BAT Code Compliance & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under USC Model Water Codes, which organization publishes the most widely adopted standards for backflow prevention assembly testing procedures in the US?
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) (Correct answer)
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
Correct answer: Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR)
The USC FCCCHR publishes the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, the most widely referenced standard for backflow prevention testing procedures.
Question 2: Which AWWA standard specifically covers reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies?
- AWWA C510
- AWWA C511 (Correct answer)
- AWWA C507
- AWWA C504
Correct answer: AWWA C511
AWWA C511 covers reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies, including design, fabrication, and testing requirements.
Question 3: According to most state plumbing codes, a backflow prevention assembly installed on a high-hazard connection must be tested within how many days of initial installation?
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 180 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Most state codes require initial testing within 30 days of installation on high-hazard connections to confirm the assembly is functioning correctly.
Question 4: Which section of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) primarily addresses cross-connection control and backflow prevention requirements?
- Section 301
- Section 608 (Correct answer)
- Section 714
- Section 412
Correct answer: Section 608
IPC Section 608 addresses protection of potable water supply from contamination, including cross-connection control and backflow prevention device requirements.
Question 5: A tester finds a double check valve assembly installed on a connection supplying a facility that uses toxic chemicals. What code compliance issue does this represent?
- No issue — DCVA is acceptable for all hazard levels
- The DCVA should be replaced with a reduced pressure principle assembly (Correct answer)
- The DCVA needs an air gap upstream
- The DCVA requires additional annual testing
Correct answer: The DCVA should be replaced with a reduced pressure principle assembly
A DCVA provides only low-hazard protection; toxic chemical connections require an RP assembly due to the high-hazard classification.
Question 6: Under NFPA 13, fire sprinkler systems with antifreeze solutions are classified as which hazard level requiring backflow protection?
- Low hazard
- Moderate hazard
- High hazard (Correct answer)
- Non-hazard
Correct answer: High hazard
Antifreeze solutions in fire sprinkler systems are classified as a high hazard because they can be toxic if backflowed into the potable water supply.
Question 7: Which entity has the legal authority to enforce backflow prevention assembly installation and testing requirements on a water purveyor's distribution system?
- The assembly manufacturer
- The property owner's insurance company
- The local water authority or health department (Correct answer)
- The contractor who installed the assembly
Correct answer: The local water authority or health department
The local water authority or health department has regulatory jurisdiction to enforce cross-connection control and backflow prevention compliance.
BAT Code Compliance & Standards 2
Under USC Model Water Codes, which organization publishes the most widely adopted standards for backflow prevention assembly testing procedures in the US?