• A plumbing inspector works for the state or local governments.plumbing fittings image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Plumbing inspectors work for state and local government building agencies. The inspection of proper plumbing techniques are essential during the construction process. Plumbing inspectors ensure that plumbing work is done according the the state building codes.
  
  

Construction Inspection

• A plumbing inspector will inspect commercial or residential buildings during the course of their construction to ensure that the correct pipes are being used. Even though most of the pipes installed today are plastic or PVC, in certain areas of the home or building, copper pipes are still required. The inspector will make sure these areas have what the state building code requires.
  
  

Installation Inspection

• Assembling the pipes require joints to be fitted together correctly. The plastic pipe or PVC requires using a cleaning agent and a particular cement or glue that will hold the pipes together despite water pressure. Copper pipes must be soldered together to prevent leaking. The plumbing inspector will make sure both these kind of pipes are jointed properly.
  
  

Regulations Adherence

• Each size pipe installed in a residential or commercial building has a designated water pressure allowed. The plumbing inspector uses special instruments to test the pressure in each size pipe. If the pressure is more than the pipe allows, the inspector will require that the plumbing work be redone with the right size pipes. Having too much water pressure going through a pipe can make the pipe or joints explode.
  
  

Permitting or Certifying

• After the plumbing inspector has determined the plumbing was installed properly and according to state building codes, he will authorize the builder to continue construction. This is done by providing an inspection sticker, permit or certification that must be visible at all times. The inspector will also file a copy of that authorization with the building authority.
  
  

Investigations

• Plumbing code violations often happen in businesses such as restaurants and bars located in older buildings. Plumbing inspectors periodically visit businesses to determine if there are possible code violations and report those finding to the business for corrective action.
  
  

Design Review

• Before the construction of residential or commercial properties, builders have to supply the building authority with architectural designs for approval. During the course of this approval process, plumbing inspectors will be called upon to review the proposed construction designs to ensure the plumbing codes are being followed. The plumbing inspector will then hand out the initial permits required to begin construction.
  
  

Licensing Review

• Every plumbing job must be done by a licensed plumber. The plumbing inspector periodically reviews a plumber's license to make sure it is up-to-date and that a plumber is licensed in the state he is working.