Idaho Plumbing Journeyman Exam

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 sources: Purple background (Pantone 512, 522C) with…

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 developed length: 15 feet (4572 mm)

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 developed index ≤50

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 connections

Key Concepts

Testing & Inspection (Section 105.3) Tests may be conducted in the presence of the AHJ or the AHJ's duly appointed representative — not mandatory AHJ presence in all cases. Two exceptions exist: (1) exhibition systems with no connection to water or drainage, and (2) minor installations/repairs where the AHJ may waive formal testing and conduct whatever inspection it deems advisable. All joints must be gastight and watertight for required test pressures.

Definition of Plumbing System (Section 218) The UPC definition is deleted. Idaho uses the definition from Section 54-2604, Idaho Code exclusively.