Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

How should the sanitary and storm drainage systems of a building be designed in relation to each other?

1. A. Combined

2. B. Separate

3. C. Overlapping

4. D. Alternating

The correct answer is: B. Separate

The design of sanitary and storm drainage systems in a building should be separate. This means that the wastewater from toilets, sinks, and other fixtures (sanitary drainage) is routed through a different system than the rainwater and surface water (storm drainage). Having separate systems is important for several reasons. Primarily, it helps prevent contamination of stormwater by sewage, which can lead to significant health risks and environmental contamination. Additionally, separate systems facilitate more efficient treatment of wastewater, as sewage generally goes to treatment facilities while rainwater can be managed through either treatment or direct drainage into the environment. Keeping these systems separate can also reduce the risk of system overload during heavy storms, as combining them can lead to sewer backups and overflows. Proper separation helps to ensure that each system can operate effectively and maintain public health and safety standards.