Master / Journeyman Plumber Exam
Code Administration Practice Questions
20 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Master / Journeyman Plumber Exam.
Q1.Who is responsible for scheduling the required inspections?
A.The code officialB.The permit holderC.The building ownerD.The general contractorB. The permit holderExplanation: IPC 107.2 requires the permit holder (the plumber or contractor who pulled the permit) to notify the code official when work is ready for inspection.
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Q2.A plumbing permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within ___ days after issuance.
A.30B.60C.90D.180D. 180Explanation: IPC 106.5.3 states that a permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.
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Q3.When a plumbing system is tested with air, the pressure gauge used must have increments of not more than:
A.0.10 psiB.1 psiC.2 psiD.5 psiA. 0.10 psiExplanation: IPC 312.1.1 requires gauges used for testing to have increments of 0.10 psi or less for tests requiring 10 psi or less.
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Q4.Work performed without a permit typically results in:
A.A verbal warningB.A fee equal to 100% of the permit fee (doubling the cost)C.Jail timeD.No penalty if inspected laterB. A fee equal to 100% of the permit fee (doubling the cost)Explanation: IPC 106.6.1 typically authorizes the code official to charge a fee (often 100% of the usual fee) for work started without a permit.
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Q5.The code official has the authority to issue a 'Stop Work Order' when work is:
A.Proceeding dangerously or contrary to the codeB.Taking too longC.Using non-union laborD.Being done on a SundayA. Proceeding dangerously or contrary to the codeExplanation: IPC 108.5 authorizes stop work orders for work that is unsafe or contrary to the provisions of the code.
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Q6.Alternative materials or methods not specifically prescribed by the code:
A.Are strictly prohibitedB.May be approved by the code official if they meet the intent of the code regarding quality and safetyC.Require a vote by the city councilD.Can be used if the owner signs a waiverB. May be approved by the code official if they meet the intent of the code regarding quality and safetyExplanation: IPC 105.2 gives the code official the authority to approve alternative engineered designs or materials if they are equivalent in quality, strength, and safety.
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Q7.Underground plumbing inspection (ground rough) must be made:
A.After the slab is pouredB.After the trench is backfilledC.Before the trench is backfilledD.Before the pipe is laidC. Before the trench is backfilledExplanation: IPC 107.2.1 requires inspection of underground piping prior to covering or backfilling.
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Q8.A 'Rough-in' inspection includes:
A.Only the underground pipingB.The drainage, water, and vent piping installed before walls are closedC.The final setting of fixturesD.The sewer connection onlyB. The drainage, water, and vent piping installed before walls are closedExplanation: IPC 107.2.2 defines rough-in inspection as the inspection of the piping installation before concealing walls or ceilings.
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Q9.If a plumbing system fails inspection, the permit holder must:
A.Pay a bribeB.Cover the work anywayC.Make corrections and request a reinspectionD.File a lawsuitC. Make corrections and request a reinspectionExplanation: IPC 107.3.3 requires that any work not passing inspection be corrected and resubmitted for inspection.
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Q10.Final plumbing inspection is made:
A.Before the water is turned onB.After the building is occupiedC.After fixtures are set and the system is ready for useD.Only if there is a problemC. After fixtures are set and the system is ready for useExplanation: IPC 107.2.3 requires final inspection after all fixtures are in place and the system is operational.
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Q11.Temporary connection of the plumbing system to the water source typically requires:
A.No permissionB.Approval from the code officialC.A separate permit feeD.Use of a garden hoseB. Approval from the code officialExplanation: IPC 107.6 requires approval from the code official for temporary connections to utilities.
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Q12.Minor repairs such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in faucets:
A.Require a permitB.Do not require a permitC.Require an inspectionD.Must be done by a Master PlumberB. Do not require a permitExplanation: IPC 106.2 (Exemptions) allows minor repairs like stopping leaks or clearing drains without a permit, provided piping is not replaced or rearranged.
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Q13.The Board of Appeals is established to:
A.Hear appeals regarding the interpretation of the codeB.Lower permit feesC.Fire the inspectorD.Write new codesA. Hear appeals regarding the interpretation of the codeExplanation: IPC 109.1 allows appeals when the owner claims the true intent of the code has been incorrectly interpreted or code provisions do not fully apply.
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Q14.Construction documents (plans) are generally required to be submitted with the permit application for:
A.All workB.Complex commercial projects or as required by the code officialC.Minor repairsD.Residential water heater replacementsB. Complex commercial projects or as required by the code officialExplanation: IPC 106.3.1 requires construction documents for work unless the code official determines the work is of a minor nature.
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Q15.Who keeps the approved set of construction documents at the job site?
A.The inspector brings themB.They are kept at the officeC.The permit holder must keep them at the site for the inspectorD.They are not neededC. The permit holder must keep them at the site for the inspectorExplanation: IPC 106.5.6 requires one set of approved documents to be kept at the site of work and open to inspection.
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Q16.The code official is authorized to enter a structure:
A.At any time, day or nightB.Only with a warrantC.At reasonable times to inspect or perform duties (with permission or warrant if refused)D.Only when the owner is homeC. At reasonable times to inspect or perform duties (with permission or warrant if refused)Explanation: IPC 104.4 authorizes entry at reasonable times. If entry is refused, the official has recourse to legal remedies (warrants).
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Q17.Used plumbing materials and equipment:
A.Cannot be reusedB.Can be reused if reconditioned, tested, and approvedC.Can be reused in commercial buildings onlyD.Must be paintedB. Can be reused if reconditioned, tested, and approvedExplanation: IPC 105.4 allows reuse of materials if they have been reconditioned, tested, and placed in good and proper working condition and approved.
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Q18.A plumbing system that is unsafe, unsanitary, or constitutes a fire hazard is declared a:
A.NuisanceB.Code violationC.Public nuisance / Unsafe plumbingD.Minor issueC. Public nuisance / Unsafe plumbingExplanation: IPC 108.1 defines unsafe plumbing as a public nuisance which must be abated.
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Q19.When can a code official require a plumbing system to be exposed for inspection?
A.NeverB.If the work was covered before inspection/approvalC.Only if they have a warrantD.Only if it leaksB. If the work was covered before inspection/approvalExplanation: IPC 107.1: Work shall not be covered until approved. If covered, the official has the authority to require it be exposed.
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Q20.The referenced standards (like ASTM or ASME) listed in Chapter 15 of the IPC are:
A.Suggestions onlyB.Considered part of the codeC.Only for engineersD.OutdatedB. Considered part of the codeExplanation: IPC 102.8 states that referenced codes and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of the code.
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