What better way to understand what the heck these contractors are talking about?
| A.B.S. |
Black plastic pipe. Typically glued together, but can be joined by couplers as well. Comes in 20 foot lengths. Soil must be dug up to install this material |
| Back flow prevention device |
Basically a device that will prevent sewage from backing up into your house. It could be a check valve, sewer popper, mushroom cap, or loose cap (also known as a Jim cap). |
| Cast iron pipe |
Very durable, comes in 10 foot lengths, so there are generally many connections involved. Soil must be dug up to install this material. |
| Certificate of compliance |
This certifies that your sewer is is in operational condition and does not need to be rechecked for either 10 or 20 years (depending on the extent of your replacement). |
| Cleanout |
A point in your drain/sewer system that will allow entry. Generally, this would have some of cap that is removeable. |
| Coupler |
A mechanical device that allows two pieces of pipe to be connected together. This can be either a glue coupler or a mechanical coupler that has hose clamps. |
| Drain |
A pipe that carries waste found within the confines of your foundation. |
| Fitting |
Could be a wye, combo, 1/8" bend, 1/16" bend, or 1/4" bend. Essentially, a pipe that allows two pipes to be connected together and form one. |
| H.D.P.E. |
High density polyethelene, the material that trenchless sewers are made of. It is very durable and very strong, typically, this material is fused together. |
| Loose cap |
Serves as a cover to close off an opening in a pipe, and also as a backflow prevention device. Typically used in a cleanout (also called a Jim cap). |
| Lower lateral |
Refers to the portion of your sewer that runs from the curb to the main in your street. |
| Open trench |
The process of digging a trench from point A to point B. |
| P.V.C. |
Polyvinyl chloride. A white or gray plastic pipe. Typically glued together, but can be joined with couplers as well. Comes in 2o foot lengths, Soil must be dug up to install this material. |
| Sewer |
A pipe that carries waste. (When it is more than 2 feet from the foundation it is no longer referred to as a drain, but a sewer) |
| Trenchless |
The process by which you can replace lengths of pipe by bursting the existing pipe or soil and replacing it with a new pipe. |
| Upper lateral |
Refers to the portion of your sewer that runs from the house to the curb. |
