What action should you take after relieving pressure when addressing a line issue to prevent reoccurrence?

• A. Re-pressurize to maximum immediately.
• B. Keep the line depressurized for the rest of the operation.
• C. Re-pressurize gradually.
• D. Vent air continuously while pressurized.

Answer: (C)

When you’ve relieved pressure and addressed a line issue, reintroduce pressure slowly rather than all at once. This controlled ramp minimizes hydraulic shock (water hammer) and gives you a chance to observe the line, fittings, and couplings as pressure returns. If any leak or weakness appears during the gradual pressurization, you can catch it before it becomes a larger problem, and the system can reseat connections more reliably under a gentler load. Once the line is up to operating pressure and remains steady, you can proceed with the task.

Jumping straight back to maximum pressure can cause a sudden surge that reopens leaks or damages fittings. Keeping the line depressurized prevents you from completing the operation. Venting air continuously while pressurized drops the pressure and undermines the purpose of rechecking the line under load.