It is extremely common for a property owner in NYC to receive a DEP 3 day notice. The problem is that many do not understand exactly what this means and how to respond.
It is first important to understand that DEP will only issue a 3 day notice as a result of a leaking water main, there would be no other reason that a property owner will receive this type of violation. After investigating, if the DEP is not sure where the leak is coming from they will continue their investigation and should only issue the notice once they have formally concluded on the location of the leak. It is also important to understand that the investigative process is not perfect however, they do have a 98% accuracy ratio.
If you have received a DEP 3 day or 10 day notice it is important to contact a licensed master plumber to access the situation, obtain a formal quote after they have completed an on site visit and confirm that they have all of the required insurance to perform excavation work in the roadway.
Your licensed plumber should contact DEP to notify them that your 3 day notice is under contract, and the job is being scheduled. If there is any concern you should call the plumber that you have hired and consult with them on all open details. It is important that you understand all of the details associated with the water main installation, including scope of work and a timeline for completion.
The DEP will only issue a 10 day notice if the leak is severe enough to have caused damage to another property or if it has created a hazardous condition. In this case the DEP will excavate the roadway, close the connection on the city main and leave the water off for the plumber to restore upon completion of the new water main installation.
