Master Plumber Practice Exam

Sleeves for piping protection must be provided through which types of walls?

1. Concrete and masonry

2. Ceiling and wooden

3. Wood and concrete

4. Floor and concrete

The correct answer is: Concrete and masonry

Providing sleeves for piping protection is essential when passing through certain types of walls because they help to prevent damage to both the pipes and the structural integrity of the walls. In the case of concrete and masonry walls, these materials are dense and can cause wear on the pipes through vibration, thermal movement, or in the event of settling. Sleeves create a buffer to reduce this potential damage, ensuring that pipes can expand and contract without stress and maintaining the overall integrity of the wall. Concrete and masonry are both rigid materials that lack flexibility. Hence, if a pipe were to be placed directly against such a surface, any movement could lead to pinching or crushing of the pipe. The sleeves accommodate this movement while also mitigating the risk of moisture infiltration or corrosion that could occur if pipes were left unprotected. Other options like ceiling and wooden walls do not typically require as stringent conditions for protection, as wood is more forgiving in terms of expansion and movement. Similarly, while floor structures may require some protection, the specific risk associated with concrete and masonry makes them the priority in this context. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the critical nature of protecting pipes that pass through solid, inflexible materials.