What is the term for stored potential energy available to force water through pipe, fittings, hoses, and adapters?

• A. Dynamic Pressure
• B. Gauge Pressure
• C. Vacuum
• D. Static Pressure

Answer: (D)

Static pressure is the pressure energy stored in the water that can be used to push it through pipes, fittings, hoses, and adapters. This potential energy exists in the system and is what drives flow once you start moving water or when the pump is delivering water, overcoming friction and resistance along the way. When water is actually moving, some energy appears as dynamic pressure due to velocity, but the stored energy that enables movement through the system is the static pressure. Gauge pressure is simply the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, and vacuum refers to negative pressure, not the stored energy driving flow.