GA Plumber study guide
GA Plumber · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Georgia plumber license is the state credential that allows a tradesperson to perform plumbing work for pay in Georgia, and it is issued through the state's professional licensing board structure rather than by any city or county. Two levels are commonly referenced: a journeyman credential for plumbers working under supervision, and a master credential for those who intend to contract, pull permits, or supervise others. The GA Plumber study guide has 11 sections and about 5,582 words.
01General Regulations, Administration and Code Scope
Every rule on this exam traces back through a chain: state statute, then the plumbing board's administrative rules, then the adopted model code (Georgia enforces the International Plumbing Code with state and local amendments), then the referenced standards those documents cite (ASTM, ASME, ASSE, NSF). A local ordinance or water utility requirement can be stricter than the state code and still be enforceable.
691 words, about 3 min02Plumbing Terminology, Symbols and Isometric Analysis
Precision matters because code limits are written in these terms. A fixture unit (DFU/WSFU) quantifies load.
694 words, about 3 min03Water Supply and Distribution, Sizing and Materials
Distribution questions reduce to delivering adequate flow at adequate pressure to every fixture. Know static, residual and flow pressure, and the minimum residual required at the most remote fixture (commonly 8 psi for flush-tank water closets and 15 psi for flushometer valves).
690 words, about 3 min04Fixtures, Fixture Fittings and Trim
Fixtures must be of an approved type, have a smooth nonabsorbent surface, be supplied with hot and/or cold water as intended, be set level and secure, and be trapped unless they have an integral trap. Water closets are limited to 1.6 gallons per flush (1.28 for high-efficiency); urinals to 1.0 gpf.
355 words, about 2 min05Water Heaters, Temperature and Pressure Control
Every storage water heater needs a temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve, rated for the tank, installed in the designated tapping. The discharge pipe must be the full size of the valve outlet, flow by gravity, have no valve or trap, be material rated for hot water, and terminate where discharge is visible and safe - typically 6 in.
381 words, about 2 min06Sanitary Drainage, Slope and Drainage Sizing
Drainage moves fixture drain → branch → stack → building drain → building sewer. Each component has a fitting rule: horizontal-to-vertical and vertical-to-horizontal changes use wyes and combination fittings with long-radius sweeps, not sanitary tees except in specific allowed positions.
689 words, about 3 min07Venting Systems and Vent Sizing
A vent equalizes pressure so the trap seal survives. Without it, flow past a trap siphons the seal and sewer gas enters.
358 words, about 2 min08Traps, Interceptors, Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control
A trap holds a water seal of 2 to 4 in., deeper for special conditions. Trap-arm length, cleanout access and vent connection all limit where a trap can go.
326 words, about 2 min09Storm Drainage, Special and Indirect Waste
Storm water is handled by roof drains, scuppers, gutters and downspouts, leaders (conductors), and a storm building drain and sewer - kept separate from the sanitary system wherever possible. Where combined systems exist, the storm connection usually enters downstream of the sanitary.
668 words, about 3 min10Fuel Gas Piping and Appliance Connections
Black steel pipe is the default. CSST is common in residential work and must be bonded.
368 words, about 2 min11Safety, Tools, Testing and Jobsite Practices
Personal protective equipment, ladder use, trench protection (required at 5 ft depth in most jurisdictions), confined-space entry, and hot-work permits for soldering and grinding. Gas piping work requires ventilation and leak detection.
362 words, about 2 min