Break Tank for Water Category 5 AB Air Gap

Safeguarding the Water Supply: Break Water Tanks for Category 5 Fluids

Fluid Risk Categories

Under the current regulations, the old Water Byelaws' 3 risk categories have been replaced by 5 categories. Water supplied via any incoming main supply from a Water Undertaker is now classified as wholesome water rather than potable or domestic water.

Keeping clean water clean is important! There are regulations to ensure that things we wouldn't want in our drinking water, like waste materials or harmful chemicals, don't accidentally get mixed in.

This is where Fluid Category 5 Break Tanks come in. These water tanks are essential for situations where potentially hazardous fluids (like those found in urinals, labs, or industrial settings) must be stored or used. The tank acts as a barrier, preventing any contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply.

What are Category 5 Fluids?

These are fluids that pose a serious health risk because they contain high levels of harmful things, such as:

• Raw sewage or other human waste
• Animal waste from slaughterhouses or farms
• Radioactive materials
• Very toxic chemicals
• Butchery and meat trades
• WC pans, urinals and bidets
• Bedpan washers
• Hospital dialysis machines
• Vegetable washing
• Laboratories
• Grey water-recycling systems
• Dishwashing machines in healthcare premises
• Sewage treatment and sewage cleansing
• Water storage for fire-fighting purposes
• Mortuary and embalming equipment
• Medical or dental equipment with submerged inlets
• Washing machines on healthcare premises 
• Water storage for agricultural purposes

Other Fluid Categories (in case you're curious!)

There are different categories of fluids depending on the risk they pose. Here's a quick rundown:

Fluid Category 1:

 Perfectly safe drinking water - Known as 'Wholesome' Water, supplied under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991

Fluid Category 2: 

Clean water that might not taste or look as good as usual (think lukewarm water)

• Mixing of hot and cold water supplies
• Domestic softening plant (common salt regeneration only) 
• Drink vending machines in which NO ingredients or carbon dioxide are injected into the water supply or distribution inlet pipe.
• Hot Water Supply

Fluid Category 3: 

Slightly risky fluids with low-toxicity substances (like antifreeze, mild disinfectants, etc...)

• Water in primary circuits and heating systems in a house
• Domestic wash basins, baths and showers
• Domestic clothes and dishwashing machines
• Drink vending machines in which ingredients or carbon dioxide are injected into the water supply or distribution inlet pipe
• Commercial softening plant (common salt regeneration only)

Fluid Category 4:

Fluids with a significant health risk due to toxic substances (like pesticides or herbicides)

• Pressurised fire-fighting systems
• Food preparation 
• Dairies
• Bottle washing apparatus
• Dyeing equipment
• Irrigation points/outlets
• Brewery and distillation plants
• Commercial dishwashing machines
• Printing and photographic equipment 
• Car washing and de-greasing plants
• Commercial clothes-washing plants
• Water treatment plants or softeners other than salt
• Primary circuits and general heating systems other than a house
• Fire sprinkler systems using anti-freeze solutions
• Domestic clothes & washing machines, when used on commercial premises

By using the right type of break tank for the situation, we can ensure everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water and that the regulations are fully complied with.  

Ask our knowledgeable staff for more information if you require a Cat 5 break tank with an AB air gap.