National Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which defect should be considered an immediate safety hazard?

1. A 1/8 inch diagonal crack in a foundation wall

2. Missing attic insulation around a skylight

3. A missing temperature and pressure relief valve on a hot water heater

4. Worn-out and leaking chimney flashing

The correct answer is: A missing temperature and pressure relief valve on a hot water heater

A missing temperature and pressure relief valve on a hot water heater is considered an immediate safety hazard because this component is critical for preventing dangerous pressure build-up within the water heater. The relief valve allows excess pressure and steam to escape, preventing potential explosions or other hazardous situations. If this valve is missing, it poses a significant risk of catastrophic failure, especially if the water heater overheats or if there is too much pressure build-up. In contrast, the other options, while they may lead to problems, do not present an immediate risk to safety. For instance, a small crack in a foundation wall may indicate structural issues that need monitoring, but it does not typically pose an immediate danger. Similarly, missing attic insulation could lead to thermal inefficiency and increased energy costs but does not directly endanger lives. Worn-out chimney flashing, although it can lead to water intrusion and structural damage, does not create an imminent threat the same way that a missing relief valve does.