Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

New York City Master Plumber Exam

New York  ·  CPS HR Consulting

Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
100
Passing score
70%
Exam time
240 min
Administered by
CPS HR Consulting
Format
Closed-book

New York State Portion 100 questions

Drainage 21 Q · 21%
Installation (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 3)Maintenance (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 7)Inspection Requirements (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 1)Permits (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 1, NYC ADC Ch. 1, NYC BC Appendix G)Indirect/Special Waste (1 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 8)Sanitary Drainage (4 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 6, NYC PC Ch. 7, NYC FGC Ch. 3)Storm Drainage (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 11)Vents (4 items; NYC PC Ch. 9)Drainage pipe materials and approved standards (above-ground, underground, building drain)Drainage fixture unit values and system sizing (Tables 709.1, 710.1)Cleanout requirements (location, spacing, size, access)Piping slope, grade, and changes in direction +7 more
Equipment 23 Q · 23%
Installation (Equipment) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 4, NYC ADC Ch. 2, NYC ADC Ch. 3)Maintenance (Equipment) (1 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 6)Inspection Requirements (Equipment) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 1, NYC PC Ch. 3)Permits (Equipment) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 1)Materials (Equipment) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 7)Limited Alterations (2 items; NYC ADC Ch. 1, NYC BC Ch. 1)Applicability (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 1)Fixtures, Faucets, and Fittings (4 items; NYC PC Ch. 4, NYC PC Ch. 6, NYC PC Ch. 8)Sizing (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 6, NYC PC Appendix E)Special Piping and Storage (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 12)Traps (1 items; NYC PC Ch. 10)Interceptors and Separators (grease interceptors, oil separators, sand interceptors, sizing and installation) +13 more
Gas Piping 29 Q · 29%
Installation (Gas) (3 items; NYC FGC Ch. 1, NYC FGC Ch. 4)Maintenance (Gas) (3 items; NYC FGC Ch. 4, NYC ADC Ch. 3)Inspection Requirements (Gas) (3 items; NYC FGC Ch. 1, NYC FGC Ch. 4, NYC ADC Ch. 3)Permits (Gas) (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 1, NYC FGC Ch. 1, NYC ADC Ch. 1)Materials (Gas) (3 items; NYC FGC Ch. 4)Sizing (Gas) (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 8, NYC FGC Ch. 4)Gas Appliances (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 5, NYC PC Ch. 6)Drips and Sloped Piping (1 items; NYC FGC Ch. 4)Flow Controls (2 items; NYC FGC Ch. 4)Piping Support/Systems (3 items; NYC FGC Ch. 1, NYC FGC Ch. 4)Shut-off Valves (2 items; NYC FGC Ch. 4)Pressure Testing Procedures and Requirements +9 more
Water Supply 17 Q · 17%
Installation (Water) (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 6)Maintenance (Water) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 3)Inspection Requirements (Water) (2 items; NYC PC Ch. 1, NYC PC Ch. 3)Permits (Water) (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 1, NYC ADC Ch. 1)Water Recycling Systems (3 items; NYC PC Ch. 13)Water Distribution (4 items; NYC PC Ch. 3, NYC PC Ch. 4, NYC PC Ch. 6)Potable Water Protection and Cross-Connection ControlBackflow Preventer Types, Standards, and Testing RequirementsHot Water Supply System Requirements and Temperature ControlsWater Pressure Management (Booster Systems, Pressure-Reducing Valves, and Water Hammer)Pipe Materials, Joints, and Connection Standards for Water SupplyDisinfection of Potable Water Systems +6 more
Fire Protection 10 Q · 10%
Standpipe and Sprinkler Installation (3 items; NYC BC Appendix Q)Standpipe and Sprinkler Maintenance (3 items; NYC BC Ch. 33, NYC BC Appendix Q)Inspection Requirements (Fire) (2 items; NYC BC Appendix Q)Permits (Fire) (2 items; NYC ADC Ch. 1)Fire protection during construction and demolition (standpipes, sprinklers, water supply)Stationary fire pump installation requirements (NFPA 20 as modified for NYC)Fire department connections (FDC) — placement, marking, and zoningStandpipe system design requirements (pipe sizing, zones, pressure limits, water supply)Sprinkler system installation in one- and two-family dwellings (NFPA 13D as modified for NYC)Sprinkler system installation in residential occupancies (NFPA 13R as modified for NYC)Air pressurized alarm systems for dry standpipes during construction or demolitionSite safety manager duties related to standpipe readiness and fire protection monitoring +5 more

Key Distinctions

Manufacturer's installation instructions conflicting with the Plumbing CodevsReferenced standard (Chapter 15) differing from the Plumbing Code

Where the code and the manufacturer's instructions conflict, the more restrictive provisions apply (Sec. 301.7), but where the code and a referenced standard differ, the provisions of the code apply (Sec. 102.8).

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Sections 102.8 and 301.7
Low-pressure gas equation (Equation 4-1)vsHigh-pressure gas equation (Equation 4-2)

Equation 4-1 is used for gas piping systems operating at less than 1-1/2 psi (10.3 kPa), while Equation 4-2 is used at 1-1/2 psi and above.

NYC Fuel Gas Code 2022, Section 402.4
Water test of drainage/vent systemvsAir test of drainage/vent system

The water test requires a head of not less than 10 feet held not less than 15 minutes (each successive section also including at least the upper 10 feet of the preceding section), while the air test requires a uniform gauge pressure of 5 psi held not less than 15 minutes and may not be used on plastic piping.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 312.2
Cleanout clearance for 6-inch and smaller pipingvsCleanout clearance for 8-inch and larger piping

Piping 6 inches and smaller requires not less than 18 inches of clearance, while 8-inch and larger piping requires not less than 36 inches, measured perpendicular to the face of the cleanout opening.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 708.1.9
Suds pressure zone in the vertical stackvsSuds pressure zone at a 60- or 90-degree fitting in the horizontal drain

In the vertical portion of a soil or waste stack the zone extends within 40 stack diameters of the base fitting, while at a 60- or 90-degree fitting in the horizontal drain the zone extends 40 drain diameters upstream and 10 drain diameters downstream of the fitting.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 704.6
Indirect waste piping trapping trigger — horizontal developed lengthvsIndirect waste piping trapping trigger — total developed length

Indirect waste piping must be trapped where it exceeds 30 inches of developed length measured horizontally, or where it exceeds 54 inches of total developed length.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 802.2
Minimum slope of horizontal drainage piping 3 inches to 6 inchesvsMinimum slope of 2-1/2 inches and smaller vs. 8 inches and larger

Piping 3 to 6 inches requires 1/8 inch per foot, piping 2-1/2 inches and smaller requires 1/4 inch per foot, and piping 8 inches and larger requires 1/16 inch per foot.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 704.1 and Table 704.1
New sump pump installationvsSump pump replacement or repair

Installation of a new sump pump is not listed as ordinary plumbing work and requires a work permit, while replacement or repair of a sump pump is ordinary work under §28-105.4.4(3).

NYC Administrative Code Ch. 1, §28-105.4.4
Testing of interior storm drainage piping designed to run fullvsTesting of storm piping outside the building

Interior storm piping designed to run full is tested to withstand a head of 10 feet of water above the anticipated high water level, while storm piping outside the building is tested to a head of water equal to grade and may be tested after backfilling.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 312.8
Automatic backwater valve / automatic backflow devicevsManually operated backflow device

Amended ASCE 24 Section 7.3.3 requires an automatic backwater valve or automatic backflow device in each line extending below the design flood elevation, and permits redundant devices requiring human intervention only as a supplement, not as a replacement.

NYC Building Code 2022, Appendix G, ASCE 24 Section 7.3.3 (as amended)
3 inches per hour rainfall ratevs5.95 inches per hour rainfall intensity (I)

The 3 in/hr rate underlies sizing of conductors, leaders and storm drains (including the 32 sq ft per gpm equivalence), while I = 5.95 in/hr is used in the rational-method runoff calculation for a private on-site stormwater disposal system.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 1106.2.1
Separate work permits required by §28-105.3vsWork exempt from a separate permit under §28-105.3

Plumbing work (including gas piping), sprinkler/fire suppression work and elevator work each require their own permit, whereas foundations/earthwork and installation or alteration of air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems need no separate permit when included in the construction documents filed for a new building or alteration.

NYC Administrative Code Title 28 (2022), §28-105.3
Permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)vsPermits from the Department of Transportation (DOT)

DEP issues permits for installation of the building sewer (and plug permits for abandoned sewers), while DOT issues permits for sidewalk and street openings.

NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 106.6

Key Terms

Ordinary plumbing work (relocation of fixtures) NYC Administrative Code Title 28 (2022), §28-105.4.4
Per §28-105.4.4(2), relocation of up to two plumbing fixtures within the same room to a maximum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the original location, except in health care facilities.
Ordinary plumbing work (piping repair/replacement) NYC Administrative Code Title 28 (2022), §28-105.4.4
Per §28-105.4.4(6) and (7), repair or replacement of non-gas, non-fire-suppression piping not longer than 25 feet (7620 mm) inside a building (or connected piping previously repaired under the provision), and of branch piping after the riser shutoff valve including replacement of fixtures.
Monthly report for permit-free ordinary plumbing work NYC Administrative Code Title 28 (2022), §28-105.4.4
Under §28-105.4.4, the licensed plumber must furnish the department a monthly report listing work completed and in progress during the preceding month (block, lot, address, description and location in the building), pay required fees, and certify code compliance.
Approved agency witness (plumbing tests) NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 312.1.2
Under Section 312.1.2, an individual authorized to witness tests on behalf of an approved agency must be a licensed master plumber or registered design professional with not less than 5 years experience in the inspection and testing of piping systems.
Fresh air inlet NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 703.7.1
Per Section 703.7.1, a pipe connected to every sanitary or combined building drain immediately upstream of and within 4 feet of the building trap, sized at least one-half the diameter of the building drain at the point of connection but not less than 3 inches.
Backwater valve NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 709.3
Per the amended ASCE 24 Sections 7.3.3 and 7.3.4 (NYC BC Appendix G), a valve installed in the building drain at its point of exit from the building and downstream of the building trap; in special flood hazard areas an automatic backwater valve or other automatic backflow device is required in each line extending below the design flood elevation, with manually operated devices permitted only as redundant devices.
Suds relief vent NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 704.6
Per Section 704.6, a vent relieving a suds pressure zone to a nonpressure zone, sized at least three-quarters the diameter of the piping in which the pressure zone occurs but not less than 2 inches.
Relief vent at every tenth branch interval NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 908.2
Per Section 908.2, in stacks with more than 10 branch intervals a relief vent equal in size to the vent stack it connects to, with its lower end connected to the soil or waste stack through a wye below the horizontal branch serving the floor and its upper end connected to the vent stack through a tee or inverted wye not less than 3 feet above the floor.
Vented stack offset NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 907.1
Per Section 907.1, a horizontal offset of a drainage stack must be vented where five or more branch intervals are located above the offset, and both the upper and lower sections of the stack must be vented.
Vent terminal location limitation NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 903.5.1
Per Section 903.5.1, a new open vent terminal may not be within 10 feet horizontally of a door, operable window or other air intake opening unless it is at least 3 feet above the top of such opening.
Combination plumbing fixture served by a single trap NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 1002.1, Exception 2
Per Section 1002.1 Exception 2, a combination fixture may be served by one trap provided one compartment is not more than 6 inches deeper than the other and the waste outlets are not more than 30 inches apart.
Standpipe (clothes washer receptor) NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 802.3.3
Per Section 802.3.3, an individually trapped receptor extending not less than 18 inches but not greater than 42 inches above the trap weir, with access provided for rodding.
Prohibited pipe rehabilitation methods NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 601.5
Per Sections 601.5 and 701.10, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) and epoxy spray pipe lining systems shall not be used for rehabilitation of piping systems.
Prohibited drainage joints NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 707.1
Per Section 707.1, joints between different-diameter pipes made with elastomeric rolling O-rings, cement or concrete joints, mastic or hot-pour bituminous joints, solvent-cement joints between different types of plastic pipe, and saddle-type fittings are prohibited.
Plug permit NYC Plumbing Code 2022, Section 701.2.5
Per Section 701.2.5, the permit required from the Department of Environmental Protection for abandoned building sewers, which must be securely sealed at a point inside the curb line, as close thereto as practicable.
Line pressure regulator (fuel gas) NYC Fuel Gas Code 2022, Section 410.1
Per FGC 410.1, a regulator required wherever an appliance is designed to operate at a lower pressure than the supply pressure; it must be provided with access, protected from physical damage, and listed as complying with ANSI Z21.80/CSA 6.22.
House line shutoff valve identification NYC Fuel Gas Code 2022, Section 409.3.3
Per FGC 409.3.3, an identification tag attached by the installer to each house line shutoff valve so the piping system supplied is readily identified, provided in compliance with ASME A13.1.
Condensate neutralization NYC Fuel Gas Code 2022, Section 307.2.1
Per FGC 307.2.1, acidic condensate from fuel-burning appliances and associated flues must be neutralized to a pH of at least 6 and not more than 8 prior to disposal to a sanitary system.

Formulas to Know

Total fall of horizontal drainage piping at minimum slopeFall = developed length (ft) x minimum slope; slope is 1/4 in/ft for pipe 2-1/2 in and smaller, 1/8 in/ft for 3 in to 6 in, and 1/16 in/ft for 8 in and larger (e.g., 90 ft of 6-in = 11-1/4 in; 24 ft of 2-in = 6 in; 120 ft of 10-in = 7-1/2 in).
Fresh air inlet sizeSize = 1/2 x building drain diameter at the point of connection, but not less than 3 in (6-in drain = 3 in; 8-in drain = 4 in).
Suds relief vent sizeSize = 3/4 x diameter of the piping in which the pressure zone occurs, but not less than 2 in (4-in stack = 3 in).
10-diameter rule at the base of a drainage stackHorizontal branches shall connect to the building drain not less than 10 x stack diameter downstream of the stack (5-in stack = 50 in); a vent stack connecting to the building drain must connect downstream of the drainage stack within 10 x stack diameter (4-in stack = 40 in).
Suds pressure zone in a vertical stackZone = 40 x stack diameter measured upward from the base fitting (4-in stack: 40 x 4 in = 160 in = 13 ft 4 in).
Drainage fixture units for continuous/semicontinuous flow1 gpm = 2 dfu (15 gpm = 30 dfu; adding a 2-dfu kitchen sink gives 32 dfu).
Static pressure loss or gain from elevation changepsi = 0.433 x elevation change in feet (20 ft above the source = 8.66 psi loss).
Pressure available to overcome pipe frictionAvailable psi = pressure at main - (highest fixture pressure + meter loss + tap loss + static head loss); where the main is ABOVE the highest outlet the elevation psi is a static gain that is added instead (example with main above: 60 - (8 + 6 + 0.9) + (14 x 0.433) = 51.16 psi; example with outlet above: 65 - (15 + 8 + 1.1 + 40 x 0.433) = 23.58 psi).
Trial pipe size — average pressure drop per 100 feet and equivalent lengthAverage drop = (psi available for friction x 100) / equivalent length of run (12 x 100 / 400 = 3.0 psi per 100 ft); where fitting and valve sizes are unknown, equivalent length = developed length x 1.5 (180 ft x 1.5 = 270 ft).
Roof area equivalent of continuous discharge to a storm drainEquivalent roof area = gpm x 32 sq ft (based on a 3 in/hr rainfall rate); 20 gpm x 32 = 640 sq ft.
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