A hose is connected to a faucet and left submerged in a mop bucket of dirty water. What hazard does this create?
a.A gain for water conservation, since the bucket refills itself from the line that feeds the hose
b.A cross-connection that could allow backflow of contaminated water into the potable supply
c.A cosmetic housekeeping problem with no effect on the safety of the building's water supply
d.No hazard at all, because the pressure in the supply line pushes water outward and cannot reverse
Explanation
A hose submerged in dirty water creates a cross-connection: if supply pressure drops, back-siphonage pulls the contaminated water backwards into the potable plumbing. Line pressure is not a guarantee, because a main break, a fire-hose draw, or heavy simultaneous demand is exactly what drops it, and nothing flows from the bucket back into the line while pressure holds, which is why the hazard is easy to miss. Hoses must never be left in standing water, and the connection needs a backflow preventer or an air gap.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §5-402.11Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete ServSafe Food Protection Manager guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- To deny pests access to the building, what is a correct control at exterior openings?
- What is the primary purpose of a master cleaning schedule?
- Which characteristics should multiuse food-contact surfaces and equipment have under the Food Code?
- In the wash compartment of a three-compartment sink, what is the minimum detergent-water temperature the Food Code specifies?
- Why does the Food Code set minimum lighting intensity levels for different areas of a food establishment?
- How should indoor garbage containers holding food waste be maintained?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam · How we review