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A professional tradesman repairs a sink using a wrench in a well-equipped workshop setting.

Water Regulations / Byelaws

Understand Water Supply Regulations to Become an Approved Plumber

The course is for anyone requiring an understanding of water regulations/water byelaws, in particular, those wishing to become approved plumbers/contractors. Successful candidates are encouraged to join an approved plumbers/contractors scheme, such as those managed by SNIPEF, APHC, CIPHE, WIAPS, and the regional water utility companies. This enables them to issue a certificate of completion to both the householder and water company when undertaking domestic plumbing or central heating work.

Please note that other industry-related qualifications may be required to join these schemes.

 

Entry Requirements

Trainees will need to have some knowledge of plumbing and the water industry.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration / Fees
08 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
1 Day / £195
06 Oct 2026
Bispham Campus
1 Day / £195
12 Jan 2027
Bispham Campus
1 Day / £195
09 Mar 2027
Bispham Campus
1 Day / £195
04 May 2027
Bispham Campus
1 Day / £195

Where can this subject lead?

Career Progression and Prospects

Completing a Water Regulations qualification opens up a wide range of career possibilities across the plumbing, construction, and water management sectors. Qualified individuals can work as plumbers, installers, or contractors, ensuring compliance with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations to protect public health and prevent water waste. Opportunities also exist with water authorities, local councils, housing associations, and facilities management companies, carrying out inspections, advising on compliance, or managing water systems

Key Course Information

Qualification obtained

Water Regulations / Byelaws

Fees and funding

This is a commercial course, the fees for which are displayed above and must be paid at the time of booking.

What You’ll Learn

This course covers the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales) and the Water Byelaws 2014 (Scotland) and meets the requirements of WRAS (the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) of which the majority of the UK water companies are members. There are two distinct manuals, one for England/Wales and one for Scotland, as some regulations differ.

During the course itself you will learn more specifically about:

  • Types of fluids and materials that can come into contact with water
  • Standards for water fittings, systems design, and installation
  • Measures to prevent contamination, cross-connection, and backflow
  • Requirements for hot and cold water services
  • Installation rules for WCs, urinals, flushing devices, and other sanitary fittings
  • Location and installation rules for baths, sinks, showers, and taps
  • Water efficiency and consumption limits for appliances
  • Rules for water supplied for outdoor use
  • Hygienic working practices when carrying out water-related work
  • Legal requirements for installing water supply pipes
  • Process and requirements for becoming a WaterSafe Approved Contractor

 

How You’ll Learn

This is a one-day intensive theory-based course delivered in a classroom environment. The small class sizes ensure that you'll have lots of opportunity to ask questions and check anything you're not sure of before taking the assessment.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. 

How You’ll Be Assessed

The assessment which takes place on the same day as the training is in the form of a theory-based, multiple choice exam