Frequently asked questions - Inspections

Who should we call for required inspections?
Where should we call for required inspections?
Who is responsible for completing a required inspection?
What is the proper procedure when DLI cannot make a required inspection?
Is the local jurisdiction required to make those required inspections if DLI cannot do so?
What is the proper procedure when DLI cannot make an inspection, what happens?
In the event of a failure in the plumbing system, can the local jurisdiction be held liable for any errors or omissions if the local jurisdiction does the inspection?
What are the license requirements for individuals and companies performing plumbing work in Minnesota?

Who should we call for required inspections?

Minnesota Rules, part 4715.2810, states in part: "It shall be the duty of the plumbing contractor to notify the proper administrative authority and the owner or the owner's authorized agent."

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Where should we call for required inspections?

Contact DLI for inspections for the following projects:

All new plumbing installations for public, commercial and industrial facilities located in areas where the building code has not been adopted by local ordinance. A list of cities and counties that have adopted local building code ordinances is available.
Hospitals, nursing homes, supervised living facilities licensed for eight or more individuals and similar health-care-related facilities regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Buildings owned by the state.
Projects of a special nature, including all school district projects, dialysis facilities and other special projects for which department plan review and inspection is requested by either the municipality or the department.

In addition, the department is the administrative authority and perform required inspection of public buildings, including commercial, industrial and licensed facilities, in areas that have not adopted the State Building Code. See the list of regional plumbing inspectors

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Who is responsible for completing a required inspection?

Minnesota Rules, part 4715.2800 states in part: "New plumbing systems and parts of existing systems which have been altered, extended, or repaired shall be inspected by the proper administrative authority to ensure compliance with all the requirements of this code and the installation and construction of the system in accordance with the approved plan and the permit, except that testing may be waived for work which does not include addition to, replacement, alteration, or relocation of any water supply, drainage, or vent piping."

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What is the proper procedure when DLI cannot make a required inspection?

If a call requesting inspection is received by DLI and the state inspector cannot appear on site within 24 hours (three working days), the contractor is given a verification number to give to the person performing the inspection as evidence that the proper inspection request has occurred. The contractor will then be directed to contact the local administrative authority; a city or county employee, such as sewer operator, water utility, or clerk; state contract inspector or private inspection company, depending on job location. See below for additional instructions if neither DLI nor the local jurisdiction can make an inspection.

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Is the local jurisdiction required to make those required inspections if DLI cannot do so?

In areas that have adopted the building and plumbing codes, Minnesota Rules, part 4715.2800, directs that the proper "administrative authority" shall ensure compliance with all the requirements of the code.

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What is the proper procedure when DLI cannot make an inspection, what happens?

Minnesota Rules, part 4715.2810, states in part: "If the proper administrative authority does not appear for an inspection within 24 hours [three working days] of the time set, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the inspection or test shall be deemed to have been made, and the plumbing contractor is required to file an affidavit with the proper administrative authority that the work was installed in accordance with the code, the approved plans and permit, and that it was free from defects and that the required tests had been made and the system found free from leaks; also whether the owner or the owner's authorized agent was present when such inspection or test was made." If an inspector visits the site after the 24 hour time period [three working days] and observes non-complying installation, a correction order can still be written requesting compliance.

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In the event of a failure in the plumbing system, can the local jurisdiction be held liable for any errors or omissions if the local jurisdiction does the inspection?

The code does not address liability issues. There can be many variables involved affecting different situations.

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What are the license requirements for individuals and companies performing plumbing work in Minnesota?

Licensure: Information regarding changes in the plumbing licensing requirements can be accessed at http://www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/PlumbingLicense.asp.

Pipelayer's card: Persons holding a card certifying pipelayer training on the Minnesota Plumbing Code requirements, by one of the following organizations, are not required to have a plumber license for installation and repair of water service, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer work outside of buildings: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET), the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association (MUCA), the Minnesota Extension Service

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