“200”, Aptitude Test Questions and Answers for Artisan II (Plumbing) at Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP)
ABSTRACT
This collection of 200 multiple-choice
questions is designed to prepare candidates for the Artisan II (Plumbing)
aptitude test at IRDP, Tanzania. The questions cover plumbing tools, materials,
fittings, water supply, drainage systems, valves, and sanitary fixtures. Each
answer includes a clear rationale to reinforce understanding, helping
candidates develop technical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to
succeed in the exam.
Prepared
by: Plumbing Technician
Compiled
by Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa
A
lawyer based in Dar-es-salaam.
0628729934.
Date:
April 10, 2025
Dear applicants,
This collection of questions and answers
has been carefully prepared to help all of you to understand the key areas
tested during the interview. The goal is to provide a useful, and practical
study guide so you can all perform confidently and fairly in the selection
process. I wish you the best of luck, and may this resource support you in
achieving success!
Warm
regards,
Johnson
Yesaya Mgelwa
For
Personal Use by Applicants Preparing for Artisan II (Plumbing) at the Institute of
Rural Development Planning (IRDP)
ALL
QUESTIONS COMPILED TOGETHER.
1. Which tool is commonly used to cut PVC
pipes in plumbing works?
A. Hacksaw B. Adjustable spanner C. Pipe threader D. Pipe wrench
Answer: A
Rationale: A hacksaw is the most commonly used tool
for cutting PVC pipes because it provides a clean cut without damaging the
material. An adjustable spanner and pipe wrench are mainly for tightening or
loosening nuts and fittings, while a pipe threader is for making threads on
pipes rather than cutting.
2. In plumbing, the main function of a
trap beneath a sink is to:
A. Collect excess water B. Prevent entry of sewer gases C. Speed up water flow D.
Store wastewater temporarily
Answer: B
Rationale: A trap is a U-shaped bend that retains a
small amount of water, creating a seal that prevents foul-smelling sewer gases
from entering the living space. It does not primarily collect excess water or
store wastewater, and while it may influence flow, its main function is odor
prevention.
3. Which fitting is used to connect two
pipes of different diameters?
A. Union B. Reducer C. Elbow D. Tee
Answer: B
Rationale: A reducer is specifically designed to
join two pipes of different diameters. A union joins pipes of the same size for
disconnection convenience, an elbow changes direction, and a tee is used to
branch a pipe.
4. Which of the following types of pipes
is most suitable for underground water supply lines?
A. Galvanized iron pipe B. PVC pipe C. Copper pipe D. Asbestos cement pipe
Answer: D
Rationale: Asbestos cement pipes are strong and
durable, making them suitable for underground water supply lines. Galvanized
iron pipes corrode over time, PVC can be damaged under heavy soil pressure, and
copper pipes are costly and prone to theft when buried.
5. Which component is installed to prevent
water from flowing backward in a system?
A. Check valve B. Gate valve C. Ball valve D. Globe valve
Answer: A
Rationale: A check valve allows flow in only one
direction, preventing backflow that could contaminate clean water systems.
Gate, ball, and globe valves are used for regulating or shutting off flow, not
preventing reverse flow.
6. The primary reason for ensuring proper
venting in plumbing systems is to:
A. Increase water pressure B. Prevent pipe corrosion C. Allow gases to escape D.
Reduce water temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Proper venting in plumbing systems allows
sewer gases to escape and prevents siphoning of water from traps, ensuring
smooth flow. It does not increase pressure, prevent corrosion, or reduce
temperature.
7. Which tool is best suited for
tightening and loosening threaded pipe joints?
A. Hacksaw B. Pipe wrench C. Drill machine D. Plunger
Answer: B
Rationale: A pipe wrench is designed to grip and
turn pipes and fittings with threaded joints. A hacksaw cuts pipes, a drill
machine makes holes, and a plunger clears blockages, none of which are ideal
for threaded joints.
8. In plumbing, soldering is commonly used
when working with:
A. Copper pipes B. PVC pipes C. Asbestos cement pipes D. Galvanized iron pipes
Answer: A
Rationale: Soldering is a process of joining copper
pipes by melting solder around the joint. PVC pipes use solvent cement,
asbestos cement pipes use couplings, and galvanized iron pipes use threading.
9. A manometer in plumbing is primarily
used to measure:
A. Water flow rate B. Pipe diameter C. Water pressure D. Pipe alignment
Answer: C
Rationale: A manometer measures the pressure of
fluids in a system. Flow meters measure flow rate, calipers measure pipe
diameter, and spirit levels check alignment, not pressure.
10. Which of the following is a common
cause of water hammer in plumbing systems?
A. Low water pressure B. Sudden valve closure C. Pipe corrosion D. Trap
blockage
Answer: B
Rationale: Water hammer occurs when a valve closes
suddenly, creating a shockwave in the system. It is not caused by low pressure,
corrosion, or trap blockage, though these can cause other issues.
11. What type of joint is typically used
to connect PVC pipes?
A. Welded joint B. Threaded joint C. Solvent welded joint D. Flanged joint
Answer: C
Rationale: PVC pipes are joined using solvent cement
that chemically bonds the surfaces, forming a solvent welded joint. Welding
applies to metals, threading applies to iron pipes, and flanges are mainly for
large pipelines.
12. Which type of valve is most suitable
for controlling flow by throttling?
A. Ball valve B. Gate valve C. Globe valve D. Check valve
Answer: C
Rationale: A globe valve is designed for precise
flow regulation (throttling). Ball and gate valves are primarily for fully open
or closed service, while a check valve prevents backflow.
13. A float valve in a water storage tank
is used to:
A. Increase water pressure B. Shut off water when the tank is full C. Release
trapped air D. Drain water quickly
Answer: B
Rationale: A float valve automatically shuts off
water supply when the tank is full, preventing overflow. It does not increase
pressure, release air, or act as a drain.
14. Which type of pipe joint allows for
future dismantling without cutting the pipe?
A. Union joint B. Solvent welded joint C. Brazed joint D. Butt welded joint
Answer: A
Rationale: A union joint can be easily dismantled
for maintenance without cutting the pipe. Solvent welded, brazed, and butt-welded
joints are permanent and require cutting to separate.
15. The most suitable material for hot
water supply pipes is:
A. Copper B. PVC C. Asbestos cement D. Polyethylene
Answer: A
Rationale: Copper can withstand high temperatures
and pressure, making it ideal for hot water supply. PVC and polyethylene soften
at high temperatures, and asbestos cement is not suitable for hot water.
16. A plunger is most effective in
clearing blockages in:
A. Underground sewer lines B. Kitchen sinks C. Roof gutters D. Water tanks
Answer: B
Rationale: A plunger creates suction to clear
localized blockages in sinks, toilets, or tubs. It is not effective for
underground sewers, gutters, or tanks, which require other methods.
17. Which of the following safety measures
is essential before starting plumbing repair work?
A. Increase water flow B. Shut off water supply C. Apply lubricant D. Check
pipe diameter
Answer: B
Rationale: The first safety measure is shutting off
the water supply to avoid flooding and accidents during repair. Increasing
flow, lubrication, or checking diameter is secondary.
18. Which fitting is used to connect three
pipes at right angles?
A. Tee B. Elbow C. Reducer D. Coupling
Answer: A
Rationale: A tee fitting connects three pipes at
right angles, allowing branching of flow. Elbows change direction, reducers
join different sizes, and couplings connect straight sections.
19. In plumbing drawings, the symbol “Ø”
usually represents:
A. Diameter of pipe B. Pressure level C. Length of pipe D. Flow rate
Answer: A
Rationale: The symbol “Ø” indicates diameter, which
is crucial in specifying pipe sizes. It does not represent pressure, length, or
flow rate.
20. Which tool is used to create threads
on a pipe end?
A. Pipe cutter B. Die set C. Hacksaw D. Pipe reamer
Answer: B
Rationale: A die set cuts threads on pipe ends to
allow fittings. A pipe cutter cuts pipes, a hacksaw does manual cutting, and a
reamer smooths edges but does not create threads.
21. The recommended slope for horizontal
drainage pipes is mainly to:
A. Prevent air lock B. Ensure self-cleaning C. Reduce pressure D. Prevent
corrosion
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper slope ensures wastewater flows
smoothly by gravity, achieving a self-cleaning effect. It does not directly
reduce pressure, prevent air locks, or stop corrosion.
22. A ballcock valve is commonly used in:
A. Shower heads B. Overhead water tanks C. Underground sewers D. Faucets
Answer: B
Rationale: A ballcock valve regulates water inflow
in overhead tanks, automatically shutting off when full. It is not used in
showers, sewers, or faucets.
23. Which type of pipe is best for
carrying gas in plumbing systems?
A. Galvanized iron B. Copper C. PVC D. Polyethylene
Answer: D
Rationale: Polyethylene pipes are lightweight,
corrosion-resistant, and safe for gas distribution. Copper and GI can corrode
or react with gases, while PVC is unsuitable for gas.
24. The function of a cleanout fitting in
a drainage system is to:
A. Increase flow speed B. Provide access for cleaning C. Reduce pipe vibration D.
Prevent leakage
Answer: B
Rationale: A cleanout fitting provides an access
point for cleaning and removing blockages in drainage systems. It does not
increase flow, reduce vibration, or prevent leakage directly.
25. Which of the following is a correct
sequence for fixing a leaking pipe joint?
A. Drain pipe → Apply sealant → Reconnect joint B. Cut pipe → Apply paint →
Reconnect joint C. Increase pressure → Add washer → Reconnect joint D. Block
pipe → Apply grease → Reconnect joint
Answer: A
Rationale: The proper sequence is first draining the
pipe, then applying sealant (or tape), and reconnecting the joint to stop
leakage. The other sequences include irrelevant or harmful steps like applying
paint, grease, or increasing pressure.
26. Which type of joint is used to join
cast iron pipes in plumbing?
A. Bell and spigot joint B. Threaded joint C. Flanged joint D. Solvent welded
joint
Answer: A
Rationale: Cast iron pipes are typically joined
using bell and spigot joints sealed with lead or rubber gaskets. Threaded and
solvent welded joints are not suitable, while flanged joints are only for
special cases like high-pressure systems.
27. What is the main purpose of a stopcock
valve in plumbing systems?
A. To regulate water temperature B. To completely shut off water supply C. To
prevent backflow D. To measure flow rate
Answer: B
Rationale: A stopcock valve is used to completely
shut off water flow, usually at the main supply line to a building. It does not
regulate temperature, measure flow, or prevent backflow.
28. Which tool is essential for threading
steel pipes?
A. Pipe cutter B. Die stock C. Spirit level D. Pipe reamer
Answer: B
Rationale: A die stock holds threading dies to cut
threads on steel pipe ends. A pipe cutter only cuts, a reamer smooths pipe
edges, and a spirit level is for alignment, not threading.
29. In plumbing, a “sweat joint” refers to
a joint made by:
A. Welding B. Brazing C. Soldering D. Threading
Answer: C
Rationale: A sweat joint is made by soldering copper
pipes using heat and solder material. Welding and brazing are stronger joining
methods used for metals, and threading applies to GI pipes.
30. Which tool is most suitable for
removing a blockage caused by hair in a bathroom drain?
A. Plunger B. Snake auger C. Pipe cutter D. Pipe wrench
Answer: B
Rationale: A snake auger (drain snake) is ideal for removing stubborn blockages like hair in drains. A plunger can only remove minor clogs, while a pipe cutter and wrench are not designed for unclogging
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