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BOC Plumbing and Water Systems Flashcards

6 cards from real BOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What does 'blowdown' refer to in the context of a cooling tower or boiler water system?

    Answer: Purging a portion of the recirculating water to remove concentrated dissolved solids

    Blowdown is the controlled discharge of a portion of the recirculating water to prevent dissolved minerals from concentrating to levels that cause scale or corrosion.

  2. Which plumbing fixture feature is most effective at reducing building water consumption in restrooms?

    Answer: Low-flow aerators and 1.28 gpf high-efficiency toilets

    Low-flow aerators reduce faucet flow while maintaining usability, and 1.28 gpf HET toilets use significantly less water per flush than standard 1.6 gpf models.

  3. What is the 'cycles of concentration' (COC) metric used to assess in a cooling tower system?

    Answer: How many times more concentrated the recirculating water is versus the make-up water

    COC compares dissolved solids in the recirculating water to the make-up water; higher COC means more efficient water use, but too high causes scale and corrosion.

  4. What is the correct slope for horizontal drain piping of 3-inch diameter per the Uniform Plumbing Code?

    Answer: 1/4 inch per foot

    For drain lines 3 inches and smaller, the UPC requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot to ensure adequate self-scouring flow velocity.

  5. A building operator notices low water pressure on upper floors only. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Insufficient booster pump capacity or a failing pressure booster pump

    Upper floors require booster pumps to overcome gravity head; if only upper floors have low pressure, the booster pump system is likely undersized, failing, or needs service.

  6. Which water treatment chemical is commonly added to a closed hydronic heating or chilled water loop to prevent internal pipe corrosion?

    Answer: Corrosion inhibitor (such as molybdate or nitrite-based treatment)

    Closed loop systems use corrosion inhibitors to form a protective film on metal pipe interiors, preventing oxidation and extending system life.

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