Approved Document G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
England-focused reference checklist
Editorial source review: 2026-10-17
https://saeedazarshab.com/articles/england-building-regulations/approved-document-g/

INDEPENDENT GUIDANCE — not project-specific legal/design advice or a compliance certificate. Check the official current requirements and applicable transition.

Part G concerns sanitation, hot-water safety and water efficiency. It covers more than the appearance or number of fittings: safe hot-water arrangements, appropriate sanitary provision and water-use assessment need to be considered for the work involved. Coordinate it with drainage, accessibility and any relevant toilet-accommodation requirements.

WHAT TO CHECK
[ ] Identify the sanitary and hot-water requirements applicable to the proposed work.
[ ] Use suitably competent design and installation for hot-water safety arrangements.
[ ] Check the relevant water-efficiency assessment and evidence route for the project.
[ ] Coordinate the facilities with Part H drainage, Part M access and Part T where applicable.
[ ] Retain test, commissioning and operating information for the installation as completed.

RECORDS TO KEEP
- Sanitary/hot-water specification and relevant calculations
- Test and commissioning records
- Operating, safety and maintenance information

WHEN TO GET SPECIALIST HELP
Obtain competent plumbing and hot-water advice where system safety or required evidence is unclear. This is not a guide to modifying safety devices or carrying out hazardous DIY work.

SCOPE AND EDITION
Landing updated 1 October 2024 to incorporate 2024 amendments; earlier 2015/2016 corrections are also listed. Confirm the applicable version. Hot-water safety and water-use assessment require appropriate design evidence. Coordinate toilet provision with Parts M and T where relevant.

OFFICIAL SOURCES
GOV.UK — Approved Document G
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sanitation-hot-water-safety-and-water-efficiency-approved-document-g

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. Original practical summary by Saeed Azarshab.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/