In New York City, the property owner is generally responsible for the water service line, the pipe that brings water from the city main in the street into the building. The city is responsible for the water mains themselves.
Many owners are surprised to learn that their responsibility can extend beyond the property line and under the sidewalk or street. Knowing this before a leak happens can help you plan and know who to call.
What NYC DEP Says
According to the NYC DEP service line page, property owners are responsible for the plumbing inside and outside their property, including the water and sewer service lines that run to the city mains in the street. DEP also notes that repairs to these lines are not covered by most home insurance policies.
DEP offers information about an optional service line protection program for owners who want to look into coverage. Whether that makes sense is a personal decision, so read the terms carefully.
Owner, City or Tenant?
Here is a simple way to think about it. This is general information, not legal advice:
- City water main: the large pipe in the street is maintained by the city.
- Service line: the pipe from the main to the building is generally the owner’s responsibility.
- Plumbing inside the building: also the owner’s responsibility, though leases may say who handles certain repairs.
- Tenants: renters usually report water problems to the landlord or building manager rather than arranging repairs themselves.
Specific situations can be more complicated, such as shared lines or buildings with more than one owner. If you are unsure, check with DEP, your attorney or your building’s management.
When a Problem May Be in the Service Line
Signs like low water pressure, water pooling near where the line enters, damp spots in the basement or a jump in water use can have several causes. They do not prove the service line is the problem. A plumber can check the plumbing on the property to help narrow down the source.
If water is coming up in the street or the problem seems to be the city main, report it to 311 so the city can look into it. City water mains are handled by the city, not by our team.
Planning for Repairs
Service line repairs can involve digging, sidewalk work or permits, depending on where the problem is. Ask for a clear explanation of what part of the line is affected and what the job will involve before work begins. Keep any notices you receive from DEP and share them with the plumber, since they can show what the city has already checked. In multifamily buildings, owners may also need to plan for a short water shutoff for residents.
If you think the water line serving your Bronx home or building may need attention, our team can help with water line repair on the private side of the line. Call (929) 209-6183 to talk it through.
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