Alberta Plumber Apprenticeship Exam
(Advanced Level) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a pressure balancing valve in a
shower system?
A. To increase hot water temperature
B. To maintain constant water temperature during pressure
changes
C. To reduce water consumption
D. To prevent backflow
It compensates for pressure fluctuations between hot and cold
supplies to avoid scalding.
2. Which pipe material is most commonly approved for underground
building sewers in Alberta?
A. Copper Type L
B. ABS DWV
C. PVC SDR-35
D. Galvanized steel
PVC SDR-35 is durable, corrosion-resistant, and code-accepted for
underground sewer use.
3. What is the minimum slope required for a 3-inch horizontal
drainage pipe?
A. 1/16 inch per foot
, B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/8 inch per foot
D. Level
Code requires sufficient slope to ensure self-scouring velocity.
4. A vacuum breaker is primarily used to prevent:
A. Thermal expansion
B. Water hammer
C. Back-siphonage
D. Cross-threading
Vacuum breakers stop contaminated water from being siphoned
back into potable systems.
5. What type of vent allows air into the drainage system but prevents
sewer gases from escaping?
A. Wet vent
B. Common vent
C. Air admittance valve (AAV)
D. Stack vent
AAVs admit air under negative pressure only.
6. What is the main function of a cleanout?
A. Increase flow rate
B. Reduce pipe noise
C. Provide access for clearing blockages
D. Prevent freezing
Cleanouts allow maintenance equipment to access drainage
piping.
7. Which fitting causes the least friction loss in drainage systems?
A. Sanitary tee
, B. Short sweep elbow
C. Long sweep elbow
D. Vent tee
Long sweep fittings allow smoother flow transitions.
8. What device protects a potable water system from thermal
expansion in a closed system?
A. Pressure regulator
B. Check valve
C. Expansion tank
D. Backflow preventer
Expansion tanks absorb excess pressure from heated water.
9. What is the primary reason for insulating hot water pipes?
A. Noise reduction
B. Freeze protection
C. Energy efficiency
D. Corrosion prevention
Insulation reduces heat loss and energy consumption.
10. What is the minimum trap seal depth required by plumbing
code?
A. 25 mm
B. 50 mm
C. 75 mm
D. 100 mm
A sufficient seal prevents sewer gas from entering occupied
spaces.
11. Which valve is typically installed on the discharge side of a
pump to prevent reverse flow?
(Advanced Level) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a pressure balancing valve in a
shower system?
A. To increase hot water temperature
B. To maintain constant water temperature during pressure
changes
C. To reduce water consumption
D. To prevent backflow
It compensates for pressure fluctuations between hot and cold
supplies to avoid scalding.
2. Which pipe material is most commonly approved for underground
building sewers in Alberta?
A. Copper Type L
B. ABS DWV
C. PVC SDR-35
D. Galvanized steel
PVC SDR-35 is durable, corrosion-resistant, and code-accepted for
underground sewer use.
3. What is the minimum slope required for a 3-inch horizontal
drainage pipe?
A. 1/16 inch per foot
, B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/8 inch per foot
D. Level
Code requires sufficient slope to ensure self-scouring velocity.
4. A vacuum breaker is primarily used to prevent:
A. Thermal expansion
B. Water hammer
C. Back-siphonage
D. Cross-threading
Vacuum breakers stop contaminated water from being siphoned
back into potable systems.
5. What type of vent allows air into the drainage system but prevents
sewer gases from escaping?
A. Wet vent
B. Common vent
C. Air admittance valve (AAV)
D. Stack vent
AAVs admit air under negative pressure only.
6. What is the main function of a cleanout?
A. Increase flow rate
B. Reduce pipe noise
C. Provide access for clearing blockages
D. Prevent freezing
Cleanouts allow maintenance equipment to access drainage
piping.
7. Which fitting causes the least friction loss in drainage systems?
A. Sanitary tee
, B. Short sweep elbow
C. Long sweep elbow
D. Vent tee
Long sweep fittings allow smoother flow transitions.
8. What device protects a potable water system from thermal
expansion in a closed system?
A. Pressure regulator
B. Check valve
C. Expansion tank
D. Backflow preventer
Expansion tanks absorb excess pressure from heated water.
9. What is the primary reason for insulating hot water pipes?
A. Noise reduction
B. Freeze protection
C. Energy efficiency
D. Corrosion prevention
Insulation reduces heat loss and energy consumption.
10. What is the minimum trap seal depth required by plumbing
code?
A. 25 mm
B. 50 mm
C. 75 mm
D. 100 mm
A sufficient seal prevents sewer gas from entering occupied
spaces.
11. Which valve is typically installed on the discharge side of a
pump to prevent reverse flow?
