What type of valve is typically used to maintain pressure in water systems?

A pressure-reducing valve is specifically designed to regulate and maintain downstream pressure within a water system. These valves automatically adjust to changes in pressure within the system to ensure that a consistent pressure is maintained, preventing fluctuations that could lead to water hammer or damage to pipes and fittings. It functions by reducing the higher inlet pressure to a predetermined lower outlet pressure, crucial for protecting sensitive equipment, ensuring sufficient pressure for operations, and conserving water.

Backflow prevention valves are primarily used to prevent the reverse flow of water and contamination in the system, whereas check valves allow for one-way flow and would not maintain pressure but rather function to prevent backflow. Ball valves serve as on/off controls in a pipeline, allowing or blocking water flow, but they do not regulate or maintain pressure levels within the system.