What does a WRAS Approved Product Really Mean?
If you’ve been browsing the internet, brochures or showrooms in search of bathroom taps and fittings, it’s more than likely you’ll have come across the logo or term WRAS APPROVED. In this article we’ll explain what is a WRAS approved product and why it matters?
WHAT DOES WRAS APPROVED MEAN?
The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is a conformance mark that demonstrates that an item complies with the high standards set out by the UK’s water regulations and by-laws.
Any product that displays the WRAS approved logo has undergone comprehensive and independent laboratory testing to ensure it won’t contribute to the contamination of public water supplies.
WRAS approval is granted directly by representatives of the UK’s water suppliers and is therefore recognised and accepted by every water supplier in the UK.
IS WRAS APPROVAL COMPULSORY?
The WRAS approval scheme is voluntary and manufacturers are under no obligation to obtain WRAS approval for their products.
If you are a homeowner looking to replace existing tapware and fittings, then you do not have to choose WRAS approved products. Even if you are building an extension or conversion, as long as there is an existing mains cold water supply to the property, new taps, showers and cisterns will not need to be WRAS approved.
However, if you are building a new home, you will need to make sure you use WRAS approved products. The water company will not connect to your mains cold supply unless you can prove that you’ve used WRAS approved products.
If you are building or upgrading a property that will be used by the public, then you will need to use WRAS approved products even if you are connecting to an existing mains cold supply as the water board will not connect you without proof that you’ve used WRAS approved products.
WHERE DO REGULATIONS APPLY?
Although it is not illegal to sell, buy or fit products that are not WRAS approved, the sticking point comes in that it is illegal to install products in ways that contravene the water regulations and by-laws. It is therefore recommended that you use WRAS approved products wherever possible and ensure they are fitted in such a way as to comply with the necessary guidelines.
WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE WRAS APPROVED?
Any product that is connected to a water supply can be WRAS approved including bathroom taps, showers, shower valves and toilet cisterns. Just look for the WRAS logo.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE PRODUCT I’M BUYING IS WRAS APPROVED?
Check out the item description where it will clearly indicate if a product is WRAS approved and bear the WRAS approved logo.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
For more information about WRAS approval, visit the WRAS website.
