Idaho - PLUMBING JOURNEYMAN EXAM

Key Concepts

Code Title and Authority (Section 101.0) - Official title: "Uniform Plumbing Code" (Section 101.1) - Code governs erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition, use, and maintenance of plumbing systems (Section 101.2) - Purpose: Provides minimum requirements for public health, safety, and welfare protection (Section 101.3)

Code Conflicts and Hierarchy (Section 102.1) - When plumbing code conflicts with mechanical code, plumbing code prevails - When code, standards, or manufacturer instructions conflict, more stringent provisions prevail - Specific requirements override general requirements

Existing Installations (Section 102.2) - Lawfully existing plumbing systems may continue use, maintenance, and repair if: - They follow original design and location - No hazard to life, health, or property exists

Key Concepts

Basic Definitions Structure (Section 201.0-203.0) - Chapter 2 contains alphabetically arranged definitions for technical plumbing terms - Only terms with specific code meanings are defined - common dictionary words are not redefined - Definitions apply throughout the entire code unless specifically noted otherwise

Critical Accessibility Definitions - Accessible: Requires access but may need removal of access panel, door, or obstruction first - Readily Accessible: Direct access without removing any panels, doors, or obstructions - These distinctions are crucial for fixture and equipment placement requirements

Key Concepts

Section 301.1 - Applicability Chapter 3 governs general requirements for plumbing system installation that are not specific to other chapters. This establishes the foundational rules that apply across all plumbing work.

Section 301.2 - Minimum Standards All plumbing materials, pipes, fittings, traps, fixtures, and devices must be: - Listed or labeled by a third-party certified listing agency (accredited conformity assessment body) - Comply with approved applicable recognized standards referenced in the code - Free from defects - Submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for approval unless otherwise provided

Key Concepts

Fixture Quality Requirements (401.2) All plumbing fixtures must be constructed of dense, durable, non-absorbent materials with smooth, impervious surfaces free from unnecessary concealed fouling surfaces. This ensures sanitary conditions and prevents bacterial growth.

Installation Accessibility (402.1) Fixtures must be installed to afford easy access for repairs and cleaning. Pipes from fixtures shall be run to the nearest wall. This is critical for maintenance and code compliance.

Watertight Joints (402.2) Where fixtures contact walls or floors, joints must be made watertight. This prevents water damage and maintains building integrity.

Key Concepts

General Requirements (Section 501.0) - All water heaters must comply with manufacturer's installation instructions and be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction - Storage water heaters must meet minimum capacity requirements per first-hour rating in Table 501.1(1) - Listed appliances must follow manufacturer's instructions; unlisted appliances permitted per Section 504.3.2

Permits and Inspection (Sections 502.0-503.0) - Permits required for all water heater installation, removal, or replacement (Section 502.1) - Two inspections required: - Vent/chimney inspection before concealment (Section 503.1) - Final inspection after installation completion (Section 503.2) - Category 3 or 4 exhaust venting must be air tested at 5 pounds for 15 minutes

Key Concepts

General Applicability (Section 601.1) Chapter 6 governs materials, design, and installation of water supply systems, including backflow prevention methods and devices.

Hot and Cold Water Requirements (Section 601.2) - Each plumbing fixture must have adequate potable running water supply - Water closets and urinals require flush tanks or flushometer valves - Private occupancies: Hot water required for bathing, washing, laundry, cooking, dishwashing, maintenance - Public occupancies: Hot water required for bathing and washing only - Exception: Listed fixtures not requiring water connection

System Identification Requirements (Section 601.3) Critical color coding system: - Potable water: Green background with white lettering - Nonpotable water: Yellow background with black uppercase lettering "CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER, DO NOT DRINK" - **Alternate water…

Key Concepts

Section 701.1 - Applicability: Chapter 7 governs materials, design, and installation of sanitary drainage systems and building sewers. This is the foundation for all drainage work.

Section 701.2 - Critical Material Restrictions: - No galvanized wrought-iron or steel underground - must be kept minimum 6 inches aboveground - No vitrified clay aboveground or under pressure - must be minimum 12 inches belowground - Stainless steel 304 - prohibited underground, minimum 6 inches aboveground - ABS/PVC in ducts/plenums (except single-family) - flame spread index ≤25, smoke-developed index ≤50 per ASTM E84/UL 723

Key Concepts

Indirect Waste Definition & Purpose (Section 801.1) Indirect wastes must discharge into the building drainage system through an air gap or air break. This prevents contamination of the potable water system and provides proper drainage for equipment not classified as plumbing fixtures.

Air Gap Requirements (Section 801.2) - Minimum vertical distance: 1 inch (25.4 mm) from lowest point of indirect waste pipe to flood-level rim of receptor - Required for all indirect waste connections unless specifically exempted

Food Service Equipment (Section 801.3) - Required equipment: Refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, steam tables, coffee urns, drink dispensers - Minimum pipe size: 1 inch (25 mm) for most equipment - Ice machine exception: Minimum 3⁄4 inch (20 mm) - **Maximum…

Key Concepts

Vent System Purpose (901.2, 901.3) - Every plumbing fixture trap must be protected against siphonage and backpressure - Air circulation must be ensured throughout the drainage system - Trap seal protection: vent system prevents pressure differential exceeding 1 inch water column (0.24 kPa) on outlet side of trap

Vent Requirements and Exceptions (902.0) - Primary interceptors discharging through horizontal indirect waste to secondary interceptor don't need venting (902.1) - Bar/soda fountain/counter sinks may be unvented if construction makes venting impossible - must discharge through indirect waste to floor sink (902.2)

Key Concepts

Each fixture requires separate trapping (Section 1001.2): Every plumbing fixture must be separately trapped by an approved liquid seal trap, except fixtures with integral traps. Only one trap is permitted per trap arm.

Maximum tailpiece length is 24 inches (Section 1001.2): The vertical distance from fixture outlet to trap weir must be as short as practicable, never exceeding 24 inches.

Multiple fixture trap exceptions (Section 1001.2): One trap may serve up to three single compartment sinks/laundry tubs of same depth, or three lavatories, when they are adjacent in the same room with waste outlets not more than 30 inches apart and trap is centrally located.

Key Concepts

Storm Water Separation Requirements (Section 1101.3) - Storm water SHALL NOT be drained into sanitary sewers - Must use separate storm sewer system or combined sewer where separate unavailable - For 1-2 family dwellings: storm water may discharge to flat areas (streets/lawns) if flow is directed away from building and adjoining property without creating nuisance

Approved Materials for Storm Drainage (Section 1101.4) - Conductors within vents/shafts: cast-iron, galvanized steel, wrought iron, copper, copper alloy, lead, Schedule 40 ABS DWV, Schedule 40 PVC DWV, stainless steel 304 or 316L - Critical restriction: Stainless steel 304 shall NOT be installed underground and must be kept minimum 6 inches aboveground - Materials in ducts/plenums (except single-family): flame-spread index ≤25, smoke…

Key Concepts

Scope and Applicability (Section 1201.1) - Chapter 12 governs fuel gas piping installation up to 5 psi (34 kPa) pressure - Covers piping in/connected to buildings, structures, or within property lines - Does NOT cover service pipe (utility responsibility) - Fuel oil systems follow NFPA 31, not this chapter

Point of Delivery Definition (Section 1202.1) - Non-LP Gas systems: Point of delivery is the outlet of service meter assembly, service regulator, or service shutoff valve (when no meter exists) - Undiluted LP Gas systems: Point of delivery is outlet of final pressure regulator (excluding line gas regulators when no meter installed); when meter present, it's the meter outlet - Coverage extends from point of delivery to appliance…

Key Concepts

General Applicability (Section 1401.1) Firestop protection applies to ALL piping penetrations through fire-resistance-rated assemblies including walls, partitions, floors, floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling assemblies, and shaft enclosures. Must comply with both building code and Chapter 14 requirements.

Construction Documents (Section 1402.1) Construction documents must show sufficient detail for firestop penetrations before design approval. This is a critical inspection requirement - no penetrations can be approved without proper documentation.

Installation Requirements (Section 1403.1) Firestop systems must be installed per Chapter 14, building code, AND manufacturer's installation instructions. All three sources must be followed.

Key Concepts

Section 1501.1 - Applicability and Allowable Use Chapter 15 applies to construction, alteration, and repair of alternate water source systems for nonpotable applications. Alternate water sources include reclaimed (recycled) water, gray water, and on-site treated nonpotable water. These systems can be used in lieu of potable water only where approved or required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Section 1501.2 - System Design Requirements Alternate water source systems must be designed by a registered design professional OR someone who demonstrates competency as required by the AHJ. All components, piping, and fittings must be listed.

Key Concepts

System Applicability (Section 1601.1) - Chapter 16 applies to installation, construction, alteration, and repair of nonpotable rainwater catchment systems - Rainwater may be used in lieu of potable water only where approved or required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Design Requirements (Section 1601.2) - Systems must be designed by a person registered/licensed to perform plumbing design work - All components, piping, and fittings must be listed - Key Exceptions: No licensed designer required for: - Irrigation systems with maximum 360-gallon storage capacity - Single-family dwelling systems where outlets, piping, and components are exterior to the building

Key Concepts

Mandatory Standards Application: Section 1701.1 establishes that referenced standards in Table 1701.1 are mandatory when required by specific sections throughout the Idaho State Plumbing Code. These standards are not optional recommendations—they carry the force of law when called out in code sections.

Table 1701.1 Structure: This comprehensive table organizes standards by: - Standard number (e.g., ASME A112.1.2-2012, AHAM FWD-1-2009) - Standard title describing the specific application - Application category (Fixtures, Piping, Valves, etc.) - Referenced sections where each standard applies

Key Standard Categories: - ASME A112 Series: Covers plumbing fixtures, fittings, and drainage components - ASME B16 Series: Addresses pipe fittings, flanges, and valves - ASME B1.20 Series: Specifies pipe threading requirements - AHAM, APSP, ARCSA: Cover…

Key Concepts

When sizing plumbing systems from schematics, you must understand both water supply requirements and proper system identification from Chapter 6 - Water Supply and Distribution (2017 ISPC).

Water Supply Requirements (Section 601.2): - Every plumbing fixture must have adequate potable running water supply - Hot water is required for private use: bathing, washing, laundry, cooking, dishwashing, maintenance - Hot water is required for public use: bathing and washing only - Water closets and urinals must use approved flush tanks or flushometer valves - Exception exists for listed fixtures that don't require water connection