N.Y.C. Admin. Code § PC 108: Section PC 108: Inspections and Testing

108.1 General.

Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the progress of work, may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspectors. However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code for additional provisions relating to inspections.

108.2 Required inspections and testing.

In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable rules, the holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of the following required inspections:

1. Progress inspections:

1.1.

Underground inspection and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti-corrosion equipment and associated underground components shall be made before backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in backfilling.

1.2. Rough-in inspection and/or testing shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing is in place and all sanitary, storm and water distribution piping is roughed-in, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.

Exception:

When new water, waste and vent piping is installed or replaced and all of the piping is to be permanently exposed there shall be no requirement for a rough-in inspection.

1.3. Inspections required by the New York City Energy Conservation Code shall be made in accordance with rules of the department, as applicable.

2. Special inspections. Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code, and, where applicable, Section 107.3.

3. Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy. Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code for additional requirements.

108.2.1 Approved agencies.

Refer to Articles 114 and 115 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies.

Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construction assembly having concealed work and the issuance of a permit, the department shall require the submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating the complete details of the installation, including a description of the system and its components, the basis upon which the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information and other data as necessary for the commissioner to determine conformance to this code.

108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records.

Required test and inspection records shall be available to the commissioner at all times during the fabrication of the installation and the erection of the building; or such records as the commissioner designates shall be filed.

108.2.3 Exposure of work.

The work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

108.3 Special inspections of alternative engineered design systems.

Special inspections of alternative engineered design plumbing systems shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 and 108.3.2.

108.3.1 Periodic inspection.

The special inspector shall periodically inspect and observe the work being performed to determine that the installation is in accordance with the approved construction documents for the alternative engineered design. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the plumbing contractor for correction. Records shall be kept of all inspections.

108.3.2 Written report.

The special inspector shall submit a final report in writing to the commissioner upon completion of the installation, certifying that the alternative engineered design installation conforms to the approved construction documents.

108.4 Testing.

Plumbing work and systems shall be tested as required in Section 312 and in accordance with Sections 108.4.1 through 108.4.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department.

108.4.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems.

New plumbing systems and parts of existing systems that have been altered, extended or repaired shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects, except that testing is not required in the following cases:

1. In any case that does not include addition to, replacement, alteration or relocation of any water supply, drainage or vent piping.

2. In any case where plumbing equipment is set up temporarily for exhibition purposes.

3, For ordinary plumbing work, the department may accept written certification from a licensed master plumber that the job was performed in compliance with the requirements of this code and rules of the department.

4. Minor alterations and ordinary repairs.

5. In accordance with the exceptions in Section 312.1.

108.4.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests.

All apparatus, material and labor required for testing a plumbing system or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder.

108.4.3 Reinspection and testing.

Where any work or installation does not pass any initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the commissioner for inspection and testing.

108.5 Sign-off of completed work.

Refer to Article 116 of

Chapter 1 of Title 28

of the

Administrative Code

.

108.6 Temporary connection.

The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility source for the purpose of testing plumbing systems or for use under a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Additional permits may be required in accordance with Section 106.6.

108.7 Connection of service utilities.

Refer to Title 28 of the

Administrative Code

.