Rainfall & ground movement
Oxford gets a fair amount of rain — the Met Office records around 850mm of annual precipitation on average. That level of rainfall raises the risk of backflow during heavy storms, which is why proper backflow prevention measures aren't something you can ignore. Tavora carries out thorough assessments to make sure you're compliant, and we provide annual certification to keep your plumbing system protected against potential flooding.
Building Regulations & compliance
In Oxford, all plumbing work must comply with the Building Regulations, overseen by the local council's building control. This includes backflow prevention testing, which requires annual compliance certification. Our plumbers ensure all work meets these standards, and we'll provide a compliance certificate upon completion so you can be confident your plumbing's up to code.
Pipe & material suitability
Oxford's plumbing systems are predominantly made up of lead and galvanised steel water supply lines. These materials corrode over time, which can cause real problems with your water quality. Tavora recommends swapping out the old pipework for PEX or copper, compliant with BS EN 806 standards — it's a straightforward upgrade that'll improve both safety and durability. If you're ever dealing with a plumbing emergency, having the right materials in place makes all the difference to keeping your water supply clean and reliable.
Local housing stock
Oxford's housing stock — a fair proportion of flats and maisonettes — throws up some particular challenges, tree root intrusion being a prime one. It's a real issue in older properties, especially those built around 1958, where roots can work their way in and cause serious damage to plumbing systems. Tavora assesses the risk of root intrusion and puts in effective root barriers to keep your plumbing infrastructure well protected.