Anyone working in the plumbing and heating industry will have heard of water regulations. They won’t just have heard of them, they’ll be working with the standards every single day.

The water regs set out the standards for all work that involves water supply and water fittings. So, if you’re already applying these standards, why would you need to do a Water Regulations course?

In this guide, we’ll explain what the water regulations are, why they’re necessary for plumbers and heating engineers, and the reasons why you’d want to do a water regulations qualification.

What are water regulations?

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, known simply as Water Regulations, are enforced to protect public health by controlling the quality of our water through the correct installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, and preventing contamination and waste. It covers things like the quality of fittings, workmanship, and notifiable work, setting rules preventing the waste, misuse, mismanagement and contamination of water. 

Who needs to know about water regulations?

Water regs apply to anyone involved in the installation and maintenance or the design of water systems. So that’s plumbers and tradespeople, property owners and developers.

The legal standards apply to the everyday systems that plumbers and heating engineers encounter in their work, because the regulations apply to all properties where there’s mains water supply. That’s pretty much any building used by people!

Water regulations training

In the industry, a water regulations course is often referred to as WRAS course or WRAS training. WRAS is the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme. Any water regulations training that results in a water regulations certificate needs to be recognised by WRAS as meeting their qualification requirements. 

The actual title of the WRAS qualification awarded at the end of a water regulations course varies depending on the awarding body. For example, the LCL Awards WRAS certificate is technically called ‘Water Regulations Certificate of Competence (LCWR)’.

This training is specifically relevant to plumbers and heating installers already working in the industry who therefore have experience but want to add a Water Regulations certificate to their qualifications.

Plumbing water regulations course at Able Skills

The Able Skills Water Regulations Course is a one-day training for plumbing and heating installers, so they can certify their knowledge of Water Supply Regulations 1999.

The course is designed for experienced plumbers, heating engineers and other experienced installers who need to understand their responsibilities of the water regulations and demonstrate their knowledge of compliant plumbing installation practices.

It covers how to interpret the water regulations and their definitions, different materials and substances, the requirements for design and installation, how to prevent backflow and contamination, hot and cold water services, flushing devices and sanitary appliances.

To be eligible to do the course, you’ll need to have two years of plumbing experience. We’ll send out a WRAS workbook for you to read before you attend the course.

The training and assessment (multiple-choice exam) are done in one of our classrooms at the Able Skills Construction Training Centre in Dartford, Kent.

At the end of the one-day course, if you complete the assessment successfully, you’ll achieve a nationally recognised qualification – a WRAS certificate issued by LCL Awards.

Why do a plumbing regulations course?

If you’re becoming a qualified plumber, think of the WRAS plumbing regulations course as an add-on training. It’s not essential, as you’ll have practical knowledge of water regulations that you’re already applying. But it can be an extremely beneficial qualification to hold.

The WRAS certificate is one of the basic requirements to becoming an Approved Plumber with WIAPS (Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme). You may also be able to apply to your local water company to become an approved contractor, allowing you to self-certify certain plumbing work.

FAQs about Water Regulations courses

Do I need water regulations training to be a plumber?

No, you’re not required to do a separate water regulations course when you’re training to be a plumber, but you will be learning about water regulations as part of your plumbing training and applying the standards in your practical work every day. The plumbing regulations course and certificate are an additional qualification.

How do I get a WRAS certificate?

To get a WRAS certificate, you need to a water regulations course that’s recognised by WRAS, such as the Able Skills Water Regulations Course.

What does a water regulations course cover?

A water regulations course covers the requirements for designing and installing compliant plumbing systems, including materials and substances, hot and cold water services, preventing backflow and contamination, flushing devices and sanitary appliances. It also helps experienced plumbers and heating installers understand their responsibilities under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

What is the difference between WIAPS and WRAS?

WRAS is the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme. It approves products and endorses training.

WIAPS is the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme. It accredits and approves plumbers and installers.

How do I register with WIAPS?

To become an Approved Plumber with WIAPS, you’ll need to hold a recognised plumbing-related qualification, a WRAS certificate and a minimum level of liability insurance.

If you have any questions at all about the water regualtions course for plumbers, contact Able Skills today by phone or email, or visit the training centre to have a look around and ask any questions.