Idaho Plumbing Specialty Appliance Journeyman Exam

Chapter 1 Administration — Study Brief

Key Concepts

Scope & Purpose (101.2, 101.3) The UPC applies to erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, or maintenance of plumbing systems. The code's purpose is to provide minimum requirements for protection of public health, safety, and welfare. It is not a design standard — it sets a floor, not a ceiling.

Conflict Resolution (102.1) When conflicts arise, follow this hierarchy: - UPC prevails over the mechanical code - The more stringent provision prevails when UPC, applicable standards, or manufacturer instructions conflict - Specific requirements prevail over general requirements

Existing Installations (102.2, 102.4) Lawfully installed systems may continue in use if they follow original design and create no hazard. Additions, alterations, and repairs must conform to new-work standards without requiring the entire existing system to be upgraded — but they must not make the existing system unsafe, insanitary, or overloaded.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — Duties & Powers (103.1) - The AHJ is the duly appointed authority to enforce this code - Has the powers of a law enforcement officer - May render code interpretations and adopt supplemental rules and regulations - May appoint technical officers, inspectors, and employees; may deputize inspectors - May request assistance from other jurisdiction officials

Chapter 2 Definitions — Study Brief

Key Concepts

Drainage & Venting System Terminology - Drain: Any pipe that carries wastewater or waterborne wastes in a building drainage system. - Waste Pipe: Carries liquid waste free of fecal matter. - Soil Pipe: Carries waste containing fecal matter from water closets or similar fixtures. - Stack: Any main vertical DWV line, including soil, waste, and vent stacks. - Vent Stack: A vertical vent pipe installed to provide airflow to and from the drainage system. - Branch: Any part of the piping system other than a main, riser, or stack (UPC 202.0). - Building Drain: Lowest piping in the drainage system; receives discharge from soil, waste, and drainage pipes inside the building walls and conveys it to the building sewer beginning 2 feet (610 mm) outside the building wall. - Building Sewer: Extends from the end of the building drain to the public sewer or point of disposal.

Backflow & Cross-Connection Terminology - Backflow: Flow of water or other substances into the potable water distribution system from any source other than its intended source. - Backpressure Backflow: Backflow caused by increased pressure above supply pressure (pumps, boilers, gravity). - Backsiphonage: Backflow caused by pressure less than atmospheric in the supply pipe — a siphoning effect. - Backflow Preventer: Device, assembly, or method used to prevent backflow into the potable water system. - **Air…

Study Brief: 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code Chapter 3 (14% of Exam)

Key Concepts

Minimum Standards & Listing (Section 301.2) All pipe, fittings, traps, fixtures, and devices must be listed or labeled (third-party certified) by an accredited listing agency and comply with applicable referenced standards. Materials not covered by code require AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) approval before use.

Marking Requirements (Section 301.2.1) Every pipe, fitting, trap, and fixture must have the manufacturer's mark or name cast, stamped, or indelibly marked on it. Field markings are not acceptable. Exception: Markings are not required on nipples created from cutting and threading of approved pipe. Where required by the applicable standard, weight and quality must also be marked.

Plastic Pipe (Section 301.2.3): Must comply with NSF 14. Cast-Iron Soil Pipe (Section 301.2.4): Must be third-party certified per ASTM C1277 and CISPI 310.

Alternate Materials & Methods (Section 301.3) The code does not prevent use of equivalent or superior systems. The applicant must submit technical documentation to the AHJ proving equivalency. AHJ has authority to approve or disapprove. Approval is jurisdiction-specific — it has no effect beyond that AHJ's boundaries. The AHJ may require testing at the applicant's expense (Section 301.3.1.1).

Water Heaters — Specialty Appliance Journeyman Exam

Key Concepts

Permits, Inspections & Approval (§502, §503) - A permit is required before installing, removing, OR replacing any water heater — no exceptions. - Two inspections are required: (1) vent/chimney inspection before covering or concealing (§503.1), and (2) final inspection after all work is complete (§503.2). Nothing gets covered until approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Location Requirements (§504.1) - Water heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms must either: (1) be installed in a dedicated closet with a listed gasketed, self-closing door with threshold and bottom seal, combustion air from outdoors only — OR — (2) be a direct-vent type. - The self-closing door must latch automatically and cannot have a hold-open feature (§504.1.1). - Garages: Ignition sources must be elevated a minimum of 18 inches above the floor to protect against gasoline vapors. - Water heaters of other than direct-vent type shall be located as close as practical to the chimney or vent (§504.2). - Unlisted water heaters require 12-inch clearance on all sides and rear (§504.3.2).

Idaho Specialty Appliance Journeyman Exam — 5 questions, 10% of exam weight

Key Concepts

Backflow Prevention — Device Selection (Table 603.2)

Selection is driven by degree of hazard and type of backflow risk (backsiphonage vs. backpressure):

• Air Gap (AG): Maximum protection; approved for all hazards. Only method that provides a complete physical break.
• Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): Backsiphonage only; cannot be used where subject to backpressure. Must be installed 6 inches above highest downstream outlet. Cannot be used under continuous pressure (no shutoff valves downstream).
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): Backsiphonage only; can operate under continuous pressure but NOT against backpressure. Install 12 inches above highest downstream outlet.
• Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB): Similar to PVB; backsiphonage protection under continuous pressure.
• Double Check Valve Assembly (DC): Protects against low-hazard backpressure and backsiphonage. NOT for health hazard (toxic/sewage) situations.
• Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP): Highest-rated mechanical device; protects against both backpressure and backsiphonage for health hazards. Required for chemical injection, irrigation with fertilizers, medical equipment connections.

Exam Weight: 5 questions, 10% of exam. Every point counts — know these rules cold.

Key Concepts

Piping Materials & Joining Methods

• Metallic pipe: Black steel (Schedule 40) and wrought iron are standard for gas piping. Galvanized steel is permitted aboveground in most applications.
• CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing): Must be installed per its listing and the manufacturer's instructions. Requires electrical bonding — this is a heavily tested point.
• Plastic pipe (PE): Permitted underground only, outdoors. Never inside buildings or aboveground. Must be joined by heat fusion or approved mechanical fittings.
• Copper tubing: Only where gas does not contain more than 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 scf. Type K or L only.

Gas Piping System Design & Sizing Methods

• Longest Length Method: Size all pipe segments based on the total developed length from the meter to the most remote outlet. Conservative — uses one pipe size for the entire run.
• Branch Length Method: Each branch is sized based on its own length. More efficient use of material.
• Hybrid Pressure Systems: Use an elevated pressure (typically 2 psi) throughout most of the system with a line pressure regulator at each appliance. Allows smaller pipe diameters.
• Sizing tables in Chapter 12 are based on specific gravity of gas, inlet pressure, allowable pressure drop, and pipe length.