Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

How much tamped earth covering should be provided until the crown of the pipe is covered during backfilling trenches?

1. One foot

2. Two feet

3. Three feet

4. Four feet

The correct answer is: Two feet

The recommended amount of tamped earth covering until the crown of the pipe is covered during backfilling trenches is indeed two feet. This depth is crucial for ensuring that there is adequate support and protection for the pipe while minimizing the risk of damage from surface loads or settling. Providing a minimum of two feet of tamped earth ensures that the pipe is adequately buried, reducing potential exposure to freeze-thaw cycles or other environmental factors that could compromise the integrity of the pipe. It also helps distribute weight and stress from above, preventing any deformation or buckling. Considering other depths such as one foot, three feet, or four feet does not align with standard practices meant to provide sufficient coverage and stability for buried pipes. One foot may not provide enough protection, while three or four feet could lead to excessive backfill weight or unnecessary excavation depth, increasing both labor and material costs without providing additional benefits. Thus, two feet is the balanced, standard approach for effective backfilling in plumbing applications.