Compliance, Installation and Use
UK Water Regulations: What You Need to Know
At Bumguns, we believe in being open and helpful.
It’s important to know that the UK has some of the strictest water safety laws in the world.
These rules apply to every bidet sprayer and douche kit installed in the UK, not just ours.
To help you get your installation right the first time, here is a quick guide to the universal standards required by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999:
Protecting Our Water:
Because a bidet spray is used near a toilet, UK law classifies the installation as Fluid Category 5.
To protect the mains water supply, the law requires a Type AB air gap (break tank) to be installed.
Standard for All Brands:
Whether you choose Bumguns or another brand, these requirements remain the same across the UK.
While simple check valves are often used in other countries, they don’t meet the specific legal standard here.
A Smooth Installation:
We share this information so you can have an informed conversation with your plumber.
Following these steps ensures your home stays compliant and your local water company is happy.
We’re here to help you enjoy the benefits of a bidet spray while staying on the right side of the UK's unique regulations.
Important: Water Regulations Compliance
Any bidet hose is classified as a Fluid Category 5 risk.
Because a spray head could potentially be submerged in a toilet bowl,
There is a risk of back-flow and contamination of the mains water supply.
Legal Requirements for Installation:
Back-flow Protection: This product must not be connected directly to the mains water supply or a communal storage tank.
It requires a Type AB air gap (a dedicated break tank) to ensure no back-flow can occur.
Prohibited Connections: Connection via a standard double check valve or T-valve directly to the cistern supply pipe is not permitted in the UK for this category of fluid risk.
Under Regulation 5: you are generally required to notify your local water undertaker (water company) before installing a bidet spray.
Your plumber can advise you on this process.
Pressure Management & Isolation Valve Requirements
Our Bumguns are supplied with a high-quality isolation valve.
This component is essential for the safe operation of the system.
It is required to be closed after every use to isolate the water supply from the hose and sprayer.
Why Isolation is Required:
Mechanical Integrity: Hand-held sprayers and flexible hoses are engineered for intermittent pressure.
They are not designed to be left under constant, 24/7 mains water pressure.
Leaving the system pressurised leads to seal fatigue and increases the risk of a leak or burst.
Property Protection: To ensure the safety of your home, the following operating procedure is required:
- Close the isolation valve after use.
- Depressurise the hose by pulling the lever one final time to empty any remaining water into the toilet.
Please read our Technical FAQ for more expansion on these topics.
Liability Notice:
It is the responsibility of the owner and/or installer to ensure that this product is installed in full compliance with local water regulations.
Bumguns accepts no liability for installations, fines, or damages resulting from improper installation or misuse.
We strongly recommend installation by a registered plumber.
Bumguns accepts no liability for water damage resulting from fittings left under continuous pressure.
Following this required shut-off procedure ensures the long-term reliability of your product.
Official Resources & Guidance
For further information on the legal requirements for bidet and douche sprayers in the UK,
We recommend consulting the official guidance provided by Water Regs UK (the body representing all UK water companies):
This page provides official answers on back-flow protection, Fluid Category 5, and installation requirements.
An overview of how water regulations protect public health within the bathroom.
Please Note: Our website and social media features photography from our global community. Installation requirements vary by country.
For installations within the UK, please refer to our “Compliance, instillation and use” page for country specific mandatory requirements.