What is the purpose of an air relief valve on a pump?

• A. Vent Sulfates
• B. Prevent Air Locking
• C. Regulate Flow
• D. Seal Leaks

Answer: (B)

Air pockets in the suction line prevent the pump from drawing water and can cause the pump to lose its prime. An air relief valve automatically vents that trapped air, keeping the suction line filled with water and the pump primed. When air is present, the valve opens to release it and close again once water reaches the valve, so water isn’t wasted. This keeps the pump from experiencing air locking, which would reduce or stop flow.

Venting sulfates isn’t what this device does, as it’s not about chemical treatment. Regulating flow is handled by other control devices, not by an air relief valve. Sealing leaks is a separate function focused on preventing water loss, not on removing air from the system.