The Department of Buildings requires annual boiler inspections for most properties in NYC, and failing to file costs $1,000 per boiler. But this isn’t just about avoiding fines.
When your boiler passes inspection, you know it’s running safely and efficiently. Boilers that aren’t functioning optimally consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to inflated energy bills. You get peace of mind knowing your tenants won’t be calling about cold apartments in January.
The right inspection catches small problems before they become expensive emergencies. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your boiler, preventing complete breakdowns. You’re not just checking a box—you’re protecting your investment.
RB Mechanical Plumbing and Heating has been handling boiler inspections and repairs throughout Manhattan for years. When you hire us, you get Bobby and son Rob—expert professionals and perfectionists who came swiftly in the dead of winter to resolve steam boiler heating emergencies.
We’re certified boiler inspectors who understand Upper East Side buildings. Many properties in this area have older boiler systems that need experienced eyes. We stay updated with the city’s plumbing regulations, ensuring our work always meets the highest legal and safety standards.
We’re a reliable, fair and honest plumbing company that’s prompt in responding and getting to the job site, with quotes that are more than fair when compared to others. No surprises, no hidden fees, no runaround.
First, we schedule your inspection at a time that works for you. We perform the required internal or external inspection to locate any leaks, pressure problems, or other defects, then file the BO-9 inspection report with the DOB Boiler Division within the required 45 days.
We examine the exterior of the boiler for signs of damage or corrosion, check for leaks, cracks, or dents, and verify that all safety devices like pressure relief valves and low-water cutoffs are functioning properly. Our inspectors know exactly what to look for.
If we find any issues, we don’t just hand you a problem—we give you solutions. We provide an outline and pricing for repairs so we can bring your boiler up to code, then submit the BO-13 Affirmation of Correction report after repairs are completed. You get everything handled by one team.
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Annual boiler inspections are required for residential properties with 6 or more dwelling units, with low pressure boilers needing one annual inspection and high pressure boilers requiring external and internal inspections spaced approximately 6 months apart. We handle both types.
Upper East Side buildings often have unique challenges. Many have steam systems from decades past, others have newer gas boilers that need different attention. If your boiler is using more fuel than usual or your energy bill has increased drastically despite no change in usage, you need professional inspection.
A boiler inspection typically takes between one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity and size of the boiler system. We work efficiently but thoroughly. You’re not losing a full day waiting around—we get in, do the job right, and get your certification filed on time.
The Department of Buildings charges $1,000 per boiler for failing to file your annual inspection report. This isn’t a small fine that goes away—it’s a serious penalty that gets attached to your property.
DOB violations can accrue additional fines of $50 per month, per boiler, and reports submitted after the filing period are considered expired and assessed the full $1,000 penalty. If you have multiple boilers, these fines add up fast.
The worst part? The DOB ties these penalties to the property rather than the person responsible, meaning whoever owns the property when they issue the fine must pay—regardless of whether they owned it when the violation occurred. Don’t let a missed deadline cost you thousands.
If we find issues during your inspection, you’re not stuck with an automatic fine. Property owners have 90 days to correct any defects, and another report must be filed, or an extension must be requested according to DOB’s 45-day rule.
When we discover malfunctions during inspection, we provide you an outline and pricing for repairs so we can bring your boiler up to code, then file the BO-13 Affirmation of Correction report within 180 days of the initial inspection. We handle both the problem and the paperwork.
The key is addressing issues quickly. A malfunctioning boiler can pose safety risks including carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to address boiler issues promptly and professionally with a team that focuses on safe, reliable operation. We don’t just fix the immediate problem—we make sure your system is safe.
Inspections must be conducted by a qualified inspector who is either a licensed oil burner installer or a licensed master plumber. We’re certified to handle both low-pressure and high-pressure boiler inspections in Upper East Side buildings.
Low-pressure boilers need one annual inspection, while high-pressure boilers require both external and internal inspections spaced approximately 6 months apart. We coordinate both types and make sure you stay compliant with all requirements.
High-pressure boilers must undergo both internal and external inspections, ideally about six months apart, and can only be performed by an authorized insurance company. We work with the right certified professionals to ensure your high-pressure systems get proper inspection and certification.
The boiler inspection cycle runs from January 1 to December 31, during which time all required inspections must be performed and filed with the Department. But the filing deadline is more specific than that.
After the inspection, a Boiler Inspection Report must be filed with the NYC Department of Buildings within 45 days, though some sources indicate reports should be filed within 14 days to avoid late penalties of $50 per month, per boiler.
Reports filed after the fourteen-day deadline but before January 14th of the following year are considered late filings subject to penalties, while reports filed after that are considered expired and require a new inspection. We handle all the timing and paperwork so you don’t have to track these deadlines.
Annual boiler inspections are required for residential properties with 6 or more dwelling units, and all residential, commercial or mixed use buildings in NYC with heating boilers, except for single-family homes. If you’re managing an Upper East Side building, you likely need this service.
The requirements apply to residential buildings with six or more dwelling units, mixed-use buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, institutional buildings like hospitals and schools, and any building with a boiler having more than 100,000 BTUs of heat input.
Small residential buildings such as one- and two-family homes are typically exempt from these requirements. But if you’re dealing with a larger residential property, co-op, condo building, or commercial space in Upper East Side, annual inspection is mandatory. We help property owners throughout the area stay compliant.
A boiler inspection typically takes between one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity and size of the boiler system. We work efficiently to minimize any disruption to your building operations or tenants.
Most inspections don’t require shutting down your heating system entirely. We review documentation like boiler log books and maintenance records, examine the exterior for damage or corrosion, and verify that safety devices are functioning properly. Much of this can be done while the system continues operating.
We care about minimizing damage and expense, removing only the smallest amount of access needed and working to reduce disruption. Our goal is getting your inspection completed and filed without creating problems for you or your tenants. We’ve been doing this long enough to work around building schedules and tenant needs.
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