Boiler and Pressure Vessel Frequently Asked Questions

Boilers are inspected once a year. Pressure vessels are inspected every two years. The owner or user must make sure the inspection is completed; however, your inspector will attempt to contact you to schedule the inspection.

You need a permit to install a boiler or pressure vessel. A Certificate of Inspection is required to operate a boiler or pressure vessel.

You can find when your inspection is due on the Seattle Services Portal.

How you prepare depends on the type of inspection. Ask your inspector when they call to schedule the inspection how best to prepare.

You can view your inspection results in the Seattle Services Portal. Your Certificate of Inspection will be emailed to you and must be displayed in a visible place adjacent to the boiler or vessel.

Your inspector will give you a list of problems and a deadline to fix them. You may need to work with a heating or plumbing contractor, or another qualified professional, to make the repairs.

It depends on how serious the problem is. Talk to your inspector to request more time.

Failing to comply with inspection and maintenance requirements is a violation of the Seattle Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and could result in fines of up to $500 per day for each violation.

The owner or user must maintain their equipment in accordance with nationally recognized standards. Inspection alone is not sufficient to keep equipment operating safely.

After the inspection is complete, we send the inspection and certificate fees to the financially responsible party.

Contact sci_boiler@seattle.gov for assistance.