Frequently Asked Questions
WHY NOT RE-LINE A DEFECTIVE HOUSE SEWER?
At this time, the NYC DEP and NYC Department of Buildings have both stated that re-lining house sewers is "illegal" and "not an approved repair method". Furthermore the NYC DEP has stated that "We have already experienced cases in which a lining "repair" has failed after a homeowner has expended funds for a repair which must be corrected by a pipe repair", the NYC Department of Buildings has stated regarding linings "......be advised that, where appropriate, the City may subpoena records of contractors who it believes is performing such illegal work".
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE WHEN A SEWER OR WATER SERVICE IS DEFECTIVE OR LEAKING?
In all five boroughs of New York City the property/home owner is responsible for any and all defects which may arise with their sewer or water service.
Water service: The owner's responsibility when a leak occurs, or when the service needs to be upgraded is not limited in any way. The owner is responsible from the main control valve inside the building, up to and including the (tap)connection into the city main in the street.
House Sewer: The owner is responsible for maintaining and correcting any defect in his/her sewer line from the point it leaves the building up to the connection at the city sewer in the street. This includes cleaning it when the need arises, and in some cases excavating and performing repairs or replacements.
WHY HIRE A LICENSED AND INSURED CONTRACTOR?
NYC code requires that all plumbing work involving sewer or water services be done by a Licensed Master Plumbing Firm. This is your assurance of a job that is done to code, and is inspected (when required) to insure a quality installation. In addition, this protects you against job related injuries, claims, and fines inherent in work performed by unlicensed , uninsured contractors. A job guarantee given by a licensed and insured contractor is legally binding.
WHY REPLACE AN EXISTING SERVICE AND NOT REPAIR IT?
By and large a service which is defective in one section is indicative of a service who's useful life is over. Prime examples of this are leaking lead water services and house sewers which have tree root infestation. Additionally, many cost factors of a job are unchanged whether a service is repaired or replaced (such as permit fees, roadway and sidewalk restoration, and in some cases labor).
JOSEPH
L. BALKAN INC.
SEWER AND WATER MAIN
SPECIALISTS
130-01 Jamaica
Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: 718-849-0900
Espanol 718 943-5720
Fax: 718-849-9570
email: info@balkanplumbing.com
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