Aim for the Highest Score with These Three True-or-False Questions
Learning about plumbing equipment doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Right now, homeowners, tenants, and other interested parties can learn all about how plumbers get the job done. Through this short true-and-false quiz, one can learn about everything from drain snakes to safety equipment. Here’s a quick score sheet:
- Three out of three correct: master plumber
- Two out of three correct: journeyman plumber
- One out of three correct: novice plumber
Ready players? Time to put that knowledge to the test.
Round One: Drain Snakes
Here’s the first one. True or false: A drain snake can hurt the home’s plumbing system if not used properly.
This is an easy one. True. Some plumbing dilemmas are best left to professionals. If not used properly, a drain snake can scrape the inside of the pipes, leaving debris behind and making the clog worse.
Some types of drain snakes include:
- Toilet auger: Some clogs are too big for plungers to handle. A toilet auger can break up the clog and restore the water flow in some instances.
- Top snakes: Top snakes are some of the smallest drain snakes. They’re perfect for sinks, toilets, and drains. Some are motorized, making them easier to use. Top snakes are generally 25 feet long.
- Medium drain machine: These bad boys measure from 50 feet to 75 feet each. They’re best used in garbage disposals and dishwashers.
- Large drain snakes: The name says it all. These devices generally exceed more than 100 feet, and they can go under the home and remove any roots that have impacted the plumbing system.
Round Two: Wrenches
Here’s the second question. True or false: when in doubt, a plumber may use pliers inside of a wrench.
The answer? True, but this isn’t recommended. Pilers can strip nuts, bolts, and connectors, compromising the system.
Instead, a professional plumber will likely use an adjustable wrench to fix a home’s issues. The reason’s in the name; adjustable wrenches are adjustable. Also called monkey wrenches, these tools can handle pretty much anything. However, a plumber may also use basin wrenches or slip-joint pliers, depending on the situation.
Round Three: Safety Gear
When on the job, a plumber has two main goals: to fix the home’s problems and to remain safe. According to Pathogens, a study published in 2015, plumbers come into contact with dangerous materials daily. Without proper safety gear, they can develop Legionnaire's disease, respiratory infections, and even certain types of cancers.
That being said, here’s the last question. True or false: a plumber may use a respirator when working on an older home.
The answer? True. Many older buildings still have asbestos, a dangerous material that can cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening conditions. Many times, older homes have pipes insulated with this material. Plumbers must also do everything possible to protect themselves from mold, which can also cause long-term health problems.
About Sheely Plumbing
Sheely Plumbing knows its plumbing equipment. It also knows the value of reliable service, transparent pricing, and emergency home replacement services. Call today for service in Alto, MI, and the greater Grand Rapids area.
