- Receiving a DEP 3-day notice due to a water main leak often comes unexpectedly for most individuals. Typically, a property owner might notice water leaking on the street or sidewalk near their home. It’s crucial to understand that a water leak in front of your neighbor’s house does not necessarily indicate their water main is leaking. Similarly, a water main leak in front of your house does not imply that your water main is the source of the leak.
Water leaks tend to follow the path of least resistance underground and will surface in areas they find most vulnerable. Many customers become frustrated after reporting a water main leak, not realizing that they would be the ones receiving the DEP violation.
We remind property owners that neglecting the leak for an extended period could lead to further damage and potentially result in a complete loss of water supply to the home as the water main break worsens.
Upon receiving the violation, it is important to contact a NYC licensed master plumber with the required bond to work below ground in the public roadway. Only a select group of plumbers are authorized to perform this type of repair.
When looking for a plumber, obtaining a referral from a friend or conducting your own research online is advisable. Look for a company that appears trustworthy and has the necessary experience for this specialized task.
After choosing a plumber you are comfortable with, ensure they notify DEP that your property address is under contract. While this won’t immediately lift the 3-day notice, in many cases, if the leak is minor and not causing harm or danger, the city may grant additional days to complete the work.
A standard 1” water main replacement typically takes one day. The plumber will start by digging a hole over the city main to close the tap connection and stop the leak, followed by excavations for the new copper water main installation.
For a detailed overview of the water main installation process, you can watch this video link: Water Main Installation Process Video.
If your pipe is larger than a 1½” copper, the process may vary based on several factors determined on-site by your estimator.
Key considerations include:
The cost may vary depending on the property and street layout and the total linear footage of the pipe to be installed.Do not ignore the 3-day notice, even if you believe the water leak is not your responsibility. Ignoring the notice can lead to the city shutting off your water supply for failing to comply
Upgrading to copper from lead or galvanized water mains offers significant health benefits. While a 3-day notice is concerning, upgrading provides a positive aspect in a challenging situation.
Many plumbers may undertake this work but lack specialization in subsurface water main and sewer installations. Often, they subcontract the work and mark up the cost, resulting in higher expenses for the property owner.
It’s crucial to exercise due diligence when facing a significant and costly project like water main replacement. Take your time, ask pertinent questions, and do not allow the plumber to pressure you into making a decision hastily. Your plumber should be willing to answer all questions and provide detailed information about the entire installation process.
