DEP serves property owners a 3-business-day notice when a leak is found on the service line
between the street main and the property. For example, a notice received on Friday gives you until
Wednesday of the following week.
The property owner must hire a licensed outdoor plumber to make repairs. A DEP inspector will
return after 3 days to verify.
Property owners who fail to repair within the 3-day window face a $1,000 fine on their next water bill, will be issued a 10-day notice, and may have their water service shut off.
If you fail to meet the 3-day notice, DEP will issue a 10-day notice and shut off water service. You
must complete repairs within 10 business days.
If repairs are not made, DEP may destroy the tap. Water is restored only when the licensed plumber
confirms the repair to DEP. No additional fines are charged beyond the initial $1,000.
DEP issues a Sewer Repair Order (SRO) when damage is discovered on your sewer service line —
the pipe connecting your property to the city's sewer system. Property owners are responsible for this
line.
Non-Emergency: You have 30 days to hire a licensed master plumber to complete the repair. If
repairs are not made in time, your water service will be shut off and you'll face a $1,000 shut-off fee.
Emergency: You must immediately hire a licensed master plumber. If repairs are not made right
away, water service will be shut off with the same $1,000 fee.
A licensed outdoor plumber is licensed by the NYC Department of Buildings to make repairs on pipes beneath the ground. They handle all required DEP permits, inspections, and confirmations so you stay in compliance.
Cymple Warranty Solutions ensures you have licensed plumbers dispatched fast — keeping you compliant and avoiding costly fines.
