NEWS FLASH Important information to park operators and caravaners.
Draining down caravans using the traditional method or using a
compressor to blow out pipe systems could under the water fittings
regulations be "illegal" and may result in prosecution and a maximum
fine of £1000. Please contact Dr Steve Tuckwell @ WRAS (water
regulation advisory scheme) or telephone the bh&hpa association for
more information.
Below is a list of methods used in the UK,
1, Open drain off points on caravan, open drain point on boiler & turn
off cold main to caravan, opening all taps and outlets will allow air
to be released into the pipe system and gravity will drain most of the
water out of the system. (Abi handbook approved method)
Problem & infringement
Low spots on pipe system and non return valves in showers do not allow
all water to be drained completely, because the water will be present,
and the caravan is going to be left uninhabitated for a long period of
time, the water may go stagnant. where there is a possibilty of water
stagnating it must be routinely flushed to prevent this (twice per week
as recommended by wras) this is impossible as the caravans have to be
drained to protect these pipes from freezing.
if a water fitting is inactive for a period of over 60 days the
fitiing or pipe system must be removed or chlorinated. (this would be
the case)
2, Allowing the Water to remain in the pipe system and allowing
heating systems within the caravan to create ambient temperature to
stop freezing.
Problem & infringement.
Same as option 1
3, using an air compressor to blow water out of pipe
system in the direction of the water flow through the system. (most
common method due to it's success rate) (willerby handbook approved
method)
Problem & infringement,
Same as 1&2 plus contaminants such as stagnant water, oil, rust and
microbiological growth from within the compressor and compressor lines
would be projected into pipe systems.
Purposely contaminating a wholesome water plumbing system is strictly
prohibited. If a contamination is suspected a flushing procedure
according to bs6700 has to take place on commisioning the system.
a
4)Frostguard adding a non toxic fluid category 3 antifreeze (propylene
glycol) to the wholesome drinking water supply for winterisation
purposes. Frostguard is classed as non toxic has an ld50 rating of
27000 mg/kg bodyweight and has microbiological stats to kill germs.
This method is guaranteed and is used and allowed in Europe America
andCanada.
Problem & infringement.
It could be classed as a contaminent. Please refer to infringement 3
5, Do nothing - doing nothing is also breaking the water regulations
as if you suspect a pipe system could cause damage by freezing, all
possible actions should be taken to ensure the pipe system is
protected from such an event ie drain it down.
These regulations are very confusing and contradict each other.It may also affect your insurance policy.To
guarantee you are not breaking the law when winterising your holiday
home you should ring the numbers below, who will be able to clarify
this for you.
Contact numbers
WRAS - 01495 248454
BH&HPA British Holiday & Holiday Park Association - 01452 526911
Draining down caravans using the traditional method or using a
compressor to blow out pipe systems could under the water fittings
regulations be "illegal" and may result in prosecution and a maximum
fine of £1000. Please contact Dr Steve Tuckwell @ WRAS (water
regulation advisory scheme) or telephone the bh&hpa association for
more information.
Below is a list of methods used in the UK,
1, Open drain off points on caravan, open drain point on boiler & turn
off cold main to caravan, opening all taps and outlets will allow air
to be released into the pipe system and gravity will drain most of the
water out of the system. (Abi handbook approved method)
Problem & infringement
Low spots on pipe system and non return valves in showers do not allow
all water to be drained completely, because the water will be present,
and the caravan is going to be left uninhabitated for a long period of
time, the water may go stagnant. where there is a possibilty of water
stagnating it must be routinely flushed to prevent this (twice per week
as recommended by wras) this is impossible as the caravans have to be
drained to protect these pipes from freezing.
if a water fitting is inactive for a period of over 60 days the
fitiing or pipe system must be removed or chlorinated. (this would be
the case)
2, Allowing the Water to remain in the pipe system and allowing
heating systems within the caravan to create ambient temperature to
stop freezing.
Problem & infringement.
Same as option 1
3, using an air compressor to blow water out of pipe
system in the direction of the water flow through the system. (most
common method due to it's success rate) (willerby handbook approved
method)
Problem & infringement,
Same as 1&2 plus contaminants such as stagnant water, oil, rust and
microbiological growth from within the compressor and compressor lines
would be projected into pipe systems.
Purposely contaminating a wholesome water plumbing system is strictly
prohibited. If a contamination is suspected a flushing procedure
according to bs6700 has to take place on commisioning the system.
a
4)Frostguard adding a non toxic fluid category 3 antifreeze (propylene
glycol) to the wholesome drinking water supply for winterisation
purposes. Frostguard is classed as non toxic has an ld50 rating of
27000 mg/kg bodyweight and has microbiological stats to kill germs.
This method is guaranteed and is used and allowed in Europe America
andCanada.
Problem & infringement.
It could be classed as a contaminent. Please refer to infringement 3
5, Do nothing - doing nothing is also breaking the water regulations
as if you suspect a pipe system could cause damage by freezing, all
possible actions should be taken to ensure the pipe system is
protected from such an event ie drain it down.
These regulations are very confusing and contradict each other.It may also affect your insurance policy.To
guarantee you are not breaking the law when winterising your holiday
home you should ring the numbers below, who will be able to clarify
this for you.
Contact numbers
WRAS - 01495 248454
BH&HPA British Holiday & Holiday Park Association - 01452 526911
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