IL Plumber flashcards

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

Illinois Plumbing Code citation

The Illinois Plumbing Code is codified at 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890 and is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which adopts and enforces its provisions statewide.

Drainage fixture unit value

A drainage fixture unit (DFU) expresses the load a fixture places on a drainage system; a water closet is 3 DFU, a lavatory 1 DFU, and a bathtub 2 DFU under the code tables.

Trap arm length limit

The developed length of a trap arm from the trap weir to the vent connection may not exceed the code table value, such as 5 feet for a 2-inch trap arm.

Air gap definition

An air gap is the unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest opening of a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a fixture or receptacle, providing absolute backflow protection.

Minimum air gap dimension

An air gap must be at least twice the effective diameter of the discharge pipe and never less than 1 inch above the flood-level rim of the receiving fixture.

Vent terminal location

A vent terminal must extend at least 2 inches above the roof and be located at least 10 feet from any window, door, or air intake, or 2 feet above the roof line if closer.

Water closet clear space

A water closet compartment must provide at least 15 inches from the bowl centerline to any side wall and at least 21 inches of clear space in front of the bowl.

Building drain slope

A building drain must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot for pipe 3 inches and smaller, and at least 1/8 inch per foot for pipe 4 inches and larger.

Plumber license types

Illinois issues apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licenses; a master plumber may supervise work and serve as the responsible licensed plumber for a plumbing contractor.

Plumbing contractor license

A plumbing contractor license is issued to a business entity and requires a licensed plumber as the responsible person; the license is not transferable.

Homeowner plumbing exemption

A homeowner may perform plumbing work on a single-family residence the homeowner occupies, subject to permit and inspection requirements of the local authority.

Licensing law citation

The Illinois Plumbing License Law is 225 ILCS 320; it authorizes the Department of Public Health to license plumbers and to adopt rules for plumbing work.

Apprentice supervision

An apprentice plumber must work under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber and must accumulate the required experience hours before taking the journeyman examination.

Grounds for discipline

The Department may refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for gross negligence, incompetence, unlicensed practice, or fraud in obtaining a license, after a hearing.

Permit requirement

A plumbing permit must be obtained from the local authority having jurisdiction before new installation, alteration, or replacement of piping and fixtures begins.

Plumber license renewal

A plumber license must be renewed on the schedule set by the Department, and any applicable continuing education requirements must be satisfied before renewal is granted.

Rough-in inspection

Rough-in inspection occurs after piping is installed but before it is covered; the building drain and water distribution system must be tested and approved for concealment.

Water system test pressure

A water distribution system must be tested at working pressure or at least 100 psi for at least 30 minutes without loss of pressure before acceptance.

Drainage system test

A drainage system is tested with a water test providing at least 10 feet of head, or with an air test of 5 psi held for 15 minutes.

Alteration compliance rule

An alteration or extension must conform to the code as it applies to new work; the altered portion must comply even where unchanged existing work may remain.

Repair load evaluation

A repair that increases the load on a drain or vent must be evaluated to confirm the existing pipe sizing and venting remain adequate under the code.

Approved materials

Plumbing materials must be approved and listed; PVC and ABS may be used for drainage where permitted, and PEX may be used for water distribution where allowed.

Final inspection

A final inspection is required after the system is complete and fixtures are set; the authority having jurisdiction may reject nonconforming work and require reinspection.

Maintenance obligation

Fixtures, traps, and vents must remain functional; a leaking trap or an obstructed vent is a code violation that must be corrected to maintain the system.

Cross-connection

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and a source of contamination, and it must be eliminated or protected against backflow.

Backsiphonage versus backpressure

Backsiphonage results from negative pressure in the supply, while backpressure occurs when downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure; the protection method must address the applicable type.

Reduced pressure principle assembly

A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RPZ) is required for high-hazard connections such as boilers, irrigation, and chemical feed systems.

Double check valve assembly

A double check valve assembly may protect low-hazard connections, while a pressure vacuum breaker or atmospheric vacuum breaker serves specific low-hazard applications such as hose bibbs.

Backflow assembly testing

Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at installation and annually by a certified tester, with results reported to the local water authority.

Trap seal protection

A maintained trap seal prevents sewer gas and pathogens from entering a building, so traps must be kept primed and vents kept open and unobstructed.

Water heater relief piping

A water heater must have a temperature and pressure relief valve piped to a safe discharge point, and a closed system requires thermal expansion control.

Lead-free requirement

Potable water systems must use lead-free materials, including lead-free solder and flux, and pipes and fittings must meet the code lead content limits.