BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

6.1.10.6 Localized repairs

Junctions, or fittings for a localized repair, inserted into an existing
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

external pipeline shall be disinfected by immersion in a solution of

sodium hypochlorite containing 200 mg/l of available chlorine. Where
other disinfectants are used, the concentration shall be in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

6.1.11 Identifying and recording piping locations

6.1.11.1 Location of pipes and valves
Location and position of underground pipes and valves shall be
recorded. Surface boxes shall be marked to indicate what service is
below them. Durable markers with stamped or set-in indexes shall be set
up to indicate the pipe service, the size, the position and depth below
the surface. Indicator plates for hydrants shall conform to BS 3251.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.11.1
Marker tapes are available for use and are generally laid a short distance
above the pipe in the trench.

6.1.11.2 Identification of above ground piping

In any building other than a single dwelling:
a) water piping shall be self-coloured or colour banded in accordance
with BS 1710;
b) every supply pipe and every pipe for supplying water solely for fire
fighting purposes shall be clearly and indelibly marked to
distinguish them from each other and from every other pipe in the
building.
Any water fitting conveying:
c) rainwater, recycled water or any fluid other than water supplied by
a water undertaker; or
d) any fluid that is not drinking water;
shall be clearly identified so as to be easily distinguished from any
supply pipe or distributing pipe, as required by the WFRs [1].

6.1.11.3 Record drawings

Except for single dwellings, during the installation of a water supply
system, records of all pipe runs, cisterns, valves and outlets, shall be
kept. On completion of the works, record drawings of the completed
installation shall be prepared. These shall be handed to the owner of the
building.

94 • © BSI 2009
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

6.1.11.4 Identification of valves and cisterns installed above ground

All valves in hot and cold water services pipework and cisterns installed
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

above ground shall be provided with an identification label, either

secured by non-corrodible, incombustible means to the valve or fixed to
a permanent structure near the valve. Labels secured to valves shall be
of non-corrodible and incombustible material permanently and clearly
marked, e.g. by stamping or engraving, with a description of the service
concerned and the function of the valve. Alternatively, the label shall be
marked with a reference number for the valve, instead of or in addition
to the marking described in this subclause, and a durable diagram of the
service, showing the valve reference numbers shall be fixed in a readily
visible position to a permanent part of the building or structure. Labels
fixed near valves shall conform to the requirements for labels secured
to valves except that they need not be incombustible.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.11.4
In order that the identity and function of each valve in a system can be
readily assessed, it is recommended that a diagrammatic drawing is
provided for every installation, particularly for non-domestic use.

6.1.12 Inspection testing and commissioning of installations

6.1.12.1 Procedure
6.1.12.1.1 General
Inspections and tests shall be undertaken as installation proceeds, and
on completion.
Prior notice shall be given to the water supplier before any statutory
inspections or tests are undertaken.
Records of all tests undertaken shall be kept by the installer and handed
over to the client on completion.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.1.1
Pneumatic pressure testing is possible but not recommended due to the
risk of explosion involved.
6.1.12.1.2 Timing of tests
The timing of tests shall be as follows:
a) interim tests: as soon as practicable after completion of the
particular section, with particular attention to all work which will
be concealed;
b) final tests: to be carried out on completion of all work on the
water system and prior to handing over.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.1.2
Satisfactory completion of an interim test does not constitute a final test.

6.1.12.1.3 Re-tests
Items failing any test shall be corrected immediately and re-tested
before further work proceeds.

© BSI 2009 • 95
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

6.1.12.2 Inspection
The water supplier shall be given the opportunity to carry out visual
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

inspections.
All internal pipework shall be inspected to ensure that it has been
securely fixed.
All cisterns, tanks, hot water cylinders and water heaters shall be
inspected to ensure that they are properly supported and secured, that
they are clean and free from debris and that cisterns are provided with
correctly fitting covers before testing takes place.
Unvented hot water storage installations shall be notified to the local
authority to verify that they conform to building regulations (see A.1).
Before accepting a pipeline, a check shall be made that valve and
hydrant boxes are aligned, that operating keys are provided for the
valves and, in the case of deep valves, that extension spindles are
installed.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.2
In the case of visual inspection of underground pipework, particular
attention should be paid to the pipe bed, the line and level of the pipe,
irregularities at joints, the correct fitting of air valves, washout valves,
sluice valves and other valves together with any other mains equipment
specified, including the correct installation of thrust blocks where
required, to ensure that protective coatings are undamaged.
Trenches should be inspected to ensure that excavation is to the correct
depth to guard against frost and mechanical damage due to traffic,
ploughing or agricultural activities.
No part of the pipe trench should be backfilled until these conditions have
been satisfied and the installation seen to conform to the drawings and
specifications and the WFRs [1].
A person registered with an water-industry approved Competent Persons
Scheme in accordance with the WFRs [1] can self-certify that the
installation conforms to the WFRs [1].

6.1.12.3 Hydraulic testing

6.1.12.3.1 General
Defects revealed by any of the following tests shall be remedied and the
tests repeated until a satisfactory result is obtained.
If the water is obtained from the water supplier’s mains it shall be taken
in accordance with the supplier’s requirements.
6.1.12.3.2 Testing of underground pipelines
The installation to be tested shall be inspected for compliance with the
drawings and specifications. Significant variations shall be investigated
and corrected, if required, before proceeding with the test.
After laying, jointing and anchoring, the underground pipeline shall be
slowly and carefully filled with water so that all air is expelled and then
tested under pressure in accordance with 6.1.12.3.4 or 6.1.12.3.5,
depending on the material from which the pipeline is constructed. The
system shall be tested to 1.5 times the maximum working pressure that
the pipeline would be subjected to under normal operations.

96 • © BSI 2009
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

When water from the water supplier’s mains is used for filling the
pipeline under test, the main shall be disconnected from the pipeline
before the test is begun. To avoid the risk of contamination, water used
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

for testing shall be obtained from a drinking supply.

COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.3.2
Long pipelines should be tested in sections as the work proceeds.
Final tests should be carried out only when all relevant work is complete.
Completion for buried pipelines includes backfilling, compaction and
surface finish.
Where long lengths of buried pipelines are laid clear of the general
construction area, it might be practicable to carry out final tests for
completed sections as work proceeds. The whole installation, or where the
work is phased the whole installation for each phase, is tested at this time,
irrespective of satisfaction with interim tests. If the pipeline is not below
paved areas, heavy traffic is not allowed over the surface after final test.
A higher test pressure might be required in the case of any pumping main
subject to surge, but at no more than 1.5 times the design pressure of the
pipeline, for a maximum duration of one hour.

6.1.12.3.3 Testing of installations within buildings

The installation shall be filled slowly with drinking water to allow air to
be expelled from the system. The complete installation shall be
inspected for leaks. The installation shall be tested hydraulically by
subjecting the pipes, pipe fittings and connected appliances to a test
pressure of not less than 1.5 times the maximum working pressure in
accordance with clauses 6.1.12.3.4 or 6.1.12.3.5, depending on the
materials from which the pipeline is constructed. There shall be no
visible leakage of water and the pressure shall be maintained for one
hour.
6.1.12.3.4 Test procedure for rigid pipes
The pipework shall be vented, filled slowly with drinking water and
subjected to the required test pressure. Where there are significant
differences (>10 °C) between the ambient temperature and the water
temperature, there is an initial period of 30 min before the
commencement of the test period, to permit temperature equilibrium
after the test pressure has been applied. There shall be no visible
leakage of water and the pressure shall be maintained for a test period
of one hour.
6.1.12.3.5 Test procedure for plastic pipes
The installer shall use test procedure A or B for the pressure testing of
plastic pipes.
The pipework shall be vented and filled slowly with drinking water. The
test gauge shall have a current calibration certificate and shall be
accurate to 50 kPa (±0.5 bar) or better.

© BSI 2009 • 97
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

Test procedure A:
a) Fill the system slowly with drinking water to allow air to be
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

expelled from the system. Raise (or lower) the pressure in the
system to 100 kPa (one bar: not shown in Figure 16). Inspect the
complete installation for leaks at this pressure prior to subsequent
hydraulic testing. Proceed if there is no visible leakage of water
after 45 min.
b) Test the installation hydraulically by subjecting the pipes, pipe
fittings and connected appliances to a test pressure of not less
than 1.5 times the maximum working pressure by pumping in
accordance with Figure 16. (The maximum working pressure is
defined as the maximum pressure that the system will operate at,
normally measured as the incoming mains pressure after any
pressure reducing valve.) Proceed if there is no visible leakage of
water after 15 min at this pressure.
c) Reduce the pressure in the pipework by bleeding water from the
system to one third of the previous test pressure. The test is
passed if there is no visible leakage of water and the pressure is
maintained for 45 minutes.

Figure 16 Pressure testing of plastic pipe systems – Test procedure A

1
Y

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
X

Key
1 Pumping
2 Test pressure (1.5 times maximum working pressure)
3 0.5 times maximum working pressure
X Time (minutes)
Y Pressure

98 • © BSI 2009
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

Test procedure B:
a) Fill the system slowly with drinking water to allow air to be
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

expelled from the system. Apply the required test pressure by

pumping, in accordance with Figure 17, and maintain by pumping
for a period of 30 min, and note the pressure in the pipeline at the
end of the period. Inspect the pipework to identify any visible leaks
in the system. Continue the test without further pumping.
b) Note the pressure after a further 30 min. If the pressure drop is
less than 60 kPa (0.6 bar), the system can be considered to have
no obvious leakage.
c) Visually check for leakage and monitor for 120 min. The test
criteria are met if the pressure drop in the system is less
than 20 kPa (0.2 bar).
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.3.5
Test procedures A and B may also be used where the installation
comprises both plastic and rigid pipes. When not stated otherwise the
installer may choose either test procedure A or B.

Figure 17 Testing of plastic pipe systems – Test procedure B

1
Y
2
3

X
0
0 10 20 30 60 120 180

Key
X Time (minutes) 2 Pressure drop < 60 kPa (0.6 bar)
Y Pressure 3 Test pressure
1 Pumping 4 Pressure drop < 20 kPa (0.2 bar)

© BSI 2009 • 99
 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

6.1.12.4 Connection to water supply system

When all inspections and tests have been successfully completed and
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

the system accepted from the installer, the water supplier shall be
informed that the system is available for permanent connection to the
supply.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.12.4
Each draw-off tap, shower fitting and float-operated valve should be
checked for rate of flow against the specified requirements. Performance
tests should also be carried out on any connected specialist items to show
that they meet the requirements detailed in the specification.

7 Maintenance
7.1 Maintenance procedures
Maintenance procedures shall be adopted to maintain the performance
of the installation at the level specified in this standard for the original
design and installation.
Unvented hot water storage installations shall be maintained and
repaired only by a competent person (see the Building
Regulations [4] A.1).
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1
The degree of formalization of maintenance required depends upon the
size and utilization of the installation although the principles involved
apply to all installations.
Maintenance of ducts would not normally apply to single dwellings but
other requirements should be satisfied by the owner of the building. In
single dwellings the responsibility for maintenance normally rests on the
householders who should pay attention to apparent leakages and should
note any discharges from overflow pipes or regular discharges from any
valves.
The owner of the building should have been provided with maintenance
instructions and an accurate drawing of the installation, particularly
showing where pipe runs are concealed. Control valves should be clearly
labeled (see 6.1.11.4). Care should be taken to renew or protect labels
when redecorating. Any alterations should be recorded on inspection, and
a check made that these do not introduce undesirable features or
contravene statutory requirements.
The services of a competent person should be obtained to carry out
maintenance and repairs. Competence includes the appropriate skills and
a knowledge of the relevant statutory requirements relating to water
supply.

100 • © BSI 2009

 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

7.2 General

Inspection
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

7.2.1
In other than single dwellings, the installation shall be inspected
periodically. Faults noticed on inspection shall be attended to
immediately.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMEDATIONS ON 7.2.1
The need for formalized inspection and records depends upon the size,
type and complexity of the installation but in principle every installation
should be inspected at least once per year in addition to any statutory
inspections. Checks should be made that the appropriate backflow
prevention devices and relief valves are fitted where required.

7.2.2 Preventative maintenance

Manufacturer’s recommendations or instructions regarding planned
preventative maintenance of meters, pumps, treatment plant and similar
equipment shall be followed.

7.2.3 Waste prevention

Attention shall be paid to rectify any instances of waste or undue
consumption of water revealed by inspections or during maintenance
operations.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.3
Particular attention should be applied to self closing taps, WCs with
internal overflow arrangements and flushing urinals. Where WCs with
internal overflows are discharging at a low rate, it can be difficult to
witness the discharge. Similarly when urinals are flushing at an elevated
frequency it can be difficult to detect.
In the case of metered installations the water meter provides an easy
means of monitoring consumption.
The meter or meters should be read at regular intervals and appropriate
action taken if an unexplained increase in consumption is indicated.

7.2.4 Water analysis

Other than in single dwellings regular analyses of water samples at
intervals not exceeding six months shall be carried out wherever
drinking water is stored.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.4
Periodic chemical and bacteriological analysis of water samples is a
useful guide to the condition of an installation. The collection and analysis
of water samples is particularly recommended for new installations in
large buildings or complexes and where extensive repairs or alterations
have been carried out to such installations.

© BSI 2009 • 101

 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

7.2.5 Earthing and bonding

Where pipework, fittings or appliances are to be replaced, continuity of
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

earthing and equipotential bonding shall be maintained (see 5.2.8.3

and 6.1.8). Where pipework has been used for earthing, alternative
earthing arrangements shall be made in accordance with BS 7430 by a
competent person. Where there is no evidence of main equipotential
bonding, which may be required, the installer should inform the
responsible person that any bonding should be checked and remedied
where necessary by a competent person.

7.2.6 Water temperatures

Other than in single dwellings checks shall be made on the temperature
of water in pipes, cold water cisterns, hot water storage vessels and the
discharge from taps to ensure that they are within the limits as listed
in 5.4.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.6
These checks should be carried out during the most adverse conditions,
such as at the end of a weekend, during hot weather, full central heating
load in the case of cold weather and during high draw-off in cold
conditions. Should checks reveal unacceptable temperatures, it will be
necessary to install additional insulation, trace heating or carry out
modifications or repairs to the systems.

7.2.7 Cleaning and disinfection

Where there is a risk of legionella colonization of water services the
system shall be cleaned and disinfected:
a) if the system, or part of it, has been substantially altered or opened
for maintenance purposes in a manner which could lead to
contamination;
b) following an outbreak or suspected outbreak of legionellosis.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.7
Disinfection of the water system may be undertaken;
a) for both the cold and hot water system, as described in 6.1.10; and
b) for the hot water system only, by thermal disinfection procedures.
(See HS ACOP L8 [5].)

7.3 Pipework

7.3.1 Fixings and supports

Provision for expansion and contraction shall be checked. Any loose or
missing fixings or supports shall be replaced.

7.3.2 Joints
Leaking joints shall be rectified or where necessary the pipework shall
be renewed to stop all leakage.

102 • © BSI 2009

 BS 6700:2006+A1:2009

7.3.3 Compatibility
When carrying out renewals, the existing pipework shall be identified
Licensed Copy: University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow, 15/08/2013 11:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

and appropriate adaptors used, particularly where the original pipework

is an imperial size.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.3.3
Pipes, fittings, components and materials of one manufacturer are not
always compatible with those of another manufacturer, even when they
conform to the same British Standard. This applies particularly to
welding of plastics pipes, sockets for patent elastomeric ring joints and the
threads on compression fittings.

7.3.4 Corrosion
If inspection of the system reveals leaks or leaks which have been
stifled, that component of the system shall be replaced and the
offending parts examined by an expert to determine the cause of the
leakage. Further action shall be dependent on the results of the
examination and recommendations of the examining expert.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.3.4
Pipes showing signs of serious external corrosion should be replaced. The
replacement pipe should have suitable protection (e.g. factory plastics
coated, spirally wrapped or sleeved with an impervious material) or
should be of a corrosion resistant material compatible with the remaining
pipework.

7.3.5 Thermal insulation and fire stopping

Any damage to thermal insulation or fire stopping revealed during
inspection shall be rectified.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.3.5
The integrity of thermal insulation used for frost protection should be
checked at the beginning of winter.

7.4 Terminal fittings, valves and meters

Leakage from a float-operated valve (e.g. dripping from a warning pipe)
or tap shall be rectified to stop the leakage. Self-closing taps shall be
checked at regular intervals to ensure that the period of closing is not
excessive.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.4
In addition to preventing leakage, the free movement of infrequently used
float-operated valves, particularly those fitted to the feed and expansion
cisterns of hot water or space heating systems should be checked at
intervals not exceeding one year.
Spray heads on taps and showers should be cleaned periodically and
descaled.
Gland packings on taps should be tightened or renewed as necessary to
prevent any leakage while not impeding the normal operation of the
fitting. Stopvalves should be operated at least once per year to ensure free
movement of working parts.

© BSI 2009 • 103