DIY Plumbing

WARNING!

DIY PLUMBING IS NOT TO BE RECOMMENDED!

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

What are the Water Fittings Regulations?

The Water Fittings Regulations are national requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. Their purpose to prevent misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water and most importantly to prevent contamination of drinking water.

The regulations do not apply to me do they? Oh yes they do!

Owners and occupiers of premises and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings have a legal duty to ensure that systems satisfy the regulations. Advanced notice must be given for proposed installations in most cases, so architects, building developers and plumbers have to follow the regulations on behalf of future owners or occupiers. Ask anyone installing plumbing to your property for evidence that they are qualified to connect to the water companies’ supply. We are!

Our certificate is issued by BPEC under certificate number 67510 and we are happy to show you our certificate.

Prevention of backflow

As we have said previously it is extremely important to prevent contamination of drinking water. Where water or water-using equipment is used with fluids or materials which could contaminate it, there must be adequate protection to stop backflow of potentially contaminated water into other parts of the system especially drinking water. The regulations define Fluid Risk Categories by the type of contaminates which are present and specify the appropriate type of prevention device which must be fitted to guard against backflow.

Do you know?

If your shower head is allowed to dangle in your bath water/shower tray unless your shower is fitted with the correct anti-backflow devices, in certain circumstances you could poison your own drinking water, your neighbours drinking or worse.

What is a type AA air gap and what does it do?

What is the difference between an indirect cold water storage cistern and a direct cold water cistern?

What type of sealant should you not use on a cold water storage cistern which supplies potable water?

What type of solder is ok to use in pipe work supplying potable water?

What type of silence tube is permitted on the ball valve controlling your cold water storage cistern?

The above questions only represent a tiny proportion of the water regulations and if you do not know the answers you could potentially cause a serious health hazard to yourself and others and therefore you should leave your plumbing requirements to a professional!

If a Wras approved contractor certifies that his work in your property is in accordance with the regulations it is possible to use this a defence in court, however if you do not use a qualified contractor then it is your own responsibility and it is you that could be fined if your connection to the services is not done correctly. Not to mention the fact that a professional plumber can form neat bends in the copper pipe work instead of using ugly joints and elbows and is not as likely to ruin your décor with water pouring out of leaks on your finished job!

About us | Gallery | Showers | DIY Plumbing | Testimonials | Plumber Warrington
Central Heating | Gas Boiler Repair | Gas Boiler Service | Power Flushing | Solar Hot Water