What is the main purpose of gate valves in a lift station?

The main purpose of gate valves in a lift station is to isolate the lift station from the wastewater collection system during maintenance. This isolation is crucial for safety and operational efficiency, as it allows maintenance personnel to perform their tasks without the risk of wastewater flowing back into the station or system, which could lead to overflows or contamination. Additionally, this capability protects both the maintenance crew and the integrity of the lift station itself by ensuring that work can be performed in a controlled environment.

The function of gate valves is primarily on/off control rather than regulating flow direction or pressure; thus, their design and operation are not meant for those purposes. While reducing water loss is an important consideration in plumbing and infrastructure, gate valves specifically serve the vital role of providing isolation during maintenance, making option B the correct choice.