Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) Practice Exam

Before turning on a newly installed water heater, it is crucial to fill the tank with water. This step is essential because operating a water heater without water can lead to severe damage. The heating elements, whether they are electric or gas-powered, require water to absorb and dissipate the heat they generate. If the tank is empty, the elements could overheat and burn out, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Filling the tank ensures that the water heater is ready to operate safely and efficiently. Following this step, the technician can then proceed to connect the power supply if it is an electric heater, test the thermostat to ensure proper temperature regulation, and inspect the ventilation for gas heaters to confirm that gases can safely exit the living space. However, these actions should only take place after confirming that the tank is full of water.