BACKFLOW PREVENTION PRACTICE
EXAM 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED SOLUTIONS
●● Backsiphonage. Answer: The hydraulic condition resulting in
backflow due to a reduction in system pressure, which causes a sub-
atmospheric pressure (vacuum) to exist in the water system.
●● Bypass. Answer: Any arrangement of pipes, plumbing or hoses
designed to divert the flow around an installed backflow device or
assembly through which the flow normally passes.
●● Check Valve. Answer: A mechanical device designed to allow flow
in one direction only.
●● Containment. Answer: A water purveyor's backflow prevention
policy of installing a backflow prevention device commensurate with the
degree of hazard after the termination of the distribution system (water
meter) and prior to any branches in the system.
●● Contaminant. Answer: Any substance introduced into the public
water system that will cause illness or death.
, ●● Continuous Pressure. Answer: A condition in which upstream
pressure is applied for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period to a
device or assembly.
●● Cross-Connection. Answer: Any physical arrangement whereby a
public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other
water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir,
plumbing fixture or other device which contains or may contain
contaminated water.
●● Cross-Connection Control. Answer: The use of assemblies, methods
and procedures to prevent contamination of a potable water supply
through cross connections.
●● Degree of Hazard. Answer: The danger posed by a particular
substance or set of circumstances.
●● Differential Pressure. Answer: The relative difference in pressure
between two pressure sources.
●● Direct Cross-Connection. Answer: A continuous, enclosed
interconnection to allow the flow of fluid from one system to the other.
●● Isolation. Answer: A water purveyor's backflow prevention policy of
installing a backflow prevention device commensurate with the degree
of hazard at each fixture or appliance.
EXAM 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED SOLUTIONS
●● Backsiphonage. Answer: The hydraulic condition resulting in
backflow due to a reduction in system pressure, which causes a sub-
atmospheric pressure (vacuum) to exist in the water system.
●● Bypass. Answer: Any arrangement of pipes, plumbing or hoses
designed to divert the flow around an installed backflow device or
assembly through which the flow normally passes.
●● Check Valve. Answer: A mechanical device designed to allow flow
in one direction only.
●● Containment. Answer: A water purveyor's backflow prevention
policy of installing a backflow prevention device commensurate with the
degree of hazard after the termination of the distribution system (water
meter) and prior to any branches in the system.
●● Contaminant. Answer: Any substance introduced into the public
water system that will cause illness or death.
, ●● Continuous Pressure. Answer: A condition in which upstream
pressure is applied for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period to a
device or assembly.
●● Cross-Connection. Answer: Any physical arrangement whereby a
public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other
water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir,
plumbing fixture or other device which contains or may contain
contaminated water.
●● Cross-Connection Control. Answer: The use of assemblies, methods
and procedures to prevent contamination of a potable water supply
through cross connections.
●● Degree of Hazard. Answer: The danger posed by a particular
substance or set of circumstances.
●● Differential Pressure. Answer: The relative difference in pressure
between two pressure sources.
●● Direct Cross-Connection. Answer: A continuous, enclosed
interconnection to allow the flow of fluid from one system to the other.
●● Isolation. Answer: A water purveyor's backflow prevention policy of
installing a backflow prevention device commensurate with the degree
of hazard at each fixture or appliance.
