Head Pressure
Head Pressure is a basic concept in plumbing that refers to the force of water in pipes based on height and gravity. Think of it like water pressure in a tall building - the higher up you go, the less pressure you have. Plumbers need to understand head pressure to properly design and fix water systems, especially in tall buildings or homes with multiple floors. It's similar to understanding water flow and pressure requirements, which are essential for making sure sinks, showers, and appliances work correctly.
Examples in Resumes
Calculated and solved Head Pressure issues in 20+ multi-story buildings
Designed plumbing systems accounting for Head Pressure and Water Pressure requirements
Troubleshot Head Pressure problems in residential and commercial buildings
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 would you design a plumbing system for a 10-story building considering head pressure?
Expected Answer: A senior plumber should explain the need for pressure zones, booster pumps, and proper pipe sizing to maintain consistent water pressure throughout the building. They should mention the importance of pressure-reducing valves for lower floors and solutions for upper floors.
Q: What are common head pressure issues in commercial buildings and how do you solve them?
Expected Answer: Should discuss problems like insufficient pressure on upper floors, excessive pressure on lower floors, and solutions like zoning, booster pumps, and pressure-reducing valves. Should mention preventive maintenance and troubleshooting approaches.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you calculate head pressure for a building?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic calculation (2.31 feet equals 1 PSI), and how building height affects water pressure. Should understand when additional equipment like booster pumps is needed.
Q: What tools do you use to measure head pressure and how do you use them?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with pressure gauges, manometers, and digital pressure testers. Should explain how to properly take readings and interpret results.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is head pressure and why is it important in plumbing?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that head pressure is the force of water due to gravity and height, and why it matters for water flow in buildings. Basic understanding of how it affects everyday plumbing work.
Q: What are signs of head pressure problems in a building?
Expected Answer: Should identify common symptoms like weak water flow on upper floors, excessive pressure on lower floors, and noisy pipes. Should understand basic troubleshooting steps.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pressure measurements
- Understanding of water flow principles
- Simple pressure problem diagnosis
- Basic tool operation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Pressure calculation and analysis
- Installation of pressure control devices
- System troubleshooting
- Booster pump maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex system design
- Commercial building solutions
- Team supervision
- Project management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic pressure calculations
- No experience with pressure testing equipment
- Lack of knowledge about building codes related to water pressure
- No understanding of pressure control devices
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Forward-Thinking Leaders
The $100M Mistake: Hidden Costs of Rushed Leadership Hires (Data Study)
