Renovation of lot pipelines

While renovating the water networks, we work in the street area specified in the detailed plan. In accordance with our new model for the renovation of lot pipelines, we will also renovate the lot pipelines in the street area that are in need of renovation and are the property owner’s responsibility. On this page, we provide information about the renovation of lot pipelines, related costs and the property owner’s responsibilities related to the renovation.

We encourage property owners to renovate their lot pipelines in full in connection with HSY’s renovation work, including the part outside the street area. In this way, the renovation areas of water networks can be repaired in one go. 

The property owner is responsible for all lot pipelines

Water networks consist of HSY’s trunk network and the lot pipelines for which the property owner is responsible. The lot pipelines include the property’s water pipe and the wastewater and stormwater sewers that connect the property to HSY’s trunk network. 

The property owner is also responsible for the construction or repair costs of the property’s lot pipelines. The division of responsibilities is the same regardless of whether the lot is owned or leased. The property owner’s responsibility starts at the connection point to HSY’s main line, even if the connection point is located outside the lot’s boundaries.

The lot pipelines for which the property is responsible and the main lines for which HSY is responsible.

Lot pipeline responsibility areas 1–3. A, B and C indicate the main lines for which HSY is responsible in the upper figure.

The following are under the property’s maintenance responsibility:

  • lot pipelines in the street area (area 1 in the picture)
  • lot pipelines in any public area between the street area and the property’s lot boundaries (area 2 in the picture)
  • lot pipelines within the borders of the property (area 3 in the picture).

Why should the plot pipepipes be renovated outside the street area as well?

The service life of lot pipelines is usually 40-50 years, depending on the materials used, building method and soil. If the pipeline breaks, water may leak into the property’s basement and foundations, and with bad luck, also to the neighbour. A blocked wastewater sewer, on the other hand, can cause the toilet bowl or floor drain to flood onto the floor. The damage can therefore be very extensive, and the property owner is liable for the repair costs. The amount of compensation depends on the insurance policy and insurance company and the maintenance history of the lot pipelines.

The renovation of the property’s aged lot pipelines in connection with HSY’s contract will ensure the property’s high-quality drinking water and uninterrupted water supply, prevent damage caused by leaks or blockages, and reduce the need to open up street structures later. The renovation also has cost benefits, for example, pipework inside the lot boundaries is eligible for household deduction.

How much does the renovation of plot pipelines cost?

HSY renovates 20-40-year-old lot pipelines in need of renovation in the street area (area 1 of the Lot pipeline responsibility areas figure) and bears the costs.

For lot pipelines over 40 years old, the connecting party is liable for the renovation costs of the street area (area 1 in the Lot pipeline responsibility areas figure), EUR 4,000 per trench, which HSY will invoice to the property. Please note that the property’s lot pipelines may not necessarily be located next to each other, in which case several connection excavations may have to be made. 

However, if the property renovates its lot pipelines of more than 40 years old outside the street area (area 3 in the Lot pipeline responsibility areas picture) and takes care of any separation of stormwater in accordance with the requirements of the city, HSY will not invoice the property for the renovation costs of the lot pipelines in the street area.

The property itself is liable for the renovation costs of the lot pipelines in the area outside the street area (area 3 of the Lot pipeline responsibility areas picture). The renovation of the lot pipelines within the boundaries of the property is an agreement between the property owner and the contractor, so the invoice for it will come from the contractor.

How should plot pipelines outside the street area be renovated?

If the property decides to renovate its lot pipelines outside the street area, the renovation must be carried out as follows:

  • stormwater sewer to the basic water well closest to the property
  • wastewater sewer up to the property's nearest manhole
  • water pipe up to water meter 

The property may invite a tender on the renovation of its lot pipelines from HSY’s contractor, or it may use a contractor of its own choice. However, in all cases, the contractor must provide HSY with the documents required by HSY for the completed work at the end of the contract.

How do I know when renovation work will be carried out on my street?

HSY or the city responsible for the renovation will contact the property owners and notify them well in advance when water supply renovation work is planned for the street area.

Stormwater sewerage on a property 

If the renovation area is a stormwater sewerage area, the properties in the area also have a statutory obligation to connect to HSY’s stormwater sewer network. 
Stormwater refers to rainwater and snow melting water discharged from the surface of the ground, the roof of the building and other paved surfaces as well as drainage water from the foundations of buildings.  

If your property is justified not to be connected to a stormwater sewer, you can apply for exemption from the connection obligation on the grounds of section 17 c of the Water Services Act from the city’s environmental protection authority. 

For more information on cities' stormwater management on plots, see:

HSY-botti