CA C-36 Plumbing flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

C-36 license scope

A California C-36 contractor installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems, including DWV, water supply, fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping within license and code limits.

Air gap backflow protection

An air gap is the unobstructed vertical distance between a potable water outlet and the flood level rim of a receptacle; it provides the highest protection against cross-connection.

Potable water identification

Potable water piping must be identified and protected from contamination; nonpotable or reclaimed piping is marked purple and labeled to prevent cross-connections with drinking water.

Local code amendments

California local jurisdictions may adopt more restrictive plumbing amendments than the California Plumbing Code; the stricter adopted requirement governs work within that jurisdiction.

Drainage slope rule

Horizontal drainage pipe 2 1/2 inches and smaller slopes at least 1/4 inch per foot; pipe 3 inches and larger slopes at least 1/8 inch per foot.

Trap arm fall limit

A fixture trap arm must be vented within the allowed distance and must not fall more than one pipe diameter before its vent connection, preserving the trap seal.

Fixture trap seal

Each fixture trap must maintain a liquid seal between 2 and 4 inches deep; traps must be self-cleaning and accessible for cleaning or removal.

Cleanout spacing

Cleanouts are required at the base of each stack, at horizontal drainage intervals not exceeding 100 feet, and where aggregate direction changes exceed 135 degrees.

Bathroom group DFU

One bathroom group commonly equals 6 drainage fixture units: water closet 3, lavatory 1, and bathtub or shower 2, used for drainage sizing.

Static pressure limit

Code limits static water pressure at fixtures to 80 psi; a pressure-reducing valve is required where street pressure exceeds that limit, with accessible strainer and bypass.

Pressure per foot elevation

Water pressure changes about 0.433 psi per foot of elevation; a 10-foot rise reduces pressure by 4.33 psi, affecting fixture pressure and pipe sizing.

Thermal expansion control

A closed water system with a check valve or backflow preventer needs an expansion tank or listed relief device to absorb heated water expansion and protect piping.

Water hammer arrestor

Water hammer arrestors are installed near quick-closing valves and appliances to absorb pressure surges; they must be accessible and sized for the system.

Water closet clearance

A water closet needs at least 15 inches from its centerline to a side wall and 30 inches of clear width; at least 21 inches clearance is required in front.

CalGreen fixture flow rates

California maximums include 1.28 gallons per flush for water closets, 0.125 gallons per flush for urinals, 1.2 gallons per minute for lavatories, and 1.8 for showerheads.

Floor drain trap primer

A floor drain trap primer automatically adds water to the trap to maintain its seal; evaporation in unused drains can otherwise allow sewer gas into the building.

T&P relief discharge

A water heater temperature-and-pressure relief valve discharges through full-size pipe, without valves or traps, terminating 6 inches above the floor or outside safely.

Seismic water heater strapping

Water heaters require two straps: one in the upper third and one in the lower third, made of 24-gauge, 1.5-inch-wide metal, secured to framing.

Water heater drain pan

A water heater in a location where leakage causes damage needs a drain pan at least 1.5 inches deep with a 3/4-inch drain to an approved location.

Expansion tank function

A potable-water expansion tank contains a bladder that absorbs increased volume as water heats, preventing excessive pressure in a closed plumbing system.

Sediment trap location

A sediment trap is installed downstream of the appliance shutoff valve and as close as practical to the appliance inlet, trapping dirt before it reaches controls.

CSST bonding requirement

Corrugated stainless steel tubing gas piping must be bonded to the grounding electrode system with a listed bonding clamp and conductor, typically 6 AWG copper.

Gas connector length

A flexible appliance gas connector must not exceed 6 feet, must not be concealed, and must not pass through walls, floors, or ceilings.

Fuel gas pressure test

Fuel gas piping is pressure-tested before appliances connect, using the code-specified test pressure and duration; regulators and appliance valves are isolated or protected.

Pump head calculation

Total pump head equals static elevation change plus friction loss plus pressure head; convert psi to feet by multiplying psi by 2.31.

Series versus parallel pumps

Pumps in series add their heads at the same flow; pumps in parallel add their flows at the same head, so selection follows the system curve.

Hydronic air separator

An air separator removes entrained air from hydronic water near the boiler; air elimination protects circulators and prevents noise and corrosion.

Architectural scale conversion

At 1/4 inch equals 1 foot, one inch on the drawing represents 4 feet actual; multiply a measured drawing length by 48 to get actual inches.

Slope percent conversion

A 1/4-inch-per-foot slope equals about 2.08 percent; multiply inches per foot by 100 and divide by 12 to convert to percent.

Trench protective system

Cal/OSHA requires a protective system for trenches 5 feet or deeper unless a competent person determines stable rock; inspections occur before entry and as conditions change.

Ladder setup rule

Extension ladders are set with a 4-to-1 slope and extend at least 3 feet above the landing; they are secured and inspected before use.

Hot work fire watch

Soldering or other hot work requires a fire watch, removal of combustibles, and monitoring during work and for at least 30 minutes afterward.