Hotels, bed & breakfasts and another accommodation types are legally required to protect their water systems from backflow and contamination. Under the Water Regulations, all buildings with a mains water supply must follow strict rules to prevent contamination, avoid waste, and ensure water fittings are installed and maintained correctly. With many guests using water daily and often complex plumbing, hotels face greater risks of backflow and water contamination than other buildings.
If the plumbing setup breaches these rules, you could face failed inspections, harm to guests, or even have your water supply cut off until the issue is resolved.
How do hotels get it wrong?
Hotels often include a wide range of water-using equipment. Many of these carry contamination risks if they are not installed properly. Here are some common examples from hotels:
- Swimming pools and spas: These are considered high-risk areas, usually categorised as fluid category 4. Pool chemicals and warm spa water both increase contamination risk. Depending on the installation, this may require an RPZ valve or Fluid Category 5 break tank.
- Kitchens: Appliances like potato peelers, grease traps, and food waste units all pose risks if not protected. These often need physical air gaps to prevent wholesome water and waste from mixing.
- Bathrooms and showers: Incorrectly fitted toilets or bidet sprays can allow dirty water to flow back into the clean supply. Even cleaning chemicals placed inside cisterns can corrode plastic parts and cause contamination.
- Boilers: Whether you use combi or large commercial boilers, there must be a barrier in place. This could be a check valve or RPZ valve to stop heating system water from mixing with drinking water.
- Washing machines and dishwashers: In hotels, washing machines must be at least fluid category 4. Commercial machines are usually fluid category 5 with built-in air gaps. Smaller commercial accommodations using domestic machines will need extra protection, such as an RPZ valve or category 5 break tank.
- Outside taps and hoses: In hotels, hose union taps are classed as Fluid Category 5 by default and require appropriate backflow protection, usually a Type AB air-gap or break tank; common uses include bin store areas, washdowns, and other cleaning points. In some cases, these may be risk-assessed down depending on use.
Understanding fluid risk categories
Water regulations group contamination risks into five fluid categories. Category 1 is clean drinking water. Category 5 is the highest risk, involving human waste or industrial chemicals.
The protection required depends on the fluid category:
- Category 3 will need a double check valve.
- Category 4 needs an RPZ.
- Category 5 requires a physical AB air gap. This means no direct connection is allowed between contaminated and clean water.
What happens if Hotels aren’t compliant?
Water suppliers are legally required to inspect properties and enforce these rules. If your setup fails:
- You’ll need to fix the issue ahead a re-inspection
- If then the issue isn’t resolved, the hotels could be fined or worse the water supply can be cut off immediately
Easy steps to stay compliant
- Audit your building: Review where and how water is used. Focus on swimming pools, spa’s, kitchens, bathrooms, plant rooms, and outdoor taps.
- Check your fittings: Make sure they are approved and suitable for the task. Confirm they have the right backflow protection.
- Get help when making changes: If you are installing or modifying plumbing, check with your water supplier or an accredited plumber first.
- Use trusted installers: Choose plumbers who are Approved. They know how to install to regulation standards.
Keeping guests safe does not stop at the front desk. Every outlet, from showers to kitchen sinks, must be considered. Most water safety risks are avoidable with the right guidance and simple checks. If you’re unsure where to start: For B&Bs and guesthouses, speak to your local water authority or a Approved Plumber. For hotels and larger chains, contact your consulting engineer for guidance on compliance and system design.
