Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber Exam 2026: 350+ Practice Questions & Answers

PENNSYLVANIA (PHILADELPHIA) STANDARD
JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER - 250_PA_PH CONTRACTOR
EXAM| QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
LATEST 2026 UPDATE


1.

What is the minimum inside diameter of a building drain for a one-family
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dwelling under the Philadelphia Plumbing Code?
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A. 2 inches
n,


B. 3 inches
n,


C. 4 inches
n,


D. 6 inches
n,




Answer : C. 4 inches
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Explanation: The Philadelphia Plumbing Code (adapted from IPC) requires a
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minimum 4-inch building drain for any dwelling to ensure proper flow and
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prevent clogging.
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2.

The minimum slope for a 3-inch horizontal drainage pipe is:
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A. 1/8 inch per foot
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B. 1/4 inch per foot
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C. 1/2 inch per foot
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D. No slope required
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n, Answer : B. 1/4 inch per foot
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,Explanation: For pipe sizes 2 1/2 inches or smaller, the required slope is 1/4
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in./ft. For larger sizes, 1/8 in./ft. is allowed.
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3.

Which material is prohibited for potable water distribution in Philadelphia?
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A. Copper (Type L)
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B. CPVC
C. Galvanized steel n,


D. PEX




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,Answer : C. Galvanized steel
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Explanation: Galvanized steel corrodes and scales over time, contaminating
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water and reducing flow, so it is prohibited in new installations.
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4.

The minimum cover depth for underground water service pipe is:
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A. 6 inches n,


B. 12 inches n,


C. 18 inches n,


D. Below frost line (30 inches minimum in Philadelphia)
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Answer : D. Below frost line (30 inches minimum in Philadelphia)
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Explanation: Water service piping must be installed below the frost line to
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prevent freezing. In Philadelphia, the frost depth is about 30 inches.
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5.

What is the maximum trap arm length for a 2-inch trap to vent connection
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(1/4 in./ft. slope)?
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A. 2 feet n,


B. 4 feet n,


C. 5 feet n,


D. 8 feet n,




Answer : C. 5 feet
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Explanation: Under IPC/Philadelphia Code, a 2-inch trap arm may extend up
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to 5 feet before venting.
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6.

A 4-inch soil stack serving more than 10 water closets must have a minimum
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vent size of:
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A. 1 1/2 inches
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B. 2 inches
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C. 3 inches
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D. 4 inches
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, Answer : D. 4 inches
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Explanation: The vent for stacks carrying significant load must equal the
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stack size to prevent trap siphonage.
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7.

What is the required air gap for a direct-connected dishwasher drain to a food
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waste disposer?
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A. None required n,


B. 1 inch minimum
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C. 2 inches minimum
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D. Twice the pipe diameter
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Answer : B. 1 inch minimum
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Explanation: Philadelphia follows IPC which requires at least a 1-inch air
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gap above the flood rim level.
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8.

When testing a drainage system with a water test, the system must be filled
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with water to:
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A. At least 5 feet head pressure
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B. At least 10 feet head pressure
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C. Roof overflow level n, n,


D. First floor ceiling level n, n, n,




Answer : B. At least 10 feet head pressure
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Explanation: Water test requires 10 feet of head for at least 15 minutes with
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no leaks.
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9.

What type of joint is prohibited in concealed locations?
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A. Solvent-welded PVC n,


B. Mechanical compression fitting n, n,


C. Shielded hubless coupling n, n,


D. Threaded brass union n, n,




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