Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Practice Exam

What type of trap does a clinical sink have?

1. P-trap

2. Grease trap

3. Vacuum Breakers

4. S-Trap

The correct answer is: Vacuum Breakers

A clinical sink typically incorporates a grease trap as part of its plumbing design, especially in healthcare settings where disposal of various materials may occur. The primary purpose of a grease trap is to intercept and retain fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the main drainage system. This is crucial in maintaining sanitary conditions and preventing clogs that can arise from FOG buildup. Using a grease trap ensures that these substances do not compromise the integrity of the plumbing system, allowing for safe disposal of waste. Additionally, grease traps may need to be regularly maintained and cleaned to operate effectively, highlighting the importance of understanding their function in the context of plumbing design and health regulations for clinical environments. While the other types of traps mentioned serve their own specific purposes, they do not fit the typical configuration of a clinical sink. For example, a P-trap is designed for standard sinks and drains but is not specific to the needs of a clinical environment. An S-trap is more commonly seen in older fixtures and is generally not used in modern plumbing due to issues with siphoning. Vacuum breakers, used to prevent the backflow of contaminated water into drinking supplies, are not traps and serve a different purpose altogether. Thus, recognizing the context and application of