While undoubtedly the greatest city on Earth, New York City has some faults. Mainly, various sections of our sewage system still include harmful materials—this is common for many cities in America, and replacing these outdated components is a priority for many residents and governments alike.
When city officials become aware of lead water mains, the DEP will provide the building owners with 45-day notices. Read on for a brief explanation of what these notices mean for you.
Step One: A Notice Is Served
The DEP actively tries to identify lead water mains throughout the city, meaning a lot of NYC residents receive 45-day notices each and every day. The DEP serves these notices when outdated water main replacements are required. Furthermore, under the NYC plumbing code, it is illegal to make repairs on these lead pipes—instead, the city must update mains to ductile iron or copper.
Step Two: Finding Solutions
After you receive a 45-day notice, it’s time to start looking for solutions. At this stage of the process, you’ll begin to contact various plumbing and sewer businesses to find repair services that make sense to you.
Remember that making repairs to these outdated water mains is illegal, so never hire a company that proposes the idea. Instead, find a business with significant experience in water main repair that provides a comprehensive estimate and breakdown of costs.
Step Three: Water Main Repairs and Reimbursement
Once you have secured the proper repair services, the plumbing business will begin construction on your service line. This process is less complicated than it may seem—most water main replacements and installations take only one day.
This process might take longer if weather conditions or other outdoor factors are poor. Following the replacement and installation, you may qualify for the Reimbursable Metering Program, which will cover the costs of DEP metering work. You can apply to this program through the DEP.
Use this explanation of DEP 45-day notices for lead water mains to ensure you’re prepared for water main repair in NYC. Contact our team at Harris Main today and see how we can help you replace your service line.
