AK Plumber study plan

AK Plumber · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Drainage Systems, Traps, and Vents

Map every trap type (P-trap, drum trap, building trap) to its permitted and prohibited uses from memory
Trace a full DWV stack from fixture outlet to building drain and label each vent type encountered
Explain the difference between a vent stack, stack vent, and relief vent without notes
Identify the maximum developed length and fall requirements for fixture drains and branches

Hand-drawn one-page DWV riser diagram with all vent types labeled and a written 10-line summary of trap rules

Week 2

Calculate trap arm length limits and vent-to-trap distances for common fixture combinations
Determine when an air admittance valve or island fixture vent is permitted
List wet-venting prohibitions and the conditions that allow common venting
Diagnose five hypothetical venting failures and prescribe the code-compliant fix

Worksheet of 15 venting scenarios with corrected layouts and cited rule for each

Week 3

Distinguish pressure, flow, and fixture-unit demand when sizing a water distribution system
Size a branch line and main for a single-family layout using fixture units and developed length
Explain thermal expansion control, backflow prevention, and shock arrestor placement
Identify minimum fixture pressure requirements for common fixtures

Completed water supply sizing sheet for a two-bath single-family home showing fixture units, developed length, and selected pipe sizes

Week 4

Convert between fixture units, gallons per minute, and pipe diameter using sizing tables
Compute drainage fixture units for a mixed-occupancy layout
Solve pipe volume, slope, and fall problems using the standard formulas
Check your sizing work against code minimums and catch your own errors

Timed 25-question math set scored at 80% or better with worked corrections for every miss

Week 5

Differentiate sanitary, storm, and special waste streams and their separate piping requirements
Size a horizontal storm drain and leader for a given roof area and rainfall rate
Identify grease interceptor, acid waste, and indirect waste requirements
State backwater valve and cleanout spacing rules for each drainage type

Storm drain sizing calculation plus a labeled special-waste schematic for a small commercial kitchen

Week 6

Match water heater types to their venting, relief valve, and seismic restraint requirements
Explain temperature control devices and scald protection limits at point of use
Verify fixture clearances, installation heights, and minimum trap seal requirements
Identify fixture fitting and appliance connection rules for dishwashers, laundry, and hose bibbs

Comparison table of four water heater types with venting, T&P relief, and temperature limits plus a fixture clearance checklist

Week 7

Size gas piping for a given appliance load using the longest-length method
Determine combustion air requirements for confined and unconfined spaces
Describe permit, inspection, and licensing responsibilities under plumbing regulations
Define key code terms and identify which authority enforces each

Gas piping and combustion air sizing problem set completed with a one-page regulations and definitions summary

Week 8

Apply excavation, trenching, and confined-space safety rules to plumbing job scenarios
Review math formulas and re-solve missed problems from weeks 4 and 7
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions
Target weak domains identified by practice exam scores for final review

Two scored practice exams with a written remediation plan for any domain below 70%

Week 2: Can draw and defend a complete DWV layout from memory with correct vent types and trap arm limits

Week 4: Scores 80% or better on the timed plumbing math and sizing set

Week 6: Explains water heater venting, relief, and temperature limits accurately without notes

Week 8: Scores 75% or better on both full-length practice exams with no domain below 70%