Fixtures & traps: Connecticut Journeyperson Plumber Practice Questions

What is the minimum distance from the center of a water closet to a side wall or partition?

Both codes require at least 15 inches from the centerline of a water closet to any side wall, partition or vanity.

Two water closets are installed side by side. What is the minimum center-to-center spacing?

Water closets must be at least 30 inches center to center, which is the 15-inch side clearance doubled.

Under the IPC, what is the minimum clear space in front of a water closet?

The IPC requires 21 inches of clear space in front of a water closet, lavatory or bidet. The UPC requires 24 inches.

Under the IPC, what are the minimum inside dimensions of a floor-mounted water closet compartment?

The IPC requires a floor-mounted water closet compartment at least 30 inches wide and 60 inches deep (wall-hung bowls may use a shorter compartment, and accessible compartments are larger under the building code).

What is the maximum flow rate allowed for a showerhead?

The federal limit adopted by both codes is 2.5 gpm at 80 psi for showerheads. Many states set lower limits by their own law.

What is the maximum flow rate of a lavatory faucet in a public (non-residential) restroom?

Public lavatory faucets are limited to 0.5 gpm; private (residential) lavatory faucets may flow up to 2.2 gpm at 60 psi.

Under the IPC, what is the maximum average water use per flush for a water closet?

The IPC caps water closets at 1.6 gallons per flush. Some states and green codes require 1.28 gpf, so check local law.

Under the IPC, what is the maximum water use per flush for a urinal?

The IPC limits urinals to 1.0 gallon per flush. Some states set lower limits, so check the adopted code.

Under the IPC, what is the minimum size of a shower compartment (ignore the accessible and 25-inch exceptions)?

The IPC requires 900 sq in and a minimum dimension of 30 inches, measured at the threshold and kept to 70 inches above the drain. The UPC requires 1,024 sq in and a 30-inch circle.

A shower measures 30 inches by 32 inches inside. Use the IPC minimums: 900 sq in of area and 30 inches as the smallest dimension. Does the shower comply?

Both IPC tests pass: area of 960 sq in and a smallest dimension of 30 inches.

Individual shower and tub-shower valves must be pressure-balance, thermostatic or combination types that limit the outlet temperature to no more than:

Shower valves meeting ASSE 1016/ASME A112.1016/CSA B125.16 are set to limit the outlet to 120°F maximum to prevent scalding.

Hot water to a bathtub or whirlpool tub filler must be limited by a device meeting ASSE 1070 (or an equal standard) to no more than:

Tub fillers need a temperature-limiting device that keeps the water at or below 120°F. A water heater thermostat does not count as that device.

Under the IPC, what water must be delivered to public hand-washing lavatories?

The IPC requires tempered water (85°F to 110°F) at public hand-washing facilities, limited by an ASSE 1070 or equal device. The UPC instead caps public lavatory hot water at 120°F.

A site-built shower floor has a liner under the tile. What minimum slope must the liner and finished floor have toward the drain?

Shower floors and pan liners slope at least 1/4 inch per foot to the drain so water does not pond.

Under the IPC, what is the minimum trap size for a shower whose showerheads flow a total of 5.7 gpm or less?

The IPC sizes shower traps by total flow: 1-1/2 inch up to 5.7 gpm, larger above that. The UPC requires a 2-inch shower trap.