Pennsylvania Philadelphia Standard Journeyman Plumber (250 PA PH Contractor) – Philadelphia Plumbing Code Exam Questions with Answers and Explanations – Practice Exam Material

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
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B. 3 inches
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C. 4 inches
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D. 6 inches
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Answer: C. 4 inches M M M




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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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) M M




B. CPVC
C. Galvanized steel M




D. PEX

,Answer: C. Galvanized steel M M M




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 M




B. 12 inches M




C. 18 inches M




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 (1/4
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in./ft. slope)?
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A. 2 feet M




B. 4 feet M




C. 5 feet M




D. 8 feet M




Answer: C. 5 feet M M M




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
M M

,Answer: D. 4 inches M M M




Explanation: The vent for stacks carrying significant load must equal the stack
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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 M




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 M M M M




Explanation: Philadelphia follows IPC which requires at least a 1-inch air gap
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above the flood rim level.
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8.

When testing a drainage system with a water test, the system must be filled with
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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 M M




D. First floor ceiling level
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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 no
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leaks.
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9.

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




B. Mechanical compression fitting M M




C. Shielded hubless coupling M M




D. Threaded brass union M M

, Answer: B. Mechanical compression fitting
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Explanation: Compression fittings are not permitted in concealed locations
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since they may loosen and leak.
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10.

The minimum size of a vent for a single water closet is:
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A.1 1/4 inches M




B.1 1/2 inches M




C. 2 inches
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D. 3 inches
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Answer: C. 2 inches M M M




Explanation: The code requires at least a 2-inch vent for a water closet.
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11.

How often must a cleanout be installed in a horizontal drainage line?
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A. Every 50 feet M M




B. Every 75 feet M M




C. Every 100 feet M M




D. Only at changes of direction
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Answer: C. Every 100 feet M M M M




Explanation: Horizontal drain lines require cleanouts at intervals not exceeding
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100 feet.
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12.

Which of the following requires a grease interceptor under Philadelphia Code?
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A. Hospital kitchen M




B. Residential sink M




C. Mop sink in office M M M




D. Dishwasher in a single-family home M M M M




Answer: A. Hospital kitchen M M M




Explanation: Commercial kitchens producing grease-laden waste must install
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grease interceptors.
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