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Plumbing NC I practice questions

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Question 1Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

On a plumbing site, which item of personal protective equipment is specifically required when using a petrol-powered cut-off saw to cut cast iron pipe?

  1. Cloth dust mask and cotton gloves
  2. Face shield and hearing protection in addition to safety glasses Correct answer.
  3. High-visibility vest only
  4. Steel-capped boots only

Explanation

Petrol cut-off saws generate high noise levels and flying abrasive particles, so eye protection must be supplemented with a face shield and hearing protection. Respiratory and hand protection may also be needed, but they do not replace the eye and hearing controls.

Question 2Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber must manually lift a cast iron bath into position. Which technique best reduces the risk of back injury?

  1. Keep the load close to the body, bend the knees and avoid twisting Correct answer.
  2. Bend at the waist and twist while lifting to save time
  3. Lift quickly with a jerking motion to overcome the weight
  4. Lift with straight legs and arms fully extended

Explanation

Safe manual handling keeps the load close to the body's centre of gravity, uses the leg muscles by bending the knees, and avoids twisting the spine under load. Twisting and jerking motions sharply increase the load on the lower back.

Question 3Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Under typical workplace health and safety law, what is the primary duty of a plumbing worker regarding hazards they notice on site?

  1. Ignore hazards that are outside their own trade
  2. Report the hazard to the supervisor and take reasonable steps to control it within their authority Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the end of the project to raise the issue in a report
  4. Remove warning signs so other trades are not delayed

Explanation

Workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own and others' safety, which includes reporting hazards and controlling them where they have the authority and competence. Ignoring hazards or delaying reporting allows risks to persist and escalate.

Question 4Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Before entering a below-ground pump chamber to repair a valve, what must be confirmed first?

  1. That the chamber lights are working
  2. That the pump has been running for at least an hour
  3. That a colleague is standing at ground level holding a torch
  4. That the chamber has been tested for oxygen and toxic gases and is under a confined space permit Correct answer.

Explanation

A pump chamber is a confined space where gases can accumulate and oxygen can be depleted, so atmospheric testing and a permit with entry controls must be in place before entry. Lighting or a standby person alone does not make the space safe.

Question 5Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber receives a written instruction from the site supervisor that conflicts with a safety procedure. What is the most appropriate first action?

  1. Stop, clarify the instruction against the procedure and escalate if the conflict remains Correct answer.
  2. Carry out the task only if no one else is nearby
  3. Refuse to speak to the supervisor again
  4. Follow the instruction and raise the concern afterwards

Explanation

When an instruction conflicts with a safety procedure, the worker should pause, seek clarification and escalate through the chain of command if the conflict is unresolved. Silently complying or working alone to avoid scrutiny defeats the purpose of the procedure.

Question 6Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which action best demonstrates the correct use of the hierarchy of control when a plumbing task produces silica dust from cutting concrete?

  1. Use on-tool water suppression or extraction before relying on respiratory protection Correct answer.
  2. Issue respirators to all workers and continue dry cutting
  3. Post a warning sign at the cutting area
  4. Rotate workers so each is exposed for shorter periods

Explanation

The hierarchy of control ranks eliminating or reducing the hazard at source above relying on personal protective equipment. Water suppression or dust extraction controls the dust before it becomes airborne, whereas respirators are the last line of defence.

Question 7Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber needs to communicate a change in pipework routing to an apprentice who speaks limited English. What is the most effective approach?

  1. Write the instruction on a scrap of paper and leave it on the bench
  2. Give the instruction quickly so the apprentice can start work
  3. Ask another apprentice to pass the message on later
  4. Use clear simple language, demonstrate the task and confirm understanding by asking the apprentice to explain it back Correct answer.

Explanation

Communication is only effective when understanding is confirmed, so plain language, demonstration and a check-back are appropriate where language skills are limited. Written notes or second-hand messages cannot confirm that the instruction was understood.

Question 8Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which document must a plumbing worker consult to know the specific safety controls for a task before starting work?

  1. The safe work method statement or job safety analysis for that task Correct answer.
  2. The supplier's delivery docket
  3. The project payment schedule
  4. The company's marketing brochure

Explanation

A safe work method statement or job safety analysis identifies the hazards of a specific task and the controls to be applied. It is the document a worker consults before commencing the activity.

Question 9Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A worker notices a live electrical cable hanging near a wet excavation where pipe laying is about to begin. What is the correct immediate response?

  1. Cover the cable with a wet tarpaulin
  2. Stop work, keep others clear and report the hazard so the cable can be isolated Correct answer.
  3. Move the cable aside with a wooden plank
  4. Continue work but keep one hand behind the back

Explanation

A live cable near water is an immediate danger, so work must stop, the area must be made safe and the hazard reported for isolation by an authorised person. Untrained contact with or covering of the cable does not remove the electrical risk.

Question 10Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

What is the main purpose of a pre-start toolbox talk on a plumbing site?

  1. To record attendance for payroll purposes
  2. To distribute new drawings only
  3. To review the project budget with the crew
  4. To brief the crew on the day's tasks, hazards and controls before work begins Correct answer.

Explanation

Toolbox talks are short briefings that communicate the day's tasks, the associated hazards and the agreed controls before work starts. They are a communication and risk-control tool, not an administrative or financial meeting.

Question 11Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which phrase is most appropriate when a plumber reports a near miss to a supervisor?

  1. A pipe fell from the rack and landed near me, with no injury, and here is where it happened Correct answer.
  2. Nothing happened, so it is not worth mentioning
  3. Someone was probably careless again
  4. It was not my fault and I want that recorded

Explanation

Near-miss reporting should describe what happened, the outcome and the location factually so the cause can be investigated and controls improved. Blame or defensive language obscures the facts needed for prevention.

Question 12Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

What does the tag on a lockout device attached to a pump isolation valve communicate to other workers?

  1. That the equipment is isolated and must not be operated until the tag and lock are removed by the person who applied them Correct answer.
  2. That the valve is due for routine maintenance next month
  3. That the valve is safe for anyone to operate
  4. That the pump is running at full capacity

Explanation

A lockout tag identifies that equipment has been isolated and warns others not to operate it until the lock and tag are removed by the authorised person who applied them. This prevents unexpected energisation during maintenance.

Question 13Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is working in a customer's occupied home. Which practice best manages both safety and communication?

  1. Leave tools and open pipe runs unguarded while fetching parts
  2. Explain the work and hazards to the occupant, barricade open trenches and clean the area at the end of the day Correct answer.
  3. Allow the occupant's children to play in the work area
  4. Work silently to avoid disturbing the occupant

Explanation

In occupied premises the worker must inform the occupant about hazards and keep the site secure, with open excavations barricaded and the area left clean. This protects residents and maintains professional communication.

Question 14Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

When communicating with an emergency operator after a gas leak is suspected at a plumbing site, what information is most important to provide first?

  1. The cost of the damaged fittings
  2. The exact location, nature of the emergency and any injuries Correct answer.
  3. The name of the plumbing company's director
  4. The history of the project contract

Explanation

Emergency operators need the location, the nature of the emergency and whether anyone is injured so the right response can be dispatched immediately. Commercial details are irrelevant to the emergency response.

Question 15Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

What is the correct action when a gas detector alarms while a plumber is working in a sewer maintenance hole?

  1. Finish the task quickly before the alarm gets louder
  2. Reset the detector and continue working
  3. Increase ventilation by fanning the air with a clipboard
  4. Evacuate the space immediately, raise the alarm and do not re-enter until the atmosphere is retested and cleared Correct answer.

Explanation

A gas alarm means the atmosphere is unsafe, so the worker must leave immediately, warn others and stay out until testing confirms the space is safe. Resetting the device or hurrying to finish ignores the danger.

Question 16Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is asked to use a chemical drain cleaner in a poorly ventilated bathroom. Which control set is most appropriate?

  1. Rely on the smell to judge when to leave
  2. Read the safety data sheet, ensure ventilation, wear the specified gloves and eye protection and avoid mixing chemicals Correct answer.
  3. Wear sunglasses and a cotton shirt
  4. Close the door to keep the fumes in and work quickly

Explanation

Chemical use requires consulting the safety data sheet for the specific hazards and controls, providing ventilation, and wearing the specified personal protective equipment. Mixing chemicals can produce dangerous reactions and must be avoided.

Question 17Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which behaviour is an example of good housekeeping on a plumbing site?

  1. Clearing offcuts and spills as work proceeds and keeping walkways and exits clear Correct answer.
  2. Leaving power leads coiled across stair treads
  3. Stacking pipe lengths against an unsecured wall
  4. Storing offcuts and packaging in walkways until the end of the week

Explanation

Good housekeeping means clearing waste and spills as work progresses so that walkways, stairs and exits remain unobstructed. Accumulated waste and trailing leads are common causes of slips, trips and falls.

Question 18Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is about to use a hammer drill on an overhead slab. Which combination of controls best addresses the risk of falling objects to workers below?

  1. Drill only when the site supervisor is watching
  2. Erect barricades or exclusion zones below, secure tools with lanyards and warn affected workers Correct answer.
  3. Ask workers below to look up while drilling
  4. Wear gloves and continue

Explanation

Overhead work requires exclusion zones or barricades to keep people out from below, tool lanyards to prevent drops, and communication with affected workers. Personal protective equipment alone cannot prevent objects falling.

Question 19Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which statement best describes the purpose of a site induction for a new plumbing worker?

  1. It replaces the need for any task-specific safety briefing
  2. It is a formality that can be skipped if the worker is experienced
  3. It informs the worker of site rules, emergency procedures, hazards and facilities before they start work Correct answer.
  4. It is only required for workers who will operate heavy plant

Explanation

A site induction familiarises a new worker with site-specific rules, emergency arrangements, hazards and welfare facilities before work begins. It does not remove the need for task-specific briefings, which address the particular hazards of each job.

Question 20Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is directing a crane operator who cannot see the load landing point. What communication method is most reliable?

  1. Waving both arms randomly
  2. A trained dogger or rigger using agreed hand signals or two-way radio Correct answer.
  3. Shouting from a distance
  4. Using a mobile phone call to the crane cabin

Explanation

Where the operator cannot see the landing point, a trained dogger or rigger using agreed hand signals or radio provides reliable, unambiguous direction. Shouting or random gestures can be misread and lead to serious incidents.

Question 21Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

What should a worker do if they do not understand a safety sign or label written in a language they cannot read?

  1. Guess the meaning from the picture and proceed
  2. Copy the sign into a notebook and continue
  3. Ignore the sign because it does not apply to plumbers
  4. Ask a supervisor or colleague to explain it before starting the task Correct answer.

Explanation

Safety signs and labels convey critical hazard information, so a worker must confirm their meaning with someone competent before proceeding. Guessing or ignoring the sign risks exposure to an uncontrolled hazard.

Question 22Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Which is the most appropriate way for a plumber to record a hazard they cannot fix themselves?

  1. Log it in the site hazard register or reporting system with the location and description, and notify the supervisor Correct answer.
  2. Mention it verbally to a mate and take no further action
  3. Wait for the next toolbox talk to mention it casually
  4. Write it on the back of a business card

Explanation

Hazards that cannot be controlled by the worker should be formally recorded in the site hazard register or reporting system and brought to the supervisor's attention. A written record with location and description enables tracking and control.

Question 23Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A worker is exposed to a hazardous substance and develops a rash. Under typical OHS law, what must the worker and employer do?

  1. The employer should wait until the project ends to record it
  2. The worker should be dismissed to avoid paperwork
  3. The worker should treat it themselves and return to work without telling anyone
  4. The worker should report the incident and the employer must record and investigate it Correct answer.

Explanation

Work-related injury or illness must be reported so the employer can record and investigate it and prevent recurrence. Concealing the condition or delaying recording allows the hazard to continue affecting others.

Question 24Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is asked to work alone in a remote location with no mobile coverage. Which control best manages the risk?

  1. Leave a note on the dashboard and proceed
  2. Take a longer lunch break to reduce exposure time
  3. Arrange a check-in schedule, a means of communication and a lone-worker procedure before starting Correct answer.
  4. Accept the task without any change because plumbing is generally low risk

Explanation

Lone work in remote areas requires a planned system of communication, regular check-ins and a documented lone-worker procedure so that an emergency can be detected and responded to. Simply accepting the task leaves the worker without assistance if something goes wrong.

Question 25Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

During a site meeting, two workers disagree about whether a trench needs shoring. What is the most appropriate professional response from the plumber?

  1. Agree to enter the trench only briefly to test the soil
  2. Ignore the disagreement and continue work
  3. Argue until the other worker gives way
  4. Refer to the relevant safety requirement and the competent person's assessment, and escalate if the disagreement remains Correct answer.

Explanation

Disagreements about safety controls should be resolved by reference to the applicable requirements and the assessment of a competent person, with escalation if unresolved. Entering an unshored trench to test the soil exposes the worker to collapse risk.

Question 26Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumbing crew is about to install a new stack in an occupied building. Which verbal handover practice best confirms that the apprentice understands the sequence of tasks before work starts?

  1. Tell the apprentice the sequence once quickly so the crew can keep to schedule.
  2. Ask the apprentice to repeat the task sequence back in their own words and correct any gaps. Correct answer.
  3. Hand the apprentice the printed work order and assume they will read it before starting.
  4. Post the sequence on the site noticeboard and point to it as the crew walks past.

Explanation

A repeat-back (teach-back) check confirms comprehension rather than mere delivery of information, which is the point of a handover briefing. It also gives the supervising plumber a chance to correct misunderstandings before work begins. Simply providing documents or a quick verbal mention does not verify that the message was understood.

Question 27Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Under typical OHS duties, what is a plumbing worker's personal duty while at work?

  1. Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions. Correct answer.
  2. Follow safety procedures only when a supervisor is present.
  3. Rely on the principal contractor to identify every hazard on the site.
  4. Report only injuries that require time off work.

Explanation

OHS law places a personal duty on each worker to take reasonable care for their own safety and for others who may be affected by what they do or fail to do. This duty operates alongside the employer's duty and does not transfer to others. It applies at all times, not only when supervised.

Question 28Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

Two plumbers need to move a heavy section of cast iron pipe up a stairwell. Which communication approach best supports a safe coordinated lift?

  1. Use hand signals only, since talking distracts from the lift.
  2. Each worker lifts when they feel ready so the load is shared evenly.
  3. Agree on clear verbal commands and a countdown before lifting, with one person nominated to call the lift. Correct answer.
  4. Discuss the lift after it is completed to save time beforehand.

Explanation

A manual lift by two people requires a nominated caller and agreed commands so both workers take the load at the same moment. Uncoordinated lifting shifts the load unexpectedly and raises the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Planning and agreeing the signals before the lift is the control that prevents this.

Question 29Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber is asked to sign a written safe work method statement for high-risk work. Which action best reflects a proper understanding of the document before signing?

  1. Read the controls, confirm they match the actual site conditions, and raise any gaps with the supervisor before signing. Correct answer.
  2. Sign it and rely on the supervisor to notice if the controls are unsuitable.
  3. Refuse to sign any document the employer asks for on OHS grounds.
  4. Sign it promptly because signing is only an administrative record of attendance.

Explanation

Signing a safe work method statement indicates the worker has read and understood the controls and that they suit the task and site. Verifying the controls against actual conditions and raising gaps is how the document functions as a real control rather than paperwork. The supervisor cannot substitute for the worker's own check.

Question 30Workplace communication and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices

A plumber must isolate a section of heating pipework that other trades are also working near. Which communication sequence best prevents an unexpected re-energising or re-pressurisation of the isolated section?

  1. Notify affected workers of the isolation, apply a personal lock and tag, and confirm with each affected party before removal. Correct answer.
  2. Tell one nearby worker verbally and rely on them to pass the message on.
  3. Apply the lock and tag quietly, then remove it once the plumber's own task is finished.
  4. Leave the isolation valve closed without a lock, since the valve handle shows the closed position.

Explanation

Effective isolation combines notifying everyone affected, securing the isolation with a personal lock and tag, and verifying with each party before the lock is removed. This prevents another worker from restoring pressure or energy while someone is still exposed. Verbal messages passed along and unlocked valves do not provide reliable protection.

Question 31Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which hand tool is designed to ream the inside edge of a cut copper tube before soldering?

  1. A tube reamer or deburring tool Correct answer.
  2. A flaring block
  3. A basin wrench
  4. A pipe wrench

Explanation

A reamer or deburring tool removes the internal burr left by a tubing cutter so the bore stays full and solder can flow cleanly. Pipe wrenches grip threaded pipe, basin wrenches reach under sinks, and flaring blocks form flare ends rather than reaming.

Question 32Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A hacksaw is being used to cut a steel pipe. Which blade selection is correct for the job?

  1. A coarse blade with few teeth per inch for fast cutting
  2. A carbide masonry blade
  3. A fine-tooth blade suited to thin wall thickness Correct answer.
  4. A ripping blade designed for wood

Explanation

Thin-wall steel pipe needs a fine-tooth blade (high teeth per inch) so teeth do not catch and tear the wall. Coarse blades are for thick sections, and wood or masonry blades are not made for metal pipe.

Question 33Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which tool is used to hold and turn a pipe while threading it by hand?

  1. A chain vise Correct answer.
  2. A torque wrench
  3. A caulking gun
  4. A pipe cutter

Explanation

A chain vise or pipe vise clamps the pipe firmly so it can be turned or threaded without slipping. A cutter severs pipe, a torque wrench measures fastener torque, and a caulking gun dispenses sealant.

Question 34Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

What is the primary purpose of a plumber's level when installing a horizontal drain line?

  1. To cut the pipe to length
  2. To measure pipe diameter
  3. To test for water leaks
  4. To confirm the required fall or slope Correct answer.

Explanation

A level confirms the drain line has the correct fall so wastewater flows by gravity. It does not measure diameter, cut pipe, or pressure-test joints.

Question 35Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which power tool is commonly used to cut a channel through a concrete floor for a drain line?

  1. A random orbital sander
  2. A rotary hammer with a chisel bit Correct answer.
  3. A reciprocating saw
  4. A drill press

Explanation

A rotary hammer in chisel mode breaks and channels concrete, which is standard for trenching floors for drains. A reciprocating saw is for wood or metal, a sander finishes surfaces, and a drill press is a stationary drilling machine.

Question 36Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Before using a hammer drill to anchor a pipe bracket to a masonry wall, what should the operator confirm first?

  1. The correct masonry bit is fitted and the wall is free of concealed services Correct answer.
  2. The drill chuck is empty
  3. The drill is set to hammer-only mode
  4. The bracket is already tightened

Explanation

The right masonry bit must be fitted, and the wall should be checked for hidden pipes or cables before drilling. An empty chuck, hammer-only mode, or a pre-tightened bracket are not the safety checks that precede drilling.

Question 37Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

When using a tubing cutter on copper tube, why should the cutter wheel be tightened only about a quarter turn per revolution?

  1. To keep the wheel from wearing out
  2. To prevent the tube from rotating
  3. To make the cut faster
  4. To avoid work-hardening and deforming the tube wall Correct answer.

Explanation

Over-tightening the cutter wheel compresses the copper and work-hardens it, which deforms the tube and can crack it. Gradual tightening with rotation produces a clean, round cut.

Question 38Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A plumber needs to bend a length of soft copper tube. Which tool is appropriate?

  1. A hole saw
  2. A hydraulic press
  3. A pipe wrench
  4. A lever-type tube bender or bending spring Correct answer.

Explanation

Soft copper is bent with a lever bender or an internal bending spring to avoid kinking. A press joins fittings, a pipe wrench grips pipe, and a hole saw cuts round holes.

Question 39Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

What is the purpose of a flaring tool in plumbing work?

  1. To form a cone-shaped end on tubing for a flare fitting Correct answer.
  2. To swage a fitting onto a tube
  3. To ream the internal burr
  4. To cut copper tube to length

Explanation

A flaring tool presses a cone into the tube end to create a flare that seals against a flare fitting. Cutting, reaming, and swaging are separate operations with different tools.

Question 40Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which wrench is specifically designed to reach and turn a faucet supply nut located behind a sink basin?

  1. A basin wrench Correct answer.
  2. An adjustable wrench
  3. A pipe wrench
  4. A socket wrench

Explanation

A basin wrench has a long shank and pivoting jaw that reach up behind the basin to grip faucet nuts. The other wrenches are too bulky or lack the reach for this confined space.

Question 41Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A plumber is threading black steel pipe by hand. Which sequence of tools is correct?

  1. Pipe cutter, reamer, threading die and stock, pipe vise Correct answer.
  2. Pipe vise, flaring tool, caulking gun, level
  3. Hole saw, sander, drill press, level
  4. Tube bender, flaring block, basin wrench, level

Explanation

Threading steel pipe requires holding it in a vise, cutting it, reaming the burr, then cutting threads with a die and stock. The other sequences list tools unrelated to threading steel pipe.

Question 42Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

What is the function of a soil pipe cutter?

  1. To ream copper tube ends
  2. To flare tubing ends
  3. To cut cast iron soil pipe with a ratcheting chain Correct answer.
  4. To bend soft copper

Explanation

A soil pipe cutter uses a ratcheting chain of cutting wheels to snap or cut cast iron soil pipe in place. Reaming, bending, and flaring are copper-tube operations with different tools.

Question 43Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

When using a portable band saw to cut steel pipe, which practice best protects the blade and produces a square cut?

  1. Start the cut at full speed on the top of the pipe
  2. Cut without clamping to allow the pipe to rotate
  3. Clamp the pipe securely and let the blade reach full speed before contact Correct answer.
  4. Apply heavy downward force to speed the cut

Explanation

Clamping the pipe and letting the blade reach full speed before contact prevents blade damage and keeps the cut square. Starting at full load, forcing, or leaving the pipe loose leads to binding and crooked cuts.

Question 44Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A plumber must cut a precise round hole through a wooden joist to pass a pipe. Which tool is most appropriate?

  1. A chisel
  2. A tubing cutter
  3. A reciprocating saw
  4. A hole saw on a drill Correct answer.

Explanation

A hole saw mounted on a drill produces a clean round hole sized to the pipe. A chisel is for shaping, a reciprocating saw makes straight cuts, and a tubing cutter is for metal tube.

Question 45Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which safety practice applies when using a powered drain snake or auger?

  1. Remove the machine guard for better visibility
  2. Keep hands clear of the spinning cable and use leather gloves Correct answer.
  3. Wear loose gloves that can catch in the cable
  4. Feed the cable by hand while it spins at full speed

Explanation

A drain auger cable can bind and spin violently, so hands must stay clear and leather gloves protect against injury. Loose gloves, hand-feeding a spinning cable, or removing guards increases the risk of entanglement.

Question 46Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A plumber is choosing between a cast iron soil pipe cutter and a reciprocating saw to cut an installed vertical cast iron stack. Why is the soil pipe cutter often preferred?

  1. It makes a cleaner, faster cut with less vibration and dust Correct answer.
  2. It requires no clamping
  3. It reams the pipe end as it cuts
  4. It can cut through concrete

Explanation

A soil pipe cutter snaps cast iron with a ratcheting chain, giving a fast, clean cut with little vibration or dust compared with sawing. It does not cut concrete, still needs the pipe secured, and does not ream.

Question 47Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

What does the term 'set' refer to on a hand saw or hacksaw blade?

  1. The angle of the handle
  2. The alternating side offset of the teeth that creates kerf clearance Correct answer.
  3. The hardness of the steel
  4. The length of the blade

Explanation

Set is the alternating bend of the teeth to each side, which makes the kerf wider than the blade so it does not bind. Handle angle, blade length, and steel hardness are separate properties.

Question 48Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

A plumber is using a press tool to join copper press fittings. What must be verified before making the press?

  1. The press tool battery is removed
  2. The fitting has been soldered
  3. The tube has been flared
  4. The fitting is fully inserted and the correct jaw size is fitted Correct answer.

Explanation

A proper press requires the fitting fully inserted to the stop and the correct jaw for the fitting size, or the joint will leak. Flaring or soldering is not part of a press joint, and the battery must be installed to operate the tool.

Question 49Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

Which tool is used to remove the internal burr and restore full bore after cutting plastic pipe with a saw?

  1. A deburring tool or internal reamer Correct answer.
  2. A pipe wrench
  3. A flaring tool
  4. A torque wrench

Explanation

Plastic pipe cut with a saw leaves a burr that reduces flow and can trap debris, so a deburring tool or internal reamer restores the bore. Wrenches, flaring tools, and torque wrenches serve other purposes.

Question 50Use of hand tools, power tools, and plumbing equipment

What is the correct use of a spirit level when checking a vertical pipe riser?

  1. Lay it on the floor to check slope
  2. Place it on the pipe to check level using the horizontal vial
  3. Use it to measure pipe length
  4. Hold it against the pipe to check plumb using the vertical vial Correct answer.

Explanation

A vertical riser is checked for plumb with the vertical vial held against the pipe. The horizontal vial checks level, floor checks verify slope, and a level does not measure length.