Backflow protection: FAQs
What backflow protection is required for a assisted bathing?
All water fittings in a bathroom must be supplied via an appropriate and adequate form of backflow protection, one which is rated either equal to or higher than the highest downstream contamination risk (fluid category) for the type of backflow (back pressure or back siphonage) it is likely to be exposed to.
Bathing equipment in a nursing or care environment is considered to be a fluid category 5 risk. The supplies to all taps and showers outlets must be protected by a suitable form of fluid category 5 backflow protection. In practice this means being supplied from storage incorporating an adequate air gap (such as a Type AB air gap) or by maintaining a gap between a tap and shower outlet and spill over level of 20 mm or twice the diameter of the supply pipe (whichever is the greater) measured as shown below.
Fluid category 5 : Type AUK3 tap gap
20 mm or twice the internal diameter of the tap or shower connection whichever is the greater
For example: tap or shower size | minimum tap gap |
8 mm | 20 mm |
10 mm | 20 mm |
12 mm | 24 mm |
15 mm | 30 mm |
20 mm | 40 mm |
25 mm | 50 mm |
Feedback
To improve this information please give us your feedback >
Disclaimer
Uncontrolled if downloaded. This is informative, non-statutory guidance and intended for general guidance purposes only; it is subject to change.
Compliance with this information should not be relied upon as guaranteeing no enforcement action will be taken by water undertakers. Water Regs UK accepts no liability for loss, indirect or consequential loss arising from or in connection with this guidance document.