Tech’s most wanted

Can you answer the FAQs?

In our regular Master Plumbers’ Series, our technical advice team share the answers to some of the most asked questions. For our Spring Edition, Aaron Bridger takes on the questions that send chills down the spine of plumbers and are a risk to consumers.

What are the limitations of Polyethylene (PE) gas pipe? Do LPG cylinder connections and valves need new connections? Do charged stormwater lines/systems need a performance solution in place? Where are we at with design for access and mobility?

PE piping is simple and easy to use but there have been many instances of it being incorrectly used and its limitations not being adhered to. According to AS/NZS 5601.1, PE, like many other plastic pipes, is not permitted to be installed beneath buildings or above ground, undercover carparks and verandas are considered buildings and this seems to be commonly overlooked. Further to this, Clause 5.4.7 Termination of plastic pipe and metallic continuation states: ’In Australia, plastics consumer piping shall terminate horizontally at least 300 mm below ground level and be connected to a metallic riser, which complies with the requirements of Table 4.1 for underground pipe’. What does this mean? You can’t convert back on the vertical plane. With the transition period now over for the Type 21 (POL) to LCC27 connections and valves, please ensure that any LPG installation work you are doing that involves leisure cylinders (typically, portable 4.5 or 9kg bottles) connected to BBQ’s, outdoor appliances, caravans and boats, that were manufactured or had a compliance certificate issued after the 1st April 2022 have the new LCC27 connections.

We are receiving a high volume of calls regarding charged storm water lines. With the removal of the technical solution sheet surrounding charged storm water, people are left wondering what to do. The answer: It is a requirement that all charged storm water lines/systems have a performance solution in place. The AS1428.1 standard, which was updated in 2021, sets out the requirements for disabled bathrooms, except class 9B & 10 buildings and there have been some changes. This means that information provided in the Technical Solution Sheet 1.04 that was released by the VBA, has been withdrawn while under review. Master Plumbers is currently compiling an updated information sheet on this and will notify members as soon as it becomes available.

Finally, a warning: Make sure you have insurance coverage for performance solutions or it could cost you dearly. With the ever-increasing number of jobs that require performance solutions, many plumbers are being left without insurance without knowing it. Please check that your insurer covers you for performance solutions, as many policies do not.

Can you answer the FAQs?