System of water and gas pipes (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: PLUMBING (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "System of water and gas pipes" with 8 letters is "PLUMBING".Plumbing refers to the system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings used for the distribution of water, gas, and the removal of waste in a building. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of essential services like water supply, drainage, and heating systems.
Why “Plumbing” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (8 letters) meaning “system of water and gas pipes.” The answer, PLUMBING, fits exactly:
- System of water and gas pipes: Plumbing refers to the network of pipes, fittings, and fixtures in a building used for supplying water, removing waste, and often for gas delivery.
- Direct match: With 8 letters, plumbing matches the given enumeration cleanly.
- Standard term: It is the universally recognized word for the system of pipes in everyday and technical language, making it a precise match for the clue.
The word plumbing has roots in metalwork and construction:
- Origin and usage: Derived from the Latin plumbum (“lead”), since early pipes were made of lead. The trade and the system itself both came to be called plumbing.
- Contexts: It broadly covers water supply, sewage, and sometimes gas piping work. The trade of plumbers stems from the same root.
- Examples: “The old house needed new plumbing,” or “The plumber inspected the plumbing system for leaks.” Both show its meaning as a pipe system.
In quick crosswords, clues like “system of water and gas pipes (8)” point directly toward a practical, technical everyday word:
- Alternatives like pipework (8) could arise, but plumbing is more universal and widely recognized in general usage.
- The clue is entirely literal, not cryptic, making plumbing the most natural fit.
- Both the clear definition and perfect length confirm plumbing as the correct solution.
