The main point of the new regulations
are as follows:
- The maximum allowable flush volume for a newly installed
suite from 1st January 2001 is 6 Litres ( compared with
the previous 7.5 litres). For replacement installations
where the existing WC remains, a 7.5 litre cistern can be
fitted.
- Dual flushing is now permissible. Again 6 litres being
the maximum full flush and 4 litres the maximum short flush.
Both Syphons and now valves can be used to control the flow
of water from cistern to the WC pan. Previously only the
siphon or wastewater preventor was allowed. Dual flushing
can be achieved with both siphons and valves.
- The use of pressure flushing valves direct from the mains
will be allowed for commercial premises only where a minimum
of 1.2 litres per second is available and providing that
the flushing system incorporates a backflow prevention arrangement.
- All WC Suites, Syphons and valves need to pass the new
regulators tests.
Internal overflows
Prior to September 2000 all toilet cisterns had to be fitted
with an external water overflow warning pipe. This enabled
water to run to the outside of the building in the event of
a ball valve failure, thus alerting the occupier to the problem.
The water industry now considers modern tested and approved
ball valves are sufficiently reliable to eliminate the need
for the external overflow pipe and have approved the internal
warning pipe as a "no less effective device."In
the event of a ball valve failure, water will be allowed to
run through the flushing device and into the toilet bowl,
where it may be seen so as to warn the occupier of the problem.
The internal overflow arrangement is achieved by changes
to the siphon flushing mechanism or the design of the flush
valve. Retrofit alternatives are available such as the seefloo,
which converts an existing cistern, this may be used if the
suite position changes or if it becomes impractical to run
an overflow externally due to building alterations. This simplifies
the plumbing installation, as there is no longer the need
to run an overflow or make a hole in the wall for the external
warning pipe to vent.
Help & training
There's lots of help available, including an enquiries and
advice service from the Water Regulation advisory service
(WRAS) Tel: 01495 248454. A regulation scheme bulletin is
published on the website with lots of useful information,
and a full copy of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations
1999 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Amendment
Regulations 1999 can be downloaded free.
Training
Presentations are currently being held up and down the country,
some free some chargeable. Because of the lack of a national
coordinated list of these presentations, it's advisable to
contact your local water regulations officer.
The BPEC Water Regulations Training Package is designed to
be used on a short training and assessment course after which
a Certificate of Competence will be issued. The Certificate
will be issued jointly by BPEC and the Water Regulations Advisory
Service (WRAS). The Water Regulations Competency Certificate
should prove to be a useful standard throughout the UK for
Water Companies to use for installers wishing to join Approved
Installer Schemes.
Approved installers scheme
Water companies are establishing Approved Installer Schemes
where plumbers who are members of such a scheme would undertake
to ensure that their workmanship and the fittings they have
installed comply with the Regulations. Approved Contractors
do not need to notify certain installations, which Non-Approved
Contractors must notify. Water Companies will compile a list
of Approved Contractors, which the general public will use,
and it is likely that local Authorities and Housing Associations
will insist that plumbing contractors are Approved Contractors.
Further information on the Water Industry approved plumbers
scheme (WIAPS) can be obtained from Phil Chalk at the WRAS.
Tel: 01495 248454 |
