Annual Boiler Inspection Requirements in NYC

In Queens/NYC, annual boiler inspections are more than just a good practice — they’re a legal requirement, particularly for buildings above a certain size, such as:

• Low-pressure boilers in residential buildings with 6 or more families
• Low-pressure boilers in any residential buildings classified as Single Room Occupancy dwellings (SROs)
• Low-pressure boilers in mixed-use buildings
• Low-pressure boilers in commercial buildings
• H-stamp domestic hot water heaters with over 350,000 BTUs in residential, mixed-use, and commercial buildings

Even if your property doesn’t fall under this mandate, scheduling a yearly inspection is worth it for the following reasons:

• Safety assurance. From leaks and carbon monoxide exposure to excessive pressure buildup, faulty boilers pose serious risks. Inspections help identify and address these hazards early.
• Energy efficiency. During your boiler inspection, a combustion analysis should be performed. This will indicate how efficiently your boiler is operating, giving you the chance to correct any issues that may be preventing it from running as efficiently as possible. A boiler that runs more efficiently will yield lower energy costs.
• Prolonged system lifespan. You can prevent expensive breakdowns and replacements by catching issues early during an inspection.

Wondering how often you will need to have your boiler inspected? If your building falls under any one of the classifications noted above, you must have your boiler inspected once a year by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP).

It is important to keep in mind the following when scheduling your boiler inspection:

• While you must have your boiler inspected once a year, the current year's inspection must be at least six months apart from the date of the previous year's inspection to meet compliance.
• If your boiler inspection filing is not submitted on time, you will be subject to a fine imposed by the DOB. That is why we recommend avoiding appointments in November and December, so the licensed master plumber who performs your inspection has enough time to file the inspection report by the end of the year.

During a boiler inspection, a technician will perform a visual inspection of your boiler and boiler room for safety issues and code compliance. A typical inspection includes an evaluation of the following:

Boiler room conditions

• Is the boiler room cluttered or free of debris and storage?
• Do the boiler room lights work?
• Are there any holes in the walls and ceilings?
• Does the boiler room door open to egress?
• Is there a remote switch outside the boiler room door?
• Breeching / Chimney - Is the flue pipe (exhaust) and chimney free of cracks and openings?

Boiler equipment

• Testing of boiler controls
• Gages
• Relief / Safety Valves
• Boiler Wiring
• Do the low water cut-offs work?
• Is the gauge glass clean and free of leaks?
• Corrosion or leaks on piping in boiler room?
• Is the piping in the boiler room properly supported?

The LMP will complete a boiler inspection report, which must be filed with the NYC DOB within 14 days of the inspection's date.

Looking for a reliable boiler inspection provider? Here are some key factors to consider:

• Expertise. Search for licensed, certified technicians who are familiar with NYC boiler regulations.
• Services. Does the provider perform the inspection only, or do they also provide plumbing and heating services as well? It can more beneficial to deal with a full-service company that can perform you inspection and also make repairs if needed, saving you time and the effort of dealing with multiple companies.
• Reviews. Check for 5-star reviews and positive testimonials. This will ensure you are dealing with a reputable company that will properly perform and file your inspection so you don’t have any future issues.