WRAS

WATCH: an exclusive look at how a water fitting is tested to become an ‘Approved Product’

Water fittings, such as taps, pipes and showers, must be of an appropriate quality and standard to comply with UK water fitting regulations and byelaws, and prevent water from being contaminated – and a WRAS Approval is one way of demonstrating that a water fitting complies with this requirement.

To give an insight into how water fittings are tested, The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has shared a behind the scenes,  informative video detailing some of the intensive tests a tap goes through to ensure it complies with the relevant standards, before it can be granted Approved Product status.

The two-minute video illustrates tests such as:

WRAS is urging anyone planning plumbing work to check if they need permission from their water company, before installing certain plumbing fittings

Nearly two thirds of homeowners (60%) are unaware that they must inform their water company if installing specific water fixtures in their home, including large baths and some types of bidets.

To safeguard our drinking water, UK water regulations and byelaws require, for most types plumbing of work, the designer, installer, owner or occupier to obtain their local water supplier’s consent first. In much the same way you must notify building control if extending or altering your property, you also must send notice and details of the proposed work to the water company.

A well-designed, beautiful bathroom is a top priority for homeowners, so an appealing and properly installed bathroom is a worthwhile reason to hire a plumber. A survey of 2,000 property owners, by Gocompare.com, highlighted that ‘aspects of bathrooms feature high on the list of must-haves - such as a bathtub (57 per cent) and a separate shower cubicle (47 per cent)’, as does having at least two toilets (45%) and an en-suite bathroom (34 per cent).