The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has seen an increase in complaints where the licensed plumber has failed to install a pressure limiting valve when it was required.
Licensed plumbers are reminded it is mandatory to install a pressure limiting valve when the maximum static pressure at a property exceeds 500 kPa, as detailed below:
- AS/NZS 3500.1:2021, clause 3.3.4 states that water at any outlet, other than a fire service outlet within a building shall not exceed a static pressure of 500 kPa.
Pressures above 500 kPa can result in:
- Failure of piping and appliances, leading to property damage.
- Excessive noise in the water supply system (water hammer).
- Excessive water usage.
- Voiding of appliance warranties and property insurance.
When non-compliance is identified by the VBA, the licensed plumber must return to site to ensure compliance is achieved.
Where damage at a property has occurred due of non-compliance, it may result in a claim on the responsible plumber's insurance.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
