If you have pre-customised this work section using the "questions and answers" provided as part of the downloading process, it may be necessary to amend some clauses to suit the final project-specific version.
The section must still be checked and customised to suit the project being specified, by removing any other irrelevant details and adding project-specific details and selections.
This section relates to the New Zealand manufactured Buteline Hot and Cold Water System, from the network utility supply authority water main to designated points and appliances, the installation of hot water heating appliances, distributing piped hot water and the installation of isolating valves.
Modify or extend the above description to suit the project being specified.
Refer to MBIE (DBH) Certificate of Accreditation 94/005B Buteline polybutylene pipe system.
This section will need to be modified for flow & return hot water systems. Refer to AS/NZS 3500.4, Section 10 Sizing & Installation of Circulatory Heated Water Reticulation.
Refer to 7151 SANITARY FIXTURES, TAPWARE & ACCESSORIES for tapware supply.
Include cross references to other sections where these contain related work.
Refer to 7556 SOLID FUEL SPACE HEATING SYSTEM for wetbacks.
Refer to the general section 1233 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS. The following documents are specifically referred to in this section:
NZBC B2/AS1 | Durability |
NZBC C/AS1-AS2 | Protection from fire |
NZBC G4/AS1 | Ventilation |
NZBC G12/AS1 | Water supplies |
NZBC H1/AS1-AS2 | Energy efficiency |
Polybutylene pipe fittings - Polybutylene (PB) pipe extrusion compounds | |
Polybutylene pipe fittings - Polybutylene (PB) pipe for hot and cold water applications | |
Polybutylene pipe fittings - Mechanical jointing fittings for use with polybutylene (PB) pipes for hot and cold water applications | |
Water supply - Backflow prevention devices - Materials, design and performance requirements | |
AS/NZS 3500.1.2018 | Plumbing and Drainage - Water services |
Plumbing and Drainage - Heated water services | |
Low pressure copper thermal storage electric water heaters | |
Storage water heaters - Specific requirements for water heaters with composite shells | |
Installation of thermal storage electric water heaters: valve vented systems | |
Tempering (3-port mixing) valves | |
Gas installations - general installations | |
Polyethylene pipe (Type 5) for cold water services |
Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010
Delete from the DOCUMENTS clause any document not cited. List any additional cited documents.
The following are related documents and if referred to in the work section need to be added to the list of DOCUMENTS:
Structural design actions - Earthquake actions - New Zealand | |
Solar and heat pump water heaters - Design and construction | |
Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) | |
Plumbing and drainage - Housing installations | |
Seismic performance of engineering systems in buildings | |
Energy efficiency - Domestic type hot water systems | |
AS/NZS 5125.1 | Heat pump water heaters - Performance assessment - Part 1: Airsource heat pump water heaters |
Thermostats and thermal cutouts for domestic thermal storage electric water heaters (alternating current only) | |
Blue polyethylene pipes up to nominal size 63 for below ground use for potable water |
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (Reprint as at 21 January 2019).
AS/NZS 5125.1 only addresses residential sanitary hot water supply.
AS/NZS 3000:2007 is cited in the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, which is cited by NZBC. At the time of writing, however, AS/NZS 3000:2018 is not cited. This section uses both versions where they equally apply, and a date is suffixed where there is a difference e.g. the 2018 version covers most recent technologies. Amend the section if you want to use a particular version or a particular instance (by suffixing with the version date e.g. AS/NZS 3000:2018).
This section uses AS/NZS 3500.1: 2018 and AS/NZS 3500.4: 2018 despite them being superseded by AS/NZS 3500.1: 2021 and AS/NZS 3500.4: 2021. Because AS/NZS 3500.1: 2018 and AS/NZS 3500.4: 2018 are cited in NZBC G12/AS1 etc. At the time of writing, AS/NZS 3500.1: 2021 and AS/NZS 3500.4: 2021 are not cited and are therefore Alternative Solutions.
Manufacturer and supplier documents relating to work in this section are:
MBIE (DBH) Certificate of Accreditation 94/005B Buteline Polybutylene Pipe System
Buteline Plumbers technical and installation manual
Copies of the above literature are available from Buteline
Web: | |
Email: | paul.carrington@buteline.com |
Telephone: | 0-9-273 5800 |
Facsimile: | 0-9-273 5808 |
It is important to ensure that all personnel on site have access to accurate, up to date technical information on the many products, materials and equipment used on a project. In most cases individual products are not used in isolation, but form part of a building process. Also a particular manufacturer and/or supplier requirements for handling, storage, preparation, installation, finishing and protection of their product can vary from what might be considered the norm. Access to technical information can help overcome this potential problem.
Warrant this work under normal environmental and use conditions against failure of materials and execution.
Warranty period: | 2 years |
Refer to the general section for the required form of 1237WA WARRANTY AGREEMENT and details of when completed warranty must be submitted.
Check general section 1237 WARRANTIES for the date of commencement of warranties; which is normally practical completion of the contract. Refer to the chosen conditions of contract as it may also contain information on warranties and guarantees.
Provide a Buteline materials warranty in the suppliers standard form.
Warranty period: | 25 years |
Supplier and manufacturer warranties are those that are freely offered by the supplier or manufacturer. They are usually in their standard form and subject to their terms and conditions.
Substitutions are not permitted to any specified Buteline product or component, or associated Buteline products, components or accessories.
Refer to 1270 CONSTRUCTION for requirements relating to qualifications.
Registered plumbers to be experienced competent workers, familiar with the materials and the techniques specified. Carry out all work under the direct supervision of a certifying plumber under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006.
~
It is sometimes necessary to call for diagrammatic pipework layouts from the plumber prior to installation. This will depend on the degree of detail provided elsewhere and on whether to some degree at least the design of the system is a contract requirement.
Supply maintenance information to requirements set out in the 1239 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE section.
Check the general section 1239 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE, and modify requirements if those set out are too onerous or too basic for the project in hand.
Confirm when and where the information is to be supplied and in what numbers.
To NZBC G12/AS1,6.14
Storage water heaters to store water at not less than 60ºC.
Hot water piping system, with temperature controls where necessary (tempering valve etc), to provide water at the outlet at the following temperatures:
For personal hygiene fixtures (showers, baths, wash hand basins etc) temperatures to be close to but not to exceed:
For non-personal hygiene fixtures (kitchen sinks and equipment, laundry tubs, cleaners sinks,industrial fixtures etc) temperatures are:
This clause excludes boiling units.
Modify the clause to suit the project water heating system, the clause has been written to suit storage water heaters, although temperatures at fixtures still apply. Modify clause if unrestricted hot water supply heaters can not be controlled to maintained tolerable temperatures to suit use (Note above 65°C scalding can be instantaneous).
Industrial hot water systems may be more specific than stated above, modify to suit.
Modify the clause to suit the project temperature requirements, as for some buildings it would be cheaper to provide all hot water at 55ºC, but it may not be allowed or desirable.
Specific piping and tempering diagrams may be necessary on some projects to achieve all the above temperatures.
For flow and return systems add "Flow and return piping systems to maintain minimum temperature of 60ºC within the system".
Confirm the timing before carrying out any tests. Supply potable water and the apparatus needed.
Slowly fill service pipes with water to exclude air. Test to either NZBC G12/AS1, 7.5.1a, 1500 kpa for period not less than 15 minutes or to AS/NZS 3500.1.2018, section 18.3.1 Hydrostatic test, 1500 kpa for period not less than 30 minutes. Ensure there is no measurable loss of pressure. Slowly fill distribution pipes with water to exclude air. Ensure that with draw-off taps closed the system must remain water-tight.
Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) as required by the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 to the owner, and when required provide a copy to the energy supplier before connection.
Note that a gas-powered heating/ventilating system may need to be certified by an independent qualified person (IQP).
Provide a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) as required by the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 and provide a copy to the owner and when required the BCA. To be provided at completion of the work, prior to Practical Completion.
Note that a gas-powered heating/ventilating system may need to be certified by an independent qualified person (IQP). A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) would be required for the Code Compliance to be signed off by the BCA.
Supplier to provide a Supplier Declaration of Compliance (SDoC) in accordance with the requirements of the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.
This provision is mandatory, and requires an importer or New Zealand manufacturer to provide a SDoC prior to supplying the gas appliance.
Buteline Polybutene-1 tubing to AS/NZS 2642.1, AS/NZS 2642.2 and AS/NZS 2642.3 complete with fittings and accessories brand-matched with 50 year durability to NZBC B2/AS1, table 1 and NZBC G12/AS1, table1, with MBIE (DBH) Certificate of Accreditation 94/005B for both residential and commercial applications.
3 sizes are available: | PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
| PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
| PB 28 (25mm nominal internal bore) |
Buteline Polybutene-1 lilac tubing to AS/NZS 2642.2 for use in non potable water supply systems.
Recycles, reclaimed non potable water supply only and available in 2 sizes:
| PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
| PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Buteline Polybutene-1 green tubing to AS/NZS 2642.2 for use in rainwater systems.
Suitable for rainwater supply.
2 sizes available | PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
| PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
To the requirements of the network utility operator.
Buteline Bute-1 adjustable wall elbow with 4 way fixing clamp.
Pressure reducing or limiting valve, filter, non-return valve, cold water expansion valve, pressure relief or temperature valve, pressure relief valve and isolating valves to NZBC G12/AS1: Water supplies.
Pre-formed pipe sections complete with bends and fittings, with fixing tape to the manufacturer's requirements, NZBC H1/AS1-AS2 and AS/NZS 3500.4.
Materials available are fibreglass, polyurethane, rock fibre and flexible foam. Finishes - plain, calico and aluminium foil.
Provide backflow prevention devices to AS/NZS 2845.1 where it is possible for water or contaminants to backflow into potable water supply. Refer to NZBC G12 /AS1, 3.4 Backflow protection, and NZBC G12 /AS1, table 2, Selection of Backflow Prevention.
Modify the following selections to suit requirements. Add instantaneous electric water heaters where appropriate.
A grade to NZS 4606.3, ceramic-coated steel thermal storage cylinder, insulated and complete with required fittings.
A grade to NZS 4602, copper thermal storage cylinder insulated and complete with pressure reducing valve and required fittings.
A grade to NZS 4602, copper thermal storage cylinder insulated and complete with required fittings.
Instantaneous flow unit complete with required fittings to AS/NZS 60335.2.35.
These non-storage units are usually compact, single or 3 phase and high amperage. The lower amperages tend to work best with low-flow taps/fittings. Tempering valves are not usually required for those units delivering water at below the maximum water temperatures allowed.
Co-ordinate with appropriate electrical section, for switched fixed wired outlet to suit phase and amperage selected.
Refer to the manufacturer for details and list in SELECTIONS.
Wall-mounted boiling water heater in pre-finished cabinet, complete with tap draw off.
Modify where the boiling cylinder is concealed.
Insulated cylinder with an integral gas burner and flue.
Both externally and internally-mounted cylinders are available, for either natural gas or LPG.
Continuous flow unit with an integral gas burner and flue.
Both externally and internally-mounted models are available, for either natural gas or LPG.
Remote digital controllers are available for these units. Refer to the manufacturer for details and list in SELECTIONS.
Heat pump water heating system, with insulated storage cylinder and compressor/condenser/evaporator, complete with required fittings.
Some systems incorporate an electric element booster in the cylinder for when the air is too cold for heat pump to extract air efficiently.
This clause describes an air source heat pump water heater; modify to suit solar boosted heat pump water heaters to AS/NZS 2712.
Heat pump water heating system, with insulated storage cylinder and separate compressor/condenser/evaporator, complete with required fittings. With flow and return pipe work for water between cylinder and heat pump. Insulated exposed flow and return pipe work.
This clause uses a cylinder separate from a combined evaporator/condenser, with water flow and return between, pipe work to usually copper or thermal resistant PEX. Modify if system uses a combined cylinder/condenser and separate outdoor evaporator with refrigerant flow and return.
Some systems incorporate an electric element booster in the cylinder for when the air is too cold for heat pump to extract air efficiently.
This clause describes an air source heat pump water heater; modify to suit a solar boosted heat pump water heaters to AS/NZS 2712.
Buteline manufactured jointing components made from either premium grade custom thermo polymer or DR Brass designed for use with Buteline Polybutene-1 pipe.
Only Buteline components can be used in the Buteline system. No substitutions are allowed.
Plasticised PVC tape or similar for protection of jointing components for underground installations.
Use the following fire stopping clauses for simple or small fire stopping, or if you are only using Masterspec Basic or Landscapes systems. On other Masterspec systems, if it is complex, critical or large scale, consider using the section 7382 FIRE STOPPING SYSTEMS or a related branded section.
For sealing around pipe penetration through fire walls and floors use singularly or combinations of the following:
Refer to SELECTIONS for requirements.
Use collars for large metal pipes and very large diameter plastic pipes, wraps will usually do other situations depending on the penetration and the fire rating required.
Refer to 1270 CONSTRUCTION for requirements relating to delivery, storage and handling of products.
Use this standard generic clause and if appropriate add additional special requirements.
Refer to 1250 TEMPORARY WORKS & SERVICES for protection requirements.
Refer to 1270 CONSTRUCTION for requirements relating to defective or damaged work, removal of protection and cleaning.
Use these standard generic clauses and if appropriate add additional special requirements.
Review location and fit core holes and sleeves as needed throughout the structure in conjunction with the boxing, reinforcing and placing of concrete. Strip core holes and make good after installation of pipework.
Conceal pipework within the fabric of the building unless detailed otherwise. Satin finish chrome plate exposed work, complete with matching ferrule at the surface penetration.
Accommodate movement in pipes resulting from temperature change by the layout of the pipe runs. Sleeve through concrete or steel penetrations.
If it is an electrical requirement, before enclosing, ensure metallic water supply pipes and metallic sanitary fixtures are equipotential bonded (or at least conductor cable attached) to NZBC G12/AS1.
Aluminium clamped fitting to NZBC G12/AS1 and AS/NZS 2642, part 3.
Arrange with the network utility operator for a connection to the water main and from there through a water meter and gate valve. Provide back flow prevention to NZBC G12/AS1.
Modify this clause to suit the project's water supply requirements regarding form, pipe material (metal or plastic), configuration and high hazard situations.
From connection point, size the runs and branches to deliver the acceptable flow rate to NZBC G12/AS1, table 3, Acceptable flow rates to sanitary fixtures at each outlet. Allow for the expected concurrent use of adjoining fixtures. Lay out pipes in straight runs with support spacing to NZBC G12/AS1, table 7, Water supply pipework support spacing firmly fixed and buffered to eliminate noise and hammer, with preformed tee-connection take-offs and branches, complete with necessary valves, fittings and insulation to hot water line where required.
Install an isolating valve in an accessible position at the point of entry to the building.
It is recommended that the isolating valve for the water supply pipe at point of entry to the building be located in an accessible place in the garage (when the house is connected or close to the garage) or in a plant room.
Install additional isolating valves in an accessible and visually discrete position adjacent to or near by the specific fixture to allow for easy connection and operation. When the building is divided into zones, ensure an isolating valve is installed in each zone.
Suggested location for an accessible position is a service or store room. This applies to dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators with icemakers and storage water heaters.
Install an in line filter immediately adjacent to the main isolating valve at the point of entry to the building, in an accessible position to allow for easy cleaning.
An in line filter is very rarely required when Buteline pipework and fittings are used.
Install hot water cylinders complete to the manufacturer's requirements and to NZBC G12/AS1, 6.11, Water heater installation. Valve-vented systems to NZS 4607.
Modify this section to more closely describe the required installation, which might include mains or low pressure and/or cylinders installed in series.
Gas appliances to be restrained to manufacturer's requirements, AS/NZS 5601.1 and NZBC C/AS1-AS2, 7.2 Gas-burning Appliances.
NOTE:
Gas appliances restrained to NZBC C/AS1-AS2, 7.2, results in loadings to NZS 1170.5 and design to NZS 4219, which is quite complex. Check the appliance manufacturer's restraint details comply, or use Engineers details, as it is unlikely the plumber will be able to provide other details.
Non-gas (electric, wet-back, solar etc) water heating appliances to be restrained to manufacturer's requirements and NZBC G12/AS1, 6.11, Water Heater Installation.
Install hot water cylinders complete to the manufacturer's requirements and to NZBC G12/AS1, 6.11 Water heater installation. Connect to sink tap.
Modify this or the following clause to suit an under-sink boiling unit.
To AS/NZS 3500.4.
Install the unit to manufacturer's requirements, provide isolating valve on cold water feed.
Most units should not require separate controls for temperature, expansion or pressure under normal conditions, confirm with manufacturer/supplier.
Install to the cylinder manufacturer's stated requirements. Locate where shown.
Install complete with the necessary fittings to the manufacturer's requirements and in accordance with NZBC G12/AS1, 6.11 Water heater installation. Install flue in accordance with the manufacturer's details and requirements and, AS/NZS 5601.1 (for internal or external appliances) or NZBC G4/AS1 (internal appliances). Refer to section 7221 GAS APPLIANCES for installation of gas appliances.
Coordinate installation of gas appliances with appropriate gas sections, 7211 GAS SYSTEM UTILITY NETWORK or 7212 GAS SYSTEM LPG CYLINDERS.
Add further detail on the necessary flue installation and ventilation around the unit itself, depending on the chosen location.
Install complete with the necessary fittings to the manufacturer's requirements and in accordance with NZBC G12/AS1, 6.11, Water heater installation. Install flue in accordance with the manufacturer's details and requirements and, AS/NZS 5601.1 (for internal or external appliances) or NZBC G4/AS1 (internal appliances). Refer to section 7221 GAS APPLIANCES for installation of gas appliances.
Coordinate installation of gas appliances with appropriate gas sections, 7211 GAS SYSTEM UTILITY NETWORK or 7212 GAS SYSTEM LPG CYLINDERS.
Add further detail on the necessary flue installation and ventilation around the unit itself, depending on the chosen location.
Install complete with the necessary fittings to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Install complete with the necessary fittings and pipe work, to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Modify this section to more closely describe the required installation, options include all new split system and retrofit split system.
Use a take-off spigot to give separate branches to each fitting, lay out pipes with support spacing to NZBC G12/AS1, table 7 Water supply pipework support spacing. Fix firmly and buffer to eliminate noise and hammer, with preformed tee-connection take-offs and branches, and preformed bends, complete with all necessary valves and fittings.
Lag all pipes with rigid insulation to the manufacturer's requirements.
Install drained overflow tray to storage hot water cylinder to NZBC G12/AS1.
Overflow trays must be used for internal storage cylinders, but are only required for external cylinders if there is a risk to buildings or other properties.
Install tempering valve with 1 metre minimum length of copper pipe from outlet of hot water cylinder and to manufacturer's instructions.
Delete clause INSTALL TEMPERING VALVE WITH AQUAFUSE if using this clause.
Install tempering valve 1 metre minimum from outlet of hot water cylinder and to manufacturer's instructions. Install preformed copper pipe 'T' supplied with AquaFuse kit from outlet of hot water cylinder to Buteline AquaFuse fitting connected to the Polybutene-1 piping. Install to Buteline's instructions.
Delete clause INSTALL TEMPERING VALVE, if using this clause.
Design and install all pipework, fittings and associated accessories for a ring main system to NZBC G12/AS1 and the appropriate fitting manufacturer's specification
This system is rarely required, only for a very large or elongated building.
Make and prepare the penetration to suit fire stopping, and install fire stopping system around pipe to manufacturer's installation instructions.
Delete if using the section 7382 FIRE STOPPING SYSTEMS or a related branded section.
Install isolating valves for appliances in accessible positions. Locate in adjacent cupboards and position to allow for easy connection and operation.
This applies to dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators with icemakers.
Install tapware supplied under 7151 SANITARY FIXTURES, TAPWARE & ACCESSORIES. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
Modify this clause to more closely reflect project requirements.
Refer to 1270 CONSTRUCTION for completion requirements and if required commissioning requirements.
Use this standard generic clause and if appropriate add additional special requirements.
Substitutions are not permitted to the following, unless stated otherwise.
SELECTIONS is for providing details of the actual selections to be included in the contract works including model numbers, colours and other information necessary to ensure that the correct materials are supplied and installed.
Size: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Size option: | PB 28 (25mm nominal internal bore) |
Size: | 25mm outside diameter |
Branch off take: | PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
Branch main: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Main: | PB 28 (23mm nominal internal bore) |
Insulation: | ~ for hot water line |
Main option: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Insulation to hot water line may be required in certain areas. Enter required or not required as applicable
Branch off take: | PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
Branch main: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Suitable only for recycled, reclaimed non potable water supply.
Branch off take: | PB 18 (13mm nominal internal bore) |
Branch main: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Suitable only for rainwater supply, non potable.
Pipework: | PB 22 (18mm nominal internal bore) |
Insulation: | ~ for ring main |
Pump: | ~ |
Specify ring main systems in larger houses where a quality delivery system is required.
Insulation to hot water line may be required in certain areas. Enter required or not required as applicable.
Branch off take: | PB 12 (9.5mm nominal internal bore) |
Specify ring main systems in larger houses where a quality delivery system is required.
Insulation to hot water line may be required in certain areas. Enter required or not required as applicable.
Brand: | ~ |
Model size: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model size: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model size: | ~ |
Location: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model: | ~ |
Max temp: | ~ ºC |
These non-storage units are usually compact, single or 3 phase and high amperage. Tempering valves are not usually required for those units delivering water at below the maximum water temperatures allowed. Refer clause HOT WATER TEMPERATURES for maximum temperatures allowed.
Co-ordinate with appropriate electrical section, for switched fixed wired outlet to suit phase and amperage selected.
Brand: | ~ |
Model size: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model number and capacity: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model size: | ~ |
Remote controller: | ~ |
Remote digital controllers are an optional extra and must be specifically specified. Types include a Compact controller, Shower proof control (for wet areas) and a Deluxe bath controller. Refer to the manufacturer for full details.
Location: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model: | ~ |
Brand: | ~ |
Model: | ~ |
Location cylinder: | ~ |
Location heat pump: | ~ |
Modify this clause if using an existing cylinder.
Location: | ~ |
Brand/type: | ~ |
AquaFuse: | Required |
Installation of tempering valve without AquaFuse requires I metre length copper pipe.
Location: | ~ |
Brand/type: | ~ |
Suggested location is in a readily accessible position in a plant room or garage.
Location: | ~ |
Brand/type: | ~ |
Suggested location is adjacent to the main isolating valve and positioned for easy access for cleaning.
Location: | ~ |
Brand/type: | ~ |
Suggested location is in an accessible position such as service or store rooms.
Appliance: | ~ |
Brand/type: | Ball cock or concealed valves to suit application |
Suggested appliances include dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators with icemakers.
Appliance: | Washing machine |
Brand/type: | Refer to tapware selections |
Suggested appliances include dishwashers and washing machines.
Use the following fire stopping clauses for simple or small fire stopping, or if you are only using Masterspec Basic or Landscapes systems. On other Masterspec systems, if it is complex, critical or large scale consider using the section 7382 FIRE STOPPING SYSTEMS or a related branded section.
Location: | ~ |
Manufacturer/brand: | ~ / ~ |
Type/product: | ~ / ~ |
Fire rating: | ~ FRR |
Type: | Sealant, foam, wraps, collars |
Fire rating: | Add FRR requirements in minutes (i.e. 30, 60, 90) |
Note: Check with manufacturer what systems suit penetrations/services types.