One of the most common questions NYC property owners ask when they discover a sewer or water main problem is: who is responsible for fixing it — me or the city? The answer depends on exactly where the problem is located, and understanding this boundary can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration. In New York City, the general rule is straightforward: the property owner is responsible for the private sewer and water service lines that run from the building to the connection point at the city main in the street. The city (through NYC DEP) is responsible for the public sewer mains and water mains that run under the streets. For sewer lines, the property owner responsibility typically extends from the building foundation to the point where the private sewer lateral connects to the city sewer main. This connection point is usually located under the street, which means the property owner is responsible for pipe that runs under the sidewalk and part of the street. If your private sewer lateral is cracked, collapsed, or blocked by tree roots, you are responsible for the repair or replacement — even if the damaged section is under the public sidewalk or street. However, if the problem is in the city sewer main itself (the large pipe that serves multiple properties), DEP is responsible for the repair. For water mains, the boundary is similar but slightly different. The property owner is responsible for the water service line from the building to the curb stop valve or water meter, which is typically located near the property line or under the sidewalk. The city is responsible for the water main in the street and the tap connection. If your water service line is leaking between your building and the curb stop, that is your responsibility. If the city water main in the street is leaking or broken, that is DEP responsibility. There are some important exceptions and gray areas that NYC property owners should know about. First, if a city sewer main backup causes damage to your property, you may be able to file a claim with the NYC Comptroller office — but proving the city was negligent is difficult and the process can take months or years. Second, if DEP determines that your private sewer line is causing a problem for the public sewer system (such as infiltration of groundwater), they can issue a violation requiring you to repair your line at your own expense. Third, NYC has a program for properties affected by city water main work — if DEP replaces a city water main and your private service line is damaged during the work, they will typically repair or replace your service line at no cost. Insurance is another important consideration. Standard homeowners insurance policies in NYC typically do not cover sewer or water main repairs. However, several insurance companies now offer sewer and water line coverage as an add-on policy, typically costing $5 to $15 per month. American Water Resources, HomeServe, and several other companies offer these policies in NYC. We strongly recommend this coverage for any NYC property owner — a $150 per year insurance premium is a small price compared to a $15,000 sewer replacement bill. If you are unsure whether your sewer or water main problem is your responsibility or the city, call Sewer and Water Pros at (917) 447-7377. We will send a camera down your sewer line or inspect your water service line to determine exactly where the problem is and who is responsible. If it is a city issue, we will help you file the appropriate report with DEP. If it is your responsibility, we will provide a free estimate and handle all permits.