Maintenance Protocols Flashcards

Which statement best distinguishes preventive maintenance from corrective maintenance?

Answer: Preventive maintenance is scheduled to avoid failures; corrective maintenance repairs something after it fails

Preventive work is planned in advance to reduce breakdowns, while corrective work responds to an existing failure.

Why should a tank-type water heater be partially drained or flushed periodically, typically once a year?

Answer: To remove sediment that reduces efficiency and can shorten tank life

Sediment buildup at the tank bottom insulates water from the burner or element, wasting energy and stressing the tank.

A homeowner reports that a GFCI receptacle in the bathroom will not reset. Which first troubleshooting step is most appropriate before calling an electrician?

Answer: Check whether power is reaching the device and whether a ground fault still exists on the circuit

A GFCI will not reset without line power or while a ground fault remains, so both should be checked first.

Which seasonal task most directly helps prevent ice dams on a pitched roof in cold climates?

Answer: Maintaining adequate attic insulation, air sealing, and ventilation to keep the roof deck cold

Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow that refreezes at the eaves, so a cold roof deck prevents them.

How often should gutters and downspouts generally be cleaned on a home surrounded by mature trees?

Answer: At least twice a year, typically spring and fall

Leaf and debris loads from nearby trees usually require cleaning at least in spring and fall to keep water flowing.

Under a typical builder warranty, which condition is most likely to be excluded from coverage?

Answer: Damage caused by the homeowner's failure to perform recommended maintenance

Warranties commonly exclude damage resulting from homeowner neglect or failure to follow the maintenance manual.

A clothes dryer is taking two cycles to dry a load. Which maintenance item is the most likely and safety-critical fix?

Answer: Cleaning lint from the dryer exhaust duct and exterior vent hood

Lint-clogged dryer ducts restrict airflow, lengthen drying time, and are a leading cause of dryer fires.