Plumber Pipe Installation & Repair Flashcards
7 cards from real PC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Plumber Pipe Installation & Repair flashcards as text
When installing PEX pipe in a manifold system, what is the primary advantage over a traditional trunk-and-branch layout?
Answer: Individual shutoff control for each fixture without affecting others
A manifold system provides a dedicated supply line with individual shutoff to each fixture, enabling isolation without disrupting the rest of the system.
Which tool is required to make a proper flared connection on soft copper tubing used in refrigerant or gas supply lines?
Answer: Tube flaring tool
A tube flaring tool expands and shapes the end of soft copper tubing into a conical flare that seats against a flare fitting to create a leak-tight joint.
A 3-inch horizontal drain line serving multiple fixtures must be sized to handle the combined fixture unit load. According to the UPC, what is the maximum number of drainage fixture units a 3-inch horizontal drain may carry?
Answer: 20 DFU
Under the UPC, a 3-inch horizontal branch drain is limited to 20 drainage fixture units at 1/4-inch per foot slope.
When cutting stainless steel pipe for installation, which cutting method produces the cleanest edge with minimal burring?
Answer: Pipe cutter with a stainless-rated wheel
A pipe cutter fitted with a stainless steel-rated wheel produces a square, burr-minimal cut and is the preferred method for precision work.
What is the purpose of applying PTFE thread tape when assembling threaded pipe joints?
Answer: To fill the gaps in tapered threads and create a watertight seal
PTFE tape fills the microscopic gaps between NPT tapered threads to prevent water or gas from seeping through the threaded joint.
A plumber needs to add a new branch line to an existing copper water main without shutting off the water. Which device allows this?
Answer: A saddle tee valve
A saddle tee valve clamps onto the existing pipe and is drilled through to create a branch tap without requiring system shutdown.
When replacing a section of lead pipe (found in older homes) that connects to a copper fitting, which method must be used to join the dissimilar materials?
Answer: A compression fitting rated for lead-to-copper transition
A compression-type transition fitting rated for lead-to-copper connections is the modern code-compliant method for joining these dissimilar materials.