Red Seal Steamfitter/Pipefitter Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a backflow preventer?

1. To allow fluid to flow in both directions

2. To increase the system pressure

3. To prevent the reverse flow of fluids

4. To measure fluid flow speed

The correct answer is: To prevent the reverse flow of fluids

The purpose of a backflow preventer is to prevent the reverse flow of fluids, which is exactly what the correct answer states. Backflow can occur in plumbing systems when there is a change in pressure that causes water to flow backward into the potable water supply. This can lead to contamination of drinking water with pollutants or non-potable water. By incorporating a backflow preventer into the plumbing system, any reverse flow is effectively blocked, ensuring that the water supply remains clean and safe for consumption. Understanding the role of a backflow preventer is crucial for maintaining the integrity of water supply systems and adhering to health regulations. Other options, such as allowing fluid to flow in both directions, increasing system pressure, or measuring fluid flow speed, do not relate to the primary function of a backflow preventer and are inappropriate in this context.