CAMT - Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Plumbing Systems and Repair Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident reports that their toilet continuously runs after flushing. Upon inspection, you lift the tank lid and observe that the water level is above the overflow tube. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
- A cracked or warped flapper.
- A disconnected or tangled lift chain.
- A malfunctioning fill valve. (Correct answer)
- A clogged drain pipe.
Correct answer: A malfunctioning fill valve.
When the water level in the tank rises above the overflow tube, it indicates that the fill valve (or ballcock) is not shutting off the water supply at the correct level. This causes water to constantly drain into the overflow tube and down into the bowl, making the toilet run continuously.
Question 2: Which type of pipe is black, was one of the first plastics used in residential plumbing, and is typically used for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems?
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Copper
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) pipe is easily identified by its black color and is commonly used for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) applications. It was one of the earliest plastic pipes used in residential plumbing.
Question 3: A resident in an older apartment building complains of rusty or brown-colored water coming from their faucets. What is the most probable cause of this issue?
- Sediment buildup in the water heater.
- Corroded galvanized steel pipes. (Correct answer)
- A recent municipal water main flushing.
- A failing pressure-reducing valve.
Correct answer: Corroded galvanized steel pipes.
In older buildings constructed before the 1960s, galvanized steel pipes were common. Over time, the zinc coating on these pipes erodes, causing the steel to rust from the inside. This rust can break free and discolor the water, especially when a faucet is first turned on.
Question 4: When responding to a report of a significant water leak under a kitchen sink, what should be the maintenance technician's FIRST action upon arriving at the apartment?
- Use a wet-vac to remove the standing water.
- Attempt to tighten the pipe connections.
- Shut off the water supply to the fixture using the angle stops. (Correct answer)
- Call a licensed plumber for assistance.
Correct answer: Shut off the water supply to the fixture using the angle stops.
The immediate priority in any active leak situation is to stop the flow of water to prevent further damage. The quickest way to do this for a single fixture is to use the local shut-off valves, often called angle stops, located on the supply lines under the sink.
Question 5: Which of the following is the recommended method for clearing a severely clogged toilet when a plunger is ineffective?
- Pouring chemical drain cleaner into the bowl.
- Using a toilet auger (or closet auger). (Correct answer)
- Disassembling the toilet from the floor.
- Using a high-pressure water jetter.
Correct answer: Using a toilet auger (or closet auger).
A toilet auger is a specialized tool designed to navigate the toilet's built-in trap and break up or retrieve a clog without scratching the porcelain bowl. Chemical drain cleaners are often discouraged as they can be ineffective and potentially harmful to the plumbing and the technician.
Question 6: A maintenance technician needs to replace a faulty water heater. To ensure safety before beginning the work on a gas water heater, they must shut off the gas supply. What is the next critical step in the lock-out/tag-out procedure?
- Drain the water from the tank.
- Disconnect the water lines.
- Attach a lock and tag to the gas shut-off valve. (Correct answer)
- Remove the old thermocouple.
Correct answer: Attach a lock and tag to the gas shut-off valve.
Following the lock-out/tag-out procedure is crucial for safety. After shutting off the energy source (in this case, the gas valve), the next step is to attach a physical lock and a warning tag to the valve. This prevents anyone from accidentally turning the gas back on while the repair is in progress.
CAMT - Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Plumbing Systems and Repair Questions and Answers
A resident reports that their toilet continuously runs after flushing.
Upon inspection, you lift the tank lid and observe that the water level is above the overflow tube.
Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?