A redundant branch in a plumbing, pneumatic or hydraulic system that has been capped off or isolated by a closed valve. Because the fluid inside remains stagnant, these sections can accumulate debris, rust or bacteria. Industrial inspectors look for them because they create pressure drops and contamination risks.
Heard on the job
We need to cut out that dead leg on the cooling line before the stagnant water corrodes the main header.
Also heard as
- blind branch