On 27 June 2019, MBIE updated the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) clause G12 Water supplies and G13 Foul water compliance documents, following a consultation process that took place earlier this year.
MBIE appreciates everyone who took the time to contribute during the consultation process for these changes, and we value the feedback that was received.
These documents now cite the 2018 versions of AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage Parts 1, 2 and 4, and the previous 2015 versions of these standards will cease to have effect as prescribed compliance solutions on 31 October 2019.
There have been a number of changes made in the 2018 versions of AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage Parts 1, 2 and 4, some of which are outlined below:
AS/NZS 3500.1:2018 Part 1: Water services
|
Verification Method G12/VM1 now cites AS/NZS 3500.1:2018 Section 2: Materials and products, Section 3: Sizing of water services and Appendix C: Sizing method for supply piping for dwellings as a design method for water supply systems, which satisfies the performance criteria of NZBC clause G12.
Note: AS/NZS 3500.1:2015 was previously cited in G12/VM1.
Key updates within the cited sections of AS/NZS 3500.1:2018 include:
- Clarification of approved jointing methods, including the removal of the provision that allowed soft solder joints (Clauses 2.4.1 & 2.4.2)
- New requirements for the protection of plastic pipes and fittings from direct sunlight (Clause 2.4.3)
- Clarification that minimum flow rate requirements do not apply to emergency showers, and that maximum flow rates apply to the cold water outlet (Clause 3.2.1)
|
AS/NZS 3500.4:2018. Plumbing and drainage Part 4: Heated water services
|
Verification Method G12/VM1 now cites AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 as a design method for water supply systems which satisfies the performance criteria of NZBC clause G12. Acceptable Solution G12/AS2 also cites AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 for the installation of solar water heaters (with modifications).
Note: AS/NZS 3500.4:2015 was previously cited in G12/VM1 and G12/AS2.
Key updates within the 2018 version of AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 include:
- Additional information and requirements around the reduced circulatory velocities for heated water systems introduced with the 2015 version (Clauses 1.7 & 1.8)
- New pressure requirements (Clause 1.9)
- New provisions for the use of thermostatically controlled taps (Clause 1.11.3)
- Clarification of approved jointing methods (Clauses 2.4.1 & 2.4.2)
- New requirements for the protection of plastic pipes and fittings from direct sunlight (Clause 2.4.3)
- New provisions for the use of expansion vessels to accommodate thermal expansion (Clause 5.9 & Appendix P)
- New provisions for the design, installation and commissioning of circulatory heated water systems (Sections 9, 10 and Appendix O)
- Tables detailing internal diameters for different pipework materials/types/SDRs/pressure classes and nominal diameters (DN). (Appendix C)
- Additional requirements for the allowance of expansion and contraction in heated water pipes (Appendix N).
|
AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 Part 2: Sanitary plumbing and drainage
|
Acceptable Solution G13/AS3 now cites AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 (with modifications), as a means of compliance which satisfies the performance criteria of NZBC clause G13.
Note: AS/NZS 3500.2:2015 was previously cited in G12/AS3.
For more information on the modifications to AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 included within Acceptable Solution G13/AS3, please refer to: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/g-services-and-facilities/g13-foul-water/
Key updates within the 2018 version of AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 include:
- New requirements for the protection of plastic pipes and fittings from direct sunlight (Clause 2.4.4)
- Additional details for the installation of structural plastic liners for renovating sanitary drains (Clause 3.16.3 and Appendix F)
- Removal of note excluding floor waste gullies with non-return valves fitted from the requirement to be installed 150 mm above the overflow level of the overflow relief gully, or invert of the overflow pipe (Clause 4.6.6.6)
|
Note:
The use of any sections or appendices of the AS/NZS 3500 series which are not cited within the NZBC Acceptable Solutions or Verification Methods would need to be proposed as an alternative solution to the building consent authority when applying for a building consent. For more information on using alternative solutions for compliance with the NZBC, please refer to: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/how-the-building-code-works/different-ways-to-comply/alternative-solutions/.
0800 743 262