What a Philadelphia Notice of Defect means, and your deadline
The short version. A Plumbing Notice of Defect (often shortened to NOD) "tells you that there's a plumbing issue somewhere between your house and the City's water main or sewer in the street." The owner is responsible for the repair, "even if the broken pipe is outside your building, like under the sidewalk or roadway."[source] The notice gives you a set number of days to fix it; PWD's Customer Guide says it "provides up to 10 days for repairs."[source]
Why you got one
PWD leaves a defect notice at your door "after a crew chief or inspector spots a water-related problem." A copy is also mailed to you within 20 days.[source] The City says you get one "if a plumbing connection serving your property threatens water quality, public health or safety."[source] PWD's own wording is that customers "who do not have fully operational lines will be served a notice of defect."[source]
On the notice, the defects found are marked with check boxes on the front and on a diagram on the back. It tells you where the problem was spotted, what to do, and who to contact with questions.[source] To match the check boxes to real pipes, see who owns which pipe.
PWD's flyer adds a warning worth taking seriously: the defect on the notice "may not be the only issue with your system," and it recommends having your exterior plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber.[source]
The deadline, and what happens if you miss it
- The number of days is written on your notice. PWD says you must "come into compliance within the period stated on the NOD."[source] Its Customer Guide says the notice "provides up to 10 days for repairs."[source]
- Missing it can mean a water shutoff. PWD's regulations say a notice of plumbing defect is mailed or hand-delivered "at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the proposed shutoff of service," and that if the defect isn't corrected by a registered plumber "within the days specified in the notice," water service is "subject to shutoff any time on or after the shut-off date set forth on the notice" (Section 100.6(a)(4) and (5)).[source]
- Bad leaks can be shut off sooner. "In extreme cases, such as a broken line or lateral causing damage, PWD may shut off water service to protect the neighborhood's water system."[source]
- Don't wait for the mailed copy. The City says the mailed copy is sent within 20 days.[source] With a repair period of up to 10 days, the copy in the mail can arrive after your time is up. Work from the notice left at your door.
If you think the notice is wrong, call the number printed on it first. PWD's regulations describe informal hearings for disputed shutoff notices (Sections 100.5 and 100.7).[source] Ask PWD how that applies to your notice before your deadline passes; this guide can't tell you how a dispute will turn out.
Your options
PWD's flyer lists these routes. All of them end with a licensed plumber doing the work: "All work must be performed by a licensed plumber."[source]
Hire a licensed plumber yourself
You choose the plumber, without help from the City. The City suggests asking people you trust and getting a few estimates.[source] Check the licence first.
PWD's HELP loan
"A PWD contractor will repair your exterior residential plumbing. You pay back the amount, interest-free, to PWD over five years." You must be current on your water bill and agree to a lien on your property.[source] Call (215) 685-4901. Eligibility details.
PHDC home-repair programs
Basic Systems Repair or Restore-Repair-Renew, run by the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation. "Eligibility is determined by income."[source]
Service line protection plans
PWD names American Water Resources (AWR), a private company chosen by the Philadelphia Energy Authority. The flyer says the plan "does not cover issues occurring before your coverage effective date" and coverage starts 30 days after enrolment,[source] so joining now won't pay for the defect you already have.
If you rent
PWD's flyer says "You (or your landlord if you rent) are responsible" for these pipes.[source] Show the notice to your landlord right away. The HELP loan is only for property owners.[source]
Who to call
| Situation | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Questions about what your notice says | The phone number printed on your notice[source] |
| Water shut off because of a defect notice | (215) 685-9651[source] |
| HELP loan questions or applying by phone | (215) 685-4901, or water.phila.gov/helploan[source] |
| Getting water turned back on once the problem is reported fixed | PWD says to call to confirm: (215) 685-6300[source] |
| Checking a plumber's licence | L&I Contractor Lookup[source] |
Get matched with licensed plumbers
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.
- 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).
- Follow these tips to get ready for pipe repairs. City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue (phila.gov). July 29, 2026.
- What is a Plumbing Notice of Defect? City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue (phila.gov). June 19, 2019 (marked "Archived" on phila.gov).
- Customer Responsibilities. Philadelphia Water Department (water.phila.gov). Web page, undated.
- From Street to Sink: Water System Responsibility (PDF). Philadelphia Water Department. Dated 03/2026 on the page.
- PWD Customer Guide, Fourth Edition (PDF), page 9 "What’s a Notice of Defect?". Philadelphia Water Department. File dated February 2026.
- 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.
- What to do after you receive a Plumbing Notice of Defect (NOD) (PDF). Philadelphia Water Department. Version 8.0, 3/12/24.
- Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP). City of Philadelphia (phila.gov). Program page, undated.
- Find a licensed contractor and contractor information. City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections (phila.gov). Service page, undated.