46
feature
drainage, plumbing & water saving solutions
plumbing jointing compounds and your water system
Jim Perry, Senior Consultant at Water Hygiene Centre takes a look at the use of jointing compounds in domestic water systems...
Do you know if and/or what jointing compound is being used on your domestic water system, and the pitfalls if not used correctly, along with is it helping or harming the water systems safety? Plumbing jointing compounds (or pastes as they are also known)
have been a trusted part of water system installation practice for decades, which is applied to the threads of compression fittings to create a watertight seal, these jointing compounds still remain widely used in domestic hot and cold water systems, commercial buildings, and healthcare environments. As standards evolve and our awareness of water safety
improves, so too must our approach to these jointing compounds. Over recent years there have been changes to WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) testing and certification for these products, alongside some concerns about potential bacterial contamination issues linked to compound overuse, meaning that installers and project/estate managers must now think more carefully than ever about product selection and application. This article explains what has changed and why knowing
exactly what jointing compound is being used on your domestic hot and cold water system matters for compliance, performance, and public health. WRAS testing: From 85°C to 23°C what’s changed? For many years, WRAS approval testing for jointing compounds was carried out at up to 85°C, a temperature chosen to reflect typical domestic hot water systems, this assured installers that
a product approved by WRAS was safe for contact with potable water in both cold and hot systems. However, WRAS’s laboratory has now revised its testing methodology, reducing the test temperature to 23°C. This shift aligns with European standard testing protocols, which traditionally uses room temperature conditions when assessing whether any substances may migrate into drinking water. Q: Does this mean WRAS approved compounds are no longer suitable for hot water? A: Not necessarily, as the key distinctions are: • WRAS approval confirms water safety at room temperature • The manufacturer must confirm temperature suitability for hot water (however, may refer back to the WRAS approval). Taking the above on board, this means installers must check the technical data sheet and not just rely on a WRAS badge to confirm maximum recommended operating temperature. Why the change matters Some water systems, such as those in healthcare, operate under strict control requirements/regimes defined in documents such as HTM:04-01. Using the wrong product in a healthcare setting could:
• breach compliance requirements • compromise water quality • create risk for vulnerable patients
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
