Backflow Prevention Practice Exam

What type of components are usually found on the discharge piping of a pressure vacuum breaker?

1. Auxiliary water supply looped irrigation

2. A boiler

3. A booster pump

4. Irrigation sprinkler heads

The correct answer is: Irrigation sprinkler heads

The discharge piping of a pressure vacuum breaker typically includes irrigation sprinkler heads. This is because the purpose of a pressure vacuum breaker is to protect the water supply from contamination, particularly in irrigation systems. When the system is energized, the pressure vacuum breaker allows water to flow into the irrigation lines and subsequently to the sprinkler heads, which distribute the water over the intended area. In the context of backflow prevention, the use of sprinkler heads is vital as it represents a common application where the potential for backflow can occur if the pressure in the irrigation system drops. By ensuring that the system is designed correctly, the installation of the pressure vacuum breaker helps maintain a safe and reliable irrigation system while preventing any contaminant from backflowing into the potable water supply. Other components such as a boiler, a booster pump, or an auxiliary water supply do not fit within the typical configuration of discharge piping for a pressure vacuum breaker. Boilers and booster pumps are generally associated with entirely different systems and applications. An auxiliary water supply looped irrigation might be used in a different context, but it does not directly pertain to the discharge piping of a pressure vacuum breaker. Thus, the presence of irrigation sprinkler heads is the most appropriate and standard option within the parameters set by this question.