Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

What is the minimum size drain pipe for a water heater pan?

1. 1/2 inch

2. 3/4 inch

3. 1 inch

4. 1 1/2 inch

The correct answer is: 3/4 inch

The minimum size drain pipe for a water heater pan is 3/4 inch. This size is important for ensuring that any condensate or discharge from the pan can flow freely without risk of clogging. Water heater pans are designed to catch any overflow or leaking water from the heater, so having an adequately sized drain allows for effective drainage. If the drain pipe were smaller, such as 1/2 inch, it could restrict the flow and lead to potential backups, which would defeat the purpose of the pan. A larger pipe, like 1 inch or 1 1/2 inch, while they could technically be used, are not required as a minimum size for the pan drain. The standard of 3/4 inch strikes a balance between adequate drainage capacity and minimizing the risk of blockages.