Backflow Prevention Practice Exam

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To prevent backflow, an atmospheric vacuum breaker is primarily designed to ____?

Allow air into the outlet piping system
Create an elevation loop above ground
Introduce head loss
Prevent backpressure

The correct answer is: Allow air into the outlet piping system

An atmospheric vacuum breaker is primarily designed to allow air into the outlet piping system. This device functions by breaking any potential vacuum that may form within the piping, which can cause backflow. When the pressure in the system drops below atmospheric pressure, the vacuum breaker opens to admit air, alleviating the vacuum condition and thus preventing backflow. The key principle behind this device is maintaining the integrity of the water supply system by ensuring that contaminants do not siphon back into the potable water line. By allowing air to flow into the system, it effectively removes the conditions that could lead to backflow due to siphoning. Understanding how atmospheric vacuum breakers operate is crucial for backflow prevention, as it helps ensure that changes in pressure don't compromise the safety and quality of the drinking water supply.