Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

A tile shower floor shall slope to the drain at ______ inch per foot?

1. 1/8

2. 1/4

3. 1/2

4. 3/4

The correct answer is: 1/4

The correct measurement for a tile shower floor to slope to the drain is a quarter inch per foot. This slope is recommended to ensure proper drainage, preventing water from pooling on the shower floor, which can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as structural damage over time. A slope of 1/4 inch per foot is considered optimal for facilitating effective water runoff while still being gentle enough to prevent instability on the tiles. Any slope less than this, such as 1/8 inch per foot, may not provide adequate drainage, leading to standing water. On the other hand, a steeper slope, like 1/2 inch per foot or 3/4 inch per foot, could create safety hazards as it may make the floor too steep, which could increase the risk of slipping. It also may complicate the tiling process and affect the aesthetics of the shower. Thus, 1/4 inch per foot effectively balances functionality and safety.