Plumbing Definitions Regarding a Cross-Connection
Air Break
An air break is an indirect connection of a drain line to the drainage system where the drain line terminates below flood level.
Air Gap
An air gap is an actual physical separation of the po 
table and non-potable system by an air space. The vertical distance between the supply pipe and the flood level rim should be two times the diameter of the supply pipe, but never less than 1 inch. See picture on the right
Backflow
Backflow is the reversal of normal flow in a water system due to an increase in the downstream pressure above that of the water supply pressure.
Backflow Preventer/
Vacuum BreakerA backflow preventer or vacuum breaker is a device to prevent backflow into the potable water system. There are three types of vacuum breakers: (1) atmospheric, (2) pressure, (3) hose bibb. To decide which one you might need, please call your county health department.
Atmospheric Vacuum
When the inlet valve of an AVB is closed, water flow in the Breaker (AVB) normal direction but, as water stops flowing, the air inlet valve opens, and interrupts any back spiphonage effect. Pictured on the right
Back-Siphonage
Back-siphonage is the reversal of normal flow in a water system caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in the waster supply piping. An example is a garden hose attached to a service sink with the end of the hose submerged in a bucket full of detergent, then there is a loss of pressure in the water supply line and the detergent waster flows into the portable water supply pipes.
Cross Connection
A cross connection is a direct arrangement of a piping line which allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line which contains a contaminant.
Flood Level Rim
The flood level rim is the top edge of a sink or other facility from which water overflows.
Indirect Waste Pipe
An indirect waste pipe is a pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage system, but conveys liquid wastes by discharging into a plumbing fixture, interceptor, or receptacle which is directly connected to the drainage system.
Potable Water
Water that is safe to drink
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