In layman’s terms, compliance with Document M (often referred to as “Doc M-compliant”) for taps means using taps that are easy to operate for people with limited dexterity and safe to use in terms of water temperature.
Approved Document M is part of the UK Building Regulations 2010 and sets out guidance to ensure suitable access to and use of buildings for everyone.
This article will help you to understand what’s required to make your washroom taps Doc M compliant.
Doc M Guidance for taps includes:
Taps (and other sanitary fittings) must be capable of being operated using a closed fist, meaning designs that require fine motor control, a tight grip, or twisting are discouraged.
Sensor-activated (automatic) taps, easy-to-use push-button, or lever-action taps are acceptable.
Taps must comply with current Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, including requirements around materials, flow rates, and safety (such as temperature control), where applicable. WRAS-approved taps have been tested and certified - ensuring they meet the performance criteria set by UK water suppliers.
Washbasins should generally be wall-hung and positioned so they are accessible to wheelchair users, with sufficient clearance underneath.
In accessible WCs and washrooms: basin height, tap position, and support fittings must allow use from a seated position (e.g. wheelchair users) or standing, depending on the layout.
Where hot water is supplied via a thermal-mixing tap, it should ideally be thermostatically controlled to prevent scalding. While this requirement often comes from complementary guidance and water regulations rather than Doc M alone, it is widely treated as best practice under Doc M.
Push taps
Push taps are easy to use and water-efficient, automatically turning off after around seven seconds. This can save up to 85% of water compared with standard taps.
We offer a wide range of mixer push taps, including soft-touch options.
Automatic sensor taps
Automatic sensor taps offer endless benefits to your washroom, including improved hygiene and reduced risk of cross-contamination.
There are two options available:
Single water supply, where hot and cold water are mixed before reaching the tap.
Dual water supply, where mixing occurs inside the tap
At Intelligent, we partner with leading manufacturers to offer high-quality professional sensor taps, including Delabie, The Splash Lab, Dolphin, and Dryflow.
Wider Doc M requirements:
Doc M diagrams typically show a minimum room footprint of 2200 mm × 1500 mm for a standard Doc M washroom.
They also illustrate the correct placement of washroom fittings, including:
· Wall-hung washbasins with wheelchair clearance
· WC positioning and transfer space
· Grab rails
· Door swing areas (often outward-opening).
Washbasin & tap placement
· In wheelchair-accessible washrooms, the rim of the wash-hand basin should be positioned 720–740 mm above floor level.
· Taps are shown positioned closest to the seated user, allowing them to be reached easily while seated or using the WC.
To learn more about Doc M Regulations, read our related Doc M Blogs:
