Journeyman Plumbers Exam General Plumbing Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the IPC, what is the minimum required air gap between a water supply outlet and the flood level rim of a fixture?
- 1 inch
- 2 times the diameter of the supply pipe (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch
- The air gap is not required if a backflow preventer is installed
Correct answer: 2 times the diameter of the supply pipe
The IPC requires an air gap of at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe, but never less than 1 inch.
Question 2: Which document primarily governs plumbing installations in most US jurisdictions?
- ANSI A112.18
- International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) (Correct answer)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
- NFPA 13
Correct answer: International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Most US jurisdictions adopt either the IPC or UPC as their primary plumbing code.
Question 3: A journeyman plumber encounters an existing installation that does not comply with the current code but was legal when installed. This is known as:
- A code violation requiring immediate correction
- A grandfathered or nonconforming installation (Correct answer)
- An illegal installation subject to fines
- A variance that must be renewed annually
Correct answer: A grandfathered or nonconforming installation
Installations that were code-compliant when built but no longer meet current code are considered nonconforming (grandfathered) and are generally allowed to remain.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a sanitary cross fitting, and where is its use restricted?
- It connects two supply lines and is restricted to hot water systems
- It is used in drainage systems only in horizontal-to-horizontal connections where permitted (Correct answer)
- It is a venting fitting allowed only above the flood level rim
- It joins four drain lines and is unrestricted in use
Correct answer: It is used in drainage systems only in horizontal-to-horizontal connections where permitted
Sanitary crosses are generally restricted to horizontal drain installations and must not be used in vertical stacks because they can cause cross-flow.
Question 5: Under most plumbing codes, who is responsible for obtaining the required plumbing permit before work begins?
- The property owner only
- The licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder (Correct answer)
- The local water utility
- The building architect
Correct answer: The licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder
The licensed plumbing contractor performing the work is responsible for obtaining the permit prior to starting the job.
Question 6: The minimum slope for a 3-inch horizontal drain pipe under IPC is:
- 1/8 inch per foot
- 1/4 inch per foot (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch per foot
- 1 inch per foot
Correct answer: 1/4 inch per foot
A 3-inch drain pipe requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot to ensure proper self-scouring flow.
Question 7: Under IPC, what is the required cleanout location for a building drain that changes direction more than 45 degrees?
- No cleanout is required for direction changes
- A cleanout must be installed at or near the change in direction (Correct answer)
- A cleanout is only required if the pipe is larger than 4 inches
- Cleanouts are placed only at the base of stacks
Correct answer: A cleanout must be installed at or near the change in direction
The IPC requires a cleanout at or near each change in direction greater than 45 degrees in a horizontal drain.
Journeyman Plumbers Exam General Plumbing Regulations 2
Under the IPC, what is the minimum required air gap between a water supply outlet and the flood level rim of a fixture?