What can be used to relieve and preventing surges?

• A. Check valves
• B. Pressure relief valves
• C. Backflow preventers
• D. Air chambers

Answer: (B)

When a system experiences a surge, such as from a sudden valve closure or pump start, the pressure in the piping can spike and cause damage. Devices that dampen or relieve that excess pressure help prevent such problems. Pressure relief valves are designed to sense overpressure and open to vent water, keeping the system pressure from rising to damaging levels. This active relief directly minimizes the peak pressure during surge events, protecting pipes, fittings, and pumps and reducing water hammer effects.

Air chambers can provide some cushioning by compressing air to absorb shock, but they often lose effectiveness over time as the chambers become waterlogged and require maintenance. Check valves and backflow preventers address flow direction and contamination concerns, not surge pressure. So the most reliable option for relieving and preventing surges is the pressure relief valve.