DWV (Drain-Waste-Vent)
DWV, which stands for Drain-Waste-Vent, is a fundamental plumbing system found in buildings. Think of it as the building's plumbing highway system: drain pipes carry used water away, waste pipes remove bathroom waste, and vent pipes (like chimney-type tubes) ensure everything flows properly by maintaining proper air pressure. When plumbers mention DWV in their resumes, they're referring to their experience installing, repairing, or maintaining these essential systems. It's similar to how a building needs both electrical wiring and water pipes - DWV is the waste management part of plumbing that every building requires to function properly.
Examples in Resumes
Installed complete DWV systems in new residential construction projects
Troubleshot and repaired complex Drain-Waste-Vent systems in commercial buildings
Supervised installation of DWV (Drain-Waste-Vent) systems for a 20-story apartment complex
Typical job title: "Plumbers"
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Example Interview Questions
Master Plumber Level Questions
Q: How would you design a DWV system for a multi-story building?
Expected Answer: A senior plumber should explain the planning process, including calculating pipe sizes, determining vent locations, ensuring proper slope, and following local building codes. They should mention coordination with other trades and potential challenges.
Q: What are common issues you've encountered with DWV systems and how did you resolve them?
Expected Answer: Should discuss troubleshooting experience with blockages, venting issues, improper slopes, and how to diagnose problems using tools like cameras and pressure tests. Should mention preventive maintenance approaches.
Journeyman Level Questions
Q: Explain the importance of proper venting in a DWV system.
Expected Answer: Should explain how vents prevent water seal breaks in traps, maintain proper drainage flow, and prevent sewer gases from entering buildings. Should be able to describe different types of vents.
Q: What are the minimum slope requirements for drain lines?
Expected Answer: Should know standard slope requirements (typically 1/4 inch per foot for smaller pipes), explain why proper slope matters, and discuss what happens with too little or too much slope.
Apprentice Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a DWV system?
Expected Answer: Should identify main components: drains (carrying water away), waste pipes (removing sewage), vents (maintaining air pressure), and traps (preventing sewer gases). Should understand basic function of each.
Q: What materials are commonly used in DWV systems?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common materials like PVC, ABS, cast iron, and copper, and know basic applications for each material type.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pipe fitting and assembly
- Understanding of plumbing codes
- Simple repairs and maintenance
- Reading basic plumbing blueprints
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complete system installations
- Troubleshooting complex problems
- Code compliance expertise
- Commercial and residential experience
Senior (5+ years)
- System design and planning
- Project supervision
- Advanced problem solving
- Training and mentoring others
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of local plumbing codes
- Lack of proper licensing or certification
- No experience with different pipe materials
- Unable to read plumbing blueprints
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