kɜːrb bɒks
noun
A box used to house electrical wiring at the edge of a sidewalk or driveway.
Example usage: 'Be careful not to trip on the curb box when you're carrying all that lumber.'
Most used in: Urban areas with a lot of construction.
Most used by: Electricians and other tradespeople.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Catch Basin, Storm Drain Box, Inlet Box, Junction Box,
What is a Curb Box?
A curb box is an essential part of a plumbing system. It is a box-like structure that is used to house the control valves and other plumbing components related to the water supply of a home, building, or other structure. The box is usually made of metal or PVC and is usually located in the curb or sidewalk area near the home or building. It is also referred to as a curb stop, curb stop box, curb valve box, or curb stop valve.
The purpose of a curb box is to provide access to the plumbing system for maintenance and repair. This allows a plumber to easily access the valves, pipes, and other components in order to make any necessary repairs. It also allows for the installation of new components if necessary.
Curb boxes are an important part of any plumbing system. According to the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, there are over 3.1 million curb boxes installed in the United States alone. These boxes are designed to last for many years, and are an important part of keeping plumbing systems functioning properly.
The Origin of the Term 'Curb Box'
The term 'curb box' is used to refer to a water meter box used in plumbing construction. It is typically located in front of a residence on the edge of a curb, hence the terminology. The first known use of the term 'curb box' dates back to 1911 in the United States.
The term is believed to have originated in the Midwest, particularly in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. It was used to refer to the boxes that were placed at the edge of the curb in order to house water meters. These boxes were usually made of metal or wood and were used to measure the amount of water used by the home's occupants.
Today, the term 'curb box' is still used by plumbers and other construction professionals to refer to the water meter boxes located on the edge of the curb. It is an important part of plumbing construction and is used to measure the amount of water used by a home's occupants.
