mains

2 definitions • 10 examples

the system of pipes or wires that carry water or electricity into a house, or the pipes that carry sewage away from a house:

The house isn't on the mains.

They bought a house with no mains supply.

mains electricity

Not all the houses in the village are connected to the water mains.

There are many miles of sewage mains that are so old they are beginning to fail.

the place at which outside pipes or wires carrying water, electricity, etc. connect with the system inside a house or building:

Switch off the electricity at the mains before starting work.

I struggled to find the mains switch.

Make sure you have turned the water off at the mains.

The mains tap is located under the sink.

Turn the electricity back on at the mains.