Backflow Tester Exam Flashcards

Q: What does the Backflow Tester exam cover?

Local metadata emphasizes hydraulic principles, cross-connection control, operating characteristics of RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies, field test procedures, test equipment, records, and program responsibilities.

Q: Is the exam only written?

No. Local metadata lists a written multiple-choice exam plus a hands-on performance exam that requires testing all four common assembly types.

Q: What score is commonly required?

Local metadata lists 70% as the written passing score, but certification rules can vary by program and jurisdiction.

Q: What should I memorize for field testing?

Know assembly components, hose connections, preliminary inspection steps, pass/fail readings, failure symptoms, and how to document and report failed assemblies.

Question 1

Backflow

Accepted Answer

Backflow is unwanted reverse flow from a nonpotable or questionable source into the potable water system. It can happen by backpressure or backsiphonage.

Question 2

Backpressure

Accepted Answer

Backpressure occurs when downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure and pushes water backward. Pumps, boilers, elevated tanks, and pressurized systems can create it.

Question 3

Backsiphonage

Accepted Answer

Backsiphonage occurs when negative or reduced supply pressure pulls water backward from a connected source. Main breaks and heavy demand can create this condition.

Question 4

Cross-connection

Accepted Answer

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between potable water and a nonpotable source. Cross-connections are where backflow hazards begin.

Question 5

Contamination vs pollution

Accepted Answer

Contamination is a health hazard that can cause illness or death. Pollution affects water quality or aesthetics but is not usually a direct health hazard.

Question 6

Containment vs isolation

Accepted Answer

Containment protects the public water system at the service connection. Isolation protects internal plumbing by controlling specific hazards within a facility.

Question 7

Air gap

Accepted Answer

An air gap is a physical separation between a water outlet and flood-level rim. It is the simplest and most reliable backflow prevention method when installed correctly.

Question 8

Safe Drinking Water Act

Accepted Answer

The Safe Drinking Water Act is the federal law behind drinking-water protection standards. Water purveyors operate cross-connection programs to protect the public supply.

Question 9

Water purveyor responsibility

Accepted Answer

The water purveyor is responsible for protecting the public water system. That includes surveys, assembly requirements, testing records, and enforcement under local rules.

Question 10

Tester responsibility

Accepted Answer

A tester verifies installation details, performs approved field tests, records actual results, reports failures, and avoids returning a failed assembly to service as acceptable.

Question 11

One cubic foot of water

Accepted Answer

One cubic foot of water weighs about 62.4 pounds and contains about 7.48 gallons. These constants support basic hydraulic calculations.

Question 12

One psi in feet of head

Accepted Answer

One psi is approximately 2.31 feet of water head. This conversion links pressure readings to elevation differences.

Question 13

Static vs dynamic pressure

Accepted Answer

Static pressure is measured with no flow. Dynamic pressure is measured while water is moving and includes losses from friction and demand.

Question 14

Pressure loss

Accepted Answer

Pressure loss occurs as water moves through pipe, fittings, valves, and assemblies. Higher flow, smaller pipe, roughness, and restrictions increase loss.

Question 15

Venturi effect

Accepted Answer

Water speeds up through a restriction and pressure drops. That pressure drop can contribute to backsiphonage at improperly protected connections.

Question 16

RP assembly

Accepted Answer

A reduced pressure principle assembly has two independently acting check valves and a differential pressure relief valve between them. It protects against backpressure and backsiphonage for high hazards.

Question 17

RP relief valve

Accepted Answer

The relief valve provides a visible warning and discharge path when zone pressure rises or differential pressure drops. Continuous discharge usually means a check or pressure problem.

Question 18

RP first-check pass criterion

Accepted Answer

Local practice content uses 5.0 psid as the minimum pressure drop across RP check valve #1 for a passing field test.

Question 19

RP relief-valve opening point

Accepted Answer

Local practice content uses 2.0 psid as the minimum relief-valve opening point for an RP assembly to pass.

Question 20

RP test sequence

Accepted Answer

A common USC-style RP sequence is check valve #1, relief valve opening point, then check valve #2 tightness against backpressure.

Question 21

RP test cocks

Accepted Answer

An RP has four test cocks: upstream of check #1, in the zone before the relief valve, in the zone before check #2, and downstream of check #2.

Question 22

Intermittent RP discharge

Accepted Answer

Intermittent discharge often points to supply pressure fluctuations. Continuous discharge is more likely to indicate fouling, leakage, or a failed component.

Question 23

DC assembly

Accepted Answer

A double check valve assembly has two independently acting check valves, shutoff valves, and test cocks. It is used for non-health hazards and does not provide visible failure warning.

Question 24

DC check-valve pass criterion

Accepted Answer

Local practice content uses 1.0 psid as the minimum differential pressure each DC check valve must hold during the field test.

Question 25

Why DC is not for health hazards

Accepted Answer

A DC can fail without visible discharge and relies on check-valve integrity alone. Health-hazard conditions require an RP or air gap when backpressure can occur.

Question 26

PVB assembly

Accepted Answer

A pressure vacuum breaker has a loaded check valve and an air inlet valve. It protects against backsiphonage only, not backpressure.

Question 27

PVB installation height

Accepted Answer

Local practice content uses 12 inches above downstream piping and the highest point of use as the minimum PVB installation height.

Question 28

Why PVB cannot stop backpressure

Accepted Answer

Backpressure can hold the air inlet closed and force the check valve open. Vacuum breakers depend on pressure dropping enough to admit air.

Question 29

SVB assembly

Accepted Answer

A spill-resistant vacuum breaker is similar to a PVB but designed to reduce water spillage from the air inlet. It still protects against backsiphonage only.

Question 30

Atmospheric vacuum breaker

Accepted Answer

An AVB protects against backsiphonage only and cannot be under continuous pressure or have downstream shutoff valves. It is not a testable assembly like a PVB.

Question 31

Detector assembly

Accepted Answer

Detector assemblies include a bypass meter to detect unauthorized or unintended flow, commonly on fire sprinkler connections.

Question 32

High hazard with backpressure

Accepted Answer

Use an air gap or RP assembly for contaminant health hazards where backpressure may occur. A PVB protects only against backsiphonage.

Question 33

Low hazard with backpressure

Accepted Answer

A DC assembly may be acceptable for non-health hazard backpressure conditions when allowed by the authority having jurisdiction.

Question 34

Pre-test identification

Accepted Answer

Before testing, record assembly type, size, manufacturer, model, serial number, location, and direction of flow. Verify shutoffs and obvious installation problems.

Question 35

Bleeding test hoses

Accepted Answer

Connect hoses, slowly open test cocks, and bleed air from the hoses. Air in the test kit can create inaccurate differential readings.

Question 36

Differential pressure gauge

Accepted Answer

A differential gauge measures pressure difference between two points. Backflow testing depends on reading small psid values accurately.

Question 37

Gauge calibration

Accepted Answer

Test gauges must be calibrated on the required schedule for the certifying program or jurisdiction. Local metadata notes calibration within the last 12 months for exam performance equipment.

Question 38

Three-valve vs five-valve kit

Accepted Answer

Both test kits route high, low, and bypass connections to measure differentials. Know your kit's valve positions before the performance exam.

Question 39

Water hammer prevention

Accepted Answer

Open shutoff valves slowly when returning an assembly to service. Sudden flow changes can create pressure surges that damage piping or assemblies.

Question 40

Failed assembly response

Accepted Answer

Record actual failed readings, notify the required parties, and recommend repair. A failed assembly must be repaired and retested before it is accepted.

Question 41

Debris on check seat

Accepted Answer

Sand, scale, or debris on a resilient seat can stop a check valve from sealing. This is a common cause of low psid readings and field-test failure.

Question 42

Leaking shutoff valve

Accepted Answer

A leaking shutoff can interfere with test results by allowing pressure or flow where the procedure assumes isolation. Identify and document the issue.

Question 43

RP second-check leakage

Accepted Answer

A leaking RP second check under backpressure can raise zone pressure and cause relief-valve discharge.

Question 44

PVB air-inlet leakage

Accepted Answer

Water flowing from a PVB air inlet while the assembly is pressurized indicates an air-inlet valve problem that requires repair.

Question 45

Acceptable installation

Accepted Answer

An assembly must be accessible, oriented correctly, protected from flooding or freezing as required, and installed with adequate clearance for testing and repair.

Question 46

RP relief-valve orientation

Accepted Answer

A horizontal RP should have the relief valve pointing downward with discharge clearance so water can escape freely if the relief valve opens.

Question 47

Field test report

Accepted Answer

A complete report identifies the assembly and location, records test readings, pass/fail status, repairs if known, tester information, and date.

Question 48

Annual testing

Accepted Answer

Many programs require periodic testing, often annually, but exact frequency is set by the authority having jurisdiction and the hazard level.

Question 49

Survey

Accepted Answer

A cross-connection survey identifies hazards, evaluates degree of hazard, and determines whether containment, isolation, or both are required.

Question 50

Assembly vs device

Accepted Answer

A testable assembly has shutoff valves and test cocks for field verification. Some devices, such as AVBs, provide protection but are not field-tested the same way.

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Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester