

Mechanical Systems for Buildings
Exam Answer Key
Course Introduction
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanical systems integral to building functionality, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and fire protection. Students will examine the principles of system design, energy efficiency, environmental control, and integration with architectural features. Emphasis is placed on analyzing system performance, understanding current codes and standards, and exploring advancements in sustainable building technologies. Through case studies and practical applications, the course prepares students to evaluate, select, and coordinate mechanical systems to enhance occupant comfort and building performance.
Recommended Textbook
Residential Construction Academy Plumbing 2nd Edition by Michael A Joyce
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17 Chapters
495 Verified Questions
495 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/1302

Page 2

Chapter 1: Plumbers Toolbox
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29 Verified Questions
29 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25878
Sample Questions
Q1) In a multi-screwdriver,the small diameter screwdriver combination bit is housed in the end of the shank that doubles as a _____" nut driver,and the large diameter end of the shank doubles as a _____" nut driver.
Answer: 1/4,5/16
Q2) ____________________ are used in the plumbing industry to notch and split pieces of wood boards;they are available in various widths.
Answer: Wood chisels
Q3) Why is it important to make a square pipe cut?
Answer: An uneven cut can cause a joint to leak.
Q4) A _________________________ allows a plumber to create bends in copper tube for tight spaces and to achieve professional appearance.
Answer: copper tubing bender
Q5) Many levels have a _______________ feature that can be used for measuring _______________ similar to a tape measure or ruler
Answer: dimensional,distances
Q6) What is the purpose of a compass saw?
Answer: A compass saw is designed to cut both circular and square holes.
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Page 3

Chapter 2: Power Tools
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31 Verified Questions
31 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25879
Sample Questions
Q1) Once a GFI has been installed it does not ever have to be tested.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) Describe how a reciprocating saw works.
Answer: a reciprocating saw operates in a piston-like motion by thrusting a saw blade forward and backward in a sawing motion.
Q3) Personal ear protection should always be worn when using power tools.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q4) The bottom of the ladder should be approximately _______________ of the length the ladder is extended to ensure a safe angle is established. Answer: one fourth 1/4
Q5) The ____________________ drill has a fixed drill chuck position tucked further in its body design than other drills for drilling in small spaces. Answer: hole hawg
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Chapter 3: Types of Pipe
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31 Verified Questions
31 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25880
Sample Questions
Q1) Plastic piping known as ____________________ is abbreviated as PVC. Answer: polyvinyl chloride
Q2) The types of copper tube differ based on their wall thickness,and the most common diameters used in the residential plumbing industry are _____" to _____". Answer: 1/4,1
Q3) Pipe and tubing have an ___________________ diameter and an ___________________ diameter,but are ordered by a sizing system known as ____________________ diameter.
Answer: Pipe and tubing have an inside diameter and an outside diameter,but are ordered by a sizing system known as nominal diameter.
Q4) In plumbing,the wall thickness of pipe is always constant. A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q5) In plumbing,pipe is ordered based on its ____________________ diameter. Answer: nominal
Q6) PVC ____________________ piping is commonly used to install the water service to a residential building. Answer: pressure
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Chapter 4: Fittings
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32 Verified Questions
32 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25881
Sample Questions
Q1) A fitting designed to provide access directly within a piping system is called a _______________.
Q2) What is the purpose of a P-Trap?
Q3) A fitting designed to connect two different pipe sizes together is called a _______________.
Q4) Two ______° fittings can be joined to create a 45° offset.
Q5) How do male adapters differ from female adapters?
Q6) Water that is safe for human consumption is free from impurities and known as _______________ water.
Q7) A ______° fitting is installed to create a perpendicular change in direction in a piping system.
Q8) According to manufacturer guidelines,no pipe or fitting in a potable water system can consist of more than ______________% lead.
Q9) The flange that connects a toilet to the drainage system is called a ____________________.
Q10) The smallest size of plastic DWV pipe and fittings is 1". A)True B)False
Q11) What is a reducing coupling? Page 6
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Page 7

Chapter 5: Valves and Devices
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24 Verified Questions
24 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25882
Sample Questions
Q1) Most codes dictate that the minimum size of a residential water service is 1/2".
A)True
B)False
Q2) A _______________ is a valve design that utilizes a rubber washer to stop the flow of water and is a directional flow isolation valve.
Q3) Every residential dwelling is required by code to be provided with at least one isolation valve.
A)True
B)False
Q4) A boiler drain is available with male and female threads,and the most common sizes are _____" and _____".
Q5) Valves and devices are categorized based on their ____________________ capabilities.
Q6) All hose bibbs are protected with a backflow device.
A)True
B)False
Q7) A ____________________ is a unique valve designed to isolate the flow of gas in a gas distribution system.
Q8) Name the common isolation valves used for water systems.
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Chapter 6: Fixtures
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30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25883
Sample Questions
Q1) A standard tub in a home is _____" in length and averages _____" wide.
Q2) Toilets do not have to be self-cleaning during their flushing cycle and have a toilet seat installed.
A)True B)False
Q3) Plumbing codes dictate that every house must have at least one toilet,lavatory sink,bathtub or shower,and a kitchen sink
A)True
B)False
Q4) The "overflow" of a tub is used to determine the actual height of the fixture from the floor.
A)True B)False
Q5) The faucet hole design on a lavatory sink is known as a _______________.
Q6) Piping systems are installed behind walls and in floors and ceilings during a phase of construction known as the rough-in phase.
A)True B)False
Q7) What parameters are specified when ordering a lavatory sink?
Page 9
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Chapter 7: Faucets and Drain Assemblies
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22 Verified Questions
22 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25884
Sample Questions
Q1) Lavatory faucet connections use which of the following connections.
A) male threads
B) female threads
C) soldered
D) 3/8" tubing
E) both a and d
Q2) A typical sink faucet is either a __________- or __________-handle design
Q3) Most pull-out spout kitchen sink faucets are not manufactured with an integral check valve to eliminate backflow.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Many popular kitchen sink faucet designs have a pull-out spout that is also the spray unit,but this does not eliminate ordering a four-hole sink.
A)True
B)False
Q5) All faucets are compatible with all sink designs.
A)True
B)False
Q6) _______________ refers to items that have chrome or other finishes.
Page 10
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Chapter 8: Plumbing Equipment and Appliances
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39 Verified Questions
39 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25885
Sample Questions
Q1) Flame of a gas water heater used to ignite gas entering a burner assembly.
A)Burner
B)Collector
C)Instantaneous
D)Thermocouple
E)Tankless
F)Flue
G)High limit
H)Anode rod
I)Pilot
J)Element
K)Terminal
L)Thermostat
Q2) Carbon monoxide fumes are not odorless and can kill occupants of a home.
A)True
B)False
Q3) How is the water temperature in a water heater regulated?
Q4) How does a tankless water heater work?
Q5) What is a BTU?
Q6) What are the two types of gas used to heat water?
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Chapter 9: Blueprint Reading and Drafting
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33 Verified Questions
33 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) A view of a design from the top,also known as a birds-eye view.
A)Joist
B)Side view
C)Stud
D)Branch
E)Drawings
F)Plan view
G)Sketch
H)Isometric view
I)Section view
J)Load-bearing
Q2) If the same symbol is used to identify different types of fixtures,the abbreviation or other methods of identifying a fixture must clarify design intent.
A)True
B)False
Q3) What is the purpose of an elevation plan?
Q4) _______________ have three connecting pipes and are illustrated similarly to a 90-degree offset pertainining to facing toward or away from you.
Q5) What are the two types of scales (rulers)commonly used in drafting?
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Chapter 10: Material Organization and Layout
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26 Verified Questions
26 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25887
Sample Questions
Q1) Fixture ____________________ requirements and fixture clearance codes must be known during the layout process.
Q2) Drilling and _______________ codes must be addressed during an aboveground layout process.
Q3) A plumber can be held responsible for structural failure caused by cutting,drilling,or notching a floor joist during installation.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Excavated ____________________ placement must be considered during a layout process for underground installations.
Q5) Most residential materials are _______________ with the exception of pieces of equipment such as water heaters and certain types of bathtubs.
Q6) List five methods for organizing plumbing materials.
Q7) Advances in technology have done very little to improve communications in the plumbing industry.
A)True B)False
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Chapter 11: Water Service Installation
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30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25888
Sample Questions
Q1) Loose soil placed into an excavated area,also called fill.
A)Aquifers
B)Filter
C)Trench
D)Brackish
E)Compacting
F)Backfill
G)Purification
H)Branch
I)Water distribution system
J)Water service
Q2) The EPA defines a public water system as a system in service for a minimum of _____ days per year and providing water to a minimum of _____ connections or _____ individuals.
Q3) How much pressure does a vertical foot of water exert?
Q4) Lead free means that no lead is in the product.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Ground water is typically cleaner than _______________ water because it is filtered as it percolates through the soil.
Page 14
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Chapter 12: Water Distribution Installation
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35 Verified Questions
35 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25889
Sample Questions
Q1) Horizontal board that is part of a complete framing system;categorized as floor and ceiling.
A)Torch
B)Solder
C)Flux
D)Silver solder
E)Partition
F)Stud
G)Framing
H)Soldering
I)Joint
J)Brazing
K)Joist
Q2) A joist has the same structural purpose and regulations as a wall stud.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The IPC and UPC have identical pipe sizing allowances.
Q4) Many green plumbing projects require that plumbers use primers and glues that are low ______________.
Q5) The sealing compound used for threaded connections is known as _______________.
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Chapter 13: Drainage,waste,and Vent Segments and Sizing
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30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25890
Sample Questions
Q1) Trade name for percolation test;a method to evaluate percolation conditions of soil.
A)Loop Vent
B)Stack Vent
C)Septic tank
D)Trap Distance
E)Soil Stack
F)Common Vent
G)Drainage Fixture Unit
H)Perc test
I)Effluent
J)Stack
K)Relief Vent
Q2) Most codes allow any pipe greater than 8" to be served with a 4" cleanout.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A fixture drain installed aboveground is sized based on the particular fixture served.
A)True
B)False
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Chapter 14: Drainage,waste,and Vent Installation
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27 Verified Questions
27 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25891
Sample Questions
Q1) A plumber must view the entire pipe route before committing to drilling holes.
A)True
B)False
Q2) ____________________ are required when a pipe is installed close to the edge of a wall stud.
Q3) A _____" pipe is the smallest size allowable in a DWV system.
Q4) Word used to describe the rough-in dimension from the back wall to the center of the toilet drain.
A)Fixture group
B)Test plug
C)Test ball
D)Bicycle pump
E)Waste arm
F)Half bathroom
G)Rough
H)Test cap
Q5) The project scope of work is the specific installation requirements of a fixture. A)True
B)False
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Chapter 15: Fixture and Equipment Installation
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24 Verified Questions
24 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25892
Sample Questions
Q1) A ____________________ is installed to connect the stub-out pipe to the p-trap outlet.
Q2) A pipe size that is smaller in diameter and has a thinner wall thickness than pipe used for drainage piping.
A)Escutcheon
B)Wax seal
C)Compression
D)Trap adapter
E)Tubular
F)Closet bolts
G)Closet flange
H)Continuous waste
Q3) A toilet is installed onto a _______________ flange with a _______________ seal and a set of _______________ bolts.
Q4) A wax toilet seal will never have to be heated.
A)True
B)False
Q5) A two-piece toilet is assembled by a plumber on a job site.
A)True
B)False

18
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Chapter 16: Plumbing Repairs and Troubleshooting
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27 Verified Questions
27 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25893
Sample Questions
Q1) When a circuit breaker or electrical disconnect is turned off,a ________________ method should be implemented to ensure the electricity is not accidentally energized.
Q2) Many pump installations are performed by a licensed well contractor and not by a plumber.
A)True
B)False
Q3) What are two methods for checking the toilet tank flapper for a leak?
Q4) A well pump pressure switch controls the _______________ function of a well pump.
Q5) Refer to manufacturer information to assist in repair diagnosis.
A)True
B)False
Q6) A defective tank flapper on a toilet can cause water to slowly enter the toilet bowl during a non-use period.
A)True B)False
Q7) A plumber must have an ______________________________ meter to troubleshoot an electric water heater.
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Chapter 17: Hydronic Heat
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25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/25894
Sample Questions
Q1) As water is heated,the volume of the water is decreased.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which pipe is most commonly used in radiant heating systems?
A) PEX
B) PVC
C) CPVC
D) ABS
Q3) Water flow rate for a hydronic heating system is measured in ____.
A) gallons per minute
B) gallons per hour
C) gallons per second
D) ounces per minute
Q4) If an expansion tank were pressurized to 15 psig when installed,and the pump generates a pressure difference of 20 psig,the point of no pressure change for the system would be ____.
A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25

Page 20
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