ICS 91.140.70   
 
Reference number  
DRS  273: 2022 
© RSB 2022 
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD  DRS  
273  
 
Second  edition  
2022 -mm-dd 
 
Sanitary appliances — Selection, installation 
and maintenance — Code of practice  
 
   
DRS 273: 2022 
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in industries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2022 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from R SB. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to : 
Rwanda Standards  Board  
P.O Box 7099 Kigali -Rwanda  
KK 15 Rd, 49  
Tel. +250 788303492  
Toll Free: 3250  
E-mail: info@rsb.gov.rw  
Website: www.rsb.gov.rw  
ePortal: www.portal.rsb.gov.rw   DRS  273: 2022 
iii                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
4 Preliminary data for selection and installation of appliances  ................................ .................  3 
4.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
4.2 Facilities for people with disability  ................................ ................................ .............................  3 
4.3 Position of appliances  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
4.4 Water supply and Water fittings  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 3 
4.4.1  Water Supply  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 3 
4.4.2  Water fittings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
4.5 Hygiene  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
4.6 Support  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
5 Selection of sanitar y and associated appliances  ................................ ................................ ..... 5 
5.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 
5.2 Kitchen  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 
5.3 Bath rooms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 5 
5.4 Bidet  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
5.5 Shower  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  6 
5.6 Toilet  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
5.7 Water Closets (W.C)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  6 
5.8 Hand wash basin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  6 
5.9 Urinals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  7 
6 Installation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 7 
6.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
6.2 Kitchen  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
6.3 Bath rooms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 
6.4 Bidet  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
6.5 Shower  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
6.6 Toilet  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  9 
6.7 Water Closets (W.C)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  10 
6.8 Hand wash basin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
6.9 Urinals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  10 
6.10  Flushing cisterns for WCs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  11 
6.11  Pressure flushing valves for WCs and urinals  ................................ ................................ ........  11 
6.12  Flushing cisterns for urinals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 11 
6.13  Sinks  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  12 
6.14  Associated appliances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  12 
6.14.1  Hand drying  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 12 
6.14.2  Sanitar y disposal units  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
7 Inspection and testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
7.1 Inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 13 
7.2 Testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  13 
8 Maintenance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  13 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  13 
8.2 Daily cleaning  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  14 DRS 273: 2022 
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 8.3 Removal of scale and limescale encrustation  ................................ ................................ ........  14 
 DRS  273: 2022 
v                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Rwanda Standard s are prepared  by Technical Committees and approved by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board  of Directors in  accordance with the procedures of RSB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards.  Final Draft Rwanda S tandards adop ted 
by Technical committ ees are ratified  by me mbers of RSB Board of Director s for publication and gazettment as 
Rwanda Standards.  
CD 273 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 009, Civil engineering and building materials . 
In the preparation of this st andard, reference was made to the following standard s: 
1) IS 2064: 1993 (2017) Sanitary appliances — Selection, installation and maintenance — Code of practice  
2) BS 6465 -3: 2020 Sanitary installations — Part 3: Code of practice for the selection, installation and 
maintenance of sanitary  and associated appliances   
The assistance de rived from the above source is hereby acknowledged with thanks.  
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on Building m aterials and civil 
engineering  (RSB/TC 009) in the preparation of this standard.  
Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS) Ltd  
Afriprecast Ltd  
Bridges to Prosperity  
CIMERWA Ltd  
Integrated Infrastructure Company (IIC) Ltd  
Ruliba Clays Ltd  
Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA)  
Rwanda Inspectorate, Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (RICA)  
Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA)  
SJEC Ltd -Nyamirambo  DRS 273: 2022 
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  vi 
 Rwanda  Standards Board  (RSB) – Secretariat  DRS 273: 2022 
1                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Sanitary appliances — Selection, installation and maintenance — 
Code of practice   
1 Scope   
This Committee Draft Rwanda standard gives recommendations for the selection, installation and maintenance 
of the most commonly used  sanitary appliances to be provide d in new and refurbished buildings.  
NOTE: Sanitary appliances, include, for example, WCs, urinals, baths, showers, washbasins, sinks, bidets .  
This Committee Rwanda Draft Standard does not provide the detailed provisions of water supply, sanitary 
pipework or drainage.   
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of  their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition  cited applies. For undated references,  the 
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
RS 115; Building construction — Design of facilities for people with disability — Code of practice   
RS EAS 1017 -1; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 1: General requirements  
RS EAS 1017 -2; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 2:  Wash down water closet pan  
RS EAS 1017 -5; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 5: Wall -hung urinal  
RS EAS 1017 -6; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 6: Flushing cistern  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this standard, the follow ing terms and definitions apply.  
3.1 
sanitary appliance  
fixed appliance normally connected to a water  supply and to a drain, used for the collection and discharge of 
soil or wastewater  
3.2  
soil appliance  
sanitary appliance for the collection and discharge of excretory matter   
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 3.3  
waste appliance  
sanitary appliance for the collection and discharge of water after use for ablutionary, culinary and other domestic 
purposes  
3.4  
water closet (WC)  
room in which a single WC suite is installed  
3.5  
WC suite  
WC pan, together with the associated plumbing, fittings, and a flushing device, cistern or other mechanism for 
disposal of the contents  
3.6 
WC pan  
bowl-shaped appliance for receiving faecal matter, urine and toilet paper  
3.7 
bathroom  
room primarily used for body washing, which contains a bath and/or shower, and can also contain a washbasin, 
WC or bidet  
3.8 
urinal  
sanitary appliance used for reception and disposal of urine  
3.9 
washbasin  
basin  for general washing, or small basin used for handwashing only  
3.10 
associated appliance  
appliance not  connected to the water supply and drainage system but used in conjunction with sanitary 
appliances  DRS 273: 2022 
3                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 NOTE  Examples of associated appliances include hand driers and sanitary disposal units.  
3.11 
4 toilet  
room  containing one or more WCs  
5 Preliminary data for se lection and installation of appliances  
5.1 General  
Appliances should be selected and installed to suit the space, water supply and drainage available, and to 
provide access to enable maintenance and subsequent disconnection for maintenance or replacement.  
5.2 Facilities for people with disability  
Sanitary appliances for people with disability should be selected and installed in accordance with RS 115.  
5.3 Position of sanitary appliances  
4.3.1  The position of the sanitary compartment and accessories should be determined by consultation 
between the Architect and the Civil Engineer while planning in the early stages.  
4.3.2  To ensure proper selection of sanitary appliances in number and kind, the Civil Engineer should be 
provided with information as to the number and types of occupants who use the building.  
4.3.3  Water pressure should be taken into account when selecting valves and fittings.   
5.4 Water supply and Water fittings  
5.4.1  Water Supply  
4.4.1.1  Water outlet fittings such as taps and shower heads should be appropriate to the water supply 
system’s flow rate and pressure.   
4.4.1.2   For cistern fed low pressure systems (< 1 bar static pressure) only low -pressure fittings should be 
used, to avoid very  low delivery rates which lead to customer dissatisfaction.  
NOTE  For cisterns with both hot and cold high -pressure supplies (> 1 bar static pressure) any type of fittings is used, 
but restrictors may need to be fitted to low pressure fittings to prevent s plashing and the overloading of an overflow system.  
4.4.1.3   All sinks, basins, baths, showers should be connected to hot and cold -water supplies.   
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 5.4.2  Water fittings  
4.4.2.1  Appliances that have fittings that have water outlets which could cause splashing s hould be fitted 
with a flow regulator and flow straightening devices.  
4.4.2.2  Adequate space should be left around taps to enable ease of use, maintenance and cleaning.  
5.4.3  Modifications to existing systems  
Where appliances are being added to an existing system, it should be verified that the existing water supply and 
drainage has sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional demand. Particular attention should be given to 
the hot water system to ensure it can serve all appliances that are lik ely to be used at the same time.  
5.5 Hygiene  
4.5.1  Sanitary appliances should be assembled and fitted to ensure easy cleaning. Where sanitary appliances 
abut a floor and /or a wall(s), the joint between sanitary appliances and floor and /or a wall(s) should b e sealed.  
4.5.2   Shower trays and surrounding areas should be easily cleaned to minimize the risk of cross infection of 
foot ailments.  
4.5.3  Suitable materials to wipe or to temporarily cover the WC seats before use should be available to the 
users.  
4.5.4  Cleaning products should be provided for hand cleansing.  
NOTE  The best provision for hand cleansing is soap and warm water as this is the most effective way of removing bacteria 
from hands.  
5.6 Support  
4.6.1  Supports for sanitary and associated applianc es should be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
instructions. Where walls are used to support sanitary and associated appliances, they should be of a load -
bearing construction, e.g. masonry, and be able to carry the applied loads without adverse e ffects.  
4.6.2   Pipework or other plumbing should not be used for support or fixing.  
4.6.3  All fixing screws should be of non -ferrous metal or stainless steel and any brackets or other supports 
should be protected against corrosion.   
4.6 4   Fixing positi ons of appliances should be established prior to the commencement of building 
construction.   
4.6.5  Brackets should be securely fixed. Where brackets are fixed to thin or lightweight partitions or the inner 
leaves of cavity walls, special cavity fixing dev ice should be used.  DRS 273: 2022 
5                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 4.6.6  When sanitary and associated appliances are fixed on floors, the surface to which they are fixed should 
be level. Appliances on pedestals or legs should also be fastened to walls to give added stability, except in 
those cases whe re the whole fitting is designed to be self -supporting.  
4.6.7   Baths should have a bottom to a fall to the outlet.  
4.6.8  Where high bath sides are a problem, devices to assist the bather to enter and leave the bath, e.g. grab 
rails, should be considered.   
4.6.9  The type of shower (electric, mixer or power shower) should be selected so that it is compatible with 
the water supply system in the building.  
6 Selection of sanitary and associated appliances  
6.1 General  
5.1.1  All sanitary appliances and their components shall be durable, impervious, corrosion resistant and have 
smooth surface which may be easily cleaned. They shall be of the best quality and workmanship which shall be 
approved by a client or his/her representat ive.  
5.1.2  sanitary appliances (vitreous china) shall comply with RS EAS 1017 -1, RS EAS 1017 -2, RS EAS 1017 -
5 and RS EAS 1017 -6 requirements as appropriate.  
6.2 Kitchen  
5.2.1   The kitchen is used for preparation of meals, food preservation, storage of food and utensils and also 
in many cases for eating and laundering.  
5.2.2  Since more time and efforts are frequently spent in the kitchen than in any other area of the house, 
careful planning is especially important. This requires proper selection of appliances and storage units and 
convenient arrangement of the area.  
5.2.3   Materials and finishes should be selected to minimize maintenance and cleaning of the kitchen.  
6.3 Bath s and s hower units   
5.3.1  It shall be essential that all the surface materials used in the bath s and shower units  shall have moisture 
resistance finishes and non -slippery floors.  
5.3.2  Baths and shower units should be selected on the basis of at least the follow ing criteria:  
a) size of appliance and activity space;  
b) expected frequency of use;  
c) expected use time;   
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 d) expected resource use (volume and temperature of water);  
e) availability of water supply and drainage;  
f) availability of other baths and showers in the build ing; 
6.4 Bidet  
5.4.1  The materials needed for manufacture may be earthenware or fire clay or non-corrosive  metal.   
5.4.2  The selection of bidets should take into account th e type of bidet system required (over -rim, ascending 
spray or flexible hose outlet).  
6.5 Shower  
5.5.1  Ready -made  shower tray for standing bath or sunken floor for squatting bath shall be individual’s. 
Sunken bath floor level shall not be more than 60/70 mm .  
5.5.2  Shower head height shall be governed by users height, may be overhead for men on ly 1 750 mm, 
however, 150 mm clearance shall be provided for above overhead. Minimum 1 900 mm is recommended for 
men; 1 830 mm for female and 1 675 mm for children; projection of shower shall vary according to design and 
shape. In case of shower, projected  from wall, it shall not be more than 450 mm and height not exceeding 2 200 
mm from floor level.   
6.6 Toilet  
Toilet consists of minimum three fixtures such as shower stall/bath tub, wash basin and water closets. It is 
common practice to provide four fixtures , like tub and shower stall, wash basin/dressing counter and water 
closets. Luxurious type toilet consists of five fixtures name ly bath tub, shower stall, water closet, bidet and 
counter fitted with wash basins, with full length of mirror.  The arrangement  of these fixtures are made with due 
consideration to clearances and piping system.  
6.7 Water Closets (W.C)  
5.7.1  Water closet space should accommodate not only the pan but also a provision for water tap, tumbler, 
wall pegs, toilet paper holder, flushing valves, cistern high or low and storage for cleansing agents etc.  
5.7.2  Sometimes water closets seat is used as a reading space also by few users, needs more than minimum 
floor area. The design of W.C. shall include planning for optimum convenience and privacy for all the members 
of the family.  
6.8 Hand wash basin  
5.8.1  The provision of hand wash basin in housing or in public toilet has become a necessity for personal 
care. It is generally used in standing posture for washing hands, face, hairs, shaving and also for makeup.  
5.8.2  The design, shape, size and colour of wash basins are available in varying degrees. The installation of 
wash basin may be mounted on pedestal or fixed on wall with/without brackets. In case of corner location special DRS 273: 2022 
7                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 type shall be used. Since wash basin fo rms the part of wet area in the building, careful planning of space as 
well as proper selection of appliance and convenient arrangement should be needed.  
6.9 Urinals  
5.9.1  Privacy ‘from and within’ is important criteri on for the design of installations in pu blic urinals. The concept 
of privacy in all culture of society has played a role in the design of fixture and fittings, employed in personal 
hygiene.  
5.9.2  The design and installation of fixtures such as stall type urinals (without partition) and wall han ging 
urinals with partition often lack the privacy ‘within’ and arrangement of installation similarly lack privacy ‘from’ 
for the users. Therefore, it shall be imperative for the designer to pay attention while planning public 
conveniences. The concept of squatting type urinals may also be considered particularly for females.   
5.9.3   Materials and finishes that minimize the maintenance and cleaning shall be used.  
7 Installation  
7.1 General  
6.1.1  sanitary  appliances should be installed in such a way as to allo w subsequent disconnection for 
maintenance or replacement. The layout of sanitary appliances should facilitate simple drainage pipework.  
6.1.2  Sanitary appliances should be assembled and fitted in such a way as to facilitate easy cleaning. Where 
appliances  abut a floor and/or a wall or walls, the joint(s) between the appliances and the floor and/or wall or 
walls should be sealed  
6.1.3  A check shall be made to see that all holes, chases and ducts required for pipework have been properly 
provided.  
6.1.4 Before delivery of appliances, suitable storage space, which can be retained until the assembly period, 
should be provided. Upon arrival, all appliances shall be carefully checked to ensure that they are in accordance 
with the requirements and free from defect s and damage .  
6.1.5 The outlets of water closet pans and similar appliances shall be examined to see that outlet ends are 
abutting on the receiving pipes before joining. It is also necessary to make sure that the receiving pipe is clear 
of obstruction. At tention shall be given to the possibility of movement and settlement from other causes, and 
also to noise transmission. Overflow shall be so arranged as to give visible warning of discharge and should 
always have fall to the outlet. When terminating extern ally, the overflow shall have sufficient projection to throw 
the discharge clear of the wall, but the projection shall be limited to avoid unsightliness.  
6.1.6 A check shall be made to ensure that the necessary facilities have been provided for supporting  wash 
basins, sinks and flushing cisterns. Where the built -in types of brackets are used, they shall already have been 
fixed by the building contractor and where the wall fixing types are involved, the wall finish shall have been 
arranged to make provision s for them. Care shall be taken when fixing sinks to ensure that they drain 
satisfactorily to the outlet.  
6.1.7 Care shall be taken at all times, particularly after fixing, to protect appliances from damage. Glazed, 
enamelled and plated surfaces of applia nces can be irreparably damaged by carelessness during subsequent  
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 operations. All orifices should be temporarily plugged during the progress of the work to prevent obstruction. 
Appliances shall finally be cleaned of all marks including but not limited to t hose of cement, lime, oil, paint, etc.  
7.2 Kitchen  
6.2.1  The basic work area should be kept compact and consideration should be given to the possibility of 
more than one person working there.  
6.2.2  The arrangement should vary according to the size and shape of the space available, but the 
relationship among the  functions in the different work areas should not be ignored. The design of the kitchen 
should be functional in the sense of minimizing reaching and stooping. The storage facilities should not be 
higher than a user can reach with both feet flat on the floo r. Special consideration should be taken for people 
with limited mobility. Adequate space to store items, so that they may be easily seen, reached, grasped and 
taken down and put back without strain. Storage space should be sufficiently flexible to permit its adjustment to 
varying amounts, sizes and kinds of food and utensils. It should be preferred to provide adjustable shelvings.  
6.2.3  The height of work tops should permit comfortable working postures. The cooking top, where gas stoves 
are employed, the height of finished level should not be more than 750 mm from finished floor level and in case 
of other stoves like kerosene pressure stove it shall not be less than 700 mm. Due consideration should be 
given for storage of bottled gas (cylinder) if need be floor level under the cooking top should be lowered to 
accommodate the height of the cylinder gas.  
6.2.4  Work top height should not be more than 800 mm from the finished floor level. The depth should not be 
more than 600 mm. The width of the cooking as well as the work top may vary according to shape and size of 
the kitchen but in any case, should not be less  than 900 mm for each activity.  
6.2.5 It is recommended to avoid storage facility above the cooking top. The high-level storage facility open 
or lockable may be provided under the work top.  
6.2.6 Comfortable level of light with minimum shadow should be p lanned throughout the kitchen. Adequate 
day light or artificial lighting should make the room more agreeable. One side of the kitchen should have 
exposure to the external open space.  
6.2.7 Kitchen should have well natural ventilation. If need be it should  be ventilated with mechanical means 
to remove objectionable kitchen odours.  
6.2.8 Burns, scalds, falls and explosions should be designed out of kitchen. Sharp corners, exposed handles 
and control knobs on the kitchen equipment  should be avoided. There sh ould be safety catches on doors and 
drawers to limit the exploratory activity of the young children.  
7.3 Bath rooms  
6.3.1  Bath room is a space where washing of face, hands and hairs, bathing, eliminations and grooming and 
also such activities as hand launder ing and infant care is carried out. Often it is used as a dressing room. Design 
of bath room shall include planning for optimum convenience and privacy and for all members of the household. 
It needs adequate provision for storage and equipment and ease of cleaning.  
6.3.2  Facilities shall be conveniently arranged with special attention to clearance. The room arrangement 
shall permit more than one function.  DRS 273: 2022 
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 6.3.3  Lighting shall be adequate for all the activities performed. Direct source of light shall be pr ovided with 
high strip windows, clear storey windows and sky lights. Luminous ceilings and artificial lighting are 
recommended.  
6.3.4  Good ventilation shall be essential to reduce humidity and to dispel odours. Care shall be exercised in 
its selection and  placement of windows as ventilation.  
6.3.5  Grab bar shall be used vertically for bath tub and shower and shall be located for convenient use. They 
shall be of adequate size and security fastened to sturdy backing or studs. Floor finish shall be of non-skid. Door 
lock that opens automatically from inside and outside shall be installed in case of emergency. Light switches 
shall be located out of reach of bath and shower.  
6.3.6  The bath room shall also be planned for hygienic purpose in addition to other ac tivities such as infant 
bath, laundry, washing of clothes and storage of water, linen, etc, and particularly for squatting bath. Minimum 
space needed to bath and dress an infant shall be 480 mm deep, 1 500 mm wide and for an adult bath minimum 
1200 mm2 space is needed. Floor space shall be left in every bathroom or W.C for portable accessories desired 
by the owner or needed on occasion for ease of infants or individual.  
6.3.7  Bath room door can be smaller but not less than 700 mm wide to permit passage of equipment as 
required. Door swings should be so arranged that:  
a)  it shall not strike any person using any fixture;  
b) it shall be away from shower;  
c) it may not shield or conceal the W.C; and  
d) door may swing outside for small bath rooms.  
6.3.8  The size and p osition of bath window should meet the requirements of light and ventilation and privacy. 
General higher window with glazed louvred is preferred in hot and humid regions.  
7.4 Bidet  
The minimum space dimensions for installation of a bidet should be 900 mm in width and 1 300 mm in depth. 
This appliance is generally installed very near to W.C. The spacing between W.C. and bidet should not be less 
than 800 mm from central axis of both ap pliances and minimum 600 mm from front edge of the bidet. Bidet with 
mixer and anti -scalding device shall be given preference.  
7.5 Shower  
The shower valves or mixing values shall be placed near entrance to shower. Shower curtain rod may be 
provided.  
7.6 Toilet  
Toilet consists of minimum three fixtures such as shower stall/bath tub, wash basin and water closets. The 
arrangement of these fixtures are made with due consideration to clearances and piping system   
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 7.7 Water Closets (W.C)  
6.7.1  W.C. shall be conveniently  arranged with special attention to clearances, flushing system and floor trap. 
The outlet traps (‘p’/‘s’) is preferred at the central axis of the W.C. or at right angle in the plan. The location of 
water tap arrangement shall permit more than one function . The toilet paper holder shall be made within the 
convenient reach of users.  
6.7.2  Good lighting and ventilation shall be essential to illuminate the space and to reduce/dispel odours. 
Care should be exercised in its selection and placement of window in relation to cistern. The design, shape and 
size as well as colour of the W.C shall vary according to taste of the client.   
6.7.3  All rooms containing sanitary appliances should be well lit and ventilated. Natural light (daylight) should 
be used wherever p ossible. Electric lighting should be a minimum of 100 lux. Low energy lighting should be 
considered, but systems that respond to movement should be used with caution to ensure that people are not 
left in the dark.   
6.7.4  Ventilation may be natural (eg. win dows and skylight with openings direct to the outside) or mechanical. 
Any window which might provide a view into toilet or bathrooms should be obscured.  
7.8 Hand wash basin  
6.8.1  Multi use of spaces in a toilet should be provided. Due consideration shall be given to the possibilities 
of more than one person using wash basin at certain time of a day in a house. It shall be desirable to provide 
minimum 500 mm distance from the adjacent obstruction wall to the central axis of wash basin and width; 600 
mm from fr ont edge to the opposite/obstruction point to perform various activities.  
6.8.2  The spacing shall be measured from the central axis of the wash basin irrespective of size and shape. 
Due care shall be given for fixing outlets for hot and cold water supply taps, stop valves. It shall be proper to 
follow manufacturer’s instructions befor e wash basin is fixed.  
7.9 Urinals  
6.9.1  Basic elbow space shall be provided and consideration shall be given to privacy. The arrangement shall 
vary according to the size and shape of the available space. But proper circulation, movement space, functional 
use of fixtures and fittings shall not be ignored. Avoid installation of series of wash basins with mirror at right 
angle or opposite to the urinals. A suitable storage space for brooms, cleaning agents etc, should be made. The 
location of flushing cistern, screen height, constant water supply should also be taken into account.  
6.9.2   The likelihood of water and urine penetration should be taken into account when considering the exact 
location for installation, that is  the areas behind, under and around the urinal.  
6.9.3  The floors of urinal compartments should be impervious. With bowl type urinals, the floor and wall are 
likely to become soiled and the surrounding walls and floor should be covered with non -absorbent materials.  
6.9.4  Ranges of slab or stall urinals should  be provided with floor treads draining towards the channel. The 
divisions and channel blocks should be jointed in cement and all pointing carried out in waterproof grout. A 
waterproof membrane should also be provided under the slab and adjoining floor, dr essed into the outlet, to 
avoid seepage through the joints in the floor. The waterproof membrane should be carried up the face of the 
wall to the height of the fitting. Slab urinals should slope forwards towards the channel to ensure that the flushing 
wate r flows over the surface.  DRS 273: 2022 
11                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 6.9.5  Bowl urinals and trough urinals should be installed so that the front lip is 610 mm from the finished floor 
level; however, provision should be made for use by shorter people and/or children. In all cases, the 
manufacturer’ s installation instructions should be followed.  
6.9.6  Where independent divisions are used between bowl urinals to increase privacy, they should be 
securely fixed to the wall surface.  
6.9.7  Trough urinals should be rigidly supported along the whole of th eir length and should discharge into a 
trapped outlet.  
6.9.8  Good ventilation shall be provided to dispel odours, if necessary, by artificial ventilation. Care should 
be exercised in its selection and placement of windows as light source as well as ventil ation.  
7.10 Flushing cisterns for WCs  
6.10.1  Cisterns should be either:  
a) supported by direct wall fixing;  
b) supported by brackets;  
c) close coupled to the WC pan; or  
d) installed using a combination of a) to c).  
6.10.2  For non -domestic situations, a cistern shoul d be checked to ensure that a maximum cistern filling time 
of 50 s is obtained.  
NOTE  This is achieved by changing the seating of the water inlet valve or adjusting an inlet flow restrictor.  
7.11 Pressure flushing valves for WCs and urinals  
6.11.1  Pressure f lushing valves should not be installed in a house or in any other building, where a minimum 
water supply flow rate of 1.2 L/s cannot be achieved at the sanitary appliance.  
6.11.2  Where a pressure flushing valve is connected to a supply pipe or distributin g pipe , the flushing 
arrangement should incorporate a backflow prevention device consisting of a permanently vented pipe 
interrupter located not less than 300 mm above the spillover level of the WC pan or urinal.  
7.12 Flushing cisterns for urinals  
6.12.1  Flushing should be by means of an automatic cistern and should be arranged to discharge its contents 
by siphonage at intervals determined by the rate at which the water is fed into the cistern.  
6.12.2  The filling rate for a single bowl, stall or slab of 700 mm width or less, should not exceed 10 l/h. For 
multiple bowls, stalls or widths of slab greater than 700 mm, the maximum filling rate should not exceed 7.5 L/h.   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  12 
 6.12.3  The flush pipe should be such  that the contents of the cistern are discharged at a minimum rate of 0.5 
L/s when fitted with a straight open -ended flush pipe, 1 m in length and the flush should be evenly distributed 
to the urinals. All pipework and spreaders should be of non -ferrous me tal or stainless steel.  
7.13 Sinks  
6.13.1  Sinks and drainers fitted as independent sanitary appliances should be supported on cantilever 
brackets, in order to avoid the use of leg supports. Where the sink and drainer are fitted as part of a kitchen 
unit, the methods of support should be incorporated in the unit.  
6.13.2  The height from the top of the surround edge of a sink with integral drainer should not exceed 900 mm.  
6.13.3  The sink should be manufactured so that water drains readily to the outlet when th e top edge is level.  
6.13.4  Where individual taps are used, they should be situated so that the outlets are close enough to enable 
filling of a vessel simultaneously.  
6.13.5  Tap outlets should be at an appropriate height above the inner base of the sink to facilitate vessel filling.  
6.13.6  Where sinks are built into worktops or units, the joint between the rim of the sink and the surrounding 
worktop should be sealed.  
6.13.7  If a waste disposal system is to be included, a larger sink outlet, and sufficie nt space beneath the sink 
should be provided.  
6.13.8  Where an instant hot water and chiller tap is provided, space should be allowed beneath the sink for 
the water storage facility.  
7.14 Associated appliances  
7.14.1  Hand drying  
6.14.1.1  Hand drying facilities provided in non -domestic toilets should be designed to withstand rough usage 
and vandalism.  
6.14.1.2  Warm air hand dryers should be wall mounted and they should be operated, for a pre -set period, 
by a push button or foot plate or ac tivated by a proximity device.  
6.14.1.3  The electrical supply to warm air hand dryers should be robust and be arranged so that it is not 
possible for water to penetrate the appliance. In existing buildings where additional facilities are provided, care 
should be taken to avoid overloading the existing electrical circuits.  
6.14.1.4   If paper towels are supplied in toilets, a suitable dispenser for the clean paper towels and a waste 
receptacle for the used paper towels should be provided.  DRS 273: 2022 
13                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 7.14.2  Sanitary disposal  units  
Sanitary disposal units should be positioned so as not to interfere with the operation of the cubicle.  
8 Inspection and testing  
8.1 Inspection  
On completion of the work, all appliances, materials and workmanship shall be carefully examined for defects.   
8.2 Testing  
Comprehensive tests of all appliances should be made for simulating conditions of use; overflows should be 
examined for obstructions.  
9 Maintenance  
9.1 General  
8.1.1  Sanitary and associated appliances should be cleaned frequently to maintai n them in a good sanitary 
condition and to preserve their appearance. If cleaning has been neglected, it may be necessary to use a 
solution of bleaching powder (NaOCl) together with hot water to remove surface stain from ceramic ware. To 
restore the lustre  of the porcelain glazed surface, hot water with a paraffin moistened cloth is often successful. 
Abrassive powders, spirits of salts or other acid solutions are detrimental and should not be used on such 
surfaces. The renewal of tap and valve washers shoul d receive prompt attention to avoid waste of water and 
damage to valve sealing and surface of appliance.  
8.1.2  Sanitary disposal units should be maintained on a regular basis with frequent collection of waste.  
8.1.3  Tap and valve washers, ceramic cartrid ges and gland seals should be renewed to avoid waste of water, 
damage to the valve and/or seating and the surface of the sanitary appliance.  
8.1.4  Where thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are used, monitoring of outlet temperatures and effective 
shut off i n the event of cold-water  supply failure should be recorded at least annually.  
8.1.5  All appliances and systems should be regularly cleaned, maintained, and repaired or replaced as 
necessary.  
8.1.6  Water systems, appliances, etc., which incorporate backfl ow prevention arrangements or devices 
should be periodically inspected and maintained as necessary  
8.1.7  Door locking mechanisms, ventilation systems and lights should be regularly inspected, and repaired 
or replaced as appropriate.   
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 9.2 Daily cleaning  
8.2.1  Cleaning materials incorporating corrosive alkalis, abrasives or acids should not be used because they 
can damage the sanitary and associated appliance and/or supply and discharge pipework.  
8.2.2  The instructions of the manufacturer of the sanitary and ass ociated appliances and of the cleaning 
and/or descaling materials should be followed.  
9.3 Removal of limescale and encrustation  
8.3.1  For the removal of limescale, encrustation and other deposits, acid and alkali based cleaning materials 
should be used with caution to avoid damage to sanitary and associated appliances, pipework and water supply 
fittings and/or injury to those doing the cleaning. As an aid to avoiding such damage, descaling materials 
containing corrosion inhibitors should be used.  
8.3.2   Cleaning materials that do not cause environmental or health and safety hazards shall be used.  
 
  DRS 273: 2022 
15                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Bibliography  
[1] BS 6465 -1: 2006 A1:2009: Sanitary appliances — Part 1: Code of practice for the design of sanitary 
facilities and scales of provision of sanitary and associated appliances;  
[2] BS 6465 -2: 2017: Sanitary installations  — Part 2: Space recommendations — Code of practice  
[3] BS 1876: 199 9; Specification for automatic flushing cistern for urinals   
[4] RS EAS 1017 -1: 2021 ; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 1: General requirements  
[5] RS EAS 1017 -2: 2021 ; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 2:  Wash down  water closet  
pan 
[6] RS EAS 1017 -5: 2021 ; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 5: Wall -hung urinal  
[7] RS EAS 1017 -6: 2021 ; Sanitary appliances (vitreous china) — Specification — Part 6: Flushing cistern  
 CD 273 : 2021  
 
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