Which component is used to prevent backflow and ensure water flows in only one direction?

Which component is used to prevent backflow and ensure water flows in only one direction?

• A. Backflow Preventer
• B. Check Valve
• C. Bollard
• D. Water Hammer

Answer: (B)

The main concept is unidirectional flow control. A check valve is designed to let water move in the forward direction and automatically close if the flow reverses, so it prevents backflow without requiring any action from the system. This is achieved with a movable element like a disk or flap that is pushed open by forward pressure and seals shut when reverse pressure occurs. While a backflow preventer is a broader category that can include multiple components to stop backflow, the specific device that accomplishes one-way flow in a piping system is the check valve. A bollard is just a protective post and has nothing to do with fluid direction, and water hammer refers to a pressure surge caused by sudden changes in flow, not a device to stop backflow.

The main concept is unidirectional flow control. A check valve is designed to let water move in the forward direction and automatically close if the flow reverses, so it prevents backflow without requiring any action from the system. This is achieved with a movable element like a disk or flap that is pushed open by forward pressure and seals shut when reverse pressure occurs. While a backflow preventer is a broader category that can include multiple components to stop backflow, the specific device that accomplishes one-way flow in a piping system is the check valve. A bollard is just a protective post and has nothing to do with fluid direction, and water hammer refers to a pressure surge caused by sudden changes in flow, not a device to stop backflow.