The Latest British Standards in Plumbing Updates

Here at Mr Central Heating, we are always looking for ways to help, our trades customers. This week we are looking at the latest British Standards update in the plumbing industry.

The revised standard aimed to create a more mindful shift into the prevention, maintenance, and monitoring of systems for more long-term protection. As we look forward and consider the climate, it’s important we consider how vital considering maintenance and looking to prolong our water and heating systems can be.

Water supply systems can introduce contaminants into central heating systems, such as minerals that are dissolved in the water. Over time these contaminants from the cold-water supply can cause issues such as sludge build up in piping systems that can both corrode pipelines and pipe threads and damage boilers and hot water heaters.

Code of Practice

Some of the changes to the code of practice issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI), were outlined below by Adey when the initial announcement was made. Plumbers and central heating engineers should check the latest specifications and standards to ensure that they are working to best practice.

• All systems should have an in-line filter fitted, as well as a chemical clean and freshwater flush before an inhibitor is added.

• All recommended cleaning methodologies need external magnetite capture equipment for improvement and mechanical vibration of radiators too.

• A water test is required to test the level of inhibitor and cleanliness of the system every year to help reduce corrosion and clean from build-up.

• Inhibitor should be re-dosed every five-years, or a full system water test undertaken to help protect the central heating, plumbing fittings and pipework.

• The standard is applicable to both closed loop heating and cooling circuits

• Biocide is required in cooling and low temperature heating systems, and should be considered for higher temperature systems for added protection during downtime

Dr Neil Watson, ADEY’s Chief Technical Officer, explained: “We welcome the publication of the fully revised BS 7593:2019. The changes made acknowledge that chemical water treatment isn’t a fit and forget solution, and magnetic filters shouldn’t just be considered a ‘nice to have’. Including these solutions in British Standard’s BS 7593 recognises a critical shift in moving the industry towards a holistic approach to system maintenance.

He went on to say that “A high proportion of boilers that fail in the first year do so because of poor water quality, so by introducing regular testing and redosing, proper system cleaning and the mandatory installation of an in-line filter to the industry’s code of practice, we can significantly improve the efficiency and life expectancy of every household system. This represents massive potential to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.”

You can take a look at our full Adey Range here, to help maintain, protect and to keep to the British standard.