CICO Journeyman Residential Plumbing Exam

1. Plumbing System Overview • Overview of plumbing systems in residential buildings • Types of plumbing systems (e.g., water supply, drainage, venting) • Importance of plumbing codes and standards • Pipe materials and their applications (copper, PVC, PEX, galvanized steel) • Plumbing system components (valves, faucets, fixtures, water heaters) 2. Plumbing Codes and Regulations • Understanding the National Plumbing Code and local building codes • Role of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) in residential plumbing • State-specific plumbing regulations and permitting • Code compliance for residential water supply, drainage, and vent systems • Inspection requirements for plumbing installations • Plumbing system design and layout according to code • Safety requirements and hazards (e.g., backflow prevention, pressure relief) 3. Residential Water Supply System • Design and installation of water supply systems • Sizing water supply pipes and fixtures • Water supply sources (municipal, well water) • Water pressure and flow rates • Backflow prevention devices and their installation • Water meter installation and maintenance • Troubleshooting common water supply issues (low pressure, leaks, contamination) 4. Residential Drainage and Waste Systems • Design and installation of drainage systems • Wastewater flow principles and gravity drainage • Sizing of drainage pipes and fixtures • Installation of traps, vents, and cleanouts • Drainage materials and pipe types (PVC, ABS, cast iron) • Installation and maintenance of floor drains, interceptors, and grease traps • Venting systems and their purpose in maintaining pressure • Common drainage issues (blockages, backflows, slow drains) 5. Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances • Selection, installation, and maintenance of plumbing fixtures • Types of fixtures: sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines • Fixture fitting installation (faucets, showerheads, toilets) • Appliance hook-ups: dishwashers, refrigerators, water heaters • Installation requirements for water heaters (tankless, conventional) • Common fixture issues (clogging, leaks, improper installation) • Use of energy-efficient plumbing fixtures 6. Pipe Sizing and Material Selection • Determining pipe sizes for water supply and drainage systems • Material selection based on system requirements and local codes • Installing and connecting pipes (cutting, fitting, soldering, threading) • Joining techniques for different materials (gluing, soldering, mechanical joints) • Considerations for thermal expansion and contraction • Insulating pipes to prevent freezing and conserve energy • Pipe support and spacing requirements 7. Water Heating Systems • Types of residential water heating systems (tank, tankless, solar, hybrid) • Installation of conventional water heaters and tankless systems • Sizing water heaters for residential use • Understanding water heater efficiency and energy ratings • Plumbing requirements for water heaters (venting, gas supply, temperature setting) • Troubleshooting water heating system failures (no hot water, leaks, inconsistent temperatures) 8. Gas Systems in Plumbing • Design and installation of gas supply lines to appliances • Sizing gas lines for residential applications • Understanding pressure and flow for gas systems • Testing for gas leaks and troubleshooting gas line issues • Safety measures for gas system installations (venting, shutoff valves) • Regulatory requirements for gas piping (permits, inspections) • Troubleshooting common gas system issues (blockages, leaks, insufficient gas pressure) 9. Installation of Water Softening and Filtration Systems • Types of water filtration and softening systems (reverse osmosis, carbon filters, softeners) • Selecting and installing water treatment systems based on water quality • Understanding water hardness and its effects on plumbing • Maintenance and cleaning of filtration systems • Troubleshooting filtration system issues (clogging, loss of pressure) 10. Residential Plumbing System Troubleshooting • Diagnosing issues with water supply systems (low pressure, leakage, contamination) • Identifying and resolving drainage and waste problems (clogs, slow drainage, leaks) • Testing and identifying common fixture and appliance failures • Identifying common venting issues (gurgling, slow drainage, backflow) • Troubleshooting water heater problems (insufficient heating, leaks, burner issues) • Fixing gas system leaks and issues (improper pressure, leaks, venting) • Methods for pressure testing plumbing systems to check for leaks and integrity 11. Safety Procedures and Hazard Mitigation • Understanding and applying safe work practices in plumbing • Personal protective equipment (PPE) for plumbing tasks • Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, lead, chemicals) • Fall prevention and working in confined spaces • Lockout/tagout procedures for plumbing systems • Water and gas safety (shock prevention, fire hazards) • Dealing with emergency plumbing situations (gas leaks, water damage) 12. Plumbing System Maintenance and Repair • Preventive maintenance for water heaters, fixtures, and plumbing systems • Cleaning and maintaining drains (snaking, hydro jetting) • Repairing leaks in pipes, fixtures, and appliances • Sealing and replacing worn-out seals, gaskets, and washers • Maintenance of water treatment systems (softeners, filters) • Replacing old or corroded pipes in residential systems 13. Plumbing System Estimation and Costing • Estimating materials and labor for residential plumbing projects • Creating accurate cost estimates for installations and repairs • Understanding unit costs for plumbing materials and services • Creating detailed invoices and billing for plumbing services • Budgeting and managing plumbing project costs 14. Green Plumbing and Water Conservation • Principles of green plumbing for sustainability and water conservation • Low-flow fixtures and water-saving appliances • Installation of rainwater harvesting systems • Greywater reuse systems and their applications • Energy-efficient plumbing solutions (insulation, tankless water heaters, solar water heating) • Compliance with local green building standards and codes