Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Practice Exam 2026 - Free Journeyman Plumber Practice Questions and Study Guide

The factor that contributes to maintaining effective backflow prevention in irrigation systems is proper installation. Proper installation involves ensuring that all components of the irrigation system are set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and local plumbing codes. This includes the correct positioning of backflow devices, the proper elevation of sprinkler heads, and ensuring that there are no cross-connections between potable and non-potable water supplies.

When the system is properly installed, it creates the necessary barriers to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. Although regular inspections and maintenance are important for the overall health of the system, they follow the foundation laid by proper installation to ensure backflow prevention is effective.

While yearly inspection is essential for identifying potential issues that could lead to backflow, it relies heavily on the installation being correct in the first place. Flooding, on the other hand, could compromise the backflow prevention system and is not a contributor to its effectiveness. Therefore, emphasizing proper installation is key to ensuring that backflow prevention functions as intended.