01Homes in the Bronx and their plumbing
| Building type | Where you'll often find it | Typical plumbing concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Prewar elevator buildings | Grand Concourse corridor, Highbridge, University Heights, Fordham, Mott Haven | Riser leaks, stack clogs, roof tanks, central hot water |
| Large co-op complexes | Co-op City, Parkchester | Central systems managed by the building |
| Detached & semi-detached homes | Riverdale, Country Club, Throgs Neck, Pelham Bay, Morris Park | Sewer laterals, roots, water heaters, sump pumps |
| Two- & three-family houses | Belmont, Kingsbridge, Soundview | Shared drains, frozen pipes, storm backups |
02Common plumbing problems
- Riser and stack problems in large prewar buildings
- No hot water or temperature swings from central systems
- Root intrusion and sewer line repairs in single-family areas
- Waterfront homes in Throgs Neck and City Island exposed to coastal storms
- Frozen pipes in older homes
03Licensing & permits
- Who can do the work
- NYC Licensed Master Plumbers, or people working under one. How to check a license
- Permits
- NYC Department of Buildings, filed in DOB NOW: Build. Permits explained
- Gas piping
- Buildings other than one- and two-family homes need periodic gas piping inspections under Local Law 152
- Service lines
- Owners maintain the water service line and building sewer up to the city mains; DEP maintains the mains
04Water, sewer & gas
- Water & sewer
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Report sewer backups from the city main and street flooding to 311
- Gas
- Con Edison
- Lead service lines
- DEP publishes a building-by-building service line map
Providers vary by street and town. Your bill shows which one serves your address. Smell gas? Leave and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.
05Neighborhoods
- Riverdale
- Kingsbridge
- Fordham
- Belmont
- Pelham Bay
- Throgs Neck
- Morris Park
- Soundview
- Hunts Point
- Co-op City
- Mott Haven
- Highbridge
- University Heights
- Country Club
06the Bronx plumbing FAQ
My Bronx building has no hot water. Who do I call?
In apartment buildings, hot water usually comes from a central system, so tell the super or management. Renters can report a lack of heat or hot water to 311.
Do houses in Riverdale need a NYC licensed plumber?
Yes. Every property in the five boroughs falls under NYC licensing and DOB permits.
07Nearby areas
Sources & review
Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.