Kansas (KS) 560 Journeyman Plumber with Gas Practice Exam
Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary function of an expansion tank in a water heater system?
A. To heat the water faster
B. To store extra hot water for demand
C. To absorb excess pressure caused by thermal expansion
D. To filter sediment from the water
Answer: C
Explanation: An expansion tank absorbs excess pressure due to thermal expansion in a closed
water heating system, preventing damage to pipes and fixtures.
Question 2:
When installing a water heater, which of the following is most critical for ensuring proper
servicing and maintenance?
A. Using flexible copper tubing exclusively
B. Following manufacturer guidelines and local code requirements
C. Installing the heater vertically only
D. Using the cheapest available fittings
Answer: B
Explanation: Adhering to both manufacturer instructions and local codes is essential for proper
installation, maintenance, and safety.
Question 3:
Which fixture is specifically designed for the collection and disposal of human waste?
A. Urinal
B. Lavatory
C. Water closet
D. Bidet
Answer: C
Explanation: A water closet (toilet) is the plumbing fixture designed for the collection and
disposal of human waste.
Question 4:
Specialty fixtures often require unique installation techniques. Which of the following is an
example of a specialty plumbing fixture?
A. Kitchen sink
B. Pedestal sink
C. Whirlpool bathtub
D. Floor drain
Answer: C
Explanation: Whirlpool bathtubs, which incorporate jets and additional plumbing features, are
considered specialty fixtures.
,Question 5:
Which of the following best describes a lavatory?
A. A deep utility sink used for washing vehicles
B. A sink intended primarily for handwashing in restrooms
C. A water closet with an integrated bidet
D. A large commercial sink used in food service
Answer: B
Explanation: A lavatory is a sink designed primarily for handwashing and general personal
hygiene in restrooms.
Question 6:
For proper water closet installation, which of the following is most important?
A. Ensuring proper venting to prevent siphonage
B. Using only plastic fittings
C. Placing it in a confined area without access
D. Ignoring manufacturer’s clearance recommendations
Answer: A
Explanation: Proper venting is critical to prevent siphonage, ensuring the water closet functions
correctly and hygienically.
Question 7:
What is the main purpose of a sediment trap in a water heater?
A. To filter bacteria from the water
B. To collect sediment and impurities before they reach the water heater
C. To boost water pressure
D. To mix hot and cold water evenly
Answer: B
Explanation: A sediment trap is used to capture impurities and sediment, prolonging the life of
the water heater and maintaining efficiency.
Question 8:
Which of the following is a common installation concern when servicing specialty fixtures?
A. Matching the color scheme
B. Ensuring compatibility with standard fittings
C. Achieving proper clearances and support for unique designs
D. Limiting water usage
Answer: C
Explanation: Specialty fixtures often have unique designs that require careful attention to
clearances, support, and proper installation techniques.
Question 9:
During installation of bathtubs, which factor is most critical?
A. The aesthetic finish
B. Proper anchorage and support
C. The material’s thermal conductivity
D. Using the smallest drain available
,Answer: B
Explanation: Ensuring that a bathtub is properly anchored and supported is critical for both
safety and long-term performance.
Question 10:
Which term best defines the “water closet” in plumbing terminology?
A. A sink used for washing hands
B. A specialized filtration system
C. A flush toilet
D. A bidet installation
Answer: C
Explanation: The term “water closet” is another name for a flush toilet, designed for the
removal of human waste.
II. Plumbing Fundamentals (35 Questions)
Question 11:
Which document is most commonly referenced for plumbing installation standards?
A. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
B. International Plumbing Code (IPC)
C. National Electric Code (NEC)
D. International Residential Code (IRC)
Answer: B
Explanation: The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is widely used for plumbing installations
and serves as a primary reference for standards.
Question 12:
In general installation, what is the significance of maintaining proper pipe slope in drainage
systems?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To ensure effective self-cleansing
C. To minimize noise
D. To reduce installation time
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper pipe slope is critical to promote the self-cleansing action of wastewater,
preventing sediment buildup and blockages.
Question 13:
When reading a plumbing blueprint, which detail is essential to understand pipe sizing?
A. The color of the blueprint
B. The legend and scale provided
C. The date of issue
D. The paper quality
Answer: B
, Explanation: The legend and scale on a blueprint provide the necessary details to interpret
dimensions and pipe sizes correctly.
Question 14:
Which term refers to the testing process used to ensure that plumbing installations are leak‐free
before commissioning?
A. Hydrostatic testing
B. Dynamic testing
C. Thermal testing
D. Pressure modulation
Answer: A
Explanation: Hydrostatic testing involves pressurizing a plumbing system with water to check
for leaks and verify integrity.
Question 15:
What is the purpose of a “cleanout” in a plumbing system?
A. To filter water
B. To provide access for cleaning or clearing blockages
C. To secure pipes in place
D. To reduce water temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Cleanouts are provided to allow easy access for maintenance, inspection, and
removal of obstructions in the drainage system.
Question 16:
Which material is commonly used for water supply piping due to its durability and ease of
installation?
A. Galvanized steel
B. Copper
C. Cast iron
D. Asbestos-cement
Answer: B
Explanation: Copper piping is preferred for water supply lines because it is durable, corrosion-
resistant, and relatively easy to work with.
Question 17:
According to the IPC, what is the minimum clearance required for accessing plumbing fixtures
for maintenance?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 30 inches
Answer: C
Explanation: Many codes require a minimum clearance—typically 24 inches—to allow for safe
and efficient maintenance access around fixtures.
Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary function of an expansion tank in a water heater system?
A. To heat the water faster
B. To store extra hot water for demand
C. To absorb excess pressure caused by thermal expansion
D. To filter sediment from the water
Answer: C
Explanation: An expansion tank absorbs excess pressure due to thermal expansion in a closed
water heating system, preventing damage to pipes and fixtures.
Question 2:
When installing a water heater, which of the following is most critical for ensuring proper
servicing and maintenance?
A. Using flexible copper tubing exclusively
B. Following manufacturer guidelines and local code requirements
C. Installing the heater vertically only
D. Using the cheapest available fittings
Answer: B
Explanation: Adhering to both manufacturer instructions and local codes is essential for proper
installation, maintenance, and safety.
Question 3:
Which fixture is specifically designed for the collection and disposal of human waste?
A. Urinal
B. Lavatory
C. Water closet
D. Bidet
Answer: C
Explanation: A water closet (toilet) is the plumbing fixture designed for the collection and
disposal of human waste.
Question 4:
Specialty fixtures often require unique installation techniques. Which of the following is an
example of a specialty plumbing fixture?
A. Kitchen sink
B. Pedestal sink
C. Whirlpool bathtub
D. Floor drain
Answer: C
Explanation: Whirlpool bathtubs, which incorporate jets and additional plumbing features, are
considered specialty fixtures.
,Question 5:
Which of the following best describes a lavatory?
A. A deep utility sink used for washing vehicles
B. A sink intended primarily for handwashing in restrooms
C. A water closet with an integrated bidet
D. A large commercial sink used in food service
Answer: B
Explanation: A lavatory is a sink designed primarily for handwashing and general personal
hygiene in restrooms.
Question 6:
For proper water closet installation, which of the following is most important?
A. Ensuring proper venting to prevent siphonage
B. Using only plastic fittings
C. Placing it in a confined area without access
D. Ignoring manufacturer’s clearance recommendations
Answer: A
Explanation: Proper venting is critical to prevent siphonage, ensuring the water closet functions
correctly and hygienically.
Question 7:
What is the main purpose of a sediment trap in a water heater?
A. To filter bacteria from the water
B. To collect sediment and impurities before they reach the water heater
C. To boost water pressure
D. To mix hot and cold water evenly
Answer: B
Explanation: A sediment trap is used to capture impurities and sediment, prolonging the life of
the water heater and maintaining efficiency.
Question 8:
Which of the following is a common installation concern when servicing specialty fixtures?
A. Matching the color scheme
B. Ensuring compatibility with standard fittings
C. Achieving proper clearances and support for unique designs
D. Limiting water usage
Answer: C
Explanation: Specialty fixtures often have unique designs that require careful attention to
clearances, support, and proper installation techniques.
Question 9:
During installation of bathtubs, which factor is most critical?
A. The aesthetic finish
B. Proper anchorage and support
C. The material’s thermal conductivity
D. Using the smallest drain available
,Answer: B
Explanation: Ensuring that a bathtub is properly anchored and supported is critical for both
safety and long-term performance.
Question 10:
Which term best defines the “water closet” in plumbing terminology?
A. A sink used for washing hands
B. A specialized filtration system
C. A flush toilet
D. A bidet installation
Answer: C
Explanation: The term “water closet” is another name for a flush toilet, designed for the
removal of human waste.
II. Plumbing Fundamentals (35 Questions)
Question 11:
Which document is most commonly referenced for plumbing installation standards?
A. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
B. International Plumbing Code (IPC)
C. National Electric Code (NEC)
D. International Residential Code (IRC)
Answer: B
Explanation: The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is widely used for plumbing installations
and serves as a primary reference for standards.
Question 12:
In general installation, what is the significance of maintaining proper pipe slope in drainage
systems?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To ensure effective self-cleansing
C. To minimize noise
D. To reduce installation time
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper pipe slope is critical to promote the self-cleansing action of wastewater,
preventing sediment buildup and blockages.
Question 13:
When reading a plumbing blueprint, which detail is essential to understand pipe sizing?
A. The color of the blueprint
B. The legend and scale provided
C. The date of issue
D. The paper quality
Answer: B
, Explanation: The legend and scale on a blueprint provide the necessary details to interpret
dimensions and pipe sizes correctly.
Question 14:
Which term refers to the testing process used to ensure that plumbing installations are leak‐free
before commissioning?
A. Hydrostatic testing
B. Dynamic testing
C. Thermal testing
D. Pressure modulation
Answer: A
Explanation: Hydrostatic testing involves pressurizing a plumbing system with water to check
for leaks and verify integrity.
Question 15:
What is the purpose of a “cleanout” in a plumbing system?
A. To filter water
B. To provide access for cleaning or clearing blockages
C. To secure pipes in place
D. To reduce water temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Cleanouts are provided to allow easy access for maintenance, inspection, and
removal of obstructions in the drainage system.
Question 16:
Which material is commonly used for water supply piping due to its durability and ease of
installation?
A. Galvanized steel
B. Copper
C. Cast iron
D. Asbestos-cement
Answer: B
Explanation: Copper piping is preferred for water supply lines because it is durable, corrosion-
resistant, and relatively easy to work with.
Question 17:
According to the IPC, what is the minimum clearance required for accessing plumbing fixtures
for maintenance?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 30 inches
Answer: C
Explanation: Many codes require a minimum clearance—typically 24 inches—to allow for safe
and efficient maintenance access around fixtures.
