Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification Practice Exam

What describes the operation of a reduced pressure principal backflow assembly?

1. The assembly operates under constant high pressure

2. A relief valve opens to drain if a pressure differential occurs

3. The assembly requires manual testing every month

4. It relies on a single check valve for protection

The correct answer is: A relief valve opens to drain if a pressure differential occurs

The statement that describes the operation of a reduced pressure principal backflow assembly is that a relief valve opens to drain if a pressure differential occurs. This is a crucial function of this type of assembly, which is designed to protect a water supply from potentially contaminated water from a system. The reduced pressure principle backflow assembly contains two check valves and a pressure differential relief valve located between them. Under normal operating conditions, the pressure in the system is higher than the pressure in the area between the check valves. If a reversal in flow occurs due to changes in pressure, the relief valve acts as a safety mechanism. It opens to allow liquid to escape and thereby reduce the pressure in the space between the check valves, preventing a situation where contaminated water could flow back into the clean water supply. This automatic operation is essential for maintaining safe water quality and reducing the risk of backflow contamination. In this context, it's important to note that while monthly manual testing is a good practice for all backflow prevention devices to ensure they are functioning correctly, it is not an operational characteristic of the assembly itself; rather, it is a maintenance requirement. The assembly does not operate under constant high pressure as that could lead to failure of the check valves. Additionally, relying solely on a