Press Releases
Water Regs UK retires the Water Regulations Guide
20 Mar 2024Water Regs UK has announced the launch of its new guidance online, marking the retirement of the Water Regulations Guide. This is the most significant change in guidance for more than twenty years and aims to provide more accessible, up-to-date information to help everyone comply with the water fittings regulations and byelaws. These regulations aim to protect drinking water supplies by setting
Consultation on draft 2024 RPZ AIM
10 Feb 2024The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, byelaws in Scotland, apply to all premises which have, or will have, a mains water supply. The purpose of these legal requirements being to safeguard drinking water supplies by preventing contamination, waste, misuse, undue consumption and erroneous measurement. On behalf of its subscribers (water undertakers who enforce the regulations and have the
Water Regs UK calls for Brits to stop DIY plumbing
09 Feb 2024Water Regs UK is issuing a vital reminder to all planning to renovate their kitchens or bathrooms this year: plumbing projects are often best left to the professionals. With the cost of living pressures, understandably many will be tempted to fix up any leaks and install new appliances themselves. But enthusiastic DIYers can often make costly mistakes. A survey conducted by Water Regs UK has
Water Regs UK Survey Reveals Plumbers' Health Issues
17 Aug 2023A new Water Regs UK's survey has exposed concerning health issues among plumbers nationwide. The data highlights the challenges faced by these professionals and calls for urgent industry-wide solutions to safeguard their well-being. The survey findings reveal that a significant percentage of plumbers are grappling with various health problems. An alarming 73.2% reported joint ache, closely
Half of Britain’s plumbers fix botch-jobs by other installers every day
16 Jun 2023Water Regs UK is asking consumers to only pick qualified plumbers such as WaterSafe for plumbing-jobs The reminder comes as Water Regs UK finds more than half of plumbers surveyed say they are spending each working day fixing other installers’ poor work and botched DIY jobs All WaterSafe members are qualified and members of an approved contractor scheme A survey of British plumbers by Water Regs
Devon plumbers top list of most complained about plumbers in the country
10 Jan 2023FOI request shows the councils that receive the most complaints about faulty or inadequate plumbing installations and the tradesmen that fit them. The South West region dominates the list with Devon, Wiltshire, and Dorset County councils all reporting high numbers of complaints about plumbing tradesmen. Consumers are urged to use qualified and approved plumbers when getting work done in their
Qualified RPZ testers given reminder to join a scheme
22 Oct 2022Water Regs UK reports that a number of testers who have been trained in the new Approved Installation Method have not registered with an approved scheme. Meanwhile, two new qualifications have now been recognised by RPZ Valve Tester sector approval schemes, increasing access to RPZ Tester training for those who did not complete conversion training in 2020 Water Regs UK is urging qualified RPZ
Water Regs UK issues reminder on water efficiency as energy costs soar
19 Jul 2022Water Regs UK is reminding installers that providing water saving advice to customers is more important than ever, with energy bills rising and the cost-of-living crisis causing people to feel the pinch. Julie Spinks, Managing Director of Water Regs UK, says: “The cost of energy to use and heat water has reached an all-time high, so the more efficiently we manage our water use, the less of a
Water Regs UK teams up with ceda to develop new catering installer qualification
23 Jun 2022Water Regs UK has partnered with ceda (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) to create an updated water regulations qualification for catering installers who are looking to become an approved contractor. ceda members are specialists in design, projects and equipment maintenance for the food service, catering and hospitality industry. The new training course can be completed online or
Plumbing projects are the number one diy disaster in UK homes
30 Mar 2022Survey reveals that plumbing professionals are called in more often than any other trade to fix a botched DIY job A new survey has confirmed that plumbers are the UK’s most used tradespeople when it comes to fixing problems caused by ‘have-a-go DIY-ers’. Water Regs UK compared a range of typical jobs that are carried out in UK homes and recorded how many people have tried but failed to complete
One in seven householders now insist on approved plumbers
14 Mar 2022New survey shows millions of UK people trust approved contractors’ schemes Water Regs UK is urging installers to apply for approved contractor status, after its new survey revealed that millions of domestic customers check to see if installers are approved. Over 2,000 UK householders* were asked by Water Regs UK how they know they can trust a plumber to do work in their home. One in seven (14%)
WIAPS Education sector launched
28 Feb 2022Education membership sector is open to plumbing apprentices and to lecturers Application forms available via www.waterregsuk.co.uk Water Regs UK has launched the WIAPS Education Sector (Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme), aimed at plumbing apprentices working towards recognised qualifications or lectures teaching recognised qualifications. Water Regs UK administers WIAPS on behalf of 15
Householders urged to be more careful when choosing a plumber
17 Dec 202123% of householders have been unhappy with work carried out by a plumber 44% of those people said the plumber couldn’t fix the problem 23% said the plumber had even caused further damage Plumbing problems can increase during Winter and plumbers will be in high demand Water Regs UK says using an approved contractor scheme provides peace of mind to householders who need help UK householders
Moving in for Christmas
12 Nov 2021Water Regs UK is reminding house buyers to check plumbing systems and water supplies in the rush to move into their new home before the end of the year. Experts are reporting that the process of buying a home is taking as long as 16 weeks to complete in the current property market*. With many potential house buyers still hoping to move in before Christmas, Water Regs UK is urging people not to
Installers urged to offer water efficiency advice during home improvement boom
20 Aug 2021With 2021 a boom year for home improvements, Water Regs UK is reminding installers to keep water efficiency front of mind when advising homeowners about bathroom makeovers. At the turn of the year, almost one in six homeowners said they were planning some kind of home improvement in 2021*. Many of those plans will include a bathroom upgrade and Water Regs UK sees that as an opportunity to remind
Meet Water Regs UK
01 Apr 2021The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has separated its subscriptions and approvals activities into two separate businesses, Water Regs UK and the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS). The move follows an internal review and a series of in-depth surveys of members, stakeholders and subscribers. The findings prompted the launch of the Water Regs UK and Water Regulations Approval Scheme
WATCH: WRAS launches useful video on backflow prevention
15 Jan 2021WATCH: WRAS LAUNCHES USEFUL VIDEO ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS)has launched a new, informative video on preventing and identifying backflow in common domestic scenarios. Backflow is water moving in the wrong direction within a plumbing system. The video, which is live on the WRAS website and social media channels covers key information such as when backflow
Top tips to freeze out winter plumbing problems
11 Dec 2020Top tips to freeze out winter plumbing problems WRAS and the Association of British Insurers lift the lid on the best way to prepare your home for winter and avoid plumbing problems Insurers paid out £2.2m a day to customers whose home has had a water leak in 2019 With winter infull swing, the weather outside might be frightful, so you should take steps toavoid any frightening,
A third of Brits call in plumbers to fix their DIY disaster
05 Nov 2020Almost a fifth of Brits say they regularly fix plumbing problems in the home themselves Half of Brits turn to YouTube rather than a plumber for advice on plumbing repairs 38 per cent of Brits rely on friends and family for advice on plumbing problems A survey* from the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has found that a third (32per cent) of Brits admit to having had to call in a
Plumbers call for training updates
05 Oct 2020UK plumbers want their industry training to be updated to cover off a broader spectrum of topics and include periodic refresher training and auditing, according to research released by the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS). The study found that 91 per cent of approved plumbers believe it should be mandatory for plumbers to undertake water fittings regulations training. In terms of water
How approved plumbers see work changing after the pandemic
14 Jul 2020A survey of approved plumbers by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has shown how they see the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the industry in the long term. Two thirds (68%) of those surveyed said things will change forever after the pandemic ends, with over half (59%) saying they expect social distancing and more stringent hygiene practices to continue indefinitely. The pandemic has also
A third of plumbers cite cashflow as biggest concern during pandemic
15 Jun 2020A survey* of plumbers by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has shown the true impact of Covid-19 on the industry. A third (30%) of those surveyed said cashflow was their biggest concern since the pandemic began, above worries about a family member getting ill (26%) and returning to business post lockdown (19%). These findings show just how hard lockdown restrictions have hit plumber
Businesses urged to take caution with plumbing work before re-opening premises
15 May 2020As many of the UK’s businesses consider reopening their doors, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is encouraging business and property owners to consider the risks posed by their water systems sooner rather than later, to avoid health risks. The restrictions placed on people and businesses to restrict the spread of Covid-19 since mid-March have meant many premises have been left
WRAS issues reminder about use of compliant water saving devices
13 May 2020This Water Saving Week, the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) is reminding people about the importance of compliant water-saving devices. Running from 11 th until 15 th May, WaterSaving Week is an annual event which aims to educate consumers and tradespeople alike on the issues around water use, the challenges around water efficiency, and ideas and solutions to help achieve it. From
Plumbers call for more support on managing customer services
31 Mar 2020• 50 per cent of plumbers believe their training should incorporate more guidance on customer services • 45 per cent believe their training should incorporate guidance on handling and avoiding customer complaints • WRAS urges plumbers to read WaterSafe’s advice and guidance on reducing customer issues New research released today reveals that plumbers believe their
Changes to RPZ AIM announced
10 Jan 2020CHANGES TO RPZ APPROVED INSTALLATION METHOD ANNOUNCED Free training on the new AIM to be offered to all RPZ testers who are listed on the WRAS website The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has confirmed changes to the Approved Installation Method (AIM) for Type BA devices (RPZ valves), Issue 2 of AIM 08-01. The changes come after a comprehensive review by the water industry, which has
REVEALED: The environmental cost of putting off pesky plumbing problems
08 Nov 2019REVEALED: THE ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF PUTTING OFF PESKY PLUMBING PROBLEMS One in five Brits would wait in excess of four days to fix a leaky loo, wasting up to 400 litres of water per day New research released today reveals that Brits are putting off fixing simple plumbing issues like leaky toilets and dripping taps, which can lead to huge water wastage. The survey commissioned by the Water
"OK Google, find me a plumber" One in five homeowners find plumbers online
26 Sep 2019Water companies are last on list of places to find a plumbing professional Family and friends are most popular choice for more than half of Brits WRAS urges people to check plum bers are approved, regardless of how they are found Brits are shunning trusted and approved sources when searching for a plumber,according to new research. Just under 5 percent (4.65%) would go to their water
80% of Brits wasting water regularly
15 Aug 2019New study shows 8 in 10 Brits guilty of committing at least one water wasting habit Findings uncover most common water wasting habits Soaring temperatures likely to see increased water usage WRAS is urging customers to change one small habit to help save water 80%of Brits admit to committing at least one water-wasting habit regularly. One in five (21%) still leaves the tap running when
Britain becoming a nation of 'Don't Do It Yourselfers'
15 Aug 201918-24 year old adults lack basic repair skills, from fixing squeaky hinges to replacing light fixtures Only 1 in 3 know how to bleed a radiator Over 55's most capable of home repairs Young Brits have low basic home repair skills, according to new research. Less than a third (31%) of 18-24 year olds know how to how to change a light fitting, compared to 60% of over 55s. Just over a third (37%)
WATCH: An exclusive look at how a water fitting is tested to become an 'Approved Product'
10 Jul 2019Waterfittings, such as taps, pipes and showers, must be of an appropriate quality and standard to comply with UK water fittings 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
Brits underestimate their household water usage by more than half
29 Apr 2019One in four admit they have no idea how much water they use at home More than half of UK homes have a water meter installed WRAS is promoting water efficiency this Water Saving Week (29 April – 3 May) A quarter of Brits (24%)admit they have no idea how much water they use, according to a new study. The average UK household uses 350 litres per day, but people estimate their
Two thirds of homeowners may be unlawfully installing water fittings
26 Feb 2019WRAS 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 safe guard our drinking water, UK water regulations
Winter plumbing myths: busted
20 Dec 2018WRAS deciphers the facts from the fiction when it comes to preparing your home for winter weather With the winter weather firmly upon us, homeowners are advised to prepare their home’s plumbing in order to prevent potential damage to their house. Frozen and burst water pipes can cause flooding, thousands of pounds worth of damage and leave homes without water for drinking, cooking and
WRAS appoints Sean Hogan as chairman
12 Dec 2018WRAS appoints Sean Hogan as chairman Sean Hogan to lead scheme as Stephen Kay departs after more than ten years Kay is awarded with inaugural WRAS service award The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has appointed Sean Hogan as its new chairman, replacing Stephen Kay. Sean brings with him extensive experience in the water industry, having served as chairman of the board of Northern
Top ten plumbing problems revealed
11 Oct 2018The most complained about plumbing problem in the UK is a dripping tap, with more than one in ten UK homeowners experiencing this issue in the past five years. Dripping taps, even a small trickle, can waste both water and consumers’ money. Fixing a dripping tap could save homeowners at least £18 a year if they are on a water meter, as well as 5,500 litres of water.* The study of
18-24-year olds unlikely to know where a stopcock is located
07 Sep 2018Four in five 18-24-year olds (82%) do not think to ask where the main stopcock is when moving into a new home, which could spell disaster for them if they need to shutoff the water supply in an emergency. A study of 2,000 homeowners, commissioned by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS),found that over two thirds(64%) would not think to ask where the gas and electricity metres are and
Surrey plumbers top list of most complained about in the country
19 Jul 2018FOI requests to UK councils show the areas which receive most plumber complaints to Trading Standards South East regions dominate the list with Hertfordshire, Essex and Kent County councils all reporting hundreds of complaints to Trading Standards Consumers looking for plumbers are being urged to use qualified and approved plumbers Surrey and Buckinghamshire counties have topped a list of