Practice Test Geeks(ASHI) ASHI Certified Home Inspector Practice Test
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Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems flashcards as text

  1. What is the minimum required slope for a horizontal drain pipe in a residential plumbing system?

    Answer: 1/4 inch per foot

    Horizontal drain pipes require a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot to ensure adequate flow and self-cleaning velocity.

  2. During a home inspection, you observe a water heater flue pipe with a 1-inch clearance to combustibles. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Report it as a safety hazard requiring correction

    Single-wall flue pipes must maintain at least 6 inches of clearance from combustibles, making 1 inch a reportable fire hazard.

  3. A 200-amp residential electrical service panel is inspected and found to have double-tapped breakers. Which statement is most accurate?

    Answer: Some breakers are listed for double-tapping; the inspector should note it and defer to an electrician

    Certain breakers (e.g., Square D QO series) are listed to accept two conductors, so an inspector should note the condition and recommend electrician evaluation.

  4. What does a high-pitched squealing noise from an HVAC air handler most commonly indicate?

    Answer: Failing blower motor bearings

    A high-pitched squeal from an air handler typically signals worn or failing blower motor bearings requiring service.

  5. Which pipe material is identified by its purple/lavender color and is commonly found in older mobile homes?

    Answer: Polybutylene

    Polybutylene pipe, often gray but sometimes marked with purple fittings, was widely used 1978–1995 and is known for premature failure.

  6. An inspector finds a GFCI outlet in a bathroom that does not trip when tested. What should the inspector report?

    Answer: The GFCI protection is non-functional and should be evaluated by an electrician

    A GFCI that fails to trip when tested is not providing shock protection and must be reported as a safety deficiency.

  7. What is the primary function of a pressure-balancing valve in a shower?

    Answer: To prevent scalding when a toilet is flushed by maintaining temperature balance

    A pressure-balancing valve maintains a set ratio of hot to cold water so a sudden pressure drop (e.g., toilet flush) does not cause scalding.