Kentucky Plumbing Code
1. What is the role of the "Department" in plumbing regulations?
CORRECT ANSWER: The Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction is the
administrative authority responsible for enforcing plumbing codes, issuing licenses, and
ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Explanation:
• The department oversees licensing for Master Plumbers, Journeyman
Plumbers, and Apprentices.
• It adopts and enforces the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
• It ensures that plumbing installations meet health and safety requirements.
2. What is the difference between a Journeyman Plumber and a Master
Plumber?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• Journeyman Plumber: A licensed plumber who performs plumbing work under
the supervision of a Master Plumber.
• Master Plumber: A licensed professional who supervises Journeyman
Plumbers and assumes full responsibility for plumbing projects.
Explanation:
• A Journeyman has completed an apprenticeship and passed exams but cannot
work independently.
, • A Master Plumber has additional experience, passes advanced exams, and can
pull permits for plumbing jobs.
3. What is the definition of "plumbing" according to the code?
CORRECT ANSWER: Plumbing is the art of installing pipes for water distribution,
fixtures for water use, and drainage systems for waste removal in buildings.
Explanation:
• Includes installation, repair, and maintenance of water supply and drainage
systems.
• Covers fixtures (sinks, toilets), pipes, and backflow prevention devices.
4. What is a "Public Building" under plumbing regulations?
CORRECT ANSWER: Any building intended for public use (e.g., schools, hospitals)
or built with public funds.
Explanation:
• These buildings must comply with stricter plumbing codes for safety and
accessibility.
• Examples: government buildings, libraries, and municipal facilities.
5. What is the purpose of a "Backflow Preventer"?
, CORRECT ANSWER: A device that stops contaminated water from flowing
backward into the clean water supply.
Explanation:
• Backflow can occur due to pressure changes (back siphonage) or cross-
connections.
• Types:
o RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) Valve – Used in high-risk areas (hospitals,
industrial sites).
o Air Gap – The safest method, creating a physical separation between
water supply and contaminants.
6. What is an "Air Gap" in plumbing?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• For Drainage: The vertical distance between a waste pipe outlet and the flood
level rim of a receptacle.
• For Water Distribution: The vertical space between a water supply outlet and
the highest possible water level in a fixture.
Explanation:
• Prevents backflow contamination by ensuring no direct connection between
dirty and clean water.
• Required in dishwashers, sinks, and industrial equipment.
7. Who is considered a "Maintenance Man" in plumbing?
1. What is the role of the "Department" in plumbing regulations?
CORRECT ANSWER: The Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction is the
administrative authority responsible for enforcing plumbing codes, issuing licenses, and
ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Explanation:
• The department oversees licensing for Master Plumbers, Journeyman
Plumbers, and Apprentices.
• It adopts and enforces the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
• It ensures that plumbing installations meet health and safety requirements.
2. What is the difference between a Journeyman Plumber and a Master
Plumber?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• Journeyman Plumber: A licensed plumber who performs plumbing work under
the supervision of a Master Plumber.
• Master Plumber: A licensed professional who supervises Journeyman
Plumbers and assumes full responsibility for plumbing projects.
Explanation:
• A Journeyman has completed an apprenticeship and passed exams but cannot
work independently.
, • A Master Plumber has additional experience, passes advanced exams, and can
pull permits for plumbing jobs.
3. What is the definition of "plumbing" according to the code?
CORRECT ANSWER: Plumbing is the art of installing pipes for water distribution,
fixtures for water use, and drainage systems for waste removal in buildings.
Explanation:
• Includes installation, repair, and maintenance of water supply and drainage
systems.
• Covers fixtures (sinks, toilets), pipes, and backflow prevention devices.
4. What is a "Public Building" under plumbing regulations?
CORRECT ANSWER: Any building intended for public use (e.g., schools, hospitals)
or built with public funds.
Explanation:
• These buildings must comply with stricter plumbing codes for safety and
accessibility.
• Examples: government buildings, libraries, and municipal facilities.
5. What is the purpose of a "Backflow Preventer"?
, CORRECT ANSWER: A device that stops contaminated water from flowing
backward into the clean water supply.
Explanation:
• Backflow can occur due to pressure changes (back siphonage) or cross-
connections.
• Types:
o RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) Valve – Used in high-risk areas (hospitals,
industrial sites).
o Air Gap – The safest method, creating a physical separation between
water supply and contaminants.
6. What is an "Air Gap" in plumbing?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• For Drainage: The vertical distance between a waste pipe outlet and the flood
level rim of a receptacle.
• For Water Distribution: The vertical space between a water supply outlet and
the highest possible water level in a fixture.
Explanation:
• Prevents backflow contamination by ensuring no direct connection between
dirty and clean water.
• Required in dishwashers, sinks, and industrial equipment.
7. Who is considered a "Maintenance Man" in plumbing?
