a real problem going on," Jack said.
Facing a plumbing disaster just a couple weeks before the holiday could have been a cause for panic. Fortunately, Jack had prepared for exactly this kind of situation. He’s a HomeServe customer with four different repair plans covering different home systems, from his exterior sewer line to his interior plumbing and drainage. He thought that whatever was causing the backup could possibly be covered by one of the repair plans.
Jack called HomeServe immediately, just as he did for the other two claims he had made since becoming a customer. FYI Contracting, a local and reliable member of HomeServe’s contractor network was dispatched to investigate the issue. Their first line of action was to snake the sewer line, hoping to clear any simple blockages. While the line seemed clear initially, the plumbers advised Jack to call HomeServe back immediately if the issue persisted.
Just three days later, the problem returned. FYI Contracting returned, this time equipped with a camera to inspect the line more thoroughly. The footage revealed the true culprit: a small portion of Jack's sewer line had been crushed. A simple clearing wouldn't suffice; a partial replacement was necessary.
“They work with quality people who go above the call of duty to make sure I could be comfortable in my home."
The team didn't waste any time. They returned soon after, dug into the ground, and replaced six feet of the damaged pipe. The swift action fixed the problem just in time for the holidays, saving Jack a total of about $1,500 in repair costs.
Beyond the savings, it was the quality of service that left a lasting impression on Jack.
"All along the way I have to say every dispatcher, agent and contractor I dealt with were fantastic. Everybody was compassionate and showed up when they said they would," Jack recalled.
For Jack, the experience reinforced why he has remained a HomeServe customer for the last four years.
"HomeServe is not like some of the other companies you see that might rip you off. They do what they say they will do and I have certainly gotten my money's worth," Jack said.
Published December 29, 2025