NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam Practice Test 2026–2027
| Complete Study Guide | Verified Questions & Correct Answers
Prepare for the NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam with this comprehensive practice test
featuring verified questions, correct answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide covers
essential topics including building maintenance, plumbing, electrical systems, carpentry,
painting, safety procedures, work orders, tools and equipment, and preventive maintenance
practices. Designed to reinforce job-related knowledge and improve test-taking confidence, the
material reflects the key competencies commonly assessed on the NYCHA Maintenance Worker
examination. Ideal for candidates seeking employment with the New York City Housing
Authority and looking for a reliable resource to prepare for and successfully pass the exam.
Question 1
A tenant reports a faucet that drips constantly. Approximately how many gallons of
water can be wasted in one week from a faucet dripping at one drop per second?
A) 7 gallons
B) 21 gallons
C) 50 gallons
D) 100 gallons
*Rationale: One drop per second equals about 3 gallons per day × 7 days = 21 gallons
per week. Repairing leaks promptly conserves water and prevents damage.*
Question 2
What is the most likely cause of a toilet that runs continuously?
A) Clogged drain
B) Faulty flapper valve
C) Low water pressure
D) Cracked bowl
Rationale: A worn or misaligned flapper fails to seal, allowing water to leak from tank to
bowl. This is the most common toilet repair.
,Question 3
A tenant has no hot water in the bathroom sink, but hot water works in the kitchen.
What is the most likely cause?
A) Water heater failure
B) Faulty faucet cartridge or valve
C) Frozen pipe
D) Main water shut-off closed
Rationale: Since hot water works elsewhere, the water heater is fine. The problem is
isolated to the bathroom sink, pointing to a failed cartridge or valve in that faucet.
Question 4
What tool is best for tightening a packing nut on a leaking faucet stem?
A) Pipe wrench
B) Adjustable wrench
C) Channel-lock pliers
D) Basin wrench
Rationale: An adjustable wrench is commonly used for packing nuts. A basin wrench is for
under-sink nuts; channel-locks may damage the nut. A pipe wrench is too heavy.
Question 5
What is the minimum required slope for a horizontal drain pipe (2-inch diameter) per
NYC plumbing code?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
,*Rationale: Standard code requires 1/4 inch per foot for pipes 3 inches or less. This
ensures proper flow and prevents solids from settling.*
Question 6
A tenant reports a sewer gas smell coming from a floor drain. The most likely cause is:
A) Clogged drain
B) Dry trap
C) Broken pipe
D) Leaking wax ring
Rationale: Floor drain traps can dry out if not used regularly. Pouring water into the drain
refills the trap and stops gases.
Question 7
What type of pipe is commonly used for waste lines in NYCHA buildings?
A) Copper
B) Cast iron
C) PEX
D) PVC
Rationale: Cast iron is standard for waste lines due to its durability and sound-deadening
properties. PVC is used in some modern construction but less common in older NYCHA
buildings.
Question 8
A circuit breaker trips immediately when reset. What should you do first?
, A) Replace the breaker
B) Unplug all devices on that circuit and reset
C) Call an electrician
D) Tape the breaker in the ON position
Rationale: Unplugging devices isolates whether the problem is an overload or short. If it
holds, plug devices back one at a time to find the culprit.
Question 9
What color wire is the grounded (neutral) conductor in residential wiring?
A) Black
B) White
C) Green
D) Red
Rationale: White is standard for neutral. Black or red are hot (live). Green or bare copper is
ground.
Question 10
A light fixture works intermittently. The most likely cause is:
A) Burned out bulb
B) Loose wire connection
C) Wrong wattage bulb
D) Faulty switch
Rationale: Intermittent operation suggests a loose connection. Check wire nuts and
terminal screws. A burned bulb (A) would not work at all.
Question 11
| Complete Study Guide | Verified Questions & Correct Answers
Prepare for the NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam with this comprehensive practice test
featuring verified questions, correct answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide covers
essential topics including building maintenance, plumbing, electrical systems, carpentry,
painting, safety procedures, work orders, tools and equipment, and preventive maintenance
practices. Designed to reinforce job-related knowledge and improve test-taking confidence, the
material reflects the key competencies commonly assessed on the NYCHA Maintenance Worker
examination. Ideal for candidates seeking employment with the New York City Housing
Authority and looking for a reliable resource to prepare for and successfully pass the exam.
Question 1
A tenant reports a faucet that drips constantly. Approximately how many gallons of
water can be wasted in one week from a faucet dripping at one drop per second?
A) 7 gallons
B) 21 gallons
C) 50 gallons
D) 100 gallons
*Rationale: One drop per second equals about 3 gallons per day × 7 days = 21 gallons
per week. Repairing leaks promptly conserves water and prevents damage.*
Question 2
What is the most likely cause of a toilet that runs continuously?
A) Clogged drain
B) Faulty flapper valve
C) Low water pressure
D) Cracked bowl
Rationale: A worn or misaligned flapper fails to seal, allowing water to leak from tank to
bowl. This is the most common toilet repair.
,Question 3
A tenant has no hot water in the bathroom sink, but hot water works in the kitchen.
What is the most likely cause?
A) Water heater failure
B) Faulty faucet cartridge or valve
C) Frozen pipe
D) Main water shut-off closed
Rationale: Since hot water works elsewhere, the water heater is fine. The problem is
isolated to the bathroom sink, pointing to a failed cartridge or valve in that faucet.
Question 4
What tool is best for tightening a packing nut on a leaking faucet stem?
A) Pipe wrench
B) Adjustable wrench
C) Channel-lock pliers
D) Basin wrench
Rationale: An adjustable wrench is commonly used for packing nuts. A basin wrench is for
under-sink nuts; channel-locks may damage the nut. A pipe wrench is too heavy.
Question 5
What is the minimum required slope for a horizontal drain pipe (2-inch diameter) per
NYC plumbing code?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
,*Rationale: Standard code requires 1/4 inch per foot for pipes 3 inches or less. This
ensures proper flow and prevents solids from settling.*
Question 6
A tenant reports a sewer gas smell coming from a floor drain. The most likely cause is:
A) Clogged drain
B) Dry trap
C) Broken pipe
D) Leaking wax ring
Rationale: Floor drain traps can dry out if not used regularly. Pouring water into the drain
refills the trap and stops gases.
Question 7
What type of pipe is commonly used for waste lines in NYCHA buildings?
A) Copper
B) Cast iron
C) PEX
D) PVC
Rationale: Cast iron is standard for waste lines due to its durability and sound-deadening
properties. PVC is used in some modern construction but less common in older NYCHA
buildings.
Question 8
A circuit breaker trips immediately when reset. What should you do first?
, A) Replace the breaker
B) Unplug all devices on that circuit and reset
C) Call an electrician
D) Tape the breaker in the ON position
Rationale: Unplugging devices isolates whether the problem is an overload or short. If it
holds, plug devices back one at a time to find the culprit.
Question 9
What color wire is the grounded (neutral) conductor in residential wiring?
A) Black
B) White
C) Green
D) Red
Rationale: White is standard for neutral. Black or red are hot (live). Green or bare copper is
ground.
Question 10
A light fixture works intermittently. The most likely cause is:
A) Burned out bulb
B) Loose wire connection
C) Wrong wattage bulb
D) Faulty switch
Rationale: Intermittent operation suggests a loose connection. Check wire nuts and
terminal screws. A burned bulb (A) would not work at all.
Question 11
