WATCH: An exclusive look at how a water fitting is tested to become an 'Approved Product'

Waterfittings, such as taps, pipes and showers, must be of an appropriate quality and standard to comply with UK water fittings regulations and byelaws, and prevent water from being contaminated – and a WRAS Approval is one way of demonstrating that a water fitting complies with this requirement.

To give an insight into how water fittings are tested, The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has shared a behind the scenes,  informative video detailing some of the intensive tests a tap goes through to ensure it complies with the relevant standards, before it can be granted Approved Product status.

The two-minute video illustrates tests such as:

• Turning the tap headwork on and off,200,000 times, to replicate its lifecycle and ensure longevity
• Testing the swivel mechanism, under an 80,000-cycle endurance, to ensure it can withstand the expected usage
• Testing the taste and odour of water put into contact with non-metallic materials, to monitor any unusual results
• Testing for enhanced microbial growth, to ensure the materials are reacting as expected

Julie Spinks, Managing Director of WRAS,said: “We’ve created this video to provide an insight into the testing a water fitting goes through in order to gain approval. These tests aren’t widely known, so we’re keen to highlight to manufacturers, plumbers and consumers, the strenuous and thorough tests undertaken to ensure water products comply with the water fittings regulations. These regulations aim to prevent water contamination and waste.”

The video was filmed at two testing laboratories, Kiwa and NSF, and shows a selection of the tests a tap might go through to gain WRAS approval. The tests included in the video are not exhaustive, and more information of the testing process can be found at www.wras.com.

Whilst WRAS does not test products internally, it does provide a comprehensive database of all Approved Products and offer WRAS Approval status to those who meet the stringent conditions of its scheme.

Visit www.youtube.com/user/WRASregs to view the video.