What does a check valve do in a water system?

A check valve is designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing reverse flow. In water systems, this function is critical as it helps maintain system integrity by stopping backflow, which can occur due to pressure changes or gravity. If backflow were to happen, it could lead to contamination of clean water supplies or damage to the system components.

The primary utility of a check valve lies in safeguarding the water system from potential hazards that backflow could introduce. Maintaining a unidirectional flow ensures that the water reaches its intended destination without any risk of mixed sources, thus protecting public health and maintaining water quality.

While increasing water flow, filtering contaminants, or monitoring pressure are important functions in a water system, those purposes fall under the responsibilities of other components in the system, rather than a check valve.