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NEW
2001 TOILET REGULATIONS
Internal
Overflows
Until
September 2000, every toilet cistern 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 owner to the problem.
In the future
if a ball valve fails, the water will be allowed to run to
waste through the flushing device, into the bowl of the
closet, where it will be visible when the toilet seat is
raised, thus alerting the owner to the problem.
The internal
overflow arrangement is achieved by changes to the siphon
flushing mechanism or in the design of the flush valve.
This
simplifies the plumbing-in of WC cisterns removing the need
to make a hole through the wall of the building for the
external warning pipe.
6 Litre
Siphons
The
flush volume of the WC is now reduced from 7.5 litres
maximum to 6 litres maximum for all new WC suites.
This
change, comes into effect on 1st January 2001.
For a repair and replacement installationswhere the existing
WC bowl remains unchanged, a 7.5 litre Cistern can still be
fitted, however, all new WC installations must be at 6 litre
maximum.
Dual Flush
Siphons
The
new Water Regulations also allow the installation of dual
flush siphons. When dual flush is provided, there must be a
very obvious and permanent marking to the suite which makes
the user aware of its operation. The maximum ‘full
flush’ is 6 litres.
Flush
Valves
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New
Flush Valve |
The
use of high quality, modern, tested and approved flush
valves as an alternative to the siphon becomes legal
for use in the UK from 1st January 2001. Flush valves
will allow the installation of toilet cisterns which
operate with push buttons rather than levers. |
Old
Siphon Valve |
The flush
valve can be of single flush, or dual flush design, however
the maximum ‘full flush’ must not exceed 6 litres.
What Do
These Changes Mean?
The
switch to internal overflow will simplify installation and
save time.
The siphon or
waste water preventer to give its proper name has been
re-developed to work at lower flushing volumes. Other than a
slightly smaller mechanism the plumber will notice very
little visual change and no change to fitting procedure.
Consumers are unlikely to notice any changes.
Installations
of the slightly more technically complex flush valve are
likely to increase gradually from 1st January 2001.
Consumers
will notice the difference between flush valve and siphon
operation when presented with the push button technology of
the flush valve rather than the lever of the siphon.
As well as
helping the environment, these water saving measures can
benefit consumers who pay for their water by means of
meters.
When Do
the Changes Take Effect?
Any cistern
operating at 6 litres with internal overflows can be
installed in line with the regulations both in the year 2000
and 2001. These will become available during the last few
months of 2000.
7 litre
flushing cisterns can not be installed beyond the end of
2000, other than for repair or replacement where the
existing WC bowl remains in place
Cisterns with
flushing valves and mains pressure valves are cleared for
installation only from 1st January 2001.
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