Maryland (MD) Master Plumber / Gas Fitter Practice Exam
T1Q1: Which of the following is the primary function of a plumbing system?
A) Heating water
B) Distributing potable water and removing waste
C) Ventilating spaces
D) Providing electrical power
Answer: B
Explanation: A plumbing system is designed to supply clean water for use and to remove wastewater
safely.
T1Q2: What is the first step on a job site to ensure plumbing safety?
A) Begin installation immediately
B) Conduct a hazard and risk assessment
C) Purchase materials
D) Call for inspections
Answer: B
Explanation: A hazard assessment identifies risks and ensures that appropriate safety protocols are in
place before work begins.
T1Q3: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working with chemical cleaners in
plumbing?
A) Safety goggles and gloves
B) Steel-toed boots only
C) High-visibility vest
D) Ear plugs
Answer: A
Explanation: Chemical hazards require eye and hand protection to prevent injury.
T1Q4: A “lockout/tagout” procedure in plumbing is used to:
A) Secure tools after use
B) Prevent accidental energization of equipment
C) Mark finished work areas
D) Label unused pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that plumbing systems or related equipment are not
accidentally energized during maintenance.
T1Q5: Which document outlines mandatory safety protocols for plumbing work?
A) Local building code
B) National Plumbing Code and OSHA standards
C) Customer specifications
D) Manufacturer brochures
Answer: B
Explanation: National codes and OSHA guidelines govern the safe practices in plumbing.
,T1Q6: In a plumbing system, what does “potable” water mean?
A) Water that is recycled
B) Water safe for human consumption
C) Water used only for irrigation
D) Water with added chemicals
Answer: B
Explanation: Potable water is treated and safe for drinking and cooking.
T1Q7: Which of the following is a common hazard on plumbing sites?
A) Elevated air pressure
B) Slips, trips, and falls
C) Excessive lighting
D) Low noise levels
Answer: B
Explanation: Wet or uneven surfaces can cause slips and falls on a plumbing job site.
T1Q8: What does MSDS stand for, and why is it important?
A) Main Supply Drainage System; it directs water flow
B) Material Safety Data Sheet; it informs workers about chemical hazards
C) Manual Standard Design Specification; it outlines design details
D) Mechanical System Design Standard; it sets engineering criteria
Answer: B
Explanation: An MSDS provides vital information on safely handling hazardous materials.
T1Q9: Which safety measure is most important when cutting pipes with power tools?
A) Wearing loose clothing
B) Using proper eye and hand protection
C) Working in a crowded space
D) Ignoring manufacturer guidelines
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper PPE minimizes the risk of injury when using power tools.
T1Q10: When planning a plumbing project, why is it important to review local codes?
A) To impress the client
B) To ensure compliance with safety and design regulations
C) To reduce the cost of materials
D) To simplify installation procedures
Answer: B
Explanation: Local codes ensure that installations are safe, legal, and meet community standards.
T1Q11: Which tool is essential for detecting gas leaks during plumbing maintenance?
A) Multimeter
B) Gas leak detector
C) Pipe cutter
D) Screwdriver
Answer: B
Explanation: A gas leak detector is specifically designed to sense flammable gases and alert the user.
,T1Q12: What is the role of a vent stack in a plumbing system?
A) To deliver water to fixtures
B) To remove sewer gases and provide air circulation
C) To heat water
D) To support the building structure
Answer: B
Explanation: Vent stacks allow sewer gases to escape while balancing air pressure in the system.
T1Q13: When installing a new fixture, why must shutoff valves be located nearby?
A) To control water flow during emergencies
B) For aesthetic reasons
C) To enhance water pressure
D) To comply with electrical codes
Answer: A
Explanation: Proximate shutoff valves allow for quick water isolation in emergencies or maintenance.
T1Q14: Which is a common sign of a potential plumbing system failure?
A) Consistent water pressure
B) Water discoloration and leaks
C) Regular inspections
D) Proper venting
Answer: B
Explanation: Discoloration and leaks often indicate corrosion, blockage, or damage in the system.
T1Q15: How often should a plumbing system be inspected for safety compliance?
A) Only when problems arise
B) Regularly, as specified by local codes
C) Once every decade
D) Never, if the system is new
Answer: B
Explanation: Regular inspections help identify and address safety issues before they become serious.
T1Q16: Which of the following best describes “preventive maintenance” in plumbing?
A) Repairing damage after failure
B) Routine inspections and minor repairs to avoid major problems
C) Upgrading to the latest technology
D) Ignoring minor leaks until they worsen
Answer: B
Explanation: Preventive maintenance aims to catch issues early and maintain system integrity.
T1Q17: When handling lead-containing pipes, what is a key safety concern?
A) Increased water pressure
B) Lead poisoning from contaminated water
C) Enhanced durability
D) Easier soldering
Answer: B
Explanation: Lead can leach into water and cause serious health risks, so safety precautions are vital.
, T1Q18: Which practice minimizes injury when working in confined plumbing spaces?
A) Working without communication
B) Using a buddy system and proper ventilation
C) Ignoring air quality
D) Rushing the job
Answer: B
Explanation: The buddy system and adequate ventilation protect workers in confined spaces.
T1Q19: In plumbing safety, why is proper tool maintenance critical?
A) To improve the aesthetic of the workspace
B) To ensure tools function safely and accurately
C) To increase production speed
D) To reduce material costs
Answer: B
Explanation: Well-maintained tools are less likely to fail or cause accidents.
T1Q20: Which of the following best describes “confined space” hazards in plumbing?
A) Open areas with high visibility
B) Small or enclosed areas with limited ventilation
C) Outdoor work sites
D) Standard residential basements
Answer: B
Explanation: Confined spaces pose risks such as low oxygen levels and difficulty in escape, requiring
special precautions.
T1Q21: What is the importance of having an emergency response plan on site?
A) To follow company policy
B) To ensure rapid and safe action in case of an accident
C) To delay work until the plan is approved
D) To reduce paperwork
Answer: B
Explanation: An emergency response plan helps protect lives and property when accidents occur.
T1Q22: When might a “permit to work” be required on a plumbing job site?
A) For routine maintenance only
B) When working on high-risk systems or in sensitive areas
C) Only for new installations
D) Never, if the plumber is experienced
Answer: B
Explanation: Permits ensure that complex or high-risk tasks meet strict safety and regulatory standards.
T1Q23: Which safety feature is most critical when working near open water lines?
A) Loud music
B) Physical barriers and warning signs
C) Bright lighting
D) Additional plumbing fixtures
Answer: B
T1Q1: Which of the following is the primary function of a plumbing system?
A) Heating water
B) Distributing potable water and removing waste
C) Ventilating spaces
D) Providing electrical power
Answer: B
Explanation: A plumbing system is designed to supply clean water for use and to remove wastewater
safely.
T1Q2: What is the first step on a job site to ensure plumbing safety?
A) Begin installation immediately
B) Conduct a hazard and risk assessment
C) Purchase materials
D) Call for inspections
Answer: B
Explanation: A hazard assessment identifies risks and ensures that appropriate safety protocols are in
place before work begins.
T1Q3: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working with chemical cleaners in
plumbing?
A) Safety goggles and gloves
B) Steel-toed boots only
C) High-visibility vest
D) Ear plugs
Answer: A
Explanation: Chemical hazards require eye and hand protection to prevent injury.
T1Q4: A “lockout/tagout” procedure in plumbing is used to:
A) Secure tools after use
B) Prevent accidental energization of equipment
C) Mark finished work areas
D) Label unused pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that plumbing systems or related equipment are not
accidentally energized during maintenance.
T1Q5: Which document outlines mandatory safety protocols for plumbing work?
A) Local building code
B) National Plumbing Code and OSHA standards
C) Customer specifications
D) Manufacturer brochures
Answer: B
Explanation: National codes and OSHA guidelines govern the safe practices in plumbing.
,T1Q6: In a plumbing system, what does “potable” water mean?
A) Water that is recycled
B) Water safe for human consumption
C) Water used only for irrigation
D) Water with added chemicals
Answer: B
Explanation: Potable water is treated and safe for drinking and cooking.
T1Q7: Which of the following is a common hazard on plumbing sites?
A) Elevated air pressure
B) Slips, trips, and falls
C) Excessive lighting
D) Low noise levels
Answer: B
Explanation: Wet or uneven surfaces can cause slips and falls on a plumbing job site.
T1Q8: What does MSDS stand for, and why is it important?
A) Main Supply Drainage System; it directs water flow
B) Material Safety Data Sheet; it informs workers about chemical hazards
C) Manual Standard Design Specification; it outlines design details
D) Mechanical System Design Standard; it sets engineering criteria
Answer: B
Explanation: An MSDS provides vital information on safely handling hazardous materials.
T1Q9: Which safety measure is most important when cutting pipes with power tools?
A) Wearing loose clothing
B) Using proper eye and hand protection
C) Working in a crowded space
D) Ignoring manufacturer guidelines
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper PPE minimizes the risk of injury when using power tools.
T1Q10: When planning a plumbing project, why is it important to review local codes?
A) To impress the client
B) To ensure compliance with safety and design regulations
C) To reduce the cost of materials
D) To simplify installation procedures
Answer: B
Explanation: Local codes ensure that installations are safe, legal, and meet community standards.
T1Q11: Which tool is essential for detecting gas leaks during plumbing maintenance?
A) Multimeter
B) Gas leak detector
C) Pipe cutter
D) Screwdriver
Answer: B
Explanation: A gas leak detector is specifically designed to sense flammable gases and alert the user.
,T1Q12: What is the role of a vent stack in a plumbing system?
A) To deliver water to fixtures
B) To remove sewer gases and provide air circulation
C) To heat water
D) To support the building structure
Answer: B
Explanation: Vent stacks allow sewer gases to escape while balancing air pressure in the system.
T1Q13: When installing a new fixture, why must shutoff valves be located nearby?
A) To control water flow during emergencies
B) For aesthetic reasons
C) To enhance water pressure
D) To comply with electrical codes
Answer: A
Explanation: Proximate shutoff valves allow for quick water isolation in emergencies or maintenance.
T1Q14: Which is a common sign of a potential plumbing system failure?
A) Consistent water pressure
B) Water discoloration and leaks
C) Regular inspections
D) Proper venting
Answer: B
Explanation: Discoloration and leaks often indicate corrosion, blockage, or damage in the system.
T1Q15: How often should a plumbing system be inspected for safety compliance?
A) Only when problems arise
B) Regularly, as specified by local codes
C) Once every decade
D) Never, if the system is new
Answer: B
Explanation: Regular inspections help identify and address safety issues before they become serious.
T1Q16: Which of the following best describes “preventive maintenance” in plumbing?
A) Repairing damage after failure
B) Routine inspections and minor repairs to avoid major problems
C) Upgrading to the latest technology
D) Ignoring minor leaks until they worsen
Answer: B
Explanation: Preventive maintenance aims to catch issues early and maintain system integrity.
T1Q17: When handling lead-containing pipes, what is a key safety concern?
A) Increased water pressure
B) Lead poisoning from contaminated water
C) Enhanced durability
D) Easier soldering
Answer: B
Explanation: Lead can leach into water and cause serious health risks, so safety precautions are vital.
, T1Q18: Which practice minimizes injury when working in confined plumbing spaces?
A) Working without communication
B) Using a buddy system and proper ventilation
C) Ignoring air quality
D) Rushing the job
Answer: B
Explanation: The buddy system and adequate ventilation protect workers in confined spaces.
T1Q19: In plumbing safety, why is proper tool maintenance critical?
A) To improve the aesthetic of the workspace
B) To ensure tools function safely and accurately
C) To increase production speed
D) To reduce material costs
Answer: B
Explanation: Well-maintained tools are less likely to fail or cause accidents.
T1Q20: Which of the following best describes “confined space” hazards in plumbing?
A) Open areas with high visibility
B) Small or enclosed areas with limited ventilation
C) Outdoor work sites
D) Standard residential basements
Answer: B
Explanation: Confined spaces pose risks such as low oxygen levels and difficulty in escape, requiring
special precautions.
T1Q21: What is the importance of having an emergency response plan on site?
A) To follow company policy
B) To ensure rapid and safe action in case of an accident
C) To delay work until the plan is approved
D) To reduce paperwork
Answer: B
Explanation: An emergency response plan helps protect lives and property when accidents occur.
T1Q22: When might a “permit to work” be required on a plumbing job site?
A) For routine maintenance only
B) When working on high-risk systems or in sensitive areas
C) Only for new installations
D) Never, if the plumber is experienced
Answer: B
Explanation: Permits ensure that complex or high-risk tasks meet strict safety and regulatory standards.
T1Q23: Which safety feature is most critical when working near open water lines?
A) Loud music
B) Physical barriers and warning signs
C) Bright lighting
D) Additional plumbing fixtures
Answer: B
