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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Plumbing Quiz: Test Your Know‑How on Pipes, Fixtures, and Repairs

Quick, free basic plumbing test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Dsa DsaUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for plumbing quiz on coral background

This plumbing quiz helps you check everyday skills with fixtures, pipes, leaks, drains, and valves. See answers as you go and learn from quick notes. When you're done, keep building know‑how with a plumbing practice test, try a hands‑on carpentry quiz, or review site safety with safety trivia questions.

Which fitting is used to connect two pipes at a 90-degree turn without reducing flow as sharply as a hard corner?
Bushing
Coupling
Street tee
Long sweep elbow (provides a gentler 90-degree change of direction, reducing turbulence)
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The primary purpose of a P-trap under a sink is to retain water that blocks sewer gases from entering the home.
True
False
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A water heater's temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is designed to discharge if internal pressure or temperature exceeds safe limits.
False
True
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Which pipe material is typically rated for hot potable water supply lines in residential systems?
CPVC (formulated for hot and cold potable water)
Schedule 40 PVC (not rated for hot potable water supply)
Black iron (commonly for gas, not potable water)
ABS (used for DWV, not hot supply)
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What device prevents reverse flow that could contaminate potable water?
Backflow preventer (stops reverse flow into the supply)
Gate valve
Cleanout plug
Strainer basket
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Which is the most appropriate valve for quick on/off control with minimal restriction in a residential water line?
Check valve
Gate valve
Ball valve (quarter-turn with full port options)
Globe valve
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A plumbing cleanout provides accessible entry to a drain line for clearing blockages.
False
True
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Under the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), what is the minimum slope for a 3-inch horizontal drain line to maintain proper flow?
0 pitch is acceptable
1 inch per foot
1/16 inch per foot
1/4 inch per foot (ensures self-scouring velocity)
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Wrapping PTFE thread seal tape on male threads should be done in which direction when viewed from the pipe end?
Clockwise (so tightening does not unwind the tape)
Wrap both directions alternately
It does not matter
Counterclockwise
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Which copper tube type has the thickest wall and is often used for underground service lines?
Type K (thickest wall, suitable for burial)
DWV copper
Type M
Type L
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An S-trap is permitted for new residential sink installations because it seals better than a P-trap.
True
False
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A hammering noise in water lines when valves close quickly is called water hammer and is mitigated by installing arrestors near quick-closing fixtures.
True
False
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Which component protects a water heater from overpressure due to thermal expansion in a closed system?
Dielectric union
Anode rod
Thermal expansion tank (absorbs increased volume)
Sediment trap
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Which of the following best describes the purpose of an anode rod in a tank-style water heater?
Electric element that heats water
Sacrificial metal that corrodes to protect the tank from rust
Probe that measures water level
Rod that stirs water to prevent stratification
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A wet vent allows drain and vent functions to be combined on the same pipe for certain fixtures under specific code rules.
True
False
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A trap arm is the horizontal section between a fixture's trap weir and its vent connection.
True
False
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A double sanitary tee is acceptable for back-to-back toilets because it directs flow smoothly into the stack without crossflow risk.
False
True
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A ventless plumbing system is allowed everywhere as long as pipe sizes are increased.
False
True
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Which test is commonly used to check DWV systems for leaks before covering walls?
Voltage drop test
Anemometer airflow test
Combustion analysis
Water head test (stack filled to specified height)
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A plumbing vent terminal must be located away from operable windows to prevent sewer gas entry into the building.
False
True
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Plumbing Fixtures -

    Learn to recognize and name standard fixtures such as faucets, sinks, and toilets to build a solid foundation in basic plumbing knowledge.

  2. Differentiate Pipe Types and Materials -

    Understand the characteristics of various pipe systems - PVC, copper, and PEX - and when to use each in residential plumbing.

  3. Understand Essential Plumbing Terminology -

    Gain familiarity with key terms featured in the plumbing quiz so you can confidently navigate plumbing questions and answers.

  4. Apply Practical Plumbing Tips -

    Use the insights and trivia from the quiz to inform DIY plumbing repairs and maintenance tasks around the home.

  5. Evaluate Common Plumbing Scenarios -

    Analyze typical plumbing problems presented in the quiz and determine the most effective solutions for each scenario.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fixture Identification and Terminology -

    Mastering the names of common fixtures - like lavatory (sink), water closet (toilet), and bidet - builds a strong foundation for tackling plumbing questions. A handy mnemonic, "LAW," helps you remember "Lavatory, Appliance, Water-closet," covering most household fixtures in plumbing trivia. Recognizing these terms is emphasized in industry standards such as the International Plumbing Code.

  2. Common Pipe Materials and Color Codes -

    Understanding the properties of PVC, CPVC, copper, and PEX is key to basic plumbing knowledge. Remember that PEX is often color-coded - red for hot, blue for cold, and white for general use - making identification a breeze. Industry guidelines from organizations like ASTM provide detailed charts you can memorize for plumbing quiz success.

  3. Flow Rate and Pressure Fundamentals -

    Flow rate (Q) is calculated by Q = A × v, where A is pipe cross-sectional area and v is water velocity, a formula you'll often see in plumbing questions and answers. Bernoulli's principle shows how changes in pressure and velocity affect flow, and you'll find psi (pounds per square inch) used to express system pressure. Keeping these formulas handy boosts your confidence when interpreting plumbing trivia scenarios.

  4. Trap and Siphon Mechanisms -

    P-traps and S-traps hold a small volume of water that acts as a barrier against sewer gases, making them essential in basic plumbing systems. The standard trap seal depth is roughly 2 inches, as specified in most plumbing codes, preventing foul odors from entering living spaces. A simple memory trick is "Trap the Smell," which reminds you the trap's sole job is blocking gases.

  5. Valve Types and Maintenance Tips -

    Familiarize yourself with ball, gate, and globe valves - each operates differently and appears frequently in plumbing quiz questions. Regularly exercise shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets to prevent rust and ensure quick isolation during leaks. Industry experts recommend a biannual check, turning each valve a quarter-turn to keep your system ready for any DIY repair.

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