In New York City, property owners are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing their private water service lines. This water line, also called a private water main, connects to the city’s water main to supply your building with water. Read on to learn about the importance of regular water main replacement.
Safeguard Your Health
Cities previously used lead pipes and fittings because of the metal’s malleability and corrosion resistance. Manufacturers no longer use lead for water delivery because the metal can leach into the water supply. Exposure to lead can cause a variety of health problems, including hearing loss, kidney impairment, and brain damage.
If you have an older water line system and have not replaced any components, you may have lead parts delivering water to your home. Replace the water main to safeguard your health.
Avoid High Costs
Another reason it’s important to replace your water main is to avoid expensive consequences. A leak in your water main can push your water bill sky-high and make your water usage inefficient.
Water main leaks can cause expensive damage to your property. If the leak is large enough or goes on long enough, the water will seep up through the ground, creating potholes and sinkholes and causing paved areas to crack. Replace your water service line to avoid expensive damage.
Comply With a DEP Notice
Finally, you will need to repair or replace your water main if you receive a notice from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP serves property owners with a 3-day notice when they find a leak in the property owner’s service line. If you receive this notice, you do not have to pay a fine, but you do need to hire a licensed contractor to complete the repairs within 3 business days.
If you fail to meet the 3-day notice, the DEP will issue a 10-day notice and a fine. You will need to have a licensed contractor make the repairs within 10 business days, or the DEP may shut off water at the tap. The DEP will not turn the tap back on until they receive confirmation of the repairs.
Harris Water Main and Sewer contractors take pride in meeting the highest standards in water main repairs and installation. As a premier new construction plumbing company, we install new lines for commercial and residential buildings. Contact us today for water main replacement and repair services.
