Chapter 13 Water Utilities

Question 1

What is a combination system?

Answer 1

Water is delivered to a municipality through a combination of pumps and/or gravity devices

Question 2

What is the difference between a service and a customer line?

Answer 2

A service line runs between a main and a water meter, and a customer line runs between a water meter and a structure

Question 3

What are the three primary types of water service configurations?

Answer 3

1. Domestic water only through a single service
2. Domestic water and water for fire protection through a single service
3. Domestic water and water for fire protection through separate services

Question 4

What are the primary components of a water service system?

Answer 4

Meter box or vault, shutoff valves, water meter and/or detector check valve, and a pressure-reducing valve (in a domestic service)

Question 5

Where are water system components normally located in cold climates?

Answer 5

Below the frost line or in the basement of the structure

Question 6

What is a detector check valve?

Answer 6

A detector check valve is used in a closed fire protection system. It allows water to flow in one direction only.

Question 7

Where are the shutoff valves normally located in water services to residents?

Answer 7

On one or both sides of a water meter

Question 8

What is an equivalent service?

Answer 8

Two two-inch water meters in adjacent vaults that are connected to a single three-inch customer line

Question 9

How is the size of a water service to an industrial/commercial building determined?

Answer 9

The water requirements of the building, not the size of the building

Question 10

Where can interior hot water leaks easily be shut off?

Answer 10

At the water heater or boiler

Question 11

How much force downward does a head of water exert?

Answer 11

.433 psi for every foot of elevation

Question 12

What are trunk lines?

Answer 12

carry water from a primary source to mains–36 inches to 10 feet. Constructed of iron or concrete

Question 13

What are water mains?

Answer 13

run beneath streets. vary from 2 inches to 72 inches. Constructed of iron pipe

Question 14

Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the plumbing from the shutoff valve?

Answer 14

Building owners

Question 15

What determines the type of water service to a structure?

Answer 15

Applicable plumbing code requirements and water consumption needs

Question 16

What are non-indicating valves characterized by?

Answer 16

ball-and-cone valves

gate valves

Question 17

What are indicating valves characterized by?

Answer 17

OS&Y valves (outside stem and yoke)

Post indicating valves

Question 18

What is a Factory Mutual meter?

Answer 18

a high-flow meter that provides water for fire protection purposes, and which can vary in size from 4 -10 inches

Question 19

What is combination water service?

Answer 19

domestic water meter and detector check valve that provide separate services to a structure

Question 20

What water pressure do dwelling usually use? and what reduces the incoming pressures?

Answer 20

40-70 psi

pressure reducing valves