Water Supply Systems Flashcards
6 cards from real Plumbing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Water Supply Systems flashcards as text
What type of valve is used as the main shutoff valve for a residential water supply?
Answer: Ball valve or gate valve
Ball valves or gate valves are used as main shutoff valves because they provide full-bore flow when open and a complete shutoff when closed.
How is copper pipe typically joined in a residential water supply system?
Answer: Sweat (solder) fitting or press fitting
Copper pipe is most commonly joined using sweat (solder) fittings or press fittings, with sweat soldering being the traditional method and press fittings gaining popularity.
What is the required minimum distance between a water supply line and a drain line when running parallel in a wall?
Answer: No minimum required
The IPC does not specify a minimum horizontal separation distance between supply and drain lines running parallel, but they must not come into contact.
What is a manifold system in residential plumbing?
Answer: A multi-outlet distribution center that feeds individual supply lines to each fixture
A plumbing manifold is a central distribution hub, typically used with PEX, that feeds dedicated supply lines to each fixture for individual shutoff capability.
What is the purpose of insulating water supply pipes in unconditioned spaces?
Answer: To prevent freezing and reduce heat loss from hot water lines
Insulating pipes in unconditioned spaces (attics, crawl spaces, garages) prevents freezing in cold climates and reduces heat loss from hot water supply lines.
What is a backflow preventer and when is it required on a residential irrigation system?
Answer: A device preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the potable supply; required on all irrigation connections
A backflow preventer stops potentially contaminated irrigation water (containing fertilizers, pesticides) from flowing back into the potable water supply, and is required on all residential irrigation connections.