Published 10/29/2024

The majority of plumbing code violations in NYC area are due to incorrect or outdated work by a previous contractor. Many of the city’s older buildings have been renovated several times, and many potential plumbing problems may have been put in place before you owned the building. But because you are currently responsible for the building being up to code, you need to pay attention to:

• Improper Drain Slopes – Most drains are sloped so that gravity can naturally carry waste water away. If the drain slope is too shallow, water can flow backwards and return to the property.
• Too Few Clean-Outs – A clean-out provides access to plumbing for maintenance. There needs to be at least one every 100 feet, and whenever there is a direction change in the line that is greater than 45 degrees.
• Inaccessible Clean-Outs – Even if you have the right number of clean-outs, they cannot be obstructed. This includes placement behind a physical block, in a flood area, or near an electrical box.
• Not Enough Space Around Toilets – A toilet needs 15 inches of clearance from the center of the bowl to any wall, vanity, or other partition. It also needs 30 inches of clearance between showers, tubs, and sinks.
• Wrong Fittings or Materials – This is a common issue with gas piping systems and sewage systems. An unlicensed contractor who substitutes cheap fittings or materials for the right ones can create a system that clogs, has backflow, cannot handle pressure, or deteriorates over time.

• building code
• residential
• drain slope

• fittings
• piping
• clean-outs

• renovation
• expeditor
• toilets