Did you know there are NYC plumbing programs to help homeowners? Water is an essential part of life and you simply cannot go without it for very long. It is necessary to keep yourself hydrated, for personal hygiene, and to keep your home clean and sanitary. It is also not free. Your water bill is processed by the city and sent to you without fail. If the water bills in your NYC home, apartment, condo, or rental property are causing you stress, you’ll be glad to know that there are ways to reduce it. In fact, there are several NYC plumbing programs that can save residence owners money.
The Home Water Assistance Program (HWAP)
This program benefits qualified homeowners who own properties that house one to four families. Homeowners who receive the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Heating Benefit, Senior Citizens Homeowner’s Exemption (SCHE), Disabled Homeowner’s Exemption (DHE), or Enhanced School Tax Relief benefit and who have an income of less than $50,000 per year are eligible. Contact customer service for more information at (718) 595-7000.
Leak Forgiveness Program
If you experience a water leak, your water bill can skyrocket without you even knowing why. In order to qualify for leak forgiveness, your bill has to be at least 200% of your normal bill, you have to fix the leak within 120 days of the billing date for the high bill, and submit the request in writing within 120 days of the bill. You also cannot have asked for leak forgiveness in the past 2 years. Mail your written request to: BCS Correspondence—Leak Program, 59-17 Junction Blvd., 7th Floor, Flushing, NY 11373.
Water Debt Assistance Program
If you own multi-family properties and you have fallen behind in your water bills, a lien will be placed on your property, However, this lien may be deferred if you are eligible according to the program’s criteria. This includes being behind by $2,000 or more for at least a year, and that you have received a “Pre-Lien Sale Warning” letter. You also must confirm that the debt is accurate and that you are unable to pay the debt. To learn more, or to get the form to apply, visit the DEP water debt assistance page.
Multi-family Water Assistance Program
This program is intended to encourage water conservation and is available for multi-family housing projects that provide affordable housing for NYC residents. It provides a $250 credit for each residential unit that is included in the property’s water and sewer bill. Since this is a first-come, first-served program with limited enrollment, it is advisable for eligible property owners to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the program and how to apply at the program’s website.
Service Line Protection Program
In NYC, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the water and sewer service lines that connect their home to the city’s water and sewer mains. If a repair is necessary, it can cost thousands of dollars and most home owner’s insurance policies do not cover these expenses. Avoiding these unexpected repair costs is a simple matter of signing up for the Service Line Protection Program. For $4.49 a month for water and $8.47 a month for sewer, it is a protection that pays for itself easily. For more information, visit the AWR website or call (888) 300-3570.
There are few things as stressful as an excessive water or sewer bill when you do not have the means to pay it. If you are a homeowner or you own rental properties in NYC, contact Aladdin Plumbing if you are experiencing water leaks or other plumbing issues that are causing your bills to rise. We will send someone over to take a look and get things back in order so you can rest easy and keep more money in your pocket.