Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-45
Sewage drainage system
Operative Text
A. Plumbing fixtures shall be drained to a sewage drainage system and such system shall be connected to a public sewer or to an adequate and approved system of sewage disposal in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Health District and the Building Department of the City of Albany. B. Where a public sewer is not available, a system shall be provided to receive and dispose of sewage without health hazard or nuisance in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Health District and the Building Department of the City of Albany. C. Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into the ground or into a waterway unless it has first been rendered harmless through subjection to treatment or to natural processes in conformity with generally accepted standards in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Health District and the Building Department of the City of Albany. D. Substances which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall not be discharged into the building drainage system unless it is provided with approved devices suitable for intercepting such substances in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Health District and the Building Department of the City of Albany. E. Each fixture directly connected to the sewage drainage system shall be equipped with a water seal trap except as provided in the Plumbing Code of the City of Albany. F. Adequate cleanouts shall be provided and maintained so that pipes may be readily cleaned. G. The drainage system and its attendant vent piping shall be maintained so as to provide adequate circulation of air in all pipes in order that siphonage, aspiration or pressure will not cause a loss of trap seal under ordinary conditions of use. H. Each vent terminal to the outer air shall be installed and maintained so as to minimize the possibilities of clogging, frost closure, the return of foul air to the building or the creation of a nuisance to adjacent premises. I. Drains provided for fixtures, devices, appliances or apparatus containing food, water, sterile goods or similar materials shall be equipped with air breaks adequate to prevent contamination of such contents from any possible backup of sewage through the direct or indirect drainage piping.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-45 establishes comprehensive standards for how sewage drainage systems in buildings must be designed, connected, and maintained. All plumbing fixtures must drain to an approved system tied to a public sewer or an acceptable alternative, and waste cannot be discharged into the ground or waterways unless properly treated. The provision also prohibits introducing harmful substances into drainage systems without proper interceptors, and requires that traps, vents, cleanouts, and air breaks be installed and kept in working order to prevent health hazards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-45, compliant property operators ensure that all plumbing fixtures are connected to an approved sewage drainage system that meets the standards of both the Albany County Health District and the City of Albany Building Department. Operators routinely inspect and maintain cleanouts, water seal traps, vent piping, and air breaks to keep the system functioning safely, and they avoid allowing harmful or clog-causing substances to enter the drainage system without approved interceptor devices. When a public sewer connection is unavailable, operators arrange for an alternative sewage disposal system that has been reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-45 gives tenants a basis to expect that their unit's plumbing and sewage drainage system is properly connected, maintained, and free from conditions that could create health hazards—such as sewer backups, foul air infiltration, or contamination of food or water supplies. If a tenant observes problems like persistent drain backups, sewage odors inside the unit, or broken cleanouts, these may indicate a violation of this provision. Tenants can report such conditions to the City of Albany Building Department or the Albany County Health District, and may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand available remedies.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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