Master Plumber Exam Administration, Codes, and Regulations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the IPC, which of the following is NOT a valid reason for the AHJ to condemn an existing plumbing system?
- The system presents an immediate health hazard
- The system is constructed of materials now prohibited by the code
- The system was installed before the current code was adopted (Correct answer)
- The system is in a state of disrepair creating unsanitary conditions
Correct answer: The system was installed before the current code was adopted
Plumbing legally installed under a prior code is typically grandfathered and cannot be condemned solely because newer codes differ.
Question 2: What is the purpose of an 'as-built' or 'record' drawing submitted after project completion?
- To replace the original permit application
- To document the actual installed locations of plumbing systems for future reference (Correct answer)
- To void the original permit
- To authorize additional scope changes
Correct answer: To document the actual installed locations of plumbing systems for future reference
As-built drawings record the actual field locations of piping and equipment, which may differ from original plans, for future maintenance or modifications.
Question 3: Which organization publishes the International Plumbing Code (IPC)?
- ANSI
- IAPMO
- ICC (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE
Correct answer: ICC
The International Code Council (ICC) publishes the IPC as part of its family of model construction codes.
Question 4: A plumbing contractor fails to renew their license on time and continues to pull permits. This is best described as:
- A minor administrative oversight with no legal consequence
- Practicing without a valid license, subject to fines and legal action (Correct answer)
- Allowed if renewal is within a 90-day grace period in all states
- Acceptable if the master plumber passes a renewal exam
Correct answer: Practicing without a valid license, subject to fines and legal action
Pulling permits under an expired license constitutes practicing without a valid license, which is illegal and subject to penalties.
Question 5: Under the IPC, when must sanitary drainage piping be tested before being concealed?
- Only on commercial projects over 10,000 sq ft
- Before any portion of the system is covered or enclosed (Correct answer)
- After the final inspection only
- Only if the AHJ specifically requests it
Correct answer: Before any portion of the system is covered or enclosed
The IPC requires that drainage systems be tested and approved before any portion is covered, to allow inspection of joints and connections.
Question 6: Under OSHA regulations relevant to plumbing work, what is the minimum height at which fall protection is required for workers in a general industry setting?
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
OSHA's general industry standard (29 CFR 1910.23) requires fall protection at 4 feet above a lower level.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a 'cross-connection' as defined in the IPC?
- A pipe fitting that connects two pipes of different diameters
- Any physical connection between a potable water supply and a source of contamination (Correct answer)
- A drain line that serves two different fixtures
- A vent pipe that serves multiple fixture traps
Correct answer: Any physical connection between a potable water supply and a source of contamination
A cross-connection is any link between the potable water system and a non-potable source that could allow contamination.
Master Plumber Exam Administration, Codes, and Regulations 5
Under the IPC, which of the following is NOT a valid reason for the AHJ to condemn an existing plumbing system?