ASSE 5150 study plan
ASSE 5150 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Plumbing and Mechanical Code Fundamentals & Water Supply and Distribution Systems
Map the scope and structure of the plumbing and mechanical code so you can locate any requirement for materials, joints, and fittings within two minutes
Define and distinguish potable water, nonpotable water, and the terminology used for pressure, flow, and fixture demand
Compute fixture-unit values for a mixed-occupancy building and convert them into estimated demand in gallons per minute
Identify the required minimum pipe sizes and the sizing method used for a water service and building supply main
Explain the difference between a public water main, a private service, and a building distribution system
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet of code definitions plus three worked fixture-unit-to-demand sizing examples with answers verified
Water Supply and Distribution Systems & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Size a cold and hot water distribution system for a two-story building using the applicable tables and friction-loss method
Calculate the pressure available at the most remote fixture and check it against the required residual pressure
Describe how thermal expansion, water hammer, and pressure-reducing valves are addressed in design
Define cross-connection, backflow, backsiphonage, and backpressure with a written example of each
Classify the types of backflow prevention assemblies and state where each is required
Your checkpoint
A complete water supply sizing worksheet for a two-story building, including residual pressure check and a backflow protection selection table
Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Convert fixture units to drain pipe sizes and verify slope requirements for horizontal branches and building drains
Determine vent pipe sizes and identify where a vent stack, stack vent, and circuit vent are each permitted
Explain trap seal protection and the conditions that require a relief vent
Identify the situations that mandate a reduced-pressure principle assembly versus a double check valve assembly
Describe testing requirements for backflow assemblies and the responsibilities of the tester and the owner
Your checkpoint
A drainage and venting riser diagram for a two-bathroom building with all pipe sizes, slopes, and vent types labeled, plus a backflow assembly selection justification
Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review
Size storm drainage conductors, leaders, and gutters using rainfall intensity data and roof area calculations
Compute roof drainage area for flat, pitched, and combined roofs including vertical wall contributions
List the inspection stages required for underground rough-in, rough-in, and final inspection
Write the sequence of a hydrostatic drain test and a water distribution pressure test with required pressures and durations
Identify the items a plan reviewer checks on a submitted plumbing drawing set
Your checkpoint
A storm drainage calculation for a 10,000 square foot roof with sized leaders and a written inspection and testing checklist covering all three inspection stages
Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Water Heaters & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review
State the minimum fixture clearances, spacing, and installation requirements for water closets, lavatories, and bathtubs
Explain the venting, combustion air, and temperature and pressure relief requirements for water heaters
Identify the materials permitted for fixture fittings and the lead-free requirements for wetted surfaces
Perform a plan review of a sample residential plumbing plan and log every deficiency against a specific code section
Prepare a correction notice that cites the code section, describes the condition, and states the corrective action
Your checkpoint
A completed plan review of a sample residential plumbing plan with at least eight deficiencies cited to code sections and a professional correction notice
Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review & Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement
Describe the permit application process, the information required on submittals, and the conditions under which a permit may be issued
Explain the authority of the inspector, the right of entry, and the process for stop-work orders
Distinguish between a variance, an alternative method, and a code modification and state who approves each
Outline the certificate of occupancy and final approval sequence for a plumbing installation
Apply the adopted code edition and local amendments to a scenario involving conflicting requirements
Your checkpoint
A written permit and enforcement scenario response covering three cases: unpermitted work, a failed inspection, and an alternative materials request, each with the correct administrative action
Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement & Safety, Materials, and Special Plumbing Systems
Identify the special plumbing systems covered by the code, including medical gas, fuel gas piping, and gray water reuse
State the safety requirements for traps, cleanouts, and access for maintenance in concealed spaces
Explain the material standards and marking requirements for pipe, fittings, and solder
Describe the requirements for protecting potable water from contamination during construction and repair
Apply the administration provisions to a complaint investigation and document the findings
Your checkpoint
A special systems and materials summary table plus a written complaint investigation report with findings and citations
Plumbing and Mechanical Code Fundamentals & Water Supply and Distribution Systems & Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Water Heaters & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review & Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement & Safety, Materials, and Special Plumbing Systems
Complete a full-length timed practice examination and score it by domain
Review every missed question and trace the governing code section for each
Re-drill the weakest two domains with focused problem sets until accuracy exceeds eighty percent
Recite the key numerical thresholds, clearances, and test pressures from memory
Build a final one-page summary sheet of the most testable code provisions
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a domain-by-domain performance report and a one-page final summary sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80 percent on a 20-question mixed quiz covering water supply sizing and backflow fundamentals, with every missed item traced to a code section
Week 4: Produce a drainage, venting, and storm drainage drawing set with no sizing errors and pass a 25-question timed quiz on domains 3 and 6 at 75 percent or better
Week 6: Complete a full plan review and an administrative scenario set, scoring at least 80 percent on a 20-question quiz covering domains 4, 6, and 7
Week 8: Achieve 75 percent or higher on a full-length timed practice exam, with no single domain below 65 percent