Your Guide to Choosing WRAS Approved Laboratory Water Taps

When installing a school or private R&D science laboratory in the UK regardless of whether it’s in Manchester, Birmingham, or London, selecting the right laboratory water taps is crucial for safety, compliance, and long-term reliability. Not just any tap will do — all laboratories need WRAS approved laboratory water taps. The WRAS standards demand certain criteria to prevent contamination, ensure durability, and meet health regulations. At Arboles UK, we’ve been supplying WRAS-certified laboratory taps for decades, helping educational and R&D facilities across the UK and Ireland create safe learning and development environments. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best lab water taps, from compliance to installation tips. Let’s make your lab upgrade stress-free!

Why WRAS Approval is Essential for School Laboratory Water Taps

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is the UK’s benchmark for water fittings, ensuring they prevent waste, misuse, and contamination of public water supplies. For laboratory water taps in schools, WRAS approval is non-negotiable under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Here’s why it matters:

• Ensures Adequate Functionality and Construction

• Material Safety: WRAS-approved materials (like DZR brass and stainless steel) resist corrosion and leaching.

• Legal Compliance: Required by local authorities and CLEAPSS guidelines for science departments within the education sector.

All Arboles UK laboratory water taps are fully WRAS certified— browse our range here.

Key Features to Look for in Laboratory Water Taps for UK Schools

Not all lab taps are created equal. Here’s what sets the best laboratory water taps for schools apart:

1. WRAS & DZR Brass Construction

• DZR (Dezincification Resistant) Brass: Prevents corrosion in hard water areas like London and the South East of England.

• WRAS Certification: Guarantees product suitability and quality.

2. Safety Design Features

• Anti-Rotation Pins: Prevent taps from being twisted from the bench — essential for the school laboratory.

• Colour-Coded Indices: As per DIN standards

• Removable Nozzles: Allow easy cleaning and fitting of serrated or aerator nozzles. These are also easy to replace in the event of the nozzle being blocked. The removable nozzle also allows the tap to be converted into an AUK 3 Category 5 compliant laboratory tap with the addition of the WRAS approved anti siphon nozzle (900100).

• Strengthened Shanks: This extra diameter tubing adds significantly to the laboratory taps lifespan in the school laboratory as it helps prevent them being bent!
  

  The top cross section is from one of our laboratory water taps

3. Easy Operation & Accessibility

• Wrist Action or Lever Handles: Ideal for students with limited dexterity or in SEN settings.

• Swan Neck or Pillar Options: Flexible for beakers, sinks, or fume cupboards.

4. Durability for High-Use Environments

• Brass Headworks: Long-lasting, drip-free performance even after thousands of cycles.

• Replaceable Parts: Arboles offers spares like headworks, nozzles and handwheels for quick repairs.

Check out our laboratory water taps collection for WRAS-approved models designed for education.

Types of Laboratory Water Taps for Different School & Laboratory Needs

Choosing the right tap depends on your lab’s setup. Here are the most popular options:

Tap Type	Best For	Key Features
Pillar Taps (eg 900121, 900120)	Bench-mounted sinks and user preference	Simple, robust, space-saving
Swan Neck Neck Taps (eg 902101, 902103, 902106)	Often paired when a hot and cold supply is used	High reach, removable nozzles
Wrist Action Taps (eg 910078)	SEN schools, hygiene focussed laboratories	Hands-free operation
Wall-Mounted Taps (eg 900720)	Space-limited labs, fume cupboards	Clean look, versatility for wall fed water supplies
Deionised Water Taps (eg 900299)	Chemistry/physics labs	Plastic-lined to prevent contamination

Need deionised / special water taps? Explore our special water taps for RO, distilled, or DI water.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose and Install WRAS Approved Lab Water Taps

Follow this checklist to ensure compliance and performance:

1. Assess Your Lab Layout Map sink locations and water types (mains, hot, deionised).

2. Verify WRAS Compliance Check certification on product pages—Arboles includes WRAS numbers for full traceability.

3. Select Handle Type Lever handles for general use; wrist action for accessibility or fine control.

4. Plan Installation:

   • Use PTFE tape on threads.

   • Install with backnuts and washers which are always supplied.

   • Use the installation template to ensure the anti rotation pin is fitted correctly

5. Test and Label Run water to check flow and leaks. Label taps clearly e.g., “Mains Cold,” “Deionised” for example.

Pro tip: Pair with Vulcathene chemical drainage for a fully compliant lab setup. You can see the full range here.

Common Mistakes When Buying Laboratory Water Taps for Schools

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Choosing Non-WRAS Taps: Leads to regulatory failure.

• Ignoring Water Type: Using standard taps for deionised water causes contamination.

• Poor Sizing: Undersized nozzles restrict flow in busy labs.

• Skipping Spares: Stock headworks and nozzles to avoid downtime.

Arboles UK offers spare parts for all laboratory water taps—order now to stay prepared. You can find our laboratory tap spare parts page here.

Why Arboles UK is the Top Choice for School Lab Water Taps

As a leading UK supplier, Arboles UK delivers:

• Full WRAS certification

• 5 year warranty 

• Fast Nationwide Delivery

• Fully insured and an ISO accredited company

• Expert Support – from specification to installation. There isn’t a laboratory scenario we haven’t seen!

• Competitive Pricing

• Product specific enhancements – anti rotation pin, strengthened shanks, Rilsan coating, custom tap builds available

We’ve supplied thousands of taps to schools and manufacturers in London, Manchester, Bristol, and all over the UK. Need a quote? Contact us today.

Ready to Upgrade Your School’s Laboratory Water Taps?

Don’t compromise on safety or compliance. Choose WRAS approved laboratory water taps UK from Arboles UK. Browse our full range here or download our lab taps brochure for specs and certifications.

Have a question about installing lab water taps in your school? Get in touch—we’re here to help!