National Home Inspector Practice Exam

What might cause water to drip from cold water pipes above a gas water heater?

1. A) Exhaust spillage

2. B) Short cycling

3. C) A cold start

4. D) Overfiring

The correct answer is: A) Exhaust spillage

Water dripping from cold water pipes above a gas water heater can often be attributed to exhaust spillage. This condition occurs when the venting system for the water heater is not functioning properly, causing combustion gases to escape into the area around the heater instead of being vented outside. When this spillage occurs, the cooler surfaces of the cold water pipes may reach a temperature that allows the moisture in the exhaust gases to condense, resulting in water droplets forming and dripping from the pipes. Understanding this phenomenon is important for home inspectors, as it indicates potential issues with the water heater's venting system that could lead to more serious safety hazards, such as carbon monoxide exposure. The other options, while they relate to water heater operation, do not typically lead to condensation forming on cold water pipes. For example, short cycling generally refers to the water heater turning on and off frequently, which would not lead to the condensation observed. A cold start refers to the initial heating up of water in the tank, and overfiring pertains to the burner operating at too high a rate, neither of which would result in dripping water from the cold water lines. Therefore, recognizing exhaust spillage as the cause of this situation is crucial for ensuring the safety and proper functioning of