Manayunk Residents Frustrated Over Sinking Sidewalk, Repair Costs

Neighbors say a water main break led to a growing hole that could cost one resident $12,000 to fix.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Residents on the 100 block of Conarroe Street in Philadelphia's Manayunk neighborhood are expressing frustration over a worsening collapse in the pavement outside their homes, which has left them concerned about safety and the costs to repair it. The issues began with a water main break in December 2024, and the ground has continued to sink despite initial repairs, leaving homeowners like Eleanor Patafio facing a $12,000 bill to fix the issue on their property.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges homeowners can face when infrastructure issues on public property impact private property, and the financial burden that can place on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of the city versus homeowners when it comes to maintaining and repairing shared infrastructure.

The details

Neighbors say the problems began with a water main break in December 2024, which crews repaired at the time. However, the street remained covered by a metal plate for months, and the ground continued to sink. Over the past month or three weeks, the hole has progressed much faster, leaving homeowners like Eleanor Patafio facing a $12,000 bill to fix the issue on their property. The Philadelphia Water Department says the initial work also included repairs to a customer's broken sewer line, and that the current sinking is due to a leaking sewer line on Patafio's property, for which she has been given 10 days to address before the city shuts off her water.

  • The issues began with a water main break in December 2024.
  • The street remained covered by a metal plate for 10 months after the initial repairs.
  • Over the past month or three weeks, the hole has progressed much faster.

The players

Eleanor Patafio

A Manayunk resident who faces a $12,000 bill to repair the sinking sidewalk on her property.

Kevin Loughlin

A Manayunk resident who lives on the block and has been dealing with the ongoing issues.

Philadelphia Water Department

The city agency responsible for maintaining water infrastructure, which says the current sinking is due to a leaking sewer line on Patafio's property.

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What they’re saying

“And that's a heck of a lot of money for one person who's retired.”

— Eleanor Patafio (6abc.com)

“It took them like 10 months to actually patch the hole. So that's when we thought things were fixed, but clearly not.”

— Kevin Loughlin, Manayunk resident (6abc.com)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Water Department says it plans to reach out to Eleanor Patafio to work with her on completing the repairs to the sewer line and addressing the costs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges homeowners can face when infrastructure issues on public property impact private property, and the financial burden that can place on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of the city versus homeowners when it comes to maintaining and repairing shared infrastructure.