Water supply piping shall be maintained free of which condition?

Water supply piping shall be maintained free of which condition?

• A. External obstructions
• B. Internal obstructions
• C. Leaks
• D. Contamination

Answer: (B)

Inside a water supply line, the flow path must stay clear so water can move freely with enough pressure to reach every outlet. Any internal obstruction—like corrosion scales, mineral deposits, burrs, sediment, or other debris inside the pipe—reduces the effective flow area and increases friction. That tightens the path water must take, causing lower pressure, slower flow, and potential issues with flushing and testing. It can also create stagnant pockets that harbor contaminants or impair disinfection, affecting overall water quality and reliability. External obstructions don’t block the water flow inside the pipe itself, and while leaks or contamination are serious problems, the requirement specifically calls for keeping the interior free of obstructions to maintain proper and dependable supply.

Inside a water supply line, the flow path must stay clear so water can move freely with enough pressure to reach every outlet. Any internal obstruction—like corrosion scales, mineral deposits, burrs, sediment, or other debris inside the pipe—reduces the effective flow area and increases friction. That tightens the path water must take, causing lower pressure, slower flow, and potential issues with flushing and testing. It can also create stagnant pockets that harbor contaminants or impair disinfection, affecting overall water quality and reliability.

External obstructions don’t block the water flow inside the pipe itself, and while leaks or contamination are serious problems, the requirement specifically calls for keeping the interior free of obstructions to maintain proper and dependable supply.