Flushing – a frequently asked question - Bathroom & Kitchen Update – for new and existing bathroom & kitchen products

Flushing – a frequently asked question

Published: 11 November, 2011

One of the most frequent questions received in the BMA office concerns the WC. Both professionals and consumers ask us about toilet flushing and what are the current maximum and minimum flush volumes allowed in law. The absolute maximum flush volume allowed in a new installation, whether single flush or dual flush, is 6 litres. The Water Regulations (1999) govern maximum flush volume.

The regulations also state that if a dual flush WC is installed then the short flush should be no more than two thirds of the full flush.

Lower flush volumes are perfectly acceptable, in fact they are positively encouraged since water efficiency is a Government priority, and this is reflected in the Code for Sustainable Homes and in Part G of the Building Regulations. But the key point is that if flush volumes lower than 6 litres are used then the WC must still perform correctly. It must pass all the tests required of The Water Regulations. The suite must also conform with European Standard EN997:2003 - Class 2.

Many sanitaryware manufacturers now supply WCs with flush volumes as low as 4 litres full flush and 2.6 litres short flush. These WCs fully conform with the regulations and good, branded and reliable suppliers, who are members of the BMA, will provide a “certificate of conformity” if requested. Details of these WCs can be found in the WEPLS database where the most sustainable products available can be found www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/

Some people have asked what is the minimum allowed flush volume. There is no minimum in law but the WC must conform and must meet the requirements of the regulations.

More information is at the Bathroom Academy,

www.bathroom-academy.co.uk

For more information, please contact BMA on 01782 631619, visit www.bathroom-association.org or email info@bathroom-association.org.uk