In a pipe installation that is not yet complete, the open end should be __________

• A. left open
• B. plugged with the standard type of pipe material that is being used
• C. capped with a temporary cap
• D. sealed with duct tape

Answer: (B)

When a pipe installation isn’t finished, open ends must be protected to keep dirt, debris, moisture, and pests out of the system and to prevent contamination as work continues. The best choice is to plug the end with the standard type of pipe material being used. Using the same material ensures a proper, compatible fit and creates a reliable seal that can be removed easily once work resumes, maintaining system integrity. Sealing with duct tape isn’t reliable and can leave residue or fail under wet conditions, and leaving the end open invites contamination. While a temporary cap can be used, the exam’s preferred approach emphasizes a plug made of the same pipe material for compatibility and dependable sealing.