Is a (well-wrapped) asbestos insulated pipe in a basement a code violation?

There is a hot water pipe with asbestos insulation which has been sealed and wrapped which runs the length of the house in my basement. Engineer said it was in fine shape, that “you get more exposure to asbestos riding in the subway” than you would from this pipe, “just leave it alone and it will be fine.”

I am having other work done no the house though and am wondering if the city will find it to be a code violation and demand removal? I don’t mind doing it if that’s what they say, just wonder if I should prepare for the expense or not.

Guarachon

in Building Code 12 years and 1 month ago

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Townie | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I have heard stories (two  where Con Ed refusing to do repairs around it and requiring removal before they do …Both cases involved new service upgrades?repairs…Can’t see how it would be a problem though but it is.

Guarachon | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks for the comments so far – I am fine with keeping it there, I just want to be sure when the DOB or ECB or whoever comes to inspect other unrelated reno work they won’t say I have to get rid of it, adding to the expense of my renovations.

anotherposter | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Asbestos isn’t a problem until you start disturbing it, which these days means removing it and the parts it is on (can be pipes, floor tile adhesive, among others).

steam_man | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I agree with the engineer. Unless you plan to move the pipe later, just leave it alone for now.

shahnandersen

in Building Code 12 years and 1 month ago

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As far as I know, non-friable asbestos (which your description seems to indicate) is neither a health hazard nor a code violation. Moreover, removing it would require the services of a certified asbestos remover.  Leave well enough alone.