CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

After the construction of a new home, if the kitchen faucet has extremely low water pressure, what should be done first to test the problem?

1. Call the inspector

2. Hire a plumbing contractor

3. Turn on the light switch

4. Inspect the tank and pump for mechanical problems

The correct answer is: Inspect the tank and pump for mechanical problems

To determine the cause of extremely low water pressure in the kitchen faucet after the construction of a new home, the logical first step is to inspect the tank and pump for mechanical issues. This is crucial because if the home is equipped with a water tank and pump system, any malfunction or breakdown in these components can directly impact the water pressure throughout the house, including the faucet. By starting with the inspection of these systems, you can identify obvious problems, such as a malfunctioning pump or improper water tank settings, that may be leading to the low pressure in the faucet. This approach is both systematic and efficient, enabling the identification of mechanical failures before moving on to other potential causes. The other options are less effective as initial steps. Involving an inspector or hiring a plumbing contractor may be necessary later to address the issue, but they might lack the immediate insight needed to understand if the basic functionality of the tank and pump is at fault. Similarly, turning on the light switch does not relate to water pressure issues, as it does not affect the plumbing system. Therefore, inspecting the tank and pump is the appropriate first action to diagnose potential mechanical problems related to the water pressure.