BRE investigates the world's WCs

BRE investigates the world's WCs

Guidance for designers,installers and maintainers of low-flush WCs has been published in two information papers by BRE. The guidance complements existing British Standard Codes of Practice and specifications and will be applicable when the new water regulations come into force next year.

Following water conservation recommendations from the Water Regulations Advisory Committee, BRE was contracted by DETR to investigate the world situation regarding low-volume flush WCs and to draft guidance for design installation and maintenance.

In its information paper IP 8/97 Part 1, Water conservation: a guide for design of low-flush WCs, BRE outlines the design requirements for drainage, water supply and performance.

It contains the design performance which should be specified in contracts, including drain size and gradients, reliability of flushing devices such as valves and siphons and installation requirements.

Part 2 of IP 8/97, Water conservation: a guide for installation and maintenance of low-flush WCs,provides basic information about the principles of operation of these appliances.

This paper explains the operational requirements and outlines a contract specification for commissioning installation and maintenance. Tests for use in commissioning toilets are given and it is stressed that low-volume flush WCs will contribute to water conservation only if they are maintained properly. The paper specifies three leak detection tests, which should be used regularly to maximize water savings.

Information paper IP 8/97(parts 1 and 2) is available from CRC Ltd, 151 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4QX. Tel: 0171 505 6622. Price £7 (plus 70p p&p).

A BRE report, water conservation: design, installation and maintenance requirements for the use of low flush WCs flushed siphonically or by valves, price £15, is also available from CRC Ltd.