Legislation at a Glance
24: Ensure Toilets & Sinks Work Without Power
Implemented
Local Law 79 of 2013
Summary
Some toilets and faucets need electricity to function. This presents a sanitation risk during an extended power outage. This legislation requires that some toilets and faucets be capable of operating without grid power.
New Requirements or Changes
Effective: These requirements will take effect at the same time as the pending law that will revise the NYC building, mechanical, fuel gas and plumbing codes in order to bring them into line with the 2009 edition of the international version of those codes (currently, Intro 1056-2013).
NYC Plumbing Code Sections 424.1.3 and 425.1.2.
At least one faucet and one toilet in each bathroom must be capable of operating without external electrical power for at least two weeks. The law applies to both commercial and residential buildings. In dwelling units, however, only one faucet and toilet per unit (rather than one per bathroom) must comply with this regulation. The requirement will take effect at the same time as the pending law that will revise the NYC building, mechanical, fuel gas and plumbing codes in order to bring them into line with the 2009 edition of the international version of those codes (currently, Intro 1056-2013).
Enforcement
These requirements are part of the plumbing code, and will be enforced by the Department of Buildings.
Implementation
There are no known issues with implementing this legislation.