Fourth Year - Block H Maintenance and Repair

Question 1

Although a water distribution system contains an iron filter you still notice that there is a slight red-brown discoloration on the bathroom fixtures and the laundry. What should you do in order to fix the problem?

A. Replace the iron filter with a hand water filter.

B. Replace the zeolite and rinse with fresh water.

C. Introduce more brine into the sytem[][][][][][][][][]]

D. Backwash the filter and then regenerate the sytem with potassium permanganate.

Answer 1

D. Backwash the filter and then regenerate the sytem with potassium permanganate.

Question 2

When installing a new cast iron tee into an existing stack, how much allowance should be made for the MJ clamps?

A. 1/4 to 1/2 inches larger than the tee.

B. 1/4 to 1/2 inches smaller than the tee.

C. 1/2 to 1 inch larger thatn the tee[][][][][]

D. Half of the size of the fitting[][][][][][][][]

Answer 2

A. 1/4 to 1/2 inches larger than the tee.

Question 3

On a routine boiler maintenance you notice that the water in the system is clear. What would cause this to occur?

A. There is no problem as the system is running normally.

B. An automatic air vent is letting air into the system[][][][][]

C. A leak has developed on the distribution piping[][][][][][]]

D. A faulty zone valve end switch[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]

Answer 3

C. A leak has developed on the distribution piping.

Question 4

You suspect that there is a crack in a cast iron apartment fitting. What is the easiest way to test for a crack in the fitting?

A. Get a hydrostatic pump and pump the fitting up to 200 pis. Check for leaks.[][][][]

B. Drunk the fitting into a 5 gallon pail filled with water and see if water comes out of the crack.

C. Tap the fitting very gently with a hammer[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]]

Answer 4

C. Tap the fitting very gently with a hammer.

Question 5

The traps at the base of a 10 storey soil-or-waste stack are continuously being blown out. What would cause this to happen?

A. An oversized vent stack.

B. An overiszed stack vent.

C. An undersized vent stack.

D. An undersized stack vent.

Answer 5

C. An undersized vent stack.

Question 6

Which device is installed within a hot water tank to prevent corrosion?

A. Anode.

B. Dip tube.

C. Cathode.

D. Vacuum relief.

Answer 6

A. Anode.

Question 7

What could be the problem if both elements are working in a hot water tank but you are receiving insufficient hot water from the tank?

A. Oversized tank.

B. Oversized piping.

C. Broken dip tube[]]

D. Leaking T&P valve.

Answer 7

C. Broken dip tube.

Question 8

Which of the following test could be used to determine if a recirculating pump is experiencing cavitation?

A. Voltage.

B. Heat of the pump motor.

C. Pressure difference between the inlet and outlet.

D. Temperature difference between the inlet and outlet.

Answer 8

C. Pressure difference between the inlet and outlet.

Question 9

What would cause the temperature and pressure relief valve on a natural gas fired hot water heater tank to start dripping whenever the burner is operating?

A. A broken dip tube.

B. Faulty T&P valve[][]

C. A leaking vacuum relief.

D. Waterlogged expansion tank.

Answer 9

D. Waterlogged expansion tank.

Question 10

Which piping material may be used to replace a damaged galvanized water line in a historic building?

A. PVDF.

B. Galvanized pipe.

C. Polypropylene tubing.

D. ASTM A 53 iron pipe[]

Answer 10

B. Galvanized pipe.

Question 11

What would be the result of a leaky foot valve on a jet pump installation?

A. Loss of prime for pump.

B. Low production for pump.

C. Low pressure in discharge line.

D. Intermittent relief valve discharging.

Answer 11

A. Loss of prime for pump.

Question 12

What is the danger of water at or above 212°F in a hot water heater? (assume that the T&P has malfunctioned and allowed the water to get above 212°F)

A. The steel tank will rupture.

B. The water in the tank will vapourize.

C. There might be steam coming from the faucets.

D. Coper tubing is not rated for temperatures above 200D/F.

Answer 12

C. There might be steam coming from the faucets.

Question 13

You are asked to go and service a hot water tank. The issue is that the tank seems to “rumble” when you fire it up. What could the issue be?

A. Water pressure is above 80 psi.

B. Excessive condensation in the B-vent.

C. Faulty temperature and relief valve[][][][]

D. Hardness scale buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Answer 13

D. Hardness scale buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Question 14

How do you change the top element in a hot water tank?

A. Shut off power, change element, turn on power.

B. Shut off power, shut off water, change element, turn on water, turn on power.

C. Shut off water, drain tank, shut off power, change element, close drain, turn on power, turn on water.

D. Shut off power, shut off water, drain tank, change element, close drain, turn on water, turn on power.

Answer 14

D. Shut off power, shut off water, drain tank, change element, close drain, turn on water, turn on power.

Question 15

What will happen if the water level drops in an electric hot water tank?

A. The tank will implode.

B. The T&P will discharge.

C. It will burn out the top element.

D. It will burn out the bottome element.

Answer 15

C. It will burn out the top element.

Question 16

A urinal tank continues to flush. What component could be faulty?

A. The siphon.

B. The hush tube.

C. The control stop.

D. The float control valve.

Answer 16

A. The siphon.

Question 17

There is a leak in the waterpipe between the city main and the property line. Which valve needs to be closed in order to fix the leak?

A. Curb stop.

B. City gate valve.

C. Corporation stop.

D. main stop and drain.

Answer 17

C. Corporation stop.

Question 18

How is the flush affected if the bypass orifice is partially blocked on a flush valve?

A. Longer flush.

B. Shorter flush.

C. Will not flush[]

D. Continuous flush.

Answer 18

A. Longer flush.

Question 19

How would the flush be affected if the diaphram in a flush valve was ruptured?

A. Longer flush.

B. Shorter flush.

C. Will not flush.

D. Continuous flush.

Answer 19

D. Continuous flush.

Question 20

A residential shower has a pressure balancing valve installed. You notice that the water temperature is a little too hot for the users. How would you correct the issue?

A. Adjust the limit stop.

B. Replace the pressure balancing valve.

C. Increase the size of the hot water inlet piping.

D. Decrease the size of the cold water inlet piping.

Answer 20

A. Adjust the limit stop.

Question 21

A hot water heating system has three zones. Two of the zones are working fine, but when the third zone valve opens, the circulator does not start and the burners do not fire. What is the most likely cause?

A. The primary relay coil needs replacement.

B. Outdoor boiler reset needs to be adjusted.

C. Corroded termainals on the boiler flow switch.

D. Faulty end switch on the zone valve[][][][][][][][][]]

Answer 21

D. Faulty end switch on the zone valve

Question 22

Air is spurting around the rod of a reciprocating pump. The problem is likely that:

A. The piston is loose.

B. The pump is air locked.

C. The rod packing is leaking.

D. The pump is producing too much pressure.

Answer 22

C. The rod packing is leaking.

Question 23

To repalce a faulty spring (coupler) on a dry-rotor circulator:

A. Disconnect power, remove set screw and pull motor.

B. Disconnect power, loosen set screw, remove bolts and pull motor.

C. Drain system, disconnect power, remove set screws and pull motor.

D. Drain system, disconnect power, loosen set screws, remove bolts and pull motor.

Answer 23

B. Disconnect power, loosen set screw, remove bolts and pull motor.

Question 24

If a compression style stop is found to be leaking and after changing the washer is still leaking, what may be the cause?

A. Faulty packing nut.

B. Spline is damaged[]

C. Faulty stem assembly.

D. Worn or damaged seat.

Answer 24

D. Worn or damaged seat.

Question 25

The direct flush valve of a water closet should be adjusted to:

A. Flush for a minimum of 15 seconds.

B. Flush for a minimum of 20 seconds.

C. Adequately flush the bowl with the least amount of water.

D. Flush for the time specified in the manufacturers specifications.

Answer 25

C. Adequately flush the bowl with the least amount of water.

Question 26

String, hair, rags or lint that extends over the weir of a trap may cause loss of trap seal by:

A. Direct siphonage.

B. Capillary action[][]]

C. Atmospheric vacuum.

D. Momentum siphonage.

Answer 26

B. Capillary action.

Question 27

The tube through which water flows to refill the flush tank of a water closet discharges near the bottom of the tank primarily to prevent:

A. Noise.

B. Disturbance of the trap seal.

C. Splashing over the rim of tank.

D. Sediment from settling on the bottom of the tank.

Answer 27

A. Noise.

Question 28

If water runs continuously into the overflow tube in a water closet tank, the fault is in the:

A. Flapper.

B. Lift wire or guide.

C. Trip lever linkage.

D. Float control valve.

Answer 28

D. Float control valve.

Question 29

To increase the outlet pressure from a pressure reducing valve, the plumber would:

A. Change the diaphram.

B. Change the diaphram spring size.

C. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise.

D. Turn the adjustment screw counter clockwise.

Answer 29

C. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise.

Question 30

If the bypass opening in a direct flush valve were completely blocked, the toilet would:

A. Not flush at all.

B. Only flush once.

C. Flush sporadically[]

D. Flush continuously.

Answer 30

D. Flush continuously.

Question 31

The main reason for placing insulation in a water closet tank is:

A. So the water closet will use less water per flush.

B. To deaden the noise produced by tank operation.

C. To provide protection for the water closet tank during installation.

D. To stop condensation from forming on the outside of the water closet tank.

Answer 31

D. To stop condensation from forming on the outside of the water closet tank.

Question 32

Which of the following would cause a copper tube fin boiler to be noisy and vibrate during operation:

A. Excessive dilution air.

B. Calcified heat exchanger.

C. Manifold pressure too high.

D. High return water temperature.

Answer 32

B. Calcified heat exchanger.

Question 33

If an installer uses four malleable 90 degree fittings to install an expansion loop in a straigh run of pipe, what is the total expansion allowance for the line when the piping system changes temperature? (each fitting allows for 5mm of expansion).

A. 5mm.

B. 10mm.

C. 15mm.

D. 20mm.

Answer 33

B. 10mm.

Question 34

If you are sent to work on a leaky valve in a modern milk pasteurizing plant, what type of valve should you expect to work on?

A. Ball valve.

B. Gate valve.

C. Globe valve.

D. Diaphram valve.

Answer 34

D. Diaphram valve.

Question 35

How far should the tool rest be from the stone on a bench grinder?

A. 1/16 of an inch.

B. 1/8 of an inch[]]

C. 1/4 of an inch[]]

D. 3/8 of an inch[]

Answer 35

B. 1/8 of an inch.

Question 36

When performing an inspection on a septic tank you notice that there is very little scum in the tank. What is the possible problem?

A. Heavy usage.

B. A broken tee outlet.

C. A plugged bell siphon.

D. The amount of detergent.

Answer 36

B. A broken tee outlet.

D. The amount of detergent.

Question 37

A drainage system is installed and the fixtures are set. The inspector asks you to put a test on the system. What type of test will you perform on the system?

A. Air test.

B. Water test.

C. Smoke test.

D. Vacuum test.

Answer 37

C. Smoke test.

Question 38

Which of the following best determines the length of flush for a diaphram flush valve to cycle?

A. Size of the piston.

B. Size of the diaphram.

C. Size of the bypass orifice.

D. Pressure in the upstream piping.

Answer 38

C. Size of the bypass orifice.

Question 39

A magnesium rod installed in a tank and intended to be sacrificed to electrolysis is a?

A. Anode.

B. Cathode.

C. Electrolyte.

D. Conductive path.

Answer 39

A. Anode.

Question 40

A fixture is 75 feet above the water main. The fixture requires 50 kPa to operate. If you disregard friction losses, what would be the minimum main pressure required to supply the fixture?

A. 40 kPa.

B. 50 kPa.

C. 228 kPa.

D. 278 kPa.

Answer 40

D. 278 kPa.

Question 41

What would be done to a water meter and it’s piping just prior to installation in an existing potable water system?

A. Locked out and tagged.

B. Disinfected and flushed.

C. Insulated and heat taped.

D. Pressure tested and calibrated.

Answer 41

B. Disinfected and flushed.

Question 42

How is the domestic water temperature maintained in the upper floors of a six storey building?

A. Booster pump.

B. Gravity circulation.

C. Recirculation line[]]

D. Pressure balancing valve.

Answer 42

C. Recirculation line.

Question 43

How is the volume of flow to a urinal flush tank controlled?

A. Ball valve.

B. Flush valve.

C. Needle valve.

D. Gate valve[][]]

Answer 43

C. Needle valve.

(Metering valve)

Question 44

What type of bottle should be used when collecting a water sample from a private well?

A. Glass.

B. Plastic.

C. Stainless stell.

D. Sterilized and sealed.

Answer 44

D. Sterilized and sealed.

Question 45

What is the problem if the water tastes salty from a water softening system?

A. The rinse cycle was too short.

B. The backwash cycle was too short.

C. The regeneration cycle was too long.

D. The water softener requires regeneration.

Answer 45

A. The rinse cycle was too short.

Question 46

Where is the best location to take a water sample from a pumped well system?

A. The first available hose bibb.

B. The closest outlet to the pump.

C. The farthest outlet to the pump.

D. The cold water inlet to the hot water tank.

Answer 46

B. The closest outlet to the pump.

Question 47

If a new water distribution system has been installed and cleaned and you notice that the water smells like chlorine what should be done?

A. Flush the system.

B. Inform the water purveyor.

C. Install a chlorine tank[][][][][]

D. Install a whole house filter system.

Answer 47

A. Flush the system.

Question 48

When are you required to test an RPBA?

A. Weekly.

B. Monthly.

C. Annually.

D. Every five years.

Answer 48

C. Annually.

Question 49

The purpose of installing a lint catcher upstream of a swimming pool pump is to prevent the:

A. Excessive cleaning of the filter media.

B. Impellar from clogging due to hair and lint.

C. Heat exchanger from becoming plugged in the boiler.

D. Injector from becoming plugged on the chemical feed.

Answer 49

B. Impellar from clogging due to hair and lint.

Question 50

Why are centrifugal pump suction lines installed with a positive grade from the well to the pump inlet?

A. For better air elimination when priming.

B. To provide laminar flow to the inlet of the pump.

C. To keep positive pressure on the foot valve to ensure it will stay closed.

D. To allow water from the pump to drain back to the well to prevent freezing.

Answer 50

A. For better air elimination when priming.

Question 51

What colours are used to identify the conductors in a NMD 14/3 wire cable?

A. Red, white, and blue.

B. Red, white and black.

C. Red, white and green.

D. Red, white and bare copper.

Answer 51

B. Red, white and black.

Question 52

If the jet assembly in a deep well jet pump system must be lowered what must also be done?

A. Change the foot valve.

B. Re-adjust the control valve.

C. Re-adjust the pressure switch.

D. Change the pre-charge pressure in the hydro-pneumatic tank.

Answer 52

B. Re-adjust the control valve.

Question 53

Which combination of metals would suffer the most corrosion due to electrochemical action?

A. Tin and iron.

B. Tin and lead.

C. Copper and iron.

D. Copper and nickel.

Answer 53

C. Copper and iron.

Question 54

What is the effect of high temperature soft water on copper lines?

A. There is no adverse effects.

B. The rate of scaling is reduced.

C. The rate of corrosion is reduced.

D. The rate of corrosion is increased.

Answer 54

D. The rate of corrosion is increased.

Question 55

If you are sent to work on a boiler pump in a factory and you find the pump disconnect locked out, who can remove the lock?

A. Shop owner.

B. Shift manager.

C. Jobsite foreman.

D. Worker who owns the lock.

Answer 55

D. Worker who owns the lock.

Question 56

When sent to a peanut butter plant to repair a leak in the process piping system you would bring tools and parts to work on what type of pipe?

A. Copper pipe.

B. Cast iron pipe.

C. Black iron pipe.

D. Stainless steel pipe.

Answer 56

D. Stainless steel pipe.

Question 57

What type of copper pipe would be the same thickness as type L and can be used for a gas line?

A. Type G.

B. Type M.

C. Type ACR.

D. Type DWV.

Answer 57

A. Type G.

Question 58

If a condensing boiler or furnace is attached to a sepetic system what pH range should the water be neutralized to?

A. 4 to 7 pH.

B. 5 to 8 pH.

C. 6 to 9 pH.

D. 7 to 10 pH.

Answer 58

C. 6 to 9 pH.