PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD

Board of Master Plumbers

PRE-BOARD – SPDI SET A/B

INSTRUCTION: Select the correct answer for each of the following
questions. Mark only one answer for each item by shading the
box corresponding to the letter of your choice on the answer
sheet provided. STRICTLY NO ERASURES ALLOWED.

1. What is the vertical opening through a building for elevators,

dumbwaiters, light, ventilation and other uses?
a) Vertical Hole
b) Shaft
c) Void
d) Chute
2. What is a device used to connect the drainage of a clothes
waher with the sanitary drainage system?
a) Vent stack
b) Air gap fitting
c) Check valve
d) Gate valve
3. The critical level marking or a backflow prevention device
or vacuum breaker is a point established by the ______.
a) Manufacturer
b) Testing Laboratory
c) Inspector
d) Health Officer
4. A method of pipe connection for Cast Iron Pipe is commonly
known as _____.
a) Fusion
b) Jointing
c) Welding
d) Caulking
5. A vent installed at intervals on the soil pipe where changes
in circulation is needed especially in tall buildings, is _____.
a) Dual vent
b) Branch vent
c) Relief vent
d) Individual vent
6. A designed fitting normally shaped with U-type part that
continuously retains a liquid seal and prevents the back passage
of air without affecting the flow of the liquids in the system
is called _____.
a) Trap
b) Bent
c) Trap seal
d) Clean-out
7. What does VSTW in the plumbing legend stand for?
a) Vending System Thru Wall
b) Vertical Stack Thru Wall
c) Venting Studor Thru Wall
d) Vent Stack Thru Wall
8. What is a process of water purification so as to remove the
particles of vegetable matter, mud and other particles present
in the water? (Most commonly used materials are sand and gravel)
a) Filtration
b) Absorption
c) Splashing
d) Drying
9. The first step in the selection of a suitable water supply
source is called ______.
a) Topography
b) (Water) Potability
c) Budgetary Cost
d) (Water) Demand
10. When connecting horizontal drain line with another
horizontal drain line, the acceptable fitting to be used are
______.
a) Coupling
b) Cross tee
c) Sanitary Tee
d) Combination wye and 1/8 bend
11. Plumbing fixtures classified as Class-3 are intended for
______.
a) Cinema theatre
b) Office building
c) Condominium building
d) Factory building
12. In Figure P-01, name the branch numbered 10.

a) Branch Vent
b) Sanitary Branch
c) Waste Branch
d) Soil Branch
13. Name that hollow cylinder of metal or plastic the end of a
pipe is called ______.
a) Pipe
b) Conductor
c) Stainless Steel
d) Aluminum
14. A sprinkler system that is installed for buildings is
required for ______.
a) Fire protection
b) In case of fire
c) Fire reserve
d) Fire fighting
15. In Figure P-03, identify the parts numbered 2.
 a) Relief vent
b) Loop vent
c) Soil branch
d) Circuit Vent
16. During the process of threading, what is the best oil to
apply to protect both the threader and the thread of the pipe?
a) Canola oil
b) Baby oil
c) Coconut Oil
d) Motor Oil
17. What is the water that comes from rain and snow that runs
off into rivers and lakes?
a) Drinking
b) Ground
c) Potable
d) Surface
18. When permitted by the DENR, which of the following is not a
basis in determining the type of private sewage disposal system
to be used?
a) Soil porosity
b) Location
c) Ground water level
d) Number of occupants

19. Determine the no. of fixture units of the left-side branch,

9th Floor having 8-WC, 4-UR, 8-Lav, 1-FD and 2-Slop Sink: (Use
table 5-1)
 a) 70 FU
b) 77 FU
c) 73 FU
d) 83 FU
20. The vent pipe serving a combination waste and vent system
with 4-inch drain pipe shall be at least _________.
a) 3 inches
b) 2 ½ inches
c) 3 ½ inches
d) 2 inches
21. What is the movement of water through the surface of a soil
and into the soil below the surface?
a) Evaporation
b) Infiltration
c) Storm meter run off
d) Depression
22. What is the standard size of a clean-out for a 4” ᴓ PVC
Pipe?
a) 3” ᴓ
b) 4” ᴓ
c) 3 ½ ᴓ
d) 2” ᴓ
23. Which of these stages is NOT one among the cycle of H20?
a) Saturation
b) Precipitation
c) Evaporation
d) Condensation
24. Where are clean outs required? (Select 3)
1. At every 90º turn
2. At every end of a pipe installation
3. At every 15 meters of horizontal piping
4. At every 45º turn
a) 1, 2, 4
b) 1, 2, 3
c) 1, 3, 4
d) 2, 3, 4
25. Wet standpipes shall be located so that all portions of the
buildings are within 6m of a nozzle, what is the minimum length
of the hose?
a) 28 m
b) 24 m
c) 26 m
d) 22 m
26. Which of the following flow of water supply from any source
other than its own?
a) Drain flow
b) Rain flow
c) Surface drain
d) Back flow
27. What should be done before working with lead that is wet?
a) Use hair dryer
b) Any of these
c) Use blower
d) Wipe it
28. All dry standpipes shall be tested hydrostatically to
withstand
a) Not less than 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm2) above the maximum working
pressure
b) Not less than 100 psi above the maximum working pressure
c) Not less than 60 psi above the maximum working pressure
d) Not less than 80 psi above the maximum working pressure
29. What is the possible correction in hardness of water?
a) By filtration
b) Introduce water softeners made up of zeolite
c) Passing the water through a bed of crushed marble or
limestone
d) Precipitation by filtration through manganese zeolite
30. It means to flush or wash out, to remove dirt or grease by
flowing through. A self-cleaning ability of the pipe.
a) Trimming-in
b) Caulking
c) Scouring
d) Roughing-in
31. The term applied to those portions of a plumbing system,
which have been installed and approved prior to contemplated
additions, alterations or correction, is called _____.
a) As-built installation
b) Existing work
c) Existing installation
d) Previous work
32. G.I. Pipes used for water lines are usually manufactured in
the length of ________.
a) 30’ (9m)
b) 10’ (3m)
c) 20’ (6m)
d) 5’ (1.5m)
33. PE plastic tubing is material used for water service
connection. What does PE stand for?
a) Plastic Extrusion
b) Poly Enzyme
c) Plastic Expander
d) Polyethylene
34. OSHA is the abbreviation for
a) Occupational safety and health association
b) Organization of safety and health administration
c) Organization of special hazard association
d) Occupational safety and health administration
35. What is a pipe so designed to ventilate a house drainage
system and to prevent trap siphonage and back pressure?
a) Vent Stack
b) Vent
c) Stack
d) Vent Thru-Roof
36. A house sewer system receiving sewage from a townhouse has
90 flush tank WC, 90 shower heads, 30 bath tubs, 30 kitchen
sinks, 90 lavatories & 30 bidets. What is the total F.U. of the
Kitchen Sinks? (Use Table 6-5)
a) 30
b) 21
c) 80
d) 60
37. What is waste pipe that is NOT connected directly with a
drainage system, but discharges into it through a properly
trapped plumbing fixture?
a) Indirect waste pipe
b) Vertical Pipe
c) Waste Stack
d) Soil pipe
38. What does the acronym PPR stands for?
a) Polyurethane & polyvinyl Random
b) Polypropylene Reversible
c) Polypropylene Random
d) Protective Plastic Random
39. The size of a supply piping outlet for any gas appliance
shall NOT be less than _____.
a) The smallest size of pipe in the system
b) One inch to allow future expansion
c) Inlet connection of that appliance
d) ¾ inch of total length
40. What is the basis of determining the size of a Septic Tank?
a) Based on the calculation of sewage flow in gallons per day.
b) Based on the size and length of leaching chamber
c) Based on the number of bedrooms and bath
d) Based on the ability of the soil to absorb the effluent
41. What is water NOT suitable for drinking but suitable for
irrigation, flushing toilets, urinal, etc?
a) From rivers
b) Bottled
c) From creeks
d) Non-potable
42. What is the parameter in sizing soil, waste and drainage
piping?
a) No. of Fixtures
b) Type of Fixtures
c) Location of Fixtures
d) No. of Fixture Units
43. What connection in which one pipe slides into another to
make a tight joint with a threaded retainer or an approved
gasket?
a) Flange joint
b) Solvent type
c) Slip-joint
d) Gibault joint
44. What is the minimum allowable size of any building drain,
horizontal branch, vertical soil or waste stack serving one or
more water closets?
a) 4 ½”
b) 4”
c) 5”
d) 3”
45. What is a valve that controls the flow of water or gas from
main to a service pipe?
a) Check Valve
b) Control Valve
c) Gate Valve
d) Corporation Stop
46. What is the size of the Storm drain pipe with 2% slope if
the maximum rainfall is 100 mm on a 206 m2? (Use: Table 9-1)
a) 100 mm
b) 300 mm
c) 375 mm
d) 250 mm

47. In Figure P-03, identify the parts numbered 1.

a) Branch vent
b) House drain
c) Relief vent
d) Loop vent
48. Which of the following shall not be used in cutting plastic
pipes?
a) Knife
b) Rotary Pipe Cutter
c) Hack saw
d) Hand saw
49. What kind of water requires purification or treatment before
it can be used for drinking water?
a) Raw water
b) Surface water
c) Non-potable water
d) Sea water
50. What is the minimum horizontal clear distance of water well
supply to building sewer as per UPC?
a) 10’ (3.0 m)
b) 3’ (0.90 m)
c) 5’ (1.50 m)
d) 50’ (15.20m)
51. The drainage system which is divided into 3 different
components, drainage, waste and vent, is?
a) Roof Drain
b) Area Drain
c) House Drain
d) DWV System
52. What determines the leaching field?
a) Potable water
b) Type of soil
c) Percolation test
d) Water table
53. What is the travel distance of the pipe if the offset angle
is 45° and the offset length is 30 cm?
a) 42.42m
b) 24.24 cm
c) 32.32 cm
d) 54.54 cm
54. What do you call the removal of silts, dirt and other
objectionable minerals in water?
a) Filtration
b) Siltation
c) Pollution
 d) Sedimentation
55. What are pipes that are described in their outside diameters?
a) PPR Pipes
b) G.I. Pipes
c) Concrete Pipes
d) PVC Pipes
56. Includes all the pipings within public or private premises
which convey sewage or other liquid wastes to a legal point of
disposal but does not include the mains of a public sewer system
or a public sewage treatment or disposal plant?
a) Drainage Pipe
b) Storm drainage system
c) Drainage system
d) Plumbing System
57. What is the size (diameter) of a storm drain pipe with 2%
slope if the drained roof area is 600 square meters? (Use: Table
9-1)
a) 200 mm
b) 300 mm
c) 150 mm
d) 250 mm

58. Listed below are the prescribed rules on labelling the Water
Container as to the type of water by the Food and Drug
Authorities. Which of the following are covered by the
prescribed rules?
1. Distilled
2. Demineralized
3. Sprint Water
4. Potable
a) 1, 2, 4
b) 2, 3, 4
c) 1, 3, 4
d) 1, 2, 3
59. What is a pipe fitting that reduces the size of an opening?
a) Bushing
 b) Cap
c) Union
d) Nipple
60. It refers to the demand considered in determining the size
of water service pipe when simultaneously used at the same time.
a) Peak load or Probable demand
b) Peak load
c) Maximum demand
d) Probable demand
61. What is contrary to sanitary principles or injuries to
health?
a) Healthful
b) Insanitary
c) Sanitary
d) Unhealthy
62. According to the Fire Code of the Philippines, what is the
minimum pressure of the water to be supplied by the Fire
Department at the Siamese Connection?
a) 350 psi
b) 300 psi
c) 256 psi
d) 400 psi
63. What is a valve used to check or prevent reversal of flow
in the line?
a) Gate
b) Globe
c) Angle
d) Check
64. A pump used on small water distribution system for elevating
water in wells or other sources.
a) Centrifugal pump
b) Piston pump
c) Single action pump
d) Double action pump
65. What is a contraption invented to dispose leftovers straight
from the kitchen sink?
a) Garbage disposer
b) Garbage collector
c) Waste grinder
d) Left-over chopper
66. What is a device in plumbing system used to prevent the
passage of the sewer gas?
a) Bend
b) Trap seal
c) Trap
d) Elbow
67. In Figure P-02, identify the parts numbered 4.
a) Relief vent
b) Branch vent
c) Circuit vent
d) Loop vent

68. Water Sealed P-Trap is classified into two (2). What are
these 2 kinds of Seal?
1. Common Seal
2. Deep Seak
3. Water Seal
4. Permissible Seal
a) 3 & 4
b) 1 & 2
c) 4 & 1
d) 2 & 3
69. What are the qualifications of public water distribution?
(select 2)
1. Direct Pressure Distribution
2. Indirect Pressure Distribution
3. Downfeed Distribution
4. Air Pressure Water Distribution
a) 1 & 2
b) 1 & 3
c) 2 & 3
 d) 3 & 4
70. Identify letter “a” on FIG. VTR – 01.
a) 1500 mm
b) 300 mm
c) 3000 mm
d) 900 mm

71. What are the two types of water pump commonly used for water
distribution in building?
1. Piston Pump
2. Centrifugal Pump
3. Single action Pump
4. Double action Pump
a) 3 & 4
b) 1 & 2
c) 4 & 1
d) 2 & 3
72. A joint made by firmly packing with oakum and filled with
molten lead a depth of not less than one inch is ______.
a) Tightening
b) Caulking
c) Sealing
d) Pipe Jointing
73. Spring water is NOT always free from contamination.
a) I don’t know
b) No
c) Maybe
d) Yes
74. In order not to impede the movement of a person in wheel
chair and to have a convenient access on the lavatory, what is
the allowed knee recess vertical clearance that shall be
provided?
a) 600 mm – 800 mm
 b) 500 mm – 800 mm
c) 400 mm – 700 mm
d) 600 mm – 700 mm
75. Calculate the total fixture unit of an 18 storey dormitory
building with 6-bathroom group on every floor with class-2
residential
a) 765
b) 864
c) 756
d) 763
76. What contains Philippine plumbing rules and regulations
adopted by an administrative agency that has jurisdiction over
a particular locality?
a) Plumbing System
b) Building Code
c) Plumbing Code
d) Mechanical Code
77. Under the sprinkler system, valves and devices are listed
below. Which of the listed items does NOT conform with the
system?
a) Wet Pipe Sprinkler Alarm Valve
b) Relief Vent
c) Water Motor Alarm
d) Retard Chamber
78. What is the minimum required size of the standpipe in
buildings in which the highest outlet is higher than twenty-
three (23) meters above the fire service connections?
a) 51 mm
b) 153 mm
c) 64 mm
d) 102 mm
79. What is the system where water is distributed from the normal
water pressure coming from the public water main, for low rise
building?
a) Vertical Feed System
b) Upfeed system
c) Anti-Gravity System
d) Positive System
80. Determine the no. of fixture units of the right-side branch,
9th Floor having 8-WC, 4-UR, 8-Law, 10-FD and 2-Slop Sink (Use:
table 5-1):
a) 90 FU
b) 100 FU
c) 85 FU
d) 92 FU

81. What is the size of a downspout if the rainfall intensity

on 200 mm (8”) if the deck roof is 102 m2? (Use: Table P-02)
a) 150 mm
b) 90 mm
c) 100 mm
d) 75 mm

82. A pipe, which conveys only wastewater or liquid waste, free

of fecal matter
a) Waste Stack
b) Soil Stack
c) Waste Pipe
d) Soil Pipe
83. What is the sprinkler system with its pipes constantly filled
with water, both main and distribution pipes?
a) Water Filled
b) Dry Pipe
c) Wet Pipe
d) Soaking
84. What is a receptacle in which liquids are retained for a
period of time to deposit settleable materials?
 a) Collection Tub
b) Catch Basin
c) Water Chamber
d) Water Trap
85. Which of the following is not a fixture?
a) Water closet
b) Lavatory
c) Urinal
d) Slop sink
86. What is the required minimum size of a standpipe for a
building in which the highest outlet is 23 meters or less the
service connection?
a) 102 mm (4”) ᴓ
b) 63 mm (2 ½ “) ᴓ
c) 153 mm (6”) ᴓ
d) 76 mm (3”) ᴓ
87. Installation of all parts of Plumbing System or a particular
unit that can be completed before the installations of fixtures
is called ______.
a) Installation System
b) Water System
c) Roughing-in
d) Plumbing System
88. A fixture that is called “sitz” bath, is _____.
a) Water closet
b) Bath tub
c) Bidet
d) Shower stall
89. What is a pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation
of air in plumbing system and for reducing the pressure exerted
in trap seals?
a) Waste
b) Stack
c) Riser
d) Vent
90. Which of the following is a violation or in contrast with
basic plumbing principles?
a) All premises intended for human habitation shall be
provided with ample and wholesome amount of water.
b) The system shall be maintained in a sanitary and
serviceable condition.
 c) The fixtures shall be designed to use minimum amount of
water for flushing
d) Water closet may be located in unlighted or unventilated
room.
91. It refers to the maximum and minimum pressure at which proper
function of the water supply system can be maintained.
a) Pressure loss
b) Static pressure
c) Normal pressure
d) Critical pressure

92. In Figure P-02, identify the

parts numbered 5.
a) Water stack
b) Waste vent
c) Vent stack
d) Stack vent

93. What is method of purifying water wherein particles of matter

that are suspended in the water are allowed to stay in a
container so that they will settle in the bottom, then drawing
the water out leaving these matters therein:
a) Separation
b) Collection
c) Settlement
d) Sedimentation
94. A flush valve can be found in any of the following fixtures:
a) In every bathtub
b) In every bidet
c) In every lavatory
d) In every urinal
95. The simplest way of joining plastic pipe
a) By caulking
 b) Fusion welding
c) By using a neoprene gasket
d) Solvent welding
96. What is the minimum diameter required for a combination
standpipe system?
a) 25 mm
b) 150 mm
c) 51 mm
d) 102 mm
97. What is the size of a minimum water supply pipe for a flush
valve wall hung type urinal?
a) 3/8 inch
b) 1 ½ inch
c) ¾ inch
d) 5/8 inch
98. Which of the following does not belong to the group?
a) Float valve
b) Fire hose cabinet
c) Fire hose valve
d) Siamese connection
99. Cold water distribution in building is classified into three
types, which if the following is NOT one of them?
a) By automatic pressure system
b) By normal water pressure from the public main
c) By air pressure distribution system
d) By overhead feed system
100. What is the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a
plumbing system which receives the discharge from soil, waste
and other drainage pipes inside of a building and conveys it to
the house sewer? It should have a slope of at least ¼” to a foot
or 6 mm for every 300 mm.
a) House trap
b) House drain
c) House strainer
d) House sieve4

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