Georgia Master Plumber Class I (Restricted) Exam

Key Concepts

Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)

• Located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
• Five divisions: Conditioned Air, Electrical, Low Voltage, Master/Journeyman Plumbers, and Utility Contractors
• Each division has 5 members (contractors, journeymen, engineers, inspectors) plus 2 consumer members appointed by the Governor
• Board members serve 4-year terms; each division meets at least once per quarter
• Purpose: protect public health, safety, and welfare; enforce standards; administer discipline
• License requires: application + fee, documented experience, and passing exam with score of 70 or higher
• Class I Master Plumber is restricted to: single-family dwellings, one-level dwellings (≤2 families), and commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 sq ft
• Master plumber applicants need…

Key Concepts

Class I License Restrictions

A Class I Master Plumber license is restricted to: - Single-family dwellings - One-level dwellings designed for not more than two families - Commercial structures not to exceed 10,000 square feet

Class II is unrestricted. Master plumber applicants need 5 years experience; journeymen need 3 years.

Georgia State Plumbing Code & SBCCI

Georgia adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with state amendments. The SBCCI codes are the historical predecessor — know that Georgia has transitioned to IPC/IFGC but exam questions may reference SBCCI context. Georgia state amendments include high-efficiency fixture requirements and specific boiler/water heater capacity thresholds.

Key Concepts

Bill of Materials / Job Takeoff A quantity takeoff is a systematic process of counting and measuring all materials from drawings and specifications before pricing. Work room-by-room or system-by-system. Measure pipe runs linearly, count fittings individually, and list fixtures by type. The takeoff feeds directly into the bill of materials (BOM), which lists every item needed with quantities, unit costs, and extended costs.

Equipment Nameplate Data Nameplates are the authoritative source for equipment specifications. Know what to read on each: - Pumps: GPM, head pressure (feet), horsepower, voltage/phase, RPM - Water Heaters: BTU input, recovery rate (GPH), storage capacity (gallons), first-hour rating, energy factor, max working pressure, temperature setting - Backflow Preventers: Model, size, approved assembly number,…

Key Concepts

Cast Iron Pipe Joining (IPC Chapter 7) - Lead and oakum joints: oakum is packed first, then molten lead is poured and caulked - No-hub connectors use a neoprene gasket and stainless steel clamp band - Rubber-type compression seals (push-on) are acceptable for hub-and-spigot joints - Transition fittings must be listed and approved for the specific material combination (e.g., clay-to-cast-iron, cast-iron-to-plastic)

Copper Tubing Types and Wall Thickness - Type K: thickest wall — underground and critical service - Type L: medium wall — general interior supply (most common) - Type M: thinnest wall — permitted for above-ground supply in most jurisdictions (verify local amendments) - Type DWV: drain/waste/vent applications only; not for pressure supply

Perform Plumbing Systems Installation Activities (16 Questions, 13%)

Key Concepts

Plans & Specifications Always install per approved drawings. Where a general requirement conflicts with a specific requirement, the specific requirement governs (IPC §102.1). Where sections conflict, the most restrictive applies.

Water Supply Sizing Size based on pressure, friction loss, and fixture units (WSFUs). Maintain minimum flow pressure at fixtures; account for elevation pressure loss (0.433 psi per foot of rise).

Drainage Sizing — DFU Values (IPC Table 709.1) Key fixture unit values to memorize: - Water closet (tank type): 3 DFU - Lavatory: 1 DFU - Bathtub/shower: 2 DFU - Kitchen sink (residential): 2 DFU - Clothes washer: 2 DFU - Floor drain: 2 DFU - Dishwasher:…

Key Concepts

Water Distribution System Testing

• Hydrostatic test: Pressurize with water to 1.5× working pressure or a minimum of 50 psi for not less than 15 minutes with no visible leakage.
• Air testing on plastic pipe is generally prohibited or restricted — water pressure testing is preferred for potable water systems due to safety and pipe material compatibility.
• All joints must remain exposed and uninsulated until inspection and test approval.

Sanitary and Drainage System Testing

Four accepted test methods for DWV systems: 1. Water test: Fill system to the highest point; minimum 10-foot head (4.33 psi); hold for 15 minutes; no drop in level. 2. Air test: 5 psi for 15 minutes; no pressure…

Topic: Perform Maintenance and Repair Activities (11 questions, 9%)

Key Concepts

Gas Line Leak Detection

• Soapy water is the standard field method — apply to joints and fittings, watch for bubbles. Never use an open flame.
• Electronic gas detectors are used where visual inspection is difficult or in enclosed spaces.
• After repairs, always re-test and verify zero leakage before restoring service.

Gas Appliance Service

• Thermocouple testing: A functioning thermocouple generates ~25–30 mV. If voltage drops below ~17–20 mV, replace it. If the pilot won't stay lit after thermocouple replacement, check the gas valve.
• Pilot lights: Clean orifice with compressed air (never wire), verify flame contacts the thermocouple tip properly. -…

Key Concepts

Regulatory Framework

• OSHA governs construction safety under 29 CFR 1926 (construction), 29 CFR 1910 (general industry), and 29 CFR 1904 (recordkeeping).
• Georgia has no state OSHA plan — federal OSHA standards apply directly.
• Employers must post the OSHA poster at every location where employees report daily.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Employer is responsible for providing and ensuring use of required PPE: hard hats, safety shoes/boots, protective eyewear, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, fall protection, and protective coveralls.
• PPE selection must be based on hazard assessment per 29 CFR 1926.95.

Key Concepts

Pipe Offsets (45°): A 45° offset involves three pipe segments — the diagonal (the angled pipe), the rise (vertical distance), and the run (horizontal distance). The diagonal is always the longest piece. The key relationship: rise = run, and the diagonal = rise × 1.414 (the 45° constant).

Volume: Three shapes matter most: - Cylinder (pipes, tanks): V = π × r² × h, where r = radius, h = height/length - Rectangular solid (tanks, pits): V = L × W × H - Sphere (expansion tanks, pressure vessels): V = (4/3) × π × r³

Key Concepts

Business Entity Structures

• Sole Proprietorship: Unlimited personal liability; dissolves on owner's death; simplest to form; net income reported as ordinary income on personal return.
• General Partnership: All general partners have unlimited personal liability; dissolves if a general partner dies or leaves; income filed on IRS Form 1065.
• Limited Partnership: One or more general partners (unlimited liability) + limited partners (liability limited to investment).
• LLC / Corporation (S or C): Provides liability protection; requires formal registration with Georgia Secretary of State.
• Register fictitious/trade names at the state level. Reserve business names through Georgia Secretary of State (sos.ga.gov).

Key Concepts

Bonds - Bid Bond: Guarantees a bidder will enter into a contract if awarded; protects the owner if the low bidder backs out. - Performance Bond: Guarantees the contractor will complete the work per contract terms. - Payment Bond: Guarantees the contractor will pay subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers. - Liquidated Damages: A pre-agreed dollar amount per day written into the contract that the contractor owes the owner for each day of delay beyond the completion date. Must be a reasonable estimate of actual damages — not a penalty.

Key Concepts

Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control Backflow preventers must match the degree of hazard. Air gaps (IPC §608) provide the highest protection. Reduced-pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies are required for high-hazard connections (chemicals, irrigation with fertilizers, medical equipment). Double-check valve assemblies apply to low-hazard situations. Vacuum breakers (atmospheric or pressure-type) protect against backsiphonage only — they do not protect against backpressure.

Water Heater & Boiler Sizing Size water heaters based on peak demand (gallons per hour) and first-hour rating. Storage capacity and recovery rate must both meet demand. Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves are mandatory on all water heaters (IPC §504.4); the discharge pipe must terminate within 6 inches of the floor or drain. Boiler sizing uses BTU…