AS NZS 3500 0 1995 national plumbing and drainage code glo

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AS/NZS 3500.0:1995 National Plumbing and Drainage Code - Glossary of terms

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AS/NZS 3500.0:1995

Australian/New Zealand Standard

National Plumbing and Drainage
Code

Part 0: Glossary of terms


AS/NZS 3500.0:1995
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical

Committee WS/14, National Plumbing and Drainage Code. It was approved on behalf
of the Council of Standards Australia on 18 August 1995 and on behalf of the Council
of Standards New Zealand on 3 August 1995. It was published on 5 December 1995.

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The following interests are represented on Committee WS/14:
A.C.T. Electricity and Water
Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants, Australia
AUSTAP
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association
Brisbane City Council
Department of Environment and Planning, Tas.
Department of Housing Local Government Planning, Qld
Department of Land and Water Conservation, N.S.W.
Department of Lands Housing and Local Government, N.T.
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Gas Appliance Manufactures Association of Australia
Housing Industry Association (Australia)
Melbourne Water
Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia
New Zealand Manufacturers Federation
New Zealand Society of Mater Plumbers and Gasfitters
Plastics and Chemicals Industry Association (Australia)
Solar Energy Industries Association of Australia
South Australian Water Corporation
Sydney Water Corporation
Water Authority of Western Australia

Review of Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Joint Australian/New
Zealand Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue
of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that Standards
users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments
thereto.
Full details of all Joint Standards and related publications will be found in the
Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand Catalogue of Publications; this
information is supplemented each month by the magazines ‘The Australian Standard’
and ‘Standards New Zealand’, which subscribing members receive, and which give
details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn
Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Joint Standards, addressed to the head office of either
Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand, are welcomed. Notification of any
inaccuracy or ambiguity found in a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard should be
made without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action
taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 94176.


AS/NZS 3500.0:1995

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Australian/New Zealand Standard
National Plumbing and Drainage
Code
Part 0: Glossary of terms

PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY:

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
1 The Crescent,
Homebush NSW 2140 Australia
STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Level 10, Standards House,
155 The Terrace,
Wellington 6001 New Zealand
ISBN 0 7262 0070 5


AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee WS/14 on the National Plumbing and Drainage Code, to supersede
AS 3500.0 — 1990, National Plumbing and Drainage Code, Part 0: Glossary of terms.

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The Standard is primarily intended for the general water industry and for use in the
interpretation of terminology used in the various parts of the National Plumbing and
Drainage Code and covers water supply from the reticulation main into the premises,
including hot water service systems, sanitary fixtures, drainage and their associated water
and waste fittings, pipe systems and associated components.

Originated as AS 1355 — 1979.
Previous editi on AS 3500.0 — 1990.
Jointl y revised and designated AS/NZS 3500.0:1995.

 Copyright STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/ STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
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Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard
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3

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Australian/New Zealand Standard
National Plumbing and Drainage Code

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Part 0: Glossary of terms
Term

Definition

ablution trough

See trough.

absorber

See solar water heater—terms.

absorption pit

A pit, trench or well dug into permeable ground, filled with broken
stone, bricks or large granular material and usually covered with
earth, where liquid may soak away into the ground. Also called
soakaway.

absorption test

See test.

access chamber

See chamber.

access cover

See cover.

access fitting

See fitting.

access opening

An opening in a building element, fitted with a cover which is
removable to allow maintenance of a concealed pipe, fixture or
other apparatus.

access pipe

See pipe.

access point

A place where access may be made to a drain for inspection,
cleaning or maintenance; and may include an inspection point,
rodding point, inspection chamber or access chamber.

accessible

Capable of being reached for the purposes of inspection,
maintenance, repair, or replacement, but may first require removal
of an access panel, cover, door or similar obstruction.

adaptor fitting

See fitting.

aeration systems

Systems designed to treat liquid waste by the processes of air
injection.

aerator

A device to introduce air into the flow of a liquid as part of a
treatment process.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

aerobic

A state where molecular oxygen is present.

aerobic treatment systems

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See aeration systems.

against-pitch installation

See solar water heater—terms.

air chamber

See chamber.

air cooling equipment

See cooling equipment.

air eliminator

A device which opens to release accumulated air from a hydraulic
system and which automatically closes in the presence of a liquid.

air gap

(a)

Sanitary plumbing system The unobstructed vertical distance
through the free atmosphere between the outlet of a discharge
or waste pipe and the overflow level of the receptacle into
which it is discharging.

(b)

Water supply system The unobstructed vertical distance

through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening of a
water service pipe or fixed outlet supplying water to a fixture
or receptacle and the highest possible water level of such
fixture or receptacle.

air test

See test.

air valve

See valve.

air venting

Allowing air to enter or escape from a confined space to facilitate
movement.

air vessel

A vessel which utilizes the compressibility of contained air to
promote a more uniform flow of water.

air/water pressure vessel

A vessel in which water is stored under pressure of compressed air.
The vessel forms part of a pumped water supply system. Variations
in the amount of water stored are accompanied by variations in the
pressure of the air and can be used to control the stopping and
starting of the pumps.

airlift

A method of raising liquid by the injection of compressed air.

airlift pump
airlock

anaerobic

See pump.
(a)

An air space with doors separating a water closet or urinal
apartment and an adjacent room.

(b)

Air in a pipe which stops the flow of liquid in a pumping or
gravity circuit.

A state where free oxygen is absent.
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5

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

anchor blocks

Blocks, usually of concrete, placed at intervals and at changes of
direction along a pipeline to prevent pipe movement. Sometimes
referred to as thrust blocks.

anchorage

Means of preventing movement of pipes or fittings subject to
unbalanced forces.

angle of fitting

See fitting.

angle of inclination

See solar water heater—terms.

anode

The negative electrode of a galvanic couple which corrodes
preferentially to the positive electrode (cathode).

appliance

An apparatus or piece of equipment designed to perform a normal
everyday task.

aqueduct

Any water supply channel vested in, belonging to, or under the
control of the responsible authority.

arrestor

An apparatus designed to intercept and retain silt, sand, oil, grease,
sludge or other substance that is a prohibited discharge to the
sewerage or drainage system.

atmospheric vacuum breaker

See backflow prevention device.

authority

See regulatory authority.

authorized

Applies to materials, products, fixtures, appliances and apparatus
which are sanctioned for use in the area of jurisdiction of the
authorizing authority.

autoclave

See sterilizer.

autogenous welded joint

See joint.

automatic cistern

See flushing cistern.

automatic flush tank

See tank.

autopsy table

A fixture upon which post-mortem examinations are performed and
which has provision for drainage to the sanitary plumbing system.

auxiliary water heater

See water heater.

average recurrence interval

Rainfall intensity for stormwater design purposes.

back fall

See fall.

back-siphonage

Backflow that occurs when the water supply pressure falls below
atmospheric pressure.
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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

6

Term

Definition

backfill

See fill.

backflow

(a)

Flow in a direction contrary to the normal or intended
direction of flow; or

(b)

the unintended flow of water from a potentially polluted
source into a potable water supply.

backflow condition

Any arrangement whereby backflow may occur.

backflow prevention device

A device to prevent the reverse flow of water from a potentially
polluted source into a potable water supply system.

atmospheric vacuum
breaker

A device to prevent backflow caused by back siphonage, which
incorporates a ventilation valve, which operates automatically to
admit air into the downstream chamber of the valve whenever the
pressure in the chamber reduces to or falls below atmospheric
pressure.

double check valve

A device to prevent backflow caused by backpressure, and which
has two independently operating force loaded non-return valves and
incorporates specific test points for in-service testing.

dual check valve

A device to prevent backflow caused by backpressure, which
incorporates two independently operating force loaded non-return
valves.

dual check valve with
atmospheric port

A device to prevent backflow caused by back-siphonage or
backpressure, which incorporates a ventilation port and two
independently operating force loaded non-return valves which
prevent backpressure when operative, and which automatically
admits air to the chamber between the non-return valves, when the
upstream non-return valve becomes inoperative.

hose connection vacuum
breaker

A device fitted to a hose-tap to prevent backflow in a water
reticulation system caused by either back-siphonage or backpressure,
which operates automatically to admit air into the system under
back-siphonage conditions and vents the system to atmosphere
under backpressure conditions.

pressure type vacuum
breaker

A device to
incorporates
automatically

whenever the

reduced pressure zone
device

A device to prevent backflow caused by either back-siphonage or
backpressure in a water reticulation system, which incorporates two
independently operating force loaded non-return valves and which
automatically drains to waste, whenever the pressure in the system
between the upstream and downstream non-return valves reduces to
a pressure not less than 14 kPa below the pressure at the inlet to the
upstream non-return valve.

prevent backflow caused by back-siphonage, which
a force loaded ventilation valve, which operates
to admit air into the downstream chamber of the valve
pressure in the chamber reduces to 7 kPa.

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7

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

backnut

A thin threaded nut, which can be dished on one face to retain a
seal, used to form a watertight joint on a longscrew or similar
component, i.e. tapware.

backpressure

The difference between the pressure within any water service and a
higher pressure within any vessel or pipework to which it is
connected.

bain marie

A device for heating water in which food containers are placed to
keep the contents warm.

ball joint

See joint.

ball valve

See valve.

band clamped sleeve joint

See joint.

bar chair

A unit for supporting steel reinforcement while pouring concrete.

bar sink
barrel (of pipe)

barrel nipple

See sink.
The longitudinal section of pipe which does not include the jointing
portion.
See nipple.

barrel union

A fitting for connecting together and disconnecting two pipes.

basement

The floor space of a building which is substantially or wholly below
the level of the adjoining ground surface.

basin

A fixture for holding water for ablutionary purposes which may be
designed for mounting in a corner, mounted on a floor supported
pedestal, attached to a wall by means of brackets and screws, or set
in a vanity top.

bath

A fixture for containing water, in which the human body may be
immersed for ablutionary or treatment purposes.

eye (wash)

A bath consisting of a small bowl with jets of water controlled by a
hand or foot-operated valve.

foot bath

A bath fixed at a low level for washing or soaking feet.

shower bath

A bath combined with a shower outlet.

spa bath

A bath with the facility for injecting air and jets of turbulent water
into water contained in the bath.

batter

The slope of the sides of an excavation or soil fixture (i.e. urinal).
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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

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Term

Definition

bearing capacity (of soil)

The safe load per unit area which the soil can carry.

bedding

Material placed beneath a pipe to provide support for the pipeline.

bedpan macerator

A fixture to macerate paper-mache single-use receptacles and their
contents in a sanitary manner. It incorporates an internal flushing
and sanitizing cycle after every usage.

bedpan washer

A sanitary fixture in which bedpans and urine bottles may be
emptied or cleansed. It incorporates a flushing apparatus and may be
a sanitizer.

belled end joint

See joint.

bench

The floor area of a chamber graded to the channel.

bend

A short length of pipe or a manufactured fitting used to make a
change in direction in pipework.

inspection opening bend

A sanitary drainage bend which incorporates an inspection opening.

long bend

A pipe bend having a centreline radius of curvature equal to or
greater than 3 times its internal diameter.

pan bend

A soil pipe bend terminating in a socket to receive the spigot of a
sanitary fixture, e.g. WC pan.

reducing bend

A fitting in the form of a bend in which the internal diameter is
reduced.

return bend

A pipe used in making a change of direction of 180 degrees.

short bend

A pipe bend having a radius at the centreline equal to or less than
its internal diameter.

spring bend

A pipe or fitting used in making a change in direction of less than
90 degrees.

bib tap

See tap.

bidet

A sanitary fixture equipped with a douche device for producing a jet
of water, from a point below the rim of the pan, which can be
applied to the body.

bidette

A sanitary fixture equipped with a douche but with over rim type
water outlets, providing an airgap.

blank flange

See flange.

blue metal

Crushed graded quarry stone which does not disintegrate over time.

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9

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

boiler

See water heater.

boiling water unit

An apparatus for providing a continuous supply of boiling water.

bolted gland joint

See joint.

boss

A connection on a vessel, pipe or fitting, provided to facilitate the
connection of a pipe or fitting.

pipe boss

A short length of pipe with one or more bosses.

screwed boss

A fitting for attachment to the plate of a vessel, having an external
or internal thread for the connection of a pipe, pipe fitting, valve,
tap, immersion heater or other accessory.

bottle trap

See trap.

boundary trap

See trap.

boundary trap riser

A vertical shaft which extends the inlet leg of a boundary trap to
ground surface level to provide access to the drain for inspection,

cleaning and maintenance purposes. The riser may be sealed with an
airtight cap or terminate as a ground vent.

bracket

A projecting support for a shelf, pipe or other part.

branch drain

See drain.

branch pipe

See pipe.

branch vent

See vent.

brazed joint

See joint.

brazing

The process of joining metals in which a molten non-ferrous filler
metal is drawn by capillary action into the space between closely
adjacent surfaces of the parts to be joined. The melting point of the
filler metal is normally above 500°C but always below the melting
temperature of the metals being joined.

brazing alloy

A non-ferrous alloy, applied in the molten state, for joining together
metal components by brazing.

break pressure tank

See tank.

break tank

See tank.

bronze welded joint

See joint.

bucket pump

See pump.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

10

Term

Definition

built-in sink

See sink.

butterfly valve

See valve.

bylaws

Regulations made by local and other authorities under relevant
legislation.

bypass

An alternative path for diverting the flow of liquid around instead of
through a fitting or apparatus.

calorifier

An apparatus for indirect heating of water in a vessel, the source of
heat being a separate coil of heated pipes immersed in the water.

cap and lining

A fitting being a sleeve, one end of which is suitable for connection
to another fitting or component and the other end having a
shouldered end and loose coupling nut to connect to a threaded
fitting.

capacity (of vessel)

The maximum volume capable of being contained in a vessel.

capacity (of cistern)

The volume calculated by measuring up to the marked water level.

capacity (of electric storage
water heater)

In Australia the rated hot water delivery, in litres, at the specified
temperature. In New Zealand the cylinder capacity in litres.

capacity (of heat exchange
water heater)

The heat storage volume in litres.

capacity (of other storage
water heater)

The nominal storage capacity in litres.

capacity (of storage tank)

The volume of water above the invent of the outlet pipe when the
water surface in the tank is 20 mm below the overflow level.

capacity (of pumps)

The rated flowrate measured against a specified head.

capillary fitting

See fitting.

capillary joint

See joint.

cast

A general term for products at or near finished shape formed by
solidification of a molten metal or alloy in a mould.

cathodic protection

A method of protecting a metal against corrosion by lowering the
potential of the metal surface by means of an impressed current or
by connection to a sacrificial anode.

caulked joint

See joint.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

cavitation

The formation, growth and collapse of vapour cavities in a liquid
following a drop in pressure usually associated with a large local
increase in velocity as in a pump.

cement mortar joint

See joint.

central heating water heater

See water heater.

centreline radius

The radius (of a bend) measured to the centreline of the pipe.

centrifugal pump

See pump.

chamber

A compartment or enclosed space for air or water usage.

access chamber

A below-ground structure with a sealed cover constructed in the line
of a sanitary drain, to facilitate maintenance of the drain.

air chamber

A vessel which utilizes the compressibility of contained air to
minimize shock due to water hammer, when connected to a
pressurized water system.

flushing chamber

A chamber at which water for flushing is introduced into a drainage
or sewerage system.

inspection chamber

An access constructed in a drainage system to facilitate inspecting,
testing, or the clearance of obstructions.

precast chamber

A pre-constructed facility in a drain or sewer to provide access for
inspecting or testing purposes or for the clearance of obstructions. It
consists of a chamber which is accessible through a removable
cover.

pressurized chamber

An enclosed space where the pressure is above atmospheric
pressure.

side entrance chamber

A chamber so constructed that the access shaft is not directly over
the sewer line and in which access to the sewer is obtained by a
passage or an extension to the chamber.

chamber base

The floor section, commonly cast in situ, which provides a base for
the wall sections of the chamber and contains the flow channels.

chamber cover slab

(a)

A precast unit for installation on top of the wall sections to act
as the top of the chamber, and upon which the height

adjustment rings and cover are located.

(b)

A hole to permit access for cleaning, inspection or repair.

chamber height adjustment
ring

A unit acting as a spacer between the cover slab and cover to enable
the level of the cover to be adjusted to match the surrounding
finished ground level.
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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

12

Term

Definition

channel

An open graded passage for the conveyance of liquids.

charge pipe

See pipe.

chase

A narrow channel formed in a wall or floor of masonry construction
for recessing a pipeline below the surface.

check valve

See non-return valve.

chemical water closet pan

See water closet pan.

chlorination

The addition of chlorine for disinfection.

circulation pipe

See pipe.

cistern

A tank in which water is stored at atmospheric pressure, the water
being normally received through a float control valve set at a
predetermined level and incorporating an air gap.

flushing cistern

A cistern which is capable of discharging a measured quantity of
water, either automatically at intervals regulated by the rate at
which water is fed to the cistern, or by manual operation of the
flushing mechanism.

water closet (WC) cistern

A flushing cistern designed to be installed in conjunction with a WC
pan, which incorporates a mechanism, normally a float control
valve, to control the water level. It may be any of the following
types:

cistern fed water heater

(a)

Concealed Designed for installation in a duct or cavity.

(b)

High level Designed to operate when the dimension from the
base of the cistern to the top of the pan is not less than
550 mm.

(c)

Mid level Designed to operate when the dimension from the
base of the cistern to the top of the pan is between 550 mm

and 350 mm.

(d)

Low level Designed to operate when the dimension from the
base of the cistern to the top of the pan is less than 350 mm.

(e)

Manual dual A cistern in which the flush is activated by a
manual operation, and capable of giving flushes of two
different volumes, either of which can be selected by the user.

(f)

Manual single A cistern in which the flush is activated by a
manual operation, and which is capable of giving only one
flush volume.

See water heater.

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13

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

cleaners’ sink

See sink.

cleaning eye

A small access opening in a pipe or pipe fitting positioned to
facilitate the clearing of obstructions and fitted with a removable
and resealing cap or plug.

clip fastener

A fixing arrangement designed to bolt, screw, fasten or otherwise
fix or mount plumbing products or related items.

close coupled solar
water heater

See solar water heater.

close coupled water
closet pan

See water closet pan.

close taper nipple

See nipple.

closet

See water closet.

collar

A pipe fitting in the form of a sleeve, for jointing the spigot ends of
two pipes in the same alignment.

double collar

An arrangement for joining two spigot ends of pipe.

finishing collar

A fitting for attaching to the riser of an external disconnector gully
into which a grating can be seated.

split collar

A repair collar manufactured in two pieces and fixed together along
the longitudinal axis of the fitting.

collection pitch
with cross-pitch

See solar water heater—terms.

collector aperture

See solar water heater—terms.

collector

See solar water heater—terms.

combination relief valve

See valve.

combined pipe

See pipe.

combined stack

See stack.

combined tap

See tap.

commercial fixture or
appliance

A fixture or appliance which is designed for use in commercial
situations.

common discharge pipe

See pipe.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

14

Term

Definition

common effluent (drainage)
system

A system for collecting and removing effluent from a group of
properties.

common vent

See vent.

compaction

The process of consolidating soil or other materials by mechanical
or other means.

compression fitting

See fitting.

compression joint

See joint.

compressive strength (f c′)

The bearing strength of concrete.

concrete surround

(a)

Concrete encasing of a pipe or fitting; or

(b)

the concrete margin around a valve box cover, hydrant cover
or similar device.

condensate

Liquid condensed from a vapour.

conductivity (of water)

The electrical conductivity of water is a measure of the
concentration of dissolved solids and is usually expressed in
microsiemens/cm.

conduit

A pipe or other closed passage, for the conveyance of liquids.

connection

(a)

The short section of pipe connector which connects the supply
pipe to a fixture; or

(b)

the servicing of a property with water supply or sanitary
drainage or effluent disposal.

container

See solar water heater—terms.

contaminant

Any solid, organisms, liquid or gas entering, or with the potential to
enter and pollute, the potable water supply.

contaminated area

Any area of land which is contaminated by substances or organisms
detrimental to health, including any area of a sanitary depot or
water pollution control plant, or any sewer, sanitary drain, ashpit,
tank, pond, cistern, manure bin, or the like.

contamination of water test

See test.

contingency reserve

Water held in storage for use in the event of an interruption to the
normal supply.

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15

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

continuous support

A pipe is said to be continuously supported when it is—
(a)

placed on a cradle extending the length of the barrel. The
cradle follows the contour of the pipe to a defined height; or

(b)

laid with socket holes dug into the bedding material which is
spread so as to give even and continuous support to the pipe
between sockets.

controlled pressure water
heater

See water heater.

cooling equipment

A facility designed to cool a medium, but not including air
conditioners.

air cooling equipment

Cooling equipment which is intended to cool air.

water cooling equipment

Cooling equipment which is intended to cool water, but not
including water-cooled drink dispensers.

cooling facility

A facility designed to retain trade waste water until cooled
sufficiently before being discharged.

corbel water closet pan

See water closet pan.

corrosive area

An environment, usually below ground, where substances are
present which are corrosive to metallic components.

coupling

A pipe fitting used for the connecting together of pipes, fittings or
fixtures.

expansion coupling

A coupling which permits longitudinal movement of the joined parts
(relative to each other), caused by expansion and contraction due to
temperature change.

flexible coupling

A coupling which permits movement of the connected pipework out
of its original alignment, or permits the jointing of components
which are not truly aligned.

gibault coupling

A coupling which uses mechanical means and rubber seals to effect
a joint between two pipes in the same alignment.

hose tap coupling

A coupling attached to the inlet end of a hose, and having a loose
threaded nut for attachment to a hose tap.

insulating coupling

A pipe fitting which breaks the electrical continuity between
adjacent pipes, fittings or fixtures.

cover

(a)

An apparatus consisting of a removable lid and a lid support,
and which is generally installed at ground surface level.

(b)

The vertical distance between the top of the pipe and the
finished surface.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

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Term

16

Definition

access cover

A removable cover to provide access for cleaning or inspection.

fire hydrant cover

A box fitted for ready access to a fire hydrant.

inspection opening cover

A cover for protecting and providing access to a below-ground
inspection opening.

valve cover

A cover for locating, protecting and providing access to a valve
arrangement.

cradle

A structure for supporting a pipe or apparatus from beneath and
from the sides.

cross fitting

See fitting.

cross vent

See vent.

cross-connection

Any connection or arrangement, physical or otherwise, between any
potable water supply system either directly or indirectly connected
to a water main, and any fixture, storage tank, receptacle, equipment
or device through which it may be possible for any non-potable,
used, unclean, polluted or contaminated water, or any other
substance, to enter any part of such potable water system under any
conditions.

crown

The highest point on the external surface of a pipe or culvert at any
cross-section.

crown (of trap)

The topmost point of the outlet leg of a trap.

croxed fitting

See fitting.

croxed joint

See joint.

dead leg

A branch pipe in a hot water system containing dead water.

dead water

The cold water drawn off before hot water commences to discharge
from a hot water outlet.

delayed action float valve

See valve.

dental cuspidor

A fixture for use in a dental surgery for the reception of mouth
washings.

dental equipment

A fixture or apparatus for use in a dental surgery.

dental evacuation
equipment

A fixture designed to operate below atmospheric pressure and
remove saliva and dental waste material from the mouth of a patient
into a catchment receptacle which permits liquid waste to gravitate
from, or be forced to, a drainage point with or without the
assistance of water.
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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

depth of water seal

The vertical distance measured between the dip and the crown weir
of a trap.

design life

The period of time stated by the manufacturer that a device or
system is expected to perform without requiring major maintenance
or replacement.

developed length

The total length along the centre-line of a pipe and fittings
including all bends.

dezincification

The selective corrosion of zinc from some copper-zinc alloys. The
zinc is removed from the original alloy and a soft, spongy mass of
copper which has poor mechanical strength is left.

dezincification resistant
(DR)

A material is deemed to be dezincification resistant (DR) if it
complies with the requirements of AS 2345.

diametral clearance

The annular clearance between the spigot and socket in a spigot and
socket joint.

diaphragm valve

See valve.

diaphragm pump

See pump.

dip (of trap)

The lowest position of the barrier within any trap which enables a
water seal to be formed.

discharge pipe

See pipe.

disconnector gully

See gully.

displacement water heater

See water heater.

DN

See nominal size.

domed grating

See grating.

domestic fixture or
appliance

A fixture or appliance which is designed for use in residential
situations.

double air valve

See valve.

double bowl sink

See sink.

double check valve

See mechanical backflow prevention device.

double collar

See collar.

double socket

See socket.

double wall heat exchanger

See heat exchanger.
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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

18

Term

Definition

double Y junction

See junction.

downstream vent

See vent.

drain (sanitary)

A line of pipes above or below ground level within the property
boundary, including all fittings and equipment generally external to
a building, intended to convey, under gravity, sewage or trade
waste.

branch drain

A section of a drain that is intended to receive the discharge of

fixture discharge pipes, but which has a lower fixture unit loading
and which may be of smaller nominal size than the main drain at its
point of connection.

main drain

The main conduit of a drainage system to which branches are
connected. It is that portion of a sewerage service on private
property which is normally located in the ground and which conveys
or is intended to convey the discharge from all fixtures to the sewer.

untrapped floor drain

A grated outlet to a pipe discharging to an outside location where it
will not cause damage.

drain tap

See tap.

drainer

A person registered or licensed in the construction of drains.

draw-off tap

See tap.

drench shower

See shower.

drink dispenser

An appliance which makes or is used in dispensing drinks, and
which has a water supply or a waste connection, or both. It includes
water coolers, coffee making machines, cappuccino machines and
other beverage dispensers.

drinking fountain

A fixture which provides a low flow jet of water from which the
user may drink directly, the supply being controlled by a
hand-operated or foot-operated tap.

drop junction

See jump up.

dropper

Vertical or near vertical water supply or sanitary plumbing
pipework.

dry (road) service

A property service installed beneath a roadway prior to the
connection of the property to the water main.

dry wall construction

A wall built without mortar.

dry weather flow

The flow in a sewer or drain under normal operating conditions
when infiltration is at a minimum.
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19

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

dry well pump

See pump.

dual check valve

See backflow prevention device.

duct

An enclosed area to accommodate pipework.

dye test

See test.

dynamic pressure

(a)

The pressure in pipework under flow conditions (also called
flow pressure).

(b)

The pressure resulting from a change in velocity of the fluid
stream (also called hydraulic shock—see water hammer).

eccentric taper fitting

See fitting.

effective opening

The cross-sectional area of the water passage, either through the
control valve nearest to the point of discharge, or of the pipe or
fitting, whichever is the lesser.
Effective opening is expressed as—
(a)

the diameter of a circle; or

(b)

where the opening is not circular, the diameter of a circle of
equivalent cross-sectional area.

effluent

The liquid discharged from a waste water treatment process.

ejector pot

The chamber of a compressed air sewage ejector to which sewage
drains prior to being ejected by compressed air.

elbow

A pipe fitting for providing a sharp change of direction in a
pipeline.

elbow action tap

See tap.

electronic tap

See tap.

elevation head

See head.

end plug

See plug.

engineer

See professional engineer.

entry at grade junction

See junction.

epoxy resin joint

See joint.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

20

Term

Definition

epoxy resin

An adhesive comprising two components which, when mixed in the
correct proportions, react to harden the mixture and form a strong
joint.

equilibrium float valve

See valve.

evaporative air conditioner

A water appliance designed to provide a flow of conditioned air
(temperature or humidity modified), based on the principle of latent
heat.

expansion control valve

See valve.

expansion coupling

See coupling.

expansion fitting

See fitting.

expansion joint

See joint.

expansion loop

A loop in a pipeline which, by flexing, can accommodate expansion
and contraction movements due to temperature change.

expansive soil

Soil which undergoes volumetric changes due to variations in
moisture content.

extruded

A general term to describe a component at or near finished shape,
produced by forcing it from a closed container through a die of the
appropriate contour.

eye bath

See bath.

fabricated fitting

See fitting.

fall

The difference in level between two points in the direction of flow.

back fall

The difference in level between two points in the opposite direction
to the designed flow.

falling level water heater

See water heater.

feed pipe

See pipe.

ferrule

A rigid metal sleeve, one end of which is for jointing to the end of
a soft metal pipe, and the other end for insertion into a socket to
enable a caulked joint to be made.

ferrule key

See key.

ferrule tap

See tap.

fill

(a)

Ordinary fill—earth removed from the excavation or imported,
used to refill a trench or form an embankment.

(b)

Selected fill— specified material chosen for a particular
application.
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21

AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

Term

Definition

filter

An apparatus used for the separation of solids from liquids.

finishing collar

See collar.

fire drencher sprinkler
system

A heat activated fire suppression system, which sprays water on the
outside surface of a building or structure, to prevent the spread of
fire from an adjacent burning building or structure.

fire hose reel

A length of firefighting hose which is connected to a valved water
supply and is wound on a reel.

fire hydrant

A fitting installed in a water pipeline which provides a valved outlet
(above or below ground) to permit a controlled supply of water to
be taken from the pipeline for firefighting or street flushing.

fire plug

A fire hydrant generally below ground, with identifying cover and
marker, having provision for connection of a fire hydrant standpipe
to permit operation of the outlet valve and connection of hoses.

pillar hydrant

A fully exposed above-ground cast-iron fire hydrant which
incorporates the control for operating the outlet valve and provides
an outlet for connection of hoses.

screwdown hydrant

A below-ground fire hydrant with identifying cover and marker,
which incorporates the control for operating the valved outlet and to
which hoses may be connected by using an extension piece so that
the hose connection is above ground.

spring hydrant

A valve in which a seal is achieved under normal operating
conditions by a spring-loaded dome, operated in conjunction with a
resilient seat. The valve is generally operated by means of the
attachment of a standpipe.

fire hydrant cover

See cover.

fire hydrant riser

A short pipe with flanged ends supplied in varied lengths so that a
fire hydrant outlet can be located at a standard depth, irrespective of
the depth of the water pipeline.

fire hydrant standpipe

A portable pipe fitting for connection to a fire hydrant, to operate
the hydrant outlet valve and provide a connection for hoses. It may
incorporate a booster valve assembly when necessary.

fire plug

See fire hydrant.

fire service

A service comprising water pipes, fire hydrants, fire hose reels,
fittings, and including water storage or pumping facilities which is
installed solely for firefighting and extinguishing purposes in and
around a building or property. Under certain conditions part of a
fire sprinkler system may be included.

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AS / NZS 3500.0:1995

22

Term

Definition

fire sprinkler service

Piping designed to be kept charged with water under pressure and
fitted with sprinklers which are automatically activated.

fitting

An item placed in a pipeline for jointing, connecting or changing
the direction or internal diameter of the pipeline.

access fitting

A straight extension which incorporates a test or access opening
end.

adaptor fitting

A fitting which allows the connection of fittings or components
whose normal jointing methods do not allow interconnection, or
which incorporates connection ends with different methods of
jointing.

angle of fitting

In drainage work, when a fitting is viewed with the spigot
downstream with the inspection opening toward the observer, the
angle specified is that formed by the longitudinal axis of the fitting
and the axis of the branch, or change in direction, read in a
clockwise direction for right-hand fittings and an anti-clockwise
direction for left-hand fittings.

capillary fitting

Any fitting in which the joint is made by the application of heat to

cause the flow of filler metal by capillary action along the annular
space, between the outside of the tube and the inside of the socket
of the fitting.

compression fitting

Compression fittings and components are defined as follows:
(a)

Type 1 non-manipulative —a fitting for a compression joint
which does not require any working of the tube other than
cutting square. The joint is made tight by means of a loose
compression ring which grips the outside wall of the tube
when the coupling nut is tightened.

(b)

Type 2 manipulative —a fitting in which the joint is made by
flaring, croxing, capping or beading the end of the tube which
is then compressed by the coupling nut against the shaped end
of the corresponding section in the fitting.

(c)

Cone—the loose ring component of a non-manipulative-type
compression joint which grips the outside of the pipe.

(d)

Nut—a fitting used to make a watertight joint, in which the

end of a pipe is held by compression either on the outside of a
pipe or against a manipulated end of a pipe. The compressive
effect is achieved by tightening the compression nut. The joint
may be one of the following types: olive, cone, flared, or
croxed.

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