CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician System Installation and Layout Questions and Answers

Question 1

A technician is installing a PVC mainline in a trench.
To ensure a strong, watertight seal when joining a pipe and fitting using solvent cement, what is the critical first step after cutting and deburring the pipe?

Accepted Answer

Apply a full, even coat of primer to the outside of the pipe end and the inside of the fitting socket.

Answer

Apply a thick layer of solvent cement to the inside of the fitting.

Answer

Twist the pipe a quarter turn as it is inserted into the fitting.

Answer

Immediately pressurize the system to check for leaks.

Question 2

When laying out sprinkler heads for a turf zone, what is the industry best practice for ensuring uniform water distribution and avoiding dry spots?

Accepted Answer

Arranging sprinklers to achieve head-to-head coverage.

Answer

Spacing heads at the maximum spray radius listed by the manufacturer.

Answer

Placing sprinklers in a triangular pattern only.

Answer

Mixing different types of sprinkler heads (rotors and sprays) in the same zone.

Question 3

A residential irrigation system plan specifies a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) for backflow prevention. Which of the following is a mandatory installation requirement for this device?

Accepted Answer

It must be installed at least 12 inches above the highest outlet in the irrigation system.

Answer

It can be installed in a below-grade valve box for aesthetic purposes.

Answer

It should be the same size as the mainline pipe, regardless of flow rate.

Answer

Annual testing by a certified technician is recommended but not required.

Question 4

During a commercial installation, what is the generally accepted minimum trench depth for PVC lateral lines to protect them from routine landscape maintenance activities and light traffic?

Accepted Answer

12 inches

Answer

4 inches

Answer

6 inches

Answer

24 inches

Question 5

After solvent welding several PVC joints on a hot, dry day (approx. 90°F), a technician is anxious to test the mainline for leaks. According to most solvent cement manufacturers' guidelines for pipes 1¼" or smaller under 160 psi, what is the minimum cure time before the system can be safely pressurized?

Accepted Answer

15 minutes

Answer

5 minutes

Answer

1 hour

Answer

Immediately

Question 6

Which of the following is the most critical step to perform immediately BEFORE backfilling an excavated trench containing newly installed irrigation pipes?

Accepted Answer

Flush the system of debris and perform a pressure test.

Answer

Compact the soil at the bottom of the trench.

Answer

Install the controller and run a complete cycle.

Answer

Use the excavated soil, including any rocks, to fill the trench quickly.

A technician is installing a PVC mainline in a trench.To ensure a strong, watertight seal when joining a pipe and fitting using solvent cement, what is the critical first step after cutting and deburring the pipe?

A technician is installing a PVC mainline in a trench.
To ensure a strong, watertight seal when joining a pipe and fitting using solvent cement, what is the critical first step after cutting and deburring the pipe?