Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

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Study for the Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Ace your licensing exam with confidence!

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What type of valve must be installed in the water supply main on the discharge side of each water meter?

  1. Ball valve

  2. Butterfly valve

  3. Gate valve

  4. Globe valve

The correct answer is: Gate valve

The correct choice is the gate valve. A gate valve is specifically designed to be fully opened or fully closed, making it ideal for use in situations where it is necessary to shut off the flow of water completely. This is especially important on the discharge side of each water meter, as it allows for maintenance or replacement of the meter without causing interruptions in service or affecting downstream plumbing. Gate valves typically have lower pressure drops when fully opened compared to other types of valves, which is advantageous in a water supply system to maintain efficient flow. Their design allows for minimal resistance to flow—an essential feature for applications in main water lines. In contrast, other valve types, such as ball valves or globe valves, may not provide the same level of performance for shut-off purposes in this context.