afleverdouches

An afleverdouche, or delivery shower, is a Dutch term referring to a shower that a building's plumbing system might have near the main water intake. Its primary purpose is to allow for a thorough flushing and cleaning of the pipes before they are connected to the rest of the building's water network. This is particularly important during the construction phase or after significant plumbing work.

The afleverdouche ensures that any debris, construction residue, or contaminants introduced into the pipes during installation are effectively washed out. This process is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing potential blockages or damage to fixtures and appliances that will later use the water. It acts as a final clearing point before the water supply becomes fully operational for occupants.

In some contexts, the term might also be used informally to describe a shower used for a specific cleaning purpose, such as rinsing off after a messy task. However, its most common and technical meaning relates to the initial flushing of new or repaired water pipes in a building's infrastructure. The installation and use of an afleverdouche are generally part of standard building codes and plumbing best practices to guarantee the integrity and cleanliness of the potable water system.