Regulation 1(2) defines an “approved contractor” as a person who-

(a) has been approved by the water undertaker for the area where a water fitting is installed, or, used, or

(b) has been certified as an approved contractor by an organisation specified in writing by the regulator;

Most Water Undertakings in the UK do not directly operate their own “Approved Contractor” scheme, they utilise the services of WIAPS a scheme that they finance and run (The Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme). Members of this scheme are deemed approved by the local water undertaker.

To join a scheme an operative must be competent, have adequate insurance and be knowledgeable on the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 or Water Byelaws in Scotland .

All the “Approved Contractor” schemes accept the BPEC Water Regulations Qualification for the purposes of the knowledge element of the scheme entry criteria.

Why become on “Approved Contractor” .

The Water Regulations/ Water Byelaws do not require an “Approved Contractor” to give the 10 working days advance notice before;

(i) The extension or alteration of a water system on any premises other than a house.

(ii) a bidet with an ascending spray or flexible hose or

(iii) a reduced pressure zone valve assembly or other mechanical device for protection against a fluid which is in fluid category 4 or 5.

The shortly to be introduced Home Information Pack, a requirement for people wishing to sell thier properties, will also require plumbing certificates and of course many plumbing works now overlap into Building Regulations work.