Mixed Deck — All IPC Topics Flashcards

Under the IPC, what is required when a potable water system connects to a fire sprinkler system?

Answer: A backflow preventer appropriate for the hazard level must be installed

The IPC requires an appropriate backflow prevention device where a potable water system connects to a fire sprinkler system to prevent potential contamination from stagnant water, antifreeze, or other substances.

Which of the following venting methods is explicitly prohibited by the IPC because it connects the vent too close to the trap seal?

Answer: A crown-weir vent

The IPC prohibits connecting a vent at the crown of a fixture trap, which is known as a crown-weir vent. This connection is too close to the trap's water seal and can cause it to be siphoned out during fixture discharge. Vents must be connected to the fixture drain (trap arm) downstream of the trap.

A plumber is installing a horizontal sanitary drainage line for a series of floor drains in a commercial kitchen. The pipe has a diameter of 4 inches. According to IPC Table 704.1, what is the minimum required slope for this pipe?

Answer: 1/8 inch per foot

IPC Table 704.1 specifies the minimum slope for horizontal drainage piping. For pipes with a diameter of 3 to 6 inches, the minimum required slope is 1/8 inch per foot.

Under the IPC, what documentation must a plumber provide to the code official before beginning work?

Answer: An approved permit and plans

The IPC requires that an approved permit and construction documents (plans) be obtained before plumbing work begins.

What authority does the IPC grant to the code official regarding interpretation of the code?

Answer: Authority to render interpretations consistent with code intent

The IPC grants the code official the authority to interpret the code in a manner consistent with its intent and purpose.

What does the IPC specify about the drainage connection for a clothes washer standpipe?

Answer: The standpipe must be between 18 and 42 inches above the trap weir

The IPC requires clothes washer standpipes to be between 18 and 42 inches above the trap weir to prevent both siphonage and overflow.

What does the IPC specify about the use of combination waste and vent systems?

Answer: They are permitted for floor drains, sinks, and lavatories under specific sizing rules

The IPC permits combination waste and vent systems for specific fixture types under strict sizing and installation requirements.

Under the IPC, floor drains in parking garages must connect to:

Answer: The sanitary drainage system through an oil interceptor

Parking garage floor drains must discharge to the sanitary system through an oil interceptor because petroleum products and automotive fluids would otherwise contaminate the storm system.

Under the IPC, who bears the liability for plumbing work that does not comply with the approved plans?

Answer: The permit holder and contractor

The permit holder and the contractor performing the work bear liability for ensuring that plumbing installations conform to the approved plans and code requirements.

According to the IPC, what is the minimum size for a building sewer serving a building with 150 DFU?

Answer: 4 inches

A 4-inch building sewer at 1/8 inch per foot slope can handle up to approximately 180 DFU under the IPC building sewer sizing table.

According to the IPC, what is the minimum size for an individual vent pipe?

Answer: One-half the diameter of the drain served, but not less than 1 1/4 inches

IPC Section 906.2 states that an individual vent shall be at least one-half the diameter of the drain served. Furthermore, the section establishes that no vent pipe can be smaller than 1 1/4 inches in diameter.

What is the maximum amount of time that gray water is allowed to be retained for use to flush a toilet or urinal?

Answer: 72 hours

Explanation: The maximum allowable time for the retention of gray water that will be used to flush toilets or urinals is 72 hours. Holding water for long periods of time can result in the growth of bacteria. This bacteria is not wanted in the plumbing system. For example, green water in a toilet tank is not appealing and could present health hazards. When a gray water recycling system is sized properly the water retained in a collection reservoir would be balanced to the fixtures served and the normal daily use of the fixtures will draw down from the reservoir often enough to avoid prolonged water storage.

In a commercial building, the static water pressure from the city main is found to be 95 psi. What action is required by the IPC?

Answer: Install a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the pressure to 80 psi or less.

IPC Section 604.8 states that where the water pressure within a building exceeds 80 psi static, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure to 80 psi or less. This protects fixtures and appliances from damage due to excessive pressure.

How does the IPC classify plumbing fixtures for determining minimum requirements?

Answer: By fixture unit values based on fixture type

The IPC uses fixture unit values assigned to each type of fixture to determine system sizing, drainage loads, and minimum requirements.

According to the IPC, when are alternative materials or methods of construction permitted?

Answer: When approved by the code official as equivalent

The IPC includes an alternative materials provision allowing use of non-listed materials or methods when the code official determines they are equivalent to code requirements.

What will result when a 4-inch pipe is reduced in size in the direction of the flow?

Answer: This could cause blockage to build up at the reduction point.

Explanation: At the reduction point, because of the direction of flow, waste can build up which will result in piping system blockage.

A plumber is installing a wet vent for a standard residential bathroom group. Per the IPC, which fixture's drain is commonly oversized and used to serve as the wet vent for the other fixtures in the group?

Answer: The lavatory

In a typical bathroom group wet vent scenario under the IPC, the lavatory drain is often used as the wet vent for the bathtub/shower and water closet. The code specifies sizing and connection order, typically requiring the wet vent to be a minimum size (e.g., 2 inches) and for the water closet to be the last fixture connected to the wet-vented section.

Per the IPC, what minimum slope is required for horizontal storm drain piping that is 3 inches or smaller in diameter?

Answer: 1/4 inch per foot

The IPC requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for horizontal storm drain piping 3 inches or smaller in diameter to ensure adequate flow velocity.

What does the IPC require regarding maintenance access to interceptors and separators?

Answer: They must have readily accessible covers for cleaning and maintenance

The IPC requires that all interceptors and separators have readily accessible covers or access points for regular cleaning and maintenance.

According to the IPC, storm water from roofs and paved areas shall NOT be discharged to:

Answer: The building's sanitary drainage system without specific approval

Storm water from roofs and paved areas must not enter the sanitary drainage system unless specifically permitted by the administrative authority, in order to prevent overloading sewage treatment facilities.