Similar to all work performed on a house sewer or a water service line, there is a defined process that also requires DEP permits, and typically a DOT permit as well. Note that before the permit process can even start, the owner of the property must submit a notarized permission letter that expressly states their desire to permanently plug the house sewer and water service line.
- A notarized plug permission letter from owner
- Permit applications submitted to DEP for approval, followed by application for DOT permit.
- Pre-inspection site visit to determine the buildings state of readiness, location of the services, and if any site conditions exist to prevent the start of work.
- Once permits are approved, typically in 2 to 5 days, work is scheduled. Many times this has to be coordinated with alternate side street parking stipulations.
- The DEP Field Inspection Unit is notified and inspections are set up. Each service must be inspected the same day the crew is mobilized.
- In most cases sewer and water disconnections are started and completed the very same day.
- The day after inspection and backfill all finished surfaces are permanently restored.
- The required sign-offs are typically issued by the NYC DEP in 1 to 5 days.
Hiring the Right Sewer & Water Contractor has Advantages
Similar the many types of plumbing work, sewer and water disconnections are a specialty type of work. The vast majority of NYC plumber’s plumbers do not perform subsurface plumbing work at all. Furthermore, even the handful of NYC sewer and water main contractors do not specialize in performing sewer and water main plugs. This type of work requires an inordinate amount of coordination, permitting, inspections, and overall attention to detail.