Master pressure-balancing valve installation at 48-inch rough-in height (CPC-mandated), shower pan slopes and drain sizing, waterproof membrane installation extending 6 inches beyond shower area, and 120°F maximum hot water supply for California code compliance.
Key Takeaways
Why This Matters on the Exam
Bathroom work is where you make real money. The C-36 exam tests your knowledge of shower and tub installations because this work is detailed, code-heavy, and done constantly in residential and commercial jobs. California Plumbing Code mandates pressure-balancing or thermostatic mixing valves—this is anti-scald protection that prevents serious burn injuries. Rough-in heights, pan slopes, drain sizing, membrane waterproofing—get any of these wrong on a job and you'll have a flooded wall cavity and an unhappy customer. Or worse, a lawsuit.
What You Must Know
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Shower pan slope: 1/4 inch per foot minimum toward drain to prevent water pooling and mold.
California Plumbing Code Section 418.0 mandates pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve on all shower/tub valves (anti-scald required, non-negotiable).
Maximum hot water supply temperature: 120°F per California statute; water heater setpoint cannot exceed this limit.
Bathtub faucet rough-in: 15-18 inches above rim (deck-mounted) or 20-24 inches (wall-mounted).
Shower membrane waterproofing must extend 6 inches beyond shower area on adjacent walls to prevent rot and mold.
Curbless (barrier-free) shower requires 48-inch minimum opening width and 60-inch turning radius for ADA wheelchair access.
Shower pan test for slope before tiling; pooling indicates improper substrate pitch requiring re-slope and reinstallation.
Tub/shower combination valve uses diverter (spout pull-up or 3-way lever) to switch water between outlets; anti-scald applies to both.
Shower valve rough-in height from floor: typically 48 inches to valve body centerline (varies by valve type)
Bathtub faucet rough-in height: typically 15-18 inches above rim for deck-mounted, 20-24 inches for wall-mounted
All shower and tub installations require pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve per California Plumbing Code (CPC Section 418.0)
Maximum hot water temperature allowed: 120°F (California statute limit to prevent scalding)