Home Inspection part 2
In most heat pumps, the "auxiliary heat " ?
. Augments the normal operation of the unit in extremely cold weather . Is often called supplemental heat . Is sometimes called emergency heat
A convection oven is different from a conventional oven in that ?
A convection oven has a fan that circulates hot air
The advantages of on site reports include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A more customized presentation
What is a wet vent ?
A vent that also serves as a drain
Types of heat pumps include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A water-to-water system
All the following are mechanisms of heat transfer EXCEPT ?
Absorption
All of the following are common wall materials, EXCEPT ?
Acrylic
Walls may perform all of these functions EXCEPT ?
Acting as supply ductwork for heating systems
What is an inspector required to inspect in a microwave oven ?
. The seal and light . The condition of door . Operation of the turntable
When checking kitchen exhaust hoods, an inspector should note deficiencies in ?
. The vent pipe . The blower . The light
Which of the following statements is/are true of a modified bitumen roof ?
. There is evidence of bleed-out of asphalt at the seams and the seams are space every 3 feet . There are no exposed nails
What are some of the properties of trusses ?
. They typically need no mid length support . They are engineered structural members
You notice isolators on the ductwork during an inspection . What are they for ?
. To allow for expansion . To reduce noise in ductwork . To reduce transmission of vibration from the motor
Sagging rafters may be a result of ?
. Undersized rafters . Overspanned rafters . Excessive roof weight . ALL OF THE ABOVE
When examining bathroom exhaust fans and heater, a home inspector should note ?
. Unusual sounds . Speed deficiencies . Excessive vibration
Wood lintels need ?
1 1/2 inches of endbearing
The common high temperature-limit setting is ?
210 F
In a multiwire branch circuit, with the red-and-black wire improperly tapped from the same bus, if the red carries 10 amps, and the black wire carries 12 amps, the neutral wire will carry ?
22 amps
The minimum stairwell width is roughly ?
35 inches
A B-vent for gas furnace should have a total height of not less than ?
5 feet above the draft hood
The optimum spacing between two panes in a double-glaze window is roughly ?
5/8-inch
The clearance from a wall furnace to the nearest wall is ?
6 inches
The combustible clearance required around the front of a wood-burning fireplace, assuming that all combustibles are flush with the face, is ?
6 inches
The first six feet of supply duct from a wood furnace typically has to be how far from combustible material ?
6 inches
What is the minimum recommended height of a plumbing vent stack above the roof ?
6 inches
You observe #6 gauge copper wires entering a service box with tow 60 A fuses inside. From the service box, #3 copper conductor lead to a newer combination panel that has a 100 A main breaker. You should report the service size as ?
60 A
A common temperature rise across a conventional furnace is ?
70 F to 100 F
A submersible pump in a 200-foot-deep drilled well is under 70 feet of water. The top of the well is 15 feet below the basement of the house. How much static head is present ?
70 feet
The seasonal efficiency of a high-efficiency gas furnace can be ?
85 percent to 95 percent
Corrosion in the draft hood and on the inside of the access cover indicates ?
Backdrafting
Interior door trim problems include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Backwards installation
The most common leakage point in a ceramic shower stall is at the ?
Base
All of the following are common surface water drainage problems EXCEPT ?
Basement windows without wells
If you wanted to fill a bucket, which of the following fixtures with faces fully opened would fill it the most quickly ?
Bathtub fill spout
Panels used with aluminum wire should ?
Be rated CUAL
A man door between the house and garage should ?
Be weather-stripped
If a metal roof seems to have many leaks ( but no specific leakage area ) and it only leaks in the winter, you should consider which of the following ?
Condensation on the underside of the metal
A/C evaporator coils in the attic could cause which of the following problem ?
Condensation overflow
A/C evaporator coils in the attic could cause which of the following problems ?
Condensation overflow
Heat is transferred from the fire-side of the heat exchanger to the water side by ?
Conduction
Electricity moves along wires that are know as ?
Conductors
Common gutter problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Connection to two downspouts
What is an example of improper installation of branch circuit wiring ?
Connections not in junction boxes
All of the following are common party wall problems, EXCEPT ?
Construction from wood
Which of the following is the most serious problem with a well supplying water to a house ?
Contaminated well water
All of the following statements are true of structural garage floor EXCEPT ?
Cracks in structural garage floors indicate structural failure
An inspector notices that when a food waste disposer is turned on, it shakes excessively. He or she should check for ?
Deficiencies in mounting
Conventional air-cooled central air-conditioning systems help to cool the home. They are also capable of ?
Dehumidifying the home
An inspector may make the following changes to the TREC 7-5 inspection form EXCEPT ?
Deleting sections for systems that were not inspected
Optional report items include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Description of components
Which of the following is NOT a wood flooring problem ?
Diagonal nailing
An inspector is not required to check all cycles of a ?
Dishwasher
The absence of backflow protection must be reported in the context of which appliance ?
Dishwasher
Carports ?
Do not have vehicle doors
Partition or nonfood-bearing walls ?
Do not provide end support for joists
The main difference between waste disposers and trash compactors is that trash compactors ?
Do not take the waste out of the house
Electric boilers will NOT have a ?
Draft hood
The induced-draft fan makes grinding noises when you turn up the thermostat. This is likely ?
Failure of the fan bearing
Which one of the following is not a common electric fan problem ?
Failure to stay on after thermostat is satisfied
A house with integral gutters is more prone to ice damming if it has a steep roof ?
False
Missing firestopping is more common on platform construction ?
False - Lack of firestopping is more on balloon frame construction than platform framing
Metal counter flashing that is close to the roof surface, but does not have a hem ?
Can cut the roof membrane, due to thermal expansion and contraction
Skirting ?
Can obstruct ventilation
Home inspectors ?
Can't except or pay commission to other parties working with the client
Leaning retaining walls may be the result of any of the following EXCEPT ?
Cantilevered construction
Which wood is NOT commonly used in studs in a wood frame wall ?
Cedar
Home inspectors must inspect ?
Central air condition
The reversing valve on a heat pump ?
Changes the direction of the refrigerant flow
You notice a wooden post as the support for the service drop. You should ?
Check for rot, damage, or movement
All of the following may be signs of surface water penetration into basements and crawl spaces, EXCEPT ?
Check valves on floor drains
Common beam problem on porches include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Checking
Individual zoning control can be achieved by multiple ?
Circulators
Which of the following drain pipes is typically used below grade ?
Clay
What happen if inlet and outlet pipes are reversed on the water heater ?
Cold water is sent to the top of the tank
Racking of wood frame walls can be prevented by all of these EXCEPT ?
Collar ties
Sills see forces that are primarily ?
Compression perpendicular to the grain
When lateral forces have caused cracking, bowing, bulging, or leaning of foundation walls, corrective action id often required. All of the following are typical corrective action EXCEPT ?
Adding steel beams or channels horizontally along the crack
Partition walls ( nonload-bearing walls ) ?
Are best if they are perpendicular to floor joists below
Cracks in brick walls ?
Are common
Spark arresters ?
Are often built into rain caps on metal chimney
Drilled wells ?
Are often four inches in diameter
Bentonite clay injections ?
Are often ineffective
Ducts for electric furnaces ?
Are typically larger than ducts for gas or oil furnaces
Sweating toilets ?
Are worse if the toilet runs continuously
Wood frame walls with wood siding should be ?
At least 8 inches above grade
The top of a column should be ?
At least as wide as the beam above it
A limiter is a safety device found on coil elements to prevent them from overheating in the event that an element is left on ?
False - limiter are only found on solid disks to reduce wattage and prevent overheating and pot meltdown
The single-biggest problem with cantilevers decks is excess deflection or bounce ?
Fasle
All of the following are common furnace filter problems EXCEPT ?
Filter installed upstream of blower
Which of the following does not have inspected during the plumbing inspection ?
Fire and lawn sprinkler systems
Paint may contain all of the following EXCEPT ?
Fire retardants
The outdoor-air thermostat may ?
Fire the burners as the outdoor temperature drops
Faucets or spouts must be above the ____ of the sink or basin
Floor rim
The inspection should ?
Focus on the action that people must take
All of the following statements are true of frost heave EXCEPT ?
Frost heaven can be caused by rising the exterior grade height
A reversing feature is required for a(n) ?
Garage door operator
Which of the following appliances required a photoelectric sensor for safety ?
Garage door operator
All of the following are styles of roofs EXCEPT ?
Garage roof
What is another term for beam ?
Girder
All of the following are common floor materials EXCEPT ?
Glass block
The basic component of a wood-burning fireplace include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Glass doors
Drain pipes from clothes washer should ?
Go into a standpipe
Beams are also called ?
Grinder
Integral gutters are ?
Gutters built in to the roofline
The combustion chamber in a wood furnace ?
Has a tight-fitting door
Which of the following is a problem with a vent connector on a wood furnace ?
Individual section are friction-fit together
Which of the following is NOT TRUE ?
Induced-draft fans always have standing pilots
Common window frame problems include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Inoperability
Trim problems include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Inoperativeness
All of these common lighting problems EXCEPT ?
Lights above stairwells
The lowest quality shower stall base on this list is ?
Metal
An EIFS assembly may consist of all of the following EXCEPT ?
Metal lath
All of the following are common cabinet problems with wood stoves EXCEPT ?
Metal plates that are secured to the side and rear of the stove
Which single-ply roofing system typically uses a base sheet and cap sheet ?
Mod bit
Where is A/C tonnage usually encoded ?
Model #
A plumbing trap ?
Provides a liquid seal that prevent the passage of air/gas
Jack rafters are ?
Rafters at hips and valleys
A heat pump should go into the defrost mode if an ice build-up is ?
More than 1/8-inch-thick
All of the following are types of inspection that home inspectors typically perform EXCEPT ?
Mortgage inspection
All of the following are common trim components, EXCEPT ?
Mountains
Rusted components in a dishwasher ?
Must be report as deficient
A burned out lightbulb in a microwave ?
Must be reported
Bottom plates on platform framed bearing walls ?
Must rest at least 2/3 of its width on a subfloor
A guideline for the appropriate slope of a lot away from a house is ?
One inch per foot for six feet
One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise ?
One pound of water one degree Fahrenheit
Common problem with duct systems for air conditioners include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Oversized ducts
Common drainage piping problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Oversizing
Common ceiling materials include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
PVC
There can be up to 10 throws to disconnect all of the electricity in a house ?
False - There can be up to si throw to disconnect all of the electricity in the house
Typical distribution panels have 60 circuits ?
False - Typical distribution panels have 10 to 20 circuits
Which of the following is NOT an integral component of a masonry chimney ?
Rain cap
If a home inspector is looking at drip pans and thermostat sensing elements, he or she is examining a ?
Range or oven
Which action is required by the Texas Standard of Practice ?
Required to determine if aluminum branch circuit wiring is safe
Defective ABS piping ?
Resulted in cracking around the circumference of the pipe joints
Natural gas burners can have several different draft mechanisms. All of the following are possible examples EXCEPT ?
Reverse draft
All of the following are components of a home inspection EXCEPT ?
Review of house plans
When a professional inspector is sponsoring a real estate inspector, the sponsoring inspector shall ?
Review the written inspection reports prepare by the sponsored inspector on a regular basic
All of the following statements are true of ridge boards EXCEPT ?
Ridge boards are only used on roof with a slope of 2-in-12 or less
Which of the following statements is true of a settlement crack ?
Settlement racks will occur at weak spots in the wall
Typical water pressure at a boiler at rest in a three-story house is ?
Slightly higher than in a two-story home
These are all common wood roof problems EXCEPT ?
Slots that are too wide
All of the following are function of ceilings, EXCEPT ?
Support for wall structures
Skylights can cause ice damming on roofs ?
True
The oil filter is similar to the size and shape of the oil filter on a car ?
True
Brick veneer walls are not watertight ?
True - Brick veneer walls are not watertight
Charcoal-type filters should be used on exhaust fans that do NOT discharge to the outside ?
True - Charcoal filters are preferred on recirculating-type exhaust fans because they help remove odors
A compressor can be thought of as a pump ?
True - Compressor is the pump that drives the Freon through the system
Ice damming can be an issue on skylights ?
True - In areas where snow accumulates on roofs, heat loss through skylights creates the potential for ice damming around and below the skylight
How many heat transfer coils do conventional air-cooled central air conditioning systems have ?
Two
Which provides the best base on which to build a foundation ?
Undisturbed soil
Which of the following statements is TRUE ?
Uniform settlement may stress utility pipes
The function of a compressor in an air-conditioning system is to ?
Warm up the cool gas
Sheathing functions include all of these EXCEPT ?
Supporting metal ties for brick veneer
All of these are components of asphalt shingles EXCEPT ?
Synthetic rubber
Steel lintels ?
Tend to shrink
The TREC inspection SOP do not apply when ?
The buyer wants worn carpeting to be reported
Basement wall insulation is necessary ?
False - Insulating the basement will help to reduce heating costs and may improve comfort, but it is not a requirement
Power roof vents should be operated continuously for best results ?
False - Power roof vents tend to depressurize the attic in winter, promoting entry of warm, moist air
The evaporator coil is outdoors in a split system ?
False - The evaporator coil is indoor in a split system
The fan control switch is a safety device ?
False - The fan control switch is an operating control, not a safety control
What is a gusset plate used for in a roof structure ?
It connects members of a reuse together
Lower humidity levels in the home during the summer are more comfortable for people because ?
It easy for moisture on the skin to evaporate
Which of the following statements about the refrigerant Freon is FALSE ?
It is a liquid at atmosphere temperature and pressure
Which statement is true about a gas water heater ?
It may not be installed in an attic
Overflows should NOT be found on ?
Kitchen sinks
An auxiliary drain pan is needed on a split-system air conditioner when ?
Leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes
Step footing are ?
Often used on houses build on slope lots
What is resistance ?
Opposition of a material to the flow of electricity
A vulnerable spot for rust on a steel railing is ?
The base, where it enters concrete
Why is a 120-volt heater wired as 240-volts a problem ?
The heater may overheat
A toilet requires a vent ?
True
Vertical joints every two-to-four-feet in the bottom section of the foundation wall could be evidence of ?
Underpinning
A staged electric furnace ?
Uses only the elements required to meet the heat loss
In which of the following situation is roof sheathing NOT required ?
Where a wood batten systems has been used with concrete tile
Adfreezing ?
Won't occur in dry soils
Which of the following conditions of circuit wiring should all be listed as a safety hazard ?
undersize wires for circuit, uncovered junction boxes with exposed wiring
A midefficiency, induced-draft gas furnace is manifolded with a natural-draft water heater. Is this a concern ?
yes, if the furnace vent pressure is positive
Common copper wire sizes for an electric water heater are ?
#12 and #10
Knob and tube wiring was in common use from ?
1920 -1950
What is the depth that marks the difference between a shallow well and a deep well ?
25'
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid wood shingle roof, how many shingles would you go through ?
3
A maximum rise for steps is commonly ?
8 inches
A bivalent heat pump has ?
A gas burner
Which of the following is NOT considered a " settlement service " ?
Alarm or security company
You should always walk on clay tile roofs ?
False
Fused neutrals ?
Are dangerous
Holes are ?
Best near the middle of joists
Mechanical damage to skylights is commonly caused by all of the following EXCEPT ?
Building shifting
Common problems with hardboard include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Efflorescence
How far above electric baseboard heaters should drapes be hung ?
Eight inches
Original knob-and-tube connections ?
Employed solder
When you turn up the thermostat on a conventional efficiency oil furnace, the burner fires but the barometric damper does not move. This may mean that ?
The barometric damper has seized
You smell fuel oil when you walk in the door of a house. Which of the following is NOT a likely cause ?
The barometric damper is stuck closed
Service entrance conductors run from the service drop to the service box or service panel ?
True - Service entrance conductors pick up where the service drop wires end and extend down to the service panel
On a conventional split-system air-conditioning system, the high-pressure side is the portion of the refrigerant line from the ?
Compressor to the expansion device
Metal chimneys often have several flues ?
False - A metal chimney typically has one flue
Dehumidifiers are an effective way to correct wet basement problems ?
False - Dehumidifiers don't. Solve leaking basement problem
Any B-vent can be installed running up the outside of a house ?
False - Not all B-vents can be installed on the exterior of the house for their entire length
All wood stoves have firebrick in the combustion chamber ?
False - Not all wood stoves have firebrick liner in the combustion chamber
The larger refrigerant line contains a liquid ?
False - The lager refrigerant line typically carries a cool gas
An electrical panel with split bus bar ?
Has more than one shut off
Cooktops with down-draft vents should be vented ?
Outdoor
All of the following are common wood flooring types, EXCEPT ?
Particleboard
Which of these has the greatest heat delivery by length ?
Radiators
Mortar bed shower stalls ?
Require a drain with holes in the side
Wood stoves typically do NOT have ductwork ?
True
Which of the following is NOT part of the dishwasher inspection ?
Scratches in the door face
Which of the following must a home inspector report when examining a dryer vent ?
Screened termination
At what pressure would the pressure relief valve open on a forced hot water boiler ?
28 to 30 psi
The minimum slope for asphalt shingles in a conventional application is ?
4-in-12
The minimum head room for stairs in a home is roughly ?
80 inches
A standing seam is found on ?
A metal roof
Spalling is ?
Crumbling or flaking of brick or concrete surfaces
Cored bricks or hollow concrete blocks on their sides are prone to ?
Crushing
Common problems with high-efficiency furnaces include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Vent damper problems
The function of exterior doors include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Ventilation
Which of the following is not a required element of an inspection of a food waste disposer ?
Venting
House ventilation can include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Venting roofs to flush out warm, moist air
Flat roofing systems are ?
Watertight systems
Which of these statements about rot is FALSE ?
Wood below 40F is vulnerable to rot
Exterior hinges on doors ?
Reduce security
Typical steam pressure in a single family residential steam system would be ?
0.5-5 psi
Residential entrance cables must have a minimum clearance over a driveway of ?
12 feet
The wire size used in household circuits fused at 15 amps is ?
#14-gauge copper . #12-gauge aluminum
Assuming copper, standard wire type, and normal temperature rating, what is the typical conductor size (in AWG) for a 100A service ?
#4
What wire gauge the service conductors be for a 100-amp electrical service ?
#4 copper or #2 aluminum
You notice rust in the service panel. Which of the following may be cause ?
. No drip loop . Damaged masthead
What does UF stand for ?
Underground feeder
A toe tester is ?
A faucets spout near the bottom of the shower stall
Inspections must include ?
A written report
Circulating hot water systems ?
Eliminate the wait for hot water after long, idle periods
Inspector may not pay or receive a fee for inclusion on a list of ?
Inspectors
All of these are common joists problems EXCEPT ?
Joists running parallel to walls below
Common problems found with trim, flashing and caulking include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Kickoff flashings on roof/wall intersections
Conventional gas-fired water heaters may be installed in ?
Kitchen
At roof-to -wall flashings, where wood siding is the counter-flashing, the siding should be kept ?
One to two inches above the roof
Missing window lintel cause ?
Sagging opening
Which solarium would be most prone to condensation ?
Solarium off a kitchen
All of the following contain cause of condition statements EXCEPT ?
The central air-conditioning system was not inspected, due to the outdoor temperature
All of the following can effect the chimney draft EXCEPT ?
The chimney height
Which statement about crawspaces is FALSE ?
The floor will be more comforted if the crawl space floor is insulated
Where is the draft hood for a wall furnace located ?
The front of the furnace - top front
In receptacle wiring, which slot is hot ?
The small slot
Which of the following statements is FALSE with respect to electric water heater ?
The upper element usually comes on first
All of the following are common retaining wall problem EXCEPT ?
The use of shoring
A sliding damper ( cookie sheet ) or barometric damper is installed so that ?
The used does not air-condition or heat the outside
Ice dam evidence includes everything listed here EXCEPT ?
Water running down along rafters from peak
Heat is transferred from the radiator to the room by ?
. Convection . Radiation
Which of the following is passive device ?
. Electric ion chamber detectors . Charcoal canister . Charcoal liquid scintillation device
The appropriate number of air-changes-per-hour in an average house is roughly ?
0.3 air-changes-per-hour
How much current does a 120-V, 1200-W hair dryer draw ?
10 A
The proper height of electrical wires over a backyard and from a balcony or window are ?
12 feet and 3 feet
In a hydronic boiler system, the normal operating pressure is ?
12-15 psi
If you used a multimeter to measure the current in a 3,000W electric water heater that used both of the underground ( hot ) service conductors, it would read ?
12.5A ( P = V x I, I = P/V, I = 3,000/240 )
To prevent sagging, 2 x 6 floorboards need support every ?
24 inches
The high-temperature limit on a wood furnace should be set at ?
265 F
Older conventional efficiency, cast iron boilers have a life expectancy of ?
35 - 50 years
Minimum stair tread widths are roughly ?
9 1/4 inches
If provision are present for a dryer but no dryer hooked up ?
A dryer exhaust system is required
Gabion is ?
A gravity retaining wall
Circulators should NOT be mounted ?
At the lowest point in the piping
All of the following are common mounting materials, EXCEPT ?
Brass
Clay tile siding is ?
Brittle
Which of the following is NOT a component of a wood-burning furnace ?
Burner
Common window well materials include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Copper
Which water heater has the slowest recovery rate ?
Electric
Common attic insulation problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Excess depth
Venting arrangements on high-efficiency domestic water heaters typically include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Exhaust gas temperatures of 350F-400F
What condition is indicated if a lighted match held at the barometric damper leans inward toward the smoke/flue pipe ?
Exhaust is moving up the chimney as it should be
All junction boxes should be concealed ?
False - Conjunction boxes must be accessible
All of the following are common wood siding types EXCEPT ?
Flemish bond
the inspection should promote professionalism and fairness in her relationship with the ?
General public
Dormer flashings ?
Has a valley if it a gable dormer
A type-P fuse is a ?
Heat sensitive fuse
The introductory discussion should ?
Help to adjust the expectation of the client
The span of a rafter is defined as the ?
Horizontal projection, from one support to another
Which material is NOT a vapor barrier ?
Housewrap
Double-tapping on a circuit breaker is allowed ?
If the breaker is designed for it
Condensation in building can cause all the following EXCEPT ?
Increased air leakage
Which of the following is NOT method of heat transfer ?
Induction
On which roof are exposed fasteners most likely to be acceptable ?
Metal
All of the following reduce house moisture EXCEPT ?
Operating the furnace blower on low speed
Squeaking sub flooring is an indication of ?
Poor fastening of subfloor
The most rot-resistant wood retaining wall would be made using ?
Preserved wood foundation pressure treating
Which item is NOT essential for the safe operation of a conventional gas-fired water heater ?
Pressure limit switch
Common well problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Recovery rate of 10-15 gpm
High-efficiency gas furnaces improve efficiency by ?
Reducing temperature rise and condensing flue gases
Central air conditioners are most like which household appliance ?
Refrigerator
The closing discussion should ?
Reiterate the limitations of the inspection
If operating a heat pump in the cooling mode when the temperature is below 60F to 65F, it ?
Risks damaging the compressor
The most serious implication of any insulation, air/vapor barrier, or ventilation deficiency is ?
Rot
Bidets are all of the following EXCEPT ?
Self-trapping
Overhead cable coming from a utility pole to the weather head (mast) of a house are called the ?
Service drop
Wood framing members ?
Should not contact that is below grade
The top of parapet wall cap flashings ?
Should slope down toward the roof
OSB siding ?
Should stop one to two inches above roof surface
Which of the following is least likely to have a cross connection ?
Shower stall
Common branch circuit wire materials include all of these EXCEPT ?
Silver-dipped copper
Common failure modes for asphalt shingles include all of these EXCEPT ?
Spalling
While inspecting the exterior of the house, you notice that there is a gap between the soffit and the exterior wall. The gap is wider near the midpoint of the wall and close to nothing at the corners. Which of the following conditions would you suspect ?
The ceiling joists are not tying opposing rafter bottom together properly
The implications of a dirty evaporator coil in a split-system air conditioner could be any of the following except for one. Which one does NOT apply ?
The condenser coil may ice up and be damaged
A home inspection must include an evaluation with respect to ?
The condition of the inspected components
A damaged or nicked wire is a safety hazard because ?
The effective resistance of the wire is increase so the fuses can no longer adequate protect the wire from overheating
The latent heat of vaporization is ?
The energy consumed when converting water at 212F to stream at 212F
A fuse and its holder in the panel are hot. The possible cause is that ?
The fuse beside the affected fuse was overtightened, causing the bus bar to bend
The flame of the left burner in a two-burner conventional efficiency furnace touches the heat exchanger only when the blower is running. What is likely to be the problem ?
The heat exchanger is cracked on the left side
What cause oil tanks to rust ?
The humid air in the tank condenses and forms water
If two diagonal foundation wall cracks make a pyramid, most often ?
The inside of the triangle is dropping
If a 2 x 8 joist has a 3 inch x 3 inch notch at the bottom where it rest on a beam ?
The joist may have a crack that extends horizontal from the notch
A building drain is ?
The lowest pipe in or under a home that carriers sewage to the building sewer
The larger the diameter of a conductor ?
The more current it can safety carry
What happens if the neutral wire bypass the service box ?
The neutral and grounding system will not be properly connected
What condition is indicated by bright orange flames in the firebox of an oil-fired system ?
The oil burner is properly adjusted
Which of the following is the inspector NOT required to observe during the plumbing inspection ?
The on-site water supply quantity
The most serious problem you may encounter in removing wallpaper is that ?
The plaster or drywall may come off with the wallpaper
If, during a test of the well equipment, the pressure comes up over the present high limit, what might be the problem ?
The pressure switch is faulty
A waterlogged expansion tank will cause ?
The pressure-relief valve to drip
Combustion is verified in an oil furnace by ?
The primary control
All of the following suggest skylight condensation EXCEPT ?
The problem occurs only on the north side of light well
All of these are common problem receptacle problem EXCEPT ?
The receptacle being too close to the basin
If a heat pump compressor haas been running and is shot off, it should not be turned back on for five minutes because ?
The refrigerant pressure on the discharge side is too high
The single cold-air return in a small bungalow is located beside the main supply register to the living room. What is the concern with this ?
The return will pull the supply air in
What device on a heat pump allows it to operate in either a cooling or heating mode ?
The reversing valve
The advantages of sending a report later may include all of the following EXCEPT that ?
The seller will be happy
What does it mean for a well pressure tank to be waterlogged ?
The tank is full of water with no air space
A trap may clog if ?
The trap is oversized or undersized
Porous materials around the perimeter of a house, such as gravel, may represent a grading problem because ?
The true slope of impervious materials below cannot be determined
if you see three pipe at a jet pump in the basement, it mean that ?
The venturi is in the well, lake, or river
What is the proper way to plumb a condensate drain ?
To an indirect drain
What is the overall purpose of the heating system inspection ?
To identify major deficiencies in the heating system
What is the overall purpose of the plumbing inspection ?
To identify major deficiencies in the plumbing system
What is the purpose of an accumulator ?
To keep liquid refrigerant out of the compressor
Why is there a drip loop ?
To keep water running down the mast head
The purpose of a can't strip is ?
To make the roof membrane less likely to crack at a change in direction
Bearing walls and partition walls are build in substantially the same way ?
True
The most common place for home inspector to see problem with party walls is in the attic ?
True - Party walls should be continuous to the underside of roof sheathing and should fit tightly there. Should be no opening in party wall at attic level
Potable water is ?
True - Potable water is water that is safe to drink
Testing for loose, wall-hung basins is best done by putting all your weight on the basin ?
True - Putting all your weight on a wall-hung sink may result in its sudden collapse
The proper operation of a doorbell will not have a major influence on whether a prospective home buyer will buy the home ?
True - Repairs to doorbell generally are simple and inexpensive, not a major influence on a home buying decision
Aluminum is an acceptable service entrance conductor material ?
True - Service entrance conductors may be aluminum or copper
Steel beams should not be shimmed with wood ?
True - Steel beams should be supported only with steel shims
The service box can be inside, outside, or in a garage ?
True - These all are acceptable location for a service box
Zero-clearance fireplaces do NOT require footing and foundation ?
True - Zero clearance fireplaces do not require footing and foundation
The typical length of time for an inspection of a standard home is ?
Two and a half hours
A wood stove on a combustible floor should rest on ?
Two rows of bricks or blocks
Which of these situations definitely constitutes too many appliances in one flue ?
Two wood fireplaces on the same floor
Which of the following is NOT a cause of a loose or damaged breaker ?
Undersized wire
Fuel can be any of the following EXCEPT ?
Vapor
What is the measure for electromotive force ?
Volts
All of the following statements about basement walkouts are true except one. Pick the FALSE statement ?
Walkouts that were built at the same time as the house are more likely to be problems
Most problems with exterior cladding involve ?
Water penetration
Where a steeply pitched shingle roof meets a lower-pitched shingle roof, the valley may be especially vulnerable to ?
Water penetration under the shingle, on the lower-pitched side
The unit for the measure of electrical power is ?
Watts
Which of the following suggests failing galvanized-steel supply piping ?
Weaker pressure on the hot side than the cold
When must go go into crawl space ?
When it is not dangerous and you will not damage anything
If the backup heat is electric, when should the heat pump shut off ?
When the COP is below 1.0
All of the following are flat roof drainage systems EXCEPT ?
Yankee gutters
Threeprong receptacles require ?
a grounding conductor
A gas and/or electric range must be equipped with which of the following ?
. A dripping pan and knobs . Proper gas line materials . A gas shut off valve . Control knobs .
With concrete or clay tile roofs, common problems with hip and ridge flashings include ?
. Cracked or shrinking mortar . Gaps in curved tile hip and ridges
Rome's wiring can be used ?
. In attic . In crawl space . In garage
A good sign that there is a crack or hole in the heat exchanger is ?
. Severe rusting of the heat exchanger . Stranger smell at the register . Irregular flame patten when the blower turns on
The maximum slope for a lot depends on soil type and other conditions, but in general the maximum slope is ?
1 in 2
A common slope for a gutter is ?
1 in 200
What is an appropriate slope for piping in a two-pipe steam system ?
1-inch-in-20-feet
In general, modern 120-V circuits can accommodate how many outlets and/or light fixtures ?
12
The standard house voltage is ?
120/240 V
What would be the voltage rating of an electrical service with 3 wires at the mast ?
120/240-volt service
A 15-amp breaker or fuse blow at ?
15 amps
Rectangular or square solid wood columns should be at least ?
6 inches x 6 inches
What is the frequency ( cycles/ second ) of house hold electricity ?
60 Hz
What is the maximum size fuse rating for cartridge fuses in a traditional 60-amp pullout fuse block disconnect ?
60 amps
The typical life of a dishwasher is ?
8-15 years
Aluminum wiring is still use on ?
8-gauge circuits
An inspector should note all of the following when examining ranges, cooktops, and ovens EXCEPT ?
A 10* deviation of the thermostat when set at 350*
Gas water heaters will NOT have ?
A barometric damper
A system that heats the home using hot water or steam is called ?
A boiler
Which of the following is NOT a common location for an evaporator coil in a split-system air conditioner ?
A cabinet outside at grade level
Common problems with power vented or fan assisted water heaters include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A clogged condensate collection system
Common problems with temperature/pressure-relief valves on water heaters include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A discharge tube made of copper
A skylight has been added to a roof framed with rafters and ceiling joists. Three rafters are cut to make the opening. Which of the following statements are true ?
A double header and a double trimmer are required
Which of the following is not a common problem with oil fill and vent pipes on an oil storage tank ?
A gooseneck on the vent pipe
Which item does a conventional forces warm air furnace and a mid-efficiency furnace have in common. ?
A heat exchanger
A standing seam roof is ?
A metal roof
What is a soil pipe ?
A pipe that carries waste from toilet
Four service entrance conductors indicate ?
A three-phase service
The best discharge point for a downspout is ?
Above grade, six feet from the house
Which of the following ,materials is NOT used for boiler heat exchangers ?
Aluminum tubing
Which of the following should be reported as a deficiency in a food waste disposer ?
An active leak
Generally speaking, guardrails are required on ?
Any decks, porches, or balconies 2 feet or 30 inches above grade
All of the following can cause mortar problems in a masonry wall EXCEPT ?
Applying the mortar to damp bricks
Common report elements include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Appraisal
Ductless mini-split systems ?
Are self-contained systems with the condenser, compressor, and evaporator all in the same cabinet
Roofing problems are most common ?
At flashing and roof penetrations
Overhead service wires must ?
Be 3 feet away from windows, in most areas
Receptacles at sink in the bathroom should ?
Be GFCI protected
Drains should be provided outside the vehicle door in garage that are ?
Below grade, where the driveway slopes down toward the garage
Sewage sumps are required for toilet located ?
Below the municipal sewer
Steel columns may be secured to see beams with ?
Bendable metal tabs
Where is a squirrel cage fan located ?
Between the motor and the fuel pump
Masonry veneer walls are ?
Brittle
Housewrap replace ?
Building paper
Which of the following statement is FALSE ?
Carpet-type PVC roof membranes are not suitable for use on deck surfaces
Soil pipes ?
Carry liquid and solid waste from a toilet
All of them following are operating types for doors, EXCEPT ?
Casement
All of the following are types of retaining walls EXCEPT ?
Cavity
Rusting is an example of ?
Chemical corrosion
A hydronic or force ( hot water ) boiler system is ?
Closed to the atmosphere and under pressure
Which of the following statements about condensate pumps is FALSE ?
Condensate pumps are only used on one-pipe systems
Deadman are ?
Connected to tie backs
Solid masonry walls typically ned all of these EXCEPT ?
Corbelling
If operating a heat pump in the heating mode when the outdoor temperature is above 65 F, it may ?
Damage the compressor
Solarium inspection DO NOT include ?
Determining whether the roof glazing is tempered
Joining copper and galvanized-steel piping together will produce corrosion unless a(n) ?
Dielectric connector is used
Problems with window well drains include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Drains that are six inches below the window
H-clips are used are ?
Edge support for roof sheathing
What should be a concern when inspecting electric air filters. ?
Electric shock
The condensate drain pan or tray on a split-system air conditioner is typically below the ?
Evaporator coil
All of the following are common oil supply line problems EXCEPT ?
Excess elevation changes
Which of the following homes is most likely to have concealed damage behind the EIFS ?
Exposed to strong wind
A part of a chimney flashing most prone to leakage is the part ?
Facing the high side of the roof
A waste pipe is intended to carry solids only ?
False
Backdraft refers to an abnormal flame pattern ?
False
Evaporator coils should be upstream of furnace heat exchangers ?
False - Evaporator coils must be downstream of gas, oil, or propane furnace heat exchanger
The floor of the ash pit should be 12 inches below the bottom of the clean out door ?
False - It is considered good practice to have the cleanout at the bottom of ash pit
Lintels should be mortared tightly into place ?
False - Lintel will expand and contrary as the fireplace is in use, so it should not be mortared too tightly into place
The masonry veneer is a load-bearing part of the structure ?
False - Masonry veneer does not carry the live or dead loads of the structure
When you compress gas, you cool it ?
False - When you compress gas, you heat it
Columns may settle because the ?
Footing is undersized
In which situation are you most likely to see settlement cracks ?
Houses built on reclaimed land
These are all common forms of insulation EXCEPT ?
Liquid
Drip edge flashing are usually ?
Metal
Are beams allowed to rest on concrete block walls ?
Only if at least the top seven inches of block is filled with concrete
Is it permissible to use an aluminum grounding wire ?
Only in dry environment within the US
Can gas piping be used to ground the electrical system ?
Only in some provinces and states
In a heat pump ( heating mode ) , the evaporator is ?
Outside
Cross connection may exist at each of the following EXCEPT ?
Outside hose bibs with no hose attached
Which of the following is NOT TRUE about indoor oil tank ?
Outside tanks were never buried
Exterior columns typically support all of the following EXCEPT ?
Patio
Gas fired water heaters have ?
Potable water
Patches on roofs almost always indicate ?
Prior leakage
Which of the following devices are most likely to be rated CO/ALR ?
Receptacles
Unusual noises from a food waste disposer ?
Should be noted
Fire stopping ?
Should be provided at every floor level
A deficiency in mounting a food waste disposer ?
Should be report
All gas meters should be preceded by a ?
Shutoff valve
Common door and window problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Sills that slope down and away from the window
Extension cords are typically ?
Stranded wire
Which of the following is NOT a problem with a wall furnace ?
The furnace top is 20 inches below the ceiling
Which of the following is the worst case situation ?
The top of the foundation wall is three inches below grade
Disadvantages of a steam system include all of the following EXCEPT ?
There is no fan or pump to help move heat through the system
Which of the following is an acceptable situation with gas-fired room heaters ?
There is no outdoor-combustion air supply
All of the following are common glass problems, EXCEPT ?
Thermally broken
All of the following are components of wood furnaces EXCEPT ?
Thermocouple
Which is the most precise expansion device for an air conditioner on this list ?
Thermostatic expansion valve
If, when looking at a slate roof, you see ribbons, you should tell your client that ?
These may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality
Why are abandoned flue connection a problem with masonry chimneys ?
They may allow exhaust gases to escape from the chimney
which of the following is a characteristics of independent home inspectors ?
They must follow material requirements
Pitch pocket are NOT desirable because ?
They require frequent maintenance
Which of the following is NOT a common problem with gas piping ?
Threaded connections
Which type of vent is NOT recommended for the roof ?
Turbine vent
What do copper pipes turn green at solder joists ?
Water leaks
Assuming copper, standard wire type, and normal temperature rating, what is the typical conductor size ( in AWG) for a 60-A service ?
# 6
Double-glazed skylights ?
. Are hermetically sealed . Are vented
Which conditions can contribute to slippage of a built-up roof membrane ?
. Wrong type of asphalt used . Asphalt too thick
Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depends mostly on ?
. Your home radon level . The amount of time spent in your home . Whether you are a smoker
How much air should move past a three-ton heat pump indoor coil every minute ?
1,350 cubic feet
The power available in a typical 15-A, 120-V household circuit is ?
1,800 W ( P = VI, P = 120 x 15 = 1,800 watts )
The heat content of one gallon of No. 2 heating oil is approximately ?
140,000 Btu
A masonry chimney serving a wood fireplace should be at least ?
15 feet tall
Clay tile liners became common in masonry chimneys around ?
1950
Aluminum branch circuit wiring was commonly used from ?
1965 to 1978
OSB siding is ?
A type of waterboard
When the system is at rest, what will you find in the boiler ?
Air and water
Common attic access-hatch problem include all the following EXCEPT ?
An oversized access hatches
Which of the following should be reported as an item needing repair or replacement within the next five years ?
Any furnace over 10 years old
Which phrases does NOT describe a home inspection ?
Appraisal inspection
Vines on exterior walls ?
Are a bigger problem on wood siding than masonry
The webs of a truss ?
Are tension members
Wood shakes ?
Are typically 18 to 24 inches long
BX cable is also called ?
Armored cable
Rot may occur in wood-frame walls as a result of warm, moist air form the house condensing in the walls. This rot is likely to be most severe ?
At the bottom of walls
Solarium enclosures tend to leak ?
At the intersection of the house wall and glass roof
Where are the air vents in a one-pipe, parallel-flow system typically located ?
At the radiators and the end of return mains
With respect to heat pumps, the balance point is the point ?
At which the heat pump can just keep up with the heat loss
A wall furnace vent is what type ?
BW
Raised planters should ?
Be kept 2 inches from exterior walls
It is recommended to avoid all of these types of body language EXCEPT ?
Being at the same eye level as your listener
All of the following are common window types, EXCEPT ?
Bifold
Oil furnaces are like gas furnaces in all of the following respects EXCEPT ?
Blast tubes
Which wall will show cracks first if the foundation moves ?
Brick
Typical wood frame wall assemblies include all of the following components EXCEPT ?
Bridging
Which of the following is a truss style ?
Briggs & Stratten
Which of the following is NOT a component of a heat recovery ventilator ?
Burner
How does a home inspector test a GFCI at the main panel ?
By pushing the test button to see if the breaker trips, then resetting the breaker
Recommendation to a client regarding brick cracks may include all of these EXCEPT to ?
Caulk them
These products are all asphalt based EXCEPT for ?
Caulking
There is a chimney protruding through a roll roofing valley flashing on the roof. You report that there may be leakage here because the ?
Chimney obstructs valley drainage
All of the following are common drainage piping problem EXCEPT ?
Clay tile piping that is buried in the soil
Inspectors may not inspect a property when any compensation depend on reported finding or the ?
Closing of the sale
Masonry walls are strongest in ?
Compression
Pressure-reducing valve problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Connection to the supply plumbing
All of the following are common attic venting problem EXCEPT ?
Continuos soffit vents with only spot roof vents
The dormer siding can act as ?
Counter flashing
Which statements is FALSE ?
Creosote is noncombustible
Water hammer is typically prevented by ?
Dead-end risers
Electrical resistance ?
Decreases wit increasing wire diameter
An inspector is required to report which of the following ?
Deterioration in retaining walls
Which of the following devices protects against back flow ?
Double-check valve assemble
The selling agent is the person who ?
Draws up the offer for the buyer
Other water sources in homes include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Dripping faucets
Which of the following can cause additional horizontal loads on the foundation ?
Driveway slopes toward the house
All of the following may cause traps to lose their seal EXCEPT ?
Dumping mineral oil down a drain
Sills not properly anchored are most likely to allow the house to move off its foundation ?
During construction
One of the following roof membranes feels like rubber. When you stretch it, it rebounds ?
EPDM
Which of the roof membranes may be damaged by oils left from a Freon leak at a roof-mounted air conditioner ?
EPDM
If two 60-W light bulb branch circuits are wired in parallel, and another parallel 60-W light bulb branch circuit is added ?
Each bulb will have the same brightness
The grounded plugs ( three-prong plugs ) became standard for all branch circuits in the ?
Early 1950
The following are vents used for attic ventilation EXCEPT ?
Eave vents
A tamper-resistant technique would NOT be ?
Educating the parties to the transaction about the necessary test conditions
Central-vacuum systems with a filter in the canister should discharge ?
Either inside or outside
Which water heater may have an energy cutoff ?
Electric
What does voltage measure ?
Electrical pressure
Which one of the following is NOT a common problem with space heaters ?
Electrical receptacles beside heaters
Which of the following components would be found on a heat pump but NOT on a central air-conditioning system ?
Emergency heat switch
Typical pump problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Excess pressure
All of the following are common toilet problems EXCEPT ?
Excess pressure at the tank
The implications of trees or shrubs too close to a house include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Excess soil moisture adjacent to the house
Excess water pressure may lead to ?
Excess water velocity
All of the following are clues that excess humidity may be a problem in the house EXCEPT ?
Excessive draft
All of the following are common foundation flaws, EXCEPT ?
Excessive height above grade
Which of the following is NOT a common problem with exterior trim ?
Excessive sill projection
The barometric damper for a conventional efficiency oil furnace is found on the ?
Exhaust flue
Metal valley flashing should NOT be longer than 10 feet because ?
Expansion and contraction may cause buckling
In an old house, an atmospheric ( open ) tank is above the second floor. What is it probably there for ?
Expansion/overflow for a gravity boiler
All crawl space should be vented ?
False
Aluminum is a commonly used material for exhaust flues on oil furnaces ?
False
Asbestos cement shingles should be removed from homes ?
False
Asphalt shingles are installed on walls the same way as on roofs ?
False
Bad grading will always cause wet basement ?
False
Home inspectors shouldn't be concerned about delivering good news about a house, the client only cares about problems ?
False
If you find a radiator with the balancing valve completely shut off, then there will be no water in the radiator ?
False
Inspector should walk on concrete tiles roofs ?
False
Inspector should walk on slate roofs ?
False
Plywood is a good material choice for outdoor floor, such as on a porch ?
False
Polybutylene piping can be used on a hot water recirculating loop ?
False
Section of metal chimney are typically welded together on site ?
False
Sump pumps must discharge to a sanitary sewer ?
False
Synthetic stucco (EIFS) has good drying potential ?
False
The inspection must determine the cause of a problem ?
False
The average home inspection fee is around 500$ ?
False - About 300$
Flex ducts have less friction loss than rigid ductwork ?
False - Flexible ducts have far more friction loss than rigid ducts do
Glass doors are designed to replace fireplace dampers ?
False - Glass doors are not intended to replace damper
Rust on metal roofs occurs only on the surface ?
False - Metal roofs may rust around fastener as well as on the surface
PVC plastic pipe can be connected in drain, waste, and vent system with solder ?
False - Pvc plastic pipe cannot connect with solder
Soffit vents typically make up about 25 percent of roof ventilation ?
False - Soffit vents typically make up at least 50% of roof ventilation. Ridge, roof, or gable vents make up the balance
The vent is typically located upstream of the trap ?
False - The vent must be downstream side of the trap
If you see evidence of water damage on the floor, but the area is dry, you can tell your client the problem has been corrected ?
False - There may be inactive or intermittent leak
Truss uplift is a serious ceiling problem with structural consequences for the house ?
False - Truss lift is a cold weather problem that is not terribly serious from a structural standpoint, although it can cause considerable cosmetic disruption
A 200-amp service will have two 100-amp fuses in the service panel ?
False - Two-amp fuses indicate 100-amp service. You cannot add two fuses together to determine the service size
Oversized distribution ductwork is a common problem with central air-conditioning ?
False - Undersize ducts are a common problem, oversize ducts are not common
Walls see vertical loads only ?
False - Walls see lateral as well as vertical loads
Welded-steel pipping is permitted as a material in drain, waste, and vent system ?
False - Welder steel piping is not permitted in residential plumbing system in many areas
Your chimney inspection is finished when you get down off of the roof ?
False - You must inspect the area below the chimney flashing for evidence of leakage
During an inspection of a skylight, you should never lift on the edge of the skylight ?
False - You should lift the edge of the skylight to get a sense of how well it is secured
An interior inspection includes all of the following EXCEPT ?
Fences
A common use for brass as a waste material is ?
Fitting
Which of the following is a good vent-termination location for a fan-assisted, gas-fired water heater ?
Five feet from a door or window
A midefficiency gas furnace has an electronic ignition system. The safety device that ensures that the pilot or burner is on is the ?
Flame sensor
All of these are good inspection techniques EXCEPT ?
Focusing exclusively on details
When looking at a spotlight you see the letter IC. This means it is ?
For use in insulated ceilings
Space heaters may be ?
Forced air
Solid masonry walls typically need ?
Foundations and footings
Spalling and mortar damage near the bottom of an exterior masonry column would likely be the result of ?
Freeze/thaw cycles
Which of the following is NOT considered in determining the size of a chimney flue ?
Fuel that is used
Which of the following is the best soil type for building homes ?
Gravel
A screw-in type rated at 30 amps is/was typically color coded ?
Green
Connecting an electrical system to the earth, as a mean of disposing of unwanted electricity and energy from lighting strikes to a safe path outside ?
Grounding
Roof water runoff is best controlled with ?
Gutters and downspouts
Drip edge flashing ?
Has a 45 degree bend in the bottom 1/2-inch
Problem with rain caps include all of the following EXCEPT when the rain cap /
Has a spark arrester with 1/2 inch screening
All of the following statements are true about whirlpool baths EXCEPT that they ?
Have a dedicated hot water heating system
Air barriers ?
Help control heat flow only
Moss on wood roof ?
Holds water against the wood, promoting rot
All of the following are siding materials EXCEPT ?
Housewrap
Which of the following is not a part of the heating inspection ?
Humidifies
Whirlpool baths are also called ?
Hydro-massage bathtubs
A common problem with skylight in cold climates is ?
Ice dams
Which condition would NOT stop a home inspector from inspecting a main panel ?
If bedroom at the panel is only 6 feet
Bracing metal chimney is necessary ?
If the chimney is more than five feet above the roof
During an inspection you find 20 blown 15-amp fuses beside the panel. You might tell your client that ?
It likely that there is a least one overloaded circuit in the panel
Which of the following statements is true of knee walls and struts ?
Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to, but not directly on, bearing walls
If a gas leak is detected in a home, you should ?
Leaving the house without operating anything
After you turn an electric baseboard heater on, how long should it take for the heater to get warm ?
Less than 1 minute
A conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace has an input rating of 100,000 Btu. Its output rating is 80,000 Btu. The seasonal efficiency is ?
Less than the steady state efficiency
A closed, bladder expansion tank in a two-pipe system is typically located ?
Level with the boiler
You can check the thickness of the flooring and the subfloor material by ?
Lifting out a supply air register
The presence of step flashing on an asphalt shingle roof can typically be verified by ?
Lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall
Which statement about lighting is FALSE ?
Lighting must be overhead
Three-way switches control ?
Lights from two different location
What is linking ?
Linking ensures that twi fuses or circuit breakers are disconnected at the same time
To check the connection of the wires inside the service box, you should ?
Look for melting, charring, or damage to the wire and insulation
Which of the following is the accepted way for a home inspector to check for a loose connection of a wire to a fuse or breaker ?
Look for signs of overheating on the end of the wire and at the connection point
All of the following are types of attic vents EXCEPT ?
Louver vents
All of the following are common problems with doors and frames, EXCEPT ?
Low R-value
Common toilet problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Low water pressure
Joist twisting or warping is commonly caused by ?
Lumber shrinking unevenly as it dries
Cinder block is ?
Made from slag and has a rougher, darker texture than concrete block
A drip edge flashing that sits proud above the roof sheathing ?
May trap water on the roof, like a dam
Heat circulators for fireplace ?
May use fans to promote air flow
Exposed felts ?
May wick water into the roof
A condition offer ?
Means that a price has been agree on, as long as one or more condition are satisfied
The most common problem with fiber cement siding is ?
Mechanic damage
The preferred material for valley flashing is ?
Metal
Leaks in drain pipes are commonly caused by all of the following EXCEPT ?
Missing air gaps
Which of the following is a common problem with exterior window drip caps (cap flashing ) ?
Missing drip caps
Anchor bolts holding sills to foundations ?
Need nuts and washers
A non-circulating kitchen exhaust hood ?
Need to exhaust to outside
Which of the following statements applies to notching or putting holes in truss members ?
Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss
Radiant piping systems are NOT made with ?
Nickel
Under what circumstances should a home inspector note on his or her written report that knobs are missing from a range or oven ?
No circumstances
You should avoid using all of the following words or phrases EXCEPT ?
No deficiencies noted
All of the following are common window sash problems, EXCEPT ?
No dip edge
Under what conditions should the home inspector not fire up the steam boiler ?
No water in the sight gauge
Inner-Seal siding is ?
OSB
What is a split receptacle ?
One that has a separate circuit for each half of the receptacle
Which formula shows the relationship voltage, amperage, and watttage ?
One with a square base
The cantilevered portion of joists should be no more than ?
One-Third entire joist length
Which is NOT a common oil problem ?
Oversizing
What type of trap is allowed by most plumbing codes ?
P-trap
Which type of plastic supply piping is blue-gray ?
PB
Where two water heaters are installed in a single house ?
Parallel systems should have similar pipe lengths to each water heater
How can an inspector applicant prove he or she has met the minimum level of competency for licensure in Texas ?
Pass both the state and national portion of exam
All of the following are common door surfaces, EXCEPT ?
Pebbled
Three-slot receptacles on ungrounded circuits are safety hazards because ?
People will use grounded appliances, thinking the receptacle is grounded
Radioactivity is commonly measured in ?
Picocuries
Which group of terms does NOT go together ?
Pier, column, truss
The function of columns is most like ?
Piers
Columns build into exterior walls are called ?
Pilasters
The tail piece is the ?
Pipe that joins the fixture to the trap
Which of the following supply piping materials cannot be used on a hot water system in modern construction ?
Polyethylene
Which of the following is NOT a common residential insulation material ?
Polyvinyl chloride
A water service line with a pressure of 110 psi will require a ?
Pressre regulator
Under what condition should the home inspector turn off the steam boiler immediately ?
Pressure at 15 psi or more
Which of the following is NOT typically a components of a private water supply system ?
Pressure regulator
All flashing are ?
Prone to leakage
To extend the life of a water heater ?
Replace the anode rod
Cracks in brickwork are NOT LIKELY to occur because of ?
Repointing
A difference between a gas range and an electric range is that electric ranges ?
Require a 240-volt electric supply
Dishwashers in some areas ?
Require an air gap fitting
Elements of a well-constructed garage floor ( slab-on-grade type ) include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Rigid foam insulation under the concrete floor slab
The following materials are all brittle EXCEPT ?
Roll roofing
Which material has the shortest life expectancy ?
Roll roofing
Low-slope is a possible problem with all these material EXCEPT ?
Roof roofing
Probing the ends of beams with a screwdriver is a good way to check for ?
Rot
Common problems with asphalt shingles include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Rotted shingles
The most serious implication of a leaking humidifier is ?
Rusting of the heat exchanger
Which of the following windows is mostly likely to suffer air and water leakage ?
Sashless horizontal sliders
A toilet is NOT likely to leak at the ?
Seat bolt holes
How should Rome's be supported in an attic ?
Secured every 4 1/2 feet
The introductory discussion with the client ?
Should never be done in front of the listing or selling agent
What is the maximum permitted number of hand movenents to disconnect a house electrical service ?
Six
Joists are like ?
Small beams
Backpuffing on a wood stove is ?
Smoke escaping through the door of a stove when it is opened
All of the following are dead loads EXCEPT ?
Snow loads
Rafter spread can be visually identified by ?
Soffits pulling away from house wall
Piers may move because the ?
Soil below is disturbed
Wood stoves are also called ?
Space heater
Moisture penetration through the foundation was can cause the foundation to flake off on the interior. This condition is called ?
Spalling
Typical problems with steps and landing include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Spalling mortar/masonry unit
You are looking at a two-story masonry building. You notice large metal plates on the front and back walls of the home about every four feet across the walls, at approximately the second-story floor level. There are ?
Stabilizing a bowed wall
The device that keeps the boiler water hot on a standby basic is know by all these names EXCEPT ?
Stack relay
Good skylight inspection include all of these EXCEPT ?
Standing on the glazed section
Which of the following is a suitable location for a branch circuit wire ?
Stapled to two-by-four studs
If there is an argument about whether or not the inspection should proceed ?
Stay out of the discussion
If a conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace has an input rating of 1000,000 Btu and an output rating of 80,000 Btu, its ?
Steady state efficiency is 80 percent
What would you do if you saw metal ductwork from a forced-air heating system for a house passing through a garage ?
Suggest that it be insulated to the level required in the area
What of the following condition at the main panel or sub panel should be notes as a safety hazard in the inspection report ?
Supplemental wires tapped into the main lugs
Pilasters typically ?
Support beams
Home inspector should ensure all of the following when examining a garage door operator EXCEPT ?
That the unit function quietly enough not to be heard from inside
Which of the following is NOT a cause for an inoperative pump ?
The discharge line is split
The problem with butting adjacent wood shingles too closely together is that ?
The shingles may buckle when wet
All of the following are limitation statements EXCEPT ?
The swimming pool is beyond the scope of this inspection
Which statement about power vents is true ?
They can depressurize the attic
Galvanized-steel pipe typically fails first at ?
Threaded connections
How many wires are there from the street into a house in a 240 -volt system ?
Three
As a general rule, how much clear space should be in front of the service box ?
Three feet
The overhead service conductors must have a minimum of how many feet of clearance from the top, sides, and fronts of windows that open ?
Three feet
Four entrance cables providing service to a house indicates ?
Three-phase service
Joints in ceiling joists should be securely spliced ?
To prevent rafter spread
Plywood, waterboards, and OSB require edge support at all edges. All of the following are considered adequate edge support EXCEPT ?
Top and bottom edges, butted and glued together
The utility company is responsible for the maintenance of which of the following ?
Transformer
The function of a footing is to ?
Transmit the weight of the house to the soil
Which of the following flooring problems is a safety issue ?
Trip hazard
Chimneys may have multiple flues ?
True - Masonry chimneys may have several flues
Masonry resting on wood is a less than ideal arrangement ?
True - We generally don't want masonry bearing on wood
Split-system, air-cooled, central air-conditioning system have how many fans ?
Two
All of the following are results of poor ventilation EXCEPT ?
Under-heating of the home
Poor airflow may be result of all of the following EXCEPT ?
Uninsulated ducts
An inefficiency unique to tankless coil boilers is that the ?
Unit must stay hot year-round
Combination furnaces ?
Use one burner to heat space and hot water
Piles are ?
Used where soil quality is poor
A high-static burner ?
Uses higher air and oil pressure
Water hammer can be solved or greatly reduced by ?
Using 12-inch vertical extension at ends of lines
Rust on steel columns is ?
Usually found at the bottom
Which of the following is NOT a venting concern with flat roofs ?
Vents on all four exposures of the fascia
For metal systems, what is one convection that is used to differentiate a vent from a chimney ?
Vents typically serve oil or gas appliances and chimneys serve wood
A pressure switch on a power vented water heater ?
Verifies that the blower has started
The single biggest enemy of retaining walls is ?
Water
Common stair materials include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Water board
Washerless fauctes are more prone to water hammer problems than compression faucets became ?
Water can be turned off much more quickly
A pressure tank is used in conjunction with a (n) ?
Well
Why should only dry trash be used in a compactor ?
Wet trash causes unpleasant odors
What should the home inspector suggest a water contamination test ?
When cross connection are actually identified
A bench footing is used ?
When lowering basement
Under which circumstances can a home inspector skip inspecting a microwave ?
When microwave is not built in
Which of the following statements is true ?
When the heat pump is in the heating mode, the indoor coil is the condenser
If the backup heat for a heat pump is electric, when should the electric heat be shut off ?
When the system is operating above the balance point
As asphalt shingles get close to the end of their life, the slots (keyway) between shingle tabs ?
Widen
Superheated water released suddenly into the atmosphere ?
Will not turn to liquid
An inspector that conducts business using a DBA or incorporated name must notify TREC of the name ?
Within 30 days after she start to use the name and within 30 days after she discontinue using the name
Common thermostat problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Wrong size
The homeowner has tucked the supply and return plenums up tight along a wood beam. Are there concerns with this ?
Yes, the ducts are too close to the combustible wood
The exhaust from a high-efficiency gas furnace terminates underneath an enclosed deck. Is this a concern ?
Yes, the exhaust gases will rot the deck
All of the following are advantage to having clients attend inspections EXCEPT ?
You can charge a premium for allowing clients to attend
An important advantage in arriving early at an inspection is that ?
You can evaluate the neighborhood topography and homes
An inspector may invoke the departure provision when he/she ?
cannot view or access an item
If you drill a hole through a properly laid, wood shake roof, how many shakes would you go through ?
2
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, fiber cement roof, how many shingles would you go through ?
2
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, shingle-style flat clay roof, how many tiles would you go through ?
2
If you drilled a hole through a properly lain slate roof, how many slate would you go through ?
2
How much water flows through a 3/4-inch-diameter pipe relative to a 1/2inch-diameter pipe with the same pressure-loss ?
270 %
Beams rely on at least _____ inches of bearing ?
3 1/2 inches
Ends of beams should rest on ?
3 1/2 inches of solid material
Guardrails should be how tall, at a minimum ?
36 inches
Match the breaker amperage with copper wire sizes of 8, 10, 12, 14 ?
40, 30, 20, 15
The minimum duration of a radon test being used during a real estate transaction ( plus 12 hours closed house conditions ) should be ?
48 hours
A ponding roof is any roof that still has water on it ?
48 hours after a rain
Which of the following 1/2-inch-diameter pipes would have the lowest pressure and flow characteristics ?
A 100-foot pipe with the outlet 20 feet above the source
Causes of poor pressure and flow in a house include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A gate-valve-type main valve
Looking up from the basement around a metal chimney for a wood-burning fireplace, you should see ?
A meta firestop spacer
A terrace is ?
A raiser patio
Which of the following aluminum wire installations is most likely to overheat ?
A receptacle with an electric heater
A multiwire circuit has ?
A red and a black wire
A cold joins is ?
A result of pouring the concrete foundation at two separate times
A scupper is ?
A roof drain opening through the a wall
An older stall shower is leaking through the floor. The most likely cause is ?
A rust metal shower pan
A swale is ?
A shallow drainage ditch
All gas water heaters require ?
A venting system for exhaust product
A mullion is ?
A vertical rail separating two windows in a group
What condition causes a well pump to run constantly ?
A waterlogged pressure tank
In masonry chimneys, adjacent flues are usually separated by ?
A withering of brick
If an insulation R-value is 3.1 inch and the insulation is 6" thick, what is it R-rating ?
About R-19
Air vents are ?
Also called air eliminators
Common gutter material includes all of the following EXCEPT ?
Brass
Rust on fixtures is typically caused by all of the following EXCEPT ?
Condensate from air conditioners draining into fixtures
The "edge effect " with respect to windows, causes ?
Condensation around the perimeter
Induced-draft fans improve efficiency by doing all of the following EXCEPT ?
Condensing the exhaust gases
The service drop wires ?
Connect to the house at the drip loop
All of these common slate failure modes EXCEPT ?
Curling
Common bidet problems DO NOT include ?
Damaged seat or lids
Boilers do not require venting system ?
False - Boilers, like furnaces, require venting system to exhaust combustion products out of the house
Running toilets are less prone to sweating because the water in the tank is constantly replenished ?
False - Running toilet are more prone to sweating
Special grease on aluminum wires is ?
Found on stranded wires
Which statement is true ?
If the attic is cold, then warm, moist air leaking into the attic from the house will condense more quickly
The best location for an outlet is ?
Immediately beside a basin in a bathroom
Which of the following statements is true with respect room heaters ? They
May be installed in masonry fireplaces
Knob-and-tube wiring issues include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Overheated neutrals on multiwire branch circuits
what condition causes aluminum branch circuit wiring to be unsafe ?
Overheating at poor connection
Attic duct problems include all the following EXCEPT ?
Oversized ducts
Common problem with oil fill and vent pipe DO NOT include ?
Oversizing
Slate roofing is all of theses EXCEPT ?
Properly repairs with tar
A kitchen split receptacle is a ?
Receptacle with the top and bottom halves on different circuits
Which statements about relative humidity is TRUE ?
Relative humidity drops as air temperature rises
Considerable wrinkling and tautness of EPMD and PVC roof membranes at wall intersection would typically be caused by ?
Shrinkage of the membrane
Common window problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Single glazing
Which one of the following statements about retaining wall drainage is FALSE ?
Soils that drain well, such as clay, should be used behind retaining walls
Walls may perform all of these function EXCEPT to ?
Support masonry chimneys
Which of the following is NOT a common carpet problem ?
Surface durability
Which of the following is NOT a factor in helping to keep traps from clogging ?
The avoidance of S-trap
What is a symptom of a waterlogged pressure tank ?
The pump runs constantly
All of the following statements about whirlpool baths are true EXCEPT that ?
The pump should be variable speed
A toilet needs to have shut off valve on the supply line ?
True - All toilet should have an operable shutoff valve located adjacent to toilet
Differential settlement is ?
When one part of the house settle and the rest does not
For which of the following condition should an electrician be called to evaluate the service ?
. Handyman wiring at the main panel . Live current on the cabinet . Melted insulation
Cracks may result from building movement that ?
. Has stopped . Is moving at a steady rate . Is slowing down . ALL OF THE ABOVE
High-efficiency gas furnaces installed in old ductwork tend to have ?
. Higher maintenance requirements . Excess temperature rise across the heat exchanger . Shorter life spans
which of the following are truss condition that should be reported ?
. Hole at the 1/4 point of web ( less than 1/3 thickness ) . Weak gusset connection . Truss uplift
When should the home inspector recommend a well technician be called to examine the well equipment ?
. If the main shut-off valve is missing . If the pressure tank is leaking . If the pump is overly noisy
Corrosion noted inside a high-efficiency, gas-furnace blower compartment may be ?
. Indicative of humidifier leakage . Indicative of condensate line blockage . Indicative of induce-draft fan failure
Floor structure may experience what kinds of loads ?
. Live and deal loads . Vertical loads . Horizontal loads
What are common problems with EPDM roofs ?
. Open seams and flashing . Discoloration due to oil . Tenting
If an auxiliary panel has been added, the wires connecting it to the service panel are protected by ?
. Overcorrect protection provide in the service panel . Overcorrect protection provided in the auxiliary panel that is sometimes allowed, so long as the feeder wire is in rigid conduct
Which of the following roof membranes DO NOT require a layer of field-installed gravel to protect it from the sun ?
. PVC . Roll roofing
Wood deterioration is typically discovered during a home inspection by ?
. Probing with an awl or similar tool . Visual observation
Which of the following should be check when inspecting dishwasher ?
. Problem with soap dispenser . Evidence of water leaks . Deficiencies in door gasket
Subpanels are ?
. Prohibited in bathrooms . Prohibited in clothes closets
No. 1 blue-grade wood shingles are ?
. 100 percent edge-grain . 100 percent heartwood . Free from knots ( 100 percent clear ) . ALL OF THE ABOVE
Which of the following are poor locations for thermostats ?
. Above heat registers . In direct sunlight . Near to exterior doors
Blisters in a built-up roof may be caused by ?
. Air or water trapped between the roof sheathing and the membrane . Air or water trapped between the plies of the membrane
Which of the following can effectively patch cracks in concrete block foundation walls from the inside ?
. Asphalt-based products . Epoxy . Mastic . None of the above
Where are GFCI required in newer houses ?
. Bathroom . Unfinished basement . Outdoors
Common installation problems with stack flashing include ?
. Exposed or missing fasteners . The top half of flange exposed above roofing material
The base flashing on flat roof should ?
. Extend up the vertical wall above the highest . Extent about 8 to 14 inches above the roof deck
Why are some main switches sealed by the utility ?
. For safety . To prevent tapping of power prior to the meter
A non-grounded receptacle within 6 feet of water should be replace with a/an ?
. GFCI receptacle . GFCI upstream from receptacle . AFCI breaker
A sump pump receptacle is not required to have a GFCI, it it ?
. Has an AFCI breaker . has a duplex receptacle . has a ground
In most areas, for what distance can service entrance wires run inside the building before going into the service box, without special permission ?
0 feet, or as short as possible
How thick ( maximum ) should be creosote deposit in a wood stove be before it is removed ?
1/4inch
The minimum age of an inspector is ?
18 years of age for all levels of inspections
An air handle is in the attic. What is the minimum width of a walkway for access ?
24 inches
Masonry chimneys should extend above the roof ?
3 feet higher than the roof where it penetrates the roof
Handrails on open stairs in the US should typically be ?
34 to 38 inches high
The typical life of roll roofing on a flat roof is ?
5 years
Above which outdoor temperature should you avoid testing a heat pump in the heating mode ?
65 F
The average efficiency of an HRV is ?
70 percent
You see two circuit breakers linked together in a panel. One has a black wire attached to it and the other has a red wire attached to it. The cable has no white (neutral) wire. Assuming a proper installation, you are most likely seeing ?
A 240-V balance load, such as a baseboard heater
Which of the following is an unsafe practice ?
A bathroom receptacle 12 inches above electric baseboard heat
All of the following are common cabinet problems for wood furnaces EXCEPT ?
A missing heat shield
A drain that gurgles or belches as it drains water may be a symptom of ?
A missing or clogged vent
A ratchet effect on a retaining walls is ?
A mode of failure
What is a sub panel ?
A panel that adds more power to the service
A parapet wall is ?
A perimeter wall which extent above the roofline
Pyrolysis is ?
A phenomenon where the auto ignition temperature of the wood reduced
Basement window wells should have drains unless ?
A plastic cover is provided over the well
All of the following may be used as gas lines inside, except ?
A plastic pipe
Sewage ejector pumps DO NOT need ?
A trap
The expansion tank in an open systems is typically located ?
Above the highest radiator
Masonry chimneys may settle or lean for any of the following reasons, EXCEPT ?
Absence of clay tile liner
Cracks due to horizontal forces are usually ?
Accompanied by bowing and bulging
All of the following are common glazing materials, EXCEPT ?
Acrylic
The function of a draft hood on a gas fired water heater is to ?
Add air to the venting system to maintain chimney draft
A pitch pocket would most likely be used on ?
An antena base
GFI receptacles ?
Are accepted as an alternative for grounding under some circumstances
Twist-on connectors (wire nuts) ?
Are also called solder less connectors
Vent connectors on oil-fired water heaters ?
Are prone to corrosion along the bottom
In what location might the evaporative ( swamp ) cooler be found ?
Arizona
A lack of firestopping in a platform framed house is most common ?
Around chimneys and pipes
Condensation in northern climates forms in walls ?
As a result of indoor air leaking into the walls
You typically identify a Freon leak ?
As an oil stain
Cutting to the points applies to ?
Asphalt shingles
Multiple layers of roofing are most common with ?
Asphalt shingles
Where is rot most to occur in deck and porch floors ?
At horizontal joints with end grain
Wires should be kept ?
At least one inch away from heating ducts or pipes
Electrical light switches in bathrooms should be ?
At least three feet away from shower stalls and bathtubs
The most common downspout weak spots are ?
At seams and elbows
Roll roofing fails ?
By cracking, bucking, or blistering
Home inspector typically check the exterior grading ?
By visual examination only
A 60-A service ?
Can be adequate in some cases
Double-top plates on wood frame walls ?
Can be omitted if joists are directly above studs
Sagging floor ?
Can be reinforced by sistering
Force warm air heating systems are an example of what type of heat transfer ?
Convection
All of the following could indicate spreading rafters EXCEPT ?
Cracks in interior ceiling, running perpendicular to the outside walls
Which of the following causes electrocution ?
Current
What is considered to be a safety hazard at the main disconnect ?
Extra wires tapped before the main
Zero-clearance fireplaces typically do NOT require any clearance from combustible at the top of the firebox ?
False
Fiber cement shingles can be bent without breaking ?
False - Fiber cement shingles are very brittle and subject to impact damage
It is good practice to apply new built-up roof membrane over old ones ?
False - It is not recommended practice to apply new built-up roof membranes over old ones
With wood frame walls, the lintel size is independent of the number of stories above ?
False - With wood frame walls, the lintel size depends on the number of stories above , due to the fact that the lintel is subjected to all of the vertical loads above that opening
It is acceptable to notch a bird's mouth into the bottom plate of an I-joist ?
False - Wood I-joists cannot have bird's mouth cuts
You are allowed to ground to the gas piping ?
False - You are not allowed to use gas piping as a way to ground the electrical system, because much of the gas underground piping is plastic. Plastic is not a good electrical conductor
You will never find three layers of asphalt shingles on a roof ?
False - You may find three layers of asphalt shingles on a roof. However, this is not recommended
If verbal communication is vague or incomplete, clients will often ?
Fill in the gaps
Beams transfer load directly from ?
Floors to columns
Each temperature/pressure-relief valve shall have a ?
Full-size discharge tube extended to a safe location
A material with a high resistance would be a ?
Good insulator
All of the following materials have been used for foundation EXCEPT ?
Gypsum
The Texas Real Estate Consumer Notice Concerning Hazards or Deficiencies (OP-1) provides the client a list of ?
Items that may be on the inspected property that could cause potential injury or lose to property
One function of floor joists may be to ?
Lateral support masonry walls
Supply air registers in a forced-air heating system are best located ?
Low on exterior walls
Replacing 50 feet of a 100 foot long pipe with larger diameter pipe will ?
Make no difference regardless of which 50 feet of pipe is replaced
When inspecting railings, the inspector should do all of the following EXCEPT ?
Make reference to the standards sets by local authorities
Causes of slow drains include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Missing trap
All of the following are common floor problem, EXCEPT ?
Paint or stain needed
Which of the following is FALSE ? Exterior cladding is intended to ?
Provide insulation
Scanning a porch with your eye at floor level is a good way to check for ?
Sag
Common sill problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Sagging
Common problem with water-cooled air-conditioning coils include ?
Shear loads
Which skylight is the best at resisting leakage ?
Skylights set on site-built curbs
Which of he following statement about temperature/pressure-relief valves is NOT TRUE ?
Temperature/pressure-relief vales shut off the water heater if the temperature exceeds 210F
Recently disturbed ground may mean all of the following EXCEPT ?
Termite treatment
while inspecting the main electrical panel, the home inspector is required to ?
Test all GFCI
Which of the following is a simply test on an operating conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace that should always be preformed ?
Test for spillage at the draft hood
All of the following are priority statements, EXCEPT that ?
The asphalt shingle roofing has a remaining life of 10 to 15 years
The right burner in a two-burner, conventional efficiency furnace ignites from the pilot readily, but the left burner ignition is delayed. When it does ignite, it does so with a flash and pop. What it likely wrong ?
The crossover igniter needs adjustment
Which of the following is NOT TRUE with respect to a floor furnace ?
The grate should be 2 inches from doors, drapes, or other combustibles
Which of the following statements about conventional water-cooled air-conditioning systems is FALSE ?
The heat is typically dissipated into water drawn from the swimming pol
What may happen if you have older programmable thermostat and the inspector turns off the heating unit safety switch ?
The heating unit won't turn off
Which of the following statement is true about water flow and pressure in regard to pipes in residential plumbing systems ?
The pressure is highest at the outlet point of the pipe
An air conditioner compressor often does not start up for five-minutes-or-so if it has been shut off for just a fews seconds because this allows ?
The pressure on the suction and discharge side of the compressor to equalize
Which well component automatically starts the pump when pressure in the system falls ?
The pressure switch
Which of the following statement is FALSE with respect to high-efficiency, gas-fired water heaters ?
The seasonal efficiency is 70-8- percent
A house has service entrance conductors designed for 100 amps and a main disconnect rated at 100 amps. Which of these condition is unsafe ?
The service box is rated at 75 amps
Grounded and grounding conductors must be connected at ?
The service panel only
Which one of the following is a reliable indicator of service amperage ?
The size of the service entrance conductor
One way of telling whether a property is serviced by municipal water is if ?
There is a water meter present
All of the following are vent connector problems on wood furnace EXCEPT that ?
There is less than five feet of distance from furnace to chimney
All of the following are common exhaust fan problem EXCEPT ?
Time control
What is the function of the evaporator coil ?
To obsorb heat into the refrirgerant liquid and change it to gas
Boilers are connected to the domestic plumbing system to ?
To provide make-up water
Outlets should be as close to basins as possible ?
True
Wall cladding materials should be six to eight inches above grade ?
True
Opening in partition walls DO NOT normally need lintels ?
True - Door openings in partition walls normally do not require lintel
All of the following statements are true of truss uplift EXCEPT ?
Truss uplift occurs in the winter
In extreme cases, if a heating system appears to be improperly vented after the home inspector fires it, the inspector should ?
Turn off the system promptly
Shed dormers NEVER have ?
Valley flashing
Common junction box problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Wire nuts inside boxes
The purpose of gravel on a built-up tar and gravel roof is to ?
. Provide ballast to help hold the roof membrane down . Protect the membrane from ultraviolet light
What is required to be inspected on a trash compactor ?
. Secure mounting . Pressure attained . Inspecting a trash compactor is not required . Vibration
With respect to amperage ratings, the main fuses or breaker ?
. Should be size to adequately protect the service entrance wires . Should be no larger than the rating of the service box
All of the breakers in a service panel are white, except one , which is black. You should be checking ?
. That the black breaker is correctly sized for the wire . That the black breaker is suitable for use in the panel, if this is determinable . That the black breaker isn't loose
In a distribution panel, a black wire and a red wire are connected to separate breakers the are four breakers apart, on the same bus bar. Both wires are part of the sane cable. The neutral from the cable connects to the neutral bus. The potential problem with this arrangement is that ?
. The 240-V appliance may not operate properly . The breakers may not be linked . The neutral wire may overheat
The combustion chamber in a gun style burner should be observed for ?
. The condition of the firebrick . The condition of the metal shields . Bum through or warping at the rear of the unit
For a built-up roof with a wood deck on top, which of theses statement are true ?
. The deck support should be designed such that proper drainage of the roof is not impeded . No gravel is needed because the deck protects the surface from ultraviolet light
Flashings are typically located at ?
. Valley . Roof penetration . Intersection with other materials
An inspector is required to check which of the following when examining a food waste disposer ?
. Vibrations . Wiring . Slash guard
Which of the following gas heating systems typically is designed to be connected to a duct system ?
. Wall furnaces . Floor furnaces . Space heaters . NONE OF THE ABOVE
A water stain on a ceiling below a flat roof does not necessary indicate a leak immediately above, because ?
. Water can travel between the skies of the roof before emerging on the interior . Vapor retarders may carry water some distance horizontally before it leaks through
Blisters on a built-up roof ?
. Will become vulnerable to UV damage . Can be repaired by cutting them open, drying, sealing, and covering them with gravel
Ponding water on flat roofs ?
. increases the weight on the roof . Increase the severity of a leakage problem
Concealed flashing for hips and ridges can include ?
. roofing felts . Ice and water shield . Mortar . ALL OF THE ABOVE
What is the psi of a low pressure steam system ?
0.5 - 5
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid spanish-style clay roof, how many tiles would you go through ?
1
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, flat interlocking tile roof (concrete or clay), how many tiles would you go through ?
1
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, metal shingle roof, how may shingles would you go through ?
1
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, roll roofing installation, how many layers would you go through ?
1
What coloring capacity is required for every 550 square feet in a home ?
1 BTU
Sidewall vents from mid efficiency or high-efficiency furnaces should be at least ?
1 foot off the ground
What is the typical clearance to combustible for flue/venting of a wall furnace ?
1 inch
What is the common ventilation rate for an attic ?
1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 ft of attic
For complete combustion, and ignoring dilution air requirements, natural gas requires approximately ?
1/15 volume ratio of gas/air
The supply water piping diameter inside houses should be at least ?
1/2 inch
Horizontal drain pipes should have a slope of roughly ?
1/4-inch-per-foot
Typical water pressure in a boiler at rest in a two-story house is ?
10 - 15 psi
On most heat pumps during a heating season, the outside coil will go into a defrost cycle every 60-90 minutes and last for ?
10 - 20 mins
The typical lifespan of most major appliances is ?
10 -20 years
What amperage would be need power a 1200-watt hair dryer on a 120 volt system ?
10 amps
Weep holes in retaining walls should typically be spaced no more than ?
10 feet apart
Trash compactors typically last for ?
10 to 15 years
The exhaust gas temperature from a high-efficiency furnace is typically ?
100F to 150F
When the heat pump is operating in 35F weather, the temperature of the liquid refrigerant line upstream of the expansion device may be ?
105 degree - 115F
A circulator on a cast-iron boiler may start when the water temperature reaches ?
110-140 F
What electromotive force would it take to push 4 amps of current through a 30-ohm resistance ?
120 volts
Three entrance cables providing service to a house indicates ?
120/240 volts
A service box with a black wire, a red wire, a white wire, and two 200-A fuses indicates a ?
120/240- V, 200-A service
The fan/limit switch will typically turn the blower on at ?
120F-150F
What is the normal setting of a pressure-relief valve on a steam system ?
15 psi
Newer conventional efficiency, copper tube boilers have a life expectancy of ?
15 to 25 years
A wood-burning masonry fireplace has a hearth extension that is flush with the hearth. The fireplace opening is five square feet. The hearth size should be ?
16 inches in front and 8 inches to the side of the opening
Which of the following is NOT a common service amperage ?
175A
A wood stove should have a pad under it that prevents spark or embers from igniting a combustible floor. How far should this pad extend out in front of the stove ?
18 inches
A waste standpipe for a washing machine connection should extend ?
18-30 inches above the trap
During approximately what time was aluminum branch wiring recommended as a substitute for scarce and expensive copper wire ?
1965 - 1975
Plastic sheathing on branch wiring became popular in the ?
1970s
Which of the following indicates a 120-volt electrical service ?
2 conductors entering the masthead
A B-vent should extend at least ?
2 feet above the roof at its point of penetration
A factory-built chimney designed for use with a wood fireplace requires how much clearance from combustible ?
2 inches
Masonry chimneys should have a clearance from combustible framing members of ?
2 inches
Open valley flashings made of roll roofing typically consist of ?
2 layers, 18 inches wide
How close can a vent be to a trap ?
2 pipe-diameter after the trap
Conventional gas boilers in boiler room, drawing combustion air from indoors, require HOW MUCH total combustion and dilation air ?
2 square inches net vent space for each 1,000-btu/hr input
All of these wood frame walls commonly cary floor loads EXCEPT ?
2-by-4s, 24 inches on center
A low-slope asphalt shingles application can go down to a slope of ?
2-in-12
Assuming copper, standar wire type, and normal temperature rating, what is the typical conductor size (in AWG) for a 200-A service in the US ?
2/0
During a short-term radon test, the testing device should be ___ inches above the floor ?
20 inches
Off-cycle losses on a conventional gas-fired forced air furnace waste ?
20 percent of the heat generated
The life expectancy of a conventional gas furnace is ?
20-25 years
The high-limit setting for a forced-air, gas furnace is typically ?
200 degree F
Entrances into shower stalls should be a minimum of ?
22 inches wide
What kind of a flow rate from a well is usually considered acceptable ?
3 gpm
If a built-up roof has seams every 12 inches, how many plies are there ( not including the dry-laid base ) ?
3 plies
The pitch of a valley in a sloped roof with a 4-in-12 pitch is approximately ?
3-in-12
The water service line diameter from the street to new house should be at least ?
3/4 inch
Apart from the shoulders of the smoke chamber, the maximum recommended offset in a masonry chimney is ?
30
Shower stall should typically be at least ?
30 x30 inches
How much heat is typically needed in an older, poorly insulated home in the northern United State ?
30-60 Btu-per-square-foot
A common temperature rise across a modern high-efficiency gas furnace is ?
35F to 65F
Which of the following is the least common spacing for rafters, roof joists and ceiling joists ?
36 inches
How hot is the surface of a 100-watts incandescent bulb, typically ?
380 degree
Horizontal plastic water pipe should be supported every ?
4 feet
If a building is 16 feet wide with a roof peal in the middle and collar ties at midpoint of each after, the rafter span is ?
4 feet
Weep holes in retaining walls should be ?
4 inches in diameter
The EPA recommends that a home be fixed if it radon levels are above ?
4 pCi/L
The EPA action level for radon is ?
4 picocuries per liter of air
A wood stove has no data plate that indicates combustible clearances. What clearance should you be looking for from the rear and sidewalls ?
48 inches
An unlisted wood stove should have what clearance from the top of the stove to combustible ?
60 inches
What would be considered a safety hazard at the main disconnect ?
60-amp conductors and a 100-amp main breaker
Below which outdoor temperature should you avoid testing a hat pump in the cooling mode ?
65 F
How many fire deaths take place in home with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms ?
66% of all fire deaths
A 20-kilowatt electric furnace has an output (in Btu-per-hour) capacity of roughly ?
68,000-Btu-per-hour ( A 20-kilowatt electric furnace would have an output capacity of 3,412 x 20 = 68,640 Btus-per-hour
For most communities, how far should a private well be located from a septic system ?
75' to 100'
A ground rod must have at least how much of it in contact with the soil ?
8 feet
Ground rods must be driven into the ground at least ?
8 feet
Service drop over a flat roof should be ?
8 feet
The maximum rise for each stair is roughly ?
8 inches
Skylights should rest on curbs not less than ?
8 inches in height
Supply water pressure inside the house should NOT exceed ?
80 psi
The temperature that a wood-burning fireplace chimney might Commonly see is ?
800F
A 20-kilowatt, 240-volt electric furnace would draw approximately hoe many amps for the heating elements ?
83 amps ( P=VI, I - P/V, I = 20,000), (20,000/240) = 83.3 amps
The maximum steady-state efficiency for an oil burner is ?
87 percent
The minimum average tread width for curved stairs is required to be roughly ?
9 inches
The required clearance from combustible for an oil furnace vent connector is at least ?
9 inches
What would the difference be in static pressure reading on a vertical pipe at zero elevation and at a 20-foot elevation ?
9 psi
A long-term radon test is considered to be greater than ___days ?
90 days
How hot will an electric self-cleaning oven get during the cleaning process ?
900F
All of the following are components of an outdoor combustion air supply for a wood-burning fireplace EXCEPT ?
A 12-inch-clearance from combustibles for the duct
All of the following statements are true of wood I-joists EXCEPT ?
A bird's mouth cut is acceptable in a wood I-joist
An Up-Dux is ?
A ceiling vent that allow the air to pass through the attic and out the roof vents
Metal chimney walls may wrap or buckle because of ?
A chimney fire
The most common cause of poor pressure and flow at a single fixture is ?
A clogged aerator
With respect to electricity, rain water is ?
A conductor
Dark staining on the walls above the registers of a gravity furnace could be indicative of ?
A cracked heat exchanger
What would not be considered a major defect in an octopus furnace ?
A cracked heat exchanger
There are all problems with fuses EXCEPT ?
A different between the fuse manufacturer and the panel manufacturer
All of the following are common sump pump Problem EXCEPT ?
A discharge point that is above grade level
Mid efficiency furnaces with induced-draft fans may have all of the following components EXCEPT ?
A draft hood
A home inspector notices provisions for a dryer, even though no dryer is present. In this case, the home inspector should note that ?
A dryer exhaust system is necessary
What type of oil burner has the greatest operating efficiency ?
A flame retention burner
An F & T trap is ?
A float and thermostatic trap
A central vacuum system consists of all the following components, EXCEPT ?
A foot pedal
A metal chimney should not connect to a masonry chimney partway up a building because of all of the following EXCEPT ?
A galvanic reaction will set up
In which furnace can the home inspector expect to be able to inspect the GREATEST PORTION of the heat exchanger ?
A high-efficiency gas furnace
All of the following are clues that insulation may have been added in a flat roof EXCEPT ?
A higher-than-expected roof surface temperature in winter
The weakest joists-to-beam connection is ?
A joists resting on a wood beam by one-half of an inch
Which one does NOT defeat the ground wire connected to a water supply/plumbing system ?
A jumper across the meter
Sagging drywall on ceilings may be caused by all of the following, EXCEPT ?
A lack of collar ties in attic
Common faucet problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A lack of isolating valves
Common problems with patios include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A lack of railings
When walking around the outside of a house, you notice efflorescence o the chimney brickwork, just below the roofline. The most likely problem is ?
A leaking roof flashing
All of these are common closet lighting problems EXCEPT ?
A light that is mounted on a wall above the door
With respect to the heat pumps, weak airflow on force-air systems at the registers is caused by all of these EXCEPT ?
A low refrigerant charge
Foundation irrigation is ?
A method of stabilizing expansive clay soils
Floor drain problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A missing backwater valve
All of the following are typical combustion chamber problem in wood furnaces EXCEPT ?
A missing catalytic combustion
Inspector s must report which of the following criminal activity upon license renewal ?
A plea of guilty, no contest, or conviction for a felony
Which of the following components would you find on a steam system ?
A pressure gauge
Circulators are NEVER controlled by ?
A pressure-relief valve
What was added to some higher efficiency furnaces after 1980 ?
A second heat exchanger
Which of the following is NOT draw back to tankless coils ?
A separate pump is needed for the coil
Garage door problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
A seven-inch step down into garage
On most steep roofs, exposed fasteners are ?
A sign of poor installation
All of the following phrases apply to home inspection EXCEPT ?
A simple practice and business
If a natural gas line is changed to LP, you need ____ at the burner ?
A small orifice
On a heat pump, an accumulator is ?
A storage spot for excess liquid Freon
Gas-fire water heaters and boilers for space heating both have all of the following components EXCEPT ?
A temperature/pressure-relief valve set at 210F and 150 psi
If an arch over a four foot window in the middle of a three story masonry wall failed completely ?
A triangular hole over the window would develop
The most important implication of cracked or broken walkway is ?
A trip hazard
The most common cross connection on a bathtub is ?
A tub fill spout below the tub floor rim
Which of following steam system is commonly converted to hot water ?
A two-pipe system
How is a central vacuum system switched on ?
A vacuum hose is inserted into the outlet
Which statement about vapor barrier is FALSE ?
A vapor barrier has a perm rating of more than one
What condition on a hydronic boiler may cause the pressure relief valve to discharge whenever the boiler is on ?
A waterlogged expansion tank
For a house with wood frame walls, the roof structure can be nailed directly to the wall structure. If the exterior walls are solid masonry, how is the roof framing attached to the walls ?
A wood sill is bolted to the top of the wall, and the roof framing is nailed to this sill
Sills may do all of the following EXCEPT ?
Act as the structural support for framing over basement windows
Which type of radon testing device may ensure a more accurate results ?
Active
A two-stage thermostat is common on a heat pump. Its function is to ?
Active the backup heat when needed
Venting the house living space during the winter in climates where heating is required does all the following EXCEPT ?
Adding moisture to the house
What would you do if you saw that a roof truss had been cut ?
Advise further evaluation by a specialist
If you are see something in the house you don't recognize and understand ?
Advise the client you don't know, but will try to find out
If you can't get onto the roof, you should ?
Advise your client of the limitation
Which of the following components is NOT found in an octopus furnace ?
Air filter
When talking about a wood stove, the word "airtight" means that ?
Air from combustion can only enter the stove through controlled opening
Of the GFIs that you can find in the house, which ones must be tested ?
All of them
In 2015, the Texas Legislature amended chapter 1101 to ?
Allow TREC to suspend or revoke the license of an inspector that pleads guilty to a felony offense
The valley flashings should widen at the bottom to ?
Allow for the greater accumulation of water that collects here
Bridging, blocking, and strapping do all of these EXCEPT ?
Allow thinner sheathing
Interior footings (under columns, for example) are usually subject to what kinds of loads ?
Almost purely vertical
Vent connectors from conventional gas water heaters are commonly ?
Aluminum
Which 2 type of service conductors required the same gauge for a given amperage rating ?
Aluminum and copper-clad aluminum
Masonry veneer has a function similar to ?
Aluminum siding
Which of the following statements about an evaporative cooler is true ?
An air gap should be provide for the water reservoir
Which of the following is NOT a cause of inadequate combustion air ?
An air vent to the outdoors from the water heater enclosure
A rain screen has all of the following EXCEPT ?
An air/vapor barrier directly behind the siding
When electrons are made to move back and forth at 60 cycles per second, that called ?
An alternating current
Why don't you want electrical receptacles located above heaters ?
An electrical cord resting on a heaters poses a fire hazard
A vent connector is ?
An exhaust flue
A pulse furnace has all of the following EXCEPT ?
An induce-draft fan
A thermal break in a window is ?
An insulating material between inner and outer halves of a sash of frame
What would twi wires entering the service weathered indicate to you ?
An older 120-V system
The closing discussion should include ?
An opportunity for clients ask question
An electric heating system has ?
An overcorrect protection device
All of the following are reasons that a sewage pump may not operate EXCEPT ?
An undersized vent
Regarding the electric service entrance inspection, which of the following NOT need to reported as a safety hazard ?
An ungrounded system
What should be reported as a safety hazard ?
An unlocked well pit
Cracking, leaning, or bowing retaining walls for basement walkouts ?
Are caused by frost pressure and hydrostatic pressure
Secondary attics ?
Are common in 1 1/2 story houses
Fiber-cement shingles ?
Are lighter than slate
Overlapping joists that extend 12 inches past the support beam ?
Are likely to cause a floor hump
Sills below grade level ?
Are mo susceptible to rot than sills above grade
All of these statements about factory built chimneys are true EXCEPT that they ?
Are not designed for solid fuels
Laterally unsupported foundation walls ?
Are not support by floor framing
Rope wicks in veneer walls ?
Are often used in place of weep holes
All of the following are characteristics of good concrete chimney caps EXCEPT that they ?
Are poured tightly against the clay tile liner
The ideal location for a supply register on an air-conditioning system is ?
At or near ceiling level on an interior wall
A reglet is used to ?
Attach a counter flashing to a wall
When a heat pump is operating in 35F weather, the temperature of the liquid refrigerant line downstream of the expansion device may be ?
Below 30F
Common and dangerous cracks in the hearth of a wood-burning fireplace are often found ?
Between the hearth and hearth extension
Where a clay tile liner is found in a masonry chimney, the most likely place to find a gap in this liner is ?
Between the top and second liner section
All of the following perform essentially the same function as a knee wall EXCEPT ?
Bird's moths
Which of the following should be considered a defect in dishwasher ?
Blister in the finish of the tub
The purpose of the crankcase heater on an air-conditioner compressor is to ?
Boil the refrigerant out of the lubricating oil
Which food waste is compatible with a waste disposal system ?
Bones
In a electrical sub panel, the neutral wire must be ?
Both separated from the ground and isolated from the panel
When reporting on the inspection of a heat pump, in what section must the information be included ?
Both the air-conditioning system and heating system section
All of the following are fail-safe devices for trash compactors, EXCEPT ?
Bottles and glass cannot be placed into a compactor
A gas-fired, forced-air furnace in a garage should ?
Br protects from impact damage by vehicle
Which of the following, according to most standards, must be inspected in an electrical inspection ?
Branch circuit wiring
Common valley flashing materials include all of ht following EXCEPT ?
Brass
In receptacle wiring, to which screw is the hot wire connected ?
Brass screw
Which of the following helps to avoids getting overwhelmed by homes ?
Break the home down into small inspection chunks
Which wall gets taller over time ?
Brick
What color should flames be in a properly operating oil burner ?
Bright orange or yellowish white
Common problems with clay or slate shingles include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Buckled shingles
Overheating is commonly caused by any one of these EXCEPT ?
Bulbs installed with the base down
common soffit and fascia problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Burn-through due to ultraviolet light
If there is no water in the boiler, the low water cutout prevents the ?
Burner from firing
Which of the following statements about creosote is NOT true ?
Burning hardwoods generates more creosote than softwood
How can a home inspector identify a steam boiler ?
By a water level sight gauge on the boiler
Which type of plastic piping is typically cream-colored and suitable for use on both the hot and cold water system ?
CPVC
A water source heat pump ?
Can be an open or close system
A floor drain at the bottom of a basement walkout ?
Can be connected to a French drain or to a floor drain pipe inside the house
An overcurrent protection device ?
Can be fuses or breaker
Flat-grain wood shingles ?
Can be identified by a flame pattern
Metal roofing ?
Can be installed as shingles or sheet and panels
Offset walls supporting floor loads above ?
Can cause a floor to sag near the wall
Superheated water ?
Can cause steam explosions
Rising damp is ?
Capillary wicking of water into masonry units
Heat pumps are designed to ?
Capture heat from the outdoors and bring it into the home
An inspector notices a foul smell coming from a food waste disposer. He or she should ?
Carry on the inspection
Boilers, piping, and radiators are commonly made of ?
Cast iron
All of the following are typical of pellet stoves EXCEPT ?
Catalytic combustors
Poor materials for porch floor include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Cedar
The inspector should conduct inspection business in a manner that will promote the following ideals EXCEPT ?
Closing the sale as quickly as possible
What installation in the attic mounted cooling system is not allowed ?
Combining the main and secondary condensate lines in a single line
Basic tools for a home inspection include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Combustible gas analyzer
When examining ranges, cooktops, and ovens, an inspector should verify adequate clearance from ?
Combustible material
Adequate clearance is required from ranges, cooktops, and ovens to ?
Combustible materials
When inspecting the fuses or breakers, the home inspector should ?
Compare amperage rating of fuse or breaker to connected branch wiring
When inspecting a main breaker, the home inspector should ?
Compare its amperage rating to the service conductor size
Columns see mostly ?
Compression loads
In a conventional heat pump, the most critical component is the ?
Compressor
The single most expensive and important component of a heat pump is the ?
Compressor
In new construction, you will not normally find basins and sinks made out of ?
Concrete
Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of the service mast, conduit, or cable letting water in ?
Conduit undersized
After entering the service box, the neutral service entrance conductor should ?
Connect to the terminal with the grounding electrode conductor and the service neutral
A trap seal is the ?
Connection from the trap to the vent
Which of the following is not a passive device ?
Continuous radon monitor
Common problems for pumps with hot water circulating systems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Control by an aquastat
All of the following are common problems with walks and driveways EXCEPT ?
Control joints
A sequencer on an electric furnace is a ?
Control to ensure that individual elements do not all come on at the same time
Adding fiberglass batts insulation to the exterior surface of uninsulated wood-frame walls is a problem because this may create ?
Convective loops within the stud cavity
The function of the condenser fan in split-system air conditioners is to ?
Cool the refrigerant by turning it into a liquid
In an older home, a force hot air furnace is replaced by a heat pump. The heat coming out of the register is comparatively ?
Cooler
In the condenser coil of an air-cooled air conditioner, the refrigerant ?
Cools as it changes from a gas to a liquid
Oil supply lines that carry the oil from the tank to the burner are typically ?
Copper
Over the years what material was commonly used for gas piping in the house ?
Copper
What type of piping is most commonly used today as the main service pipe from public water supplies ?
Copper
Which of the following flat roofs have been most susceptible to lifting off in a wind ?
Copper
Drip edge flashing problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Copper used as a drip edge
All of the following are common countertop materials, EXCEPT ?
Cork
Common materials for walks and driveways include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Cork
Blistering and discoloring of chimney walls indicates ?
Corrosion
What is galvanic action ?
Corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals touch
The implication of shadow effect on a wall are ?
Cosmetic only
Termination bars are sometimes used instead of ?
Counter flashings
The following are common problems with overhead sectional vehicle doors in garages EXCEPT ?
Counterweights
Falme rollout would NEVER never caused by ?
Cracked heat exchanger
Which of the following statements about wood-burning fireplace dampers is FALSE ?
Damper should be 50 percent of the cross sectional area of the flue
Truss uplift is caused primarily by ?
Differential humidity levels within the attic
Common switch problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Dimmer switches with a positive shut off
Which of the following is NOT a house ventilation method ?
Direct-vent furnace
Which of the following is NOT a defrost system for heat recovery ventilators ?
Directing furnace air to the HRV
Valley flashings on dormers ?
Discharge onto the field of the roof below
All of the following are common downspout problems EXCEPT ?
Discharge onto the ground
If clients want to discuss changes to a home, you should ?
Discuss the changes away from the seller
Number 10-gauge wires are typically used for all of these EXCEPT ?
Dishwashers
In a microwave oven, what is the purpose of the stirrer ?
Disperse the microwaves
The TREC rules required inspector to provide the Consumer Protection Notice by which of the following ?
Displaying it in a readily noticeable location in each place of business the inspector maintains
The purpose of the condenser coil in an air-conditioning systems is to ?
Dissipate heat from the Freon downstream of the compressor
Sidewalks that are the property of the municipality ?
Do not have to be inspected
A home inspector notices a microwave has a broken door, an inoperable turntable, and a defective seal. Which of these must he or she report ?
Door and seal
All of the following statements are true about glass doors on wood-burning fireplaces EXCEPT the ?
Doors should never be closed when the fireplace is operating
The causes of poor slope on drainage piping include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Double trapping
The electric backup heating system on a heat pump should be ?
Downstream of the door coil
All of the following are common problems with oil burners EXCEPT ?
Draft hood obstruction
All of the following may limit your inspection, EXCEPT ?
Drapes
If a home inspector is looking for screened terminations, metal ducts with a smooth interior finish, and ducts that terminate outside the house, he or she is probably examining a ?
Dryer vent
All of the following are moisture sources EXCEPT ?
Drying clothes in a vented clothes dryer
All of the following are common electric space heaters EXCEPT ?
Duct heaters
All of the following affect the amount of air delivered to each room EXCEPT ?
Duct location
The most expensive energy source is ?
Electricity
All of the circuits in the house may be grounded by their connection to ?
Electrodes driven into the ground
The function of bonding is to ?
Ensure that two electrical conductors are at the same potential
The purpose of an equalizer pipe in a steam boiler is to ?
Equalizer the steam pressure in the supply and return sides of the boiler
The two main components of an air-cooled air conditioning system are ?
Evaporator unit and the condensing unit
Electrical receptacle should be present ?
Every 12 feet along interior walls
Service entrance (SE) cable must be securely clamped to the house ?
Every 30 inches, generally
All of the following are evidence of possible erosion on ravine lots EXCEPT ?
Evidence of chronic water problems in the basement
The most expensive solution to wet basement problem is typically ?
Excavating, damp proofing, and adding new drainage tile
All of the following are common problems found on gas piping EXCEPT ?
Excess pressure
Common problem with sinks and basins include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Excess pressure
Which of the following terms do NOT fit together ?
Expansive soils, slip joint, pilaster
If you go to inspect a house and the utilities are off, you should ?
Explain the limitations your client
Which of the following is NOT a common condenser problem ?
Expose to direct sunlight
Obsolete service boxes typically have ?
Exposed terminal
All of the following are plaster or drywall problems, EXCEPT ?
Exposed tongues
Which of the following is NOT a common problem with condenser coils ?
Exposure to direct sunlight
Which of the following is NOT a normal installation on a pulse high-efficiency furnace ?
Exterior duct insulation
The pressure-reducing valve on a boiler is a safety control that prevents the pressure in a boiler system from building beyond 30 psi ?
False
The vent connector from an oil furnace must connect to the chimney above a vent connector from a water heater ?
False
Caulking is an acceptable substitute to letting the flashing not the mortar joints ?
False - A caulking joint will be ongoing maintain item
Closed systems must have circulators ?
False - A few closed systems do not have pumps
It's impossible for a trap to be too big ?
False - A trap can be too big
A vacuum is necessary to have back flow at a cross-connection ?
False - A vacuum isn't necessary for back flow to occurs
A written report is NOT necessary if your client accompanies you throughout the home inspection and you tell them all of the necessary information ?
False - A written report is a required element of a home inspection
An air barrier performs a different function depending on whether the climate is warm or cool ?
False - Air barrier have the same purpose regardless of climate. They are designed to stop air movement through the building walls and roof
Because there is a watertight liner underneath the tiles in a shower stall base, the floor is NOT required to slope to drain ?
False - All shower stalls should have a slope of at least 1/4-inch per foot in toward the drain
Partition walls exert no load on floor joists because they are not load-bearing walls ?
False - Although they don't bear a load from above, partition walls themselves are loads on the floor joists below
Aluminum foil should be used to line the drip bowls for the elements of an electric range in the event of water spilling over a pot ?
False - Aluminum foil can become an electrical shock hazard and should never used to line drip bowls
A home inspection includes an analysis of the quality of chimney draw for a fireplace ?
False - An analysis of the quality of chimney draw is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection
Batch feed waste disposers have a power switch near the unit, allowing it ti be turned on and off very quickly ?
False - Bath feed disposers are controlled with a switch build into the drain stopper
The fan control switch is a required operating control on gravity furnaces ?
False - Because gravity furnaces do not have fans, they do not need a fan control switch
The best way to check that an exhaust fan is moving air adequately is to make sure that air is being pulled into the fan, using your hand or a piece of tissue to check for airflow ?
False - Best way check exhaust fan airflow is at exhaust point, but often difficult to access
Bleed valves on radiators are used to let water out to help balance the heating in individual rooms ?
False - Bleed valves are used to let trapped air out, so water circulate properly
Bricks laid on their sides forming windowsills are a structural problem ?
False - Bricks laid on their sides forming windowsills are not a structural problem
Cabinet are prone to cosmetic problems only ?
False - Cabinet problem can be serious and safety related, including cabinets that are loosely secured to wall and may fall on people
Central vacuum systems equipped with a filter in the canister MUST be discharge directly to the exterior of the building ?
False - Central - vacuum system equipped with a filter in the canister may discharge to exterior or interior
Masonry chimneys usually help support wood frame structures ?
False - Chimney not intended support other building component
Clay tile liners should be supported on metal fireboxes ?
False - Clay tile lines should not rest directly on metal fireboxes
Copper pipe does not rust ?
False - Copper can rust if expose to acids, a corrosive environment, or contact with dissimilar metals
Cracks due to horizontal forces rarely result in a structure problem ?
False - Cracks dues to horizontal forces often represent serious structural problems
If you can't read the size of the fuses in the service box, you should remove them to try to get a better look ?
False - DO NOT touch anything in the service box. The fuses may be alive and could kill you
Drip edge flashing are always required ?
False - Detail edge flashing are not required; however, they are a helpful detail
Electrical wiring in a house is direct current ?
False - Electric wiring in a house is alternating current
Fire-Cutting joists is a serious structure error ?
False - Fire-cutting joists is a useful technique to prevent masonry walls form tipping over in case of a serious fire
A flashing is not required on the bottom edge of the chimney ?
False - Flashing is required on the bottom, sides, and top of a chimney
A return grille allows us to modulate the volume of airflow ?
False - Grilles allow us to modulate the direction the air is flowing, but not the volume of airflow
Holes in joists should be near the bottom rather than the middle of the joists ?
False - Holes in joists should be near the middle rather than the top or bottom
Load calculations are a required part of a house ?
False - Home inspectors are not required to perform load calculations
If a gas leak is detected in home, the power should be shut off immediately ?
False - If gas leak is noted, all occupants should leave the house immediately and contact gas company from neighbor house
As long as the footing is below the frost line, it is not a problem to let the temperature in the basement drop below freezing ?
False - If the building is not heated, the frost line will be lowered. If the depth of frost is two feet
Joists see vertical loans only ?
False - Joists see both vertical and lateral loads
Limitation to the inspection must be listed in the contract document ?
False - Limitation must be reported, but they can be recorded either in the contract or written report
Metal fire boxes should be mortared tightly to the masonry of the fireplace ?
False - Metal fireboxes should be 1/2 inch to 1 inch away from masonry
Homeowners should be encouraged to service their microwave themselves on an annual basic ?
False - Microwaves are not intended to be serviced by home owner. Any operational failures typically require a service technician
Most household appliances will outlast a conventional forced-air gas furnace ?
False - Most major household appliances have life spans of 10-20 years
Nearly horizontal vent pipes should slope slightly down and away from the trap they are protecting ?
False - Nearly horizontal vent pipes should slope up slightly, away from the trap they are protecting
Oil burners in conventional oil furnace are natural draft ?
False - Oil burners in conventional oil furnace are forced draft
Oil burners are typically inside the furnace cabinet ?
False - Oil burners typically are outside the furnace cabinet
Compressor typically are located indoors on an air-to-air, split-system air-conditioning system ?
False - On conventional split-system air-conditioning systems, the compressor is located in the condenser cabinet outdoors or in attic
Outdoor air thermostats are commonly used with residential hot water boilers ?
False - Outdoor air thermostats are used more in commercial than residential construction, although you may find them in larger homes
Patched cracks on brick are a sure sign of serious structural problem ?
False - Patched cracks on brick may indicate either a minor, one-time issue or serious structural movement
Plastic piping needs less support than copper piping because it tends to expand more ?
False - Plastic piping need more support than copper piping because it tends to expand more
Power venters are never allowed on conventional oil furnace vent connectors ?
False - Power venters can be used with oil equipment in some areas to reduce the risk of backdrafting on an excessively long flue
The purpose of a home inspection is to determine the fair market valve of a property ?
False - Purpose of home inspection to establish the physical condition of the home
A flat roof surfaced with roll roofing is considered to be a high quality roof surface, and is usually seen on more expensive houses ?
False - Roll roofing is a low quality surface
A running trap is a good idea because it provides extra protection ?
False - Running traps were found to be unnecessary once effective venting system were designed
One smoke detector is needed in each home near the kitchen, because that where most house fires start ?
False - Smoke detectors should be near all sleeping areas, with at least one-per-floor in a house
A 120-volt circuit uses a black and red wire ?
False - Some 120-volt use a black wire and a white wire, others use a red wire and a white wire
Heat-circulator systems always require a fan that is thermostatically controlled ?
False - Some heat circulators rely on natural convection flow
Every oil furnace must have a barometric damper ?
False - Some new, energy-efficient oil burners do not use a draft damper
Stairway landings must be at least 24 inches long and the same width as the stairwell ?
False - Stairway landings must be at least 36 inches long and the same width as the stairwell. No stairwell is needed if the door at top of the stairs open away from the stair
Subpanels must be immediately adjacent to the main panel ?
False - Subpanels can be located anywhere in the house and can be difficult to find
The attic access hatch does NOT need to be insulated ?
False - The attic access hatch should be insulated, ideally the same level as the rest of attic
The base flashing on a flat roof is a "shedding system" ?
False - The base flashing on a flat roof is a watertight system
The drip loop should be as close to the roof surface as possible ?
False - The bottom of the drip loop should be well above the roof 12 to 24 inches, depending o jurisdiction
The drip loop typically part of the service drop ?
False - The drip loop is part of the service entrance wires, not the service drop
The flame on a gas range burner should be a bright yellow, similar to a campfire, when the stove is operating ?
False - The flame should be blue. A yellow flame indicates a poor fuel/air mixture
Poor or no heating is the most significant implication of heat exchanger problems ?
False - The most significant implication of heat exchanger problems is the possibility of exhaust products leaking in the house air. This is life-threatening situation
You can tell whether a chimney is lined by looking for a liner extending above the top ?
False - The presence of a liner extending above the top of chimney does not necessary mean that the chimney is complete.etely lined
The vent in a high-efficiency furnace should slope up away from the furnace gently to allow combustion gases to rise more easily ?
False - The reason a vent should slope up away from a high-efficiency furnace is to allow any condensate in the vent to run back to the furnace so it can be collected and carries away
The roof covering is typically part of the structure of the home ?
False - The roof covering has no structure role
All service entrance conductors must be in a ?
False - The service entrance wires may be in a conduit on the outside of the building or there may be a special Service Entrance (SE) cable that does not require a conduit
The smaller refrigerant line is called the suction line ?
False - The smaller refrigerant is called the liquid line
All concrete floors in the houses are suspended slabs ?
False - Very few concrete floors in houses are suspended slabs
The percentage of basements that get wet at some point is roughly 75 percent ?
False - Virtually all (98 percent) basement get wet at some point
It is acceptable for wood I-joists to lean against each other at the peak, the way rafters can ?
False - When used in a rafter orientation, wood I-joists must rest on or against a ridge beam. Metal hangers are appropriate supports
Wires run directly from the service box to the branch circuits ?
False - Wires for house service should come off the distribution panel, not the service box
Fireplaces are designed as a primary heating source in most cases ?
False - fireplaces are basically entertainment devices. They are not designed to serve as a primary heating source
A metal surface is a common and inexpensive way to cover large flat roofs ?
False - flat metal roofing is not a common wt to cover an entire house roof. Most metal roofs are very expensive
Soaking the electric elements of a range in water is a good cleaning practice ?
False - soaking an electric element in water can damage it
The top of the exposed edge of a steel lintel should be caulked ?
False - the top of the exposed edge, of a steel lintel should not be caulk; doing so will trap water inside the wall
It is acceptable for cooktop exhaust vents to discharge into the attic, provide that a charcoal filter is employed ?
False - vents should not discharge into attics, crawl spaces, or chimney
Soot or smoke deposit on a mantel always indicate a poorly drafting fireplace ?
False Soot or smoke on a mantel is not always an indication of poor draft
All of the following are problems you commonly find on house air fans EXCEPT ?
Fans installed backwards
A missing automatic air vent is a common problem with hot water boiler ?
Fasle - An air vent is not mandatory, although some boilers come with an integral vent
You can see the elements on an electric furnace ?
Fasle - The element in an electric furnace are not visible after removing the cover designed for homeowner access
Brick ties are ?
Fastend to studs
Weak suction in the central vacuum system is NOT typically the result of a ?
Faulty motor
Which method of sub panel wiring is NOT acceptable ?
Feeder wires tapped before the main disconnect in the main panel
Window frames and sashes are typically of any of the following materials, EXCEPT ?
Fiberboard
Lintels for masonry chimneys may NOT be made of ?
Fiberglass
Which material is not an air barrier ?
Fiberglass
The most vulnerable areas on roof are ?
Flashing details
Which types of electric heating systems should be removed from houses ?
Flex Heat radiant panels
Gas ranges can be connected to gas pipe by ?
Flexible metal piping
Which of the following is NOT a form of ignition for a gas burner ?
Flint ignition
All of the following are possible cross connection situations EXCEPT ?
Floor drains with no trap primers
When it comes to resisting wind loads, wood frame walls can be thought of as ?
Floor installed on their sides
All of the following are common HRV problems EXCEPT ?
Flow measuring station located on warm side ducts
What flame patten would not necessarily cause CO production ??
Fluctuating flames
As you inspect the interior of a home you will also typically inspect component of all these system, EXCEPT ?
Footings
What are the implications of improper lot grading ?
Foundation damage
A dirty evaporator fan in a split-system air conditioner may result in all of the following EXCEPT ?
Freon leaks
Boiler water should NOT be drain in the summer because ?
Fresh water will cause system corrosion
The implication of improper slope on the exhaust flue from a high-efficiency gas furnace is ?
Frost closure at the discharge
The implication of wet basements problems include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Frost heaving of floors
when installing a basement walkout an important consideration, often overlooked, is ?
Frost penetration below the footings
Oil flows from an above-ground exterior tank through 2-inch pipe into the basement. Here it passes a shutoff valve and a union. The 3/8-inch copper line starts here and run to the burner. The part missing here is a ?
Fuel filter
The most overused recommended action by home inspectors is recommending ?
Further evaluation
All of these are common problems EXCEPT ?
GFI receptacles used outdoor
What type of corrosion comes from dissimilar metal ?
Galvanic
A type of pipe that is no longer installed in plumbing application is ?
Galvanized steel
Piping in boiler systems is rarely made from ?
Galvanized steel
Which type of supply piping is susceptible to rust from the inside ?
Galvanized steel
How can you tell the difference between brass piping and galvanized-steel piping ?
Galvanized steel will attract a magnet and brass will not
A photoelectric sensor is required for an electric ?
Garage door operator
Self-closer on doors are recommended at, in, and on ?
Garages
L-vents are used with ?
Gas and oil appliances
B-vents are used with ?
Gas appliances
Which of the following cooling system uses ammonia or lithium bromide ?
Gas chiller
Which of the following statements, with respect to gas fireplaces, is TRUE ?
Gas fireplaces can be rated as space heaters
Which of the following is not an approved grounding method ?
Gas piping
Subject matter for inspector continuing education courses may include ?
General business practice
Ducts in/beneath concrete floor slabs ?
Generally remain in good condition, protected by the concrete
Common home inspector mistake include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Going back and checking things you may have overlooked
Which statements about thermal insulators is FALSE ?
Good insulator have low R-values
What abbreviation is used when measuring water flow rate ?
Gpm
The floor of a window well should be ?
Gravel
The wire that connects the system neutral to the water supply, well casing, or ground rods is called the ?
Grounding electrode conductor
All of the following statements about hardboard siding are true except one. Which statement is FALSE ?
Hardboard is non-comb ustible
Exhaust flues on gas-fired or oil-fired water heaters should ?
Have a slope of 1/4-inch per foot up away from the heater
What should the inspector suggest to the customer if the main panel is underrated for current electrical demands ?
Have an electrician evaluate the service
It is important that a home inspector shoes are aesthetically compatible with his or her clothing ?
Have rubber soles
What step should the home inspector take to protect the customers safety during the inspection of the maim panel ?
Have the customer stand back a few feet off the side
Copper tube boilers should always ?
Have the pump running when the burner is firing
Mission clay tiles ?
Have top pieces and bottom pieces
Why are you more likely to see a house with a full basement in cold northern climates than in warm southern climates ?
Having to excavate below the frost line for the footing makes a basement cost effective
Where ceiling joists or rafters are cut to make an opening ( skylight, dormer ) the load from the cut members must be transferred to adjacent members. The framing installed to do this is called a ?
Header
In a solid masonry wall, which of these is usually visible ?
Header courses
All of these are components of vented rain screens EXCEPT ?
Headers
All of the following are basic components of a masonry wood-burning fireplace EXCEPT a ?
Heat circulator
Which statements about heat is FALSE ?
Heat is measured in degrees Fahrenheit
In the evaporator coil of an air-cooled air conditioner, Freon ?
Heats up as it changes from a liquid to a gas
In the compressor of an air-cooled air conditioner the refrigerant ?
Heats up as it expands
The implication of failed sills include all of these EXCEPT ?
Heaven floors
What finding from the inspection of DWV piping should be reported as a safety hazard ?
Hole in the vent pipe, cross connection, improper installed venting
What finding is considered a safety hazard ?
Holes in a plumbing vent pipe
What condition with a gas water heater should be reported as a safety hazard ?
Holes in the flue pipe
Which statement about suspended ceiling is FALSE ?
Home inspectors should not lift the tiles because they can be difficult to get back in
Rusting lintels typically cause ?
Horizontal cracks, radiating out from the top corners of windows
Purlins are ?
Horizontal members supporting the midspan of rafters
Ceiling joists are ?
Horizontal members used with rafters and sometimes with roof joists
When test two-slot receptacles with the neon bulb tester, which of the following would show reversed polarity ?
Hot and neutral slots tester, bulb lights
Which of the following are the most appropriate deck fasteners ?
Hot-dipped galvanized nails
Ignition devices commonly found on mid efficiency gas furnaces include all these EXCEPT ?
Hot-surface igniters
Which of the following has no effect on water pressure and flow ?
How fast the valves closes
What are the I ( current ) and R ( resistance ) values for a circuit with four 60-watt light bulbs and a 360-watt television ?
I = 5A, R = 24 ohms ( The total wattage in the circuit is 240 + 360 = 600. These are 120 volt appliances. P = VI, I = P/V, I = 600/120 = 5 amps. V = IR, R = V/I, R = 120/5 = 24
An inspector should not walk on a roof ?
If it could cause damage or is unsafe
When should the home inspector not remove the cover (dead-front) to the main panel ?
If the inspector gets a shock upon touching it
Given a foundation wall that is cracked due to horizontal force ?
If the wall has moved inward, the cracks would typically be wider on the inside face
Common whirlpool problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
If there are pneumatic switches directly on the tub
Water stain on the soffit around the hole where service mast passes through is most likely the result of ?
Improper flashing where the mast penetrates the roof
Why should a furnace not be operated ?
Improper venting
White wires can sometime act as black wires ?
In 240-volt circuits
Under what circumstances should would the size of the window be an issue ?
In a room where emergency exit is important
Light fixtures are required in all the following location EXCEPT ?
In clothes closet
Where is the home inspector likely to find aluminum branch circuit wiring ?
In homes built during the mid-1960 to mid 1970
More serious cracks tend to be ?
In more than one plane
CPVC water pipe may not be used for hot and cold supply lines ?
In multi family residences
Steam traps are typically located ?
In places described main on a two-pipe either b or c
Most radiant heating system are located ?
In the ceiling
The canister for a central or whole house vacuum system is usually located ?
In the garage or basement
Galvanized iron or steel drain piping should NOT be installed ?
In the ground
Where is the condenser on a split-system, air-cooled central air-conditioner system located ?
In the outdoor cabinet anywhere inside the house
Which of the following is NOT a problem with a natural gas burner ?
Inactive flame
Which of the following is a common problem with combination heating systems ?
Inadequate heat and/or hot water
Metal chimneys with excessive offsets from the vertical are prone to all of the following EXCEPT ?
Inadequate height overall
The home inspection ?
Includes description and recommendation
Which of the following is a problem with an HRV ?
Inlet and exhaust separated by 12 inches
Which of the following condition at the main panel should be report as safety neared ?
Inoperable GFCI breaker, double tap of main wires, oversized fuses/breaker, uncovered panel with exposed wires
All of the following are examples of prevention strategies for limiting liability EXCEPT to ?
Inspect in greater depth areas where clients have concerns
A home inspection is required to do all following EXCEPT ?
Inspect non-central air condition such as window unit
Higher level inspections are allowed beyond TREC SOP requirement when the ?
Inspector choose to report additional information
Common tankless coil problem include all these EXCEPT ?
Installation in direct contact with the boiler water
Causes of problem with EIFS include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Installation in warm climates
There are two layers of shingle s on the roof, with the most recent installation less than two-years old. At the chimney, the original steel flashing are rusted. The shingles are sealed to the older metal with asphalt cement. The roofer should have ?
Installed new flashing
Overfusing is ?
Installing a fuse or breaker that is rated too big for the conductor
An HVAC installation required which of the following ?
Insulating ducts outside the thermal envelop only
When inspecting porch roofs, you should be checking for all of the following EXCEPT ?
Insulation in the ceiling
Attic insulation may be wet as a result of any of the following EXCEPT ?
Insulation that is too close to chimneys
All of the following are common window hardware problems, EXCEPT ?
Interior mounting
All of the following are slab-on-grade construction techniques EXCEPT ?
Inverted slab
The closing discussion ?
Is a brief summary of the key points
Combustible insulation exposed in garages ?
Is a fire hazard
A side-arm heater ?
Is a variation on a tankless coil
Efflorescence ?
Is associated with water moving through masonry walls
Stucco ?
Is basically cement, aggregate, and water
Fiber cement siding ?
Is brittle
The grounded service conductor ?
Is called the neutral
Using mastic for a minor repair on a modified bitumen roof ?
Is considered a temporary repair
Backup heat problems on heat pumps include all of the following EXCEPT the backup heat ?
Is controlled by the second stage of a two-stage thermostat
A combustion air fan on a wood furnace ?
Is controlled by the thermostat
The cleanliness of a kitchen exhaust hood ?
Is important only in non-circulating units
Natural gas ?
Is lighter than air
Overloading the neutral wire on a multiwire branch circuit ?
Is likely if the black and reds wires are powered from the same bus
A trap in the condensation line of a split-system air conditioner ?
Is more important on pans upstream of the house air fan
Knob-and-tube wire buried in insulation ?
Is not permitted in some jurisdiction if the insulation is combustible
A homeowner requests that an inspector verify a microwave does not have radiation leaks. The inspector ?
Is not required do so
Metal siding ?
Is prode to thermal expansion and contraction
When a split-system air conditioner is opening, the suction line ?
Is the cooler, insulated line
The seller introduction ?
Is typically done before anyone else arrives
A blowdown valve ?
Is used to test and flush the low water cutout
The capacity of the heat pump ?
Is usually determined by the cooling load
Pressure loss due to friction ?
Is zero when there is no water flowing
Which of the following is NOT a back flow prevention device ?
Isolating valve
The disadvantage of pigtailing aluminum to copper wire is that ?
It adds more connections and leads to overcrowding boxes
Why is a 2 x 6 edge considered a poor handrail ?
It can be difficult to grab
Why should an open return on a conventional furnace that is within 10 feet of the furnace be reported as a safety hazard ?
It can pull leaking exhaust into the air supply
Siding with insulation bad underneath covers the service entry wire on a house . You report ?
It cannot be covered by siding
What is the purpose of the neutral wire ?
It completes the circuit
Why is radon a dangerous substance ?
It increases the risk of lung cancer
The electrical fuse panel has a bunch of 15-amp blown fuses lying around. What do you tell the client ?
It is likely that at least one circuit is carrying too much current
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the heat exchanger in an octopus furnace ?
It is located above the combustion chamber and can be seen and inspected by opening the front access ( upper ) door
Cedar is NOT a good choice for cantilevered balconies because ?
It is not very strong
Home inspection should not turn on plumbing systems that have been turned off for all EXCEPT which one of the following reason ?
It is the client's responsibility
Problems with aluminum wiring include all of the following EXCEPT that ?
It lacked a ground wire
Which of the following statements about building paper is FALSE ?
It prevents heat loss
What function does the draft hood or draft diverted play on a heating unit ?
It protects the unit from down-drafting
What function does a barometric damper play in oil-fired heating unit ?
It regulates the draft through the heating unit
What is NOT the proper installation of a single-walled gas water heater flue pipe ?
It single-walled, the flue pipe should be kept at lease 6 inches from combustibles
One of the weakness of copper drain, waste, and vent pipe is that ?
It susceptible to acid
When testing a GFCI receptacle that is not grounded, how will the receptacle respond ?
It will trip at the receptacle, but not by your tester
When you find three-slot receptacle on ungrounded circuits, you might recommend any of the following EXCEPT to ?
Label the circuit at the panel "ungrounded"
Common condensate problems on high-efficiency furnaces include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Lack of an automatic air vent in condensate lines
All of the following are common counter problems, EXCEPT ?
Lack of backsplash
What condition is usually the cause of yellow-tipped flames in a gas heating unit ?
Lack of combustion air
Garage wall problems include ?
Lack of fireproofing
Good flat roof flashing do all the following EXCEPT ?
Last 50 percent as long as the membrane
All of the following function are performed by trusses EXCEPT ?
Lateral support for masonry chimney
The main difference between a laundry tub pump and a sump pump is ?
Laundry tub pumps can handle lint
A boiler heat exchanger that has cracked will ?
Leak water, at lease periodically
A common flow control valve problem on a boiler is ?
Leakage
The most common problem with plumbing fixtures is ?
Leakage
The exterior sides and bottom of the service box are rusting. The interior of the service box is not affected. There is a water stain on the foundation wall below the service box. The box is below grade. Your BEST conclusion from these clues is ?
Leakage at the foundation wall conduit hole
Which of the following statements about clay tile liners in masonry chimneys is true ?
Liners may be round or rectangular
Which of the following statements is NOT true of chimney liners ?
Liners should extend at least eight inches above the chimney cap
Sub flooring can be though of as ?
Little joists
Common problems with shutoff valves in the house include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Location in a basement
A common radiator problem is ?
Location on the same system with convectors
Problem with the chimney face or breast in a masonry wood-burning fireplace include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Location too far below the damper
The macro/micro approach refers to ?
Looking at the house from a distance, passively and up close, using a checklist approach
The most common solarium problem is ?
Looking for excess caulking
All of the following are common vent connector issue on oil furnaces EXCEPT ?
Loose fittings at plastic connection
When examining a bathroom exhaust fan and heater, a home inspector finds. that the unit is loose, it is loud when operating, and it has visible damage. He or she should report which of the following ?
Loose unit, visible dam
The implications of settling and leaning include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Loss of drip edge on cap
When lowering a basement floor, if the soil is excavated only to the bottom of the footing, which problem may have been created ?
Lost lateral support for the footing
Which of the following helps to make a good wood fire ?
Lots of combustion air
Which of the following does not have to be inspected during the electrical inspection ?
Low voltage systems
An electric oven use which element for baking ?
Lower element
Gas-fired and oil-fires water heaters have all of the following EXCEPT ?
Lower recovery rates than electric water
Pyrolysis is a ?
Lowering of the auto ignition temperature of wood
The valve used to shut off the water to the property is know as the ?
Main shut off valve
The components of a private well system are ?
Main shut off, pressure switch, pressure tank, pressure gauge
Putting the fuses upstream of the disconnect with in the service box ?
Makes it dangerous to change the fuses even when the house power is shut off
Bell and spigot is a ?
Male/female connection method for cast-iron pipe
In the inspection report, a heat exchanger that is operational, but beyond its normal life expectancy should receive which of the following ratings ?
Marginal
Which statements about chimney and insulation is TRUE ?
Masonry chimneys should be in contact with noncombustible insulation only
Earthen floors in crawl spaces ?
May add considerable moisture to the home
Two-inch-high steps in walkways ?
May be hard to see
Refractories on oil burners ?
May be masonry or ceramic fiber
If a heat pump is sized for the heating load, it ?
May be oversized for the cooling load
Sump pumps ?
May be pedestal-type or submersible
Gas logs ?
May be vented through a chimney
Midefficiency, gas-fired furnaces ?
May be vented through the sidewall
Dark paint on a metal door ?
May become very hot if exposed to the sun
Steel columns resting on wood sills ?
May crush the sill
Drip edge flashing ?
May extend roughly three inches up the roof surface
A heat pump in the defrost cycle ?
May have the system operating in the cooling mode
Gas meters ?
May ice up
The inspection ?
May include two tours of certain parts of the building
Fireproofing in attached garages ?
May require a one-hour fire rating
Two layers of asphalt shingle roofing material ?
May result in a shorter life for the second layer of shingles
Loose connections ?
May start fires
Which of the following is not an appropriate place to terminate a grounding system ?
Metal siding of buildings
The counterflashing where the top of a roof meets a wall is the ?
Metal skirt that covers the flashing or roofing material below
Which of the following suggests an improperly supported service drop ?
Missing drip loop
Which of the following is NOT a problem with concrete flooring ?
Missing grout
Common shower stall problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Missing overflows
Common bathtub problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Missing vacuum breakers
Which single-ply membrane is compatible with asphalt ?
Mod bit
Which of the following statement is/are TRUE ?
Modified bitumen is more flexible than roll roofing
Spalling brick on columns usually results from ?
Moisture in the brick
All of the following are features of poster and drywall, EXCEPT ?
Moisture-resistance
All of the following suggest possible rot in flat or cathedral roofs EXCEPT ?
Mold or mildew on an interior wall surface
Unusual sounds coming from the bathroom exhaust fan and heater ?
Must be reported by a home inspector
Home inspectors ?
Must disclose an interest in a business which may effect the client
Which of the following is used as branch circuit wiring in most modern homes ?
NM cable
All of these are common branch circuit problems EXCEPT ?
NMD wires run through floor joists without tubes or grommets
All of the following are common outdoor wiring problems EXCEPT ?
NMW wiring used outdoors
Common problem with wood ceilings include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Nail pops
Common problems with metal and vinyl siding include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Nails not having been driven tight
Any brass supply piping you come across will be ?
Near the end of its life
The evaporator fan in a split-system air condition is squally located ?
Near the expansion device
Scratches on the door face of a dishwasher ?
Need not be reported
Which statement is CORRECT ?
Neutral and ground wires should be connected at the main panel and separate at sub panels
All of the following are appropriate response strategies limiting home inspector liability, EXCEPT ?
Never admitting that there is a problem with the home
Fasteners for metal counter flashing should ?
Never be exposed on horizontal surfaces
Which of the following statements is true of tankless coils ?
No domestic water heater and tank are necessary
What is a characteristic of knob and tube wiring ?
No ground
Common stucco problem include all of the following EXCEPT ?
No paint
What might cause a gurgling sound when draining water out of a sink ?
No vent pipe
A common circulator pump problem is ?
Noisiness
What kind of kitchen exhaust hood needs to be vented to the outside ?
Non-recirculating
What valuable information can be obtained by looking at the electrical meter of the house ?
None
Viewing the flame of an oil burner from the viewport shows a ragged, black-edged, yellow flame. This is ?
Normal for a conventional oil burner
Frost on the outdoor coil of a heat pump indicates a ?
Normal operating condition
Whole-house fans should ?
Not be operated during the winter moths if there are combustion heating appliances
Notches in beams should ?
Not be present
The most important safety issue with respect to cabinets is ?
Not being well secured to wall
Most modern brick is ?
Not designed to be in the soil
Crow-vented trap are ?
Not permitted in most areas
The maximum duration of a trash compactor cycle is ?
Not required to inspected
When you come across an oil furnace that has a tripped primary control, you should ?
Not reset the primary control, and attempt to view the fire pot for pooling oil
If an inspector finds that a house does not have a range exhaust fan, he or she should ?
Note its absence
High-efficiency gas furnaces are designed to condense because ?
Of the desire to capture the latent heat of vaporization
An Undergrounded conductor is ?
Often called the hot conductor
Engineered wood ?
Often need more end bearing than conventional lumber joists
Floor opening around stairs ?
Often require doubling of joists
All of the following are common built-up roof problems EXCEPT ?
Oil-canning
What type of central heating system is always required to have a remote safety switch ?
Oil-fired
Which water heater has the fastest recovery rate ?
Oil-fired water heater
What condition would indicate an oil burner needs an adjustment ?
Oily smoke smell or soot
Of the following, which is the best location for the thermostat ?
On an interior dining room wall by the light switch
Handrails are usually installed ?
On staircase
Clay tile roofs are effective shedding-style roofs by themselves under what circumstance ?
On steep-slope roofs only ( more than 4-in-12 )
The Primary control on a modern flame-retention head oil burner is typically found ?
On the burner
Where is the best location for a radiator in a basement room, in an open system ( assuming the boiler is in the basement ) ?
On the ceiling
Which is the best location for an outdoor coil on a heat pump ?
On the east side of the house
Where is an oil burner's primary control located ?
On the exhaust stack or on the burner housing
Of the following, the best location for a radiator in a living room, within a closed system having a circulator is ?
On the exterior wall, below the window
How many sets of winders are typically allowed in one staircase ?
One
In a typical heat pump operating in the heat mode, the temperature differential supply vs. return air should be about ?
One half the exterior temperature
Which cedar shingle is most rot-resistant ?
One on a 12-in-12 roof
Report can be released to people other than your client ?
Only with the approval of the client
Which of the following does NOT improve the efficiency of wood stoves ?
Open doors on stoves
Masonry wood-burning fireplaces with steel fireboxes ?
Operate at lower temperatures than other masonry fireplaces
What is the home inspector not required to do while inspecting a hot water system, according to most standard of practice ?
Operate the relief valve (except in TX )
Which of the following is the inspector required to do ?
Operate the spray feature of the bidet
Which of the following is beyond the basic home inspection ?
Operating the incoming main water/shutoff valve
In which direction would refrigerant in an air-cooled heat pump flow when operating in the heating mode ?
Opposite that of an air conditioner
Pick the FALSE statement about air leakage in houses. Air leakage ?
Out of the house always exceeds air leakage into house
All of these are causes for inoperative heat pumps in heating mode EXCEPT if the ?
Outdoor temperature is 47 F
Catch-basin problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Outlet pipes with 90-degree elbows facing down
Condenser fans in split-system air conditioners are typically located ?
Outside
All of the following should be reported as problems with the routing of dryer vents EXCEPT termination ?
Outside the building
Dryer vents should terminate ?
Outside the building.
When a heat pump is operating in 35F weather, the temperature of the refrigerant line immediately downstream of the compressor may be ?
Over 140 F
Referrals make up what percentage of most home inspectors businesses ?
Over 90%
If you mix convectors and radiators, the convector heater rooms will ?
Over =heat when the boiler is running
Common problems with chimney caps include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Over sizing
Frame deformation of doors and windows is typically caused by ?
Overcoming around the door
Which of the following is not a common problem with an air conditioner compressor ?
Overcooling the Freon in the condenser
Testing inaccessible bathtub overflows is NOT recommended because ?
Overflows often leak when tested
Insulated metal exterior doors with storm doors should be avoided because they may ?
Overheat
Which roof membrane has has shattering problems when it is cold outside ?
PVC
For a galvanized-steel roof ?
Painting the surface is one acceptable way of protecting the surface
Drip edge flashings are found at ?
Perimeter
Plastic grid-type foundation drainage material relies on what other building component for successful performance ?
Perimeter drainage tile
Floors and walls around toilets, bathtubs, and showers should NOT be ?
Pervious
The devices used to provide ignition for oil and gas-fired system are ?
Pilot/electronic ignition and sensing devices
The trap arm is the ?
Pipe that runs from the trap to the vent
What is required when you find CSST gas piping in a home ?
Piping must be properly bonded to the house grounding system
Unsupported sub flooring ends are a problem common with ?
Plank laid diagonally to joists
Cornice molding are commonly made of any of the following materials, EXCEPT ?
Plastic laminate
Which of the following natural gas piping arrangements is NOT permitted in any jurisdiction ?
Plastic pipe used indoors
Appropriate backup materials for a ceramic tile shower stall include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Plywood
Common column materials include all of these EXCEPT ?
Plywood
All of the following statements about plywood are true except one. Which statement is FALSE ?
Plywood sheet siding adds little to the rigidity of a building
All of the following are common window types, EXCEPT ?
Skylight leakage is most commonly caused by ?
Poor installation
Common metal fireboxes problem in wood-burning fireplace include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Poor support
Leak through tub and shower enclosures may be caused by all of these EXCEPT ?
Porous ceramic tile
Good plumbing fixtures have all of the following features EXCEPT ?
Porousness
Collar ties are ?
Potentially in compression or tension but are most often in compression
The Hartford loop in a steam system ?
Precludes siphon action if the develops a leak
The "Hartford Loop " in a system ?
Precludes siphon action if the unit develops a leak
All of these devices can cause the boiler to shut off, except for one. Which one will NOT shut the boiler off ?
Pressure-relief valve
The purpose of the pressure tank is to ?
Prevent the pump from short cycling
Flow control valves ?
Prevent water circulation when the system is at rest
Back flow preventers ?
Prevent water from flowing out the expansion tank
The purpose of a Hartford Loop is to ?
Prevent water from leaking out of the boiler if the wet return leaks
All of these are function of grounding systems EXCEPT ?
Prevention of short circuits
The pressure-relief valve ?
Prevents the formation of superheated water
Pressure-balancing valves ?
Protect against scalding at showers
The functions of drip edge flashing include all of these EXCEPT to ?
Protect the gutters
Wood deck on roofs may do all of the following EXCEPT ?
Protect the roof from condensation damage
Downspouts running across roof surfaces ?
Protect the roof from roof or gutter discharge from a higher roof
The main function of a chimney cap or crown is to ?
Protect the top of the chimney from water penetration
The purpose of a home inspection is to ?
Provide a client with information regarding the property condition a the time of the inspection
All of the following are function of plumbing vent system EXCEPT that vents ?
Provide a fresh-air inlet directly to the living space
Collar ties are installed in roof framing to ?
Provide lateral support for the top of the walls
All of the following are common approaches to insulating flat and cathedral roofs EXCEPT ?
Provide no insulation and vent the roof space
A tile lip for a bathtub ?
Provides a support point for the tub to the structure
The characteristics of a good chimney include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Providing combustion air
All of the following are function of roof sheathing EXCEPT ?
Providing vertical support for roof framing members
All of the following statements about basement walkouts in freezing climates are true except one. Identify the FALSE statement ?
Railings should not be provided around the top of basement walkouts for fear of obstructing escape
Which of the following would more likely indicate an active crack ?
Recent cracking of patching ,material
The homeowner is an electrician, he states he pushed the aluminum wires into the back of the receptacle. How should this be reported ?
Recommend a UL-approved crimp method
What should the home inspector do if he or she finds solid aluminum branch circuit wiring ?
Recommend an electrician be called into evaluate the electrical system
A sub panel is supplying a three-ton air condition ( running loads amps = 18A ) and an electric dryer (5,000W). The 10-gauge copper sub panel feed wire is connected to a 60A breaker in the main panel. You should ?
Recommend changing the size of the feed wire to match the breaker
When you find the insulation on incoming electrical service cables frayed or chewed, your comments should be ?
Recommend evaluation by the electric company or license electrician
Home inspection reports must include ?
Recommendations to correct or monitor deficiencies
The advantages of window well covers include ?
Reduce risk of leakage
Vented rain screen walls ?
Reduce water driving through brick walls
The pressure-reducing valve ?
Reduces plumbing water pressure to boiler pressure
A horizontal fracture in the foundation ?
Reduces the foundation ability to resist soil pressure
A tempering valve may be needed on a combination domestic hot water and space heating system. The tempering valve ?
Reduces the temperature of the water to the domestic hot water side
The function of windows includes all of the following EXCEPT ?
Reducing heating costs
Which of the following statements about humidity are TRUE ?
Relative humidity indicates the amount of moisture in the air relative to the amount it could potentially hold
All of the following help improve communication EXCEPT ?
Remaining in motion while talking
High-efficiency boilers prepare the combustion chamber to ?
Remove any lingering unburned fuel
Abandoned wires should be ?
Removed
Side ropes in a garage door operator should be ?
Removed or disabled
What should the home inspector do if he or she finds a cracked heat exchanger ?
Report it as a major repair
A home inspection must include a ?
Report stating which systems and components were not inspected, and why
The main service fuses have been installed with the labels facing backward, such that you cannot read their rating. No other marking are visible. You should ?
Report that the main service fuse rating was not determinable
A home inspector begins her inspection of a built-in microwave. She immediately notes the lightbulb is burned out. What should she do ?
Report the burned out lightbulb
If a light fixture fails to work, the home inspector should do which of the following ?
Report the inoperable fixture and recommend a new bulk to verify operation of fixture
A home inspector tests a food waste disposer and discovers that it make unusual noises. He or she should ?
Report the noise
A home inspector flips on the switch of a bathroom exhaust fan and heater. It does not operate. The home inspector should ?
Report the unit as deficient
You notice that the service drop and service entrance conductors are bare at the splice. You should ?
Report this as a safety hazard
Weep holes in masonry walls ?
Require a flashing at the bottom of the wall
Which of the following actions is not a requirement regarding branch circuit wiring ?
Required dismantle connection at junction boxes
Which action is required by most standards of practice during the plumbing inspection ?
Required to describe water supply and distribution piping materials
A trap primer ?
Requires an air gap
Wall finishes around wet areas such as bathtubs and showers should have all of the following features EXCEPT ?
Resilience
The electrical pressure that pushes through the wires is know as the ?
Resistance
A buttress ?
Resists lateral thrust
All of the following are common approaches to improving chimney draft EXCEPT ?
Resloping the cap
The most difficult design problem on high-efficiency boilers is the ?
Return water temperature is too hot
The purpose of the neutral wire is to ?
Returns 120V to the transformer
Which of the following is NOT an interior trim problem ?
Reverse sill slope
Another name for a 4-way is ?
Reversing valve
Which of the following components would be found on a heat pump but NOT on a central air-conditioning system ?
Reversing valve
Which of the following would NOT cause a column to shift ?
Rising damp
Which shape of meter base means a home definitely has a 60-amp electrical service ?
Round
All of the following are vent connector problems EXCEPT the vent connector ?
Run from the appliance to the chimney is too short
The liquid refrigerant line in a split-system air-conditioning system ?
Runs from the condenser to the expansion device
The problem with older steel galvanized pipes is that they ?
Rust internally, narrowing the diameter of the pipe
A panel is servicing an indoor pool area, and is in a mechanical room next to the pool. You should be looking for ?
Rust problem
The main item to watch for when inspecting the evaporative cooler is ?
Rusting and leaking of the various parts
What situation at the gas burner should cause the inspector to suspect a faulty heat exchanger ?
Rusting, flaking, and corrosion in the burner area
It is clear to Sam, a home inspector, on testing the water flow that the well pump is not working. How should he proceed ?
Sam should advise his clients of the problem and suggest they hire a well professional to further investigate the problem
Masonry walls may be any of these EXCEPT ?
Sandwich walls
If the main sewer line to the street is above level of the basement floor, what type of pump should be used to discharge black and gray water from the clothes washer, laundry tubs, and bathroom in the basement ?
Sanitary/solid waste pump
which of the following truss types will have two top chords and two bottom chords ?
Scissor
All of the following are common fireplace footing and foundation problems EXCEPT ?
Scorching
The function of interior doors include all of the following, EXCEPT ?
Security
A thumping or rumbling noise heard while a gas water heater is firing indicates ?
Sediment in the tank
Heat exchangers ?
Separate the combustion air from the house air
If a recessed area is noted in the stack flashing around the pipe, this is commonly caused by ?
Settlement of the stack
The most likely cause of a porch roof pulling away from a house wall is ?
Settlement, heaving or buckling of columns
The single-line jet pump is used for what kind of well ?
Shallow well
Bored wells are typically ?
Shallower than 100 feet
Which of the following is NOT a common problem on modified bitumen ?
Shattering
What is the likely cause of sag in roof sheathing where the trusses are 24 inches on center with a clear span of 36 feet ?
Sheathing is too thin
All of the following are panel wire problems EXCEPT ?
Sheathing removed
A flashlight can be used during wall inspection to ?
Shine parallel to the wall to look for irregularities
What is water hammer ?
Shock waves that occur in the pipes when water is turn off suddenly
All of the following terms can be used when discussing roof structures EXCEPT ?
Shoes
The steel lintel at the face of a wood-burning fireplace ?
Should be able to expand without cracking the masonry
Building code references ?
Should be avoided
Laundry tub pumps ?
Should be downstream of the laundry tub trap
An oil furnace in a garage ?
Should be installed at least 18 inches above the floor level
Asphalt shingles used as siding ?
Should be installed with six nails per shingle
Use of improper duct material in a range exhaust system ?
Should be reported as a deficiency
Joist hangers ?
Should fit tightly against the bottom of joists
The top end of an SE cable service ?
Should have a gooseneck before the splice
The inspection ?
Should include watching and evaluating clients reaction to your comments
Gas-fired water heaters ?
Should not be installed n bedroom or bedroom closet
All of the following statements about foundation drainage membranes are true, EXCEPT that they ?
Should not be installed on older foundation walls
Why might a deck or a driveway cause the frost depth to be greater than normal ?
Shoveled driveways or a deck prevent the insulating snow from limiting the frost depth
Random, hairline cracks in the concrete garage floor are usually caused by ?
Shrinkage during curing
The purpose of the outdoor-air temperature sensor on a heat pump is to ?
Shut down the heat pump when the outdoor temperature is too low
To determine if a beam is sagging ?
Sight along the underside of the beam along its length
Horizontal cracks in foundation walls are usually causes by all of the following EXCEPT ?
Sinking footings
What are the implications of a tail piece for a fixture that is too long ?
Siphoning of the trap
What maximum number of shut off for disconnecting all power for a main panel ?
Six
How far away from a cleanout door on an ash pit should combustible materials be kept ?
Six inches
How far should wires be kept from the metal vent connector on a gas appliance ?
Six inches
The required clearance from combustibles for a single-wall vent connector on a gas water heater is ?
Six inches
A main panel without a single "main" disconnect allow up to ?
Six shut off
Draping of concrete garage floor is usually caused by ?
Slab settlement at perimeter
Which material commonly imitates clay ?
Slate
Which roofing material lasts the longest ?
Slate
A reverse return system yields ?
Slightly more even heat distribution than a single-pipe system
Trap problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Slip joints
Common drainage piping problems include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Slope of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch per foot
Clogging of drainage piping can be caused by any of the following EXCEPT ?
Slope of 45 degree or more off horizontal
All of the following indicate leaking traps EXCEPT ?
Slow-draining fixtures
It important to stay in control of the inspection for all of the following reason EXCEPT ?
Some agents can show you up if you let them talk
Heat exchanger failure in a conventional efficiency furnace may lead to all of these EXCEPT ?
Soot building up on the burner-side of the heat exchanger
A roof truss that has been cut in order to accommodate a skylight can be resupported by ?
Special engineering design
The characteristics of a home inspector include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Specialist
What condition of a gas furnace should be reported as a safety hazard ?
Spillage from the draft diverted, blocked flue
Horizontal cast-iron piping is prone to ?
Splits on the top
A noisy dishwasher is usually the result of a ?
Sprayer arm
Footings that are continuous around the permitter of the house are called ?
Spread footing
Dormer flashings may include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Stack flashing
Where in the home might low window sills be a problem ?
Stairwell
Concrete tiles may be secured to the roof with any of these EXCEPT ?
Staples
When the heating system is at work, what would you expect to find in the radiators ?
Steam and water
Which of the following windows is most likely to suffer condensation and leakage problem ?
Steel casement
A properly operating "auto-reverse" feature should ?
Stop and reveres if an obstruction is sensed on the way down
The anticipator on a thermostat is used to ?
Stop the furnace early to reduce overheating of the house
All of the following are limitation to your wet-basement investigation EXCEPT ?
Storage may be kept off the floor
If the flange for a plumbing stack flashing appears to have pulled away from the roof, this would typically be causes by ?
Structural settlement of the house
Which of the following pumps definitely does NOT need priming ?
Submersible pump
If asked questions about the home that are outside your scope you should ?
Suggest where the client may get an answer to that question
NMD cable is ?
Suitable for dry indoor use
Chronically-wet basements are most often the result of ?
Surface water
New shingles applied in cold weather may be prone to ?
Tabs tearing off, because sealing strips don't hold
Direct-vent heating systems ?
Take combustion are from outside the dwelling
The pressure-reducing valve needs to be adjustable because ?
Tall houses need higher pressure settings
Leaks at bidets may be at any of the following locations EXCEPT ?
Tank lids
When a large number of coils are immersed directly into the boiler water to supply domestic for water, this is know as ?
Tankless coil system
You inspecting a flat roof with a rock ballast finish. You see an A/C platform sitting on tow 4 in. X 4 in. SPF boards ?
Tell the buyer that the 4x4 boards should be replace with pressure-tread wood
When inspecting a heat pump, the home inspector should ?
Test it in the cooling mode if the temperature is over 60 degrees
Clamp-on amp meters may be used on electric furnaces to check ?
That all the elements come on
All of the following are advantage of electric heat EXCEPT ?
That electric furnaces have greater capacity than gas or oil heat furnaces
Wires should not be run across the tops of ceiling joist in attic unless ?
The attic height is less than 40 inches
Garage door operators may fail to operate for any of the following reasons EXCEPT ?
The auto reverse sensitivity being set too low
Which of the following statements about smoke shelves and smoke chambers is NOT true ?
The back of the smoke chamber should never be vertical
Which statement about ceiling stains is FALSE ?
The best time to check a stain is after running the plumbing fixture above
In most frost areas ?
The bottom of the basement slabs rests on top of the footing
A home inspector should look for all of the following when examining a dryer vent EXCEPT ?
The brand of the dryer
Upon a call for heat for the thermostat, which components of a newer hydronic boiler are activated simultaneously ?
The burner and the circulating pump
Why is carpeting on wood porches considered to be a problem ?
The carpet can trap water next to the wood, promoting rot
The viewport shows that the back wall of the ceramic felt combustion chamber is no longer white. It is browned and stained. What is the likely cause of this discoloration ?
The ceramic felt is saturated with oil
Putting a penny in a fuse holder is dangerous because ?
The circuit has no overcorrect protection
Two reason for dedicated circuits are that ?
The circuit uses so much electricity, and the circuit is so important
The client is buying a home and their agent is scheduling the inspection, it is permissible for ?
The client to forward the report to the seller for repairs
You find an oil storage tank in the basement. The entire surface of the tank is rusting. What is the most likely cause ?
The clothes dryer vents into the tank area
Why does ice build up on the outdoor section of the heat pump ?
The cold outdoor air has high relative humidity
All of the following statements about mold in cold rooms are true, EXCEPT ?
The cold room should be sealed off and abandoned
All of the following statements about vinyl siding are true except one. Which one is FALSES ?
The color is on the surface only
What air-conditioning component function to put refrigerant gas under a high pressure ?
The compressor
Which of the following is NOT a common problem with a condenser collector system on a split-system air conditioner ?
The condensate goes into a 3/4 inch drain line
Splashing sound are heard when the thermostat is turned up and the induced-draft fan starts to run on a high-efficiency furnace. What is a likely concern ?
The condensate lines are blocked
The different between air-cooled and water-cooled air-conditioning lies within which system component ?
The condenser
Which air conditioning system component removes heat from the pressurized gas and chain ages the refrigerant to a liquid ?
The condenser
Several things may cause an evaporator cooler to leak. They include all of the following EXCEPT ?
The condenser trap may split
What is the most difficult problem to determine in a bathroom ?
The condition of the shower pan under base
All of the following contain description statements EXCEPT ?
The crawl space was not accessible
Common problems with gas fireplace inserts or gas logs include ?
The damper in the existing fireplace not being fixed open
Degree-days are ?
The day average temperature subtracted from 65F
Problems with drains for basement walkouts include all of the following EXCEPT ?
The drain is connected to a house floor drain system
Which of the following statements about evaporator fans in a split-system air conditioners is FALSE ?
The evaporator fan should move roughly 100 com of air for each ton of air conditioning
All of the following are basic components of an air-conditioning system EXCEPT ?
The expander
Which of the following statements about whole-house fans is FALSE ?
The fan operation is interlocked with the house heating thermostat
If they furnace blower stops running after the burners have shut off and then the blower turns back on without the burners being on, what is the most likely situation ?
The fan/limit control switch is not operating properly
All of the following contain implication statements EXCEPT ?
The faucets below the rim of the tub is a cross connection
All of the following are true with EIFS EXCEPT that ?
The finish coat is thicker than with traditional stucco
When you turn up the thermostat, the oil burner does not operate. You know that the electrical power to the furnace is on. What is NOT a likely concern ?
The fireboat having failed
Combustion in a direct-spark ignition, condensing gas furnace is sensed by ?
The flame sensor
All of the following are common problems with window wells EXCEPT ?
The floor of the well being 12 inches below the window
The fixture in the house that is going to have the weakest flow and draining is/are ?
The highest fixture in the house
Which below is the FALSE statements?
The home inspection profession has been around since 1930
All of the following contain scope statements EXCEPT ?
The home inspection was performed for the seller
The home inspector ultimate obligation is to ?
The home itself
In the operating sequence of a conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace, which step is out of sequence ?
The house air fan comes on
What feature on range-control knobs helps prevent children from turning them on ?
The knobs have to be pushed. In before turning them
A "flood coat " refers to ?
The layers of asphalt applied over the felts, into which gravel is embedded
Which of the following statements about leaking water heaters is NOT TRUE ?
The leaks are never a result of rusting
The flame of left burner in a two-burner, conventional efficiency furnace touches the heat exchanger when the blower is not running. What is likely to be problem ?
The left burner is misaligned
Which a/c refrigerant line is thinner, warm, and under high pressure ?
The liquid line between the condenser and the evaporator
All of the following contain condition statements EXCEPT ?
The overhead service entrance conductors are aluminum and rated for 100 amps
The term service drop defines ?
The overhead wires coming from the utility pole, to the point of connection, to the house
When replacing the panel cover, it's hard to get it back on without pinching or compressing the wires inside the box. you should conclude that ?
The panel is overcrowded
You come across a pressure-relief valve that is dripping. Which of the following is NOT a likely concern ?
The pipe extension is clogged
Common report components include all of the following EXCEPT ?
The plan review
While inspecting the attic of a row house built in the mid-1970s, you notice that the plywood next to the party wall is delaminating and has a white powder underneath. Which of the following might explain this ?
The plywood next to the party wall is probably FRT plywood. FRT plywood has been found to deteriorate prematurely
A copper #6 gauge cable has supplied a sub panel. The cable is protected by 60-amp breakers at the main panel. You should make sure that ?
The sub panel is rated to handle at least 60 amps
An energy cutoff in a water heater replaces ?
The temperature function of the TPR valve
Beside the thermostat, the main controls on a forced-air furnace are ?
The temperature limit control and fan control
Which of the following statement, with respect to vent connectors, is FALSE ?
The temperature of diluted exhaust products from conventional gas-fires furnaces is 500F to 700F
Which of the following is NOT a problem on a floor furnace ?
The thermostat is mounted in the same room as the furnace
Which of the following statements about air-conditioning thermostat is FASLE ?
The thermostat should be locate in the warmest room of the house in order to provide the best cooling
The three main controls on a gas furnace are ?
The thermostat, the limit control, and the fan control
Vulnerable spot in shower and bathtub enclosures include all of the following EXCEPT ?
The top of the tile where it joint the conventional wall finish
Which of the following statement about water heater discharge tubes for temperature/pressure-relief valves is NOT TRUE ?
The tubes cannot be plastic
All of the following contain action recommendation EXCEPT ?
The undersized gutters may result in wet basement problem
When a heat pump is installed as a retro-fit into an existing heat only system and the ducts are to small, what will happen
The unit is starved for return air
When a heat pump is installed as a retro-fit into an existing heat only system and the ducts are to small, what will happen ?
The unit is starved for return air
Masonry chimneys typically require bracing if ?
The unsupported tops are taller than 12 feet
Following the grounded conductor from the service box toward the street, you would find that it connects to ?
The utility's transformer
All of the following are vent connector problems on wood stoves EXCEPT ?
The vent connector is eight feet long
An early generation, mid efficiency gas furnace has a vent damper. Which of the following list of condition is NOT a safety concern ?
The vent damper is stuck open
Masonry walls may be prone to leaning outward at the top if ?
The wall is taller than the highest ceiling joists
In the metering device on an air-cooled air conditioner ?
The warm liquid changes to a cool liquid
Chimneys are designed to support ?
Their own weight
Girts in a bearing wall are necessary if ?
There are no finish on either side of the wall
Third party liability means that ?
There are people other than your client relying on your report
A clue that a new built-up roof was applied over the old flat roof is ?
There are two layers of drip edge flashings
Frost on the evaporator coil of a split-system air conditioner may mean that ?
There is a dirty air filter
If the vent length on a gas-fired water heater is to long, then ?
There is a possibility of poor drafting and spillage of combustion products
You inspect a 4 years old asphalt shingle roof. It seem well insulated and the attic is properly ventilated. Rough 25 percent of shingles show irregular cracks in the surface. You report that ?
There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened
Gravity, warm-air furnaces are difference from forced-air furnace in each of the following respects EXCEPT that ?
There is no high temperature limit switch
Which of the following is NOT a problem with water heaters ?
There is no isolating valve on the hot water outlet
Which of the following statements is true with respect to heat pumps ?
There may be two expansion devices
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of combination systems ?
These system typically oversized for both heating and domestic hot water, so there is a lot of capacity
Which of the following statements about heat exchangers in wood furnaces is FALSE ?
They are larger than oil furnace heat exchangers to improve heat transfer
Which of the following statements about mansard walls is FALSE ?
They are water-repellant
Which statement about nail pops is false ?
They can best be corrected by removing the nail
Which of the following statements about air-conditioning ducts is FALSE ?
They cannot be flexible ducts
Which of the following statements about combination domestic hot water and space heating systems is FALSE ?
They cannot be use with a radiant piping, heat-distribution system
Which of the following statements about electric water heaters is NOT TRUE ?
They do not require a sacrificial anode
Inspectors are allowed to inspect a property if ?
They identify all deficiencies found during the inspection
Which statements about flow measuring stations on HRVs is FALSE ?
They should be on the insulated ductwork
Which statement about balusters is FALSE ?
They should have minimum four-inch-wide spaces between them
Which of the following statements about evaporative coolers is FALSE ?
They use a recirculating duct system
A 14-gauge copper wire is protected by a 20-amp fuse. You should report that ?
This is a defect, and recommend improvement
You turn off the GFCI in one bathroom, and it kills the power to the receptacles in another bathroom. What do you report ?
This is acceptable
When firing up a steam system that has been turned off all summer. You hear a hissing sound ?
This is normal
At the drip loop you notice that the service drop conductors are smaller in diameter than the service entrance conductors. You should conclude that ?
This is normal situation and is acceptable
The bottom cap flashing for a masonry chimney has a single piece of metal let into the mortar joint and nailed to the shingle surface so that it wont't lift up. The flashing extends over the shingle surface approximately 4 inches. No leakage is evidence inside the home. You tell your client that ?
This is not an ideal installation as the nail holes may leak and movement of the roof deck relative to the chimney may pull the flashing out, but it is typical and acceptable. " Because the flashing has't been pulled yet, you recommend monitoring, rather than replacement
Apart from not providing a permanent seal, tarring over metal flashing is NOT desirable because ?
This may trap water and accelerate corrosion of the metal
A dishwasher may NOT drain properly because the ?
Timer may be faulty
You are inspecting a home built in 1950 and see a cloth covered conductor with a silver wire to a branch circuit. This would be ?
Tin-coated copper
What is the purpose of waiting 5 minutes before relighting a pilot that has gone out during the inspection ?
To allow gasses to dissipate and become diluted
Gas igniters for masonry fireplaces have ?
To be shut off manually
The purpose of the Emergency Heat switch on a heat pump is ?
To bypass the heat pump
Why should the home inspector lift or nudge the toilet bowl from side to side ?
To check if the toilet bowl is tight to the floor
Opening in panels and boxes should be sealed so that people don't inadvertently touch live electrical systems. There is another reason to keep these opening sealed. What is it ?
To help contain a fire inside the panel
What is the overall purpose of the electrical inspection ?
To identify major deficiencies in the electrical system
Which action is required during the cooling inspection according to the standard of practice ?
To inspect the cooling system equipment
The best way to determine whether a crack is active is ?
To monitor the crack over time
The true purpose of ventilation is ?
To remove warm air from the attic in the winter
A house that you are inspecting has an unit pilot. What is your requirement as an inspector ?
To report. that the pilot was out
What is not a function of the automatic gas valve on a gas burner ?
To respond to the thermostat to start and stop gas flow to the burners
In the service box, the underground service entrance wires should be connected ?
To the "line" side of the main switch
What is the purpose of the limit control on a hydronic boiler ?
To turn off the burner if temperatures exceed 200 degrees
Which of the following fixtures does NOT require a trap ?
Toilets
Common problems with any exterior cladding include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Too close to window openings
If the difference in temperature in the inlet and outlet piping at the condenser is too high, it's an indication that ?
Too little water is flowing into the condenser
Tread problems on stair include all of the following, EXCPET ?
Tread that is too wide
An underside air conditioner is better than an oversize one ?
True
Beams should be mechanically fastened to their supporting members ?
True
Evaluating the quality of the water available at a private source is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection ?
True
French doors have a tendency to be leaky and drafty ?
True
Gas hose are NOT permitted for connecting a gas range to the gas line ?
True
Gas-fired and oil-fired water heaters are NOT allowed in sleeping areas ?
True
Heat recovery ventilators are usually location in conditioned spaces ?
True
It is considered good practice to place a vapor barrier on an earthen crawl space floor ?
True
It is possible to find a sump pump running continuously with water in the sump ?
True
It is possible to have a pressure-relief valve that is too small for the boiler ?
True
Most garage floors are not structural ?
True
Outlets should be as far away from bathtubs and showers as possible ?
True
Pipe size should always increase as you move downstream and more fixtures join in ?
True
Polybutylene supply piping should NOT be closer than 18 inches to a water heater ?
True
Larger appliances usually have 240 volts ?
True - A 240-volt circuit is uses for larger appliances such as stoves, electric water heaters, electric clothes dryers, air conditions, and saunas
A whirlpool bath requires a ground-fault circuit interrupter ?
True - All whirlpool bathtubs should have a dedicated electric circuit protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter
Concrete tiles are often laid over a waterproof membrane on the roof ?
True - Concrete tiles often are laid over a waterproof membrane of roofing felts mopped into hot asphalt or ice and water shield
Appliance connectors found on gas ranges should NOT be longer than six feet ?
True - Connectors should be less than six feet, should not through walls, floors, or ceiling, and should be immediately preceded by a shutoff valve
Convictive stoves can usually be closer to combustible than can radiant stoves ?
True - Convective stoves are cooler than radiant stoves and are often permitted to have reduce combustible clearances
Factory-built fireplaces do NOT have a smoke shelf ?
True - Factory-built fireplaces usually do not have a smoke shelf or smoke chamber above the damper
Fireplaces can be build-in or free-standing ?
True - Fireplaces can be build into wall or as free-standing unit
A required component of home inspection report is recommended actions ?
True - Home inspection report should tell people what corrections and improve the need to be made
If the fireplace is raised, the hearth extension should be extended ?
True - If the fireplace is raised above floor level, it is good practice to extend the hearth further
Copper pipe can be connected in drain, waste, and vent systems with compression fitting ?
True - In addition to compression fittings, solder can be used to connect copper pipe in DWV system
Joists are often used to provide lateral support for solid masonry walls ?
True - Joists are often used to provide lateral support for solid masonry walls
Joists may sit on top of beams or be attached to the sides of beams ?
True - Joists may sit on top of beams or be attached to the sides of beams
Joists notched at their end are weaken than normal joists ?
True - Joists notched at their end are weaken than normal joists
Joists resting on foundation walls at or near grade level are prone to rot ?
True - Joists resting on foundation walls at or near grade level are prone to rot
Leaking skylights can lead to structure problems ?
True - Leaking skylight can lead to rot damage to framing members, weakening the structure in the area of the skylight
Leaving the heat turned up is a common mistake that home inspectors make ?
True - Leaving heat turned up is easy mistake to make after checking the heat system
The typical required combustible clearance between an oil burner and combustibles is 24 inches ?
True - Make sure that combustible are at least 24 inches from the oil burner
The presence of a sump pump may be a requirement of the municipality ?
True - Municipality require a sump pump if the storm sewers are higher than the lowest floor level
Knob-and-tube writing was commonly installed without junction boxes ?
True - Original knob-and tube spliced connections were not in junction boxes
Roll roofing in considered a temporary surface ?
True - Roll roof is a low quality system and often considered temporary
Some ovens have ability to operate at temperatures close to 1,000F, provide that the oven door has the ability to lock at these high temperatures ?
True - Self cleaning ovens must operate at very high temperatures during the cleaning cycle to turn spills into ash
Vent connectors other than B-vents require a six-inch clearance from combustibles ?
True - Single-wall vents require a six-inch combustible clearance. B-vents, which are double walled, with an air space between the walls, require only a one-inch clearance
Slate roofs are among the most expensive to install and maintain ?
True - Slate roofs are among the most expensive to install and maintain
An indirect plumbing connection that transfers wastewater from a washing machine to the waste plumbing system through a trap is referred to as a standpipe ?
True - Standpipes are common on laundry facilities to carry water from the washing machine hose into the waste plumbing system
Electric ranges take longer to heat up and cool down than gas burners ?
True - The biggest advantage of gas ranges is their ability to heat up and cool down very quickly
The typical temperature drop from outdoors to indoors with a properly operating air-conditioning system would be about 15 degree F ?
True - The difference in temperature between the conditioned air and the room air is about 15F to 20F
The larger refrigerant lie is called the return line ?
True - The larger refrigerant line called the return line or the suction line
The red and black wires of multiwire circuits should be on separate bus bars ?
True - The red and black wires of multiwire circuits should be on separate bus bars
The service box may stand alone or may be combined with the distribution panel ?
True - The service box may be a stand alone box or a combination panel ( also called a service panel )
The service size is determined by the amperage and voltage rating of the service ?
True - The size of the electrical service is a function of both the voltage and amperage
Hollow concrete blocks are weaken if laid on their side ?
True - The strength of hollow concrete blocks is greatly reduced if they are installed on their side
Best practice calls for lighting in stairs and hallways to include three-way switches ?
True - Three way switches allow for lights to be turned on and off from either end of a stairway or hallway
Every trap should be provided with some method of removal or cleaning ?
True - Traps should provided with method of removal or cleaning, as they may sometimes get clogged
Monoport burners are popular because they work equally well in any orientation ?
True - Upflow, downflow, and horizontal furnaces can use the same mono port burners
The vapor barrier should be on the warm side of the wall assembly ?
True - Vapor barrier should be warm side of the wall to prevent moisture from moving into the cooler space where it may condense and cause damage
The discharge pipe of a sump pump that discharge water outside the building at grade level can create a vicious circle ?
True - Water discharge adjacent to the building may find it was back into the sump, creating a cycle that doesn't get rid of any water
Vertical pipes at ends of runs are one method of preventing water hammer ?
True - Water hammer can be corrected by installing vertical pipes, at the ends of hot and cold runs, that extend up at least 12 inches beyond any fixture
One advantage of clients attending the home inspection is that showing is better than telling ?
True - When you find a significant problem or condition, it much easier to help clients understand by showing them as you tell them about it
With masonry walls, the lintel size is independent of the number of stories above ?
True - With masonry walls, the lintel carries the weight of the masonry immediately above the opening, not at all the stories above
Wall-framing problems are often tough to identify because wall-framing details usually are concealed ?
True - You normally can't see much of the wall framing directly, so problems are so difficult to identify and often base on deduction
Walls ovens typically have a lower volume than freestanding ovens ?
True - wall ovens typically have less capacity than freestanding ovens
The best way to determine if the automatic vent damper is operating correctly is to ?
Turn up the thermostat and check for spillage at the draft hood
Which of the following would NOT affect the amount of air available for combustion in a wood furnace ?
Turning on the dishwasher
If you drilled a hole through a properly laid asphalt-shingles roof, how many shingles would you go through ?
Two
If you have a gas furnace and a gas water heater in the basement and a gas furnace in the attic, how many flues do you need minimum for proper venting ?
Two
The R-value of a solid wood exterior door is roughly ?
Two
The R-valve of a conventional double glazed window is roughly ?
Two
In wood frame walls all of these may cause top plates to sag EXCEPT ?
Two-by-four top plates on a two-by-six wall
All of the following are types of steam systems except one. Which one is NOT ?
Two-pipe, reverse-flow system
Wood floor trusses ?
Typically have longer spans than dimension lumber
A listing agent is ?
Typically hired by the seller
Which of the following is not an acceptable grounding means ?
Underground gas pipe
Sagging joists can be the result of any of the following EXCEPT ?
Undersized decking
Common problems with expansion tanks on well and pump system include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Undersizing
Enclosures around bathtubs and shower stall are typically all of the following EXCEPT ?
Unlikely to allow leakage
You plug your circuit tester into an outlet that has a washing machine plugged into it. Your tester shows that the outlet is proper wired and grounded. How could you improve this inspection process ?
Unplug the washing machine
Radon gas is the result of a long series of radioactive decay that begins with the element ?
Uranium
Which insulation is controversial with respect to health issues ?
Urea formaldehyde
Which of the following statements is true with respect to wall furnaces ? They
Use BW Vents
All of these are a likely cause of an asphalt base flashing sagging EXCEPT ?
Use of improper fasteners
Which of the following is NOT a common problem with wood decks ?
Use of pressure treated lumber
The causes of unevenness in a concrete walkway include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Using concrete with entrained air
Ohm' s Law, the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a simple circuit, state that ?
V = IR
Heat distribution in hydronic systems can be balanced by adjusting the ?
Valves at each radiator
With respect to heat pumps, the coefficient of performance (COP) is ?
Variable with outdoor temperature
All of the following are common venting problems on gas and oil water heaters EXCEPT ?
Vent connector manifolds with vent connector from furnace
Which statement about venting roofs is FALSE ?
Venting roofs helps indoor air quality
Ridge flashings can also act as ?
Venting systems
Footing failures can most positively be diagnosed by ?
Vertical cracking in foundation walls
All of the following statements are tru of shrinkage cracks EXCEPT that ?
Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks
Common heat exchanger problems on mid efficiency and high-efficiency furnaces include all of the following EXCEPT ?
Vibration
Rusting or pitting of metal chimney walls may be related to ?
Water combining with insulation to form acid
Which of the following would you typically find on a hot water boiler ?
Water temperature and pressure gauge
Double trapping is a problem because the ?
Water velocity at the second trap is too low
The sub flooring material most likely to fail by swelling is ?
Waterboard
Which of the following is NOT a common material used for water-entry piping ?
Welded-steel pipe
At what point in an A/C cycle does the liquid turn to gas ?
When passing through the evaporator coil
What is a cross connection as it relates to plumbing ?
When waster water can be siphoned into the water supply system
Where trusses are used for a roof in a snowy region ?
Where there are two roof levels, snow may drift onto the lower roof adjacent to a wall extending above the roof. This concentrated load may cause sagging or even break truss members
All of the following statements are true about whirlpool baths EXCEPT that ?
Whirlpool baths are designed to have the pump operated with no water in the tub
Stucco ?
Will often have a drip screen at the bottom
A 40-50-year-old, galvanized-steel water supply system ?
Will probably show reduce water volume and pressure
A properly polarized circuit ?
Will result in the threaded collar of a lamp being neutral
Wood siding ?
Will wick moisture through the end grains
Most concrete foundation cracks occur at ?
Window corners
All of the following are signs of water problems in basements, EXCEPT ?
Window wells extending below windows
Why should knob-and-tube wiring never be covered with thermal insulation ?
Wires can become bare from rodents nibbling on them and from worn insulation
Which of the following was NOT a common radiant ceiling heating system ?
Wires embedded in lightweight concrete
Which of these wires i a home inspector required to inspect ?
Wiring for a clock receptacle
Which of the following is NOT an NEC requirement ?
Wiring should be run through wood framing members rather than stapled to the edges
Which of the following is a correct NEC requirement ?
Wiring should be secured to framing members within 12 inches on each side of boxes switches, and receptacles
Ice dams are most likely on roofs ?
With low slopes and wide overhangs
Supports for branch circuit wires are needed ?
Within 12 inches of leaving a box
Which single wall is most likely to contain both an arch and a lintel ?
Wood frame brick veneer
On which roof is interlay ( or interlayment ) most likely be found ?
Wood shake
For the purposes of inspection, fireplace inserts should be treated as ?
Wood stoves
From an energy-efficiency standpoint, which is the least-efficient appliance ?
Wood-burning fireplaces
Where you have found evidence of footing settlement, how can you predict whether there will be further settlement ?
You cannot predict settlement from a single inspection
Why island sinks difficult to vent ?
You don't want a vent pipe running up through center of kitchen
If the service entrance conduit is 2 inches, what conclusions can you draw as to the size of the electrical service ?
You would suspect a service greater than 100 A, but would have to confirm elsewhere
Which of the following statements about home inspector liability is TRUE ?
Your liability is greater if your buyer expectation are not realistic
The exhaust flue on a mid efficiency furnace should have a six-inch combustible clearance. On a high-efficiency furnace exhaust flue, the required clearance is ?
Zero inches
What is electrolytic corrosion ?
A process where two dissimilar metals connected in water give up ions and make a current
If the service pipe from a public source is galvanized steel, then ?
A scratch test will leave a dull scratch
Which type of pump is used to discharge waste from a basement toilet that is below the level of the sewer line ?
A sump pump
The discharge from a water heater temperature-pressure relief valve must ?
. Be the same diameter as the valve outlet . Be copper, Galvanized, PEX, or CPVC . Not run uphill
If a well is on-site and the home inspector agrees to complete a full well inspection on it, he/she should do which of the following ?
. Test for water quality . Examine the condition of the pressure tank . Perform a drawdown or yield test
Joists should have an bearing of at least ?
1 1/2 inches
Plumbing vent should be 12 inches from a parapet wall, a minimum of 6 inches above the roof, and 10 feet from the window ?
12; 6; 10
The examination of the absorption/leach field when inspecting a septic system is important because it ?
Is the only way to evaluate whether the system is functioning
To prevent scalding, water tanks should be set at no more than ?
120 degrees
What should the home inspector watch out for if a plastic S-trap is found under a sink in newer home or remodel ?
Handyman plumbing
In a atmospheric gas burner, the thermocouple ?
Senses the pilot flame
Low water pressure on the hot water side of a plumbing system may be related to the water heater because ?
Sludge may obstruct the dip tube
What happen to an electric water heater when the upper heating element burns out ?
The lower heating element won't function
You flush an upstairs toilet and notice a gurgle sound in the bathroom. All of the following can be causing it EXCEPT ?
A lack of venting
Which of the following statement about flue size is NOT true ?
A large flue is required for a taller chimney
What can be cause of the toilet tank constantly sending water into the bowl ?
A leaking flapper valve
Which type of supply pipe is soldered ?
Copper
Which type of water heater has the slowest recovery rate ?
Electric
The purpose of vent pipes in a drainage system is to ?
Ensure the proper flow of waste
What is the purpose of an anode rod in a water heater ?
It will corrode first, before the inside of the steel tank does
What type of supply piping has wiped joints ?
Lead
On examining a closed valley on an asphalt shingle roof, it is critical to ?
Lift up the shingles at the bottom of the valley to ensure there is roll roofing or a similar underlayment
Holes and notches in 2-by-4 studs in bearing walls ?
Must leave 2/3 of the stud depth intact
Which of the following types of supply piping is least likely to burst in freezing temperatures ?
PB
The most common exhaust pipe material used for high efficiency furnaces is ?
PVC
Which type of plastic piping is blue-gray and is labeled PB ?
Polybutylene
The heat exchanger on a hot water boiler can clog on the fire-side from ?
Poor burner adjustment
What condition should be reported as a safety hazard ?
Possible cross connection at the drain
What purpose of a trap under the sink is to ?
Prevent sewer gasses from traveling up the pipe into the room
DWV pipes are never truly horizontal because ?
They require a slope for drainage purposes
What is one the function of venting in the plumbing system ?
To allow sewer gasses to escape
What is the purpose of the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater ?
To allow supper heated water and excessive pressure to be released
What is the purpose of an air gap on a dishwasher ?
To protect against the contamination of the water supply
Function flow at a faucet is defined by ?
Whether enough water comes out of the faucet fast enough