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100+ Free MD Plumber Practice Questions

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Per the IPC as adopted by Maryland, what is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drain pipe?

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B
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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 100+ 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: Per the International Plumbing Code (IPC), 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 IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC) 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 IPC as adopted by Maryland?
A.3 inches
B.4 inches
C.5 inches
D.6 inches
Explanation: Per the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 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 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.
5Per the IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 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 IPC as adopted by Maryland, a lavatory has what DFU value?
A.0.5 DFU
B.1 DFU
C.1.5 DFU
D.2 DFU
Explanation: Per the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 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 IPC?
A.1-1/4 inches
B.1-1/2 inches
C.2 inches
D.3 inches
Explanation: Per the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the minimum trap and drain size for a kitchen sink is 1-1/2 inches.
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.
10Per the IPC, 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 International Plumbing Code (IPC) drainage table, a 3-inch horizontal branch at 1/4 inch per foot slope handles a maximum of 36 DFUs.

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.