What Water & Sewer Customers Need to Know

NYC’s 2025 Plumbing Code update is coming fast.
If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or building owner, now’s the time to prepare — especially when it comes to your water main and sewer lines.

The changes aren’t suggestions. They’re legally enforceable, and ignoring them could lead to fines, failed inspections, or costly emergency repairs.

What’s Changing?

The 2025 updates are designed to modernize NYC’s plumbing infrastructure and reduce water waste. The biggest changes impact:

• 💧 Water efficiency standards

• 🕳️ Sewer line and drainage requirements

Whether you manage a residential building or own a single-family home, these changes could affect your property.

Key Updates That Impact Property Owners

1. Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Are Now Required

To cut down on water usage citywide, the code now mandates:

• Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads for all new builds and renovations

• Leak detection systems for some multi-unit or commercial properties

• Rainwater harvesting systems are encouraged for irrigation and non-potable use

💡 If your plumbing fixtures are outdated, now’s the time to upgrade.

2. Stricter Sewer & Drainage Rules

NYC is tightening sewer system regulations to reduce backups and flooding.

What’s changing:

• Stormwater management systems may be required in flood-prone areas

• Frequent inspections of private sewer connections will be more common

• Higher penalties for illegal or deteriorated sewer hookups

🚨 Old or damaged sewer lines? Waiting could lead to a costly violation.

Why This Matters

If your property isn’t up to code by the time these changes are enforced, you could face:

• 🚫 Fines from the NYC Department of Buildings

• 🧾 Inspection failures when selling, refinancing, or renovating

• 💸 Emergency repairs that cost far more than a planned upgrade

How to Stay Compliant

Here’s how to avoid surprises:

✅ Replace high-flow fixtures with code-compliant low-flow options
✅ Inspect your water main and sewer lines for damage, illegal connections, or aging infrastructure
✅ Work with a licensed NYC contractor who understands the new code

How Harris Water Main & Sewer Can Help

With over 100 years of experience, we know NYC code inside and out. Our team helps you avoid violations and keep your water and sewer systems in top shape.

We specialize in:

• 🛠️ Water main replacements that meet 2025 code

• 🔧 Sewer line repairs and upgrades

• 🕵️ Code compliance inspections

• 🚨 Emergency response for broken water or sewer lines

Don’t Wait for a Violation

The deadline for compliance is approaching. If your systems are outdated or questionable, now is the time to act.

📞 Call Team Harris today to schedule your consultation and get your property ready for NYC’s 2025 Plumbing Code changes.