NCCER Maintenance & Repair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When repairing a leaking compression faucet, which part is most commonly replaced to stop the drip?
- O-ring on the spout
- Seat washer at the bottom of the stem (Correct answer)
- Packing nut
- Cartridge valve
Correct answer: Seat washer at the bottom of the stem
The seat washer at the bottom of the stem wears against the valve seat and is the primary cause of dripping in compression faucets.
Question 2: A GFCI outlet keeps tripping immediately after being reset. What is the most likely cause?
- The outlet is wired incorrectly with line and load reversed
- There is a ground fault or moisture in the circuit downstream (Correct answer)
- The GFCI device itself has failed and needs replacement
- The circuit breaker is undersized for the load
Correct answer: There is a ground fault or moisture in the circuit downstream
Immediate re-tripping after reset indicates a persistent ground fault or moisture presence in the protected circuit.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure for patching a hole larger than 6 inches in diameter in drywall?
- Apply joint compound directly and feather out over a large area
- Use a California patch with self-adhesive mesh tape only
- Cut back to studs or install backing boards and attach a new drywall patch (Correct answer)
- Fill with expanding foam and sand flush
Correct answer: Cut back to studs or install backing boards and attach a new drywall patch
Holes larger than 6 inches require structural support from studs or backing boards to properly anchor the new drywall patch.
Question 4: When lubricating a squeaky door hinge, which product is most appropriate for long-lasting results?
- WD-40 spray
- White lithium grease or petroleum jelly (Correct answer)
- Cooking oil or vegetable spray
- Silicone spray only
Correct answer: White lithium grease or petroleum jelly
White lithium grease or petroleum jelly provides lasting lubrication because they stay in place and don't evaporate like solvent-based sprays.
Question 5: A toilet runs continuously after flushing. Lifting the tank lid reveals the float is sitting too high. What adjustment corrects this?
- Replace the flapper valve
- Bend or adjust the float arm/rod downward so the fill valve shuts off at a lower water level (Correct answer)
- Shorten the refill tube
- Replace the entire fill valve assembly
Correct answer: Bend or adjust the float arm/rod downward so the fill valve shuts off at a lower water level
Lowering the float arm causes the fill valve to shut off sooner, preventing water from continuously flowing into the overflow tube.
Question 6: Which type of wood filler is best suited for exterior repairs that will be painted?
- Interior spackling compound
- Vinyl patching compound
- Two-part epoxy wood filler (Correct answer)
- Wood putty stick
Correct answer: Two-part epoxy wood filler
Two-part epoxy wood filler is waterproof, bonds strongly, won't shrink, and accepts paint, making it ideal for exterior wood repairs.
Question 7: Before replacing a light switch, what is the first safety step a handyman must perform?
- Wrap the terminals with electrical tape
- Turn off the circuit breaker and verify power is off with a voltage tester (Correct answer)
- Remove the wall plate and photograph the wiring
- Install a new switch of the same amperage rating
Correct answer: Turn off the circuit breaker and verify power is off with a voltage tester
Turning off the breaker and confirming de-energization with a non-contact voltage tester is the mandatory first safety step before touching any wiring.
NCCER Maintenance & Repair 2
When repairing a leaking compression faucet, which part is most commonly replaced to stop the drip?