What does this plumbing rough-in checklist cover?

13 items across 4 sections, covering supply, drain, waste and vent, support and protection, fixture rough locations. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

Plumbing foreman; GC verifies before requesting the rough-in inspection.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

After framing, before insulation and drywall, with the test still on the system when the walk happens.

Why does every item ask for a photo?

All 13 items call for photo evidence, 24 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a plumbing rough-in inspection?

Test gauge photographed at the start of the test but never at the end. Slope claimed but never measured on the long horizontal run. Penetrations through rated assemblies left unsealed above the ceiling.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Rough-in plumbing inspection checklist

Plumbing rough-in is inspected on two things: does it hold, and does it drain. Everything else on this list exists so that a leak two years from now can be traced to a joint somebody can see in a photograph.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Supply

Pipe material and size correct for each run
Match against the riser diagram; look for reductions that were never designed.
Joints made correctly and visible for inspection
No joints buried behind blocking; every connection accessible while the wall is open.
Pressure test held and both readings recorded
Photograph the gauge at the start and after the hold period, with the time recorded.
Isolation valves installed where designed
Fixture and branch isolation present and reachable after finishes go on.

Drain, waste and vent

Horizontal runs sloped continuously
Measure it. A level on the run and a photo of the reading beats a claim.
Cleanouts installed and accessible after finish
Check the cleanout against the finish plan, not behind fixed casework.
Venting complete and correctly connected
Every trap vented, no flat vents below the flood rim, connections above the required height.
DWV test held with the water or air standing
Photograph the standing head or gauge, and the system still under test when the walk happens.

Support and protection

Piping supported at required intervals with correct hangers
No sagging between supports; isolation where dissimilar materials touch.
Protection plates where piping passes through framing
Every bore within striking distance of a fastener.
Penetrations through rated assemblies sealed
Listed firestop applied and photographed before the ceiling or wall closes.

Fixture rough locations

Rough-in heights and offsets match the fixture schedule
Check against the actual fixture cut sheets, including accessible-height requirements.
Blocking and carriers installed for wall-hung fixtures
Carrier set and secured, blocking behind every wall-hung item.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Test gauge photographed at the start of the test but never at the end.
Slope claimed but never measured on the long horizontal run.
Penetrations through rated assemblies left unsealed above the ceiling.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this plumbing rough-in checklist cover?: 13 items across 4 sections, covering supply, drain, waste and vent, support and protection, fixture rough locations. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: Plumbing foreman; GC verifies before requesting the rough-in inspection.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: After framing, before insulation and drywall, with the test still on the system when the walk happens.
Why does every item ask for a photo?: All 13 items call for photo evidence, 24 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a plumbing rough-in inspection?: Test gauge photographed at the start of the test but never at the end. Slope claimed but never measured on the long horizontal run. Penetrations through rated assemblies left unsealed above the ceiling.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 24 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.