Rough-In Inspection Failure on a Duplex
During the rough-in inspection of a new duplex in Norman, the city mechanical inspector documents: (1) an 80% AFUE furnace in the attic has a PVC flue pipe connected to the draft hood; (2) the return air for the upstairs unit is drawn through a 24×24 grille in the attached garage wall; (3) the attic air handler's primary condensate drain is trapped and run to a soffit, but there is no secondary drain pan or switch; (4) flexible duct in the garage is supported every 6 feet and sags 4 inches between straps; (5) the gas line to the furnace is CSST bonded only at the manifold. The contractor says the furnace is 'high-efficiency enough' and the garage return is 'sealed.' The drywall is scheduled for Monday.
1. What is the correction and reinspection path before drywall?
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The contractor must replace the PVC flue with a properly sized and listed vent for the 80% furnace, including correct termination and clearances. The garage return must be removed and the return air relocated to a conditioned space with a sealed return path. A secondary drain pan with a float switch or an approved secondary drain line must be installed under the attic air handler, and the primary drain must be verified for slope and termination. The flexible duct must be replaced or re-supported to the manufacturer's instructions, with no sag that restricts airflow, and garage penetrations must be sealed and protected. The CSST bonding must be corrected per the manufacturer and gas code. The contractor should call for a reinspection before drywall and should not cover any corrected work until it is approved.
2. Who may perform the corrections, and what licensing and permit issues arise?
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The mechanical corrections should be performed by the licensed mechanical contractor or by journeyman personnel working under that contractor. Gas piping and CSST bonding may require the licensed mechanical contractor and, in some jurisdictions, a separate gas permit or inspection. Electrical work for the float switch or disconnect must be done by a licensed electrical contractor if it is beyond the mechanical scope. The contractor should check whether the original permit covers the corrections or whether a revision is needed. The contractor should document the failed inspection, the correction plan, and the reinspection request. If the contractor cannot correct the work before the drywall schedule, the drywall should be delayed rather than covering unapproved work.