Bronx Public Housing Resident Battles Recurring Sewage Flooding

A New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) resident in the Bronx claims her apartment has become unlivable due to multiple raw sewage backups. Gloria Castillo, a longtime nurse and mother, experienced the initial incident on Friday, which she first noticed as a simple leak.

Castillo stated that the situation quickly escalated later that day. Water and raw sewage originating from several floors above poured into her second-floor unit. She recorded video evidence showing the extensive flooding and the resulting powerful odor permeating the apartment.

Initial Repair Fails to Resolve Sewage Crisis

Upon contacting NYCHA, Castillo reported waiting approximately 14 hours before maintenance personnel arrived. Workers performed what she described as a temporary fix by snaking the bathtub drain. After they left, the backed-up sewage remained in her unit.

The problem recurred later the same evening, causing sewage to flow under tenant doors and leading to the elevators being taken out of service. Maintenance crews returned early the following morning to conduct more significant repairs.

Aggravated Conditions Following Extensive Work

During the second repair attempt, crews reportedly broke open the wall behind the bathroom toilet to access and drain the pipe. A worker attributed the cause to improper flushing practices by residents.

However, Castillo asserted that the apartment's conditions worsened afterward. "The smell was unbearable," she stated. Furthermore, she was informed that asbestos was present behind the wall, which workers allegedly patched using only plastic and duct tape.

Ongoing Issues and NYCHA Response

Sewage from upper floors continued to flow into her apartment during these incidents. As FOX 5 NY crews prepared to depart, sewage began filling Castillo's bathtub again, requiring crews to use buckets to manage the overflow.

NYCHA informed Castillo that the apartment conditions were still suitable for basic functions like bathing. She strongly disagreed, stating that neither she nor her son felt safe remaining there. "I don't even have words. Like I call this completely negligence," Castillo remarked.

In response to the situation, NYCHA issued a statement confirming that staff are actively assisting the resident, addressing the necessary repairs, and adhering to standard environmental protocols.