Which term describes the principal pipe artery to which branches may be connected?

The term that describes the principal pipe artery to which branches may be connected is the building main. In plumbing terminology, the building main serves as a central conduit that supplies water or infrastructure to the various branches that extend to different fixtures and areas within a building. This concept is fundamental in plumbing design, as it ensures that the system is organized and that water distribution is efficient and effective throughout the structure.

The building main is typically larger in diameter compared to branch lines, as it needs to accommodate the total volume of water needed for all connected fixtures. Its role is crucial; without a well-defined building main, the entire plumbing system could become disorganized, leading to potential inefficiencies or failures.

Other terms like building header, piping network, and main sewer refer to different aspects of plumbing or waste discharge systems but do not accurately capture the function of the primary supply pipe within a building. The building header usually pertains specifically to the top header pipe that may serve multiple branches, while the piping network encompasses the entire system. The main sewer is related to waste disposal rather than supply. Thus, the building main is the accurate descriptor for the principal artery in a plumbing system.