Bathroom Plumbing Rough-In Inspection

Per CTE DB-HS, hot and cold water supply lines must be properly sized (typically 3/4" main, 1/2" branch), supported every 6' horizontally and 10' vertically, and use approved materials (copper, PEX, or CPVC). Hot on left, cold on right when facing the fixture. Supply stubs must be at correct heights: toilet 6" above floor, sink 18–24" above floor, shower valve 48" above floor.

1. Verify pipe sizes: 3/4" to bathroom group, 1/2" branches to individual fixtures

2. Check hot is on left, cold on right at each fixture location

3. Measure supply stub heights: toilet (6" AFF), sink (18–24" AFF), shower valve (48" AFF), tub spout (4" above tub rim)

4. Verify proper support: hangers every 6' horizontal, 10' vertical (copper); 32" horizontal (PEX)

5. Check pipe material is approved and consistent (no mixing incompatible metals without dielectric unions)

6. Verify shutoff valve at each fixture supply (quarter-turn ball valve preferred)

- Hot and cold reversed — user gets burned or confused

- Supply stubs at wrong height — cannot install intended fixtures

- PEX exposed to UV (sunlight) — degrades rapidly, must be shielded

- Missing individual fixture shutoffs — must shut down entire house for repairs

Per CTE DB-HS, drain pipes must be properly sized and sloped: toilet (3" or 4"), sink (1.5"), shower/tub (2"). Minimum slope 1/4" per foot for pipes 3" and smaller, 1/8" per foot for 4" pipe. Every fixture trap must be vented within specified distance (6' for 1.5" trap, 8' for 2" trap). Vent pipes must connect to the main vent stack.

1. Verify drain pipe sizes: toilet 3–4", sink 1.5", shower 2", tub 1.5–2"

2. Check drain slope with level: 1/4" per foot (2% grade) for 3" and smaller

3. Verify each fixture has a proper P-trap location (close to fixture, accessible)

4. Check vent connections: each trap arm vented within code distance of trap

5. Verify vent pipe sizes: minimum 1.5" for individual fixture, 2" for wet vent

6. Confirm vents rise vertically at least 6" above flood rim before going horizontal

7. Check cleanout access points are provided where required

- Incorrect drain slope — too little causes clogs, too much causes solids stranding

- S-traps instead of P-traps — siphon effect loses water seal, allows sewer gas

- Vent too far from trap — fixture drains slowly, gurgling sounds

- Drain pipes not properly supported — sag over time, creating belly that collects waste

Per CTE DB-HS, toilet rough-in must have a 4" or 3" drain with closet flange at finished floor level. Standard rough-in distance is 12" from finished wall to center of flange (10" and 14" also available). Minimum 15" from center to any side wall or fixture, 21" clear in front (24" recommended). Supply stub typically 6" above floor, 6" left of center.

1. Measure rough-in distance: center of flange to finished wall (12" standard)

2. Verify flange is at or slightly above finished floor level (1/4" max above)

3. Check side clearances: minimum 15" from center to wall or fixture on each side

4. Verify front clearance: minimum 21" from front of toilet to any obstruction

5. Confirm supply stub location: 6" above finished floor, 6" to left of center

6. Check flange is securely fastened to floor and drain pipe (stainless steel screws)

7. Verify closet bolts slots are positioned correctly (parallel to wall behind)

- Wrong rough-in distance — toilet doesn't fit or has gap at wall

- Flange below finished floor — wax ring doesn't seal, causes leaks

- Flange not secured — toilet rocks, breaks wax seal over time

- Insufficient side clearance — code violation, uncomfortable use

Per CTE DB-HS, shower drains require 2" minimum drain pipe with trap. Tub drains require 1.5" minimum. Shower valve height is typically 48" above floor (ADA: 38–48"). Shower head height 72–80" above floor. Tub spout 4" above tub rim. Mixing valve must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic to prevent scalding (ASSE 1016).

1. Verify shower drain is centered in shower pan area (2" drain pipe minimum)

2. Check shower valve height: 48" AFF standard (verify with selected fixtures)

3. Verify shower head stub-out: 72–80" AFF

4. Confirm tub drain and overflow align with selected tub model

5. Check mixing valve is pressure-balanced or thermostatic (ASSE 1016 compliant)

6. Verify hot limit stop is set to prevent scalding (120°F max per manufacturer)

7. Test shower pan liner / pre-slope if already installed (dam test: fill with 2" water, wait 24 hrs)

- Shower drain not centered — doesn't align with shower pan

- Standard (non-pressure-balanced) valve — scalding risk when toilet flushes

- Tub drain misaligned with tub model — discovered only during tub installation

- No shower pan test — leaks discovered after tiling is complete

Per CTE DB-HS, all new water supply piping must pass a pressure test before walls are closed. Test pressure: 50 PSI above working pressure or 125% of working pressure (whichever is greater) for minimum 15 minutes with no drop. DWV system must pass air test (5 PSI for 15 minutes) or water test (10' head for 15 minutes). All tests must be witnessed by inspector.

1. Verify all supply lines are capped and pressurized to test pressure

2. Hold pressure for minimum 15 minutes — gauge must not drop

3. Check each connection point for leaks while under pressure (visual and by touch)

4. For DWV: verify air test at 5 PSI held for 15 minutes, or water test at 10' head

5. Document test results: pressure, duration, pass/fail

6. Confirm plumbing inspector witnessed and approved the test

7. Mark any failed connections, repair, and retest

- Slow leak at one joint — difficult to find, may need soap solution test

- PEX connections not fully seated in push-fit fittings — leaks under test pressure

- Solder joints not fully wetted — pinhole leaks under pressure

- Testing not witnessed by inspector — must be repeated

Per CTE DB-HS, every fixture trap must be properly vented to prevent siphoning and allow proper drainage. Vents must terminate through the roof (minimum 6" above roof for most climates, 12" in snow areas) or use approved air admittance valves (AAVs) where permitted by local code. Vent must be minimum 1.25" for individual fixture, 1.5–2" for multiple fixtures.

1. Trace each fixture's trap arm to its vent connection — verify within code distance

2. Check vent pipe size meets code minimum for the fixture(s) served

3. Verify vent pipes rise above flood rim level before turning horizontal

4. Confirm vent penetrations through roof are properly planned (or AAV is code-approved)

5. Check wet venting configuration (if used) meets code requirements for pipe size and fixture count

6. Verify no vent is trapped (horizontal section that could collect condensation and block airflow)

- Missing vent — fixture drains slowly, gurgles, siphons trap dry (sewer gas entry)

- Vent pipe trapped (low spot) — condensation blocks airflow

- AAV used where not permitted by local code

- Vent too far from trap — does not prevent siphoning