Water regulations in a commercial kitchen

[chunkster]

Guys,

As the owner of a restaurant I have just had an inspector from my water provider (Yorkshire Water). They have provided me with a 'Customer Schedule of Contravention' listing a number of jobs that need to be carried out to remedy my poor plumbing!!!!

The wording on this document is quite scary, I wonder if any of you would be able to put them into layman's language so that I can understand a conversation I'll have when I contact a plumber.

The schedule mentions..........

For my plate rinse hose '.... supply to be fed via fluid category 5 backflow prevention or by gravity from a cistern incorporating family 'A' backflow protection.' Can I ask what a category 5 backflow device is, I understand that a cistern would be a water tank, however what is a family 'A' device?

I also have a dishwasher, the schedule says I need 'fluid category 4 protection', or a cistern with family 'A' protection. I understand that a RPZ valve is classed as cat 4, having studied it on the net!!!!! I am aware that these need to be tested annually by an approved tester. Can any plumber fit these and can any plumber test them?

Is it generally cheaper to install the backflow category 4 & 5 devices then install a new tank?

2 items on the list ask for a RPZ to be installed (one for a dishwasher and one for an outside tap), is it possible to just install one and have the outlet from the valve feed both the dishwasher and tap (the schedule says that it may be possible to feed more then one appliance through the RPZ!!!)

Hope this makes sense, great site by the way!


Colin

[Agile]

I dont think that anyone here will want to waste two hours writing a book to teach you about water Regulations. You can go on the course for about £150 but unless you already have a plumbing NVQ2 you will probably not benefit.

You really need a Plumber who is an Approved Water Regulations Contractor as recognised by your water Supplier. He like me will understand what is needed to be done. Ask YW for a list of Contractors.

If you insist on using an unqualified ( cheap?) plumber who does not have the relevant qualifications then you will need to employ an approved Contractor to explain to him what is required.

Please note there are pretty hefty fines for failure to comply. They can also cut of your water supply and that will not help your restaurant!

Tony Glazier