Terminology in sewerage: Which pipe carries sewage from an individual building or premises to the public system for immediate disposal?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: House sewer (building sewer)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Clarity in sewer nomenclature is essential for design drawings, approvals, and maintenance responsibilities. Different conduits form the hierarchy, from the property line to the wastewater treatment plant.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Typical urban sewerage network.
  • Definitions follow conventional municipal engineering usage.


Concept / Approach:
A house sewer (also called a building sewer or house connection) conveys wastewater from a single building to the public sewer. Lateral sewers collect flows from multiple house connections. Intercepting sewers bypass combined sewer overflows or intercept lower-level flows. The main sewer is a larger trunk line; the outfall conveys final flow to treatment or disposal.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the origin of sewage: individual building.Determine the correct conduit up to the public line: house sewer.Exclude network collectors and trunks which are downstream components.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard plumbing codes and municipal standards define the building sewer as the conduit from the building drain to the public sewer or private disposal system, confirming the terminology.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lateral sewer: serves multiple properties along a street.Intercepting and main sewers: larger downstream network elements.Outfall sewer: final conveyance to treatment or disposal.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing building drain (inside property) with building sewer (from property line to public sewer).
  • Using local jargon inconsistently on drawings.


Final Answer:
House sewer (building sewer)

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