Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

What term refers to a unit of liquid flow equal to 1 cubic foot per minute or approximately 7.5 gallons per minute in plumbing measurements?

1. Liquid Waste

2. Roughing-in

3. Water Distribution Pipe

4. Fixture Unit

The correct answer is: Fixture Unit

The term that refers to a unit of liquid flow equal to 1 cubic foot per minute, or approximately 7.5 gallons per minute, is known as a Fixture Unit. Fixture Units are crucial in plumbing design as they provide a standardized method to determine the load that various plumbing fixtures can impose on a drainage or supply system. This helps plumbers size pipes appropriately for both drainage and supply systems, ensuring efficiency and proper operation. Liquid Waste refers to the waste materials that are carried away by the plumbing system but does not indicate a measure of flow. Roughing-in describes the initial stage of plumbing installation, where the basic framework and piping are laid out before the fixtures are installed, rather than a measurement of flow. Water Distribution Pipe pertains to the actual pipes used to transport water to various fixtures but does not represent a flow measurement unit. Thus, Fixture Unit is the correct term to use for assessing flow rates in plumbing.