Free C-36 Practice Questions: Service, Repair, and Remodel
60 free questions with answers, explanations and the official source for each. Answer one to see why. No sign-up.
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During a water heater replacement, the plumber checks the valves. Under CPC Section 606.2, where shall a fullway valve be installed for the water heater?
CPC Section 606.2: a fullway valve shall be installed on the cold water supply pipe to each water heater at or near the water heater.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 606.2
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After a repair, a potable water system is filled with a water-chlorine solution containing 50 parts per million of chlorine. Under CPC Section 609.10, how long shall the system be valved off and allowed to stand?
CPC Section 609.10: the system shall be filled with a water-chlorine solution containing not less than 50 parts per million of chlorine, valved off, and allowed to stand for 24 hours.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.10
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While replacing a water service, a plumber must lay it in the same trench as an existing clay building sewer. Under CPC Section 609.2, how shall the water pipe be placed?
CPC Section 609.2: in a common trench with a clay sewer, the bottom of the water pipe shall be not less than 12 inches above the top of the sewer, and the water pipe shall be placed on a solid shelf at one side of the trench with a clear horizontal distance of not less than 12 inches from the sewer.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.2
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A plumber repairs a leaking drain line in a single-family house. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7151, is this work a "home improvement"?
Business and Professions Code Section 7151: "home improvement" means the repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, or modernizing of, or adding to, residential property. A repair to a house is home improvement.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7151
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A homeowner pulls a permit to remodel a single-family house that still has old 3.5-gallon toilets. Under Civil Code Section 1101.4, what is a condition for final permit approval?
Civil Code Section 1101.4(a): for building alterations or improvements to single-family residential real property, as a condition for final permit approval, the permit applicant shall replace all noncompliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. A 3.5-gallon toilet is noncompliant.
While making a press-connect repair on copper tubing, a plumber fully inserts the tubing into the fitting. Under CPC Section 605.1.3.2, where shall the tubing be marked?
CPC Section 605.1.3.2: the pipe or tubing shall be fully inserted into the fitting and marked at the shoulder of the fitting; the fitting alignment is then checked against the mark to ensure the tubing is inserted.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 605.1.3.2
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In a commercial building, the water pipes bang whenever quick-acting valves close. Under CPC Section 609.11, what shall a building water supply system with quick-acting valves be provided with?
CPC 609.11: building water supply systems where quick-acting valves are installed shall be provided with water hammer arresters to absorb high pressures resulting from the quick closing of these valves. This section is not adopted by HCD (housing).
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.11
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A C-36 contractor repairs a broken section of an asbestos cement water line. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7058.5, is an asbestos certification examination required for this work?
Business and Professions Code Section 7058.5: no asbestos certification examination shall be required for contractors involved with the installation, maintenance, and repair of asbestos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl asbestos floor materials, or asbestos bituminous or resinous materials.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7058.5
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A floor drain in a mechanical room is rarely used, and sewer odor keeps coming back. Under CPC Section 1007.1, how must its trap be protected?
CPC Section 1007.1: floor drain or similar traps directly connected to the drainage system and subject to infrequent use shall be protected with a trap seal primer, unless the Authority Having Jurisdiction finds it unnecessary.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1007.1
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A basement floor drain is subject to the reverse flow of sewage. Under CPC Section 1006.1, what must the floor drain be equipped with?
CPC Section 1006.1: where subject to the reverse flow of sewage or liquid waste, floor drains shall be equipped with an approved backwater valve.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1006.1
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An old building sewer is cracked. Under CPC Section 715.3, when may trenchless methods be used to rehabilitate it?
CPC Section 715.3: where permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, trenchless methods of rehabilitation of existing building sewers and building storm sewers are installed in accordance with Section 715.3.1 or Section 715.3.2.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 715.3
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A 1 1/2 inch lavatory trap arm must turn to reach its vent. Under CPC Section 1002.3, what is the most its change of direction may be without the use of a cleanout?
CPC Section 1002.3: a trap arm may change direction without the use of a cleanout where the change of direction does not exceed 90 degrees. A 1 1/2 inch trap arm is held to that 90 degree limit.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1002.3
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Under CPC Section 608.4, a pressure relief valve shall be set at a pressure of not more than what?
CPC Section 608.4: each pressure relief valve shall be an approved automatic type with drain, set at a pressure of not more than 150 psi.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.4
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A plumber knocks on doors, and a homeowner agrees to a $400 job written up as a "service and repair" contract. The buyer did not initiate the contact. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7159.10, do the Section 7159 home improvement contract requirements apply?
Business and Professions Code Section 7159.10: a service and repair contract requires that the prospective buyer initiated contact with the contractor. Unless all of those requirements are met, the home improvement contract requirements of Section 7159 apply, including rights to rescind, regardless of the aggregate contract price.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7159.10
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Under CPC Section 102.3, how must plumbing and drainage systems, both existing and new, be maintained?
CPC Section 102.3: the plumbing and drainage system, both existing and new, shall be maintained in a sanitary and safe operating condition, and devices or safeguards required by the code are maintained under the code edition they were installed under.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 102.3
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Under CPC Section 609.4, for how long must a water piping system withstand the test pressure without showing evidence of leakage?
CPC Section 609.4: the piping system shall withstand the test pressure without showing evidence of leakage for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.4
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Under CPC Table 313.3, how often must horizontal PEX tubing 1 inch and smaller be supported?
CPC Table 313.3 (Hangers and Supports): PEX, horizontal, 1 inch and smaller every 32 inches; 1-1/4 inches and larger every 4 feet; vertically, base and each floor with mid-story guides.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) Table 313.3
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An unlicensed handyman bids $800 for labor and materials on a plumbing job that requires a building permit. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7048, does the minor work exemption apply?
Business and Professions Code Section 7048: the licensing law does not apply to work on one project where the aggregate contract price for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $1,000 and the work does not require a building permit. A job that requires a permit is not exempt at any price.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7048
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Under Civil Code Section 1101.4, on or before what date were noncompliant plumbing fixtures in single-family residential real property to be replaced by the property owner?
Civil Code Section 1101.4(b): on or before January 1, 2017, noncompliant plumbing fixtures in any single-family residential real property shall be replaced by the property owner with water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
Under CPC Section 1503.1, what is the minimum cover over the discharge point of a gray water subsurface irrigation field?
CPC Section 1503.1: the discharge point of any gray water subsoil irrigation or subsurface irrigation field shall be covered by at least 2 inches of mulch, rock, or soil, or a solid shield, to minimize the possibility of human contact.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1503.1
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A C-36 plumbing contractor's remodel job includes asbestos-related work involving 100 square feet or more of surface area of asbestos containing materials. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7058.5, what does the contractor need to do this work?
BPC 7058.5: a contractor shall not engage in asbestos-related work that involves 100 square feet or more of surface area of asbestos containing materials unless the contractor holds a C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification or the qualifier for the license passes an asbestos certification examination.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7058.5
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A plumber replaces an accessible restroom sink during a remodel. Under California Building Code Section 11B-606.3, what is the maximum height of the front of the rim above the finish floor?
CBC 11B-606.3: lavatories and sinks are installed with the front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground.
A plumber wants to fill the annular space around a cast-iron pipe through a concrete fire-resistance-rated floor with grout. Under the exception in CPC Section 1405.2, what is the largest nominal diameter of pipe that may be sealed this way?
CPC Section 1405.2 exception: concrete, mortar, or grout may fill the annular spaces around cast-iron, copper, copper alloy, or steel piping through concrete or masonry fire-resistance-rated assemblies, where the nominal diameter of the penetrating item does not exceed 6 inches and the opening does not exceed 144 square inches.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1405.2
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After replacing a shower valve cartridge, a plumber sets the limit stop. Under CPC Section 408.4.2, the maximum water temperature from an individual showerhead is limited to what?
CPC Section 408.4.2: the maximum water temperature discharging from an individual showerhead shall be limited to 120°F, for example by field-adjusting the valve or setting its limit stop per the manufacturer.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 408.4.2
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Under Civil Code Section 1101.3, an interior faucet is a noncompliant plumbing fixture if it emits more than what?
Civil Code Section 1101.3: a noncompliant plumbing fixture includes any interior faucet that emits more than 2.2 gallons of water per minute.
A home has no accessible cleanout on its building sewer. Under CPC 719.1, where must a building sewer cleanout be placed?
CPC 719.1: cleanouts shall be placed inside the building near the connection between the building drain and the building sewer, or installed outside the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade. Additional cleanouts go at intervals not exceeding 100 feet and at each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135 degrees.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 719.1
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A customer's static water pressure is 50 psi at the meter and every fixture has adequate pressure. Under CPC 608.2, what should be done?
CPC 608.2: where static water pressure in the water supply piping exceeds 80 psi, an approved pressure regulator with a strainer is installed to reduce it to 80 psi or less. At 50 psi with adequate pressure at the fixtures, no regulator or booster is called for.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.2
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An air handler above a finished ceiling has an additional watertight pan to catch condensate overflow. Under CPC Section 814.2, where must the additional pan's drainpipe discharge?
CPC Section 814.2: the additional pan or additional drain line connection shall have a drainpipe of not less than 3/4 inch nominal pipe size, discharging at a point that is readily observed, so a clogged primary drain gets noticed.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 814.2
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A remodel adds two fixtures to an existing system. Under CPC Section 102.4, what must the additions not do to the existing system?
CPC Section 102.4: additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe, insanitary, or overloaded.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 102.4
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A plumber installs a new storage-type water heater. Under CPC Section 608.3, what shall the water system containing this storage water heating equipment be provided with?
CPC Section 608.3: a water system containing storage water heating equipment shall be provided with an approved, listed, adequately sized combination temperature and pressure-relief valve.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.3
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A repaired drain line is water tested in sections. Under CPC Section 712.2, no section shall be tested with less than what head of water?
CPC Section 712.2: when the drainage system is water tested in sections, no section shall be tested with less than a 10 foot head of water.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 712.2
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During a restaurant remodel, which fixtures does CPC Section 1014.1 prohibit from draining into or through the grease interceptor?
CPC Section 1014.1: water closets, urinals, and other plumbing fixtures conveying human waste shall not drain into or through the grease interceptor. Sinks and floor sinks that carry grease-laden waste are the fixtures the interceptor is for.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1014.1
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A booster pump is added to a building supply. Under CPC Section 609.9, the low-pressure cutoff switch on the inlet side of the pump shall be set for not less than what pressure?
CPC Section 609.9: a low-pressure cutoff switch on the inlet side of a booster pump shall be installed not more than 5 feet of the inlet, and the cutoff switch shall be set for not less than 10 psi.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.9
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Under Business and Professions Code Section 7159, when does a change-order for changes or extra work on a home improvement contract become part of the contract?
Business and Professions Code Section 7159: a change-order form for changes or extra work shall be incorporated into the contract and becomes part of the contract only if it is in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the change order.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7159
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During a repipe, a parallel water distribution manifold is placed in an attic that is not readily accessible. Under CPC Section 606.5, what valves are required?
CPC Section 606.5: where parallel water distribution system manifolds are located in attics, crawl spaces, or other locations not readily accessible, a separate shutoff valve shall be required immediately ahead of each individual fixture or appliance served.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 606.5
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After installing a pressure regulator under CPC Section 608.2, where must an approved expansion tank be installed?
CPC Section 608.2: an approved expansion tank shall be installed in the cold water distribution piping downstream of each such regulator to prevent pressure exceeding 80 psi from developing due to thermal expansion.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.2
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While replacing a water heater, a plumber adds unions so the next replacement is easier. Under CPC Section 609.5, where shall the unions be installed?
CPC Section 609.5: unions shall be installed in the water supply piping not more than 12 inches of regulating equipment, water heating, conditioning tanks, and similar equipment that requires service by removal or replacement.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.5
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Under CPC Section 707.4, where must each horizontal drainage pipe be provided with a cleanout?
CPC Section 707.4: each horizontal drainage pipe is provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal, and each run of piping more than 100 feet in total developed length needs a cleanout for each 100 feet, or fraction thereof.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 707.4
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A customer's water pressure is measured at 85 PSI at the meter. What action is required under California plumbing code?
CPC 608.2: where static pressure exceeds 80 psi, an approved pressure regulator with a strainer reduces it to 80 psi or less.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.2
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Under CPC 102.4, a 1950s house has cast iron sewer lines with no accessible cleanout, and the owner adds a full bathroom. What does the code require of the additions?
CPC 102.4: additions, alterations, renovations or repairs shall conform to that required for a new system without requiring the existing plumbing system to be in accordance with this code, and shall not cause the existing system to become unsafe, insanitary, or overloaded.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 102.4
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A plumber replaces a faucet in a commercial restroom. Under CPC Section 407.3, hot water delivered from public-use lavatories is limited to a maximum temperature of what?
CPC Section 407.3: hot water delivered from public-use lavatories shall be limited to a maximum temperature of 120°F, by a listed limiting device or a water heater meeting the listed standard.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 407.3
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During a repair, a plumber plans to screw a metal male adapter into a female PVC threaded fitting. Under CPC Section 605.12.3, what is the rule?
CPC Section 605.12.3: female PVC threaded fittings shall be used with plastic male threads only.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 605.12.3
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Walk-in cooler floor drains run to a separate drainage line that discharges into an outside receptor. Under CPC Section 801.3.2, what is the minimum distance the receptor's flood-level rim must be below the lowest floor drain?
CPC Section 801.3.2: for walk-in coolers, the flood-level rim of the receptor shall be not less than 6 inches lower than the lowest floor drain.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 801.3.2
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A licensed plumbing contractor designs a system with a pressure regulator and wants to use a pressure relief valve in lieu of an expansion tank. Under CPC Section 608.2, what is the maximum pressure relief setting allowed?
CPC Section 608.2: systems designed by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered design professionals may use approved pressure relief valves in lieu of expansion tanks, provided such relief valves have a maximum pressure relief setting of 100 psi or less.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 608.2
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Under Civil Code Section 1101.3, a toilet is a noncompliant plumbing fixture if it was manufactured to use more than how much water per flush?
Civil Code Section 1101.3: a noncompliant plumbing fixture includes any toilet manufactured to use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
In a cafe, a steam table drains by an indirect waste pipe to a floor sink. Under CPC Section 801.3.1, what is the maximum developed length of that indirect waste pipe?
CPC Section 801.3.1: except for refrigeration coils and ice-making machines, the indirect waste pipe shall be not smaller than the drain on the unit and not smaller than 1 inch, and the maximum developed length shall not exceed 15 feet.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 801.3.1
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A plumber adds a hot-water recirculating pump to an existing home. Under CPC Section 606.9, what must a system that circulates water by means of a pump have?
CPC Section 606.9: all systems that circulate water by means of a pump or other mechanical device or method shall have a check valve or equal device installed so as to ensure the direction of flow.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 606.9
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Under CPC Section 712.2, how long must the water be kept in a drainage system under a water test before inspection starts?
CPC Section 712.2: the water shall be kept in the system, or in the portion under test, for not less than 15 minutes before inspection starts. The system shall then be tight.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 712.2
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A plumber uses a tee-pulling tool to form a branch collar in an existing copper water line. Under CPC Section 605.1.3.1, how shall the joints of a mechanically formed tee fitting be made?
CPC Section 605.1.3.1: for mechanically formed tee fittings, fittings and joints shall be made by brazing. Soldered joints shall not be permitted.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 605.1.3.1
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Under CPC Section 707.9, an under-floor cleanout shall be located within what distance of an access door, trap door, or crawl hole?
CPC Section 707.9: no under-floor cleanout shall be located exceeding 5 feet from an access door, trap door, or crawl hole.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 707.9
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Under CPC Section 102.3, who is responsible for maintenance of the plumbing systems of a premises?
CPC Section 102.3: the owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for maintenance of plumbing systems.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 102.3
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A short piece of PVC water pipe must be in a location exposed to direct sunlight. Under CPC Section 605.12, what is the maximum length allowed?
CPC Section 605.12: PVC piping in a location exposed to direct sunlight shall not exceed 24 inches in length and shall be wrapped with not less than 0.04 of an inch thick UV resistant tape or otherwise protected from UV degradation.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 605.12
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Under CPC Section 1014.2, fixtures connected to a Type A or B hydromechanical grease interceptor must discharge through what?
CPC Section 1014.2: plumbing fixtures or equipment connected to a Type A and B hydromechanical grease interceptor shall discharge through an approved type of vented flow control installed in a readily accessible and visible location.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1014.2
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On a remodel, a contractor wants to reuse copper tubing previously used for a compressed-air line as new potable water piping. Under CPC Section 604.8, is this allowed?
CPC Section 604.8: piping and tubing that has previously been used for a purpose other than for potable water systems shall not be used.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 604.8
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After replacing a faucet cartridge on a service and repair contract, what must the plumber do with the old part under Business and Professions Code Section 7159.14?
Business and Professions Code Section 7159.14: the service and repair contractor shall offer to the customer any parts that were replaced.
Source: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 9 (Contractors State License Law) BPC 7159.14
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You are performing a pressure test on a repaired cold water supply line. What is the correct test procedure?
CPC 609.4: the potable water test pressure shall be greater than or equal to the working pressure; an air test shall be a minimum of 50 psi, and plastic pipe shall not be tested with air. The piping shall withstand the test pressure without showing evidence of leakage for not less than 15 minutes.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 609.4
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The Authority Having Jurisdiction requires a building trap on a building drain. Under CPC Section 1008.1, what must the building trap be provided with?
CPC Section 1008.1: building traps are installed only where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each one shall be provided with a cleanout and with a relieving vent or fresh-air intake on the inlet side of the trap.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1008.1
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A plumber is roughing in a clothes washer standpipe in a laundry room. Under CPC Section 804.1, at what height must the standpipe's trap be roughed in?
CPC Section 804.1: no trap for a clothes washer standpipe receptor shall be installed below the floor; it shall be roughed in not less than 6 inches and not more than 18 inches above the floor.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 804.1
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Under CPC Section 1009.3, what is the minimum water seal for an interceptor for sand and similar heavy solids?
CPC Section 1009.3: interceptors for sand and similar heavy solids shall be readily accessible for cleaning and shall have a water seal of not less than 6 inches.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 1009.3
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Under CPC Section 501.1, how must a replacement water heater be installed?
CPC Section 501.1: water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and the final installation shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Source: California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) (2025) 501.1