NORTH CAROLINA (NC) (PU) WATER LINES AND SEWER LINES PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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CORE DOMAINS
North Carolina Licensing Law, Regulations, and Business Practices
Gravity and Pressure Water Distribution System Design and Installation
Sanitary Sewer Collection System Design and Installation
Pipe Materials, Jointing, and Bedding Specifications
Excavation, Trenching, Compaction, and Safety (OSHA)
Storm Drainage Systems and Erosion Control
Water Main Disinfection, Testing, and Bacteriological Sampling
Sewer Main Testing, Inspection, and Infiltration Control
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety (MUTCD)
Pavement and Surface Restoration
This practice assessment is designed for candidates preparing for the North Carolina Public Utilities (PU) Water
Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor Licensing Examination. The examination evaluates the technical competencies
required to construct, install, and repair public water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems in
,compliance with North Carolina state regulations, local municipal standards, and OSHA safety requirements. Key
skills assessed include interpreting plans and profiles, performing pressure and leakage testing, installing and
disinfecting water mains, constructing gravity sewers and manholes, managing trench safety and excavation, and
restoring surfaces. Questions simulate realistic field scenarios to test critical thinking, code application, and
professional judgment. The format consists of 100 original multiple-choice questions that mirror the cognitive
demands, style, and difficulty distribution of the live proctored examination.
SECTION ONE
Question 1
According to North Carolina licensing regulations, a Public Utilities (PU) contractor is authorized to install:
A. Electrical transmission lines
B. Public water distribution mains, sanitary sewer collection lines, and storm drainage systems connected to
public systems
C. Building plumbing inside residential structures
D. Natural gas transmission pipelines
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The North Carolina PU classification specifically covers the installation and repair of public
water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure in public rights-of-way and easements.
,Question 2
What is the minimum slope required for a 6-inch diameter sanitary sewer gravity main per North Carolina
standards?
A. 0.25%
B. 0.40%
C. 0.60%
D. 1.00%
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina sewer design standards typically require a minimum slope of 0.40% (0.004 ft/ft)
for a 6-inch sewer main to achieve a self-cleaning velocity of 2 feet per second when flowing full.
Question 3
A contractor is installing a water main and must notify the North Carolina 811 center before excavation. What is
the minimum required advance notice?
A. 24 hours
B. 2 full working days
C. 5 working days
D. 1 week
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina law requires a 2 full working day notice (48 hours, excluding weekends and
holidays) to allow utility owners to locate and mark their facilities.
Question 4
What is the primary purpose of installing thrust blocks on a water main at bends and tees?
A. To support the weight of the pipe
B. To resist the unbalanced hydraulic forces and prevent joint separation
C. To mark the location of the fitting
D. To anchor the pipe for traffic loads
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Thrust blocks transfer the hydraulic thrust force from the fitting to the undisturbed soil,
preventing the pipe joints from pulling apart under pressure.
Question 5
According to OSHA trench safety standards, an excavation 6 feet deep in Type C soil requires what protective
system?
ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+...
CORE DOMAINS
North Carolina Licensing Law, Regulations, and Business Practices
Gravity and Pressure Water Distribution System Design and Installation
Sanitary Sewer Collection System Design and Installation
Pipe Materials, Jointing, and Bedding Specifications
Excavation, Trenching, Compaction, and Safety (OSHA)
Storm Drainage Systems and Erosion Control
Water Main Disinfection, Testing, and Bacteriological Sampling
Sewer Main Testing, Inspection, and Infiltration Control
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety (MUTCD)
Pavement and Surface Restoration
This practice assessment is designed for candidates preparing for the North Carolina Public Utilities (PU) Water
Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor Licensing Examination. The examination evaluates the technical competencies
required to construct, install, and repair public water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems in
,compliance with North Carolina state regulations, local municipal standards, and OSHA safety requirements. Key
skills assessed include interpreting plans and profiles, performing pressure and leakage testing, installing and
disinfecting water mains, constructing gravity sewers and manholes, managing trench safety and excavation, and
restoring surfaces. Questions simulate realistic field scenarios to test critical thinking, code application, and
professional judgment. The format consists of 100 original multiple-choice questions that mirror the cognitive
demands, style, and difficulty distribution of the live proctored examination.
SECTION ONE
Question 1
According to North Carolina licensing regulations, a Public Utilities (PU) contractor is authorized to install:
A. Electrical transmission lines
B. Public water distribution mains, sanitary sewer collection lines, and storm drainage systems connected to
public systems
C. Building plumbing inside residential structures
D. Natural gas transmission pipelines
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The North Carolina PU classification specifically covers the installation and repair of public
water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure in public rights-of-way and easements.
,Question 2
What is the minimum slope required for a 6-inch diameter sanitary sewer gravity main per North Carolina
standards?
A. 0.25%
B. 0.40%
C. 0.60%
D. 1.00%
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina sewer design standards typically require a minimum slope of 0.40% (0.004 ft/ft)
for a 6-inch sewer main to achieve a self-cleaning velocity of 2 feet per second when flowing full.
Question 3
A contractor is installing a water main and must notify the North Carolina 811 center before excavation. What is
the minimum required advance notice?
A. 24 hours
B. 2 full working days
C. 5 working days
D. 1 week
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina law requires a 2 full working day notice (48 hours, excluding weekends and
holidays) to allow utility owners to locate and mark their facilities.
Question 4
What is the primary purpose of installing thrust blocks on a water main at bends and tees?
A. To support the weight of the pipe
B. To resist the unbalanced hydraulic forces and prevent joint separation
C. To mark the location of the fitting
D. To anchor the pipe for traffic loads
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Thrust blocks transfer the hydraulic thrust force from the fitting to the undisturbed soil,
preventing the pipe joints from pulling apart under pressure.
Question 5
According to OSHA trench safety standards, an excavation 6 feet deep in Type C soil requires what protective
system?