Natick, Mass., Bd. of Health Reg. ch. XI (2002) § 3
PLUMBING
Operative Text
The owner shall be responsible for compliance with the
provisions of all Subsections of Section 3, of these minimum
standards.
3.1 A safe and adequate supply of water from a source approved
by the Board of Health shall be piped into each dwelling.
3.2 Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen sink in good
working condition and properly connected to water and sewer
systems approved by the Board of Health.
3.3 Every dwelling shall be provided with such number of water
closets, lavatories, bathtubs or showers as the Board of Health
may require but in no case less than one water closet, lavatory
bathtub or shower for each dwelling unit. In lodging houses
and dormitories there shall be provided a minimum of one
water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower for every eight
persons or part thereof. All plumbing fixtures shall be
properly connected to water and sewer systems approved by
the Board of Health.
3.4 Every kitchen sink, lavatory and bathtub or shower required by
these minimum standards shall be properly connected to both
hot and cold water lines.
3.5 Every dwelling shall have supplied water-heating facilities
which are properly installed, are maintained in safe and good
working conditions, are properly connected with the hot water
lines required under the provisions of Subsection 3.4 Section 3
of these minimum standards, and are capable of heating water
to such a temperature and in sufficient quantity to permit an
adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required kitchen
sink, lavatory basin, bathtub or shower at a temperature of not
less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
3.6 The water closet and bathtub or shower compartment for each
dwelling unit or lodging house shall be accessible from within
the building without passing through any part of any other
dwelling or lodging unit; and such water closet or bathtub or
shower compartment shall be separated from all other rooms
by walls or partitions that afford privacy.
3.7 No privy shall be constructed or continued in use except by
written permission from the Board of Health. No privy shall
be located less than 30 feet from any building used for sleeping
or eating, or from any lot line or street. No privy shall be a
source of pollution of any water supply or stream.
3.8 Where connection to a public sewer is not practicable, a
dwelling shall be served by cesspools, septic tanks or other
means of sub-surface disposal of sewage, which shall be
approved by the Board of Health and maintained by the owner
to the satisfaction of the Board of Health.
3.9 All plumbing shall be properly installed and maintained in
good sanitary working condition, free from defects, leaks and
obstruction.
3.10 Every sink, bathtub shower, water closet, or other plumbing
fixture in a building used for habitation shall be provided with
a proper and unobstructed drain which discharges into a
sewerage system outside the building, and said fixtures and
drains shall be maintained by the owner in a sanitary working
condition at all times.Section 3 of the Natick Board of Health Minimum Standards for Human Habitation establishes comprehensive plumbing requirements for all dwellings. Every dwelling must have an approved water supply, functioning kitchen sink, adequate toilet and bathing facilities, hot and cold running water reaching at least 120°F, and properly draining fixtures connected to approved sewer or waste-disposal systems. Bathroom facilities must be privately accessible without passing through another unit, and all plumbing must be kept free of defects, leaks, and obstructions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Section 3 of the Natick Board of Health Minimum Standards, the owner bears full responsibility for compliance with all plumbing subsections. Compliant operators ensure that water-heating equipment maintains a minimum 120°F supply at all required fixtures, that kitchen sinks and bathroom facilities are properly connected to Board of Health–approved water and sewer systems, and that all plumbing is routinely inspected and maintained in good sanitary working condition. Owners who rely on cesspools or septic systems rather than public sewer connections must keep those systems approved and maintained to the satisfaction of the Board of Health under Section 3.8.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 3 of the Natick Board of Health Minimum Standards gives tenants the right to a dwelling with safe, adequate plumbing — including hot water at no less than 120°F, a functioning kitchen sink, private bathroom access, and properly draining fixtures. If plumbing conditions fall short of these standards, tenants may file a complaint with the Natick Board of Health, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations can also provide general guidance on how documented plumbing deficiencies may be raised in housing or court proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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