Boiler repair question

If I need to replace cast iron sections of a boiler (over 350,000BTU) is that “ordinary plumbing work” or does it require a permit? DOB boiler inspector said the permitting requirement was based on the percentage of the total sections being replaced but I can’t seem to find that info anywhere. I’m not interested in arguing about different perceptions regarding the value of permitting, I’m really looking for a concrete reference where I can verify what I’m being told. Thank you plumbing people!

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

Good to know that there are boilers available. Not so simple for things like roof insulation for whatever reason…

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

Good to know that there are boilers available. Not so simple for things like roof insulation for whatever reason…

Master Plvmber | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Got it. Don’t let the timeline bother you though. We’re installing lots of boilers now. At least 1-2 every week. All the homes that didn’t change them in 2020 and getting it done now.

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

Thank you, Master Plumber. I appreciate your insight and I agree about the inspectors. There is a major construction project coming up that will replace both boilers in the building but in the meantime I have leaking sections and can’t run one of the boilers as a result. Based on the way things are moving (or not moving) these days I’m not optimistic about the timeline of the full replacement but I need my boilers working for the winter.

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

Thank you, Master Plumber. I appreciate your insight and I agree about the inspectors. There is a major construction project coming up that will replace both boilers in the building but in the meantime I have leaking sections and can’t run one of the boilers as a result. Based on the way things are moving (or not moving) these days I’m not optimistic about the timeline of the full replacement but I need my boilers working for the winter.

Master Plvmber | 3 years and 7 months ago

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I don’t handle the DOB stuff in my shop and it’s always been a little beyond me. I’m a very good technical/field guy but I leave the administrative stuff to my office.
That said, one of the very few good reasons to replace one or two boiler sections is to avoid permitting and inspections. There’s no way you’ve got 2 bad sections and 3 great ones. Also, my experience on boiler inspections is that some of the newer inspectors don’t know what they’re talking about. I’ve challenged them a few times and made tem call in to their office to get the right answers from the the chief inspector on duty. My advice is to file the OP for the repair you describe and call it a day. That’s perfectly legit.

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

thanks cate – it’s not a townhouse and i’m not replacing the whole boiler, just some leaking sections of it, trying to suss out whether the inspector who told me that I need a permit to replace over 50% of the boiler sections (so if I replace 2 sections of a 5 section boiler i wouldn’t need a permit, but I would need a permit for 3 sections of a 5 section boiler)…

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

thanks cate – it’s not a townhouse and i’m not replacing the whole boiler, just some leaking sections of it, trying to suss out whether the inspector who told me that I need a permit to replace over 50% of the boiler sections (so if I replace 2 sections of a 5 section boiler i wouldn’t need a permit, but I would need a permit for 3 sections of a 5 section boiler)…

cate | 3 years and 7 months ago

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If this is a townhouse, replacing a boiler requires a plumbing permit your licensed plumber can handle quickly.