Most NYC homeowners are quick to assume that “the city” will assume responsibility for a broken water main surfacing in the roadway or public sidewalk. This may be the case in many other towns and states however, NYC homeowners are not that lucky.
The responsibility of a NYC homeowner extends through the sidewalk and into the roadway where the city connection is located.
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The sidewalk leak |
The roadway leak |
Even if your water main is leaking on the property, in most cases the only way to stop the water for a repair is at the tap connection. The tap connection is a valve usually located 4’ below the roadway. If you are attempting to repair a pipe on your property, the licensed plumber must first obtain DEP & DOT permits before opening the roadway and closing the water. Once the water has been closed from the city connection, the repair can be completed on property and at this point the roadway hole is back filled.
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City water main connection |
Repair on property |
In other cases there may be a heavy water main leak in the roadway which requires the licensed plumber to excavate and utilize a pump to relieve the water. Once the plumber “beats the water”, he can close the city connection and start making a repair to the pipe.
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Excavating roadway |
Fighting the water leak |
Another common water main leak result is the roadway sinking. Most homeowners assume that a roadway sinkhole or a dip in the roadway will be resolved by the DOT (Department of Transportation). Unfortunately for the homeowner, many of the sinkholes are caused by a leaking water main or sewer pipe and is the homeowners responsibility to restore once the pipe is repaired or replaced.
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Roadway sinkhole caused by broken pipe |
Temporary repair to undermined roadway |
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Restoring roadway |
The end result |
