Question

What is the condition called when a pressure higher than the supply piping pressure is created by an individual fixture, appurtenance, or appliance, thus creating a potential reverse of flow into the supply piping system?

1) Backflow
2) Pressure drop
3) Water hammer
4) Cavitation

Answer 1

Backflow is the term for the condition when a pressure higher than supply piping pressure creates the potential for reverse flow into the system. It is caused by fixtures creating a higher pressure than the main supply and can lead to contamination risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition described in the question, where a pressure higher than the supply piping pressure is created by an individual fixture, appurtenance, or appliance, causing a potential reverse of flow into the supply piping system, is known as backflow. This can pose a significant health risk as it may allow contaminated water to enter the potable water supply. One common example of a pressure-induced phenomenon is when shower curtains bulge into the shower stall because the high-velocity stream of water and air creates a region of lower pressure inside the shower, demonstrating the principles of fluid dynamics related to pressure drops and flow. The pressure drop in public water systems can be analyzed using the equation P2 - P1 = RQ, which indicates that resistance (R) affects the pressure difference between two points in the system (P2 - P1) for a given flow rate (Q).