Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
📐Advanced DWV Design & Calculations
- Developed length calculations; actual length of pipe from fixture to main vent
- Fixture unit to drain diameter sizing tables; NPC Part 3 calculations
- Critical distance; maximum distance trap can be from vent (typically 3-6 feet)
- Vent sizing tables; diameter based on developed length and horizontal/vertical vent
- Septic tank and greywater system design; alternative disposal methods
📐Water Supply Pressure & Demand Calculations
- Fixture unit calculations; converting fixtures to demand load (varies by code edition)
- Pressure loss calculations; friction loss through pipes and fittings
- Supply pipe sizing from tables; choosing diameter for demand load
- Static pressure vs. dynamic pressure; residual pressure at peak demand
- Pressure regulator sizing and installation; maintaining 40-80 psi service pressure
📖Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
- Cross-connection definition; hazard of contaminated water entering supply
- Backflow prevention devices; double check valves, reduced pressure principle
- Testable backflow devices; annual inspection and certification requirements
- Point-of-use vs. point-of-entry protection; system design considerations
- High-hazard vs. low-hazard premises; determining protection level required
📖Pressure Testing & Commissioning
- DWV pressure test requirements; 5 psi air test or water test per code
- Water supply pressure test; typically 1.5 times service pressure (80-100 psi)
- Test duration and acceptance criteria; allowable pressure loss per minute
- Test procedure documentation; inspector sign-off and certificate requirements
- Troubleshooting failed tests; leak detection and repair verification
📐Fixture Unit Tables & Load Calculations
- Residential fixture units; single vs. multi-family unit assignments
- Commercial fixture load units; different multipliers for different premises
- Demand factors; probability of simultaneous use for sizing calculations
- Supply pipe sizing from demand load; choosing diameter from tables
- Balancing load; distribution among multiple supply branches
📖Special Drainage & Vent Situations
- Island fixture venting; vent sizing and routing for kitchen islands
- Parallel venting; multiple fixtures with common vent and considerations
- Combination wye and vent fittings; special fittings reducing installation complexity
- Double-bowl sink venting; proper trap and vent arrangement
- Commercial hood and shower drain sizing; high-volume drain requirements
📋Materials Testing & Code Compliance
- Material certification; NSF, CSA, and CSA B181 standards for plumbing materials
- Temperature and pressure ratings; material selection for hot water systems
- Compatibility between materials; joining copper, PVC, PEX properly
- Slip joint washers and seals; proper material and installation for long-term sealing
- Code amendments and updates; staying current with provincial variations
📖Trap & Seal Requirements
- Trap seal maintenance; protecting against evaporation and siphonage
- Primer traps and alternate venting; maintaining trap seals in seldom-used fixtures
- Trap depth measurements; ensuring minimum seal depth per fixture type
- Anti-siphon and overflow provisions; protecting trap seals in special conditions
- Roughing-in trap height; considerations for finished floor and fixtures
📖Special Systems & Applications
- Laundry waste line sizing; high-volume discharge and standpipe requirements
- Floor drain and shower pan installation; proper slope and waterproofing
- Sump pump and ejector pump systems; gravity drainage alternatives
- Potable water system disinfection; chlorination and flush procedures
- Greywater recycling; limited reuse and separation from black water
🔍Troubleshooting & Field Application
- Slow drain diagnosis; identifying blockage, pitch, or trap issues
- Sewer gas and odor problems; vent blockage and seal loss detection
- Frozen pipe prevention; insulation and heat tape application
- Noise in pipes; water hammer prevention and solution methods
- Pressure fluctuation; identifying regulator or supply problems