Why are backflow regulations so important?
Unfortunately most bidets installed in New Zealand fall short. Most bidets in New Zealand are imported from South Korea, China or Japan often via Australia, and are either sold without any backflow prevention, or with a double/dual checkvalve, which may comply with Australian law, but not New Zealand law. Because bidets connect with the potable water supply, the law requires that an RPZ type valve be used for non compliant bidets. This valve offers the highest degree of protection as required for a “high hazard” appliance which an electronic bidet is.
Unfortunately these valves are expensive and unsightly.
The responsibility for compliance falls to the installer of the bidets, which means that anyone can sell non complaint bidets without disclosing the additional RPZ valve requirement. Unfortunately most plumbers and sellers are unaware of this requirement.
The picture below is one of the appropriate valve that was recommended for use for the non compliant bidet by a plumbing merchant.
An example of an RPZ valve
Valves like those shown below are NOT APPROVED for use with electronic bidets under the current plumbing regulations.
PLEASE NOTE
The Cleanlet does not require any valves as the
Cleanlet bidet has the backflow prevention built into the unit
The Cleanlet bidet is currently the only bidet in New Zealand which does not require an external RPZ valve to comply with the New Zealand Building Code (because the backflow prevention is built into the bidet) We believe that plumbers, the plumbing merchants and the general public should be informed as to the plumbing regulations relating to electronic bidets within the Building Code.
There are some links to help you further.
www.mbie.govt.nz Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Building Systmes Performance, Compliance Solutions
www.pgdb.co.nz Plumbers, Gas fitters and Drainlayers Board
If you have any questions regarding this RPZ valve or other Bidet requirements please click here to contact us.
Thank you
The Cleanlet Team