We’re in crunch time for LL 152 inspections, with only about 3 months left to go. Most people put it off, waiting until the last minute so they can avoid the cost of the master plumber. But that’s not a good idea, because there are very few master plumbers in NYC, and the cost for missing the inspection can be substantial.
Still, it’s not always laziness that causes people to put it off. Some people delay it because they feel pretty confident nothing is wrong with their gas line. Thankfully, there is some truth to that – we do not typically find emergencies that require immediate intervention. But what does typically go wrong? What is most likely to cause problems and what issues are more common than others?
The Most Common Finding at an LL 152 Inspection (and it’s Cause)
The issue that shows up most often during LL 152 inspections is corrosion. This is not usually catastrophic corrosion that leads to immediate danger, but rather the early or moderate stages that inspectors are trained to identify.
Because inspections occur once every four years, there is a wide enough window for corrosion to develop in places that previously looked fine.
The most common causes of corrosion on gas piping include:
- Moisture and humidity – Basements, mechanical rooms, and areas with poor ventilation allow condensation to settle on metal surfaces, creating gradual rusting.
- Cleaning chemicals and salt exposure – Many pipes run along floors or walls that are regularly exposed to mopping agents, bleach, or winter salt tracked indoors, all of which accelerate corrosion.
- Leaks from nearby plumbing – Even small, slow leaks from water lines or drains can drip onto gas pipes, corroding the surface over several years.
- Environmental aging – New York buildings are subject to settling, vibration, and seasonal expansion and contraction, all of which can create tiny cracks in coatings or expose bare metal that then begins to corrode.
Most of the corrosion identified in inspections falls into the category of surface-level deterioration. It does not necessarily mean the pipe is unsafe at the moment of discovery, but it is a clear sign of wear that needs to be addressed to prevent a future leak. Since the next LL 152 inspection will not be for four more years, fixing the issue now prevents a more serious issue in the future, when the next cycle is due.
Other Problems Frequently Identified
While corrosion is by far the most common issue, there are other problems that inspectors regularly find during the LL 152 process. These include:
- Loose or improperly supported piping – Pipes that are not properly secured can shift over time and create stress on fittings.
- Minor leaks – Small leaks, especially around fittings, valves, or unions, are sometimes detected with gas detectors during inspections.
- Improper or outdated materials – Some older buildings still have components that no longer meet current code requirements.
- Inaccessible shutoff valves – Inspectors often note when gas shutoff valves are not easily accessible, which creates a safety concern.
Most of these findings occur not because of severe neglect, but because of the age of NYC’s building stock and the conditions that the piping is exposed to. Gas lines in many properties were installed decades ago and have been subject to environmental wear, vibrations from nearby construction, and the natural settling of buildings.
Even when the system has been functioning without incident, these factors increase the likelihood of minor but reportable issues.
Addressing LL 152 Problems Early
Since most issues involve minor but necessary repairs, addressing them early can save property owners time, money, and stress. Preventive maintenance, such as checking for corrosion, making sure shutoff valves are visible and operable, and replacing aging components, can keep your property compliant and reduce the risk of more serious repairs in the future.
If you’re ready to get started, please reach out to Empire Plumbing, today.