Do you have questions about your Queens water main? Balkan Sewer And Water Main has been maintaining the subsurface infrastructure of new York City since 1952. We have the answers to your Queens water main questions. Here are the top three questions we often receive. They are accompanied by answers from a trained and experienced industry professional.
“Am I Required to Hire a Licensed And Insured Plumbing Contractor?”
Yes, you are required by law. Specifically, the New York City Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection each require licensed, insured, and bonded contractors. Their codes require that any plumbing work performed on water main service lines or sewer lines be done by a Licensed Master Plumbing Company who is also bonded, and has proper insurance in place.
The wisdom of this law is that safety codes are complied with, protecting the customer. Any workplace injuries or claims do not come back to haunt the customer. Inspections will not result in time delays or fines. Additionally, a qualified plumbing contractor has their reputation at stake so that the work will be of the highest caliber. Lastly, these requirements and oversight ensure that disturbed public property, such as a roadway, is restored to code.
“Can I Just Have the Water Main Repaired Instead of Replaced?”
Well, yes. However, obviously, a defective section of a sewer line or water main service line is the “canary in a coal mine.” When the canary has serious problems, the whole mine has probably outlived its usefulness. Likewise, one bad segment of sewer or water main lines provides a good opportunity for replacement, not “patching.”
As regards cost, much of the expense incurred in these types of plumbing jobs is in fees, labor, and removal and replacement of sidewalks and roads. The “savings” earned by repairing compared to replacing is minimal at best. Moreover, when you factor in the life expectancy of a new water main (approximately 50 years), repairing a water main is not the better choice.
In regards to repairing your Queens water main, in many cases a repair is not legal. It may not permitted by NYC plumbing code. The DEP expressly forbids repairs on galvanized or lead water service lines.
“How Do I Know if the Repair Is My Responsibility?”
Technically, the homeowner or property owner in all five New York City boroughs is responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house sewer and water main lines. This responsibility includes right up to the point where it joins the city water main lines. This includes related costs: excavation and restoration of surrounding areas like sidewalks.
Sewer and water main problems require the knowledge and expertise of a top-rated plumbing company. When you need such a company to provide a free on-site assessment of your situation, to guarantee their sewer and water main replacements for ten years, and respond to most online inquiries within one hour, contact Joseph Balkan Sewer And Water Main immediately.
