If you live in New York City and have received a DEP sewer repair order there are several steps to follow if you are interested in resolving the issue and most important, avoid any additional issues with the city.
It is important to understand why you have received the Cease and Desist violation before anything. Most commonly DEP becomes aware that your sewer is broken as a result of a sinkhole in the roadway or below the public sidewalk. It is possible that a passing pedestrian or a neighbor contacted 311 out of concern that someone may get hurt. In most cases this individual could never have imagined that your sewer line was the issue and that you may even receive a city violation for repair.
The city will most likely perform a camera inspection of your sewer line to confirm that there is a broken pipe associated with the void you are witnessing from above ground. If there is a small crack or divot in the pipe the city will continue their investigation and should not issue the violation simply based on a small crack. The truth is that most sewer’s in NYC have minor issues and a video inspection could pick up on a sewer problem at any time for most sewers.
If it has been confirmed that your sewer is broken your first move should be to contact a licensed master plumber to evaluate the issue, and provide their professional opinion on what it will take to resolve the immediate problem. In addition, you should always discuss the possibility of replacing the entire sewer line at once even if it is only once small section that is broken. Replacing the entire sewer at once may save you a future repair and potential hazardous or emergency scenario if the sewer line fails..
Once you have hired a trusted master plumber they should take over and complete the remainder of the process including permits, satisfying the cease and desist, any required inspections and the actual repair of your sewer line. It is important to make sure that you are speaking with a licensed master plumber that holds the required bond with DOT to open the roadway or sidewalk for the repair.
Please note that the average master plumber does not have the capabilities to excavate, repair the pipe and obtain the required inspections. If you have any questions you should confirm that the plumber is a “sub surface” water main and sewer contractor before making the next move.
