C36 – Plumbing Contractor

A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. This classification includes but is not limited to:

(a) Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;

(b) Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;

(c) All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units;

(d) Water and gas piping from the property owner's side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works;

(e) Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose; and

(f) The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, back flow preventors, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.

Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)

The Plumbing (C-36) Examination is divided into seven major sections. These sections are:

1. Project planning and material selection (23%)

• Job site survey and contract submittals list
• Blueprints, isometrics, and specifications
• Planning and estimating
• Pipe sizing and load calculations

2. Rough plumbing (18%)

• Design and layout
• Rough plumbing installation
• Code requirements
• Commercial and industrial

3. Installation/finish plumbing (17%)

• Gas appliances and water heaters
• Plumbing fixtures
• Domestic potable water

4. Testing (8%)

• Testing methods and code requirements

5. Repairing plumbing systems (12%)

• Troubleshooting and repairs
• Material replacement and disposal

6. Remodeling plumbing systems (10%)

• Evaluation and layout
• Installation of piping and fixtures
• Code requirements

7. Safety (12%)

• Hazardous materials
• Tools and equipment
• Worker and public safety

*Percentages are approximate*

The following questions are typical of the kind of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. How many gallons should a septic tank for a four-bedroom house hold?

1. 550
2. 750
3. 1000
4. 1200

2. Which of the following implements should be used to prevent kinks when reshaping soft copper tubes?

1. A dummy
2. A brass ferrule
3. A bending spring
4. An internal switch

3. What fitting and procedure should be used to connect a discharge pipe from a sewage ejector to a horizontal gravity draining line?

1. From top through a tapped san tee fitting
2. From the side through a P-trap fitting
3. From the top through a wye branch fitting
4. From the bottom through a 1/8 bend fitting

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

California Plumbing Code.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO),

5001 E. Philadelphia Street,

Ontario, CA 91761.

(800) 854-2766

FAX: (909) 472-4246.

INTERNET: www.iapmo.org

California Building Code.

International Code Council,

5360 Workman Mill Road,

Whittier, CA 90601.

(800) 284-4406

FAX: (888) 329-4226.

INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org

Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8,

Industrial Relations, Division 1.

Thompson/Barclays Division,

P.O. Box 95767,

Chicago, IL 60694.

(800) 888-3600

FAX: (415) 344-3906.

OR

Building News, Inc.,

1612 S. Clementine Street,

Anaheim, CA 92802.

(800) 873-6397

FAX: (714) 533-1467.

INTERNET: ccr.oal.ca.gov or www.bnibooks.com

*Contact information for the above publishers is current as of 9/05*