NBOPE Journeyperson Plumber study plan

Map the drainage system from a stack through the building drain to the building sewer, labeling soil, waste, and vent connections on a self-drawn single-line diagram.

Calculate the developed length of a drain run and convert slope requirements (1/4 in per ft vs 1/8 in per ft) into actual fall over that length.

Identify the function of each trap component (trap seal, crown weir, trap arm, cleanout) and state the minimum trap seal depth and trap arm length limits for common fixture sizes.

Classify each common fitting (sanitary tee, wye, combo, long-sweep 1/4 bend, reducing fittings) by where it may and may not be used in drainage and venting.

Explain the difference between a vent stack, stack vent, individual vent, and wet vent, and locate each on your diagram.

Size branch drains, a building drain, and a building sewer from a fixture-unit table using a worked example, showing each step.

Determine when a cleanout is required at the base of a stack, at horizontal drain changes, and at the building sewer, and state the required clearance.

Evaluate vent sizing for a given stack and fixture load, and identify conditions that require an increase in vent size.

Diagnose five common drainage/venting defects (S-trap, crown-vented trap arm, flat or back-graded drain, improper wet vent, missing vent) and write the code reason each fails.

Describe the requirements for an air admittance valve and a circuit vent well enough to decide whether each is permitted in a given scenario.

Convert between fixture units, gallons per minute, and pipe sizes using a demand table, and explain how flush-tank and flushometer fixtures are counted differently.

Size a water service and main for a single-family dwelling from a given fixture list, documenting the demand, pressure, and developed-length inputs.

Calculate pressure loss from static head, friction loss, and elevation change, and determine whether residual pressure at the top fixture is adequate.

Compute the volume of a cylindrical and rectangular tank in gallons and use that to size a storage or expansion tank.

Explain the difference between a direct and an indirect water supply connection and identify where each is required.

Match each fixture type (water closet, lavatory, bathtub, shower, sink, drinking fountain) to its required trap size, minimum flow rate, and rough-in dimensions.

Explain flushometer valve operation and state the minimum pressure and pipe size required to serve a flushometer water closet.

Compare storage-tank, tankless, and heat-pump water heaters on recovery rate, venting needs, and installation clearances, and select one for a stated load.

Calculate the first-hour rating needed for a household from fixture demand and peak-hour use, and compare it to a manufacturer rating.

Identify temperature-and-pressure relief valve requirements, including discharge pipe sizing, material, and termination.

Trace a fuel gas piping system from the meter to each appliance, labeling the shutoff valve, regulator, drip leg, and connector.

Size a natural gas branch line from appliance input in BTUs and the longest-run method, showing the table lookup and the pipe size chosen.

Distinguish natural gas from propane in terms of heating value, pressure, and orifice sizing, and state why appliances cannot be converted without a kit.

List the combustion air requirements for a gas appliance in a confined space and calculate the required free area for both grilles.

Describe pressure-testing requirements for gas piping, including test medium, pressure, duration, and who may witness it.

Define cross-connection, backsiphonage, and backpressure, and give one realistic plumbing example of each.

Select the correct backflow preventer (air gap, atmospheric vacuum breaker, pressure vacuum breaker, double check, reduced-pressure principle assembly) for five scenarios and justify each choice.

Describe the testing and annual inspection requirements for a reduced-pressure principle assembly, including who may test it.

Outline the permit and inspection sequence for a residential repipe, from application through final inspection, and list what an inspector typically checks at rough-in.

Explain the responsibilities of the plumber versus the authority having jurisdiction when a code conflict or field change arises.

Demonstrate safe handling and storage of soldering equipment, flux, and solvents, and state the fire-watch and ventilation rules for hot work.

Identify the correct tool for ten common tasks (press fittings, PEX expansion, cast iron cutting, copper bending) and state one safety hazard per tool.

Solve ten mixed plumbing math problems covering slope, volume, pressure, fixture units, and gas input, under timed conditions.

Convert between decimal inches and fractional inches, and between psi and feet of head, without a calculator error.

Explain lockout/tagout and confined-space entry basics as they apply to a plumbing service call.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and record the score by domain to find remaining weak areas.

Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains and redo the missed questions until you can explain each correct answer aloud.

Recite from memory the key numeric limits: trap seal depth, vent and drain slope, cleanout spacing, gas test pressure, and T&P relief settings.

Build a one-page formula sheet covering fixture units, slope, volume, pressure, and gas sizing, and use it on a final mixed set.

Confirm exam-day logistics: test format, allowed references, identification, and timing.