Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

How should meter boxes be constructed to prevent rats from entering a building via the water service pipe?

1. With a lockable lid

2. With a built-in alarm system

3. So that rats cannot follow the water service pipe into the building

4. With spiked barriers around the box

The correct answer is: So that rats cannot follow the water service pipe into the building

The construction of meter boxes plays a critical role in preventing pests, such as rats, from entering buildings through the water service pipe. By ensuring that meter boxes are designed in such a way that rats cannot follow the water service pipe into the building, you create a barrier that limits their access points. This involves designing the meter box to provide a secure connection between the water service line and the building, incorporating tight seals, appropriate materials, and ensuring that there are no gaps or openings through which rodents can pass. This preventative measure is crucial as it addresses the root of the problem by restricting the pathway that allows these pests access to the interior of the building. Other options, while they may offer some level of deterrence or security, do not directly address the issue of preventing rats from following the water service pipe. For example, a lockable lid could help secure the meter box but wouldn’t necessarily prevent rats from entering the building through the pipe itself if there are vulnerabilities in the box construction. Similarly, a built-in alarm system might alert you to an issue but does not physically stop rats, and spiked barriers around the box may not effectively address the plumbing entry point. Thus, focusing on the construction of the meter box to eliminate access through the water