Local Law 152 requires building gas piping to be inspected every four years on a set schedule by a licensed master plumber. Inspectors check for illegal connections and leaks.

Once the inspection is complete, the building owner must submit a GPS2 report to DOB through a city portal created for this purpose. Failure to comply can result in a $10,000 civil penalty.

Many property owners rely on natural gas to power their heating systems, appliances, and other utility needs. It’s an efficient and affordable power solution, but the pipes can be dangerous when they corrode or develop leaks. To prevent these issues, the Department of Buildings requires that building occupants have their gas line inspections done on a regular schedule. In addition to these requirements, a variety of other precautions must be taken for gas safety.

If your property is required to undergo a gas piping inspection, you can use the DOB’s online Gas Pipe Inspection and Submission Portal to request an appointment with an LMP. The DOB’s portal also includes helpful tips and information on how to best prepare for your inspection.

When you’re ready for your inspection, be sure to contact a reputable licensed master plumber who has experience performing these services in your building. If you’re not sure of who to hire, you can check their licensing status and qualifications using DOB’s License Search Tool.

During the inspection, you should expect the LMP to examine and test your property’s gas piping for safe operation. They’ll also look for signs of a faulty piping system, including frayed or worn parts that could affect the system’s function and integrity, non-code compliant installations or illegal connections, and more. If the inspector finds any violations, they’ll send you a report detailing the issues and how to correct them.

After the inspection, you’ll need to submit a GPS1 Gas Piping Periodic Inspection Report to the DOB within 30 days. If the inspection results in no violations, you can file a GPS2 certification form to declare that your building does not contain a gas piping system.

Some buildings are at risk of a faulty piping system because of damage or old age, but even modern properties can be susceptible to problems that require an expert to resolve. Keep an eye out for these signs that it’s time to call in a licensed plumber and get your gas piping inspected. Doing so can help you avoid dangerous complications and expensive repairs in the future.

Don’t Forget About It

When it comes to the safety of your family and home, you can never be too careful. That’s why it’s so important to remember that a gas line inspection is essential. The dangers of a leaky or poorly-constructed line can be catastrophic, and you need to ensure that your pipes are in good condition by scheduling regular inspections with a professional gas line inspector.

Local Law 152 of 2016 requires that all building owners, or their authorized representatives, have a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) perform an inspection of the gas piping system on their property at least once every four years. The LMP may be responsible for performing the entire inspection or may supervise a plumber trained in gas piping inspections. Either way, the LMP must be the one to fill out Section III of the GPS1 Gas Piping Periodic Inspection Report.

There are a number of different problems that can affect the integrity of a gas line, including corrosion, external influences, design errors, improper repairs and maintenance, and more. When these issues occur, they can result in dangerous situations such as pipeline explosions. It’s important to avoid these hazards by conducting regular gas piping inspections, and having your inspector record the results of those inspections to keep track of any potential issues that may arise.

It’s also important to have a thorough gas line inspection when adding new appliances or making other changes to your system. Performing proper sizing calculations will help you to determine what size pipe you need for your system, and the LMP can assist with these calculations. This will help you to prevent a gas piping system that is too small and can be dangerous, or one that is too large and can cause pressure issues.

It’s also a good idea to hire a professional when it comes time for your LL152 inspections, as they will have the proper equipment and training to perform a complete inspection. In addition, a professional will be able to spot any potential issues that could lead to a major problem such as a gas leak, and they can take the necessary steps to prevent them.

Make Sure You’re Compliant

The rules for gas piping inspections have changed significantly since 2016. Local Law 152, or LL152, took effect in 2020, and it requires that all buildings with gas lines undergo periodic inspections. These inspections are designed to prevent dangerous and costly gas line leaks, pipeline explosions, or other safety concerns. The law has a number of requirements that all building owners must follow, including making sure the inspections are done by a qualified inspector and filing the necessary reports with DOB.

Buildings must have a gas piping system inspection performed by a licensed master plumber (LMP) or an individual who is working under the direct supervision of an LMP at least once every four years. During the inspection, the LMP must visually check all public exposed piping systems and use a combustible gas indicator to detect leaks. The inspector must also report any conditions found to be unsafe or hazardous. These include frayed or worn piping components that may affect safe and reliable operation, the presence of combustible gas, non-code compliant installations or illegal connections, and more.

After the inspection, the building owner must submit a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification to DOB. This must be signed and sealed by the LMP who conducted or supervised the inspection. Failure to file a certification by the required deadline is considered a violation of LL152 and can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

The quickest way to ensure that your building is compliant is to contact a licensed master plumber (or a design professional if the building doesn’t have a gas piping system) early in the year, well before your inspections are due. This can help ensure that the inspector is available and that you’ll have time to get the inspections done and the certifications filed before the deadlines.

You can also make sure you’re up to date on your gas piping inspections by setting them up as part of your annual maintenance schedule. While these inspections aren’t always fun or convenient, they can help keep your occupants safe and avoid fines from the DOB.

Be Prepared for Repairs

If your gas inspector finds that the lines in your building are unsafe, they must immediately report this to you, your gas provider, and the DOB. They will also issue a GPS1 Gas Piping Periodic Inspection Certification, which you must submit to DOB within 30 days of your inspection.

This certificate notes any conditions that need to be fixed, and the hired plumber has 120 days to correct them. If the problems are severe, however, you may need more time to get them taken care of. Your hired plumber can request this extra time by adding a note to the GPS1 form.

A gas safety check can uncover a wide range of issues that need to be addressed. Some of the most common are clogs, leaks, and worn parts. These things can make your appliances run less efficiently, which will cost you money in the long run. In addition, they can create hazardous conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, loss of balance, and trouble with vision or memory.

During your inspection, the inspector will check the condition of the pipes for signs of corrosion and other hazards. They will also test the pressure of the system to ensure that it is safe. They will note if any parts are missing or damaged, and they will check for any illegal connections or unprotected joints. This information is crucial for keeping your building up to code and making sure that the line remains safe.

Many people use flex hose to connect gas lines in their buildings, but this is dangerous and must be avoided at all costs. The pliability of this material allows it to slip out of place, which can cause a gas leak. Your inspector will be sure to look for flex hose in your building’s systems and make sure these connections are made according to DOB code regulations.

Local Law 152 requires that most properties have their gas piping inspected on a regular basis. This prevents a host of issues that could be very dangerous for occupants, maintenance staff, and city first responders.