Wras taps.

[jasonharris]

Hi wondered if I could canvass people's opinion please. When you look to buy basin taps kitchen taps etc do you ask for WRAS certified. I sell taps valves etc wholesale. ( we are a small supplier but get stock from overseas ) but I am finding I am competing with other supplier who don't have WRAS as such I wonder should I offer two options.

 

[jtsplumbing]

From what I understand regarding non WRAS products made abroad, is that it's Not a problem importing or selling them, the issue is when connecting to water supply, Local water supplier is a No, private water supply is ok. Ring WRAS they will explain where you stand and the reasons for it, Be aware it applies to lots of other items as well, get the information then you can explain to your customers, the problem goes to the person that fits them, comes down to ignorance of the Law is no excuse.

 

[jasonharris]

Yes spoken to WRAS and basically I can sell products (from my research most large Internet suppliers don't have WRAS ) without WRAS as It is voluntary but it's the only way to prove a product meets the water regulation standards. And agree it is a matter educating the suppliers just a bit frustrating if I want to sell online. Main reason for the post is to see what the trade does. When you go into a merchant and buy a tap do you ask if it has WRAS ?or just assume or even know about the regulations.

 

[rpm]

When you go into a merchant and buy a tap do you ask if it has WRAS ?or just assume or even know about the regulations.

Is this a trick question? lol

 

[jtsplumbing]

Think you will find that most main line merchants only sell WRAS approved goods, if I get asked to fit items supplied by customer I will ask them where they purchased them, if goods are not approved then I will advise them, but I will not fit them, any problems then its me that gets a knock on the door, so the ball has landed in my court, I am the one that has to abide to the rules, most water suppliers are quite hot on this, But not heard of anyone being prosecuted for fitting non-approved taps etc.
But someone on this forum may know different.

 

[jasonharris]

Rpm no trick question just interested in people's opinion. I've done large developments and consultants haven't been fully versed on the regulations. Wanted to know general opinion.
Thanks JTS is that an assumption or do you in fact ask ? As you say never heard of anyone being prosecuted but think it must be hard to enforce. If Someone looks to change a tap in their house They may buy online but not know anything of the requirements. Also water authority doesn't have the personal to check and if they do who keeps receipts for taps purchase say 10 years ago or even a house you have moved into. For me there are two markets. Replacements/domestic and commercial which are large scale developments, multiple units. But either way I think we will keep all out products WRAS

 

[rpm]

Just seemed strange to ask that Q on a professional plumbers forum Jason. Of course the boys adhere to the regs at all times, diyer`s on the other hand ................

 

[Dotty]

Closing this thread now because it smells of preparing to advertise which is against forum rules.