PC PC Fixture & Appliance Installation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the proper order of operations when installing a new bathtub?
- Set tub, connect drain, install surround, connect supply
- Install surround, set tub, connect drain, connect supply
- Set tub, install surround, connect drain, connect supply (Correct answer)
- Connect drain, set tub, install surround, connect supply
Correct answer: Set tub, install surround, connect drain, connect supply
The tub must be set first to allow the surround to overlap its flange, then the drain connected, and finally supply lines connected after the surround is in place.
Question 2: When installing a tankless water heater, what is a critical venting requirement that differs from a standard tank water heater?
- Tankless heaters do not require venting
- Tankless heaters require dedicated sealed combustion air and direct vent systems (Correct answer)
- Tankless heaters can share a vent with other appliances without restriction
- Tankless heaters require only a gravity-fed B-vent
Correct answer: Tankless heaters require dedicated sealed combustion air and direct vent systems
Most tankless water heaters require a dedicated sealed combustion air intake and direct exhaust vent to handle the high BTU condensing or non-condensing combustion.
Question 3: A plumber is installing a floor-mounted water closet. What is used to create a watertight seal between the toilet horn and the floor flange?
- Silicone caulk
- Wax ring or wax-free gasket (Correct answer)
- Plumber's putty
- Teflon tape
Correct answer: Wax ring or wax-free gasket
A wax ring or wax-free gasket seals the joint between the toilet horn and the floor flange, preventing sewer gas and wastewater from leaking at the base.
Question 4: When installing a kitchen faucet, what is the purpose of applying plumber's putty under the faucet base?
- To permanently bond the faucet to the sink
- To create a watertight seal between the faucet base and the sink deck (Correct answer)
- To provide electrical insulation
- To prevent the faucet from corroding
Correct answer: To create a watertight seal between the faucet base and the sink deck
Plumber's putty under the faucet base creates a soft, water-tight seal that prevents water from seeping beneath the faucet onto the cabinet below.
Question 5: What is the minimum required clearance from the center of a water closet to a side wall or obstruction per the IPC?
- 12 inches
- 15 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 15 inches
The IPC requires a minimum of 15 inches from the centerline of a water closet to any side wall or obstruction to allow adequate user space.
Question 6: What is the correct method for testing a newly installed drain, waste, and vent system for leaks before closing walls?
- Run water through all fixtures for 10 minutes
- Perform a water or air pressure test as required by code (Correct answer)
- Apply smoke from a smoke machine and look for escaping smoke
- Pour dye into the drain and look for discoloration
Correct answer: Perform a water or air pressure test as required by code
Code requires a water or air pressure test of the DWV system before concealing it in walls to verify all joints and connections are leak-free.
PC PC Fixture & Appliance Installation 2
What is the proper order of operations when installing a new bathtub?