Practice Test Geeks(PC) Plumber Certification Practice Test
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Preventive Maintenance Procedures Flashcards

7 cards from real PC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Preventive Maintenance Procedures flashcards as text

  1. A plumber performing preventive maintenance notices a gas water heater pilot light frequently extinguishes. What component should be inspected first?

    Answer: The thermocouple

    A faulty thermocouple fails to sense the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to shut off, causing the pilot to go out.

  2. During preventive maintenance of a grease trap, what measurement determines when it must be pumped?

    Answer: When combined grease and solids depth reaches 25% of total liquid depth

    The 25% rule—combined FOG and solids equaling one-quarter of the trap's liquid depth—is the standard threshold for required pumping.

  3. What is the purpose of checking the expansion tank pressure in a closed hydronic system during preventive maintenance?

    Answer: To ensure the pre-charge matches system cold-fill pressure and prevent pressure relief valve discharge

    If the expansion tank pre-charge pressure is incorrect, system pressure cannot be absorbed properly, causing the relief valve to discharge.

  4. When inspecting flexible supply lines under sinks as part of preventive maintenance, what condition is grounds for immediate replacement?

    Answer: Visible corrosion, bulging, or braided wire fraying

    Corrosion, bulging, or fraying on braided supply lines indicates imminent failure risk and the line must be replaced immediately.

  5. During preventive maintenance, a plumber tests a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer and finds the relief valve discharging continuously. What does this indicate?

    Answer: Check valve No. 2 is leaking and differential pressure is lost

    Continuous relief valve discharge in an RPZ indicates that check valve No. 2 is fouled or leaking, collapsing the differential pressure zone.

  6. How should a plumber properly dispose of water flushed from a water heater during preventive maintenance that contains high levels of sediment?

    Answer: Route to a sanitary sewer drain in accordance with local codes

    Sediment-laden flush water must be discharged to the sanitary sewer system, not storm drains, to prevent environmental contamination.

  7. What is the correct sequence for bleeding air from a hydronic baseboard heating system during preventive maintenance?

    Answer: Start at the furthest radiator from the boiler and work backward

    Bleeding starts at the radiator farthest from the boiler and works back toward it, systematically purging air trapped throughout the system.