Which type of valve should be installed at a dead-end water main?

The most appropriate type of valve to install at a dead-end water main is the blowoff valve. This type of valve serves a critical function in maintaining water quality and system integrity in areas where water may stagnate, as it allows for the purging of accumulated sediment and discolored water that can occur in dead-end sections of the system.

Dead-end mains often do not have continuous flow, leading to stagnant water that can deteriorate in quality over time. A blowoff valve enables operators to flush the line periodically, thus helping to maintain potable water standards and ensuring that the water in the main remains fresh and free from contamination.

While other types of valves, such as gate and ball valves, have their specific uses for isolating sections of pipe for maintenance or in-line flow control, they do not provide the sediment removal function crucial for dead-end mains. A check valve is designed to prevent backflow and is not suitable for facilitating flushing or maintaining water quality in stagnant sections.