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Per the 248 CMR as adopted by Massachusetts, what is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drain pipe?

1/16 inch per foot

1/8 inch per foot

1/4 inch per foot

1/2 inch per foot

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Key Facts: MA Plumber Exam

70%

Passing Score

MA Board of Examiners

~100

Exam Questions

State exam format

248 CMR

Code Base

UPC-derived

$83

Total Exam Fee

$31 + $52

The Massachusetts journeyman plumber exam is administered by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. The exam has approximately 100 questions based on the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, based on UPC) and requires 70% to pass. Massachusetts is one of the few states that uses a UPC-derived code rather than the IPC. The exam also covers gas fitting, which is combined with plumbing licensing in MA.

Sample MA Plumber Practice Questions

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1Per the 248 CMR as adopted by Massachusetts, what is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drain pipe?

A.1/16 inch per foot

B.1/8 inch per foot

C.1/4 inch per foot

D.1/2 inch per foot

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), horizontal drainage pipes 4 inches and larger require a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. Pipes 3 inches or smaller require 1/4 inch per foot minimum slope.

2Per the 248 CMR, what is the DFU value for a floor-mounted water closet (1.6 GPF)?

A.2 DFU

B.3 DFU

C.4 DFU

D.6 DFU

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based) fixture unit table, a floor-mounted water closet with a 1.6 GPF rating has a DFU value of 4. This is the standard value used for drainage system sizing.

3What is the minimum building drain size for a system with 200 DFUs per the 248 CMR as adopted by Massachusetts?

A.3 inches

B.4 inches

C.5 inches

D.6 inches

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based) drainage sizing tables, a 4-inch building drain at 1/8 inch per foot slope can handle up to approximately 216 DFUs, so 4 inches is adequate for 200 DFUs.

4Per the 248 CMR, cleanouts in horizontal drains must be installed at intervals not exceeding what distance?

A.50 feet

B.75 feet

C.100 feet

D.125 feet

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), cleanouts must be installed at maximum 100-foot intervals in horizontal drainage lines. They are also required at changes of direction and at the upper terminal of the building drain.

5Per the 248 CMR, what is the minimum slope for a 2-inch horizontal drain pipe?

A.1/16 inch per foot

B.1/8 inch per foot

C.1/4 inch per foot

D.1/2 inch per foot

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), horizontal drainage pipes 3 inches and smaller (including 2-inch) require a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot to maintain adequate flow velocity.

6Per the 248 CMR as adopted by Massachusetts, a lavatory has what DFU value?

A.0.5 DFU

B.1 DFU

C.1.5 DFU

D.2 DFU

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based) fixture unit table, a lavatory has a DFU value of 1. This is one of the lowest individual fixture DFU ratings.

7What is the minimum trap size for a kitchen sink per the 248 CMR?

A.1-1/4 inches

B.1-1/2 inches

C.2 inches

D.3 inches

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), the minimum trap and drain size for a kitchen sink is 1-1/2 inches.

8Per the 248 CMR, what fitting is required for a horizontal-to-horizontal direction change in drainage piping?

A.Short-sweep quarter bend

B.Long-sweep quarter bend or equivalent

C.Standard tee fitting

D.Any available fitting

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), horizontal-to-horizontal changes of direction must use long-sweep fittings. Short-sweep fittings are restricted to horizontal-to-vertical transitions.

9Per the 248 CMR, indirect waste from a commercial dishwasher must discharge through what?

A.A direct connection to the building drain

B.An air gap to an approved receptor

C.A check valve

D.A backwater valve

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based), indirect waste from commercial food equipment must discharge through an air gap into an approved floor sink or receptor to prevent contamination.

10Per the 248 CMR, what is the maximum DFU load on a 3-inch horizontal branch at 1/4 inch per foot slope?

A.20 DFU

B.27 DFU

C.36 DFU

D.42 DFU

Explanation: Per the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, UPC-based) drainage table, a 3-inch horizontal branch at 1/4 inch per foot slope handles a maximum of 36 DFUs.

About the MA Plumber Exam

Massachusetts journeyman plumber licensing exam administered by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. State-administered exam based on the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR, derived from the Uniform Plumbing Code). Covers drainage systems, water supply, venting, fixtures, gas fitting, materials, and Massachusetts-specific plumbing regulations. Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$83 (Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters)

MA Plumber Exam Content Outline

25%

Drainage Systems

Drain pipe sizing, fixture unit calculations, slope requirements, cleanouts, building sewers, indirect waste, and special drainage per 248 CMR

20%

Water Supply Systems

Water pipe sizing, fixture unit calculations, backflow prevention, pressure regulation, water heaters, cross-connection control per Massachusetts code

20%

Venting Systems

Vent sizing, wet venting, circuit venting, air admittance valves, vent termination, combination waste and vent, and trap protection per 248 CMR

15%

Gas Fitting

Gas pipe sizing, BTU calculations, appliance venting, pressure testing, combustion air, gas leak detection, and MA gas fitting regulations

10%

Fixtures & Appliances

Fixture installation, clearances, accessible fixtures, commercial fixtures, water closets, lavatories, showers, and bathtubs per 248 CMR

10%

Code Administration & Materials

Permits, inspections, plan review, approved materials, pipe materials, joint methods, and Massachusetts-specific 248 CMR regulations

How to Pass the MA Plumber Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $83

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MA Plumber Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study 248 CMR (Massachusetts State Plumbing Code) — it is UPC-based, NOT IPC, which differs significantly in fixture unit values and sizing methods

2Master fixture unit calculations per 248 CMR — values may differ from IPC tables

3Review gas fitting requirements thoroughly since MA combines plumbing and gas fitting licensing

4Practice vent sizing using Massachusetts code tables — wet venting rules differ from IPC

5Study backflow prevention requirements and cross-connection control per Massachusetts regulations

6Review water heater installation requirements including T&P relief valve discharge per 248 CMR

7Understand Massachusetts-specific regulations on materials approvals and inspection requirements

8Practice gas pipe sizing calculations using BTU input ratings per Massachusetts fuel gas code

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Massachusetts journeyman plumber exam?

The Massachusetts journeyman plumber exam is challenging with an estimated 50-60% pass rate. The exam has approximately 100 questions based on the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR) and requires 70% to pass. Massachusetts combines plumbing and gas fitting licensing, so the exam covers both disciplines.

What plumbing code does Massachusetts use?

Massachusetts uses 248 CMR, the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, which is derived from the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — not the IPC used by most other states. This is a critical distinction for candidates who have studied in IPC states. The gas fitting portions are also covered under Massachusetts regulations.

How much does the Massachusetts plumber exam cost?

The Massachusetts journeyman plumber exam costs approximately $83 total — $31 application fee plus $52 exam fee. Additional costs include the 248 CMR code book. Check with the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters for the current fee schedule.

Does the Massachusetts plumber license include gas fitting?

Yes, Massachusetts combines plumbing and gas fitting into a single license. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters oversees both disciplines. The journeyman plumber exam includes gas fitting questions, and the license authorizes both plumbing and gas fitting work.