How to comply with Part L Building Regulations – pipes in walls

The new Approved Part L Building Regulations came into force in December 2021, with a period of adaptation for the industry until June 2022. The changes primarily address energy efficiency and air tightness in buildings and sets the minimum standard for air permeability in new dwellings, with the aim of helping the UK meet its Net Zero targets. To help ensure air tightness around pipes in walls, Part L now requires pipe grommets and pipe collars to be fitted as part of any new build dwelling.

Why PipeSnug is the best solution for meeting Part L Building Regulations 

Part L now requires pipe seals and grommets to be used around pipework. PipeSnug is the only all-in-one solution which meets Part L’s requirement to seal around pipework inside and out, without the need for sealant, mortar or expensive air sealing tape. Traditionally installers would mix mortar or apply sealant (both of which can weather, perish and crack) which takes a lot of time and the results do not always look good. This method does not produce the best energy efficient seal and means that the penetrations are liable to water and insect ingress too.

Fitted in seconds, PipeSnug is the only pipe seal that provides an all-in-one solution which meets Part L’s requirement to seal around pipework inside and outside a building, without the need for sealant, mortar or expensive air sealing tape.

When it comes to Part L Building Regulations and compliance with recent changes, PipeSnug pipe seals are leading the way providing a quicker, cheaper and cleaner solution than any traditional method of sealing pipes in walls.

Part L Building Regulation compliance

Part L Building Regulations sets the standards for the energy performance and carbon emissions of new and existing buildings. It covers the energy used by the building such as temperature control, water heating and lighting. Part L states that dwellings must use pipe grommets and collars on pipes in walls for incoming service penetrations and internal building services.

PipeSnug and FlueSnug are a quick and easy path to compliance for Building Regulations for pipes in walls. The products can be used to seal service penetrations internally and externally, providing an instant air tight finish without the need for additional sealants or tape. For Building Regulation approval housebuilders need to submit photographic evidence of compliance to its Local Building Control body and energy assessors. PipeSnug is a very simple and effective way of supplying this evidence.

Net Zero Carbon Buildings

The recent changes to Part L Building Regulations and consultations on the Future Homes Standard and the Future Buildings Standard are all part of the Government’s drive to make new homes Net Zero Carbon by 2025, and lower the carbon emissions from existing housing. You can read more about the Government’s move to Net Zero Carbon here. PipeSnug and FlueSnug are ideal to help new builds and existing dwellings meet the requirements of Building Regulations for pipes in walls set out in these regulations and consultations.

Soil pipes building regulations

Part L also requires pipe grommets and pipe collars to be fitted to soil pipes as part of any new build dwelling. PipeSnug 110mm soil pipe collar simply fits into the hole drilled for the soil pipe removing any need for pointing to seal the hole in the brickwork.

The use of soil pipe collars is also being recommended for any improvements to existing dwellings too, so extensions and loft conversions where a soil pipe seal is fitted can also benefit from the use of PipeSnug pipe collars. 

Soil pipe Building Regulations state that the soil pipe is always placed above the highest water inlet into the pipe and that the opening of ventilating pipes should be at least 900mm above any window in a dwelling that is within three meters of the pipe.

How do PipeSnug seal pipes in walls?

PipeSnug simply fits into the hole drilled for the pipework and comes in 32mm, 40mm or 110mm sizes, removing any need for pointing. Its big brother, FlueSnug, is endorsed by Worcester Bosch, Ideal Heating and other leading boiler manufacturers and can be installed in less than five seconds. It snuggly fits the 152mm core-drilled hole in the wall through which the boiler pipe and flue exits.

The use of pipe collars is being recommended for any type of installation to existing dwellings too, so extensions and loft conversions could also benefit from the use of PipeSnug and FlueSnug for compliance with Building Regulations for pipes in walls. The collars can be used both inside and outside the property for the best finish, they prevent heat loss and act as a barrier to drafts, damp, insects and pests.

Another added benefit of the 110mm PipeSnug and the FlueSnug is that they can be installed at height, without the need for ladders or scaffolding. That is because the products are flexible enough to be pushed through the hole meant for the pipework, saving even more time and fuss. Watch a How To video on installing at height here.

Where to find out more about Part L Building Regulations

For more information about the Part L Building Regulations changes, you can download this PDF provided by the Government, to help explain the changes. The sections relevant to sealing around a pipe are 4.21a, 4.21b and 4.23a.

Where can I get PipeSnug?

PipeSnug pipe seals are available to buy online and in-store from all leading plumbers and builders merchants, including Screwfix, Toolstation, Jewson, and many others. Use our handy stockist finder below to find your local stockist: