Massachusetts Plumbers Journeyman Practice Exam

Where should a safe waste pan for a water heater or hot water storage tank be installed?

1. Above the equipment

2. Under the equipment

3. Outside the building

4. In the yard

The correct answer is: Under the equipment

The correct answer is to install a safe waste pan under the equipment. This is essential because the purpose of a waste pan is to catch any potential leaks or overflow from the water heater or hot water storage tank. By positioning the pan underneath, it effectively collects any water that may escape, preventing damage to the surrounding area or structural elements of the building. This setup safeguards against water damage and potential hazards, ensuring that any leaks are contained and can be easily seen and addressed. Choosing to install a waste pan above the equipment would not serve its intended purpose, as it wouldn’t be able to catch leaks. Installing it outside the building or in the yard could lead to inefficiencies in managing leaks and might not conform to local plumbing codes, which typically require waste pans to be indoors and draining to an appropriate location.