NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam Practice Test 2026–2028
| 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 that a standard double-hung window will not stay open and falls shut
immediately. Which window component most likely needs to be replaced or adjusted?
A) The window sash lock
B) The window casing
C) The window sash balance
D) The window stool
Rationale: The window sash balance is the spring-loaded or counterweighted
mechanism hidden inside the frame that offsets the weight of the window sash. When it
fails, gravity pulling the window down is no longer countered, causing the window to
slam shut.
Question 2
When replacing a section of broken copper pipe in a building's steam heating system,
which material is required to ensure a leak-free soldered joint?
A) Teflon tape
B) Flux and lead-free solder
C) Pipe dope
D) Silicon caulk
Rationale: Soldering (sweating) copper pipes requires flux to clean the metal surfaces
and prevent oxidation during heating, allowing the lead-free solder to melt and draw into
,the joint by capillary action. Teflon tape and pipe dope are used exclusively for threaded
joints.
Question 3
A maintenance worker needs to completely shut off the water supply to an entire
apartment line for emergency plumbing repairs. Which type of valve should be utilized?
A) Needle valve
B) Gate valve
C) Globe valve
D) Check valve
Rationale: Gate valves are designed to fully open or fully close the flow of water with
minimal restriction, making them ideal as main isolation shut-off valves. Globe and
needle valves are used to regulate or throttle flow, while check valves prevent backflow.
Question 4
While troubleshooting a dead electrical outlet in a NYCHA apartment unit, you trip the
digital multimeter (DMM) internal fuse. What most likely caused this?
A) Testing AC voltage while on the AC voltage setting
B) Testing voltage while the test leads were plugged into the amperage jacks
C) Testing resistance on a de-energized circuit
D) Testing DC voltage with reversed polarity leads
Rationale: Connecting a meter across a live voltage source while the test leads are
plugged into the low-resistance amperage (A/mA) inputs creates a direct short-circuit,
which safely blows the meter's internal fuse to protect the user and the device.
Question 5
According to OSHA and standard NYCHA safety protocols, what must a maintenance
worker do immediately before performing mechanical repairs on a commercial exhaust
fan motor?
A) Wear heavy-duty leather welding gloves
B) Apply lubricant to the motor bearings
,C) Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
D) Reset the main building circuit breaker
Rationale: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) ensures the hazardous electrical and mechanical
energy sources are completely isolated, locked, and tagged out before servicing
equipment. This strictly prevents accidental re-energization and severe injury.
Question 6
A drain line under a kitchen sink is leaking heavily at a PVC slip-joint connection. What
is the correct initial repair step?
A) Wrap the joint tightly with electrical tape
B) Cover the leak with waterproof silicone sealant
C) Loosen the nut, replace the rubber slip washer, and hand-tighten the nut
D) Apply PVC primer and cement directly over the leaking thread
Rationale: Tubular slip-joints under sinks rely on a rubber or plastic compression
washer squeezed by a slip-nut to form a watertight seal. If it leaks, the washer is usually
worn or misaligned. PVC cement is only for permanent, solvent-welded pressure joints.
Question 7
You are instructed to secure a heavy wood shelving unit to a hollow drywall partition
wall where no wall studs are accessible. Which fastener provides the highest holding
power?
A) Plastic drywall anchor
B) Toggle bolt
C) Finishing nail
D) Coarse-thread drywall screw
Rationale: Toggle bolts feature spring-loaded wings that expand completely behind the
hollow drywall sheet, distributing the weight across a much larger surface area. This
provides drastically superior holding capacity compared to standard screws or plastic
anchors.
Question 8
, When mixed with water to patch an interior concrete floor, what property of hydraulic
cement makes it unique compared to standard mortar?
A) It takes 24 hours to set completely
B) It expands as it cures and sets underwater
C) It cannot be used on vertical surfaces
D) It stays flexible after drying to absorb vibrations
Rationale: Hydraulic cement is uniquely formulated to expand slightly as it cures,
allowing it to lock tightly into cracks and holes. It sets extremely quickly (often under 5
minutes) and can cure completely even while submerged in flowing water, making it
ideal for active leaks.
Question 9
Before clearing a stubborn blockage in a main sewer line with an electric drain snake,
what critical safety item must the operator wear to prevent hand entanglement injuries?
A) Thin nitrile medical gloves
B) Heavy-duty leather or reinforced canvas gloves
C) High-voltage rubber lineman gloves
D) Loose-fitting wool winter gloves
Rationale: The high torque and rotating action of a steel drain snake cable can easily
catch and wrap around soft fabrics or thin rubber, causing severe finger injuries. Heavy
leather or specialty reinforced canvas gloves provide the necessary protection and slip
resistance.
Question 10
A maintenance worker notices a slow drip coming from the packing nut of a brass gate
valve. What is the most efficient first step to stop the leak?
A) Replace the entire valve body
B) Slightly tighten the packing nut with a wrench
C) Apply plumber's putty around the valve stem
D) Turn off the main water line and drain the system
Rationale: Slow leaks at the valve stem are usually caused by loose packing material.
Slightly tightening the packing nut compresses the packing washers around the stem,
stopping the drip without needing to isolate the line or replace any parts.
| 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 that a standard double-hung window will not stay open and falls shut
immediately. Which window component most likely needs to be replaced or adjusted?
A) The window sash lock
B) The window casing
C) The window sash balance
D) The window stool
Rationale: The window sash balance is the spring-loaded or counterweighted
mechanism hidden inside the frame that offsets the weight of the window sash. When it
fails, gravity pulling the window down is no longer countered, causing the window to
slam shut.
Question 2
When replacing a section of broken copper pipe in a building's steam heating system,
which material is required to ensure a leak-free soldered joint?
A) Teflon tape
B) Flux and lead-free solder
C) Pipe dope
D) Silicon caulk
Rationale: Soldering (sweating) copper pipes requires flux to clean the metal surfaces
and prevent oxidation during heating, allowing the lead-free solder to melt and draw into
,the joint by capillary action. Teflon tape and pipe dope are used exclusively for threaded
joints.
Question 3
A maintenance worker needs to completely shut off the water supply to an entire
apartment line for emergency plumbing repairs. Which type of valve should be utilized?
A) Needle valve
B) Gate valve
C) Globe valve
D) Check valve
Rationale: Gate valves are designed to fully open or fully close the flow of water with
minimal restriction, making them ideal as main isolation shut-off valves. Globe and
needle valves are used to regulate or throttle flow, while check valves prevent backflow.
Question 4
While troubleshooting a dead electrical outlet in a NYCHA apartment unit, you trip the
digital multimeter (DMM) internal fuse. What most likely caused this?
A) Testing AC voltage while on the AC voltage setting
B) Testing voltage while the test leads were plugged into the amperage jacks
C) Testing resistance on a de-energized circuit
D) Testing DC voltage with reversed polarity leads
Rationale: Connecting a meter across a live voltage source while the test leads are
plugged into the low-resistance amperage (A/mA) inputs creates a direct short-circuit,
which safely blows the meter's internal fuse to protect the user and the device.
Question 5
According to OSHA and standard NYCHA safety protocols, what must a maintenance
worker do immediately before performing mechanical repairs on a commercial exhaust
fan motor?
A) Wear heavy-duty leather welding gloves
B) Apply lubricant to the motor bearings
,C) Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
D) Reset the main building circuit breaker
Rationale: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) ensures the hazardous electrical and mechanical
energy sources are completely isolated, locked, and tagged out before servicing
equipment. This strictly prevents accidental re-energization and severe injury.
Question 6
A drain line under a kitchen sink is leaking heavily at a PVC slip-joint connection. What
is the correct initial repair step?
A) Wrap the joint tightly with electrical tape
B) Cover the leak with waterproof silicone sealant
C) Loosen the nut, replace the rubber slip washer, and hand-tighten the nut
D) Apply PVC primer and cement directly over the leaking thread
Rationale: Tubular slip-joints under sinks rely on a rubber or plastic compression
washer squeezed by a slip-nut to form a watertight seal. If it leaks, the washer is usually
worn or misaligned. PVC cement is only for permanent, solvent-welded pressure joints.
Question 7
You are instructed to secure a heavy wood shelving unit to a hollow drywall partition
wall where no wall studs are accessible. Which fastener provides the highest holding
power?
A) Plastic drywall anchor
B) Toggle bolt
C) Finishing nail
D) Coarse-thread drywall screw
Rationale: Toggle bolts feature spring-loaded wings that expand completely behind the
hollow drywall sheet, distributing the weight across a much larger surface area. This
provides drastically superior holding capacity compared to standard screws or plastic
anchors.
Question 8
, When mixed with water to patch an interior concrete floor, what property of hydraulic
cement makes it unique compared to standard mortar?
A) It takes 24 hours to set completely
B) It expands as it cures and sets underwater
C) It cannot be used on vertical surfaces
D) It stays flexible after drying to absorb vibrations
Rationale: Hydraulic cement is uniquely formulated to expand slightly as it cures,
allowing it to lock tightly into cracks and holes. It sets extremely quickly (often under 5
minutes) and can cure completely even while submerged in flowing water, making it
ideal for active leaks.
Question 9
Before clearing a stubborn blockage in a main sewer line with an electric drain snake,
what critical safety item must the operator wear to prevent hand entanglement injuries?
A) Thin nitrile medical gloves
B) Heavy-duty leather or reinforced canvas gloves
C) High-voltage rubber lineman gloves
D) Loose-fitting wool winter gloves
Rationale: The high torque and rotating action of a steel drain snake cable can easily
catch and wrap around soft fabrics or thin rubber, causing severe finger injuries. Heavy
leather or specialty reinforced canvas gloves provide the necessary protection and slip
resistance.
Question 10
A maintenance worker notices a slow drip coming from the packing nut of a brass gate
valve. What is the most efficient first step to stop the leak?
A) Replace the entire valve body
B) Slightly tighten the packing nut with a wrench
C) Apply plumber's putty around the valve stem
D) Turn off the main water line and drain the system
Rationale: Slow leaks at the valve stem are usually caused by loose packing material.
Slightly tightening the packing nut compresses the packing washers around the stem,
stopping the drip without needing to isolate the line or replace any parts.
