‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
shall be closed and a pressure equivalent to a 1
-
inch water column (248.8 Pa) shall be held for a test period of not less 
than 15 minutes.
312.5 Water supply system test. 
Upon completion of a section of or the entire w
ater supply system, the system, or 
portion completed, shall be tested and proved tight under a water 
pressure of 50 psi (344 kPa) above its normal 
working pressure but not less than 150 psi (1033 kPa)
. This pressure shall be held for not less than 15 minut
es. The 
water utilized for tests shall be obtained from a potable source of supply. The required tests shall be performed in 
accordance with this section and Section
108.
312.5.1 Water service pipe.
In addition to any requirements of Section 312.5, tests f
or water service pipes shall 
comply with the following:
1.
In the presence of the tapper or inspector of the Department of Environmental Protection, each new service 
pipe or repaired service pipe shall be subjected to a water test made under the street mai
n pressure.
2.
All such pipes and appurtenances shall remain uncov
-
ered for the duration of the test and shall show no sign 
of leakage.
3.
When any question arises as to the installation conforming with these regulations, an internal hydrostatic test 
as sp
ecified for materials may be applied, subject to the approval of the Department of Environmental Pro-
tection.
312.6 Reserved.
312.7 Forced drain test. 
Forced drain tests shall consist of plugging the end of the pump discharge at the point of 
connection with the building drain and applying a pressure of 5 psi (34.5 kPa) greater than the 
shut off 
pump rating, 
and maintaining such pressure for 15 minutes.
3
12.8 Storm drainage system test. 
Storm drain
systems shall be tested by water or air in accordance with Section 
312.2 or 312.3.
Where storm drainage piping is designed to run full, the system shall be tested to withstand the head 
of 10 feet (3048 mm) of wa
ter above the anticipated high water level.
Exception:
Storm drainage piping installed outside of a building shall be tested to withstand the head of water 
equal to grade
, but such testing may be conducted
after inspection and backfilling.
312.9 Shower lin
er test. 
Where shower floors and receptors are made water tight by the application of materials 
required by Section 417.5.2, the completed liner installation shall be tested. The pipe from the shower drain shall be 
plugged water tight for the test. The flo
or and receptor area shall be filled with potable water to a depth of not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) measured at the threshold. Where a threshold of at least 2 inches (51 mm) high does not exist, 
a temporary threshold shall be constructed to retain the tes
t water in the lined floor or receptor area to a level not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) deep measured at the threshold. The water shall be retained for a test period of not less than 15 
minutes, and there shall not be evidence of leakage.
312.10 Inspection a
nd testing of backflow prevention assemblies. 
Inspection and testing 
of secondary backflow 
prevention assemblies 
shall comply with Sections 312.10.1 and 312.10.2.
312.10.1 Inspections. 
Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow prevention assemblies,
air gaps, spill
-
proof vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and hose connection backflow preventers to deter-
mine whether they are operable on forms provided by the department. Such forms shall be retained by the owner 
and shall be made avai
lable upon request to the department for a period of five years.
312.10.2 Testing. 
Reduced pressure principle, double 
check
, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure detector 
fire protection, double check detector fire protection, and spill
-
resistant vacu
um breaker backflow preventer as-
semblies and hose connection backflow preventers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after 
repairs or relocation and annually
thereafter. 
The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one o
f 
the following standards: ASSE 5013, ASSE 5015, ASSE 5020, ASSE 5047, ASSE 5048, ASSE 5052, ASSE 5056, 
CSA B64.10 or CSA B64.10.1. 
Refer to Section 608.13 and the Department of Environmental Protection for 
additional testing requirements
.
312.11
Joint ins
pection. 
Inspections of welded joints shall consist of visual examination, during or after manufacture, 
fabrication, assembly, or pressure tests as appropriate. Supplementary types of nondestructive inspection techniques, 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
such as magnetic
-
particle, radiogr
aphic, ultrasonic, etc., shall not be required unless specifically listed herein or in the 
engineering design.
312.11.1
Welder’s qualifications. 
Welders installing domestic water piping within buildings at any pressure shall 
comply with the following:
1.
W
elders shall be qualified for all pipe sizes, wall thicknesses and all positions in accordance with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 
Section IX. Requalification of a welder is required should the welder fail 
to maintain welder’s continuity every 6
months. The licensed master plumber employing the welder shall 
maintain a welder continuity log and the log shall be made available to the department upon request.
2.
Welder qualification testing shall be performed by an approved agency and the inspector 
witnessing the test 
shall be an authorized AWS Certified Welding Inspector. 
3.
Copies of the certified welder qualification reports shall be maintained by both the approved agency and the 
licensed master plumber employing the welder for at least six years
and shall be made available to the de-
partment upon request.
SECTION PC 313
EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCIES
313.1 General. 
Equipment efficiencies shall be in accordance with the 
New York City
Energy Conservation Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
314
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
314.1 Fuel
-
burning appliances. 
Liquid combustion by
-
products of condensing appliances shall be collected and dis-
charged to an approved
plumbing fixture or disposal area in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Con-
densate piping shall be of appro
ved
corrosion
-
resistant material in accordance with Section 803 and shall not be 
smaller than the drain connection on the appliance. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum horizontal
slope in the 
direction of discharge of not less than one
-
eighth unit vertic
al in 12 units horizontal (1
-
percent slope).
314.1.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all fuel
-
burning appliances and associated flues shall be neutral-
ized to a pH of at least 6 and no more than 8 prior to disposal to a sanitary system.
314.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. 
Condensate drain systems shall be provided for equipment and appliances 
containing evaporators or cooling coils. Condensate drain systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in 
accordance with Sections 314.2.1 
through 314.2.5.
Exception:
Evaporators and cooling coils that are designed to operate in sensible cooling only and not support 
condensation shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section.
314.2.1 Condensate disposal. 
Condensate from all co
oling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain 
pan outlet to an approved
place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum 
horizontal slope in the direction 
of discharge of not less than 
one
-
eighth
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (
1
-
percent slope). Condensate shall not 
discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
‡‡‡
314.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. 
Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron,
galvanized steel, copper, 
cross
-
linked polyethylene,    polyethylene, ABS, CPVC
,
or PVC pipe or tubing. Polypro-
pylene tubing may be used in lengths that do not exceed 12 inches (304.8 mm) for an individual drain application. 
Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperatu
re rating of the installation. Joints and connections 
shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 relative to the material type. Condensate 
waste and drain line size shall be not less than 
3
/
4
-
inch (19.1 mm)
internal diameter an
d shall not decrease in size 
from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit 
are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 314.2.
2.
TABLE 314.2.2
CONDENSATE DRAIN SIZING
EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE 
DIAMETER
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
shall be closed and a pressure equivalent to a 1
-
inch water column (248.8 Pa) shall be held for a test period of not less 
than 15 minutes.
312.5 Water supply system test. 
Upon completion of a section of or the entire w
ater supply system, the system, or 
portion completed, shall be tested and proved tight under a water 
pressure of 50 psi (344 kPa) above its normal 
working pressure but not less than 150 psi (1033 kPa)
. This pressure shall be held for not less than 15 minut
es. The 
water utilized for tests shall be obtained from a potable source of supply. The required tests shall be performed in 
accordance with this section and Section
108.
312.5.1 Water service pipe.
In addition to any requirements of Section 312.5, tests f
or water service pipes shall 
comply with the following:
1.
In the presence of the tapper or inspector of the Department of Environmental Protection, each new service 
pipe or repaired service pipe shall be subjected to a water test made under the street mai
n pressure.
2.
All such pipes and appurtenances shall remain uncov
-
ered for the duration of the test and shall show no sign 
of leakage.
3.
When any question arises as to the installation conforming with these regulations, an internal hydrostatic test 
as sp
ecified for materials may be applied, subject to the approval of the Department of Environmental Pro-
tection.
312.6 Reserved.
312.7 Forced drain test. 
Forced drain tests shall consist of plugging the end of the pump discharge at the point of 
connection with the building drain and applying a pressure of 5 psi (34.5 kPa) greater than the 
shut off 
pump rating, 
and maintaining such pressure for 15 minutes.
3
12.8 Storm drainage system test. 
Storm drain
systems shall be tested by water or air in accordance with Section 
312.2 or 312.3.
Where storm drainage piping is designed to run full, the system shall be tested to withstand the head 
of 10 feet (3048 mm) of wa
ter above the anticipated high water level.
Exception:
Storm drainage piping installed outside of a building shall be tested to withstand the head of water 
equal to grade
, but such testing may be conducted
after inspection and backfilling.
312.9 Shower lin
er test. 
Where shower floors and receptors are made water tight by the application of materials 
required by Section 417.5.2, the completed liner installation shall be tested. The pipe from the shower drain shall be 
plugged water tight for the test. The flo
or and receptor area shall be filled with potable water to a depth of not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) measured at the threshold. Where a threshold of at least 2 inches (51 mm) high does not exist, 
a temporary threshold shall be constructed to retain the tes
t water in the lined floor or receptor area to a level not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) deep measured at the threshold. The water shall be retained for a test period of not less than 15 
minutes, and there shall not be evidence of leakage.
312.10 Inspection a
nd testing of backflow prevention assemblies. 
Inspection and testing 
of secondary backflow 
prevention assemblies 
shall comply with Sections 312.10.1 and 312.10.2.
312.10.1 Inspections. 
Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow prevention assemblies,
air gaps, spill
-
proof vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and hose connection backflow preventers to deter-
mine whether they are operable on forms provided by the department. Such forms shall be retained by the owner 
and shall be made avai
lable upon request to the department for a period of five years.
312.10.2 Testing. 
Reduced pressure principle, double 
check
, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure detector 
fire protection, double check detector fire protection, and spill
-
resistant vacu
um breaker backflow preventer as-
semblies and hose connection backflow preventers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after 
repairs or relocation and annually
thereafter. 
The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one o
f 
the following standards: ASSE 5013, ASSE 5015, ASSE 5020, ASSE 5047, ASSE 5048, ASSE 5052, ASSE 5056, 
CSA B64.10 or CSA B64.10.1. 
Refer to Section 608.13 and the Department of Environmental Protection for 
additional testing requirements
.
312.11
Joint ins
pection. 
Inspections of welded joints shall consist of visual examination, during or after manufacture, 
fabrication, assembly, or pressure tests as appropriate. Supplementary types of nondestructive inspection techniques, 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
such as magnetic
-
particle, radiogr
aphic, ultrasonic, etc., shall not be required unless specifically listed herein or in the 
engineering design.
312.11.1
Welder’s qualifications. 
Welders installing domestic water piping within buildings at any pressure shall 
comply with the following:
1.
W
elders shall be qualified for all pipe sizes, wall thicknesses and all positions in accordance with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 
Section IX. Requalification of a welder is required should the welder fail 
to maintain welder’s continuity every 6
months. The licensed master plumber employing the welder shall 
maintain a welder continuity log and the log shall be made available to the department upon request.
2.
Welder qualification testing shall be performed by an approved agency and the inspector 
witnessing the test 
shall be an authorized AWS Certified Welding Inspector. 
3.
Copies of the certified welder qualification reports shall be maintained by both the approved agency and the 
licensed master plumber employing the welder for at least six years
and shall be made available to the de-
partment upon request.
SECTION PC 313
EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCIES
313.1 General. 
Equipment efficiencies shall be in accordance with the 
New York City
Energy Conservation Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
314
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
314.1 Fuel
-
burning appliances. 
Liquid combustion by
-
products of condensing appliances shall be collected and dis-
charged to an approved
plumbing fixture or disposal area in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Con-
densate piping shall be of appro
ved
corrosion
-
resistant material in accordance with Section 803 and shall not be 
smaller than the drain connection on the appliance. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum horizontal
slope in the 
direction of discharge of not less than one
-
eighth unit vertic
al in 12 units horizontal (1
-
percent slope).
314.1.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all fuel
-
burning appliances and associated flues shall be neutral-
ized to a pH of at least 6 and no more than 8 prior to disposal to a sanitary system.
314.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. 
Condensate drain systems shall be provided for equipment and appliances 
containing evaporators or cooling coils. Condensate drain systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in 
accordance with Sections 314.2.1 
through 314.2.5.
Exception:
Evaporators and cooling coils that are designed to operate in sensible cooling only and not support 
condensation shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section.
314.2.1 Condensate disposal. 
Condensate from all co
oling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain 
pan outlet to an approved
place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum 
horizontal slope in the direction 
of discharge of not less than 
one
-
eighth
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (
1
-
percent slope). Condensate shall not 
discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
‡‡‡
314.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. 
Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron,
galvanized steel, copper, 
cross
-
linked polyethylene,    polyethylene, ABS, CPVC
,
or PVC pipe or tubing. Polypro-
pylene tubing may be used in lengths that do not exceed 12 inches (304.8 mm) for an individual drain application. 
Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperatu
re rating of the installation. Joints and connections 
shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 relative to the material type. Condensate 
waste and drain line size shall be not less than 
3
/
4
-
inch (19.1 mm)
internal diameter an
d shall not decrease in size 
from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit 
are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 314.2.
2.
TABLE 314.2.2
CONDENSATE DRAIN SIZING
EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE 
DIAMETER
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Up to 20 tons of refrigeration
3
/
4
inch
Over 20 tons to 40 tons of re-
frigeration
1 inch
Over 40 tons to 90 tons of re-
frigeration
1
1
/
4
inches
Over 90 tons to 
125 tons of 
refrigeration
1
1
/
2
inches
Over 125 tons to 250 tons of 
refrigeration
2 inches
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ton of capacity = 3.517 kW.
‡‡‡
314.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. 
In addition to the requirements of Section 314.2.1, where 
damage to any building components could occur as a result of overflow from the equipment primary condensate 
removal system, one of the following auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for ea
ch cooling coil or 
fuel
-
fired
appliance that produces condensate:
1.
An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on which condensation will 
occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal
to alert occupants in the 
event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall have a depth of not less than 1
1
/
2
inches (38 mm), 
shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit or the coil dimensions in width and length and 
shall be const
ructed of corrosion
-
resistant material. 
Metallic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than
0
.0236
-
inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage) 
for 
galvanized sheet metal
pans, 0.0179 inches (0.4546 mm) (No. 
26 gage) for stainless steel pans, or 0.0320 inches (0.8128 
mm) (No. 20 gage) for aluminum pans. Nonmet-
allic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than 0.0625
-
inch (1.6 mm).
2.
A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with the equipment. Such over-
flow drain shall discharge to a 
conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of 
the primary drain. The overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the primary 
drain connection.
3.
An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain
line shall be provided under the coils on which condensate 
will occur. Such pan shall be equipped with a listed water
-
level detection device that will shut off the equip-
ment served prior to overflow of the pan. The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed
in accordance with 
Item 1 of this section.
4.
A listed water
-
level detection device shall be provided that will shut off the equipment served in the event 
that the primary drain is blocked. The device shall be installed in the primary drain line, the over
flow drain 
line or in the equipment
-
supplied drain pan, located at a point higher than the primary drain line connection 
and below the overflow rim of such pan.
Exceptions:
1.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required for fuel
-
fired applia
nces that automati-
cally shut down operation in the event of a stoppage in the condensate drainage system.
2.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required where a suitably sized and located floor 
drain is provided.
314.2.3.1 Water
-
level monitoring devices. 
On down
-
flow units and all other coils that do not have a secondary 
drain or provisions to install a secondary or auxiliary drain pan, a water
-
level monitoring device shall be installed 
inside the primary drain pan
. This device shall shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain 
becomes restricted. Devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.
314.2.3.2 Appliance, equipment and insulation in pans. 
Where an appliance, equipment or in
sulation is sub-
ject to water damage when auxiliary drain pans fill
,
that portion of the appliance, equipment and insulation shall 
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
shall be closed and a pressure equivalent to a 1
-
inch water column (248.8 Pa) shall be held for a test period of not less 
than 15 minutes.
312.5 Water supply system test. 
Upon completion of a section of or the entire w
ater supply system, the system, or 
portion completed, shall be tested and proved tight under a water 
pressure of 50 psi (344 kPa) above its normal 
working pressure but not less than 150 psi (1033 kPa)
. This pressure shall be held for not less than 15 minut
es. The 
water utilized for tests shall be obtained from a potable source of supply. The required tests shall be performed in 
accordance with this section and Section
108.
312.5.1 Water service pipe.
In addition to any requirements of Section 312.5, tests f
or water service pipes shall 
comply with the following:
1.
In the presence of the tapper or inspector of the Department of Environmental Protection, each new service 
pipe or repaired service pipe shall be subjected to a water test made under the street mai
n pressure.
2.
All such pipes and appurtenances shall remain uncov
-
ered for the duration of the test and shall show no sign 
of leakage.
3.
When any question arises as to the installation conforming with these regulations, an internal hydrostatic test 
as sp
ecified for materials may be applied, subject to the approval of the Department of Environmental Pro-
tection.
312.6 Reserved.
312.7 Forced drain test. 
Forced drain tests shall consist of plugging the end of the pump discharge at the point of 
connection with the building drain and applying a pressure of 5 psi (34.5 kPa) greater than the 
shut off 
pump rating, 
and maintaining such pressure for 15 minutes.
3
12.8 Storm drainage system test. 
Storm drain
systems shall be tested by water or air in accordance with Section 
312.2 or 312.3.
Where storm drainage piping is designed to run full, the system shall be tested to withstand the head 
of 10 feet (3048 mm) of wa
ter above the anticipated high water level.
Exception:
Storm drainage piping installed outside of a building shall be tested to withstand the head of water 
equal to grade
, but such testing may be conducted
after inspection and backfilling.
312.9 Shower lin
er test. 
Where shower floors and receptors are made water tight by the application of materials 
required by Section 417.5.2, the completed liner installation shall be tested. The pipe from the shower drain shall be 
plugged water tight for the test. The flo
or and receptor area shall be filled with potable water to a depth of not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) measured at the threshold. Where a threshold of at least 2 inches (51 mm) high does not exist, 
a temporary threshold shall be constructed to retain the tes
t water in the lined floor or receptor area to a level not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) deep measured at the threshold. The water shall be retained for a test period of not less than 15 
minutes, and there shall not be evidence of leakage.
312.10 Inspection a
nd testing of backflow prevention assemblies. 
Inspection and testing 
of secondary backflow 
prevention assemblies 
shall comply with Sections 312.10.1 and 312.10.2.
312.10.1 Inspections. 
Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow prevention assemblies,
air gaps, spill
-
proof vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and hose connection backflow preventers to deter-
mine whether they are operable on forms provided by the department. Such forms shall be retained by the owner 
and shall be made avai
lable upon request to the department for a period of five years.
312.10.2 Testing. 
Reduced pressure principle, double 
check
, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure detector 
fire protection, double check detector fire protection, and spill
-
resistant vacu
um breaker backflow preventer as-
semblies and hose connection backflow preventers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after 
repairs or relocation and annually
thereafter. 
The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one o
f 
the following standards: ASSE 5013, ASSE 5015, ASSE 5020, ASSE 5047, ASSE 5048, ASSE 5052, ASSE 5056, 
CSA B64.10 or CSA B64.10.1. 
Refer to Section 608.13 and the Department of Environmental Protection for 
additional testing requirements
.
312.11
Joint ins
pection. 
Inspections of welded joints shall consist of visual examination, during or after manufacture, 
fabrication, assembly, or pressure tests as appropriate. Supplementary types of nondestructive inspection techniques, 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
such as magnetic
-
particle, radiogr
aphic, ultrasonic, etc., shall not be required unless specifically listed herein or in the 
engineering design.
312.11.1
Welder’s qualifications. 
Welders installing domestic water piping within buildings at any pressure shall 
comply with the following:
1.
W
elders shall be qualified for all pipe sizes, wall thicknesses and all positions in accordance with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 
Section IX. Requalification of a welder is required should the welder fail 
to maintain welder’s continuity every 6
months. The licensed master plumber employing the welder shall 
maintain a welder continuity log and the log shall be made available to the department upon request.
2.
Welder qualification testing shall be performed by an approved agency and the inspector 
witnessing the test 
shall be an authorized AWS Certified Welding Inspector. 
3.
Copies of the certified welder qualification reports shall be maintained by both the approved agency and the 
licensed master plumber employing the welder for at least six years
and shall be made available to the de-
partment upon request.
SECTION PC 313
EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCIES
313.1 General. 
Equipment efficiencies shall be in accordance with the 
New York City
Energy Conservation Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
314
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
314.1 Fuel
-
burning appliances. 
Liquid combustion by
-
products of condensing appliances shall be collected and dis-
charged to an approved
plumbing fixture or disposal area in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Con-
densate piping shall be of appro
ved
corrosion
-
resistant material in accordance with Section 803 and shall not be 
smaller than the drain connection on the appliance. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum horizontal
slope in the 
direction of discharge of not less than one
-
eighth unit vertic
al in 12 units horizontal (1
-
percent slope).
314.1.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all fuel
-
burning appliances and associated flues shall be neutral-
ized to a pH of at least 6 and no more than 8 prior to disposal to a sanitary system.
314.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. 
Condensate drain systems shall be provided for equipment and appliances 
containing evaporators or cooling coils. Condensate drain systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in 
accordance with Sections 314.2.1 
through 314.2.5.
Exception:
Evaporators and cooling coils that are designed to operate in sensible cooling only and not support 
condensation shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section.
314.2.1 Condensate disposal. 
Condensate from all co
oling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain 
pan outlet to an approved
place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum 
horizontal slope in the direction 
of discharge of not less than 
one
-
eighth
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (
1
-
percent slope). Condensate shall not 
discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
‡‡‡
314.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. 
Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron,
galvanized steel, copper, 
cross
-
linked polyethylene,    polyethylene, ABS, CPVC
,
or PVC pipe or tubing. Polypro-
pylene tubing may be used in lengths that do not exceed 12 inches (304.8 mm) for an individual drain application. 
Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperatu
re rating of the installation. Joints and connections 
shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 relative to the material type. Condensate 
waste and drain line size shall be not less than 
3
/
4
-
inch (19.1 mm)
internal diameter an
d shall not decrease in size 
from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit 
are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 314.2.
2.
TABLE 314.2.2
CONDENSATE DRAIN SIZING
EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE 
DIAMETER
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Up to 20 tons of refrigeration
3
/
4
inch
Over 20 tons to 40 tons of re-
frigeration
1 inch
Over 40 tons to 90 tons of re-
frigeration
1
1
/
4
inches
Over 90 tons to 
125 tons of 
refrigeration
1
1
/
2
inches
Over 125 tons to 250 tons of 
refrigeration
2 inches
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ton of capacity = 3.517 kW.
‡‡‡
314.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. 
In addition to the requirements of Section 314.2.1, where 
damage to any building components could occur as a result of overflow from the equipment primary condensate 
removal system, one of the following auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for ea
ch cooling coil or 
fuel
-
fired
appliance that produces condensate:
1.
An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on which condensation will 
occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal
to alert occupants in the 
event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall have a depth of not less than 1
1
/
2
inches (38 mm), 
shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit or the coil dimensions in width and length and 
shall be const
ructed of corrosion
-
resistant material. 
Metallic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than
0
.0236
-
inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage) 
for 
galvanized sheet metal
pans, 0.0179 inches (0.4546 mm) (No. 
26 gage) for stainless steel pans, or 0.0320 inches (0.8128 
mm) (No. 20 gage) for aluminum pans. Nonmet-
allic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than 0.0625
-
inch (1.6 mm).
2.
A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with the equipment. Such over-
flow drain shall discharge to a 
conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of 
the primary drain. The overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the primary 
drain connection.
3.
An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain
line shall be provided under the coils on which condensate 
will occur. Such pan shall be equipped with a listed water
-
level detection device that will shut off the equip-
ment served prior to overflow of the pan. The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed
in accordance with 
Item 1 of this section.
4.
A listed water
-
level detection device shall be provided that will shut off the equipment served in the event 
that the primary drain is blocked. The device shall be installed in the primary drain line, the over
flow drain 
line or in the equipment
-
supplied drain pan, located at a point higher than the primary drain line connection 
and below the overflow rim of such pan.
Exceptions:
1.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required for fuel
-
fired applia
nces that automati-
cally shut down operation in the event of a stoppage in the condensate drainage system.
2.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required where a suitably sized and located floor 
drain is provided.
314.2.3.1 Water
-
level monitoring devices. 
On down
-
flow units and all other coils that do not have a secondary 
drain or provisions to install a secondary or auxiliary drain pan, a water
-
level monitoring device shall be installed 
inside the primary drain pan
. This device shall shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain 
becomes restricted. Devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.
314.2.3.2 Appliance, equipment and insulation in pans. 
Where an appliance, equipment or in
sulation is sub-
ject to water damage when auxiliary drain pans fill
,
that portion of the appliance, equipment and insulation shall 
‡‡‡ Chapter 3 was amended by 
Local Law 
77 
of 2023
. This law has an effective
 date of June 10, 2023.
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. 
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general regulations regarding the installation of plumbing 
not specific to other chapters.
301.2 System installation.
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural 
members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
‡‡‡
301.3 Connections to drainage system. 
Plumbing 
fixtures, drains, appurtenance
s and appliances used to receive 
or discharge liquid waste or sewage shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system of the building or 
premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent i
ndirect 
waste systems required by Chapter 8.
Exception:
Fixtures discharging wastewater shall not be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system 
where such fixtures discharge to a water recycling system in accordance with Chapter 13.
301.4 Connections to water supply.
Every building intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be di-
rectly or indirectly connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code. Every 
plumbing fixture, device or appliance requiring or using water for its proper operation shall be direc
tly or indirectly 
connected to the water supply system in accordance with the provisions of this code.
301.5 Pipe, tube and fitting sizes. 
Unless otherwise indicated, the pipe, tube and fitting sizes specified in this code 
are expressed in nominal or stand
ard sizes as designated in the referenced material standards.
301.6 Prohibited locations. 
Plumbing systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft and plumbing systems not 
related to elevator machinery shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.
Ex
ception:
Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be permitted at the base of the shaft, provided that they are 
indirectly connected to the plumbing system and comply with Section 1003.4.
301.7 Conflicts. 
In instances where conflicts occur between this cod
e and the manufacturer’s instructions, the more 
restrictive provisions shall apply.
SECTION PC 302
EXCLUSION OF MATERIALS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
302.1 Detrimental or dangerous materials. 
Ashes, cinders or rags; flammable, poisonous or explosive liquids or 
gases; oil, grease or any other insoluble material capable of obstructing, damaging or overloading the building drainage 
or sewer
system, or capable of interfering with the normal operation of the sewage treatment processes
; or any other 
substance
or material prohibited from being discharged into the public sewers in accordance with the rules of the 
Department of Environmental Protection, shall not be deposited, by any means, into such systems.
302.2 Industrial wastes. 
Waste products from manufacturing or industrial operations shall not be introduced into the 
public sewer
except in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection
. 
SECTION 
PC 
303
MATERIALS
303.1 Identification. 
Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material and device utilized in a plumbing 
system shall bear the identification of the manufacturer and any markings required by the applicable referenced stand-
ards.
303.2 Installation of materials. 
All materials used shall be installed in strict a
ccordance with the standards under 
which the materials are accepted and approved. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer’s 
instructions shall be followed. Where the requirements of referenced standards or installation instructions
do not con-
form to minimum provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall apply.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
303.3 Plastic pipe, fittings and components.
Where permitted by this code, 
plastic pipe, fittings and components 
shall be third
-
party certified as conforming to NS
F 14.
303.4 Third
-
party certification. 
All plumbing products and materials shall be listed by a third
-
party certification 
agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with 
Section 303.1.
SECTIO
N 
PC 
304
RODENTPROOFING
304.1 General. 
Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 304.2 
and
304.4 to 
prevent rodents from entering structures.
304.2 Strainer plates. 
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that all openings are not 
greater than 
1
/
2
inch
(12.7 mm) in least dimension.
304.3 Reserved.
304.4 Openings for pipes. 
In or on structures where openings have been made in walls, 
floors or ceilings for the 
passage of pipes, the annular space between the pipe and the sides of the opening shall be sealed with caulking mate-
rials or closed with gasketing systems compatible with the piping materials and locations.
SECTION 
PC 
305
PROTECT
ION OF PIPES AND PLUMBING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
305.1 Corrosion. 
Pipes passing through or encased in concrete or cinder walls and floors or other corrosive material 
shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other me
ans that will withstand 
any reaction from the lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow 
for movement including expansion and contraction of piping 
to prevent any rubbing action. Thickness of sheathing 
or wrapping mat
erial shall be not less than 0.025 inch (0.64 mm).
305.2 Stress and strain. 
Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed 
the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions sha
ll be made to protect piping from damage resulting 
from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
305.3 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls. 
Any pipe that passes under a footing or 
through a 
foundation wall shall be provided with a 
relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve pipe shall be built into the foundation wall. 
The sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.
305.4 Freezing. 
Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in a
ttics or crawl spaces, 
concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to 
freezing 
temperatures unless adequate provision is made 
to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Exterior water supply system piping shall be in
stalled 
not less than 
48 inches (1219 mm)
below grade.
305.4.1 Building sewer and building drain depth. 
Building drains that connect to 
private
sewage disposal sys-
tems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tan
k connection. 
Building sewers and drains shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.
305.5 Waterproofing of openings. 
Joints at the roof and around vent pipes, shall be made water tight by the use of 
lead, copper, galvanized steel, aluminum, plas
tic or other approved flashings or flashing material. Exterior wall 
openings shall be made water tight.
305.6
Protection against physical damage. 
In concealed locations where piping, other than cast
-
iron or galvanized 
steel, is installed through holes or n
otches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 
1
1
/
2
inches
(38 mm) 
from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by steel shield plates. Such shield plates shall have a 
thickness of not less than 
0.0575 inch (1.
463 mm) (No
. 16 gage). Such plates shall cover the area of the pipe where 
the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top 
plates.
305.7
Protection of components of plumbing system.
Components of a plumbi
ng system installed along alleyways, 
driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected 
in an approved
manner. 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
305.8 Breakage.
Pipes passing through or under walls shall be protected from breakage.
305.9 Wind resistance.
Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed 
to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the 
New Yo
rk City Building Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
306
TRENCHING, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
306.1 Support of piping. 
Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.
306.2 Trenching and bedding. 
Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench fo
rms the bed for the 
pipe, solid and continuous load
-
bearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling 
holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In 
ins
tances where the materials manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the 
code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.
306.2.1 Overexcavation. 
Where trenches are exca
vated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom 
of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom 
of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers not greater t
han 6 inches (152 mm) in depth and such backfill 
shall be compacted after each placement.
306.2.2 Rock removal. 
Where rock is encountered in trenching, the rock shall be removed to not less than 3 inches 
(76 mm) below the installation level of the bottom o
f the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation 
level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform load
-
bearing support for the pipe 
between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock a
t any point.
306.2.3 Soft load
-
bearing materials. 
If soft materials of poor load
-
bearing quality are found at the bottom of the 
trench, 
pipe shall be hung from slab above.
306.3 Backfilling. 
Material used under and beside pipes shall be clean
backfill, fre
e of discarded construction material 
and debris. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6
-
inch 
(152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamp
ed earth.
The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on 
both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. In instances where the 
manufacturer’s installation
instructions 
for materi
als are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with 
the more restrictive requirement. Backfilling is subject to progress inspection in accordance with Section 108.
306.4 Tunneling. 
Where pipe is to
be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be 
protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, ade-
quate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future s
ettling or caving.
SECTION 
PC 
307
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
307.1 General. 
In the process of installing or repairing any part of a plumbing and drainage installation, the finished 
floors, walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building or premises tha
t must be changed or replaced shall 
be left in a safe structural condition in accordance with the requirements of the 
New York City
Building Code
.
307.2 Loading.
Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member
,
such as appliances and equipment
, shall 
not be permitted without verification that the members are capable of supporting such additional loading.
307.3 Cutting, notching and boring.
The cutting, notching and boring of structural elements shall be in accordance 
with the limitations specif
ied in Appendix C.
307.4 Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies. 
Penetrations of floor/ceiling 
assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire
-
resistance rating shall be protected in accordance with the 
New 
York Cit
y
Building Code
.
307.5 Trusses. 
Truss members of any material and components shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise 
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
307.
6
Protection of footings. 
Trenching installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane 
of a footing or wall. The upper boundary of the bearing plane is a line that extends downward, at an angle of 34 degrees 
(1:1.5 slope) from 
horizontal, from the outside bottom edge of the footing or wall.
307.7 Piping materials exposed within plenums.
Piping
materials exposed within plenums shall comply with the 
provisions of the 
New York City
Mechanical Code
.
SECTION PC 308
PIPING SUPPORT
308.1 General.
Plumbing
piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.
308.2 Piping seismic supports. 
Where ea
rthquake loads are applicable in accordance with the building code, plumb-
ing piping supports shall be designed and installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the 
New York City
Build-
ing Code
.
308.3 Materials. 
Hangers, anchors and supports shall sup
port the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and 
strapping material shall be of approved
material that will not promote galvanic action.
308.4 Structural attachment. 
Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approv
ed
manner.
308.5 Interval of support. 
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table 308.5.
TABLE 308.5
HANGER SPACING
PIPING MATERIAL
MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING 
(feet)
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe
4
10
b
Brass pipe
10
10
Cast
-
iron pipe
5
a
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
Copper or copper
-
alloy pipe
12
At each story height no greater than 12
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
4
-
inch diameter and 
smaller
6
At each story height no 
greater than 10
Copper or copper
-
alloy tubing, 1
1
/
2
-
inch diameter and 
larger
10
At each story height no greater than 10
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
4
10
b
Stainless steel drainage systems
10
10
b
Steel pipe
12
At base and at each story height no 
greater than 15
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a.
The maximum horizontal spacing of cast
-
iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10
-
foot lengths of pipe are installed.
b. For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be install
ed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement 
in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
308.5.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Intervals of support for no
-
hub cast iron soil 
pi
pe, fittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.5.2 Movement.   
Piping systems and supports shall be designed to account for thermal expansion and contrac-
tion, building movement, and seismic conditions.
308.6 Sway bracing. 
Rigid support sway br
acing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 4 inches (102 mm) and larger.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
308.6.1 No
-
hub type cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and couplings.
Installation of sway bracing for no
-
hub cast iron 
soil pipe, f
ittings, and couplings shall comply with CISPI 310.
308.7 Anchorage. 
Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.
308.7.1 Location. 
For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (102 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes 
at all 
changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other 
suitable methods as specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.
308.8 Expansion joint fittings. 
Expansion joint fittings
shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion 
and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of 
piping in which such fittings are installed.
SECTION 
PC 
309
FLOOD HAZARD 
RESISTANCE
309.1 General. 
Plumbing systems and equipment in structures erected in flood hazard areas
shall be constructed in 
accordance with the requirements of this section and 
Appendix G of 
the 
New York City
Building Code
.
309.2 Flood hazard. 
For structures located in flood hazard areas, the following systems and equipment shall be lo-
cated and installed as required by Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
:
1.
Water service pipes.
2.
Pump seals in individual 
water supply systems where the pump is located below the design flood elevation.
3.
Covers on potable water wells shall be sealed, except where the top of the casing well or pipe sleeve is 
elevated 
to 
not less than
1 foot (305 mm) above the design flood el
evation.
4.
Sanitary drainage piping.
5.
Storm drainage piping.
6.
Manhole covers shall be sealed, except where elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
7.
Other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems and equipment.
8.
Water h
eaters.
9.
Vents and vent systems.
Exception: 
In accordance with Appendix G of the 
New York City Building Code
, the above systems are permitted 
to be located below the design flood elevation provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent 
w
ater from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic 
and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the 
design flood elevation
.
309.3 
Coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A zones. 
Structures located in coastal high
-
hazard areas and coastal A 
zones shall meet the requirements of Section 309.2. The plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures shall not be mounted 
on or penetrate through walls int
ended to break away under flood loads.
SECTION 
PC 
310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.1 Light and ventilation. 
Washrooms and toilet rooms shall be illuminated and ventilated in accordance with the 
New York City 
Building Code 
and 
New York City 
Me
chanical Code
.
310.2 Location of fixtures and compartments.
The location of plumbing fixtures and the requirements for compart-
ments and partitions shall be in accordance with Section 405.
310.3 Interior finish. 
Interior finish surfaces of toilet rooms shal
l comply with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
SECTION PC 311
TOILET FACILITIES FOR WORKERS
311.1 General. 
Toilet facilities shall be provided for construction workers and such facilities shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.
Construction worker toi
let facilities of the nonsewer type shall conform to ANSI Z4.3.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 
PC 
312
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
312.1 Required tests. 
The 
licensed master plumber
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 312.2 
through 312.11 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The 
licensed master plumber
shall give 
two 
days
notice to the 
commissioner 
when the plumbing work is ready for tests. The
equipment, material, power and labor 
necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the 
licensed master plumber and the licensed master 
plumber 
shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in 
the following 
tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with either water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air. 
After the plumbing fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water, the entire drainage system shall be submitted 
to final tests. The 
commissioner
shall require the removal of any cleanouts if necessary to ascertain whether the pres-
sure has reached all parts of the system.
Exceptions:
1.
The repair, replacement or alteration to existing water, waste, vent, storm water
piping or, building drain in 
an existing occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe 
roughing and finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at available building water pressure.
2.
The addition 
of no more than five (5) plumbing fixtures or roof drains to an existing floor of an existing 
occupied building shall require only a visual inspection of waste, vent and storm water pipe roughing and 
finish in addition to a pressure test of water piping at
available building water pressure.
312.1.1 Test gauges. 
Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
1.
Tests requiring a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa) or less shall utilize a testing gauge 
having increments of 0.10 psi (0.69 kPa) o
r less.
2.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi (69 kPa) but less than or equal to 100 psi (689 kPa) shall 
utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.
3.
Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi (689 kPa) sh
all utilize a testing gauge having increments of 
2 psi (14 kPa) or less.
312.1.2 Witnessing tests.
Tests in accordance with this code shall be witnessed by department plumbing inspec-
tors
or approved agencies. The department shall prescribe qualifications f
or individuals who are authorized to 
witness such tests on behalf of approved agencies, including but not limited to the requirement that such individ-
uals shall be licensed master plumbers or registered design professionals with not less than 5 years exper
ience in 
the inspection and testing of piping systems. Such tests may be conducted without any inspection or tests wit-
nessed by the department, provided that verified statements and supporting inspectorial and test reports are filed 
with the department wit
hin two working days of such tests.
312.2 Drainage and vent water test. 
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either in its entirety or in 
sections. If applied to the entire system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the highest opening, 
and the system shall be filled with water to the po
int of overflow. If the system is tested in sections, each opening shall 
be tightly plugged except the highest openings of the section under test, and each section shall be filled with water, 
but no section shall be tested with less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm
) head of water. In testing successive sections, at least 
the upper 10 feet (3048 mm) of the next preceding section shall be tested so that no joint or pipe in the building, except 
the uppermost 10 feet (3048 mm) of the system, shall have been submitted to
a test of less than a 10
-
foot (3048 mm) 
head of water. This pressure shall be held for 
not less than 
15 minutes. The system shall then be tight at all points.
312.3 Drainage and vent air test. 
Plastic piping shall not be tested using air. An air test shal
l be made by forcing air 
into the system until there is a uniform gauge of 5 psi (34.5 kPa
).
This pressure shall be held for a test period of 
not 
less than
15 minutes. Any adjustments to the test pressure required because of changes in 
ambient 
temperatures
or the 
seating of gaskets shall be made prior to the beginning of the test period.
312.4 Drainage and vent final inspection. 
The final inspection of the completed drainage and vent systems shall be 
visual and in sufficient detail to determine compliance w
ith the provisions of this code. Where a smoke test is utilized, 
it shall be made by filling all traps with water and then introducing into the entire system a pungent, thick smoke 
produced by one or more smoke machines. When the smoke appears at stack
ope
nings on the roof, the stack openings 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
shall be closed and a pressure equivalent to a 1
-
inch water column (248.8 Pa) shall be held for a test period of not less 
than 15 minutes.
312.5 Water supply system test. 
Upon completion of a section of or the entire w
ater supply system, the system, or 
portion completed, shall be tested and proved tight under a water 
pressure of 50 psi (344 kPa) above its normal 
working pressure but not less than 150 psi (1033 kPa)
. This pressure shall be held for not less than 15 minut
es. The 
water utilized for tests shall be obtained from a potable source of supply. The required tests shall be performed in 
accordance with this section and Section
108.
312.5.1 Water service pipe.
In addition to any requirements of Section 312.5, tests f
or water service pipes shall 
comply with the following:
1.
In the presence of the tapper or inspector of the Department of Environmental Protection, each new service 
pipe or repaired service pipe shall be subjected to a water test made under the street mai
n pressure.
2.
All such pipes and appurtenances shall remain uncov
-
ered for the duration of the test and shall show no sign 
of leakage.
3.
When any question arises as to the installation conforming with these regulations, an internal hydrostatic test 
as sp
ecified for materials may be applied, subject to the approval of the Department of Environmental Pro-
tection.
312.6 Reserved.
312.7 Forced drain test. 
Forced drain tests shall consist of plugging the end of the pump discharge at the point of 
connection with the building drain and applying a pressure of 5 psi (34.5 kPa) greater than the 
shut off 
pump rating, 
and maintaining such pressure for 15 minutes.
3
12.8 Storm drainage system test. 
Storm drain
systems shall be tested by water or air in accordance with Section 
312.2 or 312.3.
Where storm drainage piping is designed to run full, the system shall be tested to withstand the head 
of 10 feet (3048 mm) of wa
ter above the anticipated high water level.
Exception:
Storm drainage piping installed outside of a building shall be tested to withstand the head of water 
equal to grade
, but such testing may be conducted
after inspection and backfilling.
312.9 Shower lin
er test. 
Where shower floors and receptors are made water tight by the application of materials 
required by Section 417.5.2, the completed liner installation shall be tested. The pipe from the shower drain shall be 
plugged water tight for the test. The flo
or and receptor area shall be filled with potable water to a depth of not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) measured at the threshold. Where a threshold of at least 2 inches (51 mm) high does not exist, 
a temporary threshold shall be constructed to retain the tes
t water in the lined floor or receptor area to a level not less 
than 2 inches (51 mm) deep measured at the threshold. The water shall be retained for a test period of not less than 15 
minutes, and there shall not be evidence of leakage.
312.10 Inspection a
nd testing of backflow prevention assemblies. 
Inspection and testing 
of secondary backflow 
prevention assemblies 
shall comply with Sections 312.10.1 and 312.10.2.
312.10.1 Inspections. 
Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow prevention assemblies,
air gaps, spill
-
proof vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and hose connection backflow preventers to deter-
mine whether they are operable on forms provided by the department. Such forms shall be retained by the owner 
and shall be made avai
lable upon request to the department for a period of five years.
312.10.2 Testing. 
Reduced pressure principle, double 
check
, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure detector 
fire protection, double check detector fire protection, and spill
-
resistant vacu
um breaker backflow preventer as-
semblies and hose connection backflow preventers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after 
repairs or relocation and annually
thereafter. 
The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one o
f 
the following standards: ASSE 5013, ASSE 5015, ASSE 5020, ASSE 5047, ASSE 5048, ASSE 5052, ASSE 5056, 
CSA B64.10 or CSA B64.10.1. 
Refer to Section 608.13 and the Department of Environmental Protection for 
additional testing requirements
.
312.11
Joint ins
pection. 
Inspections of welded joints shall consist of visual examination, during or after manufacture, 
fabrication, assembly, or pressure tests as appropriate. Supplementary types of nondestructive inspection techniques, 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
such as magnetic
-
particle, radiogr
aphic, ultrasonic, etc., shall not be required unless specifically listed herein or in the 
engineering design.
312.11.1
Welder’s qualifications. 
Welders installing domestic water piping within buildings at any pressure shall 
comply with the following:
1.
W
elders shall be qualified for all pipe sizes, wall thicknesses and all positions in accordance with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 
Section IX. Requalification of a welder is required should the welder fail 
to maintain welder’s continuity every 6
months. The licensed master plumber employing the welder shall 
maintain a welder continuity log and the log shall be made available to the department upon request.
2.
Welder qualification testing shall be performed by an approved agency and the inspector 
witnessing the test 
shall be an authorized AWS Certified Welding Inspector. 
3.
Copies of the certified welder qualification reports shall be maintained by both the approved agency and the 
licensed master plumber employing the welder for at least six years
and shall be made available to the de-
partment upon request.
SECTION PC 313
EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCIES
313.1 General. 
Equipment efficiencies shall be in accordance with the 
New York City
Energy Conservation Code
.
SECTION 
PC 
314
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
314.1 Fuel
-
burning appliances. 
Liquid combustion by
-
products of condensing appliances shall be collected and dis-
charged to an approved
plumbing fixture or disposal area in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Con-
densate piping shall be of appro
ved
corrosion
-
resistant material in accordance with Section 803 and shall not be 
smaller than the drain connection on the appliance. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum horizontal
slope in the 
direction of discharge of not less than one
-
eighth unit vertic
al in 12 units horizontal (1
-
percent slope).
314.1.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all fuel
-
burning appliances and associated flues shall be neutral-
ized to a pH of at least 6 and no more than 8 prior to disposal to a sanitary system.
314.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. 
Condensate drain systems shall be provided for equipment and appliances 
containing evaporators or cooling coils. Condensate drain systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in 
accordance with Sections 314.2.1 
through 314.2.5.
Exception:
Evaporators and cooling coils that are designed to operate in sensible cooling only and not support 
condensation shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section.
314.2.1 Condensate disposal. 
Condensate from all co
oling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain 
pan outlet to an approved
place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a 
minimum 
horizontal slope in the direction 
of discharge of not less than 
one
-
eighth
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (
1
-
percent slope). Condensate shall not 
discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
‡‡‡
314.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. 
Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron,
galvanized steel, copper, 
cross
-
linked polyethylene,    polyethylene, ABS, CPVC
,
or PVC pipe or tubing. Polypro-
pylene tubing may be used in lengths that do not exceed 12 inches (304.8 mm) for an individual drain application. 
Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperatu
re rating of the installation. Joints and connections 
shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 relative to the material type. Condensate 
waste and drain line size shall be not less than 
3
/
4
-
inch (19.1 mm)
internal diameter an
d shall not decrease in size 
from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit 
are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 314.2.
2.
TABLE 314.2.2
CONDENSATE DRAIN SIZING
EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE 
DIAMETER
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Up to 20 tons of refrigeration
3
/
4
inch
Over 20 tons to 40 tons of re-
frigeration
1 inch
Over 40 tons to 90 tons of re-
frigeration
1
1
/
4
inches
Over 90 tons to 
125 tons of 
refrigeration
1
1
/
2
inches
Over 125 tons to 250 tons of 
refrigeration
2 inches
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ton of capacity = 3.517 kW.
‡‡‡
314.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. 
In addition to the requirements of Section 314.2.1, where 
damage to any building components could occur as a result of overflow from the equipment primary condensate 
removal system, one of the following auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for ea
ch cooling coil or 
fuel
-
fired
appliance that produces condensate:
1.
An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on which condensation will 
occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal
to alert occupants in the 
event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall have a depth of not less than 1
1
/
2
inches (38 mm), 
shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit or the coil dimensions in width and length and 
shall be const
ructed of corrosion
-
resistant material. 
Metallic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than
0
.0236
-
inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage) 
for 
galvanized sheet metal
pans, 0.0179 inches (0.4546 mm) (No. 
26 gage) for stainless steel pans, or 0.0320 inches (0.8128 
mm) (No. 20 gage) for aluminum pans. Nonmet-
allic
pans shall have a thickness of not less than 0.0625
-
inch (1.6 mm).
2.
A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with the equipment. Such over-
flow drain shall discharge to a 
conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of 
the primary drain. The overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the primary 
drain connection.
3.
An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain
line shall be provided under the coils on which condensate 
will occur. Such pan shall be equipped with a listed water
-
level detection device that will shut off the equip-
ment served prior to overflow of the pan. The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed
in accordance with 
Item 1 of this section.
4.
A listed water
-
level detection device shall be provided that will shut off the equipment served in the event 
that the primary drain is blocked. The device shall be installed in the primary drain line, the over
flow drain 
line or in the equipment
-
supplied drain pan, located at a point higher than the primary drain line connection 
and below the overflow rim of such pan.
Exceptions:
1.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required for fuel
-
fired applia
nces that automati-
cally shut down operation in the event of a stoppage in the condensate drainage system.
2.
An auxiliary drain protection method shall not be required where a suitably sized and located floor 
drain is provided.
314.2.3.1 Water
-
level monitoring devices. 
On down
-
flow units and all other coils that do not have a secondary 
drain or provisions to install a secondary or auxiliary drain pan, a water
-
level monitoring device shall be installed 
inside the primary drain pan
. This device shall shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain 
becomes restricted. Devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.
314.2.3.2 Appliance, equipment and insulation in pans. 
Where an appliance, equipment or in
sulation is sub-
ject to water damage when auxiliary drain pans fill
,
that portion of the appliance, equipment and insulation shall 
GENERAL REGULATIONS
be installed above the flood level rim
of the pans. Supports located inside of the pans to support the appliance 
or 
equipment or insulation shall be water resistant and approved.
314.2.4 Traps. 
Condensate drains shall be trapped as required by the equipment or appliance manufacturer.
314.2.5 Drain line maintenance. 
Condensate drain lines shall be configured to permit th
e clearing of blockages 
and performance of maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.
314.2.6 Condensate discharge. 
Where multiple evaporators and or condensate pumps discharge into the same 
piping system, it shall be piped to prevent the disc
harge of condensate from one appliance to another.
SECTION PC 315
PENETRATIONS
315.1 Sealing of annular spaces. 
The annular space between the outside of a pipe and the inside of a pipe sleeve or 
between the outside of a pipe and an opening in a building en
velope wall, floor, or ceiling assembly penetrated by a 
pipe shall be sealed in an approved
manner with caulking material, foam sealant or closed with a gasketing system. 
The caulking material, foam sealant or gasketing system shall be designed for the con
ditions at the penetration location 
and shall be compatible with the pipe, sleeve and building materials in contact with the sealing materials. Annular 
spaces created by pipes penetrating fire
-
resistance
-
rated assemblies or membranes of such assemblies sha
ll be sealed 
or closed in accordance with Section 714 of the 
New York City Building Code
.
SECTION PC 316
RESERVED