1 | Page
GEORGIA BACKFLOW SYSTEM REPAIR
TECHNICIAN EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & COMPLETE
RATIONALES
**1. What is the minimum pressure differential required across
the first check valve of a Reduced Pressure Principle (RPZ)
assembly during normal operation?**
A. 1.0 psid
B. 2.0 psid
C. 3.0 psid
D. 5.0 psid
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** The first check valve in an RPZ must maintain a
minimum pressure drop of **2.0 psid** to ensure that the relief
valve zone remains lower in pressure than the supply zone.
This pressure differential is critical for the safe operation of the
assembly .
---
,2 | Page
**2. Which backflow condition is driven by a drop in supply
pressure below atmospheric pressure?**
A. Backpressure
B. Back-siphonage
C. Hydrostatic lock
D. Pressure surge
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Back-siphonage occurs specifically when
negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the supply system
creates a vacuum effect that pulls non-potable water into the
potable supply. This is distinct from backpressure, which
involves downstream pressure exceeding supply pressure .
---
**3. A technician notes that an RPZ relief valve continuously
spits water during a period of fluctuating supply pressure. What
is the most likely cause?**
A. Leaking second check valve
B. Surcharged water main
C. Pressure fluctuations with a faulty or fouled first check valve
D. High downstream demand
, 3 | Page
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** Supply line pressure fluctuations combined with
a sluggish or slightly fouled first check valve cause the
intermediate zone pressure to periodically exceed supply
pressure, triggering relief valve discharge. This is a common
troubleshooting scenario for RPZ assemblies .
---
**4. According to Georgia rules, what action must a repair
technician take immediately after completing repairs on a
backflow prevention assembly?**
A. File an extension with the environmental health office
B. Notify the property owner that testing can be bypassed for
the year
C. Perform a certified field test to ensure proper operation
D. Apply a temporary seal coat to the assembly body
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** Any time an assembly is opened, repaired, or
altered, it must immediately undergo a **certified field test** to
verify it meets operational standards before being put back into
GEORGIA BACKFLOW SYSTEM REPAIR
TECHNICIAN EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & COMPLETE
RATIONALES
**1. What is the minimum pressure differential required across
the first check valve of a Reduced Pressure Principle (RPZ)
assembly during normal operation?**
A. 1.0 psid
B. 2.0 psid
C. 3.0 psid
D. 5.0 psid
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** The first check valve in an RPZ must maintain a
minimum pressure drop of **2.0 psid** to ensure that the relief
valve zone remains lower in pressure than the supply zone.
This pressure differential is critical for the safe operation of the
assembly .
---
,2 | Page
**2. Which backflow condition is driven by a drop in supply
pressure below atmospheric pressure?**
A. Backpressure
B. Back-siphonage
C. Hydrostatic lock
D. Pressure surge
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Back-siphonage occurs specifically when
negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the supply system
creates a vacuum effect that pulls non-potable water into the
potable supply. This is distinct from backpressure, which
involves downstream pressure exceeding supply pressure .
---
**3. A technician notes that an RPZ relief valve continuously
spits water during a period of fluctuating supply pressure. What
is the most likely cause?**
A. Leaking second check valve
B. Surcharged water main
C. Pressure fluctuations with a faulty or fouled first check valve
D. High downstream demand
, 3 | Page
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** Supply line pressure fluctuations combined with
a sluggish or slightly fouled first check valve cause the
intermediate zone pressure to periodically exceed supply
pressure, triggering relief valve discharge. This is a common
troubleshooting scenario for RPZ assemblies .
---
**4. According to Georgia rules, what action must a repair
technician take immediately after completing repairs on a
backflow prevention assembly?**
A. File an extension with the environmental health office
B. Notify the property owner that testing can be bypassed for
the year
C. Perform a certified field test to ensure proper operation
D. Apply a temporary seal coat to the assembly body
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** Any time an assembly is opened, repaired, or
altered, it must immediately undergo a **certified field test** to
verify it meets operational standards before being put back into
