NHIE Plumbing 3

Question 1

What is the maximum temperature a residential water heater should be set to in order to prevent scalding?

Accepted Answer

120°F

Answer

The recommended maximum water heater temperature is 120°F to prevent scalding while still being hot enough to inhibit Legionella bacteria growth.

Question 2

A home inspector identifies copper supply pipes with a greenish-white crust on the outside of soldered joints. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Active or past pinhole leaks or weeping at the solder joint

Answer

Greenish-white mineral deposits (verdigris) on copper pipe joints indicate moisture has escaped, signaling a pinhole leak or failing solder joint.

Question 3

Which material requires a dielectric union when connected directly to copper pipe?

Accepted Answer

Galvanized steel pipe

Answer

Galvanized steel connected directly to copper creates a galvanic cell that accelerates corrosion; a dielectric union electrically isolates the two metals.

Question 4

What is the function of a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed on the main water supply?

Accepted Answer

It reduces incoming municipal water pressure to a safe range for household plumbing

Answer

A PRV reduces high incoming municipal water pressure (often 80-150 psi) to a safe household range of 40-80 psi to protect fixtures and pipes.

Question 5

An inspector notes that a floor drain in a basement utility room has no visible water in the trap. What is the recommended correction?

Accepted Answer

Pour water into the drain to replenish the trap seal and prevent sewer gas entry

Answer

Infrequently used floor drains can lose their trap water seal through evaporation; pouring water into the drain restores the seal that blocks sewer gases.

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

NHIE Plumbing 3