Definitions for Underground Utility Terms S

Underground Utility PipesSaddle Clamp: A device or clamp used to secure or attach additional pipes or utilities to an existing underground pipe, often used in branching or tapping applications.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document that provides detailed information about hazardous substances or materials used in underground utility work, including handling, storage, and emergency procedures.

Scour Protection: Measures and structures implemented around underground utility installations, such as bridges or culverts, to prevent erosion or scouring caused by flowing water.

Seepage Pit: An underground pit or structure designed to receive and allow for the gradual infiltration of stormwater or liquid waste into the surrounding soil.

Service Connection: The point of connection between a utility line and an individual property or customer’s service line.

Service Lateral: A pipe or conduit that connects a property’s utility service to the main distribution line.

Service Line: The underground pipe or conduit that connects a property to the main utility line, carrying water, gas, or electricity.

Service Pit: An underground chamber or access point for maintenance or repairs on utility service connections.

Sewage Ejector Pump: A pump used to lift wastewater or sewage from a lower to a higher elevation when gravity flow is not possible.

Sewer Cleaning Nozzle: A nozzle attachment for water jetting equipment used in underground sewer systems to remove debris, roots, or sediment from pipe interiors, restoring proper flow and function.

Sewer Force Main: A pressurized pipe used to transport sewage or wastewater from a pumping station to a treatment facility.

Sewer Lateral: A pipe that connects a property’s plumbing system to the main sewer line.

Sewer Smoke Testing: The process of introducing non-toxic smoke into a sewer system to identify and locate leaks, defects, or illegal connections.

Shear Valve: A specialized valve installed in underground gas or fuel lines to automatically shut off the flow in the event of excessive pressure or impact.

Sheath: A protective covering or outer layer used to shield underground cables or pipelines from damage or environmental factors.

Shoring System: Temporary support structures or systems used in underground excavations or trenches to prevent soil collapse, ensuring worker safety and excavation stability.

Shoring: Temporary support structures or systems installed to prevent cave-ins or collapses during excavation.

Silt Fence: A temporary barrier or sediment control measure used in underground utility construction to prevent soil erosion and the migration of sediment into nearby water bodies.

Siphon: A curved section of underground pipe that uses gravity and vacuum pressure to move water or other fluids from a higher elevation to a lower elevation.

Slip Joint: A joint in a pipe or conduit that allows slight movement or flexibility to accommodate changes in length or alignment.

Slip Lining: A rehabilitation method for pipelines that involves inserting a new pipe or liner inside an existing damaged pipe.

Sliplining Rehabilitation: A trenchless method of rehabilitating underground pipes by inserting a smaller diameter pipe inside the existing pipe.

Sliplining: A method of rehabilitating underground pipes by inserting a smaller diameter pipe into an existing pipe, creating a new structural lining and improving flow capacity.

Slurry Wall: A wall constructed by excavating a trench and filling it with a thick suspension of bentonite clay or other stabilizing material to provide support and prevent water infiltration.

Smart Grid: An intelligent and interconnected electrical power distribution system that uses advanced communication and automation technologies for efficient monitoring and control of underground utility networks.

Smart Metering: Advanced metering technology used in underground utility systems to measure and monitor consumption in real-time, enabling efficient resource management and accurate billing.

Smoke Chamber: An underground chamber or space used in smoke testing where smoke is introduced to the sewer or drainage system to detect leaks, defects, or illegal connections.

Smoke Testing: A method used to identify leaks or defects in underground sewer or drainage systems by introducing smoke into the pipes and observing its escape points.

Aluminum and Steel Trench Boxes
Trench Safety Equipment: Trench Boxes Manhole Boxes, Bedding Boxes, Road Plates

Soil Classification: The categorization of soils based on their physical properties, composition, and engineering characteristics, assisting in the selection of appropriate construction methods for underground utility projects.

Soil Stabilization: Techniques or methods employed to improve the stability and load-bearing capacity of underground soils, such as chemical stabilization or soil grouting.

Soil Stabilization: The process of improving the stability and load-bearing capacity of soil surrounding underground utility structures through methods such as grouting, compaction, or chemical treatment.

Soil Vapor Extraction: A remediation technique that involves removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or contaminants from underground soil by applying a vacuum or negative pressure.

Solenoid Valve: An electromechanical valve used in underground irrigation systems or utility control systems to control the flow of liquids or gases based on electrical signals or commands.

Solvent Cement: A type of adhesive used to join plastic pipes or fittings in plumbing and underground utility systems.

Special Utility District (SUD): A special utility district (SUD) is a local government entity that provides specific utility services to a defined geographical area, typically within a county or municipality. Learn More…

Spill Containment System: A system of barriers, berms, or structures designed to contain and control the flow of hazardous materials or substances in underground utility facilities, preventing environmental contamination.

Splice Kit: A set of materials and components used to join or connect underground utility cables or conductors, providing insulation, protection, and electrical continuity.

Standby Generator: A backup power source that automatically activates during power outages to ensure continuity of essential functions in utility systems.

Standpipe: A vertical pipe installed for accessing water supply in multi-story buildings or fire protection systems.

Stormwater Detention System: An underground structure or basin designed to temporarily store and slowly release stormwater runoff, reducing peak flow rates and minimizing downstream flooding.

Stormwater Harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater or stormwater runoff from underground drainage systems for subsequent use, such as irrigation or non-potable water applications.

Stormwater Management System: Infrastructure and practices implemented to control and mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff, including underground systems such as detention or retention basins.

Street Cut Permit: A permit issued by local authorities that allows utility companies or contractors to excavate and open trenches on public roads for the installation or repair of underground utilities.

Subgrade Preparation: The process of preparing and compacting the natural ground or soil before the installation of underground utilities, ensuring stable support and load-bearing capacity.

Subgrade Stabilization: The process of strengthening and stabilizing the soil or subgrade beneath underground utility infrastructure using techniques such as soil compaction, geosynthetics, or chemical additives.

Submersible Pump: A pump designed to operate underwater or in underground pits or chambers, commonly used in drainage or wastewater systems to lift and transport fluids.

Subsoil Drainage: The installation of underground pipes, drains, or perforated pipes to collect and redirect excess water or moisture from soil layers, preventing waterlogging and promoting soil stability.

Substation Battery System: A backup power storage system installed in underground utility substations to provide emergency power during outages or disruptions in the electrical grid.

Substation: An electrical facility or structure in underground utility systems that transforms voltage levels, regulates power flow, and distributes electricity to different areas or consumers.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE): A practice that combines geophysical surveying, utility records review, and data analysis to accurately map and locate underground utilities before excavation or construction.

Suburface Drainage: A system of underground pipes, channels, or drains designed to collect and remove excess water from the soil or groundwater, preventing waterlogging or soil erosion.

Sump Pump: A pump used to remove water from basements, crawl spaces, or other areas prone to flooding.

Surface Restoration: The process of reinstating or repairing the surface area affected by underground utility work, including road resurfacing, pavement repairs, landscaping, or reseeding.

Surface Water Management: The planning and implementation of strategies to control and manage stormwater runoff, reducing the impact on underground utility systems and the environment.

Surge Arrester: A device installed in underground electrical systems to protect against voltage surges or transient overvoltages, safeguarding equipment and reducing the risk of damage.

Surge Arrester: A protective device installed in underground electrical systems to divert or absorb transient voltage surges, protecting electrical equipment from damage.

Surge Protection: Devices or systems designed to protect utility lines from sudden voltage spikes or surges.

Swabbing: The process of cleaning the inside of pipelines using foam or brushes attached to a flexible device.

Swell Factor: The increase in volume experienced by excavated soil when it is loosened or moved from its original position.