We all know the devastating affects the current drought is having on our fellow Australians. Water sure is a precious resource, and unfortunately in Victoria, it’s often a scarce one. On 1 May 2019, the National Construction Code 2019 (NCC) came into effect in all states and territories across Australia. This introduction presents significant changes to the technical requirements for building and plumbing work in Victoria.
In this article we will focus on the installation of rainwater tanks to collect and store Stormwater and how having a reliable working pressure pump is vital for this process.
In Victoria the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) regulates the installation of water tanks in Victoria. This is a technical standard found in the National Construction Code (NCC). This Code endorses the Australian Plumbing and Drainage standards (AS/NZS 3500).
The 6 Star requirements as set out in the Victorian variation to the energy provisions of the Building Code of Australia provide that, in the case of a new Class 1 building, either a rainwater tank be connected to all sanitary flushing systems, or a solar water heater system is to be installed in accordance with the Plumbing Regulations 2008.
Class 1 buildings are any single dwelling (a detached house) or one or more attached dwellings separated with a fire-resisting wall, and boarding or guest house, hostel or similar with a total floor area not exceeding 300m2 and where a maximum of 12 people reside. It also includes extensions or additions to Class 1 buildings that have roof area larger than 50m2 and that incorporate a water heater, water closer or laundry cold outlet.
Where a rainwater tank option is selected, the Plumbing Regulations 2008 requires that the installation, in order to comply with the building regulations must
- have a minimum rainfall catchment area of 50m2,
- rainwater storage with a minimum capacity of 2,000 litres,
- rainwater storage connected to all flushing devices in all the toilets in the building in order to ensure use of the rainfall for sanitary flushing.
Should you be looking for a Pump & Mains Water Switch – CLICK HERE
If you are looking for a Pump ONLY – CLICK HERE
For further information about the regulations, please visit the below links.
