The purpose of capping open ends of installed pipes at the end of each workday is to ________.

Capping open ends of installed pipes at the end of each workday primarily serves to prevent contamination. It is essential to keep the interior of pipes clean and free from debris, dirt, and other harmful substances that could compromise the system's functionality or lead to future plumbing issues. By sealing the ends of the pipes, you protect against unwanted particles, bacteria, and environmental contaminants that may enter the system and cause health or operational problems.

While other factors, such as reducing installation time or facilitating inspections, are important in plumbing practices, the primary concern with leaving pipes open is ensuring that the water supply and drainage systems remain uncontaminated. This is critical for maintaining health and safety standards in any plumbing installation.