ASSE 5130 Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer

The prerequisite for enrolling in an ASSE 5130 Repairer course is:

• AA state master plumber license only
• BSuccessful completion of an ASSE 5110 Tester course (or approved equal)
• CAn ASSE 5150 Administrator certification
• DTwo years of cooling tower experience

An ASSE 5130 course typically culminates in:

• AA 100-question written exam only
• BA 50-question written exam and a hands-on practical exam
• CA practical exam only with no written exam
• DAn 8-hour refresher class without testing

An RP (ASSE 1013) assembly consists of which key internal components?

• AOne check valve and one relief valve
• BTwo independently operating check valves separated by a relief-vented zone
• CTwo check valves with a float-activated vacuum breaker
• DOne check and one atmospheric vent only

A DC (ASSE 1015) assembly protects against:

• AHealth hazards under backsiphonage only
• BNon-health hazards under both backpressure and backsiphonage
• CHealth hazards under both backpressure and backsiphonage
• DThermal expansion only

A PVB (ASSE 1020) internal component that is NOT present is:

• ASpring-loaded air inlet
• BSpring-loaded check valve
• CDifferential relief valve
• DTest cocks

Before opening any backflow assembly for repair, the repairer must:

• ALeave the shutoffs open to keep pressure
• BClose both shutoff valves and bleed all pressure through the test cocks
• CRemove the relief valve first while pressurized
• DEnergize the booster pump to increase pressure

Continuous relief-valve discharge on an RP most often indicates:

• AA fouled first check, damaged relief valve seat, or fluctuating supply pressure
• BNormal operation
• CA closed upstream shutoff
• DA drained system

Chatter on a backflow assembly is:

• AA loud whine from the relief valve
• BRapid oscillation of a check clapper or the relief valve caused by fluctuating pressure,…
• CNormal operation during high demand
• DThe sound of a fully failed assembly

The USC 10th Edition minimum passing differential across the first check of an RP is:

• A1.0 psid
• B2.0 psid
• C3.0 psid
• D5.0 psid

The minimum relief valve opening point on an RP per USC 10th Edition is:

• A0.5 psid
• B2.0 psid
• C5.0 psid
• D10.0 psid

The USC 10th Edition minimum differential across each check valve of a DC is:

• A0.5 psid
• B1.0 psid
• C2.0 psid
• D5.0 psid

Which component is typically replaced when an RP first check leaks back under pressure?

• AThe rubber disc and/or the seat, along with associated O-rings
• BThe entire pipe spool upstream
• CThe shutoff valve packing only
• DThe meter register

Which manufacturer produces the Watts Series 909 RP?

• AWatts
• BFebco
• CZurn Wilkins
• DAmes

The Febco 825Y is typically classified as what assembly type?

• APVB
• BRP
• CDCVA
• DSVB

The Zurn Wilkins 375 is a:

• APVB
• BRP assembly
• CDual check
• DSVB

Ames assemblies are commonly known for which body design feature?

• ACenter-stem design with removable bonnets on larger-diameter RPs
• BTwo clapper checks in the pipeline only
• CSeparate external air inlet on the RP
• DBrass bolt-on relief valves at the top

When reassembling an RP, reversing a spring orientation can cause:

• ANo effect on operation
• BThe check to fail to close against backflow, producing continuous discharge
• CPermanent damage to test cocks only
• DThe test cocks to reverse

A stuck test cock on a freshly repaired RP should be handled by:

• AForcing it open with vise grips
• BBleeding pressure, carefully cleaning or replacing the test cock, and verifying no leakag…
• CHeating the assembly with a torch
• DIgnoring it and completing the test

Which statement about PPE during field repair is correct?

• APPE is optional if the repair is short
• BEye protection and gloves are minimums; additional PPE may be required for confined space…
• COnly a hard hat is required
• DNo PPE is required outdoors

When an RP fails its post-repair field test due to a failed differential below 2.0 psid at the relief opening point, the most likely cause is:

• AA fouled upstream strainer
• BA damaged relief valve seat/disc, wrong seat orientation, or weak relief spring
• CA closed downstream shutoff
• DA reversed test kit hookup

A PVB fails to open the air inlet when supply pressure drops. The likely cause is:

• AA cracked shutoff valve
• BA stuck air inlet poppet, swollen elastomer, debris, or weak/broken air inlet spring
• CExcess downstream pressure
• DCold weather alone

Which ASSE standard covers the spill-resistant vacuum breaker (SVB)?

• AASSE 1013
• BASSE 1015
• CASSE 1020
• DASSE 1056

A failed second check on a DC typically shows:

• ANo differential (0 psid) across the second check
• BRelief valve discharge
• CAir inlet operation
• DBackpressure in the downstream line only

Which tool is essential for a post-repair field test?

• AA calibrated differential pressure test gauge (three- or five-valve)
• BA clamp-on amp meter
• CA manometer for gas
• DA standard pressure washer

A repairer finds the test gauge calibration sticker is 14 months old. The correct action is:

• AUse it anyway; calibration does not matter
• BRecalibrate or replace the gauge before performing the test
• CMark the gauge with a new sticker manually
• DTest only at very high pressures

On the Watts 909 RP, the primary rebuild kit typically contains:

• AOnly one O-ring
• BCheck discs, seats/poppets, O-rings, and relief valve diaphragm/disc as applicable
• COnly the relief-valve spring
• DA new body casting

During a rebuild, an O-ring should be:

• AReused if it looks acceptable
• BReplaced with the manufacturer-specified part using correct lubricant (if any) per the ma…
• CCoated with pipe dope
• DSwapped between devices with no lubricant

A customer reports water leaking from the RP's relief vent intermittently during the night only. The most likely cause is:

• AThermal expansion from downstream water heater cycling
• BA fouled shutoff valve only
• CAir infiltration
• DThe relief valve has no leak path

After completing a full rebuild on an RP, the repairer should:

• ARefill the system slowly and perform a full USC 10th Edition post-repair field test
• BSkip the post-repair test if the customer is in a hurry
• CReturn the device to service without testing
• DOnly test the shutoffs

Which component is unique to an RP compared with a DC?

• ATwo check valves
• BTest cocks
• CDifferential relief valve with vented zone
• DUpstream shutoff

A test cock that leaks slightly after a repair should be:

• ALeft alone
• BReplaced or repacked, since leaking test cocks cause inaccurate readings and program nonc…
• CSealed with silicone
• DPlugged with a bolt

Which indicator suggests that the second check on an RP is leaking even though the device passes the test:

• AIntermittent relief discharge despite a clean first check
• BSlow rise in pressure between the checks when the downstream shutoff is closed and upstre…
• CNo change in any gauge reading
• DExcess water at the test cock cap

A DC (ASSE 1015) on the service side fails only the second check. Acceptable action:

• ALeave the assembly in place; the first check is enough
• BRebuild/replace the second-check components with the manufacturer's kit, retest, and docu…
• CRe-rate the DC as an RP
• DCap the downstream shutoff

Which action is unsafe during RP repair in a below-grade vault?

• AFollowing confined-space entry procedures
• BVentilating before entry
• CClimbing into the vault without atmospheric testing or an attendant
• DUsing fall-protection when required

A tall fire service RPDA (ASSE 1047) installed in a vault shows continuous discharge from the vented zone after a repair. Before opening it again, the repairer should:

• AShut off the fire service with no notice
• BNotify the property manager and fire AHJ before any fire-service shutoff, then follow the…
• CIgnore the discharge
• DIncrease pump pressure to force the device closed

The ASSE 5130 practical exam typically requires the candidate to:

• ADesign a new building plumbing system
• BDisassemble and reassemble at least five assemblies and demonstrate safe procedures
• COperate a fire pump
• DCalculate annual water usage

An RP assembly showing a consistent 4.5 psid differential across the first check (post-repair) is:

• APassing; 4.5 psid meets USC 10th Edition
• BFailing; USC 10th Edition requires at least 5.0 psid across the first check
• CPassing only for DC assemblies
• DPassing if the relief opens at 1.5 psid

A DC's second check is leaking because a small stone is lodged in the seat. The correct repair is:

• ALeave the stone and retest
• BDepressurize, disassemble the check, remove the debris, inspect and replace the disc/seat…
• CHit the body with a hammer
• DPressurize and hope it clears

When a manufacturer discontinues a model family, the repairer should:

• ARefuse all repairs
• BCheck for authorized replacement parts or recommend replacement with a currently listed a…
• CInstall parts from a different manufacturer
• DWeld the existing device shut

Which component in a PVB can freeze and crack the body in cold weather?

• AThe bronze bonnet only
• BResidual water in the internal chamber (and connected piping)
• CThe outside air
• DThe test cock threads

During a rebuild, a repairer should torque fasteners:

• AAs tight as possible
• BTo the manufacturer's specified values in the correct sequence
• CUntil the threads strip
• DBy feel only

A 2-inch RP leaks only from a particular body-to-bonnet joint after rebuild. The most likely cause is:

• AA correctly installed gasket and torque
• BA damaged gasket/O-ring, foreign debris on the sealing surface, or insufficient/unbalance…
• CExcess cooling tower demand
• DA failed water meter

Which orientation is typically required for an RP assembly in the USC-listed installation?

• AHorizontal with the relief valve pointing down, in a position per the listing
• BUpside down at any angle
• CUnder water in a sump
• DVertical flow in any direction

When removing a PVB internal cartridge, the repairer should:

• APry hard with a screwdriver without lubrication
• BUse the manufacturer's specified tool and procedure, avoiding damage to the body sealing…
• CLeave the pressurized water in the device
• DReverse threads by turning clockwise with force

Post-repair field test results should be:

• AVerbally communicated to the customer and forgotten
• BDocumented on a standard test report, signed and dated, and submitted to the program admi…
• CKept only by the repairer
• DEntered anonymously

A worn spring in the relief valve of an RP should be:

• AStretched to restore tension
• BReplaced with the manufacturer's specified replacement spring from the rebuild kit
• CCut to size from hardware store stock
• DIgnored if the relief still opens at 1.0 psid

A valid 5130 recertification cycle is typically:

• AEvery 6 months
• BEvery 3 years through an ASSE-approved recertification class and exam
• CEvery 10 years
• DLifetime certification