A plumbing plan shows a 4-inch sanitary sewer line with a slope notation of 2%. Over a 50-foot horizontal run, what is the total vertical drop?
Correct Answer
D) 12 inches
A 2% slope means 2 feet of drop per 100 feet horizontal. For 50 feet: 50 × 0.02 = 1 foot = 12 inches of vertical drop.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A 2% slope means the pipe drops 2 units vertically for every 100 units horizontally. To calculate the drop over 50 feet, we multiply 50 × 0.02 = 1 foot. Since the question asks for the answer in inches, we convert 1 foot to 12 inches. This is the standard method for calculating slope in construction and plumbing applications.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 14 inches
10 inches would represent a 1.67% slope (10÷12=0.833 feet, 0.833÷50=0.0167), which is less than the specified 2% slope.
Option B: 16 inches
16 inches would represent a 2.67% slope (16÷12=1.333 feet, 1.333÷50=0.0267), which is significantly higher than the specified 2% slope.
Memory Technique
Remember '2-50-12': 2% slope over 50 feet equals 12 inches drop. Or use the phrase 'Two percent of fifty feet equals one foot' (which is 12 inches).
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code - Plumbing, Chapter 7 (Sanitary Drainage) or IPC Chapter 7 for minimum slope requirements for drainage piping
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