From June 2022 an important update to the Building Regulations took place which includes an uplift to Part L.

BS7593, which is the ‘code of practice for the preparation, commissioning and maintenance of domestic central heating and cooling water systems’, has been incorporated into Part L, mandating some of its recommendations upon installation of a new heating appliance.

What Does This Mean?

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published building regulation updates which includes the addition of BS7593, which looks at the conservation of fuel and power. This has been updated to include additional measures that will help to keep central heating systems working at optimum efficiency.

The changes include the following:

  • Installation of in-line filters: A filter to protect system components needs to be fitted during installation, complementing a chemical clean and flush
  • Annual checks of inhibitor levels: These checks are for concentration of chemicals and water cleanliness
  • Inhibitor re-dosed every 5 years: A system should be cleaned, fully detained and refreshed every 5 years
  • 3 recommended cleaning methodologies:
  1. Powerflushing
  2. Mains pressure
  3. Gravity cleaning

These new regulations apply to individual dwellings rather than developments to ensure that as many homes as possible are built to these newly updated standards.

 

What Water Treatment Products Can Be Used?

Water treatment manufacturers have called on heating and plumbing professionals to ensure that they are implementing the best practice guidance outlined in BS7593.

Tradespeople have to make sure they are correctly cleaning, guarding, protecting, maintaining and testing central heating systems. Water treatment manufacturers are encouraging engineers to carefully consider the water treatment products that they are using.

These are the recommended products for use in the relevant situations:

  • Annual checks: The Sentinel X100 QuickTest allows confirmation of inhibitor presence
  • Redosing every 5 years: The Sentinel X100 Inhibitor can be used to redose inhibitors
  • Recommended cleaning methodologies: The Sentinel X800 for powerflushing and gravity cleaning

 

What Approach Should You Take For Professional Compliance?

This is the recommended five step approach to professional compliance:

Step 1: Clean the system
Step 2: Guard the system from sludge and rust
Step 3: Protect the system against debris and limescale
Step 4: Maintain the system’s filter efficiency
Step 5: Test the water quality

In Review

The revised regulations came into effect in June 2022. However, a transition period will mean that planning work submitted to a local authority before June can continue to be built under previous standards if the build started before 15th June 2023.

In summary, BS7593 is now integrated into the Building Regulations. This means that rather than being an advisory measure, it is now a completely mandatory practice.

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