City addresses aging pipes

Glen Cove City Hall was filled with anxious homeowners on Monday night, as they listened to representatives from Pipelogix LMS Inc., a private contractor based in Long Beach, on an initiative to begin a sewer lateral maintenance program in the city.
“It’s important to realize that this is an environmentally based program first and foremost,” Michael Bloom, director of Pipelogix, said. “When sewer pipes underground are broken, whatever goes down the drain and leaves through those breaks goes right into the groundwater.”
The initiative, designed to mitigate environmental contamination and prevent costly repairs for residents, aims to address the city’s aging sewer infrastructure by providing coverage for repairs to private sewer lateral lines — the underground pipes that transport wastewater from homes to public sewer mains. Set to launch next February, the program will cover the costs of inspecting, maintaining and repairing sewer laterals for a monthly fee of $15.75, or $189 per year.
Roughly 6,000 homes will be automatically enrolled in the service, with an opt-out period from now until Nov. 1. Homeowners who choose not to participate must submit a form this month, though Eliot Bloom, Pipelogix director, said that homeowners will be able to opt out beyond the enrollment period.
The sewer lateral lines in question are small pipes, typically four inches in diameter, that run from a home’s plumbing system to the street, connecting to the city’s main sewer line. Many of these pipes were installed decades ago, and are prone to issues such as cracks, root intrusion and collapse, especially those made of materials like cast iron. Some are Orangeburg pipes, made of pulped wood and tar and used during World War II due to metal shortages. The latter are particularly vulnerable to collapse after years of exposure to groundwater, and the cost of repairing them can range as high as $20,000.

“If a person has a new pipe and you’re well within the lifespan of a new PVC pipe for that pipe, this program is not for you,” Eliot Bloom said. “But for the emergency of us clearing your pipe, know that you’re never going to spend more than that amount per year. It might be worth it.”
In response to a question from resident Bernard Rothbort about whether homeowners could find similar coverage through their insurance companies, Eliot Bloom said that while some companies offer sewer lateral programs, they often rely on subcontractors, and have higher enrollment fees and deductibles. Pipelogix, he said, has its own trained employees, and offers more comprehensive service without subcontractors or hidden fees. He added that those who opt into the program and receive a new lateral line are obligated to remain in the program for five years.
“Plumbing is very expensive, and it’s a specific type of plumbing,” resident Mimi Murphy said after the presentation. “I came here with working knowledge of collapsed laterals coming out of our home, not once but twice. I will be opting in, without any doubt.”
The program is intended not only to save homeowners money, but also to ensure timely and efficient service. Glen Cove residents who have a sewer blockage or backup can call Pipelogix’s 24/7 dispatch center for immediate help. On site, technicians will assess the problem, clear any blockages and use high-definition cameras to inspect the pipe for breaks, root intrusion or misaligned joints. Repairs are typically completed the same day or the next, depending on their complexity.
Michael Bloom explained that one of the program’s standout features is its use of trenchless technology, which allows Pipelogix to repair sewer lines without digging up homeowners’ yards or driveways. Instead, a liner is inserted into the existing pipe and inflated with an air bladder. The liner is then cured using UV light, creating a new pipe inside the old one. This innovative approach minimizes disruption to homeowners’ property and offers a faster, more cost-effective solution than traditional excavation.
If a pipe is too badly damaged or completely collapsed, however, excavation may be necessary, but homeowners will still benefit from the program. Repairs are covered by the flat monthly fee, with no additional costs, deductibles, or limits on the number of repairs.
“We will never be in a position to take business from the local plumbing community,” Michael Bloom said. “If we see that the issue isn’t with the lateral but with, say, a toilet or something else inside the home, we’ll refer the homeowner to a local plumber.”
Residents can expect a letter this month from Pipelogix with an opt-out form. They can also call Pipelogix at (800) 926-7910.