PC Troubleshooting & Diagnostics 3

Question 1

A sump pump runs continuously but the pit water level keeps rising. After confirming the pump is running, the NEXT diagnostic step is to:

Accepted Answer

Check the discharge line for an obstruction or siphon break issue

Answer

If the pump runs but water rises, the discharge line may be blocked, kinked, or back-siphoning water into the pit, preventing effective pumping.

Question 2

A lavatory drain is slow even after the pop-up stopper mechanism has been cleaned. The MOST effective next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Snake the drain through the overflow opening

Answer

Snaking through the overflow port directly accesses the drain line below the stopper, clearing blockages that surface cleaning cannot reach.

Question 3

A customer reports rust-colored water only when the hot water is first used in the morning. This MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Deteriorating anode rod inside the water heater tank

Answer

A depleted anode rod allows the steel tank lining to corrode overnight, releasing rust particles that appear when hot water is first drawn.

Question 4

A toilet tank takes over five minutes to refill after flushing. The MOST likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Partially closed or faulty fill valve

Answer

A partially closed supply stop or a clogged/faulty fill valve restricts water flow into the tank, dramatically increasing refill time.

Question 5

A plumber detects a drop in system pressure between two points in a supply line with no visible leaks. This is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Pressure drop due to friction loss or a hidden restriction

Answer

A measurable pressure differential between two points with no obvious leak indicates friction loss from a partial blockage, undersized pipe, or hidden restriction.

(PC) Plumber Certification Practice Test

(PC) Plumber Certification Practice Test

PC Troubleshooting & Diagnostics 3