What To Do If Gas Service Has Been Shut Off To Your Building

Gas service to a building can be shut off for several reasons: a gas leak has been detected, the property failed a required inspection under LL 152, or certification demonstrating compliance was not submitted to DOB as required by law. As a building owner it's important to understand the process of restoring gas service to ensure it is restored quickly and in compliance with Local Laws.

Once gas service is shut off for any reason, restoration always requires:

• A licensed plumber
• Filings with and inspections by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
• Filing with and inspections by the utility company

Restoring Service After Full Gas Service Has Been Shut Off

Your plumber must begin restoration of gas service immediately by filing an Emergency Work Notice (EWN) with DOB. The EWN is a request for approval to complete emergency work to restore gas for heating and must clearly outline the work that will be performed. Your plumber must first ensure that existing equipment is legal when filing the EWN. If it is not legal, the EWN must include a statement regarding plans to remove or update the existing equipment. The EWN must be posted at the site at which work will be performed.

After approval of the EWN, your plumber has five days to file an application with the DOB called a Limited Alteration Application (LAA). The LAA must include plans for legalization, if previous equipment was not legal and is remaining. If work continues without an extension of the EWN or the filing and approval of an LAA, a Stop Work Order (SWO) may be issued, potentially resulting in fines and causing additional delays in restoring gas and subjecting you to additional civil penalties for HPD violations.

Gas Line Pressure Testing

After work has been performed to correct the issues with the gas system, a pressure test must be performed to ensure the pipes can handle gas pressure.  DOB must be on site with your plumber to witness the pressure test.  If the pressure test fails, re-piping may be necessary. This is usually only needed if the system is old or if the cause of the leak cannot be identified.

The DOB will typically issue a failure under the following situations:

• Pressure test failure
• Unapproved materials have been used
• Piping/meter has been installed in a prohibited location
• Work performed does not match work on EWN application

Once the system passes the pressure test and DOB approves the work, the utility company will restore gas service to the property.