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

A check valve is a crucial component in a sprinkler system, primarily designed to prevent backflow. This function ensures that water only flows in one direction, which is essential for maintaining proper pressure within the system and preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply.

By preventing backflow, check valves help protect against potential contamination of potable water due to issues such as pressure changes or system malfunctions. This is particularly important in fire protection systems or irrigation systems where the mixing of non-potable and potable water must be avoided to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.

While controlling the flow of water is an important aspect of a sprinkler system, this task is more typically associated with other devices like flow control valves. Increasing pressure and minimizing noise are also not functions associated with check valves; their primary role is distinctly focused on backflow prevention and maintaining the integrity of the water supply.