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Master / Journeyman Plumber Exam

Code Administration Practice Questions

20 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Master / Journeyman Plumber Exam.

Master Code Administration to boost your score on the Master / Journeyman Plumber Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 20 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.

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Master / Journeyman Plumber · Question 1 of 5

Who is responsible for scheduling the required inspections?

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  1. Q1.Who is responsible for scheduling the required inspections?

    A.The code official
    B.The permit holder
    C.The building owner
    D.The general contractor
    ✓B. The permit holder

    Explanation: 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.

  2. Q2.A plumbing permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within ___ days after issuance.

    A.30
    B.60
    C.90
    D.180
    ✓D. 180

    Explanation: IPC 106.5.3 states that a permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.

  3. Q3.When a plumbing system is tested with air, the pressure gauge used must have increments of not more than:

    A.0.10 psi
    B.1 psi
    C.2 psi
    D.5 psi
    ✓A. 0.10 psi

    Explanation: 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.

  4. Q4.Work performed without a permit typically results in:

    A.A verbal warning
    B.A fee equal to 100% of the permit fee (doubling the cost)
    C.Jail time
    D.No penalty if inspected later
    ✓B. 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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  5. Q5.The code official has the authority to issue a 'Stop Work Order' when work is:

    A.Proceeding dangerously or contrary to the code
    B.Taking too long
    C.Using non-union labor
    D.Being done on a Sunday
    ✓A. Proceeding dangerously or contrary to the code

    Explanation: IPC 108.5 authorizes stop work orders for work that is unsafe or contrary to the provisions of the code.

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  6. Q6.Alternative materials or methods not specifically prescribed by the code:

    A.Are strictly prohibited
    B.May be approved by the code official if they meet the intent of the code regarding quality and safety
    C.Require a vote by the city council
    D.Can be used if the owner signs a waiver
    ✓B. May be approved by the code official if they meet the intent of the code regarding quality and safety

    Explanation: 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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  7. Q7.Underground plumbing inspection (ground rough) must be made:

    A.After the slab is poured
    B.After the trench is backfilled
    C.Before the trench is backfilled
    D.Before the pipe is laid
    ✓C. Before the trench is backfilled

    Explanation: IPC 107.2.1 requires inspection of underground piping prior to covering or backfilling.

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  8. Q8.A 'Rough-in' inspection includes:

    A.Only the underground piping
    B.The drainage, water, and vent piping installed before walls are closed
    C.The final setting of fixtures
    D.The sewer connection only
    ✓B. The drainage, water, and vent piping installed before walls are closed

    Explanation: IPC 107.2.2 defines rough-in inspection as the inspection of the piping installation before concealing walls or ceilings.

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  9. Q9.If a plumbing system fails inspection, the permit holder must:

    A.Pay a bribe
    B.Cover the work anyway
    C.Make corrections and request a reinspection
    D.File a lawsuit
    ✓C. Make corrections and request a reinspection

    Explanation: IPC 107.3.3 requires that any work not passing inspection be corrected and resubmitted for inspection.

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  10. Q10.Final plumbing inspection is made:

    A.Before the water is turned on
    B.After the building is occupied
    C.After fixtures are set and the system is ready for use
    D.Only if there is a problem
    ✓C. After fixtures are set and the system is ready for use

    Explanation: IPC 107.2.3 requires final inspection after all fixtures are in place and the system is operational.

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  11. Q11.Temporary connection of the plumbing system to the water source typically requires:

    A.No permission
    B.Approval from the code official
    C.A separate permit fee
    D.Use of a garden hose
    ✓B. Approval from the code official

    Explanation: IPC 107.6 requires approval from the code official for temporary connections to utilities.

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  12. Q12.Minor repairs such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in faucets:

    A.Require a permit
    B.Do not require a permit
    C.Require an inspection
    D.Must be done by a Master Plumber
    ✓B. Do not require a permit

    Explanation: 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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  13. Q13.The Board of Appeals is established to:

    A.Hear appeals regarding the interpretation of the code
    B.Lower permit fees
    C.Fire the inspector
    D.Write new codes
    ✓A. Hear appeals regarding the interpretation of the code

    Explanation: 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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  14. Q14.Construction documents (plans) are generally required to be submitted with the permit application for:

    A.All work
    B.Complex commercial projects or as required by the code official
    C.Minor repairs
    D.Residential water heater replacements
    ✓B. Complex commercial projects or as required by the code official

    Explanation: 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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  15. Q15.Who keeps the approved set of construction documents at the job site?

    A.The inspector brings them
    B.They are kept at the office
    C.The permit holder must keep them at the site for the inspector
    D.They are not needed
    ✓C. The permit holder must keep them at the site for the inspector

    Explanation: 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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  16. Q16.The code official is authorized to enter a structure:

    A.At any time, day or night
    B.Only with a warrant
    C.At reasonable times to inspect or perform duties (with permission or warrant if refused)
    D.Only when the owner is home
    ✓C. 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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  17. Q17.Used plumbing materials and equipment:

    A.Cannot be reused
    B.Can be reused if reconditioned, tested, and approved
    C.Can be reused in commercial buildings only
    D.Must be painted
    ✓B. Can be reused if reconditioned, tested, and approved

    Explanation: 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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  18. Q18.A plumbing system that is unsafe, unsanitary, or constitutes a fire hazard is declared a:

    A.Nuisance
    B.Code violation
    C.Public nuisance / Unsafe plumbing
    D.Minor issue
    ✓C. Public nuisance / Unsafe plumbing

    Explanation: IPC 108.1 defines unsafe plumbing as a public nuisance which must be abated.

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  19. Q19.When can a code official require a plumbing system to be exposed for inspection?

    A.Never
    B.If the work was covered before inspection/approval
    C.Only if they have a warrant
    D.Only if it leaks
    ✓B. If the work was covered before inspection/approval

    Explanation: 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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  20. Q20.The referenced standards (like ASTM or ASME) listed in Chapter 15 of the IPC are:

    A.Suggestions only
    B.Considered part of the code
    C.Only for engineers
    D.Outdated
    ✓B. Considered part of the code

    Explanation: IPC 102.8 states that referenced codes and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of the code.

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