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Plumbing and waste management systems are staples of modern life. They ensure clean drinking water and waste removal, thereby improving living conditions, city sanitation, and public health protections. Plumbing professionals are essential to ensuring that residential and commercial spaces remain operational and comply with building and safety codes. 

As a plumbing inspector, you will operate in an oversight capacity. However, you must first obtain a professional license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors under the state Department of Commerce and Insurance.

What types of work are permitted with this license, and how can you obtain yours? 

What Do Plumbing Inspectors Do? 

Plumbing inspectors are responsible for examining, assessing, and testing plumbing systems and components in new construction and renovation projects to ensure they are functional, safe, and up to code. You may review planning documents before construction or renovation begins to ensure compliance throughout. 

Finally, you’ll file reports documenting findings and violations. You may also be tasked with providing property owners and contractors with guidance on how to correct violations. 

Requirements to Obtain a Plumbing Inspector License 

To become a licensed plumbing inspector, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Inspectors operate at the municipal or county level. Education and experience requirements for these positions may vary. 

It’s not unusual for starting inspector positions to require four or more years of suitable work experience in a plumbing trade or a journeyman license to qualify for the job. Supervisory roles may require additional work experience. To obtain a license, you must pass a trade exam issued by the International Code Council (ICC). 

The P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector Exam 

The ICC P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector Exam includes 60 questions on the following topics: 

• General Requirements: permits; piping system protection; piping system installation; building component damage; testing 
• Fixtures: locations and required fixtures; materials and fixture approvals; installation of fixtures; flow rates and temperatures; installation of faucets, fixture fittings, and accessories 
• Water Heaters: use and installation of materials and appliances; service and distribution piping; valving, discharge piping, and thermal expansion; fuel gas piping, combustion air, and venting 
• Water Supply and Distribution: materials, joints, and connections; service and distribution piping; potable water supply and protection; nonpotable water supply and protection; pressure and volume; water treatment 
• Sanitary Drainage: materials, fittings, joints, and connections; building drains, sewers, branches, and stacks; backwater valves, sumps, ejectors, and cleanouts; traps; indirect waste systems 
• Vents: materials, joints, connections, and grades; sizing; requirements, methods, and installation 

You will have two hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer at least 45 questions correctly (75%) to pass. 

Effective Exam Prep That Works for You 

Passing exams on the first try is crucial in moving you forward in your career. The best way to do so is with the help of an exam prep program for working professionals that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to course materials. 

If you’re ready to obtain your plumbing inspector license in Tennessee and get to work, contact RocketCert now to get started.