Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

How should commercial food-waste-grinder units be connected and trapped?

1. Only connected to the cold water line

2. Connected to the main sewer line

3. Separately from other fixtures or compartments

4. Through a U-bend pipe

The correct answer is: Separately from other fixtures or compartments

The best approach for connecting commercial food-waste-grinder units is to connect them separately from other fixtures or compartments. This practice is important because it helps to minimize the risk of clogs and backups in the plumbing system. By having a dedicated connection for the food-waste grinder, you ensure that the heavy organic waste generated from food preparation does not interfere with the waste from other fixtures, which could lead to complications and costly plumbing issues. Furthermore, a separate connection also facilitates more effective inspections and maintenance, should any problems arise. This approach allows for better management of grease and solid waste, which can be particularly problematic if mixed with wastewater from sinks or dishwashers. Connecting to the main sewer line can cause a higher chance of clogging since it would mix waste that would otherwise deal with the food waste in isolation. Utilizing a U-bend pipe, while it serves a purpose in trapping sewer gases, does not address the need for separate connection and the unique flow characteristics of food waste. Connecting exclusively to the cold water line offers no advantage in terms of managing the waste generated by these units, as the water temperature does not directly influence the ability to process food waste effectively.