What happens after the plumber ripped his permit off my house? (Austin: water heater, general contractor)

[ritajasmine]

I had a cranky, crooked plumber. Toward the end, he started pressuring me to pay without finishing the work. I was out the last afternoon he worked, and when I returned, he had not finished the work, but had been calling over and over, demanding money. Now I see he ripped the plumbing permit off the window. The remodel is ready for the final inspection. I can add the last few pieces he neglected to add to the water heater vent stack, and probably set the toilet. Can I call the final inspection? Would the city have a problem with this?

[CptnRn]

How do I schedule a Building Inspection? | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

1. Who can schedule a Building Inspection?
Anyone associated with the permit can schedule an inspection: the general contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), the trade contractor, or their official agents.

There is more information on that site regarding how to do it.

As a home owner you are entitled to do all of the work yourself if you choose to, so I don't expect that they would have a problem letting you finish it. It would probably be to your benefit to go visit the building permit office or call the inspector if you can get them on the phone and explain your situation. They should work with you to find the best way for you to finish this up.

It was probably illegal for him to remove the permit, I'd report him for doing so. If you don't have your permit number, it is possible to look up permits for the address and see what it is. https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/devreview/index.jsp

[ritajasmine]

Thank you for the information. I will go see the inspector before I do anything else.

I was also wondering what to do about the pressure test on the drain line that the plumber tore out without discussing with me first. I asked him to replace it, and I paid for the additional parts. Now that he is not on the job, I can not afford to start with a new plumber. I think there should be another drain pressure test, but I do not see how to plug the main drain end of the replaced line, because the clean out pipe is ~4 ft upstream of it, on the main drain line. Here is a photo: