Industry standards & rules
StopTearing’s industry standards and rules for partial repairs and bathrooms with measurements.
1. Introduction
SlutaRiv industry rules, BSR23:1, are effective from February 1, 2023.
SlutaRiv is the industry organization for repair work in properties and for the professional groups VALF and OPS technicians. SlutaRiv develops industry rules and guidelines for measurable wet rooms and partial repairs in properties and is intended to be used by authorized members.
Since there have been no comprehensive guidelines for repairs in the construction industry, whether for external roofs, pipelines, sealing layers, or the like, it has meant that a lot has been demolished unnecessarily during maintenance, renovations, and water damage incidents.
SlutaRiv’s industry rules complement the construction industry in an area that has not been regulated before and are intended to be combined with other applicable industry rules.
Therefore, SlutaRiv’s members also have reasonable rules to work with, making it possible to efficiently and safely locate leaks and perform partial repairs in properties in the future.
1.1 Vision, Mission and Values
SlutaRiv’s vision is to actively work to change the construction industry so that the number of water damages becomes zero.
SlutaRiv’s mission is, therefore, to work on developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, products, and work methods to avoid demolition.
The fundamental question we ask ourselves every day is whether it is right for the construction industry to say that one must demolish the entire wet room when one can:
- Partially repair holes and damage in the sealing layer.
- Partially repair the floor drain, which, for example, has been damaged by rats.
- Partially repair a leak in a pressurized pipeline.
- Partially repair the leaking sewer.
By introducing measurability in new installations, wet rooms can become partially repairable in the future.
For all types of repairs, such as sealing layers, hidden joints in pressurized pipelines, and connections between new and old installation parts in wastewater systems, the industry rules require moisture measurability.
To put it simply:
- Measurability increases the focus on the craftsman’s work and thereby the quality.
- Measurability enables partial repairs of sealing layers.
- Measurability allows for checking the tightness of the partial repair.
- Measurability enables the detection of potential leaks in time.
- Detecting a leak earlier means reducing demolition to the same extent.
- Reducing demolition means significant savings in terms of the environment, time, and money!
Measurability provides the opportunity for partial repairs – it’s time to start reducing demolition now.
1.2 Purpose of the Rules
The industry rules aim to clarify requirements and procedures for the production of wet rooms and measurable partial repairs in accordance with chapters 6 and 7.
SlutaRiv’s industry rules apply to work and partial repairs carried out by member companies and their industry-authorized VALF and OPS technicians.
Since the rules form the basis for professional execution, anyone performing any type of partial repair or new installation may eventually be affected by the regulations.
2. Application of the rules
2.1 Measureable wetrooms in new construction, renovation and remodeling
In the pursuit of achieving the zero vision for water damages, according to these industry rules, SlutaRiv member companies shall install moisture barrier sensors behind moisture barriers in general during new construction, remodeling, and renovation of wet rooms.
Wet rooms include, for example, bathrooms, shower rooms, laundry rooms, changing rooms, and equipment rooms, i.e., rooms that are normally constructed with moisture barriers and floor drains.
In wet rooms with painted moisture barrier systems as surface and moisture barriers, no moisture barrier sensors are required since they are already measurable.
Spaces with only moisture barriers, lacking floor drains, and not normally intended for water splashing on walls or floors, such as WC rooms, are not covered by the industry rules.
However, there is nothing preventing the use of measurability in other spaces if desired.
2.2 Measurable partial repairs
The industry rules also pertain to repairs in various areas within a property, including both systems and installations, as well as the type of space.
Spaces with moisture barriers that may require partial repairs, such as bathrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms, equipment rooms, changing rooms, pool areas, and more, are covered by the industry rules.
In wet rooms with painted moisture barrier systems as surface and moisture barriers, no moisture barrier sensors are required since they are already measurable.
Partial repairs that result in concealed joints in piping systems, for example, in floor structures, walls, and chutes, as well as relining of wastewater pipes, are subject to the industry rules.
3. Transitional rules
This chapter outlines rules for transitioning from the previous edition during updates.
Design and installation work commencing from February 1, 2023, should be carried out in accordance with BSR23:1.
Exceptions
If design or construction documents have been approved before February 1, 2023, installation work may be performed according to BSR22:1.
4. News and changes
This chapter describes news and changes compared to the previous edition.
Compared to the previous edition, BSR22:1, the industry rules have been supplemented with requirements regarding measurability in wet rooms during new construction, remodeling, and renovation. See the new chapter number 6.
The previous chapter 6 about partial repairs has been moved to chapter 7 – “Requirements for Measurability in Partial Repairs.”
A more detailed description has been introduced regarding the authorization of member companies and industry accreditation for trained VALF and OPS technicians, as well as documentation.
Description of deviation handling has been added in section 5.5.
Minor editorial adjustments have also been made.
5. Authorization, documentation and quality control
SlutaRiv authorizes member companies and issues industry accreditation for approved VALF and OPS technicians.
To ensure the quality of partial repair work, SlutaRiv organizes training and quality monitoring for companies that want to become members.
Quality monitoring includes, among other things, random checks on work carried out by members.
5.1 Authorized SlutaRiv member
An authorized member company within SlutaRiv should meet the following criteria:
- Adherence to the applicable SlutaRiv industry rules.
- Employment of at least one industry-accredited VALF or OPS technician on a full-time basis.
- Issuance of quality documentation for each partial repair case.
- Installation of moisture sensors in accordance with SlutaRiv’s industry rules and current installation instructions.
- Use of equipment and products for leak detection and partial repairs approved or accepted by SlutaRiv.
- Cooperation with quality controls.
- Adherence to SlutaRiv’s code of conduct.
- Possession of an F-tax certificate and liability insurance, registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket), and VAT registration.
For a more detailed description, refer to the current membership conditions and code of conduct on www.slutariv.se.
5.2 Industry accrediation for VALF and OPS technicians
The member company commits to training relevant installers and supervisors intending to work as VALF or OPS technicians in accordance with SlutaRiv’s current industry rules and, for each technical group, a technician training program designated by SlutaRiv.
An OPS technician is expected to have vocational training in their field and industry accreditation or its equivalent within the relevant industry organization.
Industry accreditation is tied to the authorized member company and valid for five years.
The company’s supervisors in the field of wet rooms should undergo training in SlutaRiv’s current industry rules and SlutaRiv’s concept and thereby hold a valid course certificate.
Other personnel in the member company responsible for installing moisture sensors should undergo training in the handling of relevant moisture sensors, such as SlutaRiv’s online training for managing InviSense moisture sensors, and thereby hold a valid course certificate.
For a more detailed description, refer to the current membership conditions and code of conduct on www.slutariv.se.
5.3 Documentation of measurable partial repairs
An authorized SlutaRiv member shall always provide a quality document to the client after performing a partial repair.
The quality document is a valuable asset for the client in any future sale or settlement of potential damages.
The quality document should be prepared according to the current form developed by SlutaRiv, and it should indicate which edition of the industry rules has been applied.
Only authorized member companies within SlutaRiv can issue SlutaRiv’s quality documents.
Installed moisture sensors should always be registered/activated with SlutaRiv through established procedures.
5.4 Documentation of installed moisture sensors in wetrooms and other spaces
Installed moisture sensors that are SlutaRiv-approved should always be registered/activated with SlutaRiv through established procedures unless otherwise agreed upon.
This applies to all types of SlutaRiv-approved sensors designed to simplify leak detection and future partial repairs for SlutaRiv members.
The person installing the moisture sensors is responsible for providing necessary information to allow future searches by property address, designated space, sensor type, and identification of the installer. Refer to the current installation instructions for necessary information.
5.5 Deviation handling
In cases where it is not possible to adhere to these industry rules, an agreement with the client should be made and documented in writing, for example, via email, SMS, contract, or minutes from a construction meeting.
The written agreement should specify that it is a deviation and outline the potential consequences for the property owner.
The deviation should also be noted in the quality document.
5.6 Inspection of completed work
The member company should conduct self-inspections according to SlutaRiv’s procedures and document these using established forms.
SlutaRiv performs random inspections of completed work, including scanning of moisture sensors, inspection of workmanship, and documentation.
7. Requirements for measurability in partial repairs
Introducing moisture measurability in buildings creates the opportunity to control and investigate potential water leaks, thereby limiting the need for demolition in the building’s future.
Moisture sensors are selected for their high reliability and can be checked during the intended lifespan of the installation.
SlutaRiv provides a 10-year guarantee on partial repair work of moisture barriers managed through the industry organization. Refer to the specific warranty terms for further details.
When installing moisture sensors, the installer should provide information to SlutaRiv for the registration of address details and sensor placement in accordance with the current installation instructions.
7.1.1 Partial repair of moisture barriers
During the partial repair of existing moisture barriers, moisture sensors should be installed for measurability.
Moisture sensors should be placed behind the moisture barrier, and it should be possible to read them without dismantling any furniture or similar.
The installation of moisture barriers and sensors should be carried out according to the respective supplier’s installation instructions and registered/activated with SlutaRiv according to established procedures.
A leakage test of the partially repaired area should be carried out after consultation with SlutaRiv before restoring the surface finish.
7.1.1.1 Control measurments
An initial reference measurement should be performed and recorded when the installation is completed and before the wet room is put into use.
Measurement of moisture sensors and recording of measurement data should then ideally be done at the following times:
- After 6 months
- Before the contractor’s warranty period expires
- In case of suspected leaks through the moisture barrier
- Upon tenant move-out
- Upon the sale of a residence/property
7.2 Partial repair of drinking water pipes
Before partially repairing a drinking water pipe, one should explore the possibilities of rerouting the pipe instead to avoid a hidden joint/seam.
Boverket’s building regulations do not specifically address repairs and partial repairs but refer to the building’s conditions and the extent of the change, see section 1:223. It states that considerations can be made for economic reasons. Economic reasons that can be considered are those resulting from the building’s location and design or technical conditions otherwise. However, low liquidity is not a reason that can be considered.
Note that it is normally not considered professional to install hidden joints/seams in drinking water pipes, and a written agreement with the client may be required.
During the partial repair of drinking water pipes, moisture sensors should be installed for measurability. See Figure 7:2.
Figure 7:2
Moisture sensors should be placed where they can be read without dismantling any furniture or similar.
The installation of connections and sensors should be carried out according to the respective supplier’s installation instructions and registered/activated with SlutaRiv.
7.2.1 Control measurements
Measurement of moisture sensors and recording of measurement data should be done ideally at the following times:
- After 6 months
- Before the contractor’s warranty period expires
- In case of suspected leaks through the moisture barrier
- Upon tenant move-out
- Upon the sale of a residence/property
7.3 Partials repair of heating pipes
During the partial repair or modification of heating pipes, moisture sensors should be installed for measurability.
Moisture sensors should be placed where they can be read without dismantling any furniture or similar.
The installation of connections and sensors should be carried out according to the respective supplier’s installation instructions and registered/activated with SlutaRiv.
7.3.1 Control measurements
Measurement of moisture sensors and recording of measurement data should be done ideally at the following times:
- After 6 months
- Before the contractor’s warranty period expires
- In case of suspected leaks through the moisture barrier
- Upon tenant move-out
- Upon the sale of a residence/property
7.4 Partial repair of draining pipes and floor drains
During the partial repair or connection between new and old installation parts in a wastewater system, moisture sensors should be installed for measurability. This also applies when connecting to a relined drainage pipe.
Moisture sensors should be placed where they can be read without dismantling any furniture or similar.
The installation of joints and sensors should be carried out according to the respective supplier’s installation instructions and registered/activated with SlutaRiv.
7.4.1 Control measurements
Measurement of moisture sensors and recording of measurement data should be done ideally at the following times:
- After 6 months
- Before the contractor’s warranty period expires
- In case of suspected leaks through the moisture barrier
- Upon tenant move-out
- Upon the sale of a residence/property
Arguments – pros and cons
10-year guarantee on the work, compared to only the right of complaint according to the Consumer Service Act and 2-5 years according to AB/ABT.
Possibility to measure moisture behind the waterproofing layer during the entire life of the room.
Investigate whether and, if so, where moisture has penetrated behind the waterproofing layer, without destroying the surface layer.
Reassurance for the buyer when selling the property – older waterproofing, parts of e.g. floor wells or hidden pipe joints. Quit haggling!
Preparing for our grandchildren so they can conserve resources
Prospective requirements when dividing the waterproofing layer!?
Future requirements in general in the industry!?
Measurement data is saved and can be analyzed in the cloud service provided by InviSense.
Relatively cheap investment.
Simple installation that does not take more time.
No batteries – lasts at least the life of the room.
Leads to more accurate work.
Sales situations – examples of how to sell services and products
Camera inspection – approx. SEK 2,000
For example, if the customer is renovating a bathroom and intends to replace the “sewer frog” but nothing else from the waste water system – What do you think the rest of the pipe looks like?
What is to say that there are no more damages, cracks or other problems?
If you want I can film it so you know instead of believing!
Now that I’m still there, it will only cost you SEK 2,000 including VAT (!?)
(otherwise it could cost SEK 5-7,000 to withdraw someone afterwards!?)
Sensors – behind waterproofing, at joints, under roofs, facades
Contact
If you want to get in touch with us, you can either send a message via the form, write in the chat or call/email us. Kapput is a support for members who need consultation regarding investigations and product selection. We also help digitally to assess whether the damage is apportionable or not. Download kAPPut for further assistance.
E-mail: Kontakt@slutariv.se
Telephone:010-333 31 50
