Boiler Inspections

Boilers are an essential part of many New York City buildings. But just like any other equipment, they need regular checks. Our team makes sure your boiler meets city regulations and runs efficiently. Annual inspection reports must be filed with the City for H-stamped and E-stamped boilers.

Who's Required to Comply?

  • Residential buildings with six or more families
  • Commercial and mixed-use buildings, regardless of boiler BTU capacity
  • Any residential buildings classified as Single Room Occupancy (SRO) dwellings

What is Required for NYC Boiler Inspections?

Here's an outline of the requirements for boiler inspections in NYC, based on the NYC Department of Buildings regulations:

Types of Boilers that Require Inspection

  • Low-Pressure Boilers: These operate at a pressure of not more than 15 psi for steam and are used primarily for heating and hot water supply.
  • High-Pressure Boilers: These operate at pressures greater than 15 psi for steam. They are mainly found in commercial establishments.


Annual Inspection Requirements

  • Low-Pressure Boilers: Must undergo an annual inspection by either the building owner or a third-party inspection agency.
  • High-Pressure Boilers: Require inspection every year, which must be conducted by the Department of Buildings or an authorized insurance company.


Boiler Inspection Cycle

  • The NYC boiler inspection cycle runs from January 1st to December 31st every year.


Inspection Report Submission

  • Inspection reports for both low and high-pressure boilers must be filed with the Department of Buildings. The deadline for submitting the annual boiler inspection report is 45 days from the inspection date.


Defect Corrections

  • If defects are found during the inspection, owners are given a specified amount of time to make corrections, depending on the type and severity of the defect.


Certificate of Operation

  • After the Department of Buildings has reviewed and approved the inspection report for high-pressure boilers, a Certificate of Operation is issued. This certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.


Violations and Penalties

  • Failure to file an inspection report can result in penalties. If a violation is issued, building owners have to address the cited condition and provide proof of correction to the Department.


Exemptions

  • Some boilers are exempt from annual inspection requirements, such as residential boilers in one or two-family homes. However, even exempt boilers must adhere to installation and operational standards.


Record Keeping

  • Building owners must maintain records of boiler inspections, reports, and any performed repairs for a minimum of six years and must produce them upon request.


Qualified Inspectors

  • Inspectors must have the appropriate qualifications and certifications. For high-pressure boilers, the inspector must either be from the Department of Buildings or an authorized insurance company.


Why Perform Regular Boiler Inspections?

Safety: It's not just about rules – it's about keeping folks safe. A well-checked boiler is a safe one.


Staying Compliant: NYC's guidelines are clear. We help you navigate them without the fuss, keeping you on the straight and narrow.


Efficiency Matters: A well-maintained boiler isn’t just about warmth; it's about being cost-effective. Keep it running right, and it’ll take care of your wallet.


Longevity: Regular care means your boiler stays with you longer. It's that simple.


Boiler Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does NYC mandate having a backflow device?

    New York City mandates the use of backflow prevention devices to safeguard the city's public water supply. Here are the primary reasons for this mandate:


    Protect Public Health: The primary reason is to ensure that contaminants do not enter the public drinking water system. Without adequate backflow prevention, pollutants or contaminants from a building's internal plumbing system can flow backward into the public water supply.


    Avoid Contamination Events: Certain conditions, such as a significant drop in water pressure due to a main break or firefighting activities, can cause water to flow backward (backflow). In situations where buildings utilize chemicals or other non-potable sources, there's a risk these could enter the drinking water without backflow prevention.


    Diverse Usage of Water: NYC is home to a vast array of businesses, industries, and residences, each with unique water usage patterns. Some establishments, like factories, medical facilities, or commercial complexes, use water in ways that can introduce contaminants. Backflow devices ensure that these contaminants don't reverse into the city's water.


    Past Incidents: Like many cities, NYC has learned from past experiences. Incidents in various places over the years have highlighted the dangers of not having backflow preventers, leading to stricter regulations.


    Alignment with Best Practices: Mandating backflow devices aligns NYC with best practices and standards set by water industry professionals and health experts. Many cities across the U.S. have similar requirements to protect their residents.


    Legal and Regulatory Compliance: By mandating these devices, NYC ensures that it remains compliant with state and federal water quality standards and regulations.


    In summary, the mandate is a proactive measure designed to prevent potential health hazards and ensure the consistent safety and quality of New York City's drinking water.

  • How often do I need to have this inspected?

    Upon installation and every 12 months afterwards.

  • Who can perform the inspection/testing?

    Inspection must be completed by a state certified backflow prevention device tester.

  • What if I don't comply?

    Non-compliance can result in penalties and you risk having your water service disconnected.

  • Can I file for an exemption for this backflow requirement?

    Exemptions must be filed by a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) on behalf of the property owner. The PE or RA will need to provide all required information in a typed letter on their letterhead and fully state that all necessary exemption conditions have been met. All letters must be sent to DEP for approval.