New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman (JPF) Practice Exam

What provides the appropriate seal in a slip joint fitting?

1. Gasket

2. Ground metal

3. Rubber ring

4. Pipe dope

The correct answer is: Ground metal

In a slip joint fitting, the appropriate seal is typically achieved through the use of a gasket. Gaskets are designed to provide a tight seal between the two surfaces that come into contact within the fitting. They accommodate slight imperfections and variations in the surfaces, ensuring that liquid or gas does not leak from the joint. While ground metal may provide a degree of surface contact, it does not create a reliable seal on its own. A rubber ring can also be utilized in certain fittings, but it is generally associated with compression fittings or other specific designs. Pipe dope is a type of sealant used on threaded connections, but it is not applicable to slip joints, which rely on gaskets for sealing rather than threaded interactions.