Mains supply (water) distance from other services (electric)

[GaryChaplin]

Hi all, 

 

I'm putting the mains water supply into my build, following the guidelines from Anglian Water. But I'm unclear on how close the water supply can be to the mains supply when it is within the building? The only guidance I have is that it cannot be less than 350mm, but I thought this was just underground. "Note: Your water pipe must be at least 350mm away from all other utilities."

 

Can anyone provide any clearer guidance, quoting building regulations perhaps? Surely water cannot be kept away from mains power throughout the inside of the building?

 

Thanks,

 

Gary 

[Conor]

That text refers only to the water main in the ground. Nothing to do within the building.

[Dave Jones]

same trench side by side.

 

dont worry there are no pipe separation measuring police.

[GaryChaplin]

Thanks. I've just asked Anglian Water, so we'll see what they say. Seems a bit ridiculous once it's in the house. 

[Mr Punter]

37 minutes ago, GaryChaplin said:

Seems a bit ridiculous once it's in the house. 

 

As per @Conor, there is no spec when they are in the house.

[GaryChaplin]

Would be good to know where this is referenced in the BC regs.

 

[FuerteStu]

I seem to remember a BC guy saying that services should be at least a shovel width apart.. Logic being that if you need to dig one out to repair, you aren't hitting the other services.

 

Makes sense

[GaryChaplin]

On 05/08/2024 at 17:39, GaryChaplin said:

Would be good to know where this is referenced in the BC regs.

 

OK, so I've heard back from Anglian Water asking for a citation, apparantly this 'ruling' is from the "The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999."

 

Quote: "The requirement is a safety measure when installing pipework internally and externally as per The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. These regulations are a legal requirement to keep water quality safe. The regulations include information on how external pipework and internal plumbing must be installed and maintained and these are similar in nature to Building and Gas regulations."

 

So I looked, nothing there referring to 350mm distances https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents.  Nevermind, I'll just pretend they are a knowledgeable authority and change my plans! 

[GaryChaplin]

Just thought I'd follow this up to say that the inspection engineer said this only applies to underground work, what you do in your house is up to you. 

[Nickfromwales]

We usually ask for a 400mm bucket for excavation, with one service laid either side.

[sharpener]

On 03/08/2024 at 07:37, GaryChaplin said:

Can anyone provide any clearer guidance, quoting building regulations perhaps? Surely water cannot be kept away from mains power throughout the inside of the building?

 

FWIW the IET On-site Guide says wiring must be separated by 25mm for gas pipes up to 35mm dia, and CUs by 150mm unless non-combustible insulation is interposed, but nothing at al about water installations.