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298+ Free MD Plumber Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MD Plumber Exam

70%

Passing Score

Maryland Board of Plumbing

80-100

Exam Questions

PSI exam format

3 hrs

Time Limit

PSI

IPC

Code Base

Maryland adoption

The Maryland journeyman plumber exam is administered through PSI and overseen by the Board of Plumbing. The exam has approximately 80-100 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit, requiring 70% to pass. Maryland uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Exam fees are relatively low at $15-$70 depending on the license type and jurisdiction.

Sample MD Plumber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MD Plumber exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 298+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Per the IPC as adopted by Maryland, 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: Under 2018 IPC Table 704.1, 3-inch through 6-inch horizontal drainage piping requires a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. A 4-inch drain falls in that range.
2A propane leak develops in a basement mechanical room. Where will the propane tend to collect?
A.Near the floor and in low spots because propane vapor is heavier than air
B.Near the ceiling because propane vapor is lighter than air
C.Evenly at all elevations because propane has the same density as air
D.Only next to the appliance because propane does not migrate
Explanation: Propane vapor has a specific gravity greater than 1 relative to air, so an escaping cloud tends to settle and accumulate near the floor and in low areas.
3A natural-gas water heater is rated at 125,000 Btu/h. Using a nominal heating value of 1,000 Btu per cubic foot, what gas flow must the piping supply?
A.50 cubic feet per hour
B.125 cubic feet per hour
C.250 cubic feet per hour
D.500 cubic feet per hour
Explanation: Divide the appliance input by the gas heating value: 125,000 Btu/h ÷ 1,000 Btu/ft³ = 125 cubic feet per hour.
4Per the IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 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.
5Under 2018 IPC Table 709.1, what is the minimum fixture-drain size for a floor-outlet water closet?
A.1-1/2 inches
B.2 inches
C.3 inches
D.4 inches
Explanation: Under 2018 IPC Table 709.1, a floor-outlet water closet requires a fixture drain at least 3 inches in diameter.
6Under the 2018 IFGC, copper tubing may not convey fuel gas containing more than what average hydrogen-sulfide concentration?
A.0.3 grain per 100 standard cubic feet
B.0.3 grain per standard cubic foot
C.3 grains per 100 standard cubic feet
D.30 grains per 100 standard cubic feet
Explanation: IFGC Section 403.5.2 prohibits copper and copper-alloy tubing where the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grain of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet.
7Under the 2018 IFGC, where may polyethylene fuel-gas piping be installed?
A.Outdoors underground, with above-grade transition through an approved riser
B.Concealed inside building walls
C.Exposed inside a mechanical room
D.Under a building slab without conduit or venting
Explanation: IFGC Section 404.17 limits plastic fuel-gas piping to outdoor underground installation. The transition above grade is made through an approved riser.
8Per the IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC), horizontal-to-horizontal changes of direction must use long-sweep fittings. Short-sweep fittings are restricted to horizontal-to-vertical transitions.
9Per the IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC), indirect waste from commercial food equipment must discharge through an air gap into an approved floor sink or receptor to prevent contamination.
10Using the longest-length method, the most remote gas outlet is 88 feet from the meter after fitting allowances. Which table row is used to size every section?
A.The 90-foot row for every section of the system
B.The 30-foot row for each short branch
C.The 80-foot row because it is closest
D.The 100-foot row because all lengths are rounded to 100 feet
Explanation: The longest-length method uses the longest run for every section and rounds upward to the next listed table length. An 88-foot run therefore uses the 90-foot row.

About the MD Plumber Exam

Maryland journeyman plumber licensing exam administered by PSI and overseen by the Board of Plumbing. Based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) covering drainage systems, water supply, venting, fixtures and appliances, gas piping, materials, and code administration. Approximately 80-100 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit.

Questions

90 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$15-$70 (Maryland Board of Plumbing)

MD Plumber Exam Content Outline

25%

Drainage Systems

Drain pipe sizing, DFU calculations, slope requirements, cleanouts, building sewers, indirect waste, and special drainage systems per IPC

20%

Water Supply Systems

Water pipe sizing, WSFU calculations, backflow prevention, pressure regulation, water heaters, cross-connection control, and potable water protection

20%

Venting Systems

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

15%

Fixtures & Appliances

Fixture installation requirements, clearances, accessible fixtures, commercial fixtures, water closets, lavatories, showers, and bathtubs

10%

Gas Piping

Gas pipe sizing, BTU calculations, appliance venting, pressure testing, combustion air, and fuel gas code compliance

10%

Code Administration & Materials

Permits, inspections, plan review, approved materials, pipe materials, joint methods, hangers and supports, and Maryland-specific regulations

How to Pass the MD Plumber Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 90 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $15-$70

Keys to Passing

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

MD Plumber Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the IPC thoroughly — learn to navigate the index and tables quickly for the open-book PSI exam
2Master DFU calculations and drain pipe sizing using IPC fixture unit tables
3Practice vent sizing and understand when wet venting, circuit venting, and air admittance valves are permitted
4Memorize minimum pipe sizes for common fixtures and trap arm distances
5Review backflow prevention device selection based on hazard level
6Study water heater installation requirements including T&P relief valve discharge
7Practice gas pipe sizing calculations using BTU input ratings and pipe length tables
8Review Maryland-specific plumbing regulations and any state amendments to the IPC

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Maryland journeyman plumber exam?

The Maryland journeyman plumber exam is moderately challenging with an estimated 55-65% pass rate. The exam has approximately 80-100 questions based on the IPC and requires 70% to pass. Strong knowledge of pipe sizing, DFU calculations, and venting requirements is essential.

What plumbing code does Maryland use?

Maryland uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC) for its journeyman plumber exam. A clean, bound copy of the IPC is typically allowed as a reference during the PSI-administered exam. Check with the Board of Plumbing for the current adopted edition.

How much does the Maryland plumber exam cost?

The Maryland journeyman plumber exam fees range from $15 to $70 depending on the specific license type and jurisdiction. Maryland has some of the lowest plumber exam fees in the country. Check with the Board of Plumbing for the current fee schedule.

What are the experience requirements for Maryland journeyman plumber?

Maryland requires completion of a plumbing apprenticeship or equivalent experience under a licensed master plumber. Contact the Maryland Board of Plumbing for detailed eligibility requirements, approved experience documentation, and application procedures.