Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-98
Sewage
Operative Text
A. All plumbing fixtures installed within residential buildings shall be connected to sewer lines that discharge into a public sanitary sewage system. B. Substances that 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. C. Each fixture directly connected to the sewage drainage system shall be equipped with a water seal trap. D. Adequate cleanouts shall be provided and maintained so that the pipes may be readily cleaned. E. 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. F. 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. G. 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 backup of sewage through the direct or indirect drainage piping.
Section 54-98 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances establishes a comprehensive set of sewage and drainage standards for residential buildings. All plumbing fixtures must connect to the public sanitary sewer system, and the drainage system must be designed and maintained to prevent clogs, siphonage, foul air intrusion, and contamination of food or sterile goods. Protective devices such as water seal traps, air breaks, cleanouts, and vent piping are required to keep the system functioning safely under normal conditions of use.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Pelham must ensure that all plumbing fixtures covered under § 54-98 are connected to the public sanitary sewer and that the entire drainage system—including traps, vents, cleanouts, and interceptor devices—is properly installed and kept in good working order. Compliant operators routinely inspect vent terminals to prevent clogging or frost closure and verify that fixtures handling food, water, or sterile goods are fitted with adequate air breaks. Maintaining documentation of inspections and any corrective work helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with the requirements of ch. 54 § 54-98.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Pelham Code ch. 54 § 54-98, tenants in residential buildings have an interest in a properly maintained sewage and drainage system, including functioning traps, vents, and cleanouts that prevent sewer gas intrusion, backups, and contamination. If a tenant observes conditions such as persistent drain odors, slow drainage, or sewage backup that may indicate a violation of § 54-98, they may consider documenting the issue in writing and notifying the landlord or property manager. Tenants may also explore filing a complaint with the local code enforcement or building department, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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