6129-204 On-demand

Level 2 Certificate in Plumbing Studies

Cold water systems (Version A)

Date/time centre set You should have the

75 minutes following for this examination
 a multiple-choice answer sheet
 a pen with black or blue ink

This question paper is the property of the City and Guilds of London
Institute and is to be returned after the examination.

Read the following notes before you answer any questions

 You must use a pen with black or blue ink to complete all parts of the answer sheet.
 Check that you have the correct answer sheet for the examination.
 Check that your name and candidate details are printed correctly at the top of your
answer sheet.
 Inform the invigilator if your name or examination details are not correct.
 Each question shows four possible answers (lettered ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ and ‘d’); only one
is correct.
Decide which one is correct and mark your answer on the answer sheet with
your pen.
For example if you decide ‘c’ is correct, mark your answer like this

1 a b c d

If you want to change your answer, cancel your first choice by filling in the lower half
of the box like this

1 a b c d

Then mark the answer which you have now decided is correct.
 Any calculations or rough working can be done on this paper.
 Attempt all questions. If you find a question difficult, leave it and return to it later.

This paper contains 60 questions. Answer them using the ‘boxes’ numbered
1 to 60 on the answer sheet.

© The City and Guilds of London Institute 2004.

1 During the erection of a dwelling information on the required location for a Cold Water
Storage Cistern can be found in the

a) job specification
b) site plan
c) work schedule
d) installation plan.

2 Details of the minimum amount of headroom required above a Cold Water Storage Cistern,
to enable maintenance work, can be found in the

a) Water Act
b) Construction Regulations
c) job specification
d) installation plan.

3 The minimum diameter of an incoming cold water service pipe to a dwelling is

a) 15mm
b) 12mm
c) 22mm
d) 28mm.

4 To check if the incoming cold water service to an older property provides sufficient supply to
meet a new plumbing installation with additional kitchen and bathroom appliances, the
plumber would use

a) a manometer (U gauge)
b) an air test kit
c) a flow meter.
d) a pressure test kit

5 It has been identified that the water supply to a property cannot provide sufficient water flow
for a new shower installation to work correctly. The correct course of action the plumber
should take is to

a) advise their supervisor

b) tell the customer straight away
c) ignore the problem
d) advise the Local Water Undertaker.

6 Which one of the following is not approved for use in Cold Water Systems installation?

a) Push fit copper fittings.

b) Solder fittings with lead/tin solder.
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c) Type ‘A’ compression fittings.
d) Type ‘B’ compression fittings.

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7 A Cold Water System where all cold water draw-off points, except the draw-off point at the
sink, are fed from a storage cistern is called

a) a Direct Cold Water System

b) an Indirect Cold Water System
c) a Combined Cold Water System
d) a Secondary Cold Water System.

8 A Cold Water Service pipe to a dwelling should be laid between

a) 550mm and 1000mm below ground level

b) 650mm and 1350mm below ground level
c) 750mm and 1350mm below ground level
d) 750mm and 2000mm below ground level.

9 With reference to the siting of cold water storage cisterns, it is a requirement that

a) galvanised steel cisterns should have a continuous support over the whole base of the
cistern
b) flexible cisterns should be supported on timber bearers laid across the ceiling joists
c) flexible cisterns should have continuous support over the whole base of the cistern
d) glass reinforced polyester cisterns should be supported on angle iron laid across the ceiling
joists.

10 The first valve after the mains connection on a cold water supply system to a domestic
property is the

a) water supplier’s stop valve

b) supply stop valve
c) servicing valve
d) drain valve.

11 The correct tool for cutting holes in a plastic Cold Water Storage cistern is a

a) keyhole saw
b) hole saw
c) pre-heated piece of copper pipe
d) sharpened piece of steel pipe.

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 Figure 1

12 The British Standard 1192 symbol shown in Figure 1 indicates a

a) float valve
b) check valve
c) supply stop valve
d) drain valve.

13 With reference to Cold Water Storage cisterns, a common warning and overflow pipe should
be used with cisterns of less than

a) 1000 litres
b) 1500 litres
c) 2000 litres
d) 2500 litres.

14 Which one of the following should be positioned immediately above the cold water supply
stop valve near the point of entry to a building?

a) Servicing valve.
b) Automatic air release.
c) Drain valve.
d) Float operated valve.

15 Which one of the following methods of jointing copper tube should not be used for
underground service pipe connections?

a) Type A, non-manipulative compression fitting.

b) Type B, manipulative compression fitting.
c) Integral solder ring capillary fitting.
d) Endfeed solder capillary fitting.

16 When cold feed and cold distributing pipes are connected to the same cold water storage
cistern, the

a) two pipes must be connected on opposite sides of the cistern

b) two pipes must be connected at the same height from the cistern base
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c) cold feed pipe must be lower than the distribution pipe
d) cold distribution pipe must be lower than the cold feed pipe.

17 Which one of the following pipes should be connected to a cold water storage cistern by
means of a filtered connection?

a) Vent pipe.
b) Distribution pipe.
c) Cold feed pipe.
d) Overflow/warning pipe.

18 Which one of the following must not be used for making connections between systems
pipework and cold water storage cisterns?

a) Plastic jointing washers.

b) Lead free solder fittings.
c) Oil based jointing compounds.
d) Non-manipulative compression fittings.

19 The Water Regulations for hydraulic soundness tests on cold water supply and distributing
pipes require that the test

a) period shall be for two hours, at a test pressure of 1.5 times the working pressure
b) period shall be for thirty minutes at a test pressure of twice the working pressure
c) pressure shall be for one hour at a test pressure of twice the working pressure
d) period shall be for one hour, at a test pressure of 1.5 times the working pressure.

20 Which one of the following shows the type of soundness test required by the Water
Regulations for Cold Water systems?

a) Air test.
b) Hydraulic test.
c) Smoke test.
d) Earth continuity test.

21 When building or water systems plans are not available, it can be established if the cold
water system installed in a dwelling is a direct or an indirect supply system by

a) checking the diameter of the incoming cold water service

b) measuring the dimensions of the hot water storage cylinder
c) inspecting the Cold Water Storage cistern
d) checking the time that it takes for the WC cistern to fill.

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22 To isolate the mixer tap in an older property to permit servicing of both hot and cold water
controls on the mixer, and where there are no service valves to individual appliances, the
plumber should turn off the cold

a) distribution pipe service valve only

b) distribution pipe service valve and the cold feed service valve to the hot water cylinder
c) water at the customer’s stop valve
d) water at the customer’s stop valve and cold feed service valve to the hot water storage
cylinder.

23 Major refurbishment is being carried out on a large occupied dwelling. Which one of the
following should be advised before the cold water supply to the dwelling is taken out of
service?

a) The customer only.

b) The foreman bricklayer.
c) The foreman carpenter.
d) The customer and other trades.

24 Major alterations to the small canteen and toilet accommodation in a small industrial
premises are to be commissioned, including new pipework, a new stainless steel sink
drainer and new sanitary fittings. Which one of the following, in addition to the plumber,
must be in attendance prior to the work being commissioned?

a) Carpenter.
b) Electrician.
c) Bricklayer.
d) Plasterer.

25 Which one of the following must be carried out prior to commencing work on moving an
instantaneous electric water heater from over a sink to a new position?

a) Turn off the electrical supply at the water heater, tape over the switch and check that no
current is flowing.
b) Isolate the heater from the electrical supply at the consumer unit, by removing and retaining
the fuse, and check for safe isolation.
c) Check that the electrical supply to the new heater position is of the correct rating.
d) Ask the customer to turn off the electrical supply and isolate the heater.

26 The Cold Water supply pipe at the supply stop valve must be cut or disconnected and
blanked off

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a) to prevent dirt entering the service pipe when a system is being flushed out
b) to prevent disinfectant entering the mains through the service pipe during disinfection
c) when a system is being permanently decommissioned
d) when a system is being temporarily decommissioned.

27 With reference to a modern cold water system with all recommended valves and controls,
which one of the following should be turned off to permit the cold pillar tap on a wash basin
tap to be serviced?

a) Appliance service valve.

b) Customer’s stop valve.
c) Water supplier’s stop valve.
d) Float valve in storage cistern.

28 When a cold water system is temporarily decommissioned to permit maintenance work it is

advisable to place a warning notice when

a) a WC float valve, controlled by a service valve is being maintained

b) the cold water supply is turned off at the main stop valve to permit the installation of a WC
c) a Cold Water Storage cistern float valve is being maintained by isolating the servicing valve
d) a stop valve on the cold supply pipe is being maintained.

29 When a cold water system has been permanently de-commissioned a notice should be
placed near the stop valve

a) showing where an alternative supply is located

b) advising that the system is decommissioned
c) providing the name of the nearest 24 hour plumbing service
d) providing the customer’s name, address, and telephone number.

30 A record of the decommissioning of a cold water system should be completed for

a) all Indirect Cold Water Systems

b) all Direct Cold Water Systems
c) systems installed in industrial premises
d) all systems installed in dwellings.

31 Information regarding the maintenance requirements for a shower mixer can be found in

a) the manufacturer’s technical data

b) the systems installation plan
c) current Water Regulations
d) British Standard 6700.
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32 Which one of the following should be included in a routine maintenance schedule for a cold
water system in a dwelling?

a) Checking/easing the float valve in a feed and expansion cistern.

b) Sterilising the cold water distribution pipework every six months.
c) Draining and flushing out the cold water storage cisterns.
d) Checking the effectiveness of the insulation on the cold water cistern.

33 Copper pipe is most susceptible to corrosion

a) at floor level in a WC compartment

b) under insulation in a roof space
c) in a cylinder cupboard
d) when jointed to plastics

34 Regular checks should be made for stagnant water where

a) linked cold water storage cisterns are used

b) a WC cistern is not in regular use
c) a cold water pipe is larger than 15mm
d) a straight run of cold water pipe exceeds 3m.

35 Which one of the following trades may require temporary cold water provisions when a
water supply is turned off for maintenance operation?

a) Electrical.
b) Carpentry.
c) Carpet fitting.
d) Bricklaying.

36 A brass split pin would be required to carry out maintenance on a

a) Portsmouth type float valve to BS1212 :Part 1

b) spherical service valve
c) screened warning pipe assembly for a storage cistern
d) screwdown bib tap.

37 Ceramic discs would be required to carry out maintenance on a

a) spherical service valve

b) portsmouth type float valve
c) quarter turn pillar tap
d) screwdown bib tap.

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38 A rubber washer is required to carry out maintenance on a

a) spherical service valve

b) screened warning pipe
c) stop valve to BS 1010
d) quarter turn sink pillar tap.

39 In which one of the following cold water components is it possible to replace the valve
seating?

a) Spherical service valve.

b) Fullway gate valve.
c) Quarter turn sink pillar tap.
d) Float valve to BS 1212.

40 Safe access equipment available should be available when working on

a) the mixer tap to a sink drainer

b) the float valve to a close coupled WC suite
c) a shower mixer valve and hose
d) the float valve to a cold water storage cistern

41 The performance specification for a shower mixer valve can be found in the

a) current Water Regulations

b) manufacturer’s technical information
c) job specification for the installation
d) system layout plan.

42 Statutory requirements covering water levels in cold water storage cisterns can be found in
the

a) Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

b) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1992
c) The Workplace (Health, Welfare and Safety) Regulations
d) Health and Safety etc Act 1974.

43 Which one of the following provides guidance on the installation procedures necessary to
comply with the Water Regulations?

a) Water Industry Act 1991.

b) British Standard 6700.
c) The specification for a contract.
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d) Local Authority Building Regulations.

44 Which one of the following system components is maintained by checking the spindle action
for ease of opening and closing and tightening the packing gland?

a) Float valve.
b) Fullway valve.
c) Spherical plug valve.
d) Quarter turn pillar tap.

45 Which one of the following system components is maintained by checking the opening and
closing action and adjusting for correct water level?

a) Spherical plug valve.

b) Quarter turn pillar tap.
c) Fullway valve.
d) Float valve.

46 Which one of the following items of work should be recorded on a maintenance record?

a) Re-washering a pillar tap on a domestic installation.

b) Water analysis on storage cistern contents in an industrial/commercial installation.
c) Checking security of pipe fixings in a dwelling installation.
d) Checking the opening/closing action of a float valve in a feed and expansion cistern.

47 A plumber finds that routine servicing and maintenance of a sink mixer valve does not
correct a fault in the component. The plumber should

a) advise the customer that no further action can be taken

b) raise the problem with the supplier of the component
c) raise the matter with the Health and Safety Executive
d) contact the water supplier for advice and guidance.

48 It is necessary to carry out maintenance on the cold water supply stop valve in a block of
flats, during normal working hours. The work should take no longer than 3 hours, and the
system complies with current Water Regulations. The appropriate action to take would be to

a) advise the water supplier to contact the tenants before work commences, that the work is to
be carried out and when work will be completed
b) check that the supply to all toilet accommodation is from a protected cistern and place a
notice on any draw-off points that are isolated
c) ensure that all toilet accommodation is taken out of use, and place a notice on all toilet doors
d) install a temporary cold water supply to half of the toilet accommodation before the work
commences.

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49 It is necessary to carry out maintenance on the cold water supply stop valve in an office
block. The work is not expected to take longer than 3 hours, and the system is a Direct Cold
Water System. The appropriate action to take would be to

a) advise the customer that it will be necessary to take all toilet accommodation out of use, and
that it would be better to carry out the work out of normal working hours
b) take all toilet accommodation out of use and place warning notices on all toilet doors to
advise building occupants that the WCs cannot be used until work has finished
c) install a temporary cold water supply to half of the toilet accommodation
d) arrange to provide temporary portable toilets for the duration of the work.

50 The minimum distance below the invert of the warning pipe at which the water level should
be set in a cold water storage cistern, after re-washering the float valve is

a) 25mm
b) 35mm
c) 40mm
d) 55mm.

51 Which one of the following installation practices helps to reduce noise in copper pipework?

a) Removing all flux from soldered fittings prior to fixing.

b) Ensuring that fittings are used instead of pipe bends.
c) Removing the ‘burr’ from pipe ends cut with a pipecutter.
d) Using hand bending methods instead of machine bends.

52 A supply pipe is leaking where it enters a house in a tiled shower room. The pipe is copper,
the leak is just above floor level, and the pipe in the area of the leak is green. The most
likely cause of the problem would be that the pipe

a) is from a faulty batch

b) has been ruptured
c) has been corroded by cleaning materials
d) has been corroded by air in the water.

53 When a screwdown pillar tap in a sink drainer is opened, there is a high pitched vibration or
whistling noise. The probable cause is that

a) the water pressure is set too high

b) the packing gland is loose
c) the tap not set into sink top correctly
d) a washer is split or loose.

54 The probable cause of a hammering noise coming from the supply pipework fitted to a
plastic cold water storage cistern would be
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a) movement of the float valve due to the absence of a stiffening metal plate on the connection
to the cistern
b) vibration of the silencer pipe fitted to the cistern float valve
c) water being discharged at high pressure into the cistern contents
d) contraction of the supply pipework as cooler water enters from the main supply meeting the
warmer cistern contents.

55 When a cold water sink pillar tap is turned off quickly there is a loud banging from the pipe
duct in which the supply pipe rises to the bathroom and cold water storage cistern. The
appropriate action to rectify this problem is to

a) cut out the section of pipework and replace with a larger diameter pipe
b) provide additional fixings to secure the sink drainer to the wooden base
c) check that the pipework is securely clipped and add additional fixings if required
d) re-washer the main stop valve and remove the main system drain valve.

56 Water Regulations now prohibit the fixing of rigid screw-in type silencer tubes to float valves
because such devices

a) could become blocked and prevent the cistern from filling

b) can corrode and fall into the cistern causing contamination
c) could cause backflow of water and subsequent contamination of the water supply
d) can cause air to be injected into the cistern contents which will cause airlocks.

57 The amount of noise being caused by a float valve in a storage cistern can be reduced by

a) changing the valve seating for a smaller diameter valve seating

b) fitting a larger float
c) fitting a longer lever arm
d) clearing any grit or debris that has accumulated in the valve orifice.

58 The renewal of a section of copper pipework to a washbasin has to be left overnight for
completion the next day. Which one of the following precautions must be taken in addition
to closing the service valves to the wash basin?

a) Put wooden plugs tightly into pipe ends.

b) Label the service valves to say ‘DO NOT OPEN’.
c) Ask the customer not to use the bathroom.
d) Put ‘push-fit’ cap ends over any open pipework.

59 When renewing a cold feed and expansion cistern to an Indirect Domestic Hot Water
System, the isolating valve to the cistern must be closed and the

a) fuse for the hot water heating appliance from the consumer unit removed
b) main cold water supply stop valve closed and labelled ‘DO NOT OPEN’
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c) domestic hot water storage cylinder drained
d) main cold feed cistern and pipework drained.

60 Before removing a section of copper pipework for maintenance purposes, all necessary
controls must be closed, appropriate sections of pipework must be drained and

a) temporary earth continuity bonding must be applied

b) the supply pressure to the all hot & cold pipes checked
c) checks made that the householder has sufficient water for use during the repair
d) the appropriate fuse from the electrical consumer unit be removed and replaced.

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