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Property & Building Inspection

Plumbing & fuel distribution practice questions

10 original sample questions on plumbing & fuel distribution. Pick an answer, then open the explanation. Review the plumbing & fuel distribution study notes first if you like.

1. A bathroom sink takes over a minute to drain while other fixtures drain normally. The sink most likely has:

  1. A properly sized trap and vent
  2. An oversized supply line feeding it
  3. Excessive water pressure at the faucet
  4. A partial clog or venting issue
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. A partial clog or venting issue

Slow drains often come from clogs or poor venting.

2. 'Functional flow' is commonly evaluated by:

  1. Checking the gas meter
  2. Measuring water temperature only
  3. Running multiple fixtures at once and observing flow drop
  4. Reading the water bill
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Running multiple fixtures at once and observing flow drop

A significant drop in flow with multiple fixtures running suggests restricted or undersized supply piping.

3. A basement bathroom has an ejector pump with a sewer gas odor and no vent visible. Concern:

  1. Required odor for proper function
  2. Ejector pumps never need vents
  3. Normal odor for basement baths
  4. Possible missing vent; sewer gas entry
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Possible missing vent; sewer gas entry

Ejector pits need sealed lids and vents.

4. A cross-connection is a link between:

  1. A drain and a vent in the same wall
  2. Hot and cold water lines meeting at a single faucet
  3. Two cold water pipes of different size
  4. Potable water and a contamination source
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Potable water and a contamination source

Cross-connections can let contaminants enter drinking water.

5. A basement laundry sink is connected to the floor drain by a hose lying in the drain. The concern is:

  1. Indirect connection may be improper; backflow
  2. Correct connection for laundry sinks
  3. Lower water bills
  4. Better drainage of the floor
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Indirect connection may be improper; backflow

Proper drainage connections are required.

6. A bathtub trap is accessed through a removable panel showing a dry stain beneath. The best statement is:

  1. Active leak requiring immediate replacement
  2. Prior leak evidence; dry now; monitor
  3. Stain is unrelated to plumbing
  4. No issue because it is dry today
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Prior leak evidence; dry now; monitor

Report evidence and test result.

7. A drain line with tape wrapped around a leaking joint is:

  1. A makeshift repair
  2. New pipe
  3. A proper, lasting repair
  4. A permanent fix
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. A makeshift repair

Taped joints need proper repair.

8. A cast iron drain stack with rusty cracks and staining is:

  1. Normal and long lasting with no concern
  2. Improved by the rust
  3. Deteriorating and may leak
  4. A new installation
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Deteriorating and may leak

Cracked cast iron leaks; refer to a plumber.

9. A condensate line from a high-efficiency furnace draining into a floor drain without trap can:

  1. Cool the drain
  2. Improve draining
  3. Save energy in the cooling season
  4. Allow gases into the house
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Allow gases into the house

Traps prevent gas entry.

10. A gas leak suspected by odor during an inspection should be:

  1. Reported immediately to occupants and utility
  2. Noted only at the end of the report
  3. Ignored if no appliance is running
  4. Tested with an open flame
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Reported immediately to occupants and utility

Suspected gas leaks are urgent safety issues.

Original practice items for study only, not actual exam questions. Content may contain errors.