Backflow Repair Technician Certification Exam
(ASSE 5130) Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a backflow prevention assembly?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To prevent contamination of the potable water supply **
C. To reduce water usage
D. To heat water
Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect potable water
systems from contamination caused by backflow.
2. Which of the following is a common type of backflow prevention
assembly?
A. Check valve
B. Double check valve assembly **
C. Expansion tank
D. Pressure reducing valve
Double check valve assemblies are widely used backflow prevention
devices for non-health hazards.
3. What is the difference between a reduced pressure principle
assembly (RP) and a double check valve assembly (DCVA)?
A. RP has one check valve; DCVA has two
B. RP protects against both health and non-health hazards; DCVA
, protects only against non-health hazards **
C. RP is smaller in size
D. DCVA includes a relief valve
Reduced pressure assemblies provide protection against both health
hazards and non-health hazards due to the relief valve, whereas DCVAs
are only for non-health hazards.
4. Which test kit is typically used to test a reduced pressure principle
assembly?
A. Thermometer kit
B. Pressure test kit **
C. Flow meter
D. pH meter
A pressure test kit is used to measure the pressure drop across the
valves and verify proper operation.
5. Before testing a backflow assembly, what should the technician do
first?
A. Open all outlets
B. Shut off the water supply **
C. Increase water pressure
D. Remove the assembly
Shutting off the water supply ensures safe and accurate testing without
risk of contamination or water waste.
6. How often must most backflow assemblies be tested according to
ASSE standards?
A. Monthly
B. Annually **
, C. Every five years
D. Only when installed
Annual testing ensures that the assembly remains in proper working
condition to prevent backflow.
7. Which type of backflow occurs when water flows from a lower
pressure area to a higher pressure area due to a drop in supply
pressure?
A. Backsiphonage **
B. Backpressure
C. Cross-connection
D. Hydraulic shock
Backsiphonage happens when negative pressure in the supply system
draws water back into the potable system.
8. What is a cross-connection?
A. A valve that prevents backflow
B. Any actual or potential connection between potable water and
a source of contamination **
C. A pressure relief device
D. A plumbing fixture
A cross-connection is a point where contaminated water could enter the
potable water system.
9. Which hazard is considered a health hazard in backflow
prevention?
A. Water from a garden hose
B. Water containing chemical disinfectants
, C. Water containing sewage or bacteria **
D. Water from a cooling system
Health hazards involve contaminants that can cause illness or disease if
introduced into potable water.
10. What is the maximum allowable test differential for a check
valve in a double check assembly?
A. 1 psi
B. 2 psi **
C. 5 psi
D. 10 psi
Most DCVAs require a pressure drop of no more than 2 psi across each
check valve during testing to ensure proper operation.
11. When performing a backflow test, the technician notices the
relief valve on an RP assembly is leaking. What does this indicate?
A. Normal operation
B. Malfunction; the assembly must be repaired **
C. High water pressure only
D. Air in the system
A leaking relief valve typically signals failure, and the assembly should
be repaired before returning to service.
12. What type of assembly is required for connections to boiler
feed water systems?
A. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
B. Double check valve assembly
C. Reduced pressure principle assembly **
D. Hose bib vacuum breaker
(ASSE 5130) Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a backflow prevention assembly?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To prevent contamination of the potable water supply **
C. To reduce water usage
D. To heat water
Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect potable water
systems from contamination caused by backflow.
2. Which of the following is a common type of backflow prevention
assembly?
A. Check valve
B. Double check valve assembly **
C. Expansion tank
D. Pressure reducing valve
Double check valve assemblies are widely used backflow prevention
devices for non-health hazards.
3. What is the difference between a reduced pressure principle
assembly (RP) and a double check valve assembly (DCVA)?
A. RP has one check valve; DCVA has two
B. RP protects against both health and non-health hazards; DCVA
, protects only against non-health hazards **
C. RP is smaller in size
D. DCVA includes a relief valve
Reduced pressure assemblies provide protection against both health
hazards and non-health hazards due to the relief valve, whereas DCVAs
are only for non-health hazards.
4. Which test kit is typically used to test a reduced pressure principle
assembly?
A. Thermometer kit
B. Pressure test kit **
C. Flow meter
D. pH meter
A pressure test kit is used to measure the pressure drop across the
valves and verify proper operation.
5. Before testing a backflow assembly, what should the technician do
first?
A. Open all outlets
B. Shut off the water supply **
C. Increase water pressure
D. Remove the assembly
Shutting off the water supply ensures safe and accurate testing without
risk of contamination or water waste.
6. How often must most backflow assemblies be tested according to
ASSE standards?
A. Monthly
B. Annually **
, C. Every five years
D. Only when installed
Annual testing ensures that the assembly remains in proper working
condition to prevent backflow.
7. Which type of backflow occurs when water flows from a lower
pressure area to a higher pressure area due to a drop in supply
pressure?
A. Backsiphonage **
B. Backpressure
C. Cross-connection
D. Hydraulic shock
Backsiphonage happens when negative pressure in the supply system
draws water back into the potable system.
8. What is a cross-connection?
A. A valve that prevents backflow
B. Any actual or potential connection between potable water and
a source of contamination **
C. A pressure relief device
D. A plumbing fixture
A cross-connection is a point where contaminated water could enter the
potable water system.
9. Which hazard is considered a health hazard in backflow
prevention?
A. Water from a garden hose
B. Water containing chemical disinfectants
, C. Water containing sewage or bacteria **
D. Water from a cooling system
Health hazards involve contaminants that can cause illness or disease if
introduced into potable water.
10. What is the maximum allowable test differential for a check
valve in a double check assembly?
A. 1 psi
B. 2 psi **
C. 5 psi
D. 10 psi
Most DCVAs require a pressure drop of no more than 2 psi across each
check valve during testing to ensure proper operation.
11. When performing a backflow test, the technician notices the
relief valve on an RP assembly is leaking. What does this indicate?
A. Normal operation
B. Malfunction; the assembly must be repaired **
C. High water pressure only
D. Air in the system
A leaking relief valve typically signals failure, and the assembly should
be repaired before returning to service.
12. What type of assembly is required for connections to boiler
feed water systems?
A. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
B. Double check valve assembly
C. Reduced pressure principle assembly **
D. Hose bib vacuum breaker
