Your Ultimate Guide to Bathroom WELS Rating & WaterMark Certifications

Watermark Certification

If you’re looking for stainless steel urinals that will last the test of time, you will invariably need urinals that have WaterMark certified. The Watermark Certification scheme, which is overseen by the Australian Building Codes Board, is mandatory for certain types of plumbing and drainage products.

The WaterMark certification ensures that:

• The product is suitable for its intended use.
• The product is in compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia
• The product is in compliance with Australian Standards regarding product quality, including health and safety.

In short, the Watermark Certification guarantees that a product meets the required standards needed for safe and optimal plumbing and drainage installations. You can scroll down to learn more about the ins and outs of WaterMark certification, and browse Stainless Express WaterMark certified urinals and toilets here.

WaterMark Certification Levels 1 & 2

Products that have been WaterMark certified typically fall under one of two categories;

• Watermark Level 1: The WaterMark Level 1 certification is generally applied to products that are used in pressurised applications within hot or cold water supply systems. Common product categories covered under this certification level include taps and valves, water heaters, hot and cold water supply pipes, water filters and water treatment devices, appliances that have been categorised as high hazard, and sanitary fixtures such as toilets and bidets.
• Watermark Level 2: The WaterMark Level 2 certification is generally applied to products that have been designed for use in sanitary and drainage systems. Products that are commonly grouped into this category include sanitary and drainage valves, sanitary and drainage pipes and fittings, and appliances that have been categorised as low/medium hazard.

WELS and Water Ratings Schemes

In Australia, the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) scheme aims to promote urban water conservation by educating consumers about water efficiency when purchasing products. Products such as showers, tapware, and toilets must comply with WELS standards under this scheme. As water is one of our most precious commodities, it’s highly important that everyone in Australia minimises consumption and uses our water resources responsibly. To ensure that a plumbing product has been designed to be WELS compliant, consumers can look for the star rating, which is not dissimilar to the energy ratings you may have seen on other products.

What’s the Purpose of the WELS Scheme?

In essence, the WELS scheme has been designed to promote water conservation through the use of efficient and effective water-using and water-saving technologies.

As such, the goal of the WELS scheme is to:

• Encourage the use of efficient water-saving technologies.
• Promote water conservation by reducing water usage.
• Offer guidance to consumers on purchasing water-efficient products.

All plumbing products must hold valid WaterMark certification to qualify for registration under the WELS scheme.

Products That Need WELS Scheme Registration and WaterMark Certification

There are certain products that must mandatorily be both WELS registered and WaterMark certified. The products that must display both WaterMark trademark and WELS water efficiency information include showers, flow controllers, taps, urinals and toilets. These products must undergo WELS registration before they are WaterMark certified, and only after they are approved by both entities can they be legally installed by a licensed plumber.

The WELS Label: What You Need to Know

Each WELS label features text that depicts important information regarding the water rating level of the product. This information can help consumers in selecting a product that best meets their necessary requirements, while minimising their water usage and maximising their energy savings.

WELS label information typically covers the the three following subjects:

• Star Rating: In short, the star rating allows consumers to quickly and easily compare the water efficiency of different products.
• Rate of Water Consumption: The Rate of Water Consumption section covers details such as flow rate, litres per flush, or wash cycle provide estimates of water consumption.
• Registration & Product Details: The Registration & Product Details section offers information such as the licence number and registration number. If you’re looking at the WELS label for a dishwasher or a washing machine, the Registration & Product Details section should also include the name of the model, and the cycle used for testing.

5 Star WELS & Watermark Certified Urinals From Stainless Express

Wall Hung Urinal Stall

The Stainless Express Wall Hung Urinal Stall is WaterMark and WELS certified in accordance with both plumbing regulations and government legislation, which also means it only uses 0.5 litres per flush. Constructed from durable satin stainless steel, its sleek and sturdy structure has been specially built to be installed in locations that are prone to vandalism. Its one piece design allows for minimal maintenance, and as it is also suitable for wall-mounted cisterns, it is ideal for bars, pubs, clubs, sporting stadiums, and public amenities everywhere. It is designed with top water entry and a 1" BSP inlet and it is designed to ensure that installation is quick and straightforward.

4 Star WELS and Watermark Certified Toilet Pan From Stainless Express

Centurion Pan P Trap

The Stainless Express Centurion Pan P Trap features seamless, fully shrouded construction crafted from heavy gauge grade 304 satin stainless steel. This design ensures ease of cleaning and optimal strength, with radius edges for enhanced safety, a pressed internal bowl, and a unique trap configuration. Highly water-efficient (4.5/3 litres), it minimises the risk of blockages in high-traffic public facilities. Its contraband-proof flushing rim and absence of ligature points make it ideal for correctional facilities and holding cells. Access panels on both sides facilitate straightforward installation, with the option to add a toilet seat as needed. WaterMark and WELS certifications ensure compliance with plumbing regulations and government standards.

Conclusion

WELS and WaterMark certifications ensure products meet rigorous standards for water efficiency and quality, helping consumers choose environmentally friendly options that conserve water and comply with regulatory requirements. These certifications provide assurance of performance and reliability, contributing to sustainable water use and reducing operational costs for businesses and households alike. You can browse Stainless Express’ wide range of WELS approved and WaterMark certified stainless steel urinals here.

Stainless Express is an Australian company that offers a wide selection of stainless steel products for domestic, commercial, and industrial uses. We also now provide direct access to previously custom-made items through our new express service. You can find out more by heading over to the Stainless Express home page, or by getting in touch with us directly via the Stainless Express Contact Us Page.