TREC-National Prep Exam
The grounded plugs (three prong plugs) became standard for all branch circuits in the (a) 1930 (b) 1940 (c) 1950 (d) 1960
1960
Minimum clearance masonry chimney to combustible material? (a) 2" (b) 6" (c) 8" (d) 10"
2"
A knowledgeable inspector realizes that a fireplace chimney shall not be less than _____ above the point where the chimney passes through the roof. (a) 1 foot (b) 2 feet (c) 3 feet (d) 4 feet
3 feet
Considering proper receptacle locations, what is the longest length of a plug-in cord that you would expect to find? (a) 4 feet (b) 6 feet (c) 8 feet (d) 12 feet
6 feet
Which of the following conditions would be LEAST critical to your client's safety? (a) A pin hole in the heat exchanger (b) No handrails on an interior stairway (c) Lack of a pressure and temperature relief valve on the water heater (d) A non-reversing garage door opener
A pin hole in the heat exchanger
Which of the following steam systems is commonly converted to hot water? (a) A one pipe, up-feed system (b) A one pipe, down-feed system (c) A two pipe system (d) A one pipe, parallel flow system
A two pipe system
Inspections must include: (a) Design analysis (b) A written report (c) Architectural evaluation (d) Calculations of strength and adequacy of structural members
A written report
The best discharge point for a downspout is: (a) Below grade into a storm sewer (b) Below grade into a floor drain (c) Above grade six feet from the house (d) Six inches above grade, adjacent to the house
Above grade six feet from the house
Where is the expansion tank typically, in an open system? (a) Below the highest level radiator (b) Above the highest level radiator (c) Horizontal of the highest level radiator (d) Inside of the highest level radiator
Above the highest level radiator
How many receptacles can be installed in a lighting circuit? (a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 10 (d) As many as the installer wants to put on the circuit
As many as the installer wants to put on the circuit
Where should the water shut-off valve be located on a hot water heater? (a) At the cold water inlet (b) At the hot water outlet (c) A shut-off valve should not be used (d) None of the above
At the cold water inlet
What type of construction uses long studs that stretch from the sill to the rafter, uses a plate or ribbon to support second story floor joists, and uses fire-stops in the floors and walls? (a) Platform frame (b) Balloon frame (c) Gabled roof framing (d) Pier and beam construction
Balloon frame
Copper-tube boilers typically have: (a) Better heat transfer characteristics, and longer lifespans than cast-iron boilers (b) Better heat transfer characteristics, but shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers (c) Worse heat transfer characteristics, but longer lifespans than cast-iron boilers (d) Worse heat transfer characteristics, and shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers
Better heat transfer characteristics, but shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers
The grounded conductor in a circuit (a) Can be wired through a switch (b) Should be fused (c) Cannot be switched or interrupted in any way (d) None of the above
Cannot be switched or interrupted in any way
Common beam problems on porches include all of the following except: (a) Checking (b) Sag (c) Poor end support (d) Rot or insect damage
Checking
Standard three light electrical testers are NOT always reliable because: (a) Some receptacles only have two prongs (b) Three light testers sometimes have broken bulbs (c) Three light testers will not detect multiple wiring problems (d) Different test device manufactures have different light patterns
Different test device manufactures have different light patterns
The inspection should (a) Be done without the client present, if possible (b) Start with the bad news about the house to get it out of the way (c) Focus on the actions that people must take (d) Include a detailed description of deteriorated or inoperative systems and how they got
Focus on the actions that people must take
The implications of wet basement problems include all of the following, except: (a) Damaged interior finishes (b) Odors (c) Frost heaving of floors (d) Health hazards in the form of molds
Frost heaving of floors
These are all problems with fuses except: (a) Fuses bypassed (b) Fuse manufacturer and panel manufacturer different (c) Fuses loose (d) Fuse holder broken
Fuse manufacturer and panel manufacturer different
There are 4 air grills inset in the masonry fireplace; two are high, two are low - this is an indication of a: (a) Heatilator (b) Repair construction (c) Ventilation (d) Combustion air vents
Heatilator
Which of the following is a similarity between furnaces and boilers? (a) Piping (b) A low-level safety device (c) High-temperature limit switches (d) Backflow preventers
High-temperature limit switches
More serious cracks tend to be: (a) Horizontal (b) Diagonal (c) Vertical (d) Random
Horizontal
What type of heating system uses a circulating pump? (a) Forced air furnace (b) Forced air burner (c) Gravity coal furnace (d) Hot water heating system/Hydronic System
Hot water heating system/Hydronic System
Use of double cylinder dead bolts: (a) Require the use of key to exist for emergency exit (b) Impedes ingress in an emergency (c) Impedes egress in an emergency (d) Is a known safety practice to keep out burglars
Impedes egress in an emergency
All of the following are problems you'll commonly find on house air fans except: (a) Dirty (b) Poorly secured (c) Noisy or vibrating (d) Installed backwards
Installed backwards
To be valid, a home inspection contract must (a) Be written by an attorney (b) Provide for any contingencies (c) Involve an offer and acceptance (d) Define the relationship between home buyer and seller
Involve an offer and acceptance
All of the following are reasons to write reports, except: (a) The Standards require it (b) It avoids having to make good verbal presentations (c) They help your client review what you have said (d) Liability control
It avoids having to make good verbal presentations
List the four safety controls found on hydronic systems: (a) Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, low-water cutout, backflow preventer (b) Low temperature limit, high water cut out, backflow preventer, pressure relief valve (c) Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, water cutoff, back flow preventer (d) Pressure relief, high temperature limit, low water cutout, back flow preventer
Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, low-water cutout, backflow preventer
When a bedroom window has security bars installed, the inspector should (a) Report hindrance to emergency egress (b) Contact emergency contractor (c) Use key to open for exit (d) Say nothing since it's not part of the inspection
Report hindrance to emergency egress
What does a heat pump have that an AC unit does not? (a) Reversing valve (b) High pressure line (c) Low pressure line (d) Supplemental heat
Reversing valve
Low roof slope is a possible problem with all these materials except: (a) Asphalt shingles (b) Wood shingles (c) Wood shakes (d) Roll roofing
Roll roofing
Which one is always included in the inspection contract? (a) Name of E&O carrier (b) Limit of liability to seller (c) Written guarantee (d) Scope of work
Scope of work
Geological faults occur in many areas in Texas. As an inspector you: (a) Should say nothing since geological faults are too deep to be observed (b) Can refer to a Richter Scale survey map for each city to find the fault locations (c) Are expected to visually observe faults (d) Pray you don't get this question
Should say nothing since geological faults are too deep to be observed
Common drainage problems include all of the following except: (a) Clogged (b) Poor support (c) Cross connections (d) Slopes of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot
Slopes of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot
What do roof guards help to prevent? (a) Lightning strikes (b) Hail damage (c) Snow slides (d) Roof leaks
Snow slides
On a conventional shingled roof, which direction will show more deterioration? (a) South (b) East (c) West (d) North
South
Common failure modes for asphalt shingles include all of these except: (a) Spalling (b) Cracking (c) Blisters (d) Loss of granules
Spalling
Moisture penetration through the foundation wall can cause the foundation to flake off on the interior. This condition is called: (a) Popcorn cement (b) Honeycombing (c) Cold joints (d) Spalling
Spalling
A cracked heat exchanger or rusty burners can cause the formation of carbon monoxide. What other situation could result in the formation of this dangerous gas? (a) Dirty filters (b) Bad blower motor (c) Spillage (d) Lack of return air
Spillage
Home inspectors- (a) Must disclose an interest in a business which may affect the client (b) Having disclosed any interest in a business which may affect the client, must decline to perform the inspection (c) May use the home inspection to gather referral work in other fields (d) May waive the home inspection fee if a repair contract on the home is subsequently signed between the client and home inspector
Must disclose an interest in a business which may affect the client
Which of the following statements applies to notching or putting holes in truss members? (a) Holes should be no more than 1/3 of the depth of the member. (b) Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss. (c) Holes are permitted only in the middle third of the bottom chord of a truss. (d) Holes and notches are not permitted in the top or bottom chord but are permitted in the webs.
Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss
In a two-story Victorian home with a boiler in the basement you find a pressure-reducing valve set to 12 psi. Is there a possibility that his valve is set too low? (a) Yes (b) No
No
Common faucet problems include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Stiff (c) Loose (d) No isolating valves
No isolating valves
Walls may perform all of these functions except: (a) Support roofs (b) Support masonry chimneys (c) Support other walls (d) Resist wind loads
Support masonry chimneys
Which of the following is a simple test on an operating conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace that should always be performed? (a) Test the exhaust for carbon monoxide (b) Test the temperature drop from the beginning to the end of the vent connector (c) Test for spillage at the draft hood (d) Test for excessive vibration of the house air fan by touching the fan
Test for spillage at the draft hood
Boilers with tank-less coil domestic water heaters are inefficient because: (a) The coil is susceptible to scaling (b) The boiler water is too cold to provide adequate hot domestic water (c) The boiler needs to stay hot all summer (d) Contamination can occur in between the boiler water and the domestic water
The boiler needs to stay hot all summer
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? (a) Airflow is restricted (b) Heat transfer is inhibited (c) Cooling is inadequate (d) The condenser coil may ice up and be damaged
The condenser coil may ice up and be damaged
All of the following are common sump pump problems except: (a) Inoperative (b) Short cycling (c) Running continuously (d) The discharge point is above grade level
The discharge point is above grade level
Where does a steel sink usually "rust out" and leak? (a) Over flow channel (b) Sink rim (c) Bowl clamps (d) Drain control
Over flow channel
Which of the following is not a common problem with an air conditioner compressor? (a) Out of level (b) Excess noise or vibration (c) Inoperative (d) Overcooling the Freon in the condenser
Overcooling the Freon in the condenser
A house has service entrance conductors designed for 100 amps and a main disconnect rated at 100 amps. Which of these conditions is unsafe? (a) The service entrance box is rated at 125 amps (b) The service box is rated at 75 amps (c) The distribution panel is rated at 125 amps (d) The distribution panel is rated at 200 amps
The service box is rated at 75 amps
When a black steel pipe is extended with copper pipe, what can occur? (a) The steel pipe may rust at the connection due to galvanic reaction (b) The circulator may not be able to overcome the pressure change at the junction (c) The copper pipe will wear through with the friction force of the water (d) The copper pipe will rust because of the galvanic reaction
The steel pipe may rust at the connection due to galvanic reaction
The cable is protected by 60 amp breakers at the main panel. You should make sure that (a) The cable is protected in a ventilated metal raceway (b) The cable is in rigid conduit (c) The cable is no longer than three feet (d) The subpanel is rated to handle at least 60 amps
The subpanel is rated to handle at least 60 amps
Why is a tank-less-coil water heater called an indirect water heater? (a) The water in the tank-less is heated by heat, rather than a boiler (b) The water in the tank-less is heated by steam, rather than a flame (c) The water in the tank-less coil is heated by boiler water, rather than a flame (d) The water in the tank-less coil is heated by diluted water, rather than a flame
The water in the tank-less coil is heated by boiler water, rather than a flame
Which of the following is not a problem with water heaters? (a) The baffle or turbulator is missing on a gas or oil fired water heater (b) There is no isolating valve on the cold water inlet (c) The tank is leaking (d) There is no isolating valve on the hot water outlet
There is no isolating valve on the hot water outlet
Which of the following statements is true with respect to heat pumps? (a) The compressor must be outdoors (b) The compressor must be indoors (c) There may be two expansion devices (d) The expansion device must be indoors
There may be two expansion devices
All of the following are common glass problems, except: (a) Thermally broken (b) Lost seal (c) Excess condensation (d) Cracked glass
Thermally broken
All of the following statements are true about whirlpool baths except: (a) They are filled and drained with each use (b) They have a dedicated hot water heating system (c) They are used for cleaning people (d) There is no chemical treatment system
They have a dedicated hot water heating system
Gas water heaters will not have (a) a water supply shutoff valve (b) a discharge pipe extended from the pressure relief valve (c) an 18 inch raised platform if installed in the garage (d) a barometric damper
a barometric damper
A Steam Heating System is a type of: (a) forced warm air system (b) hydraulic system (c) resistance heating system (d) radiant heating system
hydraulic system
Most radiant heating systems are located (a) in the ceiling (b) in the floors (c) on exterior walls below windows (d) in light weight concrete panels
in the ceiling
The main difference between a laundry tub pump and a sump pump is (a) laundry tub pumps can handle lint (b) sump pumps are laundry capacity (c) laundry tub pumps operate on 120 volt, and sump pumps operate only on 240v power (d) sump pumps are manual, and laundry tub pumps are automatic
laundry tub pumps can handle lint
Which group of terms does not go together? (a) pier, column, truss (b) rafter, truss, purlin (c) joist, beam, girder (d) stud, header, sill
pier, column, truss
Squeaking subflooring is an indication of (a) overspanned joists (b) undersized beams (c) poor fastening of subfloors (d) undersized subfloors
poor fastening of subfloors
The exhaust connection at the temperature relief valve: (a) can be connected to PVC pipe (b) does not require an exhaust pipe (c) should be reduced to a smaller pipe (d) cannot be reduced to a smaller pipe
cannot be reduced to a smaller pipe
What is the normal operating pressure in a boiler? (a) 2 to 5 psi (b) 5 to 9 psi (c) 12 to 15 psi (d) 9 to 12 psi (e) 15 to 18 psi
12 to 15 psi
Typical backflow device life on a sprinkler system: (a) 2 years (b) 5 years (c) 8 years (d) 12 years
12 years
In most areas, for what distance can service entrance wires run inside the building before going into the service box, without special permission? (a) 5 feet (b) 10 feet, if in conduit (c) 0 feet, or as short as possible (d) Maximum of 3 feet
0 feet, or as short as possible
It is important to maintain a positive grade away from the structure of at LEAST ______ inch drop per foot for six feet. (a) 1/4 (b) 1/2 (c) 3/4 (d) 1
1
What is the minimum "B" _____ vent slope? (a) 1/8" (b) 1/4" (c) 1/2" (d) 3/4"
1/4"
A condensing type of furnace: (a) Often uses plastic pipe for venting (b) Is designed to drain condensate (c) Often uses an induced fan (d) All of the above
All of the above
When an evaporator coil is installed in an attic: (a) Both a primary and a secondary drain line are required (b) A secondary drain line must terminate at a location visible to the homeowner (c) A drain pan is required if the evaporator coil only has provisions for a primary drain connection (d) All of the above
All of the above
Stating that access is the responsibility of the client should be: (a) Report (b) Summary statement (c) Yellow Page (d) An agreement or contract
An agreement or contract
All of the following are common cabinet problems, except: (a) Defective hardware (b) Stiff or inoperative drawers (c) Doors or drawers missing or loose (d) Concealed hinges
Concealed hinges
Which of the following BEST describes the report statement shown below? "The roof is in good condition for its age." (a) Conclusion (b) Recommendation (c) Description (d) Disclaimer
Conclusion
Where a roof abuts next to a vertical brick wall, what is required at the brick to prevent water penetration? (a) Flashing (b) Counter-flashing (c) Lots of caulking (d) Crickets
Counter-flashing
What material cannot be used for potable water? (a) PVC (b) ABS (c) DWV (d) Copper
DWV
Regulating device on the house side of the water meter is used to: (a) Increase pressure (b) Decrease pressure (c) Increase flow rate (d) Decrease flow rate
Decrease pressure
All of the following are common problems found on gas piping except: (a) Leaks (b) Excess pressure (c) Rusting (d) No drip leg
Excess pressure
Common problems with sinks and basins include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Excess pressure (c) Rust (d) Loose
Excess pressure
Which of the following is not a common problem with exterior trim? (a) Rot (b) Reverse sill slope (c) Excessive sill projection (d) Deteriorated caulking
Excessive sill projection
All of the following are common HRV problems except: (a) Missing filters (b) Dirty heat exchanger core (c) Lack of a trap in the condensate drain (d) Flow measuring stations located on warm side ducts
Flow measuring stations located on warm side ducts
What would you tell a client about a retaining wall that is leaning over but not broken, cracked, or damaged? (a) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. (b) It is easy to tell as an inspector, from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist. (c) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Straight walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist. (d) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist.
It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist.
Home inspectors should not turn on plumbing systems that have been turned off for all of the following reasons except which one? (a) There may be a leak in the piping (b) It is the client's responsibility (c) There may be a leak at the fixture (d) There may be a leak at the water heater
It is the client's responsibility
What is a Barometric damper? (a) Humidifier (b) It is used to control the flow of air (c) Dynamically for control for severe weather changes (d) Combustion for thermal stat for split system
It is used to control the flow of air
The problems with aluminum wiring include all of the following except: (a) It tends to creep (b) Some of the early aluminum wiring was low quality (c) It lacked a ground wire (d) The aluminum oxide is not a good conductor of electricity
It lacked a ground wire
You can check the thickness of the flooring, the subfloor material and its thickness: (a) By referring to building plans (b) Lifting out a supply air register (c) Asking the owner (d) Measuring the overall floor thickness and subtracting the joists
Lifting out a supply air register
To determine if a switch or receptacle is acceptable for both aluminum and copper wiring: (a) These devises are approved for copper or aluminum but not both (b) Look for the CO/ALR identification that is usually found at the yoke (c) Pull the devise from the box and check screw connections (d) All switches and receptacles are approved for use with copper or aluminum
Look for the CO/ALR identification that is usually found at the yoke
Common toilet problems include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Low water pressure (c) Loose (d) Flush mechanism inoperative
Low water pressure
What is the purpose of the bleed valve near the top of the radiator? (a) It does not have a purpose (b) This allows the homeowner to fill the radiator with water (c) This allows the homeowner to remove trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively (d) This allows the homeowner to seal trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively
This allows the homeowner to remove trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively
What happens when two draft diverters are installed in the flue of a gas hot water heater? (a) This can cause a back-draft (b) This improves draft (c) This has no effect on draft (d) This improves the water heater's efficiency
This can cause a back-draft
A 14-gauge copper wire is protected by a 20-amp fuse. You should report that: (a) This is a defect, and recommend improvement (b) This is always allowable (c) This indicates poor wiring (d) This may be acceptable, depending on what the circuit load is
This is a defect, and recommend improvement
All of the following statements are true of shrinkage cracks except: (a) Shrinkage cracks typically do not go into the footings (b) Shrinkage cracks do not necessarily have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building (c) Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks (d) Shrinkage cracks are common with poured concrete foundation walls
Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks
What non-contact tool could be used to test for live or underground circuit? (a) Voltage detector (b) Clamp meter (c) Moisture meter (d) Surge protector
Voltage detector
Most problems with exterior cladding involve: (a) Air leakage (b) Heat loss (c) Vapor diffusion (d) Water penetration
Water penetration
Ice dam evidence includes everything listed here except: (a) Icicles hanging from soffits (b) Electric heating cables (c) Siding discoloration starting at the soffit (d) Water running down along rafters from peak
Water running down along rafters from peak
How should non-metallic cable sheathing be repaired? (a) Wrap with electrical tape (b) Replace mastic tape (c) Replace cable (d) Leave it alone
Wrap with electrical tape
The client mentions that hidden damage/repair was made after construction: (a) Ignore the fact (b) Write up repair disclosed by Seller (c) Write up for engineering review (d) Write nothing as there is no sign of damage
Write nothing as there is no sign of damage
If there is no water in the boiler, the low water cutouts prevents the (a) circulator from operating (b) burner from firing (c) pressure reducer from adding water (d) entrapment of air in the air separator
burner from firing
High efficiency gas furnaces installed in old ductwork tend to have (a) higher maintenance (b) excess temperature rise (c) shorter life spans (d) all of the above
shorter life spans