---
title: "Service connection from main pipe to building"
subject: "Water Supply Engineering"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_5/water_supply_engineering:service-connection-layout"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/service-connection-layout
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Service connection from main pipe to building

Water Supply Engineering · Chapter 7: Reservoirs and Distribution System

- Asked in: 2075 Asoj, 4 marks; 2074 Asoj, 4 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Underground Utilities - Water Distribution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j8AvaPSQzk) — AUBuildingScience
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/service-connection-layout
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/chapter-7

## Question

Describe the components and purpose in the layout of the service connection from the main pipe to a private building / household, with sketch and use of each component.

## Short answer

A service connection uses a ferrule, goose neck, service pipe, stop cock, water meter, and master valve to convey water from the street main to the household tap. The goose neck absorbs settlement, and the meter measures consumption.

## Answer

A service connection is the pipe that carries water from the street distribution main to the tap or meter inside a private building.

```text
 Street                 Boundary         House
 =====Main=====+=========|==M==|=====>  tap
   (CI/DI)  ferrule  stop cock meter
                  \ goose
                   neck
```

#### Components and their use
| Component | Use |
|---|---|
| Ferrule (tapping) | A small brass fitting screwed into a hole bored in the main (under pressure); it gives the branch for the service pipe. |
| Goose neck (gooseneck bend) | A flexible curved pipe (lead/copper/PE) which takes up settlement and vibration, so the main pipe is not stressed. |
| Service pipe | GI, PE or PVC pipe of 12–25 mm that carries water from the main to the property. It is laid 0.6–1 m deep. |
| Communication/stop cock (curb cock) | Valve near the road/boundary, for the water authority to cut off the supply to the building. |
| Water meter | Measures the quantity used, for billing and reducing waste. |
| Master/stop valve (inside) | Lets the owner shut off the supply for repairs. |
| Pipe fittings and tap | Elbows, tees, bib cock/tap deliver water inside the building. |

The service line is laid with a small slope, with all joints made leak-tight; the meter is kept in a protective box.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is the use of the ferrule in a service connection?
   A. Measures water used
   B. Brass fitting screwed into a hole in the main to give the branch for the service pipe
   C. Allows the owner to shut off supply
   D. Absorbs settlement of the pipe
   Answer: B. The ferrule is the tapping fitting on the main that connects the service pipe. (Key point: Ferrule)

2. Why is a goose neck provided between the main and service pipe?
   A. To measure flow
   B. To take up settlement and vibration so the main is not stressed
   C. To increase pressure
   D. To disinfect the water
   Answer: B. Its flexible curved shape absorbs movement and protects the main. (Key point: Goose neck)

3. Which statement is correct?
   A. The stop (curb) cock lets the water authority cut supply; the meter measures use for billing
   B. The meter cuts off supply for the authority
   C. The stop cock measures water
   D. The ferrule is used for billing
   Answer: A. The curb cock is for authority shut-off; the meter records quantity for billing and waste reduction. (Key point: Stop cock and meter)

## Related in Water Supply Engineering

- [Service reservoirs: purpose and construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fwater_supply_engineering%3Aservice-reservoir-purpose-construction) — Water Supply Engineering, chapter 7, asked 2×
- [Design main transmission pipes PQ and QR](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fwater_supply_engineering%3Apd-c70o) — Water Supply Engineering, chapter 7
- [Good pipe requirements; expansion joint](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fwater_supply_engineering%3Apipe-requirements-expansion-joint) — Water Supply Engineering, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Rural and urban scheme layout diagram](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fwater_supply_engineering%3Arural-urban-scheme-diagram) — Water Supply Engineering, chapter 1, asked 6×

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