Neighbor pipes leaking into my house

My next door neighbor (next door brownstone) main sewer pipe (the one that all the bathrooms feed into) appears to be leaking and causing water damage through the party wall to the plaster/sheet rock in the garden and parlor unit of my building. I’ve brought this issue up to them a number of times, but since it’s not really affecting them they won’t fix it. I’m at a loss at what do in this case. Is there any recourse I can take with the city? My fear is that this leak will only get worse and cause more damage to my house. Anyone who has dealt with a similar issue/experience advice is welcomed and much appreciated.

bkbrownstone

in About Brooklyn 10 years ago

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NeoGrec | 10 years ago

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HelloBrooklyn is probably on the right track. Bring in a GC who can provide a detailed, written estimate for the necessary repairs — including fixing their leak. Your lawyer then writes a letter to the home owners explaining that you plan to have the work done and your insurer will make a subrogation claim against their homeowners policy for payment. That should at least get their attention. The tricky part is that you don’t have access to their main waste pipe. A neighbor of mine who had a similar problem (at least this neighbor admitted they had a serious leak) contacted the DEP who had the water to the neighbor’s house turned off to prevent further damage. It certainly incentivized them to address the problem!

dorkofwindsor | 10 years ago

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“appears to be leaking and causing water damage through the party wall” care to expand on this? i’m sure many readers would like to know how this assessment was made in case they have a similar situation. thanks -dork

catboot | 10 years ago

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We had a similar issue. If the neighbor is un-responsive, do what Arkady suggests and get to DEP. You definitely want to have this looked at. DEP takes a little while to respond, but they will show up.

daveinbedstuy | 10 years ago

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How can it not be affecting them? Sewer pipes are not buried in party walls.

sqhaexgkh | 10 years ago

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Can you find our who insures their home? Can make a claim with that company directly.

Arkady | 10 years ago

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It’d be better if you could work something out w/ the neighbor but failing that, I’d phone 311 to get DEP who will issue a Hazardous Violation – not sure what will ensue from that but I’d want it seen to asap.