Could You Pass a Plumbing Apprenticeship Test? See If You Ace This Hard Quiz!
Written by Mike Bedard
Last updated · 20 min play time
See if a plumbing apprenticeship is in your future with this quiz. It goes over everything plumbers need to know before they can start working on people's pipes. You may just gain a newfound appreciation for everyone who made it through plumber school.
Quiz written by
Mike BedardPlumbing Apprentice Quiz Questions
50 Questions · 1.5K Plays · 1 Comment
Question 1
What is the most common reason that someone would do their own plumbing work?
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ATo save money
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BTo protest local plumbing ordinances
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CTo weaken the plumbers' stronghold
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DTo feel important
To save money
Money is the most common reason to do DIY plumbing work. However, it is a dangerous profession, and people should be cautious of working on pipes when they have no experience.
Question 2
Butterfly valves, gate valves, and globe valves are all examples of what?
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AManual valves
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BSolenoid valves
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CHydraulic valves
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DPneumatic valves
Manual valves
Manual valves come in many different shapes and forms. They are great for when water needs to flow with the least amount of resistance.
Question 3
Is a sink trap really necessary in modern, more energy efficient drainage systems?
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AYes, it is still essential.
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BYes, but only when the pipes are less than three inches in diameter.
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CYes, but only if there is no sink filter.
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DNo, you do not need one.
Yes, it is still essential.
Sinks traps are necessary for preventing sewer gases from getting into the home. It also prevents waste from entering back up through the pipes.
Question 4
What basic laws of nature does plumbing ultimately abide by?
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AResilient, motion, and elasticity
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BGravity, pressure, and water seeking its own level
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CMotion, acceleration, and conductivity
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DEvery action has an equal and opposite reaction
Gravity, pressure, and water seeking its own level
Plumbing follows the law that water always seeks its own level. It is also essential for any plumbing to understand basic concepts of pressure and gravity.
Question 5
What does DWV stand for in the plumbing world?
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ADamp-waste-ventilation
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BDrain-water-vehemently
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CDirty-water-valve
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DDrain-waste-vent
Drain-waste-vent
In the plumbing world, DWV stands for drain-waste-vent. There are several DWV fittings and pipes plumbers need to use frequently.
Question 6
What is required to guarantee smooth drainage?
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AGravity
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BHigh pressure
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CLow pressure
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DOil
Gravity
Drainage relies on gravity, not pressure. It does not come into play at all.
Question 7
For which of the following do you need a plumbing permit to replace?
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AWater closet
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BToilet
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CWater heater
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DKitchen sink
Water heater
A water heater is one of the few fixtures you need a permit to replace at all times. This is to ensure the heater is installed correctly.
Question 8
What material prevents leakage by going into threaded pipe connections?
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AStructural polyester thread
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BTeflon
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CPolymer
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DElastomeric gasket
Teflon
Every plumber relies on Teflon. It is a highly resilient material that can prevent water from leaking through two pipes connecting.
Question 9
Which of these is the optimal temperature for a residential water heater?
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A200 degrees Fahrenheit
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B120 degrees Fahrenheit
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C90 degrees Fahrenheit
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D175 degrees Fahrenheit
120 degrees Fahrenheit
Your water heater should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. While the default for many manufacturers is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it is ideal to turn it down a bit.
Question 10
What material has the potential to clog a sink?
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AAll of these
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BHair
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CGrease
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DCleaning detergent
All of these
Anything other than water you pour down a sink has the potential to create a clog. That includes cleaning detergent, grease, hair, coffee grounds, eggshells and anything else you can think of.
Question 11
What technically counts as a "fixture?"
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AOnly toilets
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BOnly sinks
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COnly traps
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DAny device that uses wastewater and freshwater
Any device that uses wastewater and freshwater
Whether it is a sink or a tub, it technically counts as a fixture. Plumbers use this term to refer to anything that interacts with freshwater and wastewater.
Question 12
What component prevents gases from getting inside a building?
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AAnti-syphon valve
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BAtmospheric pressure
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CBackflow preventer
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DP-trap
P-trap
A P-trap puts water into a P-shape. This then blocks fumes from the sewer from getting back inside your home.
Question 13
What does the "MJ" in MJ pipe refer to?
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AMechanical joint
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BMany jointed
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CMyopic jointed
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DMyriad jointed
Mechanical joint
Mechanical joint piping is highly useful. It is a time-tested product that conforms to the dimensions set forth by AWWA C111.
Question 14
What must you do before adding any extra pipes around your home?
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ARemove the fixture you are working on
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BTear down the entire house
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CRework the electrical wiring
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DCheck with a local plumbing official
Check with a local plumbing official
You cannot simply add or change pipes without first checking local ordinances. You need to make sure your home remains within code.
Question 15
What can you do to allow for more movement caused by thermal expansion?
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AUse a heavier type of pipe
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BInstall fewer fittings
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CSuspend piping well below the joists
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DBuild expansion loops
Build expansion loops
Expansion loops are essential for preventing thermal expansion and contraction. They are necessary for high-temperature gas well flow lines.
Question 16
What is the main difference between the septic and sewer systems in your home?
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AOne uses gravity while the other uses pressure
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BOne connects to the larger public system, the other is more individual
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CA septic system requires a different professional
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DThey require different kinds of pipes
One connects to the larger public system, the other is more individual
Septic and sewer systems ultimately serve the same purpose. Similar materials are used to transport waste away from the home.
Question 17
What do you need to use to shut off the water during maintenance?
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AGlobe valve
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BCheck valve
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CGate valve
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DAngle valve
Gate valve
Gate valves are used to shut off water entirely to a building. Every homeowner should know where this valve is located.
Question 18
What is the reason for turning down the temperature of a water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit?
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AIt prevents water from becoming hard
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BIt guarantees a smoother flow of water
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CIt is more economical
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DIt reduces corrosion on piping
It is more economical
Turning the water heater down is more economical for the majority of households. It helps you better maintain your home's energy usage. Also it helps prevent you from burning yourself!
Question 19
The reason hangers are mounted next to fittings is to prevent additional stress on what?
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AJoists
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BJoints
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CFoundation
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DSupports
Joints
Too much stress on the joints can cause the system to fail. The stress needs to be distributed over a wide area to compensate.
Question 20
What angle is formed when you offset a sewer with a 1/8 bend?
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A100 degrees
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B90 degrees
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C60 degrees
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D45 degrees
45 degrees
The formula used for this equation is: Degree of Angle = Fitting x 360 Degrees. Therefore, since the degree of the angle is 1/8 or 0.125, you would multiply it by 360 and end up with 45 degrees.
Question 21
Should the freshwater and wastewater systems overlap?
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AYes, but most plumbers just do not do it.
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BYes, but only when the pipes are larger than four inches in diameter.
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CYes, but the overlap can only happen underground.
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DNo, it can cause pollution.
No, it can cause pollution.
The reason you do not want any overlap is that you do not want to mix freshwater with wastewater. It can result in pollution, which is why you need a bridge.
Question 22
What type of traps should kitchen sinks absolutely have that you do not need with other fixtures?
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AS-traps
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BP-traps
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CGrease traps
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DRunning traps
Grease traps
People often pour grease down the kitchen sink. Grease is a common source of clogs, and the right trap can prevent one from forming.
Question 23
Is it required for individual fixtures to contain stop valves?
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ANo, only the water heater needs one
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BYes, it localizes your ability to turn off water
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CYes, it helps with the overflow pipe
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DNo, it just adds to the cost
Yes, it localizes your ability to turn off water
Toilets, tubs and sinks can all have individual stop valves. This prevents you from needing to shut off the entire system when you just need to work on one fixture.
Question 24
PVC pipes used for plumbing applications have various markings. Which of the following will you not usually find?
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AThe manufacturer's brand name
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BNominal pipe size
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CLength of pipe
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DPressure rating in PSI
Length of pipe
Plumbing pipe has a lot of information directly on it. However, it will not tell you the length of the pipe.
Question 25
When a piping system is at risk of excessive heat or fire, the plumber should make the valves out of what?
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AAluminum
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BCopper
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CSteel
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DPVC
Steel
Steel is the best material when it is possible a fire could come into contact with the valve. This is why fire sprinklers rely so heavily on steel.
Question 26
Which of these is NOT a way homeowners can prevent leaky pipes?
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AInstalling a water softener
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BMaking sure water pressure does not exceed 60 psi
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CSinging strength chants to your pipes
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DApplying insulation to the pipes during the winter
Singing strength chants to your pipes
There are many steps homeowners can take to avoid leaks. They should hire a plumber before the winter to ensure the pipes will remain resilient during the colder months.
Question 27
What two subsystems exist in your home's plumbing?
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AHard and soft water
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BHot and cold water
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COutgoing wastewater and incoming freshwater
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DLow pressure and high pressure water
Outgoing wastewater and incoming freshwater
Ultimately, there are two systems that exist in most homes' plumbing systems. You need the proper equipment to filter in freshwater while taking out wastewater.
Question 28
What two materials need to be present for electrolysis to occur?
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ACopper and dielectric fittings
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BCopper and plastic
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CSteel and cast iron
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DFerrous metals and non-ferrous metals
Ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals
Electrolysis is the process by which a compound separates when an electric current passes through it. The products from this interaction are the compound's component ions.
Question 29
If there were no air supply from the roof's vent, what would happen?
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AWastewater could not flow out freely
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BNothing
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CSmells would waft through the house
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DThe pipes would break
Wastewater could not flow out freely
Without this vent, wastewater would be unable to flow out. The water in the traps would also need to be siphoned out.
Question 30
What type of piping is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion?
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ACarbon steel
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BStainless steel
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CDuctile iron
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DCast iron
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is one of the best materials to use for plumbing applications. It will not corrode, and it maintains its strength even in extreme temperatures.
Question 31
There are two common forms of Teflon thread sealants. Tape is one. What is the other?
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ASpray
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BStick
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CLiquid
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DGelatin
Liquid
Thread tapes and liquids are highly useful on the job site. They seal joints without making them any more difficult to tighten further.
Question 32
What is the name of the piece of pipe that is threaded outside to go through the short runs of two pipe fittings?
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ASupply pip
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BClose brass
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CCoupling
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DNipple
Nipple
Nipples are essential for threading through pipes. With so much pressure going through them, they often require steel construction.
Question 33
What is the standard diameter for a regular lavatory tailpiece?
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A2-1/2"
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B2"
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C1-1/4"
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D1/4"
1-1/4"
The lavatory tailpiece connects the waste management system of your home to the sink. You will need to contact a plumber if the tailpiece ends up breaking at some point.
Question 34
Within a plumbing system, what is a bridge?
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AThe snake
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BThe point where two subsystems meet
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CThe point where one pipe goes over another
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DThe trap valve
The point where two subsystems meet
A bridge is where two subsystems meet. A bridge is essential to ensuring the two subsystems do not overlap.
Question 35
What is the name of the pump responsible for ejecting sewage?
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ACentrifugal pump
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BSump
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CCentral sewage booster
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DRotary pump
Sump
The sump is usually located in the basement or under the house. Its main job is to prevent flooding.
Question 36
What is the approximate size of a length of single random steel pipe?
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A40-50 feeet
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B100-200 feet
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C6-8 feet
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D18-25 feet
18-25 feet
In addition to single random pipe, double random pipe comes between 38-40 feet, usually. You can also get a specific length cut within 1/8th of an inch, most of the time!
Question 37
What is the easiest way for someone who is not a plumber to learn more about their drainage system?
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ARent a camera to send down the pipes
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BLook up diagrams
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CInspect the pipes in the basement or under the house
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DSmell-test it
Inspect the pipes in the basement or under the house
You can learn a lot about your piping by examining the pipes underneath the house. Some properties will have this piping in the basement.
Question 38
What is the primary function of oxygen and acetylene regulators?
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AThey control working pressure
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BThey separate the gases
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CThey mix liquids for combustion
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DThey increase the pressure within the system
They control working pressure
Oxygen and acetylene regulators maintain a consistent pressure within the plumbing system. The pressure in any given cylinder can be as high as 2,200 PSI.
Question 39
What type of trap do bathtubs frequently need to prevent gases from coming back up?
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ARunning trap
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BC-trap
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CT-trap
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DDrum trap
Drum trap
Tubs need drum traps to prevent odors from coming back up through the pipes. Drum traps collect dirt and hair to prevent clogs.
Question 40
What is the minimum opening of egress allowed on a shower door when installed on a standard shower?
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A30 inches
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B25 inches
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C22 inches
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D45 inches
22 inches
Shower doors must maintain no less than 22 inches of egress. This may vary if the shower door needs to be "accessible".
Question 41
What is the standard height for a handicap toilet?
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A25 inches
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B32 inches
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C10 inches
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D18 inches
18 inches
18 inches is the standard height. While other variations are possible, most handicap toilets in the United States are at 18 inches.
Question 42
What fitting is required to connect a P-trap to a drain?
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ATrap adapter
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BUnion
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CCoupling
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DClamp
Trap adapter
Trap adapters are flexible components required for everything from bathroom sinks to bathtubs. They prevent the need for soldering or messy gluing.
Question 43
What should homeowners do in the immediate aftermath of a plumbing emergency?
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AHave a remote control for the water supply
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BStart trying to bandage up pipes
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CUnderstand the system inside and out
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DHave a plumber on speed dial
Understand the system inside and out
A plumbing emergency can come up at any moment. You should have a thorough working knowledge of your house's plumbing, or at least know where the shut off valve is, so you can adequately determine the root cause of the issue.
Question 44
What fitting would you need to join galvanized pipe with copper?
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ASolder Joint
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BAdaptor
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CDielectric Union
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DCoupling
Dielectric Union
Dielectric unions are essential for avoiding electrolysis. When you need to bring together different metals, electrolysis is always a risk.
Question 45
What is the maximum amount of time gray water needs to be retained before it can be used to flush a urinal or toilet?
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A24 hours
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B50 hours
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C72 hours
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D3 hours
72 hours
72 hours is the maximum amount of time you can retain gray water before flushing. Any longer than that and it will develop bacteria.
Question 46
The provisions for plumbing licensing are determined by which of these entities?
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AAuthority having jurisdiction
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BAny master plumber
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CState Board of Plumbing
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DA certified plumbing inspector
Authority having jurisdiction
The authority with jurisdiction handles provisions for licensing. Meanwhile, State Plumbing Boards determine what requirements are necessary for qualified candidates to receive such a license.
Question 47
What normally protects water heaters, sill cocks and hose bibs from backflow?
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AAir gap
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BVacuum breaker
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CReduced-pressure backflow preventer
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DAir break
Vacuum breaker
Vacuum breakers are highly useful devices. They prevent water from being siphoned backward through the pipes and into the drinking water.
Question 48
What does it mean when a pipe is nominally vertical?
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AIt's no more than 75 degrees
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BIt's no more than 90 degrees
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CIt's no more than 45 degrees
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DIt's no more than 20 degrees
It's no more than 45 degrees
Nominally vertical means the angle is no wider than 45 degrees. It is essential terminology for any plumber to know.
Question 49
Where would you find a self-sealing gasket?
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AVictaulic fitting
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BMechanical joint coupling
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CBell-and-spigot joint
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DFull face flange
Victaulic fitting
Victaulic fittings contain self-sealing gaskets. This type of gasket is essential for highly pressurized piping.
Question 50
What is the name of the trap assembly used when a drain centers underneath one bowl of a kitchen sink?
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ACenter Outlet Continuous Waste
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BEnd Outlet Continuous Waste
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CSingle Trap Assembly
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DUnder-the-Sink Assembly
End Outlet Continuous Waste
The end outlet continuous waste assembly is a crucial one for kitchen sink assembly. With a direct connection, it is simple to install.
Comments (1)
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