Georgia Journeyman Plumber Exam

Georgia Journeyman Plumber Exam — 5 Questions (5%)

Key Concepts

Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB)

• Board is located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
• Has five divisions: Conditioned Air, Electrical, Low Voltage, Master/Journeyman Plumbers, and Utility Contractors
• Each division has five members (contractors, journeymen, engineers, inspectors) plus two consumer members appointed by the Governor
• Terms are four years; each division meets at least once per quarter
• Licensing purpose: protect public health, safety, and welfare; establishes entrance requirements, standards of practice, and disciplinary authority
• Journeyman plumber requires 3 years experience; must pass exam with score of 70 or higher
• Licenses must be displayed at the place of business; business registration numbers must appear on contracts and advertising

Key Concepts

Georgia State Plumbing Code & SBCCI

• Georgia adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Georgia-specific amendments. Know that state amendments override the base IPC/IFGC where they conflict.
• Georgia requires high-efficiency fixture standards as part of state amendments — low-flow toilets (1.28 gpf or less), showerheads (2.0 gpm or less), and lavatory faucets (1.5 gpm or less) in new construction.
• The SBCCI Plumbing Code and SBCCI Gas Code remain historically referenced; understand that Georgia has transitioned to IPC/IFGC framework but exam questions may still test SBCCI familiarity.

Permits & Inspections

• A plumbing permit is required before beginning any new installation, alteration, or repair beyond minor maintenance. Work done without a permit is a code violation.
• Boiler permits are separate from plumbing permits and fall under the Georgia State Boiler Code. Water heaters above 200,000 BTU input or boilers above defined…

Key Concepts

Bill of Materials / Job Takeoff

A quantity takeoff is the systematic process of counting and measuring all materials needed from construction drawings and specifications. Work through drawings methodically by phase to avoid omissions. Every pipe run, fitting, fixture, and valve must be counted. The takeoff feeds directly into material cost determination.

• Specifications vs. Codes conflict: Always follow the stricter requirement. Codes are the minimum legal standard — you must meet or exceed them. Specifications may be more stringent than code; codes may be more stringent than specs. Either way, the stricter governs.
• Addenda: Any changes to bid documents before submission become part of the contract. Always review addenda — they can change quantities, materials, or scope.

Key Concepts

Cast Iron Pipe Cutting & Joining - Snap-type chain cutters (most common method), hammer and chisel, metal/demolition saw, and hydraulic cutters are all acceptable methods. - Joining methods: lead and oakum (lead poured hot into bell), rubber-type compression seals, and no-hub connectors (stainless steel band with neoprene gasket, torqued to manufacturer specs). - No-hub connectors may join cast iron to plastic or copper using approved transition fittings.

Copper Tubing Types & Wall Thickness - Type K: thickest wall — underground and critical service - Type L: medium wall — interior water distribution (most common) - Type M: thinnest wall — limited to above-ground, lower-pressure applications - DWV: drain/waste/vent only, not for pressure service - Tubing is cut with a wheel-type tubing cutter or metal saw; always ream after cutting to remove internal burr that restricts flow.

Key Concepts

Plan Interpretation & Specifications Always install per approved drawings. Where general and specific requirements conflict, the specific requirement governs (IPC Section 102.1). The most restrictive requirement applies when sections conflict.

Water Supply Sizing Size based on fixture units, developed length, and available pressure. Minimum flow rates and pressure requirements vary by fixture type. Supply sizing accounts for friction loss, velocity (max 8 fps in water distribution), and elevation changes.

Drainage System Sizing (DFU Method) Drainage Fixture Units (DFUs) are the foundation for sizing branches, stacks, and building drains. DFU values are assigned per fixture type — a water closet = 4 DFUs, lavatory = 1 DFU, bathtub/shower = 2 DFUs, kitchen sink = 2 DFUs, clothes washer = 3 DFUs. Size horizontal branches, stacks, and building drains from IPC Table 710.1 based on cumulative DFU load and slope.

Georgia Journeyman Plumber Exam | 7 Questions (7%)

Key Concepts

Water Distribution System Testing

• Hydrostatic (water) test: Pressurize to 1.5× working pressure, minimum 100 psi for at least 15 minutes. No drop in pressure = pass.
• Air test (water distribution): 50 psi minimum, held for 15 minutes. Use caution — air testing is hazardous under pressure and not permitted for all materials.
• Plastic pipe (PVC, CPVC, PEX) cannot be air tested at high pressures — water test is preferred and safer for plastic systems.

Sanitary and Drainage System Testing

• Water test: Fill system to the highest point of the stack; minimum 10-foot head of water (roughly 4.3 psi). Hold for 15 minutes.
• Air test: 5 psi air pressure, held for 15 minutes with no pressure drop.
• Smoke test: Introduce smoke under pressure; observe for escaping smoke at joints, traps, or improperly sealed points.
• **Peppermint…

Key Concepts

Gas Line Leak Detection Use soapy water or an approved combustible gas detector to locate leaks in gas supply lines. Never use an open flame to test for gas leaks. Apply soapy water to fittings, valves, and joints — bubbles indicate a leak. Gas detectors are preferred in enclosed spaces.

Thermocouple and Pilot Light A thermocouple generates a small millivolt current (typically 25–30 mV) when heated by a pilot flame, which holds the gas valve open. If the pilot won't stay lit, test the thermocouple with a multimeter. A reading below ~17–20 mV indicates a failed thermocouple — replace it. Clean pilot orifices with compressed air; never use wire that can enlarge the orifice.

Key Concepts

OSHA Standards Framework

• 29 CFR 1926 – Safety and Health Regulations for the Construction Industry (primary reference)
• 29 CFR 1910 – General Industry Standards
• 29 CFR 1904 – Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Georgia has no state OSHA plan; federal OSHA applies directly
• OSHA poster must be posted at the daily reporting location on construction sites

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Employer is responsible for providing, maintaining, and training on PPE
• Required PPE categories: hard hats, safety footwear, protective eyewear, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, fall protection
• Select PPE based on hazard assessment — not generic choice

(5 questions, 5% of exam)

Key Concepts

Pipe Offsets (45°): A 45° offset creates a right triangle. The three components are the offset (rise), the run, and the diagonal (travel). The 45° constant is 1.414 — multiply the offset by 1.414 to find the diagonal pipe length. The run equals the offset in a true 45° offset.

Volume: Three shapes matter most: - Cylinder: V = π × r² × h (use 3.1416 for π) - Rectangular solid: V = L × W × H - Sphere: V = (4/3) × π × r³

Water Pressure & Head: Water weighs 62.4 lb/ft³. One foot of water column = 0.433 psi. Conversely, 1 psi = 2.31 feet of head. These two conversion factors are the core of all pressure/head problems.