Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman
Exam Study Guide Solutions
Existing Work - ANSWER✔✔-A plumbing system or any part thereof installed prior to March 11, 2005.
Soil Pipe - ANSWER✔✔-Any pipe that conveys the discharge of toilets, urinals or fixtures having similar
functions to the building drain or building sewer. The discharge may be conveyed with or without the
discharge from other fixtures
Water Distribution Pipe - ANSWER✔✔-A pipe within the building or on the premises that conveys water
from the water service pipe to the point of usage
Barometric Loop. - ANSWER✔✔-A vertical loop of pipe, rising to a height sufficient to prevent back-
siphonage from occurring in the potable water supply pipe. (Approximately 35 feet, depending on the
weight of the atmosphere.)
Developed Length - ANSWER✔✔-The length of a pipeline as measured along the center line of the pipe
or fittings.
Roughing-in. - ANSWER✔✔-The installation of all parts of the plumbing system that can be completed
prior to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage piping, water supply piping, vent piping, the
necessary fixture supports, and any fixtures that are built into the building.
Trap Seal - ANSWER✔✔-The vertical distance between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
Air Gap (Drainage System). - ANSWER✔✔-The unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the outlet of a waste pipe and the flood level rim of the receptacle into which the
waste discharges.
Air
Fixture Unit. - ANSWER✔✔-A unit of liquid flow used in sizing both supply and drainage pipes. It is equal
to 1 cubic foot per minute or approximately 7.5 gallons per minute.
Liquid Waste - ANSWER✔✔-Discharge from any fixture, appliance, area or appurtenance that does not
contain human or animal waste matter suspended in a solution.
Vacuum - ANSWER✔✔-Any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere
Branch Interval - ANSWER✔✔-A distance along a soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story
height, but not less than eight feet in vertical height, and wherein the horizontal branches from one floor
or story of a building are connected to the stack
Testing water supply shall be at a pressure no less than? - ANSWER✔✔-125 PSI
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Storm or Sanitary drains shall be installed at a slope that: - ANSWER✔✔-a slope that produces a
computed velocity of discharge of not less than two feet per second.
Horizontal drainage piping which is (3) three inches in diameter or smaller shall be installed with a
minimum uniform pitch - ANSWER✔✔-¼ inch per foot
Horizontal drainage piping which is larger than three inches in diameter shall be installed with a
minimum uniform pitch of - ANSWER✔✔-1/8 inch per foot
Special Labs. All licensed plumbers and plumbing apprentices installing pipe connections or working on
drains to hospital waste and vent systems, mortuary waste and vent systems, laboratory waste and vent
systems, dental waste and vent systems and plumbing systems in radioactive sensitive areas -
ANSWER✔✔-shall have the surface of their body and clothing protected by disposable or washable
gowns similar or equal to the gowns, gloves and face masks worn by surgical staff.
Whenever there is reason to believe that the plumbing system of any building has become defective, it
shall be subjected - ANSWER✔✔-test and/or inspection, and any defects found shall be corrected as
required in writing by the Inspector
Waste and Vent shall be tested for? - ANSWER✔✔-until there is a uniform gauge pressure of five P.S.I.G.
or sufficient pressure to balance a column of mercury ten inches in height. This pressure shall be held
without introduction of additional air for a period of at least 15 minutes. The gauge used for this test
shall be calibrated in increments no greater than 1/10 of a pound. c
Upon completion of a section or of the entire water supply system when roughed, it shall be tested and
proved tight under a pressure not less than - ANSWER✔✔-125 pounds per square inch
Upon notice of a request for an Inspection of the rough plumbing, the Inspector shall make the
Inspection within - ANSWER✔✔-two working days after receipt of such notice
Two acceptable tests for Drain and Waste - ANSWER✔✔-Peppermint Test and Air Test
Quarter bends, or their equivalent may be used in soil and waste lines when the change in the direction
of the flow is from the - ANSWER✔✔-horizontal to the vertical.
Short sweep fittings may be used in a branch waste line when the waste line serves only - ANSWER✔✔-
one outlet and cleanouts are provided.
List 3 Prohibited Fittings - ANSWER✔✔--No fitting that incorporates a straight T branch shall be used as a
drainage fitting.
- No running threads, bands or saddles shall be used in a drainage system.
-A fitting commonly referred to as a "Sisson Joint" is prohibited
A dead end may be used to? - ANSWER✔✔-Extend the cleanout.
Where trenches are excavated below grade such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed
for the pipe, the trench shall be? - ANSWER✔✔-back-filled to grade with sand tamped in place so as to
provide a uniform bearing surface for the pipe between joints.
Where rock is encountered in trenching, The rock shall be removed to a point - ANSWER✔✔-at least
three inches below the grade line of the trench and the trench shall be backfilled to grade with sand
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tamped in place so as to provide a uniform bearing for the pipe between joints; and b. care shall be
exercised to ensure that no portion of the pipe, including its joints, rests on any portion of a rock
Backfilling. 1. Until the crown of the pipe is covered by at lest____________ feet of tamped earth
considerable care shall be exercised in backfilling trenches - ANSWER✔✔-two feet
When are deviations from the plumbing code permited? - ANSWER✔✔--Existing buildings for repair or
remodel work
-Inspectors permission prior to the start of the job
-They are necessary and conform to the intent of the code
If a plumbing inspector finds code violations in any existing plumbing or gas system that may cause a
health or safety hazard the inspector shall...? - ANSWER✔✔-Notify the owner or his or her agent.
List two requirements when demolishing a building? - ANSWER✔✔-1. You must secure a plumbing
permit
2. Must make all connections gas and water tight.
Storm or sanitary drains shall be installed at a slope that produces a computed velocity of discharge of
not less than - ANSWER✔✔-two feet per second
What fitting could you legally install that the branch is larger than the main? - ANSWER✔✔-4x3 closet
bend (The enlargement of a three-inch closet bend or stub to four inches shall not be considered an
obstruction).
Trenching, Tunneling and Back-filling Where rock is encountered in trenching - ANSWER✔✔-The rock
shall be removed to a point at least three inches below the grade line of the trench
Where trenches are excavated below grade such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed
for the pipe - ANSWER✔✔-the trench shall be back-filled to grade with sand tamped in place so as to
provide a uniform bearing surface for the pipe between joints.
Backfilling. 1. Until the crown of the pipe is covered by at - ANSWER✔✔-at least two feet of tamped
earth considerable care shall be exercised in backfilling trenches
Meter boxes shall be constructed in such a manner that - ANSWER✔✔-rats cannot enter a building by
following the water service pipe from the box into the building
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that the diameter of the opening is no
greater than...? - ANSWER✔✔-1/2"
Piping in Relation to Footings. (a) Outside of Footings. Piping which is installed outside of and below a
footing shall not - ANSWER✔✔-destroy the bearing value of the soil
Through or Under Footings, Foundations or Walls. No pipe shall be installed through or under a footing,
foundation or wall, except when - ANSWER✔✔-a provision is made in the footing to carry the building or
structural loads without transmitting such loads to the pipe.
Copyright ©Stuvia International BV 2010-2024 Page 3/20
Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman
Exam Study Guide Solutions
Existing Work - ANSWER✔✔-A plumbing system or any part thereof installed prior to March 11, 2005.
Soil Pipe - ANSWER✔✔-Any pipe that conveys the discharge of toilets, urinals or fixtures having similar
functions to the building drain or building sewer. The discharge may be conveyed with or without the
discharge from other fixtures
Water Distribution Pipe - ANSWER✔✔-A pipe within the building or on the premises that conveys water
from the water service pipe to the point of usage
Barometric Loop. - ANSWER✔✔-A vertical loop of pipe, rising to a height sufficient to prevent back-
siphonage from occurring in the potable water supply pipe. (Approximately 35 feet, depending on the
weight of the atmosphere.)
Developed Length - ANSWER✔✔-The length of a pipeline as measured along the center line of the pipe
or fittings.
Roughing-in. - ANSWER✔✔-The installation of all parts of the plumbing system that can be completed
prior to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage piping, water supply piping, vent piping, the
necessary fixture supports, and any fixtures that are built into the building.
Trap Seal - ANSWER✔✔-The vertical distance between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
Air Gap (Drainage System). - ANSWER✔✔-The unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the outlet of a waste pipe and the flood level rim of the receptacle into which the
waste discharges.
Air
Fixture Unit. - ANSWER✔✔-A unit of liquid flow used in sizing both supply and drainage pipes. It is equal
to 1 cubic foot per minute or approximately 7.5 gallons per minute.
Liquid Waste - ANSWER✔✔-Discharge from any fixture, appliance, area or appurtenance that does not
contain human or animal waste matter suspended in a solution.
Vacuum - ANSWER✔✔-Any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere
Branch Interval - ANSWER✔✔-A distance along a soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story
height, but not less than eight feet in vertical height, and wherein the horizontal branches from one floor
or story of a building are connected to the stack
Testing water supply shall be at a pressure no less than? - ANSWER✔✔-125 PSI
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Storm or Sanitary drains shall be installed at a slope that: - ANSWER✔✔-a slope that produces a
computed velocity of discharge of not less than two feet per second.
Horizontal drainage piping which is (3) three inches in diameter or smaller shall be installed with a
minimum uniform pitch - ANSWER✔✔-¼ inch per foot
Horizontal drainage piping which is larger than three inches in diameter shall be installed with a
minimum uniform pitch of - ANSWER✔✔-1/8 inch per foot
Special Labs. All licensed plumbers and plumbing apprentices installing pipe connections or working on
drains to hospital waste and vent systems, mortuary waste and vent systems, laboratory waste and vent
systems, dental waste and vent systems and plumbing systems in radioactive sensitive areas -
ANSWER✔✔-shall have the surface of their body and clothing protected by disposable or washable
gowns similar or equal to the gowns, gloves and face masks worn by surgical staff.
Whenever there is reason to believe that the plumbing system of any building has become defective, it
shall be subjected - ANSWER✔✔-test and/or inspection, and any defects found shall be corrected as
required in writing by the Inspector
Waste and Vent shall be tested for? - ANSWER✔✔-until there is a uniform gauge pressure of five P.S.I.G.
or sufficient pressure to balance a column of mercury ten inches in height. This pressure shall be held
without introduction of additional air for a period of at least 15 minutes. The gauge used for this test
shall be calibrated in increments no greater than 1/10 of a pound. c
Upon completion of a section or of the entire water supply system when roughed, it shall be tested and
proved tight under a pressure not less than - ANSWER✔✔-125 pounds per square inch
Upon notice of a request for an Inspection of the rough plumbing, the Inspector shall make the
Inspection within - ANSWER✔✔-two working days after receipt of such notice
Two acceptable tests for Drain and Waste - ANSWER✔✔-Peppermint Test and Air Test
Quarter bends, or their equivalent may be used in soil and waste lines when the change in the direction
of the flow is from the - ANSWER✔✔-horizontal to the vertical.
Short sweep fittings may be used in a branch waste line when the waste line serves only - ANSWER✔✔-
one outlet and cleanouts are provided.
List 3 Prohibited Fittings - ANSWER✔✔--No fitting that incorporates a straight T branch shall be used as a
drainage fitting.
- No running threads, bands or saddles shall be used in a drainage system.
-A fitting commonly referred to as a "Sisson Joint" is prohibited
A dead end may be used to? - ANSWER✔✔-Extend the cleanout.
Where trenches are excavated below grade such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed
for the pipe, the trench shall be? - ANSWER✔✔-back-filled to grade with sand tamped in place so as to
provide a uniform bearing surface for the pipe between joints.
Where rock is encountered in trenching, The rock shall be removed to a point - ANSWER✔✔-at least
three inches below the grade line of the trench and the trench shall be backfilled to grade with sand
Copyright ©Stuvia International BV 2010-2024 Page 2/20
, Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
tamped in place so as to provide a uniform bearing for the pipe between joints; and b. care shall be
exercised to ensure that no portion of the pipe, including its joints, rests on any portion of a rock
Backfilling. 1. Until the crown of the pipe is covered by at lest____________ feet of tamped earth
considerable care shall be exercised in backfilling trenches - ANSWER✔✔-two feet
When are deviations from the plumbing code permited? - ANSWER✔✔--Existing buildings for repair or
remodel work
-Inspectors permission prior to the start of the job
-They are necessary and conform to the intent of the code
If a plumbing inspector finds code violations in any existing plumbing or gas system that may cause a
health or safety hazard the inspector shall...? - ANSWER✔✔-Notify the owner or his or her agent.
List two requirements when demolishing a building? - ANSWER✔✔-1. You must secure a plumbing
permit
2. Must make all connections gas and water tight.
Storm or sanitary drains shall be installed at a slope that produces a computed velocity of discharge of
not less than - ANSWER✔✔-two feet per second
What fitting could you legally install that the branch is larger than the main? - ANSWER✔✔-4x3 closet
bend (The enlargement of a three-inch closet bend or stub to four inches shall not be considered an
obstruction).
Trenching, Tunneling and Back-filling Where rock is encountered in trenching - ANSWER✔✔-The rock
shall be removed to a point at least three inches below the grade line of the trench
Where trenches are excavated below grade such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed
for the pipe - ANSWER✔✔-the trench shall be back-filled to grade with sand tamped in place so as to
provide a uniform bearing surface for the pipe between joints.
Backfilling. 1. Until the crown of the pipe is covered by at - ANSWER✔✔-at least two feet of tamped
earth considerable care shall be exercised in backfilling trenches
Meter boxes shall be constructed in such a manner that - ANSWER✔✔-rats cannot enter a building by
following the water service pipe from the box into the building
All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that the diameter of the opening is no
greater than...? - ANSWER✔✔-1/2"
Piping in Relation to Footings. (a) Outside of Footings. Piping which is installed outside of and below a
footing shall not - ANSWER✔✔-destroy the bearing value of the soil
Through or Under Footings, Foundations or Walls. No pipe shall be installed through or under a footing,
foundation or wall, except when - ANSWER✔✔-a provision is made in the footing to carry the building or
structural loads without transmitting such loads to the pipe.
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