What is a Plumbing Rough-In Inspection?

A Plumbing Rough-In Inspection is a standardized inspection form used by plumbing inspector / super to ensure consistent construction operations. It contains 37 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE PDF - IPC 2021 plumbing rough-in inspection checklist for building inspectors, general contractors, and plumbing contractors. Covers International Plumbing Code 2021 Chapter 3 (general regulations), Chapter 6 (water supply), Chapter 7 (sanitary drainage), Chapter 9 (vent systems), Chapter 10 (traps), and Section 312 pressure testing requirements. A failed rough-in inspection requires re-inspection after corrections; concealing rough-in piping before inspection approval violates IPC Section 107 and most local amendment provisions.

How often should I use this construction checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per phase. Regular use ensures compliance with IPC/UPC and Local Plumbing Code and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Plumbing Rough-In Inspection as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 37 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with IPC/UPC, Local Plumbing Code, Project Specs. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this construction inspection checklist?

Start by filling in the header fields (date, inspector name, location). Then work through each of the 6 sections, marking Yes/No for each inspection point. Add notes for any issues found. Finally, complete the footer section with your signature. The entire process takes approximately 1-2 hours.

What happens if I find issues during the construction inspection?

Document any issues in the notes field, take photos as evidence, and assign corrective actions. POPProbe's mobile app allows you to instantly assign tasks to team members and track resolution. Critical issues should be escalated immediately per your organization's procedures.

Is this Plumbing Rough-In Inspection template free?

Yes, this Plumbing Rough-In Inspection template is completely free to download as a PDF. You can print it for immediate use. For digital completion with automatic reporting, photo capture, and offline capability, try POPProbe's free mobile app.

Can I use this checklist on my phone or tablet?

Yes, with POPProbe's mobile app you can complete this checklist on any smartphone or tablet. The app works offline, captures GPS location, allows photo attachments, and automatically syncs when connected. Perfect for field inspections and frontline teams.

How do I customize this construction checklist for my organization?

With POPProbe, you can easily customize this Plumbing Rough-In Inspection to match your organization's specific requirements. Add or remove inspection points, modify section names, adjust scoring criteria, and include your company branding. You can also set up automated scheduling to ensure the checklist is completed per phase and assign it to specific team members or locations.

What are common mistakes to avoid when completing construction inspections?

Common mistakes include: rushing through items without proper verification, failing to document issues with photos or detailed notes, skipping sections that seem repetitive, not following up on previously identified problems, and completing inspections inconsistently. To avoid these, use a digital tool like POPProbe that enforces completion of all 37 fields, requires photo evidence, and tracks corrective actions automatically.

Plumbing Rough-In Inspection

Plumbing rough-in inspections must be scheduled and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before piping systems are concealed by insulation, drywall, or other finish materials, as required by IPC 2021 Section 107.5 or the equivalent section of the locally adopted plumbing code. The inspection verifies that supply, drainage, waste, and vent piping is correctly sized, supported, trapped, tested, and configured to prevent backflow, siphonage, and cross-connection before any fixture is

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Per phase
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Role: Plumbing Inspector / Super
Total Items: 22
Compliance: IPC/UPC, Local Plumbing Code, Project Specs

Water Supply Piping -- Sizing, Material, and Support (IPC 2021 Ch 6 / Sec 305)

Inspect water supply piping for correct pipe sizing per the demand load calculation, correct material for the application, adequate support intervals, and protection from damage. IPC Chapter 6 and Section 305 govern supply sizing and installation requirements. Undersized supply mains are among the most common rough-in deficiencies found at inspection.

Is the water service pipe and main distribution piping sized per IPC Table 604.4 (or the equivalent demand-load calculation) for the total fixture units served, with no pipe undersized for the calculated demand?
Is the pipe material approved by IPC Section 604.1 for the application (copper, CPVC, PEX, PEX-AL-PEX, or galvanized steel where permitted), correctly joined, and free of field cuts at fittings that leave gaps in joint material?
Are hot water supply lines insulated where required and are hot and cold supply lines maintained at a minimum separation of 6 inches (or insulated where closer) to prevent heat transfer?
Are all supply pipes supported at intervals not exceeding IPC Table 308.5 for the pipe material (copper: 6 feet horizontal; PEX: 32 inches horizontal), with pipe hangers that do not cut, abrade, or crush the pipe?
Is a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed on the water service where the street pressure exceeds 80 psi per IPC Section 604.8, and is the PRV accessible for service?

Sanitary Drainage Piping -- Slope, Sizing, and Material (IPC 2021 Ch 7 / Sec 704-706)

Inspect drain and waste piping for correct slope, adequate pipe sizing for the fixture unit load served, correct material for the application, and proper horizontal-to-vertical transitions. IPC Section 704 requires horizontal drainage piping to be uniformly sloped at not less than 1/4 inch per foot for pipes 3 inches or smaller. Incorrect slope is the most common drainage rough-in defect and cannot be corrected after concealment.

Are all horizontal drainage pipes 3 inches or smaller sloped not less than 1/4 inch per foot (2% grade), and are pipes 4 inches or larger sloped not less than 1/8 inch per foot (1% grade) toward the point of discharge?
Is horizontal drain pipe sized per IPC Table 709.1 for the total drainage fixture unit (DFU) load it serves, with no pipe undersized for the accumulated DFU count?
Are all fittings used in horizontal drainage lines appropriate for drainage use (sanitary tees and wye fittings used in correct orientation; no tee fittings used in lieu of wye at horizontal-to-horizontal connections)?
Is the building drain of adequate size to receive all branch drains, and does it discharge to the building sewer with a cleanout installed within 100 feet of the junction, accessible without removal of permanent construction?

Vent System -- Type, Sizing, and Termination (IPC 2021 Ch 9 / Sec 916)

Inspect the vent system for correct vent type assigned to each fixture, adequate vent pipe sizing, correct connection points, and proper termination above the roof. IPC Chapter 9 establishes the vent requirements that protect trap seals against siphonage and back pressure. Every fixture trap must be vented per IPC Section 903.

Is every trap protected by a vent pipe connected to the drainage system at a point downstream (vent side) of the trap, at or above the weir of the trap, per IPC Section 903.1?
Is each fixture vent pipe sized per IPC Table 916.1 for the DFU load it serves, and are vent pipes supported at intervals not exceeding IPC Table 308.5?
Where air admittance valves (AAVs) are used in lieu of a connection to the main vent stack, are they of the listed and labeled type, installed in an accessible location, and permitted by the local amendment to the IPC?
Do all vent pipes terminate through the roof at a minimum height of 6 inches above the roof surface (12 inches in climates with snow accumulation), away from openable windows, doors, and air intakes?

Trap Requirements and Fixture Connections (IPC 2021 Ch 10 / Sec 1002)

Verify that all fixtures have code-compliant trap installations. IPC Section 1002 requires each plumbing fixture to have a liquid-seal trap; the trap must be protected from evaporation, siphonage, and backpressure. Double trapping, trap arms that are too long, and traps installed out of the fixture's waste outlet plane are common rough-in defects.

Does each fixture rough-in have a properly sized trap (trap diameter must equal or exceed the fixture drain diameter), located within the maximum vertical and horizontal distances from the fixture outlet per IPC Section 1002.1?
Is each trap arm (the horizontal pipe between the trap outlet and the vent) no longer than the maximum permitted by IPC Table 909.1 for the pipe diameter, and is it sloped at 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain?
Are floor drains provided with trap primers or are they otherwise protected from evaporation in areas where drains are infrequently used, per IPC Section 1002.4?

Pressure and Leak Testing (IPC 2021 Section 312)

Verify the water supply and drain-waste-vent systems have been pressure tested before inspection and before any piping is concealed. IPC Section 312 specifies the test method and minimum test pressure for each system. A system that has not been tested cannot be approved at rough-in inspection.

Has the water supply system been tested at a minimum of 100 psi static pressure (or 1.5 times the design working pressure where this exceeds 100 psi) for a minimum of 15 minutes without pressure loss per IPC Section 312.4?
Has the drainage and vent system been tested by either the water test method (filled to 10 feet of head above the highest point) or the air test method (5 psi for 15 minutes without pressure loss) per IPC Section 312.2?
Has the plumber or contractor confirmed the test was witnessed by the AHJ inspector, or is a written test record signed by the responsible party available for the inspector's review?

Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention (IPC 2021 Ch 6 Sec 608)

Inspect cross-connection control and backflow prevention devices per IPC Section 608. A cross-connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source is one of the most serious plumbing defects, creating a public health hazard if the supply pressure drops and non-potable water is back-siphoned into the supply system.

Is a backflow preventer or atmospheric vacuum breaker of the required type installed at all hose bibbs, irrigation system connections, and any other point where a hose or flexible connection could reach a contamination source?
Where a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer (RPBA) is required for high-hazard connections (irrigation systems, boiler makeup water, commercial food equipment), is it installed upstream of the point of use and accessible for annual testing?
Has the installer confirmed there are no prohibited direct connections between the potable supply and any sanitary drain, gray water system, non-potable water source, or irrigation system without an approved backflow device?

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Why Use This Plumbing Rough-In Inspection?

This plumbing rough-in inspection helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for plumbing inspector / super professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per phase.

Ensures compliance with IPC/UPC, Local Plumbing Code, Project Specs. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Plumbing Rough-In Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Water Supply Piping -- Sizing, Material, and Support (IPC 2021 Ch 6 / Sec 305), Sanitary Drainage Piping -- Slope, Sizing, and Material (IPC 2021 Ch 7 / Sec 704-706), Vent System -- Type, Sizing, and Termination (IPC 2021 Ch 9 / Sec 916), Trap Requirements and Fixture Connections (IPC 2021 Ch 10 / Sec 1002), Pressure and Leak Testing (IPC 2021 Section 312), Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention (IPC 2021 Ch 6 Sec 608). It is designed for construction operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per phase. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Who should use this Plumbing Rough-In Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Plumbing Inspector / Super professionals in the construction industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.