Study for the Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Achieve success in your plumbing career!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How should reverse osmosis waste be discharged?

  1. Into a storm drain

  2. Straight into the septic system

  3. Indirectly wasted with an air gap

  4. Into a potable water supply

The correct answer is: Indirectly wasted with an air gap

The correct method for discharging reverse osmosis waste is through indirect waste with an air gap. This approach is crucial for protecting the drinking water supply from potential contamination. An air gap serves as a physical barrier that prevents any backflow of water, ensuring that wastewater from the reverse osmosis process cannot siphon back into the potable water system. In reverse osmosis systems, water is filtered to remove impurities, and the waste produced contains high concentrations of these contaminants. Directly discharging this waste into systems such as a storm drain or a septic system can lead to environmental pollution or interfere with the proper functioning of the septic system. Furthermore, discharging waste into a potable water supply is strictly prohibited due to health risks associated with cross-contamination. Therefore, utilizing an indirect waste method with an air gap is not only a best practice but often required by plumbing codes to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the water supply system.