Neighbor Broken Sewer Line Seepage - Help!

Hi Brownstoner All, I’m in a tough spot right now. My neighbor has had a broken sewer line problem for 2 years which they have not properly fixed despite DEP orders. It got really bad recently and their sewage water is majorly seeping into my basement water main/sewage pit. I have had 4 different plumbing companies check and confirm that the problems is not my house, sewer line, or mechanicals. I have been desperate and had my pit totally pumped dry and lined with hydraulic cement. Unfortunately, that was not enough to keep the seepage out — it must be a lot of pressure to push through the cement. I have called 311 and DEP multiple times but they have not called me or visited the neighbors to investigate. They just do outside visual inspection and close the case without looking deeper. Is this a DOB thing? What to do when the neighbor refuses to fix their sewer line problem, refuses to respond to the city, and does not want to fix it at all? Would appreciate any advice, experience, or help on this one. Thanks in advance.

citytime79

in Sewer 10 years and 1 month ago

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mdarling1979 | 9 years and 10 months ago

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I had the same situation about two years ago. My neighbor lived in another state and nobody knew how to get a hold of him. Speaking with the tenants was a complete waste of time, they were not experiencing any issues and they continued to tell me to call the owner. I finally go the owner on the phone who finally gave permission to DEP for a camera investigation, the pipe was broken and he was issued a cease and desist paper. The neighbor finally repaired his sewer and my days of a smelly basement were over! on a side note, he first had a company come out and try to tell me that the problem was resolved with fixing a pipe on the inside of the house which obviously was not the case. He finally had Harris Sewer (off my recommendation) dig up the street put in a new pipe, I was close to hiring these guys myself, it was getting that bad……

BKRed | 9 years and 11 months ago

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Hi DownbytheBay (And Brownstoner community)… I’m dealing with this exact problem now, so just wondering if you have any updates on progress/process. I’d be really appreciative. I have a neighbor who’s in denial and I have to start the city wheels turning. Thanks! BKRed

Springs | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Call Paulie Walnuts , or someone like him ! Old school

JoeBushwick | 10 years and 1 month ago

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If you are sure that the issue is with your neighbors and you have already notified them in writing, it may be time to call a lawyer. The neighbors neglect is damaging your property. A letter from a lawyer might be just the thing to get their attention.

citytime79 | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks Resident2 — this is heartening to hear that something is possible via Community Board and DEP. And thanks all for the advice and support.

resident2 | 10 years and 1 month ago

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I had this exact problem at my prior house. I eventual got some great DEP guys that would show up and park outside my neighbors house at 6.00 am, after ringing their door bell of course. Posting a large notice on the front door and wait all day, they would still be there at 7.00 in the evening, of course neighbors would ask what they were doing…..the DEP guys basically shamed these people into letting them in to inspect their sewer, after they had been insisting that there was nothing wrong with their sewer. The neighbors were issued a violation and a notice that if they did fix their sewer line, within a certain amount of time their water would be shut off. Call the community board, it was them that finally got the DEP to show up and do their job and the guys that did show up, did a great job. They came in my side to look at what I was dealing with, that gave them the incentive to go above and beyond..

Arkady | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Try getting DOB or EPA via the website – nyc.gov

timber | 10 years and 1 month ago

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contact your local city councilperson and/or community board

citytime79 | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks Arkady — I have been getting the run around via 311 and can’t get DEP or DOB on the line to respond, as it is a condition that needs to be addressed ASAP. If anyone has a direct line in to call, would appreciate.

Arkady | 10 years and 1 month ago

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I’d try EPA & DOB – it’s a hazardous condition & I’m sure some agency would do something about it.