What maintenance practice is essential to avoid blockages in a collection system?

Frequent inspection of pipes and valves is essential in avoiding blockages in a collection system because it allows for the early detection of potential issues, such as cracks, roots intrusion, or buildup of debris. By regularly examining the structural integrity of the pipes and the functionality of valves, maintenance personnel can identify and address problems before they escalate into serious blockages or failures. This proactive approach contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and reliability of the collection system, reducing the risk of overflow or disruption in service.

While other options, such as regular water quality testing or public education on sewer usage, play important roles in overall system management, they do not directly address the physical condition of the infrastructure. Daily monitoring of weather conditions may be useful for anticipating flooding but does not contribute directly to the avoidance of blockages within the system itself. Thus, frequent inspections focus directly on identifying and rectifying the sources of potential blockages.