Property & Building Inspection · Task 10 of 19

Plumbing & fuel distribution study notes

Water supply, drain/waste/vent, water heaters, fuel storage and distribution.

Key points

• Find and report the main water shutoff and the fuel shutoff.
• Pressure over about 80 psi needs a pressure-reducing valve; closed systems need thermal expansion control.
• Known-problem materials: polybutylene, galvanized (corrosion), Orangeburg and lead.
• Traps: no S-traps; vents keep traps sealed; AAVs are allowed where permitted.
• Water heaters: TPR valve with full-size discharge pipe ending low; gas ignition 18 in. up in garages; seismic straps where required.
• Gas odor: stop, leave, notify. CSST must be bonded per the manufacturer.

Exam tip

wells, septic systems and softeners are usually outside the standard scope.

Practise this task

Try free plumbing & fuel distribution practice questions with answers and explanations, or look up terms in the glossary.

These notes are an original study aid and may contain errors. Verify against current IRC, NEC and NFPA editions and your state's standards of practice.