WA’s plumbing regulator has issued a strong warning to Western Australian homeowners regarding the significant health risks associated with the DIY installation of toilet hygiene spray hoses.
Element Plumbing & Gas echo this message to fellow Sandgropers, in advising that toilet hygiene spray hoses should only be fitted by a licensed plumber.
This alert from Building and Energy follows a rise in residential purchases of flexible douche hoses, due to the unnecessary panic buying of toilet paper. Furthermore, this announcement is a stark reminder that cleanliness should also be held paramount in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Why do I need a plumber to install a toilet hygiene spray hose?
Toilet hygiene spray hoses are classed as high-hazard plumbing equipment. Reason being is that there is a high risk of toilet water mixing with drinking water, especially if the toilet hygiene spray hoses are not installed according to specific Australian plumbing standards.
By law, only a licensed plumber, such as Element Plumbing & Gas, is allowed to install the equipment. The hoses must have an appropriate backflow prevention device to eliminate the risk of contamination of the drinking water supply.
As mentioned on our backflow prevention device testing service offering page, consuming cross-contaminated drinking water that contains the backflow of waste products can cause serious illness or even death from bacteria and other infections. As a result, homeowners should not attempt to install or repair toilet spray hoses under any circumstances. Always call a licensed plumber.
Building and Energy’s urgent announcement has come about due to the increased interest in “alternative toileting devices” such as toilet hygiene spray hoses and bidets. These developments have prompted similar public health warnings from other Australian building and plumbing regulators, urging that these hygiene devices be installed professionally by a licensed and qualified plumber.
The facts
- Toilet hygiene spray hoses continue to sell in big numbers at hardware stores in WA
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission has unearthed Australian Google search data for the term ‘bidets’ and noting a tenfold increase during March 2020
- Building and Energy also remind Australians, “do not to flush paper towels or wipes down the toilet!”
- While toilet paper is designed to be flushed, paper towels and baby wipes can cause expensive and annoying blockages in drains at your home and even gridlock the wider public sewage system
- A register of licensed plumbers, including Element Plumbing & Gas, is available at the Building and Energy website or via dmirs.wa.gov.au.
- Product Safety Australia has also published advice today on the supply and installation of bidet products
Call Element Plumbing & Gas Today for Bathroom Hose and Bidet installation services
It’s that simple. Do not take the risk of DIY installation and contaminating your household’s supply of potable water. Call Element Plumbing & Gas today on 08 6400 6515 or fill out the contact form.