MPLE Board Exam flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Fixture unit (FU)
- A unit of measure expressing the load-producing effect of a plumbing fixture on the drainage or water supply system, used to size pipes and vents.
- Trap arm length rule
- The developed length of a trap arm must be at least twice its diameter, and its fall must not exceed one pipe diameter, to prevent self-siphonage.
- Air gap backflow protection
- An unobstructed vertical distance through free atmosphere between a water outlet and the flood-level rim of a receptor, at least twice the effective opening and never less than one inch.
- Soil pipe vs. waste pipe
- A soil pipe carries sewage containing fecal matter from water closets and urinals; a waste pipe carries non-fecal liquid waste from sinks, lavatories, and tubs.
- Cleanout location requirement
- A cleanout is required at the base of each soil or waste stack, at the upper end of horizontal drains, and at intervals not exceeding 15 meters in long horizontal runs.
- Vent stack sizing basis
- Vent stack diameter is selected from the total fixture units connected and the stack length, using code tables that limit the FU load per vent size.
- RPZ backflow assembly
- A reduced-pressure-zone assembly uses two check valves and a differential relief valve to protect against both backpressure and backsiphonage in high-hazard cross-connections.
- Drainage pipe slope rule
- Horizontal drainage pipe 3 inches and smaller slopes at 1/4 inch per foot; 4 inches and larger slopes at 1/8 inch per foot; no drainage pipe may slope less than 1/8 inch per foot.
- Minimum water service size
- A single-family dwelling water service must be at least 3/4 inch nominal size, with residual pressure at fixtures of at least 8 psi and not more than 80 psi.
- Vent termination requirements
- A vent must extend at least 6 inches above the roof, be at least 3 feet from windows or air intakes, and at least 10 feet from a property line or adjoining building.
- Water heater T&P valve
- A temperature-pressure relief valve is required on every water heater and must be piped full-size to a safe discharge, terminating not more than 6 inches above the floor or outside.
- Backwater valve purpose
- A backwater valve is installed on a building drain or fixture drain subject to sewer backflow, allowing flow out but closing against reverse flow into the building.
- Grease interceptor sizing
- A grease interceptor for commercial kitchens is sized by the fixture flow rate and required grease retention capacity, and must be installed outside or readily accessible for cleaning.
- Water closet drain size
- A water closet must connect to a drain of at least 3 inches diameter, with a 3-inch closet bend and a stack of at least 3 inches to carry its 3 fixture units.
- Residual pressure at fixtures
- The minimum residual flowing pressure at a plumbing fixture is 8 psi, and the maximum static pressure is 80 psi unless a pressure-reducing valve is installed.
- PVC vs. CPVC use
- PVC is used for cold water and drain-waste-vent piping; CPVC is rated for hot and cold water up to about 180°F (82°C).
- Copper tube types K, L, M
- Type K copper is thickest and used underground; Type L is standard for water service; Type M is thinnest and used only above ground.
- No-hub cast iron coupling
- A no-hub coupling joins cast iron soil pipe with a rubber sleeve and stainless steel clamp, tightened to about 60 inch-pounds of torque.
- Sanitary tee fitting
- A sanitary tee has a curved branch that directs flow from vertical to horizontal drainage, minimizing turbulence and preventing waste from entering the vent.
- P-trap water seal
- A P-trap retains a water seal of 2 to 4 inches, which blocks sewer gas from entering the building while allowing waste to pass through.
- Flushometer supply requirement
- A flushometer water closet requires a minimum 1-inch supply and about 15 to 25 psi flowing pressure, compared with 1/2 inch and 8 psi for a tank-type closet.
- Vitreous china fixtures
- Vitreous china is a glazed ceramic material used for water closets, lavatories, and urinals because it is hard, non-porous, and easy to clean.
- Wye and 1/8 bend use
- A wye fitting with a 1/8 bend is used for horizontal-to-horizontal drainage connections, providing a smooth sweep that reduces clogging.
- Water hammer arrestor
- A water hammer arrestor is a device with a trapped air chamber or piston installed near quick-closing valves to absorb pressure surges in the piping system.
- Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80
- For the same nominal size, Schedule 80 PVC has thicker walls and a higher pressure rating than Schedule 40, which in turn is stronger than Schedule 20.
- R.A. 1378 Plumbing Law
- Republic Act 1378 regulates plumbing practice in the Philippines, creating the Board of Master Plumbers under the PRC and requiring registration to practice.
- Master plumber seal requirement
- Only a registered master plumber may sign and seal plumbing plans and specifications, and the PRC license number must appear on drawings submitted for permit.
- Plumbing permit process
- A plumbing permit must be secured from the local building official before installation, and a certificate of final inspection is issued after completion and inspection.
- CPD requirement for renewal
- Under R.A. 10912, licensed professionals must earn continuing professional development units set by the PRC to renew their professional identification card.
- Conflict of interest disclosure
- A master plumber with a financial interest in a supplier or contractor must disclose it in writing; failure to disclose violates the code of ethics.
- Grounds for license revocation
- Practicing without a license, falsifying plans, or allowing another person to use one's seal are grounds for suspension or revocation by the PRC Board.
- Contract documents in plumbing
- The owner-plumber agreement should state scope, drawings, specifications, payment terms, and warranty, with any verbal changes confirmed in writing.