Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

What is the minimum thickness of Sheet Lead required for a safe pan?

1. 1 pound per square foot

2. 3 pounds per square foot

3. 4 pounds per square foot

4. 5 pounds per square foot

The correct answer is: 4 pounds per square foot

The minimum thickness of sheet lead required for a safe pan is 4 pounds per square foot. This standard is established to ensure that the lead is sufficiently heavy and thick to contain any potential leaks and provide adequate protection in plumbing applications. Thicker lead pans are more durable and less likely to deform or fail under the weight of water or other materials they are intended to contain. When considering the other choices, while 1 pound and 3 pounds per square foot may seem feasible, they do not meet the safety and durability requirements necessary for effective containment. A thickness of 5 pounds per square foot exceeds the minimum need, making it unnecessarily heavy and costly for most applications, while still being usable in specific scenarios where extra weight is beneficial. Thus, 4 pounds per square foot strikes a balance between safety, durability, and practicality.