Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-19
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. B. Where a public sewer is not available, a system shall be provided to receive and dispose of sewage without health hazard or nuisance. C. Sewage or other waste which may be deleterious to surface or subsurface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into a waterway unless it has first been rendered harmless through subjection to treatment in conformity with generally accepted standards. 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. E. Each fixture directly connected to the sewage drainage system shall be equipped with a water seal trap. F. Adequate cleanouts shall be provided and maintained so that the 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.
Section 116-19 of Thomaston's Code of Ordinances 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 equivalent disposal method, and any waste that could harm water sources must be treated before discharge. The provision also sets requirements for water seal traps, cleanouts, vent piping, and air breaks to prevent contamination, blockages, and hazardous conditions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Thomaston Code ch. 116 § 116-19 generally ensure that all plumbing fixtures are connected to an approved sewage system—whether public or private—and that the system is kept in working order. Compliant operators routinely maintain water seal traps on each fixture, keep cleanouts accessible, and verify that vent piping allows adequate air circulation to prevent trap seal loss. Where a public sewer is unavailable, operators typically arrange for an approved alternative disposal system and confirm that no harmful substances enter the drainage system without appropriate interceptor devices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Thomaston Code ch. 116 § 116-19, tenants have an interest in knowing that their unit's plumbing and sewage drainage system must meet specific health and safety standards, including proper trap seals, venting, and protection against sewage backup into food or water fixtures. If a tenant observes conditions such as sewer odors, slow drains, or signs of sewage backup that suggest the system is not being maintained as required, those observations may be relevant to a housing complaint with the appropriate local code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing offices can help identify which enforcement body handles complaints under this provision and what documentation may be useful.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.