A Notice of Defect means a PWD inspector or crew found a problem with a pipe you are responsible for: usually the sewer lateral, curb trap, vent or water service line. Here is what to do, in order. For HELP loan terms, eligibility and permits in depth, see our full Notice of Defect & HELP loan guide.
Today: read the notice
- Find the deadline. PWD’s Customer Guide says a notice “describes the problem and provides up to 10 days for repairs.” Count from the date on the notice, not the date you found it.
- Find what and where. The Revenue Department says the notice tells you where the problem is, what steps to take and who to contact.
- Keep it. The notice is usually left at the door, and the Revenue Department says a copy is mailed within 20 days. Photograph the notice anyway.
- Renting? PWD’s flyer says the landlord is responsible for these pipes. Send the notice to your landlord the same day.
- Take it seriously. The Customer Guide warns that in extreme cases PWD may shut off water service.
In the next day or two: choose who will do the repair
| Option | Good fit when | Call |
|---|---|---|
| PWD’s HELP loan | You own a residential property with four or fewer units, your water account is in good standing or on a payment agreement, and you want PWD’s contractor to do the work and repay it over time | (215) 685-4901 |
| Your own licensed plumber | You want to choose the contractor or the repair method, such as trenchless lining, or move faster | Get a few written estimates |
| PHDC Basic Systems Repair or Restore-Repair-Renew | You meet PHDC’s income guidelines | (215) 448-2160 or phdcphila.org |
| A line protection plan, if you already have one | You were already enrolled before the problem started. PWD’s flyer notes that the AWR plan doesn’t cover issues that began before your coverage date, and coverage starts 30 days after enrollment. | (844) 765-7260 |
The City’s guidance is that if you go with your own plumber, you hire them without City assistance. HELP repayments are five years, interest-free, and longer terms are available for low-income owners. Our HELP section has the full requirements.
Before you hire a plumber
- Check the license with L&I’s contractor lookup. Sewer lateral work in Philadelphia needs a licensed plumber.
- Confirm the plumber will pull the permits: a PWD Sewer Connection Permit and an L&I Plumbing Permit, plus a Streets permit if the sidewalk or street is opened.
- Have the rest of the exterior plumbing checked. PWD’s own flyer warns that the defect on the notice “may not be the only issue with your system” and recommends having the exterior plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber.
- Ask for a camera inspection and the video before agreeing to a full replacement. It shows whether a spot repair or lining would work. See published cost ranges.
- Get the quote in writing, including concrete or paving restoration.
- Tell the plumber your deadline. If the work can’t be finished in time, call PWD at the number on the notice and explain what is scheduled.
After the repair
- Keep the permits, the invoice and any before-and-after video with your house records. They help if you sell the house later.
- If your basement also floods in heavy rain, now is a good time to ask about the free Basement Backup Protection Program. PWD requires the lateral to be in good condition before it installs a backwater valve.
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Related
- PWD Notice of Defect & the zero-interest HELP loan
- Who is responsible for the sewer lateral in Philadelphia?
- Sewer line repair cost in Philadelphia
- Sewer lateral repair
- PWD’s Basement Backup Protection Program, explained
Sources
- PWD: What to do after you receive a Plumbing Notice of Defect (flyer, PDF)
- PWD Customer Guide, Fourth Edition (PDF): private sewers, Notice of Defect, repair options
- City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue: Got a plumbing defect notice? Here’s what to do! (Oct. 2024)
- PWD: HELP Loan Pre-Application and requirements
- City of Philadelphia: Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP)
- PHDC: Basic Systems Repair Program (free emergency repairs, income limits)
- L&I Contractor Lookup tool
- PWD Development Services: Water & Sewer Permits
- City of Philadelphia L&I: Get a Plumbing Permit
- Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): Customer Responsibilities
Checked October 25, 2026. City programs and prices change; confirm with the source before you rely on them.