Wat 03 - Water leak detection and prevention

Fire hydrants and sprinklers – Leak detection - KBCN0680

Where it is confirmed by an appropriate project team member that it is not possible to fully meet the leak detection criteria for fire hydrants or sprinklers, an alternative approach can be implemented for these systems. This must demonstrably meet the aim of the issue by detecting and alerting the building management to major water leaks.   Previous guidance - superseded on 30 May 2024 To meet BREEAM compliance, emergency systems such as fire hydrants and sprinklers need also to be covered by a leak detection system. The leak detection system must cover all mains water supply between and within the building and the ‘site boundary'.

11 Sep 2024 - Applicability to BIU V6 confirmed - QN-75509-C8H8V1
30 May 2024 - New guidance introduced to clarify that BREEAM compliance should not compromise the operation of building safety-critical systems. Applicability to NC V6 standards confirmed.

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Flow control devices – Use of devices on individual sanitary fittings - KBCN1550

The intent of the requirement for flow control devices is to minimise the impact of undetected wastage and leaks from sanitary fittings and supply pipework. The use of flow control devices on individual sanitary fittings alone does not, therefore, fully meet this aim.

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Flow control devices – Prison cells - KBCN1709

Flow control devices in WC areas or facilities are not required in residential areas of long-term residential accommodation. This can be applied to prison cells with ensuite facilities on the basis that they are long-term residential accommodation. It does not apply to holding cells, other short-term accommodation, staff areas or other non-residential areas of a cell block.

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Leak detection – compliance principle – alternative technologies - KBCN1566

Where it can be demonstrated that alternative leak detection technologies can meet or exceed the capabilities of systems set out in the BREEAM guidance, subject to approval, these can also be considered compliant. It is the role of the Assessor and the project team to provide evidence and justification in a compliance principle query (see KBCN1555). The following alternative solutions are currently recognised:

• Smart leak detection systems that are based on 'self-learning' (machine learning) to determine normal use patterns are an acceptable alternative to systems that require manual pre-sets or manual programming.

06-Jul-2026 - Title updated for consistency. Scheme applicability updated. Principle also applied to refrigerant leak detection.

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Leak detection – system notification - KBCN0245

So long as the compliant system alerts the appropriate person to the leak so they are able to respond immediately, the assessor can judge if the aim of the issue is being met by a reliable, robust and fail-safe means of notification.

13-Jul-2026 - Title updated for consistency. Scheme applicability updated. Principle extended to refrigerant leak detection, allowing refrigerant leak detection systems to notify a person to initiate shutdown in line with this principle.

   

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Leak detection – using a BMS - KBCN0439

A BMS can be used for leak detection if it can be shown that its integrated or add-on features meet all the requirements for a leak detection system.

07-Feb-2022 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed.
06-Jul-2026 - Scheme applicability updated, and applied also to refrigerant leak detection across all relevant schemes.

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Leak detection between building and utilities meter - KBCN1116

For all pipework which is the responsibility of the building owner or occupier leak detection is generally required between the building and the utilities water meter. This requirement is applicable regardless of the length of the pipework. However, for campus type developments or those with multiple buildings on the same site served by common pipework, leak detection is required both within the building and externally for the length of pipework that exclusively serves that building. Where it can be demonstrated that it is not physically possible for a meter to be installed on the pipework outside the building, the requirement for leak detection between the building and the utilities meter can be considered not applicable, and the credit awarded based on the leak detection within the building.

02 Jul 2024 - Updated to account for campus type developments. Applicability to UK NC V6 and INC V6 confirmed.

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