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    Pennsylvania · Plumbing Journeyman

    Pennsylvania Plumbing Journeyman Practice Exam — Free

    Free pennsylvania plumbing journeyman practice exam. Pennsylvania currently follows International Plumbing Code 2021 for plumbing work. Each question on this set is paraphrased from publicly-available code summaries with the section cited — confirm the in-force edition with your AHJ. Practice the warm-up set ungated, download a 25-question study PDF, or share your email for the full question bank.

    Adopted code: International Plumbing Code 2021

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    Sample questions

    1. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is published by:

    1. A. ICC (International Code Council)
    2. B. IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)
    3. C. NFPA
    4. D. ASME
    Show explanation

    IAPMO publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). ICC publishes the competing International Plumbing Code (IPC). A jurisdiction adopts one family (sometimes with amendments) as its governing plumbing code.

    Ref: UPC — IAPMO

    2. Where the static water pressure in the building supply exceeds 80 psi, the code requires:

    1. A. A larger water meter
    2. B. An approved pressure-reducing valve (PRV) on the supply to fixtures
    3. C. A second backflow preventer
    4. D. A check valve only
    Show explanation

    IPC 604.8 and UPC 608.2 require a pressure-reducing valve where static pressure exceeds 80 psi, so the pressure to fixtures stays ≤ 80 psi (protecting fixtures, valves, and connections). The PRV is set and may include a bypass per the code.

    Ref: IPC 604.8 · UPC 608.2

    3. Horizontal drainage piping 3 in and smaller must be installed at a minimum slope of:

    1. A. 1/16 in per ft
    2. B. 1/8 in per ft
    3. C. 1/4 in per ft
    4. D. 1/2 in per ft
    Show explanation

    IPC Table 704.1: pipe 2-1/2 in and smaller slopes at 1/4 in/ft; 3 in to 6 in may slope at 1/8 in/ft; 8 in and larger at 1/16 in/ft. Minimum slope maintains a self-scouring velocity (~2 ft/s) so solids do not deposit.

    Ref: IPC Table 704.1 · UPC 708

    4. A fixture trap must have a liquid (water) seal of not less than and not more than:

    1. A. 1 in and 2 in
    2. B. 2 in and 4 in (unless a deep-seal trap is specifically required/permitted)
    3. C. 3 in and 6 in
    4. D. 1/2 in and 1 in
    Show explanation

    Both codes require a trap seal of 2 in to 4 in. The seal blocks sewer gas. Deeper seals (deep-seal traps) are used where evaporation or siphonage is a concern; shallower seals are prone to being broken.

    Ref: IPC 1002.4 · UPC 1008

    Want the full question bank?

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    Pennsylvania FAQ

    Which code does Pennsylvania use for the journeyman plumbing exam?

    Pennsylvania currently uses International Plumbing Code 2021. The state licensing board sets the exact exam edition — confirm before you sit.

    Is the Pennsylvania plumbing journeyman practice test really free?

    Yes. The warm-up set is fully ungated (first 5 questions per track). The 25-question study PDF is a free download. Only the full-bank PDF is gated by a newsletter signup.

    How many questions are on the actual Pennsylvania journeyman exam?

    Most state exams run 80-100 questions over 4 hours, open-book, with a 70-75% pass mark. Exact format is set by the state licensing board (often delivered by PSI, Prov, or Pearson VUE).

    Where can I check Pennsylvania code amendments?

    Local jurisdictions in Pennsylvania may publish amendments through the state's building-codes board or municipal codes. Always verify with the Authority Having Jurisdiction before relying on a specific value for design or installation work.