Master Plumber Licensure Exam Review
Plumbing Terminology and Definitions
Domestic Sewage
Domestic sewage refers to liquid and water-borne wastes generated from everyday living
activities, excluding industrial waste.
It is designed for satisfactory disposal without requiring special treatment.
Typically discharged into public sewer systems or private sewage disposal systems.
Understanding domestic sewage is crucial for effective plumbing design and waste
management.
Case Study: The impact of improper sewage disposal on public health and the environment.
Pipe Fittings and Components
Double-Bend Fitting: A pipe fitting shaped like the letter 'S' with adjacent reverse bends, used to
change the direction of flow.
Double Offset: Involves two successive offsets where the centerlines of the outer ends align in a
straight line.
Downspout: The vertical section of a rainwater conductor that directs rainwater from the roof
to the ground.
Ferrule: A metallic sleeve attached to a pipe opening, allowing for cleaning or inspection
through a removable plug.
Fixture Drain: The drainpipe connecting a fixture's trap to the junction with other drainpipes.
Drainage Systems
A drainage system encompasses all piping within premises that conveys sewage or liquid waste
to a legal disposal point.
It excludes public sewer mains and disposal plants.
House Drain: The lowest horizontal piping that receives discharges from soil and waste pipes
within a building.
, House Sewer: Extends from the house drain to the street sewer or discharge point, typically
0.60m from the foundation wall.
House Storm Sewer: Connects the building to the public storm drainage system.
Plumbing Fixtures and Their Functions
Fixture Unit: An arbitrary quantity representing the load effects of water requirements on
plumbing systems, equivalent to a flow rate of 28.3 liters per minute.
Flood Level Rim: The top edge of a fixture where water begins to overflow, critical for preventing
backflow.
Flush Tank: A tank used for flushing toilets, either above or integrated with the fixture.
Flush Valve: Located at the bottom of the tank, it controls the flushing mechanism of toilets and
similar fixtures.
Grease Trap: A device designed to intercept grease from fixtures, essential for maintaining
drainage system efficiency.
Plumbing Codes and Standards
National Plumbing Code Overview
The National Plumbing Code (NPC) provides guidelines for plumbing installations to ensure
safety and efficiency.
It covers aspects such as material specifications, installation practices, and maintenance
requirements.
Understanding the NPC is essential for compliance and successful plumbing practice.
Existing Work: Refers to plumbing installations completed before the NPC's enactment, which
must still meet safety standards.
Case Study: The role of plumbing codes in preventing public health crises.
Types of Valves and Their Applications
Gate Valve: A valve that uses a circular disc to control water flow, ideal for on/off applications.
Globe Valve: Utilizes a disc that fits against a horizontal seat, offering throttling capabilities but
with higher pressure loss.
Flushometer Valve: Discharges a predetermined quantity of water for flushing, activated by
direct water pressure.
Plumbing Terminology and Definitions
Domestic Sewage
Domestic sewage refers to liquid and water-borne wastes generated from everyday living
activities, excluding industrial waste.
It is designed for satisfactory disposal without requiring special treatment.
Typically discharged into public sewer systems or private sewage disposal systems.
Understanding domestic sewage is crucial for effective plumbing design and waste
management.
Case Study: The impact of improper sewage disposal on public health and the environment.
Pipe Fittings and Components
Double-Bend Fitting: A pipe fitting shaped like the letter 'S' with adjacent reverse bends, used to
change the direction of flow.
Double Offset: Involves two successive offsets where the centerlines of the outer ends align in a
straight line.
Downspout: The vertical section of a rainwater conductor that directs rainwater from the roof
to the ground.
Ferrule: A metallic sleeve attached to a pipe opening, allowing for cleaning or inspection
through a removable plug.
Fixture Drain: The drainpipe connecting a fixture's trap to the junction with other drainpipes.
Drainage Systems
A drainage system encompasses all piping within premises that conveys sewage or liquid waste
to a legal disposal point.
It excludes public sewer mains and disposal plants.
House Drain: The lowest horizontal piping that receives discharges from soil and waste pipes
within a building.
, House Sewer: Extends from the house drain to the street sewer or discharge point, typically
0.60m from the foundation wall.
House Storm Sewer: Connects the building to the public storm drainage system.
Plumbing Fixtures and Their Functions
Fixture Unit: An arbitrary quantity representing the load effects of water requirements on
plumbing systems, equivalent to a flow rate of 28.3 liters per minute.
Flood Level Rim: The top edge of a fixture where water begins to overflow, critical for preventing
backflow.
Flush Tank: A tank used for flushing toilets, either above or integrated with the fixture.
Flush Valve: Located at the bottom of the tank, it controls the flushing mechanism of toilets and
similar fixtures.
Grease Trap: A device designed to intercept grease from fixtures, essential for maintaining
drainage system efficiency.
Plumbing Codes and Standards
National Plumbing Code Overview
The National Plumbing Code (NPC) provides guidelines for plumbing installations to ensure
safety and efficiency.
It covers aspects such as material specifications, installation practices, and maintenance
requirements.
Understanding the NPC is essential for compliance and successful plumbing practice.
Existing Work: Refers to plumbing installations completed before the NPC's enactment, which
must still meet safety standards.
Case Study: The role of plumbing codes in preventing public health crises.
Types of Valves and Their Applications
Gate Valve: A valve that uses a circular disc to control water flow, ideal for on/off applications.
Globe Valve: Utilizes a disc that fits against a horizontal seat, offering throttling capabilities but
with higher pressure loss.
Flushometer Valve: Discharges a predetermined quantity of water for flushing, activated by
direct water pressure.
