A tubular brass trap must be of what minimum gauge?

A tubular brass trap must meet specific gauge requirements to ensure adequate strength and durability for plumbing applications. The correct answer is 17 gauge because it strikes a balance between providing sufficient thickness to withstand the pressures and stresses encountered in plumbing systems while also being manageable in terms of weight. This gauge is commonly specified in plumbing codes as the minimum for brass traps, as it provides the necessary structural integrity to resist corrosion and wear over time, which is crucial for maintaining the functionality and safety of the plumbing system.

Other options do not meet the standard required for these applications; while 14 gauge is thicker and offers increased strength, it may be unnecessarily heavy and expensive. Similarly, 16 gauge and 18 gauge would be too thin for a brass trap, compromising its durability and possibly leading to failures under typical operational conditions. Thus, 17 gauge is the appropriate choice, reflecting industry standards and best practices.