Plumber - 250_PA_PH Contractor Exam

Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Standard Journeyman Plumber - 250_PA_PH Contractor Exam

• What is the minimum slope required for a 3-inch horizontal drainage pipe according to

the Philadelphia Plumbing Code?

• 1/8 inch per foot
• 1/4 inch per foot [ANSWER]
• 3/8 inch per foot
• 1/2 inch per foot

Rationale: The code requires 1/4 inch per foot slope for 2 1/2" through 3" horizontal drainage piping to maintain proper flow velocity and prevent blockages.

2. The minimum size trap for a standard residential bathtub is:

• 1 inch
• 1 1/4 inch
• 1 1/2 inch [ANSWER]
• 2 inch

Rationale: Philadelphia and IPC standards require a 1 1/2 inch trap for bathtubs to handle expected flow rates.

• A plumbing vent must terminate at least how many feet above the roof and away from

any operable window?

• 6 inches
• 12 inches
• 24 inches [ANSWER]
• 36 inches

Rationale: Vents must extend at least 2 feet above the roof and must be located away from windows to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.

4. The maximum distance from a P-trap to its vent for a 2-inch pipe is:

• 2 feet
• 4 feet
• 5 feet [ANSWER]
• 6 feet 1 / 4

Rationale: Per code, a 2-inch trap arm can extend 5 feet to the vent before losing effectiveness.

• Which fitting is prohibited for use in drainage systems?
• Sanitary tee
• Wye
• Combination wye and eighth bend
• Double sanitary tee on horizontal [ANSWER]

Rationale: Double sanitary tees on horizontal planes create turbulence and clog potential; prohibited by code.

• The device that prevents non-potable water from entering the potable water supply

system is called:

• Air gap
• Vacuum breaker
• Double check valve
• Backflow preventer [ANSWER]

Rationale: Backflow preventers (including air gaps, vacuum breakers, and check valves) protect potable water supply integrity.

7. The minimum pressure required at the highest fixture in a building is:

• 5 psi
• 10 psi
• 15 psi [ANSWER]
• 20 psi

Rationale: Code requires 15 psi minimum at the highest fixture for proper operation.

8. A cleanout is required for every building drain at:

• Each 25 feet
• Every change of direction greater than 45° [ANSWER]
• Each 50 feet
• Only at the main building exit

Rationale: Cleanouts are placed at changes greater than 45° and at intervals based on pipe size.

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• What is the standard developed length for a 1/2-inch water pipe supplying one bathroom

group?

• 25 feet
• 50 feet [ANSWER]
• 75 feet
• 100 feet

Rationale: For design purposes, fixture unit load and developed length are calculated to size supply piping.

10. The minimum size water service pipe allowed is:

• 1/2 inch
• 3/4 inch
• 1 inch [ANSWER]
• 1 1/4 inch

Rationale: Philadelphia requires at least a 1-inch service pipe to ensure adequate supply.

• The type of joint used for cast iron soil pipe with a rubber gasket is called:
• Caulked joint
• Compression joint [ANSWER]
• Soldered joint
• Brazed joint

Rationale: Compression gaskets (rubber ring) create watertight joints in hub-and-spigot cast iron pipe.

• What type of pipe is commonly used for natural gas distribution inside buildings?

A. PVC

• Copper
• Black steel [ANSWER]

D. ABS

Rationale: Black steel is the approved material for gas distribution piping inside structures.

13. The minimum trap seal depth required by code is:

• 1 inch
• 2 inches [ANSWER] 3 / 4

• 3 inches
• 4 inches

Rationale: Trap seals must be at least 2 inches deep to prevent sewer gas escape.

• Which of the following is an indirect waste connection?
• Kitchen sink
• Commercial ice machine [ANSWER]
• Water closet
• Lavatory

Rationale: Ice machines, dishwashers, and similar appliances require indirect waste connections through an air gap.

• The maximum number of water closets allowed on a 3-inch horizontal branch is:
• 1
• 2

C. 3 [ANSWER]

• 4

Rationale: A 3-inch horizontal branch may serve up to 3 water closets under IPC sizing rules.

• The required minimum air gap for a sink faucet outlet above the flood rim is:
• 1 inch
• 1.5 inches
• 2 times the diameter of the outlet [ANSWER]
• 3 inches

Rationale: Air gaps must equal at least twice the diameter of the water outlet to prevent back siphonage.

• Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method for joining copper tubing?
• Flared joint
• Compression fitting
• Threaded joint [ANSWER]
• Soldered joint

Rationale: Copper tubing is not typically threaded; threading weakens the pipe wall.

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