Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

Which component is necessary for a functioning sump pump in a basement?

1. Pressure gauge

2. Check valve

3. Expansion tank

4. Flow meter

The correct answer is: Check valve

A check valve is an essential component for a properly functioning sump pump in a basement. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of water into the sump pit once the pump has removed excess water. When the sump pump operates and the water is pumped out, the check valve ensures that the water does not flow back down the discharge pipe, which could lead to the pit filling up again and requiring the pump to turn on more frequently. This is critical in maintaining a dry basement and ensuring that the sump pump operates efficiently. If the check valve were not present, water could easily return to the pit, reducing the effectiveness of the sump pump and potentially leading to flooding or water damage in the basement area over time. In contrast, although pressure gauges, expansion tanks, and flow meters serve important functions in various plumbing contexts, they are not necessary for the basic operation of a sump pump in managing water levels in a basement.