Big Lakers have been receiving mail from HomeServe, an insurance company which offers to insure waterlines from the city connection to the house should it become damaged or need replacement. The cost of the insurance is a modest $4.99 per month or $59.88 per year but do homeowners really need this additional insurance? “I think they are just trying to make some money,” said Geraldine Wessen, who has received the offer more than once. “Well, it depends,” said Public Works Director Mike Goebel. “It is true that the homeowner is responsible for the section of pipe between the house and the water hookup but I would advise anyone interested in purchasing this insurance to proceed with caution.” It is relatively rare for damage to occur to the underground waterlines, Goebel says. Although tree roots could disrupt the pipe or a homeowner may damage a pipe by extensive digging in their yards. “I can’t remember when the last time was we had one,” Goebel said. “Maybe five years ago.” Goebel has had calls about these insurance letters before he says. “I usually tell people to check their homeowners insurance,” Goebel said. “They may already be covered or they maybe able to get a better deal.” HomeServe says a local licensed and insured contactor will be responsible for handling repairs and according to the Better Business Bureau, although there have been complaints about the company’s advertising tactics and other issues, all have been resolved. “The bottom line is with your own homeowners insurance company you already have a relationship,” Goebel said. “But even without insurance, the risk to underground waterlines is pretty small for most people, unless you are planning some major landscaping project.” “I wasn’t interested in it,” said Wessen. “I just thought it was a scam.”