WRAS break tank requirements are one of the most misunderstood parts of commercial dishwasher and glasswasher installation.

Many businesses only discover a break tank is required after ordering equipment, when an installer or engineer asks whether the site needs Type AB air gap protection.

Businesses comparing different types of commercial dishwashers and warewashing equipment often find that water regulations and installation requirements can vary significantly between models and environments.

What Is A Break Tank?

A break tank helps protect the mains water supply by stopping contaminated water flowing back into the incoming water system.

Commercial warewashing installations often achieve this through Type AB air gap protection, which helps prevent dirty water re-entering the mains supply.

Manufacturers fit some commercial dishwashers and glasswashers with integrated break tanks for installations that require additional water protection measures.

Which Sites Commonly Require A Break Tank?

Sites with a higher risk of contaminated water flowing back into the mains supply will often require break tank protection.

For this reason, installers commonly specify break tanks for certain commercial warewashing installations in environments such as:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Care facilities
• Nurseries
• And other higher-risk commercial environments

However, responsibility for assessing site suitability ultimately sits with the business, installer or plumbing professional, and requirements can vary depending on:

• The type of premises
• Local water authority guidance
• The appliance being installed
• And the installation environment itself

Who Decides Whether A Break Tank Is Required?

Many buyers assume the appliance supplier alone determines whether a break tank is necessary, but in practice this decision is usually made based on site assessment and local water regulations.

Installers, plumbers, project managers and local water authorities may all have input into whether additional backflow protection is required for a particular installation.

If there is any uncertainty, it is always advisable to confirm requirements before ordering equipment or arranging installation works.

Why “Like For Like” Replacements Can Cause Problems

Assuming a replacement machine is automatically “like for like” can sometimes lead to installation delays, additional plumbing work or unexpected costs if the new appliance has different WRAS or water regulation requirements.

This is particularly common when replacing older warewashing equipment with newer models that may have different compliance specifications or installation requirements.

Before ordering a commercial dishwasher or glasswasher, it is important to confirm:

• Your site’s water regulations requirements
• Whether a break tank is necessary
• And whether the appliance specification is suitable for your environment

Are Small Glasswashers Exempt?

Smaller glasswashers are not automatically exempt from break tank requirements.

In some installations, even compact undercounter glasswashers may still require break tank protection depending on site classification, installation conditions and local regulations.

This is why checking installation requirements before purchase is always recommended, regardless of appliance size.

Always Check Installation Requirements Before Ordering

Commercial warewashing installation requirements can vary significantly between sites, local authorities and appliance specifications.

If you are unsure whether your site requires a break tank, we strongly recommend speaking with your installer, plumber, local water authority or equipment supplier before ordering.

Businesses also reviewing water regulations and installation requirements may find it useful to compare different commercial glasswashers and warewashing systems designed for varying site conditions and usage levels.

At Anglia Catering Equipment, we regularly help businesses choose commercial warewashing equipment suited to their installation requirements, usage levels and site conditions before ordering.