Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

When the water service source to a building exceeds 80 P.S.I.G., what should be installed in the water main pipe?

1. A pressure release valve

2. A pressure increasing valve

3. A pressure gauge

4. A pressure reducing valve

The correct answer is: A pressure reducing valve

When the water service source to a building exceeds 80 P.S.I.G., a pressure reducing valve should be installed in the water main pipe. This is because a pressure reducing valve is designed to reduce the high water pressure to a safer and more manageable level within the building's plumbing system. Without a pressure reducing valve in place, excessively high water pressure can potentially damage fixtures, pipes, and appliances, leading to costly repairs and water wastage. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: A. A pressure release valve is not typically used to address high water pressure concerns. Its primary function is to release excess pressure in a system to prevent damage or failure. B. A pressure increasing valve is used to boost water pressure when it is too low, not to reduce high water pressure. C. While a pressure gauge is important for monitoring water pressure, simply installing a pressure gauge will not address the issue of excessively high water pressure; a pressure reducing valve is needed for that purpose.