HYDRAULICS MIDTERM REVIEWER: d) Principle No.

15
DeTermine the pressure on the face of ae dsm st
s point 40 ft beiow the wet€r eurlaee, in (o) 6. Which principle requires each family dwelling
pounds per squlre foot gage; (6) pounds per unit on premises with a sewer or private
square iuch gage; (c) pounds per square foot sewage-disposal system to have specific fixtures
absolute; (d) pounds per square inch ebsolute, installed to meet sanitation and personal
hygiene requirements?
Certainly! Here's a multiple-choice identification a) Principle No. 6
quiz with 22 items, each describing one of the b) Principle No. 16
principles from the National Plumbing Code. c) Principle No. 21
Please note that the choices are the principles d) Principle No. 2
themselves, and they are presented in random
order: Sunod-sunod ang answer key 7. Plumbing fixtures covered by which principle
1. Which principle emphasizes providing all should be made of smooth non-absorbent
premises intended for human habitation with a material, free from concealed fouling surfaces,
supply of pure and wholesome water, free from and located in ventilated enclosures?
hazards of backflow or back-siphonage? a) Principle No. 7
a) Principle No. 11 b) Principle No. 15
b) Principle No. 4 c) Principle No. 3
c) Principle No. 1 d) Principle No. 12
d) Principle No. 19
8. Which principle requires the drainage system
2. The focus of which principle is ensuring that to be designed, constructed, and maintained to
plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, and
are supplied with sufficient water volume and clogging, with adequate cleanouts for easy
pressure for satisfactory and quiet functioning cleaning?
under normal conditions? a) Principle No. 8
a) Principle No. 13 b) Principle No. 19
b) Principle No. 5 c) Principle No. 14
c) Principle No. 2 d) Principle No. 11
d) Principle No. 17
9. According to which principle, all piping's
3. Which principle guides the design and plumbing systems should be of durable
adjustment of plumbing systems to use the NAMPAP-APPROVED material, free from
minimum quantity of water while maintaining defective workmanship, designed and
proper performance and cleanliness? constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to
a) Principle No. 6 ensure satisfactory service?
b) Principle No. 3 a) Principle No. 9
c) Principle No. 8 b) Principle No. 18
d) Principle No. 22 c) Principle No. 1
d) Principle No. 7
4. Devices for heating and storing water should
be designed and installed to prevent dangers 10. Which principle mandates that each fixture
from explosion through overheating, according directly connected to the drainage system must
to which principle? be equipped with a water-sealed trap?
a) Principle No. 9 a) Principle No. 13
b) Principle No. 12 b) Principle No. 10
c) Principle No. 14 c) Principle No. 16
d) Principle No. 4 d) Principle No. 21

5. According to which principle, every building
having plumbing fixtures intended for human
habitation must be connected to the sewer
system when located on premises abutting on a
street, alley, or easement with a public sewer?
a) Principle No. 10
b) Principle No. 5
c) Principle No. 20
11. The drainage piping system should be
designed to provide adequate circulation of air
free from siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of
trap seals under ordinary use, according to
which principle?
a) Principle No. 11
b) Principle No. 2
c) Principle No. 15
 d) Principle No. 8 d) Principle No. 19

12. Which principle states that vent terminals 18. Suitable provision should be made to
should extend to the outer air and be installed prevent the overflow of the plumbing drainage
to pre-empt clogging and the return of foul air system in the building when it may be subject to
to the building? backflow of sewage, according to which
a) Principle No. 19 principle?
b) Principle No. 12 a) Principle No. 18
c) Principle No. 4 b) Principle No. 12
d) Principle No. 20 c) Principles No. 15
d) Principle No. 7
13. Plumbing systems are required to undergo
tests, as per which principle, to effectively 19. This principle emphasizes the importance of
disclose all leaks and defects in the maintaining plumbing systems in serviceable
workmanship? condition by Registered Master Plumbers.
a) Principles No. 13 a) Principle No. 19
b) Principle No. 9 b) Principles No. 14
c) Principle No. 3 c) Principle No. 9
d) Principle No. 16 d) Principle No. 1

14. This principle prohibits substances that may 20. All plumbing fixtures should be installed
clog pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy properly spaced to be accessible for their
pipes or their joints, or interfere unduly with the intended use, as outlined in which principle?
sewage-disposal process from entering the a) Principle No. 7
building drainage. b) Principles No. 20
a) Principle No. 7 c) Principle No. 4
b) Principles No. 14 d) Principle No. 14
c) Principle No. 18
d) Principle No. 1 21. Plumbing installation, as per which principle,
should be done by Registered Master Plumbers
15. Proper protection to prevent contamination with due regard to the preservation of the
of food, water, sterile goods, and similar strength of structural members and the
materials by backflow sewage is outlined in prevention of damage to walls and other
which principle, with the recommendation to surfaces through fixture usage?
connect fixtures indirectly with the building a) Principle No. 21
drainage when necessary? b) Principles No. 15
a) Principles No. 15 c) Principle No. 10
b) Principle No. 13 d) Principle No. 17
c) Principle No. 2
d) Principle No. 20 22. This principle prohibits the discharge of
sewage or other waste from a plumbing system,
16. No water closet should be located in a room which
or compartment that is not properly lighted and
ventilated, according to which principle? may be deleterious to surface or sub-surface
a) Principle No. 16 waters, into the ground or any waterway unless
b) Principle No. 5 first rendered innocuous through an acceptable
c) Principle No. 10 form of treatment.
d) Principles No. 21 a) Principle No. 3
b) Principle No. 22
17. If water closets or other plumbing fixtures c) Principles No. 16
are installed in buildings without a sewer within d) Principle No. 8
a reasonable distance, suitable provision, such
as a septic tank, should be made for sewage Water Supply: bcbcbcbcbc
treatment and disposal, according to which 1. What is potable water, and for what purposes
principle? is it suitable?
a) Principles No. 17 a) Water suitable for irrigation
b) Principle No. 11 b) Water suitable for drinking, cooking, and
c) Principle No. 6 cleaning
 c) Water suitable for washing cars
d) Water suitable for flushing toilets
2. Which is considered a nonpotable water use?
a) Drinking
b) Cooking
c) Flushing water closets
d) Cleaning
3. According to the text, what is more important
to human survival than food?
a) Shelter
b) Potable water
c) Nonpotable water
d) Rainwater
4. What is the primary source of water for
human use mentioned in the text?
a) Ocean water
b) Groundwater
c) Rain and snowmelt
d) River water
5. Define surface water based on the
information provided.
a) Water found below the earth's surface
b) Rainwater that runs off the ground surface
into streams, rivers, and lakes
c) Water suitable for drinking
d) Water percolated through porous soil
6. What is groundwater, as mentioned in the
text?
a) Water collected on the earth's surface
b) Rainwater that flows into streams
c) Water found below the surface of the earth
d) Water suitable for irrigation
7. In what ways is nonpotable water commonly
used, according to the text?
a) Drinking and cooking
b) Flushing toilets and washing cars
c) Cleaning and cooking
d) Drinking and irrigation
8. What happens when it rains or when a
snowfield melts, according to the text?
a) Groundwater is replenished
b) Nonpotable water is created
c) Water flows into streams and rivers
d) Potable water becomes scarce
9. Define impervious stratum as mentioned in
the text.
a) A layer of soil that allows water to percolate
through
b) A layer that prevents water from
percolating further
c) A type of potable water source
d) A layer of porous soil
10. Why is an abundant supply of easily
distributed potable water considered vital to a
prosperous economy?
a) It ensures a surplus of water for
nonessential uses
b) It promotes good hygiene and sanitation
c) It supports agriculture and irrigation
d) It has no impact on the economy
bcbcbcbcbc
Water Treatment: cbbdc
1. What factors contribute to the variation in
water quality and taste?
a) The temperature of the water
b) The location of water treatment plants
c) The water source, chemical and bacteria
contents, and treatment processes
d) The amount of rainfall in the area
2. Despite objectionable odor, taste, or
appearance, potable water is considered safe to
drink. What methods are commonly used to
improve water quality and taste?
a) Adding more bacteria
b) Filtering and aeration
c) Increasing chlorine concentration
d) Removing all minerals
3. How are problems with unpleasant taste and
odor typically addressed in water treatment?
a) Adding more chlorine
b) Using filtration equipment or aeration
c) Increasing the concentration of sodium
sulfite
d) Settling suspended matter
4. What method is used to destroy bacteria in
potable water, and how is the taste of chlorine
removed?
a) Adding sodium sulfite; aeration
b) Filtration equipment; settling
c) Ion-exchange process; adding alum
d) Adding chlorine; removing with sodium
sulfite
5. What is the purpose of adding a flocculating
and precipitating agent, such as alum, in water
treatment?
a) To increase water hardness
b) To enhance bacterial life
c) To remove suspended organic and mineral
matter
d) To improve the taste and odor of water
Water towers used in community systems and
elevated water storage tanks used in private
systems carry a reserve capacity of water.
Main Parts of a Water Supply System
What is the purpose of water towers in
community systems and elevated water storage
tanks in private systems?
a) To store wastewater
b) To carry stormwater
c) To carry a reserve capacity of water
d) To supply electricity
What is the function of a water meter in a water
supply system?
a) To control water pressure
b) To measure and record water usage
c) To filter water
d) To heat water
Where is the building main typically located in a
water supply system?
a) In the street
b) Above the roof
c) In a basement, ceiling, crawl space, or below
the concrete floor slab
d) In a water tower
What is the purpose of a riser in a water supply
system?
a) To carry wastewater
b) To connect to fixture branches
c) To supply electricity
d) To control water temperature
What is a fixture branch in a water supply
system?
a) Any part of a piping system other than a riser
or main pipe
b) A vertical pipe that extends at least one story
c) A pipe that connects to fixtures
d) A pipe located in the ceiling
Where is a fixture branch usually run in a water
supply system?
a) In the basement
b) In the floor or in the wall behind the fixtures
c) Above the roof
d) In a meter box near the street
What is the purpose of a fixture connection in a
plumbing system?
a) To carry wastewater
b) To supply electricity
c) To connect to the fixture branch
d) To measure and record water usage
Where is a shut-off valve typically located in a
water supply system?
a) In the meter box near the street
b) At the building main
c) In the ceiling
d) In the floor behind fixtures
What does the building supply or water service
pipe carry in a water supply system?
a) Stormwater
b) Wastewater
c) Potable water from the district or city water
system
d) Electricity
What does a water service line carry in a water
supply system?
a) Electricity
b) Potable water from a district supply pipe to
the building
c) Wastewater
d) Stormwater
Answer Key:
c) To carry a reserve capacity of water
b) To measure and record water usage
c) In a basement, ceiling, crawl space, or below
the concrete floor slab
b) To connect to fixture branches
a) Any part of a piping system other than a riser
or main pipe
b) In the floor or in the wall behind the fixtures
c) To connect to the fixture branch
b) At the building main
c) Potable water from the district or city water
system
b) Potable water from a district supply pipe to
the building
GENERAL WATER DISTRIBUTION
The water service pipe is an underground pipe
that is typically called a lateral. It extends from
the underground street main that is part of a
district or city water system, and delivers
pressurized potable water to a building
plumbing system.
Water Service Pipe (Lateral): Underground pipe
extending from the street main to deliver
pressurized potable water to a building
plumbing system.
Water Meter: Measures and records water
consumption; located in an underground curb
box or connected to a remote readout.
Water Service Shutoff Valve: Typically located
at the meter location, allows control of water
supply to the building.
RIGID-PIPE DISTRIBUTION CONFIGURATION:
Configuration Description: Hot and cold water
distribution pipes run parallel, organized along
building walls and floors.
Spacing and Insulation: Pipes should be spaced
at least 6 inches apart or insulated to prevent
heat interchange.
Insulation options include polyurethane,
rubber insulation, and Styropor insulation
(Fire-retardant).
HOMERUN (MANIFOLD) DISTRIBUTION
CONFIGURATION:
Configuration Description: Consists of a
plumbing manifold and flexible plastic piping,
supplying all plumbing fixtures from a common
location.
Manifold Chambers: Separate cold water
chamber supplied from the main water line and
a hot water chamber fed from the water heater.
Water Line Dedication: Each fixture has a
dedicated water line originating at a port in the
manifold, reducing the need for fittings.
Shut-Off Valves: Some manifolds offer shut-off
valves for individual fixture control, contributing
to water efficiency.
UPFEED AND DOWNFEED DISTRIBUTION:
Distribution Systems: Two basic types - upfeed
(upflow) and downfeed (downflow) systems -
with variations.
Conventional Upfeed System: Relies on water
pressure from the supply main; pressure limits
affect the upward movement of water in the
system.
Pressure Limits: Typically ranges from 40 to 80
psi; friction losses and gravity influence pressure
distribution in the plumbing system.
Fixture Flow: Pressure must be sufficient at the
remote fixture to drive the flow of water
through the fixture.
Water Pressure Considerations:
Driving Force of Fluid Flow: Water pressure
difference propels fluid through pipes; pressure
loss occurs due to friction and elevation
changes.
Water Supply Design Concerns:
Water Pressure:
Driving force behind fluid flow.
Pressure loss occurs due to friction and
elevation changes.
Water Velocity: Dictated by noise, erosion, and
economic considerations.
Small diameters reduce cost but increase noise
and erosion.
Large diameters reduce noise and erosion but
raise installation costs.
Intermediate diameter is desirable.
Cavitation:
Occurs with a drastic pressure drop, leading to
vaporization.
Vaporization causes bubbles to implode,
resulting in noise and erosion.
Erosion over time manifests as pinhole leaks.
Cross-connections:
Unsatisfactory piping arrangement allowing
nonpotable water into the potable system.
Can mix used or contaminated water with the
water supply.
A potential hazard with over 100,000
occurrences daily.
Backflow:
Contaminated water unintentionally flows
backward into potable water pipes.
A serious problem causing illness and death.
Over 10,000 reported cases annually in the
United States.
Water Hammer:
Large pressure surge when fluid flow is suddenly
stopped.
Sudden valve closure results in a quick stop,
causing a pressure increase.
Maximum theoretical pressure can be
significant.
Air Chambers:
Pipes vertically installed above fixture water
connection.
Trapped air cushions pressure surges and
absorbs hydraulic shock.
Water Hammer Arrestors: Domestic hot water (DHW) and building service
Devices absorbing hydraulic shock, accessible hot water (BSHW) considerations.
for maintenance.
Placement at the end of branch lines and Multiple Choice Quiz: Water Supply Design
midpoint of long runs. Concerns

Thermal Expansion: What is the driving force behind fluid flow in

Expansion in pipes based on material and plumbing systems?
temperature range.
Expansion varies with different materials. A) Water Temperature
B) Water Pressure
Viscosity: C) Water Velocity
Water viscosity decreases with temperature D) Water Density
decrease. Answer: B) Water Pressure
Pumping energy and costs increase with lower
water temperatures. What dictates the minimum and maximum
water velocity in a plumbing system?
Volume Change with Temperature Change:
Unique properties of water as a solid, liquid, A) Pipe Diameter
and gas. B) Air Chambers
Water expands when heated and freezes. C) Water Temperature
D) Pipe Material
Freezing: Answer: A) Pipe Diameter
Phase change from liquid to solid results in a
volume increase. What causes cavitation in a liquid, leading to
Expansion during freezing can pose challenges. noise and erosion in plumbing systems?

Expanding Water: A) High Water Pressure

Liquid water expands with temperature B) Low Water Velocity
changes. C) Drastic Drop in Pressure
Expansion percentage varies with temperature D) Increased Pipe Diameter
range. Answer: C) Drastic Drop in Pressure

Aging: What is a cross-connection in plumbing, and

Inner walls of pipes become rough over time. what does it cause?
Aging effects depend on piping material, water
quality, and temperature. A) Increased Water Velocity
B) Water Hammer
Pipe Insulation: C) Mixing of Nonpotable and Potable Water
Reduces heat loss and prevents condensation. D) Pipe Erosion
Various insulation materials with thickness Answer: C) Mixing of Nonpotable and Potable
requirements. Water

Testing: What is backflow in plumbing, and why is it a

Watertightness testing before covering with serious problem?
finish materials.
Hydrostatic water pressure test under specific A) Increased Water Pressure
conditions. B) Unintentional Flow of Contaminated Water
Backward
Leaks: C) Noise from Water Hammer
Even a small leak can waste water and cause D) Expansion of Water
damage. Answer: B) Unintentional Flow of Contaminated
Potential for increased insurance premiums and Water Backward
environmental issues.
What is the consequence of a sudden closing of
Heated Water: a valve in a plumbing system?
Desired for various purposes, defined by
temperature. A) Reduced Water Velocity
B) Water Hammer Answer: A) 32°F (0°C)
C) Cavitation
D) Increased Pipe Diameter What is the approximate volumetric change
Answer: B) Water Hammer during the phase change from liquid to solid
(ice)?
What is the purpose of air chambers in
plumbing systems? A) 2%
B) 4.37%
A) Increased Water Pressure C) 10%
B) Noise Reduction D) 25%
C) Absorb Hydraulic Shock Answer: C) 10%
D) Pipe Insulation
Answer: C) Absorb Hydraulic Shock How much does liquid water expand from 40°F
(4.4°C) to 212°F (100°C)?
What do water hammer arrestors do, and where
should they be placed? A) 0.0254% per °F
B) 0.0457% per °C
A) Increase Water Velocity C) 4.37%
B) Reduce Noise D) 10%
C) Absorb Hydraulic Shock Answer: C) 4.37%
D) Between Cross-Connections
Answer: C) Absorb Hydraulic Shock What contributes to the roughening of inner
walls in plumbing pipes over time?
Why is thermal expansion a consideration in
plumbing system design? A) Water Hammer
B) Aging
A) To Increase Water Velocity C) Cross-Connections
B) To Reduce Noise D) Backflow
C) To Absorb Hydraulic Shock Answer: B) Aging
D) To Accommodate Pipe Expansion
Answer: D) To Accommodate Pipe Expansion What is the impact of aging on a plumbing
system's inner walls?
How does viscosity change with temperature in
a pipe? A) Increased Viscosity
B) Reduced Noise
A) Increases with Temperature Decrease C) Decreased Flow
B) Decreases with Temperature Decrease D) Increased Pipe Diameter
C) Remains Constant Answer: C) Decreased Flow
D) Increases with Temperature Increase
Answer: B) Decreases with Temperature What is hard water, and how does it differ from
Decrease soft water?

What unique property of water makes it expand A) Treated Water

when frozen? B) Contains Elements like Magnesium and
Calcium
A) Decreased Viscosity C) Compressed Water
B) Volume Decrease D) High Viscosity Water
C) Solid-Liquid Volume Increase Answer: B) Contains Elements like Magnesium
D) Volumetric Contraction and Calcium
Answer: C) Solid-Liquid Volume Increase
Why is pipe insulation applied to the outer walls
At what temperature does water freeze under of piping in plumbing systems?
normal conditions?
A) To Increase Water Velocity
A) 32°F (0°C) B) To Prevent Cavitation
B) 39°F (4°C) C) To Reduce Heat Loss
C) 40°F (4.4°C) D) To Increase Viscosity
D) 212°F (100°C) Answer: C) To Reduce Heat Loss
 Indirect water heater circulates water through a
What should be done before covering a water heat exchanger in the boiler, then to a separate
supply system with finish materials? storage tank.
Offers improved efficiency, especially when
A) Install Air Chambers paired with a highly efficient boiler.
B) Apply Pipe Insulation
C) Test for Leaks Heat Pump Water Heaters:
D) Increase Water Pressure
Answer: C) Test for Leaks Extract energy from outdoor air to produce hot
water efficiently.
How much water can a leak of one drop per Use an electric motor and compressor for the
second waste in a year? heat pumping process.
Effective in hot, humid regions with high electric
A) 1000 gal (3,785 L) energy costs.
B) 2000 gal (7,570 L) Also provides cooling and dehumidification,
C) 2700 gal (10,200 L) meeting dual needs.
D) 5000 gal (18,927 L)
Answer: C) 2700 gal (10,200 L) Solar Water Heaters:

TYPES OF WATER HEATERS Include collectors mounted on the roof or in a

Storage Tank Water Heaters:
Consist of a storage tank and a heating medium.
Available in sizes ranging from 30 to 120 gallons.
Powered by natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or
electricity.
Commonly used in residential settings, with a
50-gallon capacity for an average three-
bedroom residence.
clear area.
Have a separate storage tank connected to a
conventional heater.
Preheat water before reaching the conventional
heater.
Reduces annual fuel costs by over half but
involves the added cost of the solar system.
Particularly beneficial in regions with ample
sunlight and high energy costs.

Instantaneous (Tankless) Water Heaters:

Supply hot water on demand without a standby

tank.
Activated by the flow of water when a hot water
valve is opened.
More efficient, eliminating standby losses.
Output limits the rate of heated water flow.

Circulating Water Heaters:

Utilize a separate storage tank heated by a heat

exchanger.
Heat exchanger may be a separate unit or part
of a boiler.
Boiler may exclusively heat water for domestic
or building service hot water or serve other
purposes.

Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters:

Tankless coil heats water directly inside the

boiler in a hydronic heating system.
Suitable for regular use but less efficient during
warmer months.
TYPES OF WATER HEATER -
What are the three main types of water
heaters?
a. Storage tank, solar, heat pump
b. Instantaneous, solar, circulating
c. Storage tank, instantaneous, circulating
d. Solar, heat pump, tankless
Answer: c. Storage tank, instantaneous,
circulating
What is the typical capacity range for storage
tank water heaters?
a. 10-30 gallons
b. 40-80 gallons
c. 90-120 gallons
d. 130-200 gallons
Answer: b. 40-80 gallons
How are instantaneous (tankless) water heaters
activated to supply hot water?
a. Timer-based activation
b. Standby tank activation
c. Flow of water when a hot water valve is
opened
d. Temperature sensor activation
Answer: c. Flow of water when a hot water
valve is opened
What is a key advantage of instantaneous
(tankless) water heaters over storage tank
heaters?
a. Lower installation costs
b. Continuous supply without standby losses
c. Higher heating capacity
d. Larger storage capacity
Answer: b. Continuous supply without standby
losses
d. Limited hot water flow rate
Answer: c. Reduced heating capacity
When is an indirect water heater more efficient
than a tankless coil water heater?
a. During colder months
b. In warmer climates
c. When the boiler is used less frequently
d. When the heating system is used regularly
Answer: c. When the boiler is used less
frequently
What is the primary source of energy for heat
pump water heaters?
a. Natural gas
b. Electricity
c. Propane
d. Solar power
Answer: b. Electricity
What does a solar water heater use to preheat
water before reaching the conventional heater?
a. Heat pump
b. Solar collectors
c. Electric motor
d. Gas burner
Answer: b. Solar collectors
What is a potential drawback of solar water
heaters?
a. High installation cost
b. Low energy efficiency
c. Limited sunlight availability
d. Inability to reduce fuel costs
Answer: a. High installation cost heater. Like the

How do circulating water heaters store heated

water?

a. In a separate tank
b. In the heat exchanger
c. In the main boiler
d. In an external reservoir
Answer: a. In a separate tank

What is a disadvantage of tankless coil water

heaters during warmer months?

a. Higher energy efficiency

b. Increased standby losses
c. Reduced heating capacity
MODERN PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Water Supply System
Piping & fittings fixtures: lavatories, bathtubs ,
water closets, dishwashers, clothes washers,
sinks,
Waste Disposal System
 Sanitary drainage system
 Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system

NOTE: Because of environmental concerns,

wastewater treatment is also an important
component of waste disposal from building
plumbing systems. Although most buildings rely
upon district or community water treatment
plants to dispose of their sewage, some
buildings and facilities operate their own
operations. These are generally known as septic
or on-site sewage treatment (OSST) systems.

Plumbing system Piping - is a series of hollow

channels that carry water to and wastewater
from plumbing fixtures.
Fittings - are used to connect lengths of pipe in
the piping network.
Valves - are used to regulate or control the flow
of water.
Fixtures - are components, receptacles, or
pieces of equipment that use water and dispose
of wastewater at the point of water use.
PLUMBING MATERIALS & FITTINGS
PIPING MATERIALS - NOTES
Copper Pipe and Tubing:
Traditionally the most popular water supply
pipe material.
Used in water space heating, air conditioning,
refrigeration systems, sanitary drainage, and gas
piping.
Thin walls of copper tubing are soldered to
fittings, allowing for faster installation compared
to threaded steel or brass.
Types of Copper Tube:
Type K: Used for underground water service,
available in various diameters.
Type L: Available in hard or soft temper, color-
coded blue, commonly used in water supply
systems.
Type M: Made in hard temper, used for branch
supplies, chilled water systems, and drainage
piping.
DWV Copper Tube: Thinnest, used in non-
pressure applications.
Brass Pipe:
Consists of approximately 85% copper and 15%
zinc.
Used for water supply piping.
Threaded for fitting connections, but thicker
walls make installation and handling more
difficult than copper.
Steel and Iron Pipe:
Steel Pipe: Available in various nominal
diameters, typically sold in 21 ft lengths.
Commonly used for natural gas supply and fire
suppression systems.
Galvanized Steel Pipe: Coated with zinc for
corrosion resistance, suitable for mildly acidic
water.
Wrought-Iron Pipe: Lighter weight, threaded for
connection, identified by a red spiral stripe,
higher friction loss than copper.
Cast Iron Pipe: Commonly used in gravity
building and storm drain/sewer systems.
Available in Service (SV) and Extra Heavy (XH)
grades.
Thermoplastic Pipe:
Sometimes referred to as plastic pipe.
Used for water supply systems due to its
economy and ease of installation.
Check local plumbing codes as some areas may
not allow the use of plastic pipe.
Composite Pipe:
Flexible pipe material constructed of an
aluminum tube laminated between two layers
of polyethylene thermoplastic.
Available in various nominal diameters, joined
with compression or crimped connections.
Used in water supply systems, especially in cost-
sensitive projects.
Clay and Concrete Pipe:
Clay Pipe: Made from vitrified clay, traditionally
used for sewage, industrial waste, stormwater,
and drain field applications.
Concrete Pipe: Cast from concrete, used for
large water supply pipes and various drainage
applications.
Not commonly used in building plumbing
systems.
PLUMBING MATERIALS & FITTINGS - QUIZ
What is the primary advantage of copper tubing
in plumbing systems?
a. Low cost
b. Resistance to corrosion
c. Ease of threading
Answer: b. Resistance to corrosion
Which type of copper tube is commonly used
for water supply systems and is color-coded
blue?
a. Type K
b. Type L
c. Type M
Answer: b. Type L
What is the purpose of the red spiral stripe on
wrought-iron pipe?
a. Indicating high water pressure
b. Aesthetic design
c. Identification for threaded connection
Answer: c. Identification for threaded
connection
When is galvanized steel pipe most commonly
used?
a. For natural gas supply lines
b. For chilled water systems
c. For underground water service
Answer: a. For natural gas supply lines
What is the primary advantage of thermoplastic
pipe in water supply systems?

a. Resistance to high temperatures

b. Economy and ease of installation
c. Compatibility with all fittings

Answer: b. Economy and ease of installation

In composite pipe, what material is laminated

between two layers of polyethylene
thermoplastic?

a. Copper
b. Aluminum
c. Steel

Answer: b. Aluminum

What is the traditional use of clay and concrete

pipes?

a. Water supply systems

b. Storm drain/sewer systems
c. Gas piping

Answer: b. Storm drain/sewer systems

Why is cast iron pipe commonly used in gravity

building and storm drain/sewer systems?

a. Resistance to corrosion
b. Lightweight construction
c. Suitable for high-pressure applications

Answer: a. Resistance to corrosion

Which brass pipe characteristic makes it more

challenging to handle than copper?

a. Resistance to corrosion
b. Threaded for fitting connections
c. Lightweight construction

Answer: b. Threaded for fitting connections

When using composite pipe, how are fittings

typically joined to the pipe?

a. Welding
b. Compression or crimped connections
c. Threaded connections

Answer: b. Compression or crimped connections