STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Department of Environmental Protection is gearing up to enforce fines and other actions if your rain gutters — or downspouts — attach directly into the New York City sewer system.
In a letter obtained by the Advance/SILive.com, the DEP said that “such connections are illegal… because they send large amounts of rainwater into sewers that are only designed to handle wastewater from homes and businesses.”
“When too much rainwater enters the system, it can overwhelm the pipes, leading to basement back-ups and street flooding,” the letter explained, noting that enforcement of the matter will begin soon.
To disconnect the downspout from the city’s sewer system, the DEP website offered two options: hire a contractor or take the job on yourself.
The DEP said that such a project “is a relatively inexpensive repair and can be done quickly.”
Here are the steps required to do the job yourself, as listed on the DEP website:
Cut the downspout above the sewer connection.Cap the sewer standpipe.Attach an elbow and extension to redirect water at least 6 feet from the foundation.Ensure water flows to an absorbent surface (e.g., lawn), not onto sidewalks or neighboring properties.
There is a visual guide available on the website, which can be found at: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/whats-new/downspout-disconnection.page#
If you choose the contractor route, the DEP website listed the following tips:
Get at least three quotes.Get references from other customers.Enter into a written contract that outlines all work to be done, the cost and the payment schedule.
Afterwards, you must certify the rain gutters are disconnected with a NYC Downspout Disconnection Certification Form, which is “subject to audit.” That form is available through the aforementioned link.