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Frequently asked questions

Independent guide · sources checked October 6, 2026

Short answers. Each one links to the City or Water Department source, and to the longer page on this site where there is one: the notice, who owns which pipe, costs and the HELP loan, permits and licences.

Is the City responsible for the pipe under my sidewalk or street?

No. In Philadelphia, property owners are responsible for the pipes connecting the property to the City’s water main and sewer, even if the broken pipe is under the sidewalk or roadway. The City is responsible for the water mains, stormwater inlets and sewer pipes themselves.[source][source]

How long do I have to fix a Notice of Defect?

The number of days is written on your notice. PWD’s Customer Guide says the notice provides up to 10 days for repairs. Under PWD’s regulations, water service can be shut off on or after the shut-off date on the notice if the defect isn’t corrected in time.[source][source]

My water was shut off because of a defect notice. Who do I call?

The City says to call (215) 685-9651 if your water has been shut off because of a plumbing defect notice.[source]

Can the City or the Water Department recommend a plumber?

No. The City says you must hire a licensed plumber without assistance from the City. It points owners to the L&I licensed contractor lookup and suggests recommendations from people you trust and a few estimates. The other route is PWD’s HELP loan, where a PWD contractor does the repair.[source]

Can a handyman or I do the repair?

PWD says all work must be performed by a licensed plumber. Its manual adds that anyone who had plumbing work done by an unlicensed person must have a master plumber inspect it and, if necessary, redo it under new permits.[source][source]

Will homeowner’s insurance pay for it?

Probably not. The City says regular homeowner’s or renter’s insurance probably won’t cover plumbing defects. Specialized service line protection exists, but the plan PWD names does not cover problems that began before coverage started, and coverage begins 30 days after enrolment. Check your own policy.[source][source]

What is the HELP loan?

PWD’s Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program offers zero-interest loans for water service and sewer line repairs. A PWD contractor does the work and you repay over 60 months on your water bill. It is for owners of residential properties with up to four units who received a Notice of Defect (or want to replace a confirmed lead service line), who are current on payment agreements, and who agree to a lien. Call (215) 685-4901.[source]

I rent. Who pays for the repair?

PWD’s notice flyer says the owner, or your landlord if you rent, is responsible for the pipes connecting the home to the water main and sewer. Tell your landlord right away. The HELP loan is only for property owners.[source][source]

How do I know if my water service line is lead?

Look up your address on PWD’s Service Line Material Map. PWD says to treat a line shown as “incomplete records” as lead. Replacing a confirmed lead service line can qualify for a HELP loan without a Notice of Defect.[source][source]

How can I check that my plumber pulled the permits?

Use the City’s L&I Contractor Permit Lookup, or search your address in the City’s Atlas tool, which shows permits and violations by address. The City says permits should be posted on your property before work begins.[source]

Is this website run by the City or the Water Department?

No. This is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with the City of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia Water Department. We are not plumbers and do not do repair work.

How does this site make money?

During the current pilot it doesn’t: homeowners pay nothing and plumbers pay nothing. If plumbers are ever charged for requests, we will say so on the About page before that starts. Plumbers never pay to appear higher or to be called “best”; we don’t rank plumbers.

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Sources

Every source below was opened and read on October 6, 2026. City pages change; if one of them now says something different, the City's page wins.

  1. Got a plumbing defect notice? Here’s what to do! City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue (phila.gov). October 3, 2024 (marked "Archived" on phila.gov).
  2. Follow these tips to get ready for pipe repairs. City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue (phila.gov). July 29, 2026.
  3. PWD Customer Guide, Fourth Edition (PDF), page 9 "What’s a Notice of Defect?". Philadelphia Water Department. File dated February 2026.
  4. Philadelphia Water Department Regulations, as of 7/1/26 (PDF), Sections 100.5, 100.6 and 200. Philadelphia Water Department. As of July 1, 2026.
  5. What to do after you receive a Plumbing Notice of Defect (NOD) (PDF). Philadelphia Water Department. Version 8.0, 3/12/24.
  6. Sewer Connection and Repair Manual (PDF), Sections IV and V. Philadelphia Water Department. File dated October 2024.
  7. Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP). City of Philadelphia (phila.gov). Program page, undated.
  8. Service Line Material Map. Philadelphia Water Department. Live map.
  9. Find a licensed contractor and contractor information. City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections (phila.gov). Service page, undated.