Pressure gauges must be tested every ______ years in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

• A. 3 years
• B. 5 years
• C. 1 year
• D. 10 years

Answer: (B)

Gauges are precision-readout devices, and their accuracy can drift over time due to vibration, temperature changes, wear, or other factors. To ensure the system pressure readings you rely on are correct, you must test and calibrate gauges at intervals specified by the manufacturer. Five years is a common, practical calibration interval for pressure gauges used in water-based systems, striking a balance between catching drift and avoiding unnecessary downtime or cost. Testing more often would waste time and resources, while waiting much longer could let inaccuracies go unnoticed, potentially masking leaks or incorrect pressure readings. Therefore, the best choice is five years, aligning with typical manufacturer guidance for this type of instrument.