GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
GPM, or Gallons Per Minute, is a basic measurement that plumbers use to describe how much water flows through pipes, faucets, or other plumbing fixtures in one minute. Think of it like measuring the speed of water - just as we measure a car's speed in miles per hour, plumbers measure water flow in gallons per minute. This measurement is important because different plumbing jobs require different water flow rates. For example, a shower typically needs 2-3 GPM to work well, while a commercial dishwasher might need 4-6 GPM.
Examples in Resumes
Installed and maintained pump systems rated at GPM ranges from 5-50
Diagnosed and repaired low Gallons Per Minute issues in residential water systems
Designed commercial plumbing systems with GPM calculations for multiple fixtures
Typical job title: "Plumbers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Plumbers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you calculate the total GPM requirements for a commercial building?
Expected Answer: A senior plumber should explain how they consider the number of fixtures, peak usage times, and building type to determine total water flow needs. They should mention using fixture unit calculations and local building codes.
Q: How would you troubleshoot a low GPM issue in a large building?
Expected Answer: Should describe a systematic approach: checking water pressure, looking for blockages, testing different areas of the building, and using flow testing equipment to identify problems.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What GPM would you recommend for different common household fixtures?
Expected Answer: Should know standard flow rates: kitchen faucets (1.5-2.2 GPM), showerheads (2-2.5 GPM), toilet (1.6 GPM per flush), washing machine (2-5 GPM).
Q: How do you measure GPM in an existing system?
Expected Answer: Should explain using flow meters, timing bucket fills, or pressure gauges to determine flow rates, and know when to use each method.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What does GPM mean and why is it important in plumbing?
Expected Answer: Should explain that GPM means Gallons Per Minute and describe how it helps determine if fixtures will work properly and if pipes are sized correctly.
Q: What factors can affect GPM in a plumbing system?
Expected Answer: Should mention pipe size, water pressure, pipe length, number of fixtures, and restrictions like partially closed valves or mineral buildup.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic GPM measurements
- Understanding water flow requirements
- Simple fixture installation
- Basic troubleshooting
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex flow calculations
- System design considerations
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Code compliance knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Commercial system design
- Advanced flow analysis
- Project management
- Team supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic flow rate concepts
- No knowledge of local plumbing codes regarding flow rates
- Lack of experience with flow testing equipment
- Poor understanding of how pipe size affects GPM
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Panic Pacing to Productive Hiring: How to Truly Improve Recruiter Efficiency
Recruitment Metrics That Matter in 2025: Moving Beyond Time-to-Hire
The Cryptic Secrets of Data-Driven HR: Metrics that Actually Matter (and Some That Might Make You Laugh)
