Virginia Journeyman Plumber (Tradesman) Practice Test

In the plumbing codes, what is an air gap in a water supply system?

An air gap is an unobstructed vertical opening through the atmosphere between the supply outlet and the flood level rim. Because the water must jump the gap, nothing can be siphoned back into the supply.

Which job is normally exempt from a plumbing permit under the model codes?

Both codes exempt minor repairs such as stopping leaks and clearing stoppages when no piping is replaced or relocated. New fixtures, water heaters and rerouted piping need a permit.

What is the minimum distance from the center of a water closet to a side wall or partition?

Both codes require at least 15 inches from the centerline of a water closet to any side wall, partition or vanity.

What is the minimum size of a building water service pipe?

Both codes set 3/4 inch as the smallest water service; it must be larger when the demand and length require it.

Under the IPC, what is the minimum slope for a 3-inch horizontal drain?

The IPC requires 1/4 inch per foot for drains 2-1/2 inches and smaller, 1/8 inch per foot for 3 to 6 inches and 1/16 inch per foot for 8 inches and larger.

What is the main purpose of a plumbing vent system?

Vents let air in and out of the drainage system so the flow of waste does not suck or push the water out of the traps; they also carry sewer gas outdoors.

What safety device must every storage-type water heater have?

A T&P relief valve (or separate temperature and pressure valves) opens before the tank can overheat or overpressure and explode.

Use 1,000 Btu per cubic foot for natural gas. A furnace is rated 80,000 Btu/h. What gas flow does it need?

Divide the input rating by the heating value of the gas. For natural gas at 1,000 Btu/ft³, CFH is Btu/h divided by 1,000.

What is the correct order for making a PVC solvent-cement joint?

Preparation comes first (square cut, deburr and chamfer, clean, dry fit), then primer and cement while the primer is still wet, then a quarter turn and a hold so the pipe does not push back out.

Under the Virginia tradesman regulations, which of these is listed as plumbing work?

The definition of plumbing work in 18VAC50-30-10 lists piping, fixtures and appurtenances for items such as backflow prevention devices, boilers, sanitary or storm drainage, venting systems and water heaters.

How often must a Virginia plumber tradesman license be renewed?

Under 18VAC50-30-120(A), plumber, electrician, HVAC and gas fitter licenses expire three years from the last day of the month of issue.

A journeyman plumber adds a gas fitter designation to the license. Which date sets the renewal date?

18VAC50-30-150(B) bases the renewal date on the date the license was originally issued, not on the date of the most recent designation added.

An indirect waste pipe ends below the flood level rim of a floor sink but above its trap seal, and the joint is open to the air. This connection is called:

An air break discharges into a receptor below its flood level rim but above the trap seal without a sealed joint. An air gap would end above the flood level rim.

When must the rough-in inspection of drainage, vent and water piping be made?

Rough-in work must be inspected and tested before it is covered by walls, ceilings or backfill. Work covered too early can be ordered uncovered.

Two water closets are installed side by side. What is the minimum center-to-center spacing?

Water closets must be at least 30 inches center to center, which is the 15-inch side clearance doubled.

Under the IPC, a water service and a building sewer (of a material not approved for use inside buildings) share a trench. What separation is required?

The IPC separates them by 5 ft of earth; the separation is not needed where the bottom of the water pipe is at least 12 inches above the top of the sewer within that 5 ft.

Under the IPC, what is the minimum slope for a 2-inch horizontal drain?

Drains 2-1/2 inches and smaller need at least 1/4 inch per foot under the IPC.

How many vent pipes must extend to the outdoors from a building's drainage system?

Every building drainage system needs at least one vent extending to the outdoors to relieve positive pressure; AAVs cannot replace it.

At what maximum temperature must a water heater's temperature relief function open?

The temperature relief is set at no more than 210°F, below the 212°F boiling point at atmospheric pressure, so the stored water cannot flash to steam.

Use 1,000 Btu per cubic foot. A house has a 100,000 Btu/h furnace, a 40,000 Btu/h water heater, a 65,000 Btu/h range and a 35,000 Btu/h dryer. What total gas load must the piping carry?

Add every appliance's input, then convert to CFH. Leaving out the dryer gives 205 CFH.