Water Service Line Repairs and New Connections in NYC and Long Island

The water service line is the pipe that brings water from the main in the street into your building. When it leaks, freezes, or needs to be replaced, or when you are building something new, it helps to know who is responsible and what the process looks like.

Who is responsible?

In New York City, DEP states that property owners own and are responsible for the water service line that connects their building to the city water main in the street. DEP maintains the main.

If DEP believes your service line is leaking and causing a hazard, it issues a Water Shut Off Warning, Notice to Repair. According to DEP, the owner then has three days to hire a Licensed Master Plumber to fix the leak. If repairs are not made in time, DEP may shut off the water and charge a shut-off fee. Before water is turned back on, a Licensed Master Plumber must complete repairs and any fees owed to DEP must be paid. Read any notice carefully and act quickly.

Repairs may be covered by homeowners insurance or DEP's optional Service Line Protection Program if you are enrolled.

On Long Island, water is supplied by a mix of water districts, villages, and authorities, such as the Suffolk County Water Authority and many local districts in Nassau. Each sets its own rules for service lines, meters, and new connections, so start with your water supplier.

Signs of a service line problem

• A wet spot, sinkhole, or water bubbling up between the building and the street.
• Water entering the basement where the line comes through the foundation.
• A sudden drop in water pressure.
• An unexplained increase in your water bill. In NYC, DEP can send leak alerts if you sign up through your online account.
• The sound of running water when everything is off.

Repair vs. replacement

Older service lines may be galvanized steel, which corrodes from the inside and restricts flow, or lead. A single leak on an old line is often a sign of more to come, so replacement may be the better choice. Replacement usually means excavating at the street and at the building, or using trenchless methods where appropriate.

In NYC, opening the sidewalk or street requires NYC DOT permits, and the work must follow DEP specifications. Restoration of sidewalks and roadways must meet DOT standards.

Lead service lines

Lead service lines were installed in many older buildings. New York City has an inventory of service line materials and a program to replace lead lines, and federal rules are pushing water systems to identify and replace lead lines. Check DEP's website for the status of your address. On Long Island, contact your water supplier. If your home has a lead line, replacing it removes a potential source of lead in drinking water.

New water connections

New construction, additions that need larger service, and conversions of commercial buildings may require a new or upgraded service. The process typically involves:

1. Determining required size based on fixture count and, in some buildings, fire sprinkler demand.
2. Applying to DEP in NYC, or to the local water supplier on Long Island, for the connection and meter.
3. Filing plumbing plans with DOB in NYC or the local building department on Long Island.
4. Installing a backflow prevention device where required.
5. Excavation, tapping the main (often by or coordinated with the water supplier), and inspections.

Sprinklered buildings may need a separate fire service line, which has its own design and approval requirements.

Protecting your service line

• Know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure it works.
• Insulate exposed pipe in unheated areas where the line enters the building.
• Watch your water bill for unexplained increases.
• Address low pressure or rust-colored water early.

Across the five boroughs and Long Island, service line work involves several agencies and permits, so understanding the steps up front helps avoid delays.

This article is general information for property owners, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the agency or utility involved.