What plumbing code does Texas use?

Texas adopts both codes. Under Texas Occupations Code 1301.255 and 22 TAC 367.2, the Board adopts the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and the 2018 International Plumbing Code, including the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code and 2018 International Residential Code incorporated by reference. Each municipality chooses which one it enforces, and the TSBPE states that the Journeyman examination is not specific to either code, so candidates study one of them rather than both.

Who administers the Texas plumber exam?

Pearson VUE delivers the computer-based written examination on behalf of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at authorized test centers. The practical examination is administered by the TSBPE itself, at its Austin and Waco testing centers only, and is scheduled through Pearson VUE after the written portion is passed.

What is the passing score?

Texas requires a score of 70 percent. The written portion is 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes and the practical portion is 6 stations in 240 minutes. Where an examination includes a practical component, it is not considered an overall pass until both portions have been passed.

Is the Texas plumber exam open book?

No. The TSBPE Candidate Handbook states that dictionaries, books, papers including scratch paper, and reference materials are not permitted in the examination room. The test administrator provides note-taking materials at the workstation, which may not be written on before the exam begins or removed afterward.

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Exam Review

Key Facts: TX Plumber Exam

70%

Passing Score

TSBPE Candidate Handbook

100

Written Questions (120 minutes)

TSBPE Candidate Handbook

Practical Stations (240 minutes)

TSBPE Candidate Handbook

$68.50

Written Exam Fee

Pearson VUE

Texas uses a two-part exam: a 100-question written test (120 minutes, Pearson VUE, $68.50) plus a 6-station practical (240 minutes, $40) at the TSBPE Austin or Waco centers. Both portions require 70 percent, and the exam is not an overall pass until both are passed. The Board adopts both the 2018 UPC and the 2018 IPC under 22 TAC 367.2 and each municipality chooses which one it enforces, so the exam is written to be answerable from either code. A current Tradesman Plumber-Limited licensee takes the written portion only.

Sample TX Plumber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TX Plumber exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 310+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Texas's adoption of the IPC, what is the minimum size drain pipe permitted for a water closet?

A.2 inches

B.3 inches

C.4 inches

D.1-1/2 inches

Explanation: Per the IPC as adopted by Texas, the minimum drain pipe size for a water closet is 3 inches.

2What is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drainage pipe in Texas?

A.1/4 inch per foot

B.1/8 inch per foot

C.1/2 inch per foot

D.1/16 inch per foot

Explanation: Pipes 3 inches and larger require 1/8 inch per foot slope. Pipes under 3 inches require 1/4 inch per foot.

3What is the DFU value for a private 1.6 GPF water closet in Texas under the IPC?

A.4 DFU

B.3 DFU

C.2 DFU

D.6 DFU

Explanation: Per IPC Table 709.1, a private 1.6 GPF water closet is rated at 3 DFU. A public 1.6 GPF WC is 4 DFU, and a WC flushing more than 1.6 GPF is 4 DFU private / 6 DFU public. The UPC assigns the same values.

4What backflow preventer is required for high-hazard cross-connections in Texas?

A.RPZ backflow preventer

B.Atmospheric vacuum breaker

C.Dual check valve

D.Hose bibb vacuum breaker

Explanation: An RPZ is required for high-hazard cross-connections with two check valves and a differential relief valve.

5What is the minimum trap seal depth in Texas?

A.1 inch

B.2 inches

C.3 inches

D.4 inches

Explanation: Minimum 2 inches, maximum 4 inches. The seal prevents sewer gas entry.

6What is the minimum vent pipe size in Texas?

A.1 inch

B.1-1/4 inches

C.1-1/2 inches

D.2 inches

Explanation: Minimum vent size is 1-1/4 inches. Must be at least half the drain size served.

7What is the maximum static water pressure in Texas?

A.60 psi

B.80 psi

C.100 psi

D.120 psi

Explanation: Maximum 80 psi. PRV required when supply exceeds this limit.

8When is a cleanout required on horizontal drainage in Texas?

A.At direction changes over 45 degrees

B.At direction changes over 90 degrees

C.Only at building drain

D.Every 25 feet

Explanation: Cleanouts required at direction changes over 45 degrees.

9What device must be on every water heater in Texas?

A.T&P relief valve

B.Check valve

C.Gate valve

D.Expansion tank only

Explanation: T&P relief valve opens at 210°F or 150 psi to prevent catastrophic failure.

10What is the max shower/bathtub delivery temperature in Texas?

A.110°F

B.120°F

C.130°F

D.140°F

Explanation: 120°F max at showers and bathtubs. Mixing valve required.

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