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1. Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of my water and sewer laterals?

It is the home owner’s responsibility to repair and maintain the water and sewer laterals as per Chapter 255-30 of the City Code, which reads as follows:

"The owner of property into which water is introduced by a service pipe will be required to maintain, in perfect order, at his own cost and expense, said pipe from the corporation cock or street main to his own premises, including all fixtures therein provided for delivering or supplying water for any purpose, and the curb box must be kept in view and the top thereof even with the sidewalk or street grade at all times and in a serviceable condition. In case such service and fixtures are not kept in repair, the water may be shut off from the premises until the requirements of this section are complied with, or the Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater may arrange for the necessary repair to conform to this section and charge the cost thereof to the owner of the property at which this section is violated and collect such cost from the owner of such property and shut off the water from such property until such charges are paid."

Please Note: Should the Bureau of Service determine that the blockage is not in the main but in the lateral, there will be a charge of $150 to the homeowner as per Chapter 220, Part 1, Article I, Section 4 of the City Code.

2. How does the City respond to a residential water break?

1. When the City finds a service leak, (depending on how bad the leak is) the homeowner will receive a “Leak Notice” via mail and is expected to have it repaired by a licensed plumber, within 7 days of receipt of the letter.

2. If the leak persists for more than 7 days, the property owner will receive an official “Water Shut-off Notice” and the water will be shut off on the date that is specified in the letter unless arrangements have been to repair the leak and the City has been notified.

Please Note: It can take anywhere from 7 to 20 days for this entire process to take place.

3. Can I make plumbing repairs in my own home?

Yes. If you own and reside in a 1 or 2 family house then you may obtain a Homeowner’s Permit to do the plumbing work inside your home through the Plumbing Inspector at 518-382-5091.

4. Are all of the plumbers that are listed in the phone book licensed plumbers?

No. Some municipalities do not require plumbers to be licensed. The City of Schenectady does require them to be licensed. It protects both the City and the homeowner against shoddy or substandard work. A current listing of licensed plumbers is available upon request from Plumbing Inspector.