What is the purpose of a C factor in utilities maintenance?

The C factor, also known as the Hazen-Williams coefficient, is primarily used in utilities maintenance to measure the smoothness of a pipe's interior surface. This smoothness is critical because it affects how easily water or other fluids can flow through the pipe. A higher C factor indicates a smoother pipe, which typically results in more efficient fluid transport with less friction loss. Understanding the C factor is essential for accurately calculating flow rates and pressure losses in a piping system, as it helps determine how the pipe's condition influences performance.

In context, while the other options mention important aspects of maintenance like flow rates, pipe condition, and pressure loss, the C factor specifically focuses on the internal characteristics of the pipe that dictate how effectively fluid will move through it due to surface smoothness.