What is the purpose of a check valve in a sprinkler system?

What is the purpose of a check valve in a sprinkler system?

• A. Prevent reverse water flow.
• B. Allow backflow.
• C. Regulate system temperature.
• D. Drain the system.

Answer: (A)

A check valve is a one-way device that lets water move through the sprinkler system in the intended direction but automatically closes if downstream pressure would push water backward. This prevents reverse water flow, which protects the potable water supply from backflow and helps avoid pressure or siphoning issues when pumps start, stop, or demand changes occur. It isn’t used to regulate temperature, nor to drain the system, and it doesn’t purposefully allow backflow—the valve’s purpose is to stop it.

A check valve is a one-way device that lets water move through the sprinkler system in the intended direction but automatically closes if downstream pressure would push water backward. This prevents reverse water flow, which protects the potable water supply from backflow and helps avoid pressure or siphoning issues when pumps start, stop, or demand changes occur. It isn’t used to regulate temperature, nor to drain the system, and it doesn’t purposefully allow backflow—the valve’s purpose is to stop it.