Blueprint Reading & Interpretation Flashcards
7 cards from real PC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Blueprint Reading & Interpretation flashcards as text
On a plumbing site plan, contour lines that are close together indicate what about the terrain?
Answer: Steep grade or slope
Closely spaced contour lines on a site plan indicate a steep grade, while widely spaced lines indicate a gradual slope.
What is the purpose of a 'fixture unit schedule' found on plumbing blueprints?
Answer: Calculates drainage load to size pipes correctly
A fixture unit schedule assigns drainage fixture unit (DFU) values to each fixture, which are used to properly size drain and vent piping.
On a plumbing blueprint, 'FS' next to a drain symbol typically stands for what?
Answer: Floor Sink
FS stands for Floor Sink, which is a recessed drainage fixture used in commercial kitchens and food service areas.
A blueprint note states 'ALL PIPES TO HAVE MINIMUM 1/4" PER FOOT SLOPE TO DRAIN.' What does this mean for a 20-foot horizontal drain run?
Answer: The pipe must drop 5 inches total
At 1/4 inch per foot slope over 20 feet, the total drop equals 20 × 0.25 = 5 inches.
What does 'NTS' written next to a drawing scale mean?
Answer: Not To Scale
NTS means Not To Scale, indicating the drawing is a schematic or detail that should not be used for measuring actual dimensions.
On a mechanical/plumbing drawing, what does the abbreviation 'PRV' represent?
Answer: Pressure Reducing Valve
PRV stands for Pressure Reducing Valve, a device that reduces incoming water pressure to a safe, usable level.
When a plumbing blueprint shows two pipes with a 'tie' or 'bridge' symbol where they cross, what does this indicate?
Answer: The pipes cross but are NOT connected
A bridge or hop symbol at a pipe crossing indicates the pipes pass over or under each other without being connected.