Administrative Policies and Procedures

In situations where general provisions of the code conflict with more specific provisions of the code, which shall prevail? a. the more specific b. themoregeneral c. the appendices d. manufacturer's installation instructions

a - When there is a conflict between general provisions and more specific provisions of the plumbing code, the more specific provisions will prevail in code interpretation.

Assume that a plumbing permit has been issued for the plumbing of a new home. The plumbing contractor has been waiting longer than expected for the building contractor to have the home ready for plumbing work to begin. There is a chance that the plumbing permit could become invalid if work is not started soon. At what point after a plumbing permit is issued can it become invalid if work is not begun? a. Three months b. Sixmonths c. Nine months d. Twelvemonths

b - A code officer has latitude in deciding if a permit will be rendered invalid for a lack of work being started within six months of the issuance of a permit. By code, the work must begin within the first six months of the issuance of a permit. This is the rule under both the IPC and UPC. However, you should check with your local jurisdiction, as they have authority to set their own time periods. There are times when weather or other uncontrollable issues prohibit the timely commencement of work. When this is the case a code officer can offer an extension of time for work to be begun.

A plumbing permit is required for the replacement of which of the following? a. Water closet b. Waterheater c. Bathing unit d. Faucet

b - A plumbing permit is not needed for the direct replacement of any plumbing fixture, except for a water heater. However, if a fixture location is changed, a permit is required. In other words, you can remove a toilet and replace it with a new one without the need for a permit. But, if you move the closest flange in any way, a permit is required. This is true for all plumbing fixtures.

Once you obtain a journeyman plumbing license you are entitled to operate as a self-employed, full-service plumber. a. True b. False

b - False - Journeyman plumbers are required to work under the indirect supervision of a master plumber. Therefore, journeyman plumbers are not allowed to be self-employed plumbers. However, anyone can own and operate a plumbing business if they have a master plumber employed by the company. So a journeyman plumber could hire a master plumber and open a plumbing business. But without a master plumber, a journeyman cannot operate a full-service plumbing business. Some states do allow journeyman plumbers to work on their own in doing simple repairs and replacements that do not require the issuance of a plumbing permit.

Assume that you will be involved as a plumber in the demolition of a structure. This work will require that all utilities to the building be cut off and separated from the systems within the building. When this is the case a plumber must remove any existing water meter provided by a municipality in the water distribution system and any sewer connection to a building sewer. a. True b. False

b - False - Most municipalities prohibit plumbers from working on municipal plumbing parts and systems. This can apply to piping, water meters, pressure-reducing valves, piping, fittings, and other devices. Normal procedure is for a plumber's work to end within a five-foot range of the foundation of a structure. There are exceptions to this rule. Any local jurisdiction can define their own rules on who may service, repair, install or remove municipal plumbing devices.

Alterations made in an existing plumbing system are required to comply with current code requirements for plumbing systems. a. True b. False

a - True - Any plumbing alteration is expected to comply with current code requirements. At no time can an alteration be detrimental to a plumbing system or render the system unsafe. Some plumbers think that existing plumbing systems are exempt from current code requirements. This is true if the system is in safe operating condition. But, the moment an alteration to the system is made the alteration must be within current code requirements. However, the existing plumbing that is not being altered is not required to be upgraded to current code compliance.

16. It is a violation of the plumbing code to change the use of a property. As an example, if a residential home is converted to professional office space it is a violation of the plumbing code. a. True b. False

a - True - Plumbing codes require different minimum standards for various types of building uses. For example, the minimum number of fixtures required for a building can vary substantially based on the use of a building. Accessibility requirements that do not apply to a residence can apply to an office building or business. There are several situations where everything from pipe sizing to the number of fixtures required can be different for various types of building uses. In order to change the use of a building within compliance to code requirements a plan and specifications must be submitted to the code enforcement office for approval.

The replacement of a water heater requires a plumbing permit and a code inspection. a. True b. False

a - True- A water heater is one plumbing fixture that requires a permit and an inspection even when it is replaced in the exact location of an existing water heater. Why is this the case? Because water heaters are potential bombs. If a water heater is installed without a proper temperature-and-pressure relief valve, the pressurized vessel (the water heater) can explode due to excessive temperature or pressure.

Approved plans are required to be kept on a job site and available for inspection on demand by a code officer. a. True b. False

a - True- Before a plumbing permit is issued a set of plans and specifications are submitted to the code enforcement office. Once they are approved, a code officer will stamp them as approved and sign them. These become the official plans and specs for a job. This being the case, a copy of the stamped and signed plans and specifications must be kept on the job site at all times for review by a plumbing inspector.

Only master plumbers are allowed to obtain plumbing permits. a. True b. False

b - False - Plumbing code regulations allow homeowners to obtain plumbing permits for work to be done on their own residences when the homeowners will do the work themselves.

The use of previously used plumbing materials is prohibited for second use in a plumbing system. a. True b. False

b - False - Used plumbing materials can be reused under certain conditions. All materials must be of an approved type. They must be in good working order. A plumbing code officer must approve the use of the specified materials. When these conditions are met it is allowable to reuse previously used plumbing parts and fixtures.

Assume that you are making minor repairs to a residential plumbing system. In this case you are replacing a kitchen faucet, repairing a dripping valve in the water distribution system and replacing the lower element in an electric water heater. Based on this scenario, which of the following is true? a. A plumbing permit and code enforcement inspection is required due to the work on the water heater. b. No plumbing permit or inspection is required due to the nature of the work being performed. c. A master plumber must visit the work site and inspect the work done. d. The home owner must obtain a plumbing permit as the home owner since the work e. Does not require a permit to be obtained by a master plumber.

b - Minor plumbing repairs do not require the issuance of a permit or an inspection. Plumbers are allowed to fix leaks, replace defective trap arms, replace faucets and similar repairs without any need for a permit. It is even permissible to replace toilets and bathing units in their exact same locations without a permit. Some states do not require a licensed plumber to make such repairs. However, if a fixture location is changed when it is replaced a permit is required.

Water, sewer and gas plumbing systems must be able to be tested, inspected and approved by the plumbing authority. The code requirement for resting a low pressure natural gas system within the structure is set at _____________________. a. 60 psi b. 30 psi c. 10 psi d. 14" water column

c - The code requires an air test of 10 psi to be held for a minimum of 15 minutes with no visual drop in pressure.

For the issuance of a plumbing permit which of the following is normally required? a. Plans b. Specifications c. The location for where the work will be done d. All of the above

d - All permit applications must be accompanied by a full description of the work to be done. Larger jobs, such as plumbing a bathroom addition, a home, or a commercial building require a set of plans to be submitted with a permit application. Specifications are also required for all plumbing permits. The specs must detail all materials to be used in a job. Permit applications require the physical address of the property to receive plumbing services. Normally, the name of the property owner is also required.

The common means used in testing DWV, water and gas distribution systems includes all but which of the following? a. Water b. Air c. Smoke d. Mercury

d - Mercury was formerly used in test gauges for the testing of gas systems. Because of the health risks that result from exposure to mercury poisoning, many municipalities have prohibited their use in pressure tests and relied on sensitive diaphragm gauges that require yearly certification.

The code enforcement office may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit if: a. A licensed plumber is not performing the work b. The permit is issued in error by the clerk c. Incorrect information on permit d. All of the above e. Both b and c

e - If an employee of the plumbing authority issues a permit erroneously or has been supplied with incorrect information it may be suspended or revoked. If the person performing the plumbing work on the permitted job is not licensed, a citation may be written by a field inspector.

Assume that a plumbing permit was issued for a new plumbing installation. The work started about one month after the permit was issued. During the rough-in phase of plumbing the property owner ran into financial problems and was forced to put the project on hold. At what point from the time that plumbing work was stalled can the permit be rendered invalid? a. Three months b. Six months c. Nine months d. Twelve months

b - Occasionally work is started on a job and then grinds to a halt. For example, the underground plumbing may be put in and the concrete contractor may delay further plumbing work. Or, the framing contractor may move slowly and prevent the plumbing contractor from moving forward quickly. Through no real fault of the plumber a job can be stalled. If plumbing work is stalled for more than six months the existing plumbing permit can be determined to be invalid. This decision is up to the local plumbing inspector.

A plumbing permit is required if the following work is to be performed: a. Replacing steams on a tub valve b. Replacing a VTR with an auto-vent under a sink c. Removing and reinstalling a commode d. All service calls

b - Replacing a VTR with an auto-vent under a sink would require termination and alteration of existing plumbing and, thus require a permit. A plumber may replace parts of a valve and remove and reset the same toilet without altering the existing plumbing system and all service calls are not subject to obtaining a permit.

The provisions for licensing are determined by which of the following: a. State Board of Plumbing b. Authority having jurisdiction c. Plumbing inspector d. The Responsible Master Plumber

b - The authority having jurisdiction determines the provisions for licensing. State Plumbing Boards determine requirements and provide testing of qualified applicants to become licensed. Plumbing inspectors enforce codes adopted by the AHJ.

An application for a building permit on a job which includes new plumbing must include all of the following, except: a. Description of work b. Legal description of property c. Estimated cost of material used d. Plans or diagrams of work to be performed

c - All items listed above, except estimated cost of materials are required on an approved plan. Some municipalities base plumbing permit fees on fixture units or estimated cost of total job, but not on material costs.

Which of the following requires a journeyman plumbing license? a. Owning a business that performs plumbing work for the general public b. Removing and replacing a "P" trap in a residential home c. Performing plumbing work on a commercial job within a municipality d. Installing a dishwasher in a residential home

c - Anyone may own a plumbing company provided a Master Plumber is employed by that company and has a current Master License. A homeowner is exempt from plumbing license law requirements but may have to obtain a plumbing permit to perform plumbing work on his homestead. Commercial plumbing jobs require at least a Journeyman license to perform work under the general supervision of a Master Plumber.

Who is authorized to interpret the local plumbing code? a. A master plumber b. A journeyman plumber c. A licensed code enforcement officer d. All of the above

c - Only a licensed code officer is empowered to interpret the code. All code decisions are subject to a code officer's interpretation. An appeal can be made if the decision is questionable. Anyone can interpret the plumbing code, but the only decision which counts is the one made by a licensed code officer or an authority having jurisdiction.

Who, or whom, has the authority to disconnect a plumbing system from utilities in the event of an immediate hazard to life or property? a. Licensed Master Plumber b. Licensed Journeyman Plumber c. Authority having jurisdiction d. Utility company

c - The plumbing authority has the power to disconnect a plumbing system from utilities in the event of an immediate hazard to life or property. The utility company can shut down the utility (i.e. natural gas), but they do not have the authority to disconnect a plumbing system. The Code states that the authority having jurisdiction shall have the authority to disconnect the plumbing system to a building, structure, or equipment regulated by the code in case of emergency, where necessary, to eliminate immediate hazard to life or property. In most scenarios, a municipality controls the water supply and the sewer to structures they supply.

A plumbing system may be ordered to be removed by the plumbing authority if the following exists: a. The system becomes hazardous to life b. The system becomes unsanitary c. The system becomes hazardous to health d. All of the above

d - Any of these conditions can prompt the plumbing authority to order the system to be removed or placed in a safe and sanitary condition.

Who is allowed to apply for a plumbing permit? a. Homeowners who will perform their own work on their own homes b. Masterplumber c. Journeyman plumbers d. Both a and b

d - Journeyman plumbers are not allowed to apply for plumbing permits. All journeyman plumbers are required to work under the indirect supervision of a master plumber. A master plumber can obtain a plumbing permit. Homeowners who will perform their own plumbing work on their own homes are allowed to obtain permits. However, a homeowner is not allowed to obtain a plumbing permit and then allow some other person to do the plumbing work. Property owners are only allowed to be issued plumbing permits when the property where the work will be performed by the owner is the owner's personal residency. In other words, landlords are not allowed to obtain their own plumbing permits.

Alterations to an existing plumbing system must not ___________________. a. Cause the system to become unsafe b. Cause a detrimental effect on the system c. Be made without bringing the existing plumbing up to current code requirements d. All of the above. e. Both a and b only

e - Most alterations and repairs to existing plumbing systems are required to comply with current code requirements. There can be some exceptions to this that are available if a variance is applied for and received. An example of this could be when an existing fixture is not vented and current code requires an individual vent for the fixture. You may be able to obtain a variance from a code officer that will allow the installation of a mechanical vent instead of installing a vent pipe where it would be a hardship to do so. Minor alterations to existing plumbing have to be in compliance with current code requirements, but the existing parts of the plumbing system do not have to be changed and brought into compliance with the current code. In no case can any plumbing work cause a plumbing system to become unsafe. Making changes that are detrimental to a plumbing system are never acceptable.