Master Basic Plumbing: Fix Leaks, Clogs, and More

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To prevent sewer gases from entering the house

Answer

To catch debris and prevent clogs

Answer

To regulate water flow

Answer

To connect different pipe sections

Question 2

What is the primary function of a ball valve?

Accepted Answer

To shut off water flow completely

Answer

To regulate water pressure

Answer

To connect different types of pipes

Answer

To prevent backflow

Question 3

What should you do if you suspect a gas leak in your home?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the gas supply and evacuate the property

Answer

Open all windows and doors

Answer

Contact a plumber immediately

Answer

Light a match to locate the source of the leak

Question 4

Which of the following is **not** a common plumbing fitting found in homes?

Accepted Answer

Electrical outlet

Answer

P-trap

Answer

Faucet

Answer

Toilet flange

Question 5

Which tool is specifically designed for tightening and loosening plumbing nuts and bolts?

Accepted Answer

Adjustable wrench

Answer

Hammer

Answer

Screwdriver

Answer

Pliers

Question 6

What is the primary function of a sump pump?

Accepted Answer

To remove excess water from basements or crawlspaces

Answer

To circulate water in swimming pools

Answer

To pump water from wells into homes

Answer

To provide hot water for showers and sinks

Question 7

According to safety guidelines, what is the recommended temperature setting for a water heater?

Accepted Answer

140°F

Answer

120°F

Answer

160°F

Answer

180°F

Question 8

Which type of pipe is commonly used for hot water supply lines, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

CPVC

Answer

Polypropylene

Answer

PVC

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of a pressure-reducing valve in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To regulate water pressure, preventing damage caused by excessive pressure

Answer

To increase water flow rate for improved performance

Answer

To purify water by removing impurities

Answer

To prevent air from entering the plumbing system

Question 10

Which chemical is commonly and effectively used as a drain cleaner, capable of dissolving clogs?

Accepted Answer

Sodium hydroxide

Answer

Bleach

Answer

Vinegar

Answer

Baking soda

Question 11

For plumbing repairs, which safety measure should always be taken as a priority?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the water supply to prevent water damage

Answer

Wear protective gloves to safeguard hands from potential hazards

Answer

Use a flashlight to illuminate work areas

Answer

Keep children away from the work area for safety

Question 12

What is the main function of a water heater expansion tank in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To prevent damage to the water heater by accommodating thermal expansion of water

Answer

To improve water circulation efficiency

Answer

To reduce excessive water pressure within the system

Answer

To store extra hot water for later use

Question 13

Which plumbing material stands out for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Galvanized steel

Answer

PVC

Answer

Polyethylene

Question 14

Which plumbing fitting allows for the connection of two pipes with different diameters?

Accepted Answer

Reducer

Answer

Coupling

Answer

Tee

Answer

Elbow

Question 15

A bathroom faucet is leaking. Describe a step-by-step process to find the source of the leak and fix it.

Accepted Answer

Check the faucet for worn washers or damaged O-rings, and replace any faulty parts.

Answer

Replace the faucet without checking for the cause of the leak.

Answer

Tighten only the packing nut, assuming it's the only problem.

Answer

Call a plumber right away without trying to fix it yourself.

Question 16

Which of the following tools is NOT commonly used in basic plumbing tasks?

Accepted Answer

Paintbrush

Answer

Pipe wrench

Answer

Pliers

Answer

Screwdriver

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a washer in a faucet?

Accepted Answer

To create a watertight seal

Answer

To control water flow

Answer

To prevent corrosion

Answer

To secure the faucet handle

Question 18

Which type of drain cleaner is generally NOT recommended for household use due to its potential hazards?

Accepted Answer

Commercial chemical drain cleaner

Answer

Baking soda and vinegar solution

Answer

Plunger

Answer

Drain snake

Question 19

What is the recommended water temperature setting for a residential water heater, balancing safety and energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

60°C (140°F)

Answer

50°C (122°F)

Answer

70°C (158°F)

Answer

80°C (176°F)

Question 20

What is the primary function of a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To regulate water pressure and prevent damage to pipes and fixtures

Answer

To control water flow rate

Answer

To protect against freezing temperatures

Answer

To maintain a constant water temperature

Question 21

Which of the following materials is generally NOT suitable for use as a plumbing pipe due to its potential for corrosion and leaks?

Accepted Answer

Wood

Answer

Copper

Answer

PVC

Answer

Galvanized steel

Question 22

What is the approximate average lifespan of a residential water heater under normal usage conditions?

Accepted Answer

10-15 years

Answer

5-7 years

Answer

20-25 years

Answer

Over 30 years

Question 23

To ensure the longevity of your plumbing system, which preventive maintenance practice is most beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Conducting regular inspections and maintenance to detect and resolve potential issues promptly

Answer

Using chemical drain cleaners regularly to prevent blockages

Answer

Overlooking minor leaks and drips until they become more severe

Answer

Replacing plumbing fixtures and appliances immediately when they show signs of wear and tear

Question 24

In a plumbing system, what type of pipe is generally used to transport hot water?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Answer

Galvanized Steel

Answer

Polyethylene Crosslinked (PEX)

Question 25

What is the primary function of a P-trap in plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Creating a water seal for proper drainage

Answer

Preventing sewer gases from entering a building

Answer

Draining excess water from fixtures

Answer

Trapping debris to prevent clogs

Question 26

Which tool is commonly used to tighten and loosen plumbing fixtures?

Accepted Answer

Wrench

Answer

Pliers

Answer

Screwdriver

Answer

Hammer

Question 27

When working with PVC pipes, what type of solvent is used to create a strong bond?

Accepted Answer

PVC cement

Answer

Polyurethane adhesive

Answer

Epoxy resin

Answer

Super glue

Question 28

What is the primary function of a water heater expansion tank?

Accepted Answer

To absorb pressure fluctuations in the water heater

Answer

To store hot water for later use

Answer

To regulate water temperature

Answer

To prevent water leaks

Question 29

Which type of pipe material is known for its flexibility, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion?

Accepted Answer

PVC

Answer

Copper

Answer

Galvanized steel

Answer

Cast iron

Question 30

What is the recommended initial approach for unclogging a partially blocked drain?

Accepted Answer

Plunging the drain

Answer

Using a chemical drain cleaner

Answer

Snaking the drain

Answer

Hiring a professional plumber

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a recommended safety precaution when working with plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Working alone

Answer

Turning off the water supply

Answer

Wearing appropriate safety gear

Answer

Inspecting tools and equipment before use

Question 32

What is the recommended soldering technique for copper pipes?

Accepted Answer

Using a propane torch with flux-core solder

Answer

Using a butane torch with acid-core solder

Answer

Using an oxy-acetylene torch with silver solder

Answer

Using a hot air gun with flux-core solder

Question 33

Which of the following is a widely used type of water softener?

Accepted Answer

Ion exchange

Answer

Reverse osmosis

Answer

Distillation

Answer

Ultrafiltration

Question 34

To ensure safety when working with plumbing systems, which action is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing suitable tools and equipment

Answer

Working independently

Answer

Disregarding safety guidelines

Answer

Avoiding protective gear

Question 35

Which type of wrench is primarily utilized in plumbing tasks?

Accepted Answer

Pipe wrench

Answer

Allen wrench

Answer

Spanner

Answer

Socket wrench

Question 36

Among the following, which is NOT a common cause of a leaking faucet?

Accepted Answer

Optimum water pressure

Answer

Defective washer

Answer

Loose valve seat

Answer

Corroded pipe

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of a plumbing trap?

Accepted Answer

Prevent water from flowing back into the fixture

Answer

Filter debris and hair from the water

Answer

Regulate water flow rate

Answer

Allow for easy cleaning access

Question 38

Which material is commonly employed for drainpipe construction?

Accepted Answer

PVC

Answer

Copper

Answer

PEX

Answer

Galvanized steel

Question 39

Which tool is used to accurately measure the depth of a hole in a pipe?

Accepted Answer

Depth gauge

Answer

Caliper

Answer

Protractor

Answer

Micrometer

Question 40

Which tool is specifically designed for tightening and loosening plumbing connections?

Accepted Answer

Wrench

Answer

Hammer

Answer

Screwdriver

Answer

Pliers

Question 41

What is the most common cause of a clogged drain in household plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Hair and soap scum buildup

Answer

Mineral deposits

Answer

Broken or misaligned pipes

Answer

Tree roots invading the pipes

Question 42

Which type of valve is used to control the flow of water to a specific plumbing fixture, allowing for isolation during repairs?

Accepted Answer

Isolation valve

Answer

Gate valve

Answer

Pressure reducing valve

Answer

Check valve

Question 43

For domestic use, what is the recommended temperature range for water heaters to balance safety and efficiency?

Accepted Answer

120-140°F (49-60°C)

Answer

90-110°F (32-43°C)

Answer

150-170°F (66-77°C)

Answer

100-120°F (38-49°C)

Question 44

Which material is commonly preferred for water supply pipes due to its resistance to corrosion and durability?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Cast iron

Answer

Galvanized steel

Answer

PVC

Question 45

In plumbing, what is the primary purpose of a trap?

Accepted Answer

To prevent sewer gases from entering the building

Answer

To regulate water flow

Answer

To collect and hold water for drainage

Answer

To filter sediment from water

Question 46

Which type of pipe fitting is used to connect two pipes at a 90-degree angle?

Accepted Answer

Elbow

Answer

Coupling

Answer

Reducer

Answer

Tee

Question 47

What is the most commonly used tool for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts in plumbing applications?

Accepted Answer

Adjustable wrench

Answer

Pliers

Answer

Hammer

Answer

Screwdriver

Question 48

What is the primary function of a drain trap?

Accepted Answer

To prevent sewer gases from entering the house

Answer

To filter debris from the water

Answer

To regulate water flow

Answer

To increase water pressure

Question 49

Which type of pipe is most commonly used for water supply lines in homes in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Copper pipe

Answer

Galvanized steel pipe

Answer

Cast iron pipe

Answer

PVC pipe

Question 50

What does a water heater's thermostat control?

Accepted Answer

The temperature of the water

Answer

The flow rate of the water

Answer

The pressure of the water

Question 51

What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve on a water heater?

Accepted Answer

To release excess pressure in the tank, preventing potential damage

Answer

To filter sediment from the water

Answer

To control water temperature

Answer

To regulate water flow

Question 52

What is the most common cause of a water hammer?

Accepted Answer

Sudden changes in water flow, such as when a faucet is quickly turned off

Answer

Leaky faucets

Answer

Clogged pipes

Answer

Low water pressure

Question 53

Which of these is a benefit of using a low-flow showerhead?

Accepted Answer

Water conservation, reducing water consumption and bills

Answer

Increased water pressure

Answer

Reduced maintenance costs

Answer

Higher water temperature