Journeyman Plumbers Exam Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What minimum clearance is required in front of a water closet per the IPC?
- 18 inches
- 21 inches
- 24 inches
- 30 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 30 inches
The IPC requires at least 30 inches of clear space in front of a water closet for user access and usability.
Question 2: A trap seal must be maintained at a minimum depth of:
- 1 inch
- 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 inches
- 4 inches
Correct answer: 2 inches
The IPC requires a minimum 2-inch water seal depth in fixture traps to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Question 3: Which showerhead flow rate does the current federal Energy Policy Act limit residential showerheads to?
- 1.5 gpm
- 2.0 gpm
- 2.5 gpm (Correct answer)
- 3.0 gpm
Correct answer: 2.5 gpm
The federal Energy Policy Act limits residential showerheads to a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 psi.
Question 4: A dual-flush toilet typically uses how much water for a full flush versus a reduced flush?
- 1.6 gpf full / 0.8 gpf reduced (Correct answer)
- 1.28 gpf full / 0.9 gpf reduced
- 2.0 gpf full / 1.0 gpf reduced
- 1.6 gpf full / 1.1 gpf reduced
Correct answer: 1.6 gpf full / 0.8 gpf reduced
Standard dual-flush toilets use 1.6 gpf for solid waste and 0.8 gpf for liquid waste, cutting average water use significantly.
Question 5: A urinal's flush volume per the IPC must not exceed:
- 0.5 gpf
- 1.0 gpf (Correct answer)
- 1.28 gpf
- 1.6 gpf
Correct answer: 1.0 gpf
The IPC limits urinal flush volume to a maximum of 1.0 gallon per flush to conserve water.
Question 6: Which type of fixture trap is prohibited by the IPC in most applications?
- P-trap
- Running trap
- Drum trap
- S-trap (Correct answer)
Correct answer: S-trap
S-traps are prohibited because their configuration causes self-siphoning, which empties the water seal and allows sewer gases to enter.
Question 7: A kitchen sink strainer basket must have a minimum opening size of:
- 1/4 inch
- 3/8 inch (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch
- 3/4 inch
Correct answer: 3/8 inch
Kitchen sink strainer baskets must have openings no smaller than 3/8 inch to allow adequate drainage while catching food particles.
Journeyman Plumbers Exam Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances 4
What minimum clearance is required in front of a water closet per the IPC?