General Plumbing Knowledge Quiz

PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. It is a unit of pressure commonly used in various industries, such as engineering and manufacturing. It measures the amount of force exerted on an area, specifically the force of one pound applied to one square inch. This unit is especially relevant in applications involving fluid or gas pressure, such as in hydraulic systems or tire pressure measurements.

Grease should never be disposed of in the kitchen sink. When grease is poured down the sink, it can solidify and clog the pipes, leading to blockages and costly repairs. Additionally, grease can also contaminate the water supply and harm the environment. It is recommended to let the grease cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash or recycle it if possible.

The correct answer is "Right Side." The cold water valve is located on the right side.

A closet auger is used to unclog a toilet. It is a tool specifically designed for clearing clogs in toilets. It consists of a long, flexible rod with a curved end that can easily navigate through the twists and turns of the toilet's plumbing. By inserting the closet auger into the toilet bowl and turning the handle, it can break up and remove the clog, allowing the toilet to drain properly again.

Toilets typically have an S-trap, a curved pipe that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. It’s shaped like an “S” and connects the toilet to the drain in the floor.

When replacing a toilet, the wax ring cannot be re-used. The wax ring is a circular piece of wax that creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor drain. Once the toilet is removed, the wax ring is typically flattened and compressed, making it difficult to re-use. Additionally, the wax ring may become dirty or damaged during the removal process, further preventing its re-use. Therefore, it is recommended to always replace the wax ring with a new one when installing a new toilet.

Silicone is the correct answer because it is a type of adhesive that is commonly used to caulk around wet surfaces. Silicone adhesives have excellent water resistance and are able to adhere to damp or wet surfaces without losing their effectiveness. They are also flexible and durable, making them ideal for sealing gaps and joints in areas that are exposed to moisture. Elmers Glue, Solvent Glue, and JB Weld are not typically used for caulking around wet surfaces, making them incorrect choices.

A double kitchen sink requires only one p-trap. A p-trap is a curved pipe that is installed beneath the sink to prevent sewer gases from entering the kitchen. In a double kitchen sink, both sides of the sink share the same drain pipe, so only one p-trap is needed to connect the drain pipe to the main sewer line.

The correct answer is "Never" because a toilet should not be running all the time. A running toilet indicates a problem with the flushing mechanism or a leak, which can waste water and increase utility bills. A properly functioning toilet should only run when it is being flushed and then stop once the tank is filled.

A wax ring fits between a closet flange and toilet bowl. The wax ring is used as a seal to prevent leaks between the toilet bowl and the plumbing system. It is placed on top of the closet flange, which is a pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the sewer line. The wax ring creates a watertight seal when the toilet bowl is placed on top of it, ensuring that there are no leaks or odors.

Teflon tape can be used when leaking occurs at the Shower Head. Teflon tape is a thin, white tape that is wrapped around the threads of plumbing connections to create a watertight seal. If there is a leak at the Shower Head, applying Teflon tape to the threads can help prevent water from seeping out. It acts as a barrier and helps to fill any gaps or imperfections in the connection, ensuring a tight seal and preventing leaks.

The safety valve on a water heater is called a TP valve. TP stands for Temperature and Pressure. This valve is designed to release excess pressure and temperature from the water heater to prevent it from exploding or causing damage. It is an essential safety feature that helps maintain the proper functioning of the water heater and protects against potential hazards.