Final answer:
Check valves are the type of valves that should be used on water column connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) check valves. Check valves are valves that allow flow in only one direction, preventing backflow. They are commonly used on water column connections to ensure that the water flows in the intended direction and does not flow back. Check valves are typically thin-walled, have small lumens, and are designed to handle high pressure.