Gas pipe inspection (Law 152) problems!

I recently had a gas pipe inspection per Local Law 152 requirement on my 3-fam brownstone, and while there were no gas leaks and few problems found, one major issue was discovered that one small section of the gas piping in the basement is copper instead of whatever it is supposed to be. The inspector stated that once you replace that section, ALL the piping had to be replaced (because of the integrity of the pipes? something like that). He came back with an estimate of almost $19000 to do this work (and that’s only if it turns out that the pressure test that they will do at the end of the work comes back OK – if it doesn’t then they would have to replace vertical pipes as well).

So my questions are – #1, does this sound right? Do we really have to replace ALL the basement pipes because of this one section? #2, is $19000 an enormous amount of money for this work (or about appropriate)? #3, could we potentially just hire a different inspector and maybe they’d come back with a different report, and then submit that new report instead of this one? #4, I assume we can shop around and see if we can get a better price from a different plumber, if we truly do have to do this work.

I welcome all thoughts and ideas! This whole business seems like such a scam! Meanwhile, this inspection was from a reputable company that does regular work around the neighborhood – although I had not used them previously.

pventura

in Plumbing 2 years and 7 months ago

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ellenlourie | 2 years and 7 months ago

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Copper pipe on gas line ? Say thank you to the guy. 10 -15 years ago we charge similar amount for 8-12 apartment buildings complete gas piping replacement. So I guess it’s close, considering recent crazy regulations by nyc lawmakers. I would say elections have consequences. This is one of them. We do have all credentials for gas work but chose to do only boiler related gas work. It’s just become a nightmare.

catboot | 2 years and 7 months ago

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Master Plumber did our gas work 10-11 years ago, when we bought our house so we passed with flying colors. But I agree, this law is silly. Doesn’t seem to get at the actual issue they are trying to fix.

Master Plvmber | 2 years and 7 months ago

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I do LL152 inspections all the time. I won’t call it a scam, but the whole program is ridiculous. The authority it has given to some unscrupulous people in my industry is irresponsible and inexcusable. I wish they would shut it down and make the Utilities and the Dept of Buildings do their jobs making buildings safe instead of deputizing plumbers.

lkrshacmzcy | 2 years and 7 months ago

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1. Not exactly. You cannot only replace that section and be done. You do need to have the remaining pipe pressure tested and inspected. That being said, a trained eye can tell you if the remaining pipe would hold that test with pretty high accuracy.
2. If it is a one family with three appliances; No. Gas is costly; the highest service probably in the home due tot he legality involved. Unless you live in a 10,000 square foot mansion though you should not hit that number for a one-family. Over one-family…it is possible.
3. Yes. Happens all the time.
4. Gas is always high; it takes a few different certifications to do and that filters down to a limited number of companies. I would always get multiple options though.

lkrshacmzcy | 2 years and 7 months ago

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1. Not exactly. You cannot only replace that section and be done. You do need to have the remaining pipe pressure tested and inspected. That being said, a trained eye can tell you if the remaining pipe would hold that test with pretty high accuracy.
2. If it is a one family with three appliances; No. Gas is costly; the highest service probably in the home due tot he legality involved. Unless you live in a 10,000 square foot mansion though you should not hit that number for a one-family. Over one-family…it is possible.
3. Yes. Happens all the time.
4. Gas is always high; it takes a few different certifications to do and that filters down to a limited number of companies. I would always get multiple options though.