Plumbing Rough-In Checklist
Quick Summary
A plumbing rough-in checklist helps crews verify that water supply lines, drain lines, vents, and fixture locations are installed correctly before insulation, drywall, or finishes are installed. Finding issues during rough-in is faster and less expensive than making repairs after walls are closed. This checklist is useful for plumbing contractors, foremen, lead plumbers, and project managers overseeing residential and commercial projects.
When to Use This Checklist
- Before plumbing rough-in work begins.
- During installation of water supply, drain, waste, and vent systems.
- Prior to rough-in inspections.
- Before insulation and drywall installation.
- After plumbing layout changes or field revisions.
- As part of routine quality control inspections.
Before You Start
- Review approved plumbing drawings and specifications.
- Verify framing is complete and ready for rough-in work.
- Confirm fixture locations and plumbing schedules.
- Verify required materials are onsite and undamaged.
- Coordinate routing with electrical, HVAC, and framing trades.
- Review project schedule and inspection requirements.
- Identify special plumbing equipment and connections.
- Verify access to work areas and utility connection points.
Safety Checks
- Inspect ladders, scaffolds, and access equipment.
- Verify power tools are in safe operating condition.
- Maintain clear work areas free of scrap materials and debris.
- Use proper lifting techniques for pipe and equipment.
- Verify workers are using required PPE.
- Identify overhead, wall, and floor penetration hazards.
- Coordinate safe work practices with nearby trades.
Tools, Equipment, and Materials
- Water supply piping and fittings.
- Drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
- Pipe supports, hangers, and mounting hardware.
- Pipe cutting, joining, and measuring tools.
- Test plugs, gauges, and pressure testing equipment.
- Approved plumbing drawings and schedules.
- Inspection and quality control forms.
Plumbing Rough-In Checklist
- Verify plumbing layout matches approved plans.
- Confirm fixture locations and rough-in dimensions.
- Inspect water supply piping installation.
- Verify drain piping is routed according to plans.
- Inspect vent piping locations and routing.
- Confirm pipe penetrations are properly located.
- Verify pipe supports and hangers are installed.
- Inspect fittings, joints, and connections for workmanship.
- Confirm plumbing systems do not conflict with other trades.
- Verify cleanouts are accessible and correctly located.
- Inspect rough-in connections for future fixtures and equipment.
- Perform required pressure or system testing.
- Document any field changes or approved revisions.
- Complete internal quality control review.
- Verify rough-in work is ready for inspection.
Documentation Needed
- Approved plumbing drawings and specifications.
- Fixture schedules and equipment information.
- Pressure test or system test records.
- Inspection reports and approvals.
- Site photos before walls are closed.
- Field revisions and change documentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing pipes without verifying fixture locations.
- Poor coordination with framing, HVAC, or electrical trades.
- Missing or inaccessible cleanouts.
- Improper pipe support and hanger spacing.
- Skipping pressure or system testing before inspection.
- Failing to photograph rough-in work before wall closure.
End-of-Day / Final Review
- Water, drain, and vent systems have been installed.
- Required testing has been completed and documented.
- Pipe supports, penetrations, and connections have been verified.
- Project photos and documentation have been completed.
- Outstanding deficiencies have been corrected or documented.
- The project is ready for rough-in inspection or the next phase of construction.
Find more free construction checklists at SimplySub.com/checklists.