What's the typical turnaround for a TIS plumbing inspection in New Brunswick once i request one?

TIS typically schedules plumbing inspections within 2-3 business days of your request, though this can stretch to 5-7 business days during peak construction season (May through September) or in remote areas of the province.

The inspection process works like this: Once your licensed plumber completes the rough-in work, they'll contact TIS at 1-888-659-3222 to request the inspection. TIS will schedule a time and provide you with an inspection reference number. The inspector will verify that all plumbing work meets the National Building Code requirements and issue either a pass or a list of deficiencies that need correction.

Timing varies by region — urban areas like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton generally see faster response times since inspectors are based locally. Rural areas served by TIS offices in Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston, and Woodstock may take longer, especially if the inspector needs to travel significant distances. Northern New Brunswick can sometimes experience longer delays due to inspector availability.

Peak season delays are common from May through September when construction activity ramps up province-wide. If you're planning a bathroom renovation or plumbing upgrade, consider scheduling the work for fall or winter when inspectors have more availability. Emergency inspections (like for a failed septic system) typically get priority scheduling.

Pro tip: Have your plumber call TIS first thing Monday morning if possible — inspections requested late in the week often get pushed to the following week. Also, make sure all work is completely ready for inspection when you call. Failed inspections due to incomplete work mean starting the scheduling process over again, which can add another week to your timeline.

The inspection itself usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the scope of work. Once you pass, you can proceed with covering up the plumbing and continuing your project.