The Water Fittings Regulations

These Regulations, or bye-laws as they are known in Scotland, are a requirement nationally for the implementation of rules for the maintenance and installing of all fittings and appliances that use water. They are there to stop any kind of misuse, waste, undue consumption or any incorrect measurement of water, with the most important, to prevent the contamination of the water that we drink. A Barnet Plumber obeys the law. They have now superceded the last bye-laws that all the water supply companies have adhered to for a long time.

Where are they applicable?
These rules and regulations have been in force in the UK since 1st July 1999 and for Scotland since 4th April 2000, the regulations cover all water fittings, systems and any equipment that is supplied or will be supplie by water. The rules apply to all premises and come into force from where the water enters the service pipework for the building. Any premises not having a public water supply connection are not bound by the rules. These rules were updated for Scotland from 30th August 2004. Barnet Plumbers use skilled tradesmen who know the regulations.


Who must adhere to the Regulations?
The regulations apply to any property owner or occupier and also whoever carries out an installation of a plumbing system or fitting. Prior notice needs to be given for any planned installation in most cases, so that the architects, developers and plumbers can follow the regulations for any future owner or occupier.


Are these Regulations Retrospective?
As long as any older (pre 1999) plumbing has been installed in accordance with the rules and regulations at the time, the current regulations cannot influence them, but should the fittings or plumbing present a real contamination hazard or even unnecessary waste of resource, any sipplier can enforce the ‘Water Industry Act’ and insist on action to be taken.