Ontario Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Exam

What is the name of the valve that connects the customer's service line to the municipal water line?

1. Backflow preventer

2. Hydrant valve

3. Curb stop

4. Shut-off valve

The correct answer is: Curb stop

The valve that connects the customer's service line to the municipal water line is called the curb stop. This valve is typically located at or near the property line and is crucial for controlling the flow of water into a customer's property. It allows for the water supply to be shut off if necessary, such as during repairs or emergencies. The installation of a curb stop is essential for any municipal water system, as it provides a safe and efficient means for maintenance workers and utility companies to control water access without needing to disrupt the municipal water system itself. It effectively serves as a key interface between the public water supply and private plumbing systems. Although the other options have their specific purposes in a water distribution system, they do not serve the same role as the curb stop. For instance, a backflow preventer is designed to prevent contaminated water from returning to the clean water supply, and a hydrant valve controls water flow for fire hydrants. A shut-off valve is a more general term that could refer to valves used in various locations within a plumbing system but is not specifically tied to the connection at the property line.