Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024
Section 197-5.8 - Plumbing system(a) Home inspectors shall observe and report on the following visibly and readily accessible components, systems and conditions: (1) interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets;(2) drain, waste and vent systems;(3) water heating equipment and vents and pipes;(4) fuel storage and fuel distribution systems and components;(5) drainage sumps, sump pumps, ejector pumps and related piping;(b) In inspecting plumbing systems and components, home inspectors shall operate all readily accessible:(1) fixtures and faucets;(2) domestic hot water systems;(3) drain pumps and waste ejectors pumps;(4) the water supply at random locations for functional flow;(5) waste lines from random sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage.(c) Home inspectors are not required to: (1) operate any main, branch or fixture valve, except faucets, or to determine water temperature;(2) observe and report on any system that is shut down or secured;(3) observe and report on any plumbing component that is not readily accessible;(4) observe and report on any exterior plumbing component or system or any underground drainage system;(5) observe and report on fire sprinkler systems;(6) evaluate the potability of any water supply;(7) observe and report on water conditioning equipment including softener and filter systems;(8) operate freestanding or built in appliances;(9) observe and report on private water supply systems;(10) test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage;(11) observe and report on gas supply system for materials, installation or leakage;(12) evaluate the condition and operation of water wells and related pressure tanks and pumps; the quality or quantity of water from on-site water supplies or the condition and operation of on-site sewage disposal systems such as cesspools, septic tanks, drain fields, related underground piping, conduit, cisterns and equipment;(13) observe, operate and report on fixtures and faucets if the flow end of the faucet is connected to an appliance;(14) record the location of any visible fuel tank on the inspected property that is not within or directly adjacent to the structure;(15) observe and report on any spas, saunas, hot-tubs or jetted tubs;(16) observe and report on any solar water heating systems.(d) Home inspections shall describe the water supply, drain, waste and vent piping materials; the water heating equipment including capacity, and the energy source and the location of the main water and main fuel shut-off valves. In preparing a report, home inspectors shall state whether the water supply and waste disposal systems are a public, private or unknown.N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 19 § 197-5.8