A survey of 2000 British households has shed some light on homeowners’ perceptions of water regulations and plumbing risks, revealing a concerning lack of awareness and highlighting potential vulnerabilities in property maintenance and public health.
The study, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) aims to gauge the familiarity of homeowners with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. It reveals that only 15% of respondents are acquainted with the regulations (representing a decline from 21% in 2021).
Despite this low regulatory awareness, the survey indicates a prevalent recognition of the risks associated with faulty plumbing products among homeowners. An overwhelming 94% of respondents acknowledge the potential property damage resulting from faulty plumbing, suggesting there is a significant gap in understanding the regulatory frameworks that govern these essential home systems.
The findings also spotlight a notable awareness (73%) among homeowners regarding the potential health risks posed by untested plumbing products. Non-metallic materials used in water fittings can contaminate drinking water. While 73% had awareness of this, it emphasises that a large portion of UK households need better information about whether plumbing products have been tested to make informed decisions.
While 62% of homeowners said that they were aware that plumbing products connected to the public water supply must undergo testing to ensure they meet suitable quality and standards, confusion persists regarding the responsibility for checking compliance of plumbing products. Only 25% of respondents correctly identified that homeowners or landlords bear this responsibility.
WRAS says that this lack of clarity suggests an urgent need for education on the roles and responsibilities within the plumbing supply chain. WRAS also believes that manufacturers should always be clear about whether their products have successfully passed mandatory conformity tests.
WRAS approval manager Ian Hughes comments: “the WRAS approved product logo gives customers assurance that the products have been independently certified to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.”
