“I bought this building with the intention of doing most of the renovations myself,” Ron said. “There’s a pretty tight timeline because I have tenants waiting to move in. But now I’m stuck because I made some mistakes with the plumbing and got slapped with a stop work order.”
There’s nothing more frustrating and expensive than having a renovation project put on pause due to a stop work order. The city will issue a stop work order for any number of reasons. For example – if the work you’ve done isn’t in compliance with NYC plumbing code, you’re going to run into issues.
When Do You Really Need a Professional Plumber for NYC Renovations?
Many people aren’t aware that the city places limits on the size and scope of plumbing repairs that can be done by the property owner. There’s a category that’s known as limited plumbing alterations that dictates what you can do without a licensed master plumber, if you want to for some reason.
For example, if you want to replace your kitchen faucet with a new faucet, by NYC plumbing code, you don’t need to have a licensed master plumber involved. However, if you’re in Ron’s situation, where your renovation involves installing more than 5 fixtures, installing gas lines, and boiler work, you have to have a licensed professional plumber do the job.
If you’d like to read the NYC plumbing code for yourself, you can do so here. Be aware that this document is more than 70 pages, and the language is somewhat confusing. If you are not sure if the renovation work you’re planning to do requires a permit or licensed professional, check before you start. This can save you a lot of frustration and expense.
The city will issue a stop work order for any number of reasons. For example – if the work you’ve done isn’t in compliance with NYC plumbing code, you’re going to run into issues. It’s essential to grasp the various terms related to water pipe systems, especially when handling emergencies. Understanding these terms not only helps in providing detailed explanations to the city or your plumber but can also be crucial in averting costly water damage.
Knowing the correct terminology can expediate repair processes significantly. This knowledge ensures that communications are clear, preventing misunderstandings that could delay repairs further. In emergency situations where each minute counts, being well-versed in the specific lingo can mean the difference between a swift resolution and extensive, expensive water damage.
By integrating this understanding into your approach, especially when dealing with compliance and city regulations, you ensure a more efficient handling of any plumbing emergencies that might arise. This not only helps in adhering to legal standards but also in safeguarding your property from potential damage, ultimately saving you time and money.
Plumber to Correct NYC Plumbing Code Violations
If you’ve been told your project is in violation, you need to have those violations corrected before work on the project can continue further. “I made some mistakes not knowing there were rules regarding clearances and things like that,” Ron said. “The fastest way to get the problems addressed was by having a professional plumber in New York City come in and bring the entire project into compliance. Then the inspector came back, signed off on everything, and I was finally able to get back to work. But I was behind schedule and I spent money I didn’t have to. Next time, I’ll bring in the plumber before the inspector gets here – not the other way around!”
In most houses or buildings, the term “water distribution pipe” refers to the network of pipes that deliver water throughout the interior. These pipes typically extend from the point where the water supply enters the building—usually at the foundation wall—throughout the entire structure. They ensure water is accessible in various locations like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas. Essentially, these pipes form the backbone of your home’s internal plumbing system.
According to the NYC plumbing code, a water distribution pipe is a system of piping within a building or on its property that transports water from the main service pipe or meter to various points of use. This typically includes all piping located beyond the foundation wall of the structure, known as the internal plumbing, which supplies water to different fixtures and appliances throughout the house or building.
What is the Typical Understanding of a Water Main for New Yorkers?
For many New Yorkers, the term “water main” conjures images of any pipe that runs from their house out to the street, encompassing both private and city-owned pipes. However, this common conception isn’t entirely accurate.
Defining the Water Main
According to the NYC plumbing code, a water main specifically refers to a city’s water supply pipe or a network of pipes. These are:
Installed and maintained by a public entity (like a city, township, or utility company)
Located on public property, typically under the street
Positioned in approved dedicated easements for public or community use
In simpler terms, for New Yorkers, a water main is the major city-owned pipe running along the street that supplies water to individual properties. This centralized pipe is parallel to property lines and forms the backbone of the urban water distribution system.
Under the NYC DEP plumbing code, a water service pipe is defined as the pipeline that connects the water main or another water source, situated in the public right of way, to the building’s internal water distribution system. This pipe facilitates the delivery of water from the main supply to the building it serves, ensuring a reliable flow to meet the building’s needs.
Understanding the Difference Between a Water Service Pipe and a Water Main According to the NYC Plumbing Code
When it comes to plumbing, it’s crucial to differentiate between a water service pipe and a water main, especially in New York City where the definitions are clearly outlined in the NYC Plumbing Code.
Water Service Pipe
A water service pipe is the plumbing line that runs from the public water main or another water source at the public right of way to the water distribution system inside your building. This pipe is the primary conduit responsible for bringing water from the city’s water supply directly to your home.
Water Main
On the other hand, the water main is a system of pipes responsible for distributing water throughout public areas. According to NYC plumbing regulations, the water main is installed and maintained by public entities such as the city, township, county, or a public utility company. These pipes are located on public property, in the street, or within an approved dedicated easement meant for public or community use.
Common Misunderstandings
A frequent misconception is that any pipe running from a house to the street is a part of the water main. However, this is incorrect. The water main refers only to the publicly managed systems on public property, whereas the water service pipe connects your home to this public system.
Key Takeaways:
Water Service Pipe: Connects the water main to your house’s water distribution system.
Water Main: Managed by public entities; located on public property or in dedicated public easements.
Understanding these distinctions can save time and confusion when issues arise, and ensure that the proper parties are contacted for repairs or inspections.
