Issuu

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JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2022

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

DEVELOPMENTS IN BATHROOM TECHNOLOGY

HEATING & RENEWABLES

THE BENEFITS OF ADVANCED CONTROLS

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT WD-40’S REDESIGNED SPECIALIST RANGE

VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

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CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

NEWS

@professionalplumber

January/February 2022 VOL. 37 NO.1 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

@phpimag

24 SMART BATHROOMS

39 GIVEAWAYS 44 HORROR SHOW 51 PLAYTIME

SPECIAL REPORTS 10 THE RESULTS OF LOGIC4TRAINING’S RECENT INSTALLER SURVEY 12 HOW PUSH-FIT CAN HELP INSTALLERS ON EMERGENCY CALLOUTS

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS 24 SOME OPTIONS WHEN CREATING A ‘SMART’ BATHROOM

14 THE LATEST CONTROLS

HEATING & RENEWABLES 14 EXPLAIN THE BENEFITS OF HEATING CONTROLS TO CUSTOMERS

44 UNDERFLOOR HEATING

26 BATHROOM PANELS: THE TRENDS FOR THE COMING YEAR

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

28 SALAMANDER PUMPS EXPLORES SOME OF THE BOOSTING MAINS WATER MYTHS

34 A REVIEW OF SNICKERS WORKWEAR’S LATEST GEAR

30 CONTEMPORARY BATHROOM FINISHES: AQUALISA’S MIDAS 220 MIXER SHOWER RANGE

36 THE NEW-LOOK ‘SPECIALIST‘ RANGE FROM WD-40

32 REFLECTING ON MIRA’S CENTENARY AND ITS LATEST SOLUTIONS

38 CONDENSATE PRO ISSUES FRESH APPEAL TO INSTALLERS THIS WINTER

PRODUCTS ROUND UP

16 MAPPING THE ROUTE TO RENEWABLES

40 NEW LOW PROFILE UFH RANGE FROM RWC

18 WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR A LOYALTY SCHEME

43 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC LAUNCHES LOWCARBON HEAT PUMP

20 WORCESTER BOSCH LAUNCHES NEW HEAT PUMPS

45 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

22 THE PATHWAY TO HEAT PUMPS

32 SHOWERING SOLUTIONS

47 HYDROGEN-READY BOILERS, WORKWEAR, VAN SECURITY AND MORE… PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 3

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VIEWPOINT

phpionline.co.uk EDITOR JONATHAN COLE phpi@hamerville.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER JAKE TATUM jtatum@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN & MIDLANDS SALES EDDIE WRIGHT ewight@hamerville.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH DIGITAL GROUP MANAGER STUART DUFF DESIGNER GEMMA WATSON GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE THWAITES DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH LTD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER is a business journal for those involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating and plumbing systems. It is available to the trade at leading heating and plumbing merchants and specialist outlets throughout the UK.

@phpi

@professionalplumber

phpi@hamerville.co.uk

Cold school Operating in cold and wintery weather is always a challenge – snowy conditions and freezing temperatures can not only test the mettle of heating systems, but also plumbers and heating engineers. Often, simply getting to jobs becomes a challenge in itself, and that is before assessing and undertaking the work required. There are a few things that installers can do to prepare for bad weather however. Appropriate footwear is vital when working in the cold, as is good workwear that has been designed to perform in low temperatures. In this issue we have a review of a Snickers Workwear fleece and work trousers – turn to page 34. It is also a good idea to ensure your vehicles are running well, you’ve plenty of fuel and where possible allow extra time for journeys. One of the call-outs plumbers could expect in low temperatures is frozen condensate pipes. The issue has been raised again this season by Dave Smith, a plumber and heating engineer, and the inventor of Condensate Pro, a way to professionally insulate external pipes to provide protection from low temperatures. You can read more about the solution on page 38. With emergency call-outs often more prevalent during the winter, we’ve also some advice on some of the materials worth considering which can help in this situation. Read more on page 12. Plumbers and Heating Engineers are perhaps most appreciated during the winter, fixing burst pipes and restoring heating to cold homes. However, whatever the weather, the importance of other issues also remain – and, as it becomes increasingly clear that customers are more aware of climate change and have become engaged with the changes they can bring to their own lives, then installers need to be ready with appropriate advice and solutions. In this issue you can find details of new heat pumps from both Worcester Bosch and LG. There are also some thoughts on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which was announced by the government last year and is due to come into effect this spring – by which time, hopefully, the weather will be warming up a bit!

Jonathan Cole

EDITOR

The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. Subscriptions to PHPI are available for 1 year (11 issues) at the following rates: UK £30 post paid Airmail £80 post paid Europe £50 post paid

56,339 (Certiﬁcate of Average Distribution for the issues distributed between January and December 2020)

For the latest news, plus video reviews, competitions and exclusive content, log on to the PHPI website at WWW.PHPIONLINE.CO.UK

Want to receive a digital copy of PHPI? You can sign up by using www.rdr.link/email PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 5

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News

Share your thoughts with us on the industry via Twitter (@PHPI), Facebook (@ProfessionalPlumber), or by emailing phpi@hamerville.co.uk

CONDENSATE PRO ISSUES WINTER APPEAL LOCAL MP VISITS GRANT UK’S HEAD OFFICE Following the publication of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, released by the Government in October, Danny Kruger, the local MP for the Devizes constituency, visited Grant UK’s Head Office to learn more about the company and the challenges that lie ahead as the country works towards achieving Net Zero. “We were very pleased to welcome Danny Kruger MP to our Head Office,” commented Paul Wakeﬁeld, Managing Director of Grant UK. “Devizes has been the home of Grant UK for nearly two decades and over the years, we have regularly met with our local Members of Parliament to discuss what we are doing and the need to make home heating as sustainable as possible. Heat pumps will provide thousands of homes with the answer they need for low carbon heating but hard to heat homes may require different solutions to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and it was good to discuss these alternative low carbon heating systems with Danny. “Biofuels, for example, could be a more cost-effective answer to help customers in rural hard to heat homes that are in a distress purchase situation when their existing oil boiler breaks down.”

With winter bringing low temperatures, Dave Smith, an installer and the inventor of Condensate Pro, has issued an appeal to installers to prevent condensate pipes from freezing. “6,000 boilers are ﬁtted every working day and 70% of those installed in houses will have a condensate terminating externally,” explained Dave. “Condensate Pro was launched to help installers provide the best protection for condensate pipes, while ensuring the ﬁnish looks professional and complies with all maufacturers’ instructions, guidance and regulations.” For more details please turn to page 38.

THREE QUARTERS OF HOMEOWNERS DELAY RENOVATION WORK Recent research from ﬁnd-a-tradesperson platform Rated People has revealed just how daunting homeowners ﬁnd renovation projects. The research found that almost three quarters (72%) have delayed a home improvement job, with all but half (47%) doing so on multiple occasions. The renovations that homeowners reported as being partiucularly stressful were a house extension (58%), closely followed by a loft conversion (50%), new kitchen (45%) and bathroom installation (40%). However, sprucing up our homes can be a real source of pride and joy. 64% of respondents indicated they were extremely happy with the result of their renovation.

BAXI PROMOTES SECTOR TO STUDENTS Baxi has participated in a trade taster day at Myton School in Warwick, to help educate students about the breadth of careers available in plumbing and heating and encourage the future generation to join the industry. Organised by speciﬁcation client, L&Q, Baxi trainers, Rob Pearson and Ian Trott, attended the day to speak to pupils about what life is like working in the sector, with practical, hands-on workshops held to engage all those attending. Rob Pearson, commented: “Sharing our knowledge with the younger generation is crucial when it comes to bridging the skills gap in our industry. “Taking the time to explore the different parts of a boiler, solve fun challenges and interact with students can make all the difference when it comes to encouraging younger people to pursue a career in the heating industry. This is why trade taster days are so invaluable and give us a great chance to raise the proﬁle of just how diverse and rewarding working in this sector can be.”

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RAC INTRODUCES SPECIALIST VAN BREAKDOWN COVERAGE With the number of vans on UK roads growing 13% in four years, RAC has launched specialist van breakdown cover. There are two new products – Van Lite and Van Total – both of which are intended for business and personal use. Van Lite, priced at £120 a year for one vehicle, provides ‘rescue anywhere’ cover for three call-outs a year, with a 10-mile tow and a 20-mile taxi from the garage if the van can’t be ﬁxed there and then. Van Total, priced £160 a vehicle, offers the same business or personal ‘rescue anywhere’ cover but with unlimited call-outs as well as a tow from anywhere in the UK and a choice of replacement van or overnight accommodation while their vehicle is being repaired.

ARE YOU A GREEN HEATING HERO? Worcester Bosch has launched its Green Heating Heroes initiative, designed to give installers and their customers the tools to live more sustainably at home. The campaign, which features across TV and online, looks to inform and inspire installers to become Green Heating Heroes by helping their customers reduce their carbon footprint. The campaign includes a new dedicated page on the Worcester Bosch website, featuring tips, FAQs and myth-busters that detail how people can make tweaks and become ‘Carbon Reducing Heroes’. It is intended to help the installer navigate their way through conversations with the homeowner. For more information on Green Heating Heroes,

www.rdr.link/pac002

REPORT INDICATES RISE IN MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES Although consumer demand for home improvements has risen in recent years, new research released by Eureka! seeks to quantify the extent to which installers are struggling to meet the demands that this has created. Eureka! estimates that around 75,000 sole traders and small businesses are currently impacted by a potential mental health issue from the events of the last 12-18 months. Nearly 7 in 10 tradespeople say that there is still a stigma towards seeking help for mental health amongst those working in the sector. To view the full Eureka! market report please

www.rdr.link/pac003

WATERSAFE LAUNCHES FILM TO RECRUIT QUALIFIED PLUMBERS National accreditation body WaterSafe has launched a film starring its members to recruit more qualified plumbers in England to its register, which is free to join. The film highlights the vital role that qualified, approved plumbers carry out every day to keep tap water safe and healthy. Plumber brothers and WaterSafe members Mike and Dave Turnbull are encouraging qualified plumbers to sign up to WaterSafe, which offers customers a trusted route to a professional plumber. Mike Turnbull, plumber and WaterSafe member said: “I think every qualified plumber should get WaterSafe approved – being able to self-notify plumbing work is such an advantage, and I get regular jobs coming my way from my local water company.” For more information on joining WaterSafe please www.rdr.link/pac004

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NAVIEN REITERATES IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR OIL BOILER SERVICING Annual servicing is essential for ensuring a boiler is working safely and efficiently, and Navien is emphasising the importance of servicing its LCB700 Blue Flame oil boilers every year, not only to ensure reliability but also prevent warranties from becoming invalid. Navien – and OFTEC – recommend liquid fuel-ﬁred boilers are serviced at least once a year, otherwise the efficiency can be affected. For example, servicing prevents soot forming on the heat exchanger, which can then restrict the amount of heat being transferred into the system water. Flexible oil hoses and nozzles also need to be replaced. Sean Keleher, National Technical Manager at Navien said: “It is important to check there are no small signs of distress or possible water, oil or ﬂue condensate leaks; particular attention should be given to key components such as the diverter valves, plate-to-plate heat exchanger, main heat exchanger, pump and pipework. Close inspection of these parts will help identify any potential issues at an early stage.” For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac005

BAXI RELEASES NEW COMMERCIAL GUIDE TO HYDROGEN FOR HEAT Baxi Commercial Solutions has released a new educational guide for the non-domestic sector entitled ‘Your guide to hydrogen for heat’. The report sets out the potential for hydrogen to become one of the central pillars of decarbonisation in the UK for the commercial sector, along with electriﬁcation and heat networks. Andy Green, Technical Director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, said: “We wanted to share the knowledge and expertise we have gained as pioneers of hydrogen boilers to clear up any misunderstandings and outline the anticipated stepwise transition to hydrogen. Our aim is to help equip speciﬁers, contractors, FMs, energy managers and building operators with the necessary information so that they can make the right choices at the right time and be assured of a future-ready installation.” ‘Your guide to hydrogen for heat’ is available now for free download. Please www.rdr.link/pac006

NEWS IN BRIEF... The latest PLUMBING & HEATING MERCHANT INDEX (PHMI) report, published in November, shows total value sales through specialist Plumbing & Heating merchants up 7.3% in Q3 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, with growth underpinned by strong year-on-year sales in July (+12.8%) and August (+8.3%). September – traditionally the start of the heating season – grew more slowly in 2021 (+1.7%) over the same period.

SNIPEF has appointed George Todd as its new Technical Advisor. George has more than 30 years’ experience in the plumbing and heating industry and will support members with their technical queries and carry out inspections of completed work. Dale Thomson, Training Manager at SNIPEF, said: “With George’s appointment SNIPEF is reinforcing its commitment to do everything in its power to maintain standards and to tackle fairly the looming skill shortage.” A tool designed to ensure the quick release of cores after drilling, CLIPACORE, has secured two industry awards. At the Plumbing and Heating Awards in Ireland it received the 2021 award for ‘Innovative Product of the Year’ and in the H&V News Awards it secured ‘HVAC Product of the Year Component and Peripherals’. You can find out more about the solution www.rdr.link/pac007

EARNINGS FOR PLUMBERS REACH PRE-CHRISTMAS PANDEMIC HIGH Earnings for self-employed plumbers have reached levels not seen since the start of the pandemic, according to latest analysis by Hudson Contract. Average weekly earnings rose by 2.4% to £1,026 during November 2021, just shy of the £1,030 reported in March 2020. Ian Anﬁeld, Managing Director at Hudson Contract, said: “We are seeing strong demand for all skilled trades across England and Wales as increasing investment in housing and infrastructure feeds through to labour requirements and rates catch up.” Hudson Contract is a provider of tax status and employment contract services to the industry and has a client base of more than 2,500 construction SMEs.

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The range of items available for installers to order through GRANT UK ’s G1+ Points rewards programme has been expanded, with a new selection of goods now on offer for eligible installers to order. First launched in 2018, the G1+ Points scheme enables eligible members to accrue Points against their Grant boiler installations and redeem these for items listed in the online G1 Portal Shop. For further information please www.rdr.link/pac008

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SPECIAL REPORT

LOW CARBON HEATING SURVEY

Mark Krull, Director for Logic4training, reports on the results of a recent survey which collected views on the changing face of the building services sector from those living and working through it – installers.

There is a strong demand for skilled installers

ast month, we teamed up with PHPI to ﬁnd out what installers really feel about the low-carbon future. Over the next 20 to 30 years, there will be a transition away from gas central heating, with schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that will see 90,000 new heat pumps installations over three years from March 2022. There is a lot of debate in the trade and national press about how best to achieve our carbon reduction targets, but we wanted to hear it from the installers on the ground; those who are out on the tools every day installing new heating systems and carrying out repairs and maintenance to ensure people stay safe and warm. Are they excited about the changes or reticent? Do they see change as a business opportunity or a threat? Are they planning to embrace renewables?

83%

would recommend a career in the building services industry

Here’s what we found out… Installers generally felt positive about building services as a career choice for school leavers, with many stating that there will always be a strong demand for those with heating and plumbing skills, whatever the future brings.

Mark Krull

The skills shortage is an area of concern with increased efforts needed to pull in new entrants of all ages and backgrounds:

“We need good quality well trained engineers for a sustaina ble future.”

“It’s a great industry with varied ele ments to specialise in a nd the skilled tradesperson will always be in de ma nd.” As a career, building services engineering was praised for its variety and good rates of pay and many installers were conﬁdent in a proﬁtable and stable future.

“ I enjoy plu mbing - it keeps you fit, it makes you think, you travel arou nd a nd the pay is quite good.” “Building services engineering has ma ny different a nd interesting specialisms, rates of pay are pretty good a nd e mployment is quite sta ble.” However, some felt underappreciated compared to white collar workers and underpaid for the weight of responsibility on their shoulders. One installer said while they would recommend a career in building services, installers “need to be multi-skilled and salaries must better reﬂect this.”

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“It is extremely important that an industry which has not always been seen as gla morous or appealing invests in young people. More importantly we should be developing home grown talent so that we can avoid industry skill shortages.” “With women being offered more opportu nities it is a great time to be in this industry, to push this message a nd help women a nd girls see how e mpowering it ca n be.”

62%

of installers are concerned about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Unfortunately, the survey results revealed some scepticism about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with only 38% of installers viewing it as a positive step. 55% of installers who had so far chosen not to upskill expressed a lack of conﬁdence in government schemes with one installer commenting:

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“It’s so hard for business to get access to the gra nt sche mes, leaving it open to bigger compa nies who then su b the work out, paying poor wages a nd usually giving the customer a poor job. The govern ment should support smaller business to access schemes more easily.” Despite this, 44% saw an opportunity in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and said they planned to develop their business as a result.

More than half of installers are embracing renewables

54%

of installers have already trained in heat pumps and/or renewables or plan to in the future. Of those who had upskilled or planned to, heat pumps were by far the most popular option (91%), followed by solar thermal (47%) and solar PV (26%). Electrical energy storage was also a popular choice, with 20% of upskilling installers choosing this emerging technology. Others saw greater value in gas for the time being:

“The tra nsition from gas will take ma ny decades a nd there will still be a require ment for competent persons in this field.”

91%

of upskilling installers chose heat pumps but they are not seen as a blanket solution

Heat pump technology was recognised as an important part of the future heating mix and 91% of upskilling installers chose heat pump training courses. However, many installers disagreed with the view that heat pumps are a viable solution across the board, illustrating the nuance of the decarbonisation challenge.

“Renewa bles may work for new builds but how will this be imple mented in Victoria n or Edwardia n homes or multi occupa ncy buildings?” “I do not believe retrofitting heat pu mps into older poorly insulated buildings is practical. Bringing the thermal performa nce of old housing stock up to sta ndard should be addressed first. Only then ca n you look at cost effective renewa ble solutions that operate on lower te mperatures.” “As a business we will have to move with the times but electric heating a nd inefficient heat pu mps are simply costing the British consu mer more tha n they ca n afford.” There is hope for hydrogen Hydrogen was mentioned across the survey as a fuel with great potential to decarbonise domestic heat in a cost-effective way.

“There is a future in the gas industry but it hinges on the use of hydrogen as a replace ment fuel, rather tha n air source heat pu mps, which the majority of homeowners ca n’t afford.”

The changing face of the heating installer The survey revealed that heating and plumbing engineers are in high demand and will continue to be as we transition to low-carbon heating. One day we will reach a tipping point where heating installers will have no choice but to upskill, but we are not there yet. There is always a certain amount of trepidation during times of change and the survey demonstrated this. With so many building service engineers at or near retirement, we need a strong supply of new entrants together with quality training programmes to ensure building services engineers have the variety of practical skills and experience necessary to navigate the technologies of the future. It’s great to see the majority of installers taking a positive approach to new technologies, seeing change as a business opportunity and remaining open to a future that is still relatively unknown. For more information please www.rdr.link/pac009

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SPECIAL REPORT

Prepare for the

UNEXPECTED

Plumbing and Heating is a common emergency callout and installers can be faced with tricky, unpredictable scenarios. Richard Bateman, Product Marketing Manager at RWC UK, discusses why push-fit can help in an emergency situation.

rom frozen and burst pipes to poor water pressure, leaking boilers, leaks in underfloor heating and more, there are many scenarios that installers could be facing on a callout. Then there’s the ‘unknown quantity’ of the customer’s plumbing layout and system, making it even more complex. However, emergency callouts are also an opportunity to make systems better, and to ensure that the fix is reliable and permanent going forward. To do this, installers need to consider the materials they are using, and pipes, valves and fittings are crucial in this respect.

Push-fit solution Typical causes of leaks and emergencies in plumbing and heating systems include broken or loose seals and corrosion around fittings. This is especially the case in older homes with copper pipework that has been in place for several years, as they are prone to developing pinhole leaks, or if the initial installation was not made correctly for soldered or compression joints. Replacing the joint like-for-like is the common solution, but that can open the possibility of the problem happening again. Another option is push-fit solutions, like those from RWC’s JG Speedfit and SharkBite. Utilising push-fit technology that has been honed, refined and engineered over many years, push-fit fittings provide a reliable, leak-proof seal, with many coming with long warranties, in some cases up to 50 years.

They are easy to use in emergencies too, as they require no special tools to make the connection. Simply push the pipe fully into the ﬁtting and the connection is made. They are also simple to demount – JG Speedﬁt products again require no tools to disconnect the pipework, while SharkBite’s can be demounted by hand through easy-to-use disconnecting clips.

Protection from pipe problems Frozen and burst pipes are another key reason for emergency callouts. When water freezes within pipework, it causes expansion and can split the pipe, leading to ﬂooding and homes being left without access to running water. For installers on such a callout, once the initial leak or burst has been rectiﬁed there are a few best practices to have in mind to ensure this does not happen again – namely these are with placement, protection, and prevention. Firstly, placement of pipework is a way to safeguard against freezing. Pipes should avoid being routed through areas of the building that are prone to sub-zero temperatures. For instance, avoid putting pipework in lofts or basements.

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Next is protection. If pipework must be placed in areas prone to freezing, then make sure they are lagged effectively. Lagging will provide the pipe with insulation, and provide better protection against sub-zero freezing temperatures. Finally, prevention. Often the best way to avoid frozen pipes is to prevent the water from freezing in the first place. To do that, installers can recommend smart thermostats to homeowners for better programming, and also advise that any pipework that is likely to freeze is drained down. Installers should also consider replacing copper pipes with plastic pipes. JG Layflat polybutylene pipe is made of five layers, the centre of which is a blue coloured oxygen barrier which prevents the ingress of air into the system, reducing the effect of corrosion on metal components.

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Pipework reconfiguration Going on a callout is much different to working on new build or new projects. Instead of facing the blank canvas of an empty cupboard under the sink, installers could well be met with an array of pipes, valves, and fittings that have been added, chopped, changed and tangled together in an unfathomable knot over many years. Getting to the leak point is one thing, fixing it or fitting new components is another, especially if tools are required. This can be rectified through push-fit combination fittings that help save space and allow for pipework reconfigurations. For example, RWC’s JG Speedfit has many clever fittings that are simple to use install, such as the double check service valve that combines two features into one, backflow and isolation, and only requires a push to connect. Another example is JG Speedfit’s Appliance Tee, a second-fix fitting designed for the connection of appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. The valve allows isolation for maintenance or installation, and to install, push the valve fully on to the pipe and thread the appliance hose on to the valve.

Getting to the leak point is one thing, fixing it or fitting new components is another. Pressure problems Another common cause of emergency callouts is when a pipe has suddenly burst and has led to flooding. There could be many reasons for this, but a usual one is when there has been a surge of pressure from the water mains entering the home. Normally, there is a pressure reducing valve (PRV) fitted by the water authorities to regulate the pressure of water coming into the building, and for domestic homes, it is usually between 1 bar and 3 bar. However, if this PRV fails for any reason, a surge in pressure could then cause fittings to blow in the home. To avoid these circumstances an additional PRV, such as RWC’s 312 Compact PRV from Reliance Valves, is installed to protect homes from any failures in the water authority’s pipework. These valves should be fitted at the point where the mains pipework first enters the property, and usually, these lead into the kitchen. For more about RWC and its brands, please www.rdr.link/pac010

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HEATING & RENEWABLES

IN Control FOR EFFICIENCY The latest heating controls give customers access to advanced functionality and energy efficiency. However, some of the terms can take some explaining, so how do you sell these to customers? Martin Wilson, Sales Director UK, at Resideo suggests the advanced features to look out for and how to package up the benefits for customers.

ith the drive towards sustainability continuing to gain momentum amongst homeowners, installers will increasingly be expected to offer the solutions that can help play a part in achieving the goal of a greener tomorrow, as well being able to provide more immediate energy savings. For installers, this presents the perfect opportunity to help put customers back in command of their heating system, and unlock potential savings available of whichever heat source they opt for; be it a heat pump or boiler. The next generation of the Honeywell Home evohome smart zoning system, for instance, has been developed to be an all-in-one, universal control that can work with boilers and heat pumps, learn to scale energy usage to avoid waste, and switch between warm and cool weather settings. But how do you present the beneﬁts to homeowners?

Heat Pump compatibility With a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028 set by the Government as part of its ‘10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’, and the switch to this type of heat source in new builds by 2025, the technology is playing

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an increasing role in decarbonising heat in our homes. Typically, a gas boiler takes about half an hour to heat a house, so it can run in quick bursts to provide heating for a short time if needed without significantly impacting the energy bill, the boiler, or comfort levels. As heat pumps work with lower system temperatures, they take a lot longer to warm up a property to the desired temperature. Also, a certain amount of flow needs to be maintained to the heat pump. If the flow rate drops below a threshold, a heat pump will stop operating regardless of what the controls ask for. So, selecting a control that can maximise the output of the heat pump is crucial to getting the best from the system.

37%

A recent survey by Resideo of 2,000 homeowners found 37% would buy a smart thermostat to save money on energy bills

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evohome is compatible with both traditional boilers and modern high-efficiency combi boilers and heat pumps. It can be used to control underfloor heating, which is often installed as the heat emitter alongside heat pumps. Settings for stored hot water and radiators can also be managed via evohome, making it a highly versatile solution now and into the future.

Cooling functionality As some heat pumps can cool as well as heat, cooling control will become a new application for those installing a smart control, like evohome. The feature allows end users to easily switch the system between heating and cooling mode, and installer to select which rooms are suitable for cooling. Low temperature water being circulated around the radiators or underﬂoor circuits absorbs excessive heat in the home and helps keep the rooms comfortable in summer.

Zoning Due to the pandemic, we are now spending more time in our homes, meaning that heating demands are changing. A recent survey by Resideo of 2,000 homeowners found 37% would buy a smart thermostat to save money on energy bills, and 24% said this would also enable them to have greater control over the temperature of their home. So, by having a smart zoning feature available, customers can control the temperature in rooms they aren’t using, therefore saving energy and money. This functionality requires additional radiator thermostats to wirelessly measure and control temperatures in individual spaces, which offers installers a valuable opportunity to customers. In the case of evohome, up to 12 different room temperatures (or zones) can be created across the home without the need to disturb decor. This can work for those installing a heat pump too. However, a heat pump which regularly switches on and off cannot run efficiently, leaving the homeowners unable to reap the full ﬁnancial beneﬁts of this technology. So, if a property with a heat pump is split into different zones, care will need to be taken to avoid ‘over-zoning’ and ensure that the amount of heat called for through the control stays within the modulation capabilities of the heat pump.

evohome is compatible with both traditional boilers and modern high-efficiency combi boilers and heat pumps. Smart weather control When we head into the spring and summer months and the outside weather warms up, naturally the need to heat our homes reduces. Yet, we all know temperatures can drop during transition months leaving us with an unexpected chilly snap. Advances in technology mean homeowners can rely on smarter control offerings to navigate temperature ﬂuctuations during seasonal transition periods. Here the control monitors outside weather temperatures and communicates with the heating system to adjust the temperature within the property, so that the system is running as efficiently as possible. Making even more of this function, the smart weather feature on the evohome system is designed to improve control of each of the zone temperatures, reducing the heating system’s energy usage based on the outside temperature, room temperature, the setpoint for the room, and a feature that learns the heat losses in each room. This is particularly useful in rooms where poor insulation or large windows can make it feel less comfortable when the outside temperature drops. Here, evohome’s cold weather boost will increase the set temperature when it detects a drop outside and automatically go back to normal when the outside temperature rises again. This keeps comfort levels of the room where they should be without using unnecessary energy. The same applies to the warm weather

saver option. Again, it will follow the set programme to run on cooler days but will automatically reduce or switch off the heating when it warms up outside or the room temperature increases.

Advanced load scaling Load scaling, where a boiler only ﬁres to the power needed to get the room to the desired temperature, has been around for some years. However, taking this further, evohome’s patented Advanced Load Scaling technology automatically learns each zone’s heat capacity to better control the boiler’s output. This limits inefficient high return temperatures and runs the boiler in its most efficient mode.

Conclusion With Government targets currently aiming for a reduction in CO2 emissions by 78% of 1990 levels by 2035, the way we heat and cool our homes and generate hot water is going to change rapidly over the next few years and beyond. By having a universal solution to control how appliances consume energy across multiple zones, and, importantly, being able to sell these features to customers, installers are well placed to help homeowners save money and energy, whilst at the same time helping move heating systems towards being more sustainable now and in the future. For information please www.rdr.link/pac011

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Viessmann Vitocal 200-A air source heat pump

HEATING & RENEWABLES

MAPPING THE ROUTE TO RENEWABLES Viessmann Marketing Director, Darren McMahon, assesses the likely impacts of the latest government policies designed to decarbonise the heating sector.

n recent weeks, the industry has reacted to the Government’s new Heat and Buildings Strategy, in particular the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Opening in spring 2022, the latter aims to encourage the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems by offering capital grants to property owners to install heat pumps or biomass boilers. Like others across the industry, we welcome this fresh investment in heat decarbonisation initiatives. It’s greatly needed to help unleash the innovation and training we need to drive the uptake of low carbon technologies. We also welcome the strengthening of regulations and enforcement to ensure installation quality. Whilst we welcome this new funding mechanism, we’re also realistic about the scheme’s likely impact. Like the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (dRHI) that it effectively replaces, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may deliver an increase in heat pump sales. However, the expected number of installations will be lower than required to achieve our national target of 600,000 per year by 2028, as the budget is insufficient. Quite simply, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme alone is not enough.

Viessmann Marketing Director Darren McMahon

Market-driven approach There was however, another less widely known and discussed government consultation published alongside the Heat in Buildings Strategy: ‘A market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat’. The proposals raise some intriguing questions about how the shortfall in heat pump volume might be made up. It suggests an industry-led, market-incentive mechanism, similar to that used in the automotive industry to reduce vehicle emissions. Slated to come into force in 2024, it aims to provide a ‘clear, long-term policy framework’ to stimulate investment and innovation in the heat pump sector. The proposed mechanism would require appliance manufacturers to achieve a deﬁned and growing number of low carbon heating product sales by making ‘the switch to a heat pump an increasingly attractive, mainstream choice’. Among other things, this includes an ambition to reduce the installation costs of heat pumps by 20-25% by 2025, en route to achieving parity with boiler pricing by 2030. To support this, a range of ﬁnancial assistance and market stimulation measures are currently under

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We need a multifaceted approach to achieve our climate goals consideration. The proposal includes all kinds of heat pumps, including hybrids and low and high temperature models. This type of market-incentive approach puts the onus on manufacturers and suppliers of fossil fuel appliances to drive heat pump take-up. The government has previously been challenged for assuming that an increase in volume alone will drive down heat pump prices, especially as much of the market is dominated by brands with reverse-engineered air con units which already have economies of scale. After all, many manufacturers, including Viessmann, have been offering

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al e p

A Viessmann prototype hydrogen boiler

low-carbon heating systems for decades, yet customers still largely opt for conventional boilers. This initiative seeks to address this by ensuring manufacturers and installers adjust their pricing to encourage the right consumer behaviour, regardless of demand or economies of scale. Numerous questions about the mechanism remain and BEIS is currently seeking industry input on the technologies, targets, trading options, administration and enforcement options.

Flexibility is key While the combination of these new schemes and proposals scoped out by BEIS do promise to move us closer to heating decarbonisation, problems remain. There is arguably too much emphasis on heat pumps, while appliances such as hydrogen boilers, hybrids and fuel cells– which offer an easier, faster and more inclusive energy transition for much of the UK’s housing stock – are still not explicitly supported. We need a multifaceted approach to achieve our climate goals, incorporating hydrogen, heat networks, hybrid systems, connected appliances and heat pumps. Even the name of the ‘Boiler Upgrade Scheme’ appears to denigrate appliances that – thanks to initiatives such as Boiler Plus, which the Government expects to invest in further – are already greatly contributing to lowering emissions. The built environment is heterogeneous, UK housing stock is very diverse and end user needs are different; this means that there are no general-purpose solutions and technologies such as heat pumps, hybrids, fuel cells and hydrogen boilers will work synergistically. Narrowing the scope of technical approaches is wrong-headed. Policy makers should be seeking to provide flexibility to keep our options as open as possible, while ensuring a rapid and well-managed transition to a range of solutions. For more information please www.rdr.link/pac012

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HEATING & RENEWABLES

PICKING A

loyalty scheme

Loyalty schemes are a popular way for heating manufacturers to encourage and reward heating engineers for using their products. But what should oil and gas installers be looking for in a loyalty scheme? Jason Davies, National Sales Manager at Navien, explains.

Jason Davies

esearch from 2020 revealed that nearly 80% of the British population are members of a loyalty programme.* Indeed, reward schemes are commonplace in a variety of industries and have proven to be hugely beneficial to their members. But what exactly should oil and gas engineers be aware of prior to signing up to such an initiative? Although different types of loyalty programme exist, from collecting points or tokens, to earning virtual currency or unlocking special discounts, their overall goal remains the same: customer satisfaction. When a company recognises its loyal customers, it should make them feel valued – and the rewards should be beneficial. Loyalty schemes are useful for a reason; they benefit both a business and its members. So, how does this work in the heating industry, between boiler manufacturers and installers? Well, introducing loyalty programmes provides boiler brands with a means of offering rewards tailored to their needs. However, a reputable scheme shouldn’t be at the cost of other benefits. Training, technical support and factory visits should be offered as standard, so when it comes to loyalty schemes, there needs to be something different, memorable and extremely rewarding on offer!

From a commercial perspective, loyalty schemes greatly enhance what a business has to offer, providing installers with a reason to choose a particular brand ahead of a competitor. But we also know there are many options for oil and gas engineers to choose from, so understanding what’s on offer is vital.

the relationship between a heating manufacturer and its installer customers is crucial.

Your choice

To put this into context, an installer could get a wireless speaker after registering just one gas boiler, or, install nine blue ﬂame oil boilers to acquire enough points for a 4K television or an iPad. We have received great feedback from gas and oil engineers about the scheme, with many commenting how much they are enjoying the opportunity to get items they would normally have to pay cash for – as

At Navien, our experience and research revealed engineers beneﬁt the most from rewards-based loyalty programmes, which led to us launching our own scheme: Navien Choice. By offering reward points for every boiler registered, installers then have the option of either ‘banking’ them or redeeming straight away. Instant rewards, or save up for something bigger.

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well as having the chance to save up for larger items as potential gifts for friends and family. This is in addition to general business support, including free training, van wrapping, dual-branded clothes and factory visits to Korea, all of which helps installers take their companies to the next level. In such a competitive industry, the relationship between a heating manufacturer and its installer customers is crucial. Loyalty schemes are an integral means of retaining customers, providing a reason to remain faithful to a brand rather than looking around and checking out what competitors are offering.

Simple approach Keeping things simple is the most effective tactic, as illustrated in the ﬁndings of a recent study by researchers at Washington

University. They found non-tiered customer programmes increased customer value by almost 30% over a ﬁve-year period.** So, rather than having to move up to different levels (or ‘tiers’) of membership to qualify for certain rewards or services, everyone is treated as equal and on a level playing ﬁeld. We think that’s the way to do it too. While many businesses will be intent on gaining as many new customers as possible, it is imperative existing clients are not overlooked and left behind. A well-devised loyalty scheme offers the best of both worlds, by ensuring existing customers are treated the same as new ones. So, each individual loyalty scheme presents an opportunity for a manufacturer to show its appreciation towards its long-term customer base, while at the same time attracting new heating

engineers to its product range. For installers, it is really a matter of making sure the scheme is going to deliver the beneﬁts they deserve. We, for one, ﬁrmly believe that you can’t go wrong with a smart choice of rewards – after all, who doesn’t like the latest gadgets and gear? *https://thecircularboard.com/customer-loyalty-statistics/ **https://source.wustl.edu/2020/04/loyalty-programs-boostbusinesses-ability-to-keep-customers/

For more information on Navien please www.rdr.link/pac013

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HEATING & RENEWABLES

TOWARDS A FUTURE In a move which diversifies its product range, Worcester Bosch has introduced two new heating solutions: a new Air to Water Heat Pump and a hybrid heat pump.

orcester Bosch has announced the launch of the 7001iAW air to water heat pump and the Hybrid 7000iAW, a low-carbon air to water heat pump and hybrid heat pump and boiler respectively. Through the move, the manufacturer is further diversifying its product range to offer a full range of technologies for evolving user needs. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management, said, “Although many know us as the UK’s leading boiler manufacturer, we do in fact offer a full suite of heating and cooling technologies, including heat pumps and hybrid solutions.” The 7001iAW and Hybrid 7000iAW are two such examples, the former an air to water heat pump that can provide both cooling and heating for homeowners, and the latter a hybrid system compatible with a range of heat pumps and combi boilers which uses the best of both worlds to efficiently heat the home.

Low carbon Suitable for renovation and new build projects, the products have been developed to utilise high efficiency, low carbon technology to deliver the beneﬁts of using ambient air as the primary energy source for space heating and hot water. The 7001iAW air to water heat pump has a monobloc design to house all refrigeration circuit components to keep maintenance low and a pre-configured AWE indoor unit for easy installation. There are optional standalone Green Storage WB range Heat Pump cylinders from 150 to 300 litres. The Hybrid 7000iAW allows the integration of a high efficiency low-carbon heat pump with the beneﬁts of a gas combi boiler, for small to medium properties. Features include simple installation through easy access, monitoring of temperatures to operate either the heat pump or the boiler for best overall efficiency, and no requirement for

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additional DHW storage due to hot water being generated by the boiler alone. Martyn Bridges continued: “As the country continues to look towards a greener future, we are pleased to introduce further sustainable products to give users more choice than ever on how they can heat their homes. “The 7001iAW air to water heat pump and the Hybrid 7000iAW will also be a welcome product for installers, who are able to increase their product offering to customers requiring more sophisticated, high-tech options at home.” For more information on the 7001iAW air to water heat pump please www.rdr.link/pac014

For further details on the Hybrid 7000iAW www.rdr.link/pac015 please

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HEATING & RENEWABLES

THE PATHWAY TO

HEAT PUMPS Peter Spurway, National Sales Manager – Heating Projects, LG, outlines some of changes necessary to increase the number of heat pumps being installed, and introduces the company’s Therma V R32 Hydrosplit system.

s many installers will be aware, recently the Government published its Boiler Upgrade Scheme, announcing £5,000 grants for installing a heat pump instead of a traditional fossil fuel driven boiler from April 2022. Whilst some will say its too little, too late, it is at least a concrete start as we head towards the Government’s plans for 600,000 heat pumps a year being installed by 2028. That will require significant investment in training installers to install heat pumps, but at least we are taking the first tentative steps along the pathway that will hopefully lead to zero carbon from domestic heating. As we all know, for heat pumps to work well, we need the levels of insulation in the home to be of a substantial level – far better than has traditionally been the case. Also, the heat emitters need to be of the right size and capacity – and that means in particular that radiators need to be larger or have a higher capacity to emit heat. This requirement that has seen the arrival of K3 radiators in the UK – a radiator with three panels and three fins – which is slightly wider but takes up a similar footprint to a K2, that is common in homes in the UK. Radiator manufacturers have already increased the range of radiator sizes available from stock and added significantly to the available ranges of vertical radiators which also provide a larger metal surface area to heat the air that circulates around the radiator and heats each room.

Hydrosplit system LG has recently introduced its Therma V R32 Hydrosplit. It’s based on the company’s Monobloc AWHP and connected to the home from the external unit by just a water pipe, so there is no risk of refrigerant ﬂowing into the living space. Without the need for a refrigerant pipe, installation becomes much easier. The system involves the installation of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit through the wall and a domestic hot water tank. Heating is via underﬂoor heating downstairs and radiators upstairs, or can be via radiators throughout the house. The system supplies domestic heat and hot water.

for heat pumps to work well, we need the levels of insulation in the home to be of a substantial level

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The outdoor unit incorporates the LG R1 compressor – operating range is improved to perform from 10Hz to 135Hz. It reaches the energy label ErP A+++ for space heating, and the LG Therma V Monobloc runs on the refrigerant R32 which has a Global Warming Potential of 675.

Response times LG units offer quick response times for the provision of heating and cooling, by sensing not only the temperature but also pressure – a pressure control sensor provides a fast and accurate response, reducing the time delay for implementing heating or cooling commands signiﬁcantly. The addition of pressure control enables the Therma V Monobloc to take less time to reach the desired temperatures, with up to 30% quicker response in cooling and 44% quicker response in heating, with a high level of accuracy and stability. LG has a mobile connectivity package called ThinQ – an app that connects to home appliances. ThinQ enables monitoring of a home from virtually anywhere in the world. This includes controlling, viewing energy consumption, or sending operational data to your service engineer.

To find out more about LG’s new Therma V R32 AWHP www.rdr.link/pac016

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

BATHROOM:

CHOICE

Technology is helping us in many different ways in our homes and that includes within the bathroom. David Bromell, Head of Marketing at Roca UK, takes a look at the different technologies available to installers.

e are becoming more and more familiar with technology that helps us within the home. We can turn the kettle on from our bed in the morning, have an app to control the heating while we are out and even buy a fridge that keeps track of our groceries. Whether it is for convenience or necessity, technology is now an integral part of our lives. You may not automatically think of installing technology within the bathroom, but it is something that should be considered. We now have the option to install smart mirrors, lighting, showers, or the latest innovative toilets. Products are being developed that incorporate useful, innovative technology that is easy to use and looks fantastic when installed in a bathroom. Not only that but they are also hygienic solutions to ensure our lives are as comfortable and safe as possible.

So, where do we start? Homeowners are looking for a number of things when they select a new bathroom. Functionality, hygiene and convenience are all high up on their agenda, but design, personalisation and technology are also key. Therefore technology that delivers both maximum comfort and a personalised bathroom experience is very important.

Touchless technology With increased demand for high levels of hygiene as a result of the pandemic, one of the key trends this year is touchless bathroom technology. That is why Roca has introduced the EM1 Touchless dual flush valve, which offers zero contact and maximum hygiene, reducing the need to touch flush buttons. With a minimalistic design, the EM1 valve can be simply retrofitted to upgrade an existing push button to an automatic toilet flush button, making it quick and easy to install with minimal effort.

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Playing music or a podcast in the bathroom can make the space personal to the user and bathroom furniture can now offer more than just space to store their toiletries. For example, Roca’s Stratum-N wall-hung furniture unit provides Bluetooth connectivity to integrated speakers. This allows the user to connect their phone to the unit and play their favourite music whilst bathing. Its hidden speakers project sound comfortably, yet effectively around the bathroom. The unit’s interior lighting offers the necessary level of brightness to assist the user when using the drawers. Touchless tap solutions provide higher levels of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Featuring infrared sensors, these intuitive products allow users to activate the water ﬂow in taps using a simple movement without the need for contact, avoiding the spreading of viruses and bacteria. Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E and L20-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water ﬂow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact.

Shower toilets Shower toilets are growing in popularity and as these technologies develop more consumers understand and appreciate the hygienic comfort and health advantages which are provided by intimate cleaning, using pure water. The main advantage of a shower WC, such as the Roca In-Wash In-Tank, is increased hygiene, together with that feeling of freshness which it gives the user.

The Roca In-Wash In-Tank, combines maximum intimate hygiene and greater freedom of installation with a WC, bidet and cistern, all-in-one. Controlled via a remote, In-Wash In-Tank does not require a frame and can be therefore installed wherever desired offering better use of space within the bathroom and greater design freedom.

Water wastage Developments in technology have also driven new, exciting product designs and have also allowed us to develop solutions that are more sustainable. There are products available that will reduce water wastage and will actually re-use water. For Roca, innovation has come in the form of recycling water used in the wash basin and reusing it to ﬂush the WC in the iconic W+W model. The W+W basin has two wastes – the basin waste and one further down the

waste pipe. The user has the option of either diverting it to the mains or recycling it by storing it in the cistern ready for the next flush. The unit saves around 25% water in a typical household. Smart shower users can also customise their preferences and have a unique showering experience. Roca’s Smart Shower has a sleek, simple interface allowing up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings including shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on their own individual needs. This digital shower can be controlled via an app meaning users can simply use their phone or tablet from a bedside to conveniently turn on the shower and activate the warm-up function. The smart shower not only caters for the entire family, but it also streamlines the bathroom’s functionality on a daily basis. Incorporating technology should be less about gimmicks and more about technology that is going to benefit homeowners long-term. Anything that makes the bathroom experience more streamlined, functionable, relaxing and hygienic is definitely a useful product for installers to understand.

For more details please www.rdr.link/pac017

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

BENEATH THE SURFACE The surfaces in bathrooms play an important part in the overall look. PHPI spoke with Mermaid Panels to find out some of the trends for the coming year.

s 2022 gets underway, installers can expect to see an array of new bathroom trends informing their customers’ bathroom projects. Following the challenges and uncertainty that 2021 dealt us, Mermaid Panels is forecasting three common themes that will likely be informing the way in which homeowners look to redesign or update their homes for the upcoming year and beyond: hopefulness, tranquillity, and personal sanctuary. Mermaid’s National Sales Manager Keely Greenhalgh comments: “2021 placed importance on having spaces in our home that allowed tranquillity, a sense of calm and a chance to take a step back and clear our minds. Meanwhile, the long months spent at home heightened our need to create a sanctuary – not only somewhere safe but somewhere inspiring and deeply unique and personal to each individual. And now, 2022 brings the hopeful prospect of more freedom again and the opportunity to be inspired at every turn – by beautiful dining settings, hotels and retreats, and travelling further afield.”

More space Mermaid Panels is reporting significant growth in the bathroom panels market as more consumers look to find surface solutions that are diverse in design, easy-fit and low maintenance. The brand has also seen increasing specification for larger size shower panel kits in the last year, with people opting to dedicate more space to the showering and bathing area and create a practical and more luxurious impact in their bathrooms. With this in mind, the shower and bathing zone is becoming even more

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Textured stone

integral to the overarching bathroom design and as such colour, pattern and texture are being used in new and innovative ways to make the shower space the centrepiece of the bathroom and evoke an enhanced sense of luxury and wellness. Here, Keely Greenhalgh highlights some of the key surface looks and designs consumers will be seeking in 2022:

Neutral colour palettes Clinical white walls are being replaced with soft neutrals such as taupe, cream and beige to create a minimalist setting that is softer and warmer. For 2022, the neutral palette is set to expand to include understated pink and super-soft pastel tones, which work particularly well for those seeking a more traditional aesthetic for their bathroom. The ever-popular look of marble will become much softer too, with homeowners set to favour marble designs with more delicate veining. Marble effects, a look which can be expertly achieved with bathroom panels thanks to their waterproof core, are also now shifting towards softer, neutral tones where a warmer style is desired.

2021 placed importance on having spaces in our home that allowed tranquillity, a sense of calm and a chance to take a step back and clear our minds. easily create the centrepiece for the entire space. Decadent heritage bathrooms will also feature period brassware, rich brass accents and sculpted shapes within ceramics, lighting, furniture and accessories. In addition, Mermaid’s Elite range of panels are all completely trimless with post-formed edges which creates a uniquely seamless and curved edging, adding a premium look and quality ﬁnish which perfectly suits this up-and-coming bathroom trend.

The trend for industrial style bathrooms in recent years has seen homeowners demanding more from the surface materials in their home – from exposed brick to terrazzo, slate and natural stones. The notion of having natural-style materials in the bathroom can be very grounding and soothing, creating a relaxing and calming environment where homeowners can retreat to and unwind at the end of a long day. With Mermaid Panels’ patented technology, the intricacies of raw materials can be artistically reproduced in an easy to ﬁt and low-maintenance panel solution that looks just like the real thing. In an industrial-inspired bathroom, texture is an equally important component in order to both look and feel authentic. Many of Mermaid’s Elite panel designs offer a signature textured effect and offer more cost-efficiency than opting for the natural materials. Textured stone effects can be used to make a statement in the bathroom in several different ways: within the shower enclosure itself, wall-to-wall throughout the bathroom for a really striking and tactile design, or even mix-and-matched with other contrasting or complementing stone effect designs for an aesthetic that really strives to extract the beauty of the natural world and bring it into the home. For more details please www.rdr.link/pac018

Decadent heritage Decadent heritage is a fusion of a luxurious, decadent style enriched with statement features and colour, with a design that is reminiscent of historic and cultural references. For example, Casablanca-inspired mosaics are steeped in Moroccan culture and are perfect for creating a feature wall in the bathroom. Mermaid Panels’ Abruzzo panels use this pattern in shades of grey and black to make an eye-catching statement that can

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

Need a

BOOST

Salamander Pumps explores some of the myths around boosting mains water.

oor water pressure and flow affects many households up and down the country. This problem isn’t just an issue for homeowners – it can be a sticking point for installers too. For homeowners, low water pressure means poor shower performance or slow-filling baths. However, for installers, it can mean that they don’t have the necessary flow rates to install the product they had planned. Boosting the flow and pressure from a home’s incoming mains supply can be a fairly straightforward solution to these problems – however there remain a few common misconceptions around boosting main water. Here, Salamander Pumps, a manufacturer of water boosting solutions, looks at some of the more commonly held myths.

��

‘You can’t boost mains water’

There’s a general misconception across the industry that a pump cannot be installed on the incoming mains water supply pipe. However, this is not the case.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 state that a pump or booster can be connected to the mains water supply, provided that it does not draw more than 12 litres per minute (l/min). However, as many households experience a ﬂow much lower than this, they can actually boost their incoming mains water up to this limit. Inline pumps, such as Salamander Pump’s HomeBoost or CombiBoost, can be installed either after the stop tap or just before a combi boiler, to increase a home’s water pressure and ﬂow to up to 12l/min, but crucially, never above.

Before

28 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

After

Poor water pressure and flow affects many households up and down the country. ��

‘you can’t boost mains water beyond 12l/min’

For larger homes with greater water demand, this 12l/min limit may not be sufficient to run multiple showers and outlets simultaneously. Thankfully, there is a solution. Accumulator tanks can provide flow rates far greater than 12l/min – even up to 36l/min per tank, whilst still conforming to the regulations. An accumulator tank stores water, which when an outlet is opened adds additional water to the natural mains water flow without the need to draw from the mains. Pumped models will only boost the incoming mains water flow up to 12l/min. Therefore, accumulators offer an excellent, water regulations compliant solution to boosting mains water.

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● How many outlets do you want to run

Salamander’s range of accumulator tanks, AccuBoost, consists of nine different models, ranging from 60 litres to 450 litres, to provide a solution to boosting mains water when higher ﬂow rates are required, over and above what the mains water is currently supplying.

��

‘Accumulator tanks are hard to specify’

Mains boosting has often been a complex problem for homeowners, however Salamander Pumps’ MainsBooster range aims to simplify this process, through an easy-to-use product selector tool on the company’s website. When specifying a tank, there are four main factors to consider: ● Pumped or unpumped?

Accumulator tanks are available either as pumped and unpumped models. You should install a pumped tank if the home’s water pressure is less than 2.0 bar, the water ﬂow is less than 12l/min, or the highest outlet is on the second ﬂoor or higher. ● Combi boiler or unvented?

All options are suitable for a combi boiler. However a home with an unvented system requires a minimum of 300 or 450 litres capacity.

at once? To specify which size tank a home needs, you need to calculate the ﬂow rate per minute of the outlets that will run at any one time. You should then choose the tank size which will provide this ﬂow rate for a minimum of nine minutes (the average length of a shower). Below is a rough rule of thumb of what pumped tanks can offer: ● ● ● ● ●

60L tank - up to 14l/min 120L tank - up to 16l/min 180L tank - up to 18l/min 300L tank - up to 30l/min 450L tank - up to 36l/min

For more information on how you can boost mains water www.rdr.link/pac019

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

IN THE MIX

With growing interest in contemporary finishes in the bathroom, PHPI takes a look at the Midas 220 mixer shower range from Aqualisa, which now features a black metal finish.

30 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

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qualisa has announced an additional series within its premium Midas 220 mixer shower collection, featuring an elegant black metal ﬁnish. The addition has been designed to make a bold, contemporary statement, and satisfy a growing consumer demand for black bathroom products and accessories. The Midas 220 in Black series is equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and each model complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality. There are three options available in the line-up: a single outlet bar mixer shower with adjustable shower head, a dual outlet shower column mixer with 245mm drencher and adjustable head, and a bath shower mixer with adjustable shower head.

Single or dual The single outlet Midas 220 in Black is built from brass, and is a fully thermostatic valve with cool touch surface technology. It offers a ﬁve spray mode handset that can be adjusted to numerous heights and angles. The dual outlet version is a brass, wall-mounted exposed bar valve with cool touch surface technology which includes an integrated diverter for a conventional adjustable handset shower, or an overhead drencher shower from a 245mm ﬁxed deluge

head. This model incorporates a telescopic rail for extra installation ﬂexibility, making it suitable for a variety of showering spaces.

Bath shower mixer This option provides a combination of shower and bath fill for a flexible family bathroom experience. The brass deck-mounted valve delivers strong flow rates to fill the bath quickly, as well as ensuring an invigorating shower – with thermostatically-controlled temperature and cool touch surface technology. The 24mm five-mode handset included with each shower features rub-clean jets, and an easy-fit bracket is included with each product. Tim Creedon, Sales Director at Aqualisa, commented, “The black brassware colourway has never been as popular as it is now. Offering high-calibre performance combined with bold and distinctive styling, the Midas 220 in Black blends an iconic and trusted design with refined, on-trend styling for the modern home environment. With three stunning choices, this new collection makes an immediate impact, as well as offering the versatility to accommodate an array of different bathroom spaces, configurations and sizes.” The Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black range is backed by the Aqualisa five year guarantee.

For further details please www.rdr.link/pac020

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 31

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

PHPI recently caught up with Alex Hyslop, Marketing Manager for Product & Service at Mira Showers, who told us more about the company’s centenary and its latest solutions for bathroom renovations.

MIRA SHOWERS –

100YEARS I

n 2021 Mira Showers celebrated its 100th year anniversary and Alex began by telling us a little more about the evolution of the shower over the last century. Looking back at the beginning of Mira Showers, Alex said: “Innovation is in our DNA. We’ve always approached design with a drive for pushing the boundaries.” “This is evident as far back as the 1930’s, where we launched the Leonard valve, the ﬁrst thermostatic mixer shower to the market. Revolutionary for its time, the technology inside the Leonard valve ensured users were safe from sudden scalding or cold shots of water – making for an enjoyable and relaxing showering experience.” Alex continued: “Since this early innovation, we certainly haven’t been resting on our laurels, and have continued to evolve and innovate what our mixer showers can offer in order to meet consumer and installer needs.”

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One example of this is the Mira Minimal mixer shower. Launched in Mira’s 100th year, the Mira Minimal is a solution for the smaller, modern bathroom. The range has been designed with simple installation in mind and with a smaller footprint than many traditional mixer showers. Another recent solution, launched in 2019, is the Mira Décor which brought a dual outlet option to the company’s electric shower range. Alex commented: “Enhancing our electric showers range with the addition of a dual outlet option, gives our customers the opportunity to replace their standard electric with an electric shower that has a stunning overhead rainfall deluge alongside the standard handset. Being able to offer our electric shower customers the same luxurious experience that our mixers provide, means it’s incredibly easy to upgrade your current electric with a little spa-like luxury, but with an easy installation.”

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Sustainability With sustainability becoming ever more crucial, Mira has developed a range of products and technologies to include a more sustainable focus – including the Mira Activate, a digital mixer shower and one of the company’s latest additions. Alex said: “Offering app control, the Mira Activate offers the user full autonomy over their showering experience as well as providing a simple hassle-free installation for the installer. “The Mira Activate uses digital showering technology to provide wider benefits such as tailoring your showering experience to your own user profile, as well as including considerations to our environment. Just as technology throughout the home allows consumers to monitor energy use through a smart meter or app-enabled home thermostat, Mira Activate allows for the monitoring of water usage as well as control of water temperature and flow through the Mira Showers app.” In its centenary year Mira also launched the Mira HeatCapture which utilises heat from the bathroom wastewater to increase the efficiency of a domestic heating system.

Mira is driving towards the net zero goal and we’re committed to developing products in line with this. Continual evolution Looking towards the future Alex said: “We can’t reveal too much about the future of Mira Showers at this point, but as part of any design process, we use our knowledge and expertise to develop products for the future. With over 100 designers and engineers working tirelessly on innovative new showering products and processes means Mira continues to be ahead of the curve in providing excellent products for customers and installers alike. “How we continue to evolve will certainly feature sustainability at the forefront as we have a responsibility to create products that ﬁt into the future government guidelines surrounding heat efficiency and sustainability. Mira is driving towards the net zero goal and we’re committed to developing products in line with this.”

Installer community To help make installer’s lives easier, the company has launched InstallerPRO – which has free membership – and has been designed exclusively for independent trade professionals. It offers priority technical support, business development tools, the latest professional training – plus a range of merchandise, installer kit and retail voucher rewards. Alex remarked: “The InstallerPRO program was our way of saying thank you to installers who have been using our products for 100 years and we hope that they continue using our new innovations into the future.” To find out more please www.rdr.link/pac021

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 33

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Key features of Snickers Workear’s FlexiWork Trousers

ric with stretch ● Durable ripstop fab d holster pockets ● Removable reinforce zipper). h wit (attached er thighs. ● Zip ventilation at inn knees ● Stretch CORDURA at d an ity for flexibil durability

Snickers Workwear is a well-known brand to professional tradesman, and PHPI recently gave Steve and Matt Hamilton from Astral Plumbing the chance to try out some of the company’s gear…

Key features of Snickers Workear’s D3O Ergo Craftsmen Kneepads

WEAR IT’S AT Snickers FlexiWork Trousers

These are a really comfortable fit. I really like the stretch material. The trousers don’t catch or rub when moving around or kneeling and crouching at work. Very helpful when working in tight spaces. This really is a big deal, as you would be surprised how many works trousers I’ve tried tend to grab on the legs, greatly reducing mobility, particularly when you get a bit hot and sticky. There is a good number and quality pockets as you’d expect with a work trouser. The knee pads are easily replaceable, with an external pocket. Much easier than the internal option in my previous work trousers. The knee pads sit lower on the leg than I’ve had in the past, which took some getting used to. But after a few days of adjustment, I’ve found this helps with mobility and comfort in most daily situations.

Inverted Pile Jacket This really is very comfortable and warm. It has a really nice fleece lining. It’s an excellent jacket for the colder days, and it’s quite a loose fit which is great when working. Despite this, the sleeves grip well at the wrists to prevent getting in the way when working.

The jacket also comes with drawstring fasteners around the bottom to hug the jacket to your body. Something I find helpful at work, preventing any clothing getting in the way, whilst maintaining a comfortable fit. We never really got the chance to test how waterproof the jacket was, but at the very least, it is clearly water resistant, and kept me dry in a light shower. I actually think it’s a very smart good looking jacket, in particular the pattern on the sleeves. This has the added benefit of being highly reflective. When working in the dark, out of the van, on a busy street (not an unusual scenario in the winter months) it really lights up in car headlights, greatly increasing visibility, and genuinely provides an added level of safety.

Astral Plumbing is a family business based in Hertfordshire, offering general plumbing, heating, servicing, installations and repairs. It has been established for 38 years and is a father and son operation, Dad is Steve Hamilton, son is Matt Hamilton.

For more details on Snickers Workwear www.rdr.link/pac022 please

34 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

● D3O material for enh anced impact protection

● EN 14404 Type 2, Lev el 1 knee protection ● Retains shape for ext ended periods of frequent kneeling ● Ergonomic design for a tight and secure ● Compatible with the KneeGuard system

Key features of Snickers Workear’s Inverted Pile Jacket ● Laminated fabric with a cozy, insulating pile backside ● Reflective transfer at sleeves and neck ● 2-way vislon zipper with rubber puller at center front ● Rubber zipper pullers for easy grip ● Elastic and adjustable drawcord at bottom hem

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

CLEAN UP

WD-40 has revealed a new-look ‘Specialist‘ range of lubricants, greases and cleaners.

he WD-40 Company has redesigned its Specialist product range to mirror the recognisable design of its WD-40 Multi-Use Product. By creating a coherent look across the entire brand, it is hoping to help busy professionals select the right Specialist product for the task in hand. The company has revealed that early research indicates that by bringing the Specialist range in line with the WD-40 branding, professionals were 26% faster at ﬁnding the product they were searching for.

Original launch The WD-40 Specialist line was ﬁrst launched in 2011 to provide a professional-grade range of lubricants, greases and cleaners for use in industrial settings. From October 2021, each of the ranges’ nine products – High Performance White Lithium Grease, Long Lasting Spray Grease, Anti-Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant Spray, High Performance Silicone Lubricant, Fast Drying Contact Cleaner, Fast Release Penetrant Spray, Fast Acting Degreaser Spray, Multi-Purpose Cutting Oil

and High Performance PTFE Lubricant – has featured a new typeface with simpliﬁed messaging, featuring the stand-out icon and bold colours.

Face lift Whilst the WD-40 Specialist range cans have been given a face-lift, the formulas inside remain the same. Kal Kozomos, Digital E Commerce Manager at WD-40 UK, commented: “Our range of Specialist products have been constantly evolving since we originally introduced them in 2011. All have been developed for speciﬁc needs within the

Our range of Specialist products have been constantly evolving since we originally introduced them in 2011

36 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

professional and industrial environment. “When we surveyed our customers on how we could make further improvements, the feedback was that the products themselves were faultless, but they often found it difficult to differentiate between our cans, and the others on the shelf. Bringing the design of our Specialist cans in-line with Multi-Use Product, which is instantly recognised around the world, seemed the obvious solution - and one that has had an instant effect.” Each product’s new can is ﬁtted with Spray-2-Ways technology, and a Smart Straw, enabling broad coverage for heavy duty use along with precise application for hard-to-reach areas, minimising over spray and waste. The 360-degree valve allows the product to be used in any direction. To find out more about the WD-40 Specialist range www.rdr.link/pac023

NEW STYLE PH TF MAG AD_Layout 1 06/01/2022 09:16 Page 1

THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Primary Pro

The company behind Condensate Pro has recently launched ‘Primary Pro’, a simple way to protect external heating pipework. Developed by installer and inventor of Condensate Pro, Dave Smith, ‘Primary Pro’, has been designed to help installers provide maximum efficiency with a professional ﬁnish. The Primary Pro product includes bespoke 28mm by 19mm UV-stable and weatherproof insulation and a ‘Bond & Seal’ sealant. “Primary Pro offers installers a quick, neat and cost-effective way to provide the very best insulation on external heating pipework, improving the aesthetics and protection performance over traditional lagging or plastic boxing,” explained Dave. “Our products are ideal for use on the external pipework associated with air source heat pump installations. With more heat pump installations expected as the UK moves towards meeting its Net Zero targets, insulating and sealing the pipework is so important to make sure every bit of heat and energy is not wasted.”

PIPE PROTECTION Condensate Pro has issued a fresh appeal to installers this winter – helping to prevent boiler breakdowns.

nvented and launched by heating engineer Dave Smith, Condensate Pro prevents condensate pipes freezing in low temperatures – a common cause of gas boilers malfunctioning or breaking down when they are really needed the most. Now,

The ‘Primary Pro’ Insulation is for 28mm pipework and can be use with solder or press ﬁt, ﬁtting 1m semi-rigid insulation pipes. Each length of insulation is protected with a UV-stable and weatherproof coating. The insulation has been specially designed for easy cutting, mitring and bonding. For more details and to watch a video on how to install Primary Pro www.rdr.link/pac024

38 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

with winter upon us, the company is issuing a fresh reminder that it is important to prevent condensate pipes from freezing. “6,000 boilers are fitted every working day and 70% of those installed in houses will have a condensate terminating externally,” explained Dave. “Condensate Pro was launched to help installers provide the best protection for condensate pipes, while ensuring the finish looks professional and complies with all maufacturers’ instructions, guidance and regulations. “Condensate Pro fits all types of installations including grate, rainwater soil pipe and soakaways, and the insulation and product are UV-stable and waterproof. It is also easy to maintain throughout the life of the boiler with a simple application of our water-based maintnenance coat. This can be done when the boiler is being serviced every five to six years depending on location,” continued Dave.

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GIVEAWAYS GRAB SOME GEAR All this month’s giveaways are now on one handy webpage, meaning you only have to enter your details once! For more fantastic giveaways and competitions, www.rdr.link/pac026

THE QUOTE HANDBOOK BY AARON MCLEISH

Written by Aaron Mcleish, a specialist accountant for the plumbing and heating industry, ‘The Quote Handbook – Essential Steps to Building the Perfect Boiler Quote’ is designed to help heating engineers deliver the perfect boiler quote. It takes the reader on a journey, from receiving the initial phone call from the customer to scope out a boiler replacement, handling the initial inquiry, answering questions of the customer when you attend their premises and then using all that information to produce the perfect quote.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN www.rdr.link/pac027

Frozen pipes With more extreme weather events, making sure householders are protected when ﬁtting or servicing a boiler is very important. Unfortunately, many customers will not know whether they are protected until it is too late, as we saw in previous years when, after only a few days of freezing weather across the UK, many homes had no heating due to frozen condensate pipes. “Since its launch in 2019, we have listened to installers and packaged the Bond & Seal into 150g tubes, which ﬁts perfectly into a mastic gun and a Combo Kit that has everything in for a 1m installation. Installers can simply use the Condensate Pro insulation and Bond & Seal to make their own or use the Condensate Pro kits – saving even more time on site.” For more details and to watch how to install Condensate Pro www.rdr.link/pac025 please

SNICKERS WORKWEAR REVERSIBLE BEANIES Giving you reversible warmth on top, this soft and cosy beanie has contemporary oversized design for more relaxed look on site. With a Snickers Workwear logo knitted into the fabric it can either be a stand-out hi-vis or a more subtle grey. It comes in light, soft and stretchable fabric for optimum fit and comfort.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN www.rdr.link/pac028

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PRODUCT FOCUS

NEW LOW PROFILE UFH RANGE FROM RWC

WC has launched a new underfloor heating (UFH) solution to complement its existing JG Underfloor heating range. JG LowFit has been designed to keep the overall floor height to a minimum without compromising heat output. The company’s JG LowFit is designed to benefit both new build and retrofit projects, with the solution keeping the overall floor level to a minimum through low-profile panelling options, ranging from 16mm-20mm in thickness. Mike Riseley, UK Sales Director at RWC, commented: “With the industry’s push for energy efficient heating solutions, RWC’s new JG LowFit range is ready to serve the market. Our new collection of products offers installers a convenient and unobtrusive UFH solution to work alongside alternative heating technologies, such as heat pumps, without compromising on performance.” Acknowledging the importance of retrofit projects, RWC’s JG LowFit foil and mesh panels have been designed to be placed over existing timber or concrete flooring. This means installers can avoid the need to spend time prising up the build’s flooring.

Flooring options The new range’s full panelling options are suitable for screed, non-screed, tiled and existing concrete floors. The 12mm JG LowFit Layflat Barrier Polybutylene Pipe offers flexibility when laying and includes an inner barrier to prevent the ingress of oxygen molecules, which helps reduce corrosion on metal parts within the system. Riseley continued: “At RWC, we want to ensure we are truly meeting the needs of heating and plumbing installers from product design to installation. This is why alongside our new panelling system, our latest JG LowFit manifolds come with JG Speedfit push-fit technology - exclusive to our JG Underfloor heating range. Featuring 12mm push-fit connections, our new JG LowFit manifolds are fast and simple to install.”

40 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

He concluded: “As with all our manifolds, they come with a pre-fitted wall bracket and isolation vibration mount, as well as a pre-assembled air vent, fill valve and adjustable flow meters. Available in sizes from 2 up to 12 ports, the manifold is also compatible with our JG Aura heating controls for independent zone control.” RWC also offers support for installers, including a UFH CAD service, and help from a team of National Technical Engineers able to advise on best practice – designed to ensure installers are provided with the knowledge required for every job.

For more information on RWC’s new JG LowFit range, please www.rdr.link/pac030

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PRODUCT FOCUS

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC LAUNCHES LOW-CARBON HEAT PUMP FOR MULTI-RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

n a move to provide a low carbon option for the multi-residential apartment sector, Mitsubishi Electric has launched Ecodan Hydrodan. A new water-to-water heat pump, the packaged ‘plug & play’ solution has been designed to provide heating and hot water in residential apartments, and to capitalise on the sustainable energy efficiency that the next generation of heat networks may offer. “There are already renewable heating solutions for single homes, but this is one of the ﬁrst truly low-carbon options available for multi-residential apartments”, said Alex Bagnell, Product Manager for Hydronics at Mitsubishi Electric. He continued: “The next decade will see us continue to decarbonise home heating, in order to reach the net-zero target and low-carbon technology will play a pivotal role here. Ecodan Hydrodan, and particularly the use of water-to-water heating, is well placed to support this”.

Heat network Ecodan Hydrodan units can be installed in individual apartments to deliver domestic hot water using an integrated storage tank, and low temperature hot water for heating. The solution operates with a low quantity of low-GWP R32 refrigerant, to help keep environmental impact to a minimum. The units are designed to connect to a 5th generation ambient temperature heat network deployed throughout the building, to deliver renewable heating and hot water.

Communal 5th generation network

5th generation networks utilise ultra-low temperature, typically between 10-30°C, the use of which means that multiple water source heat pumps can be used on the network. The heat pumps can use the network as a heat source or heat sink depending on the demand for heating or cooling. This means that the network can be used as an energy store to share rejected energy from cooling plant with the heat injection needs of heating plant. Ecodan Hydrodan upgrades heat energy from the water loop for use in each apartment. Each packaged unit offers a capacity range of between 1.1kW and 7.5kW with ﬂow temperatures of up to 60°C. The 170-litre integrated tank includes variable PIC (Pressure Independent Control) Valve loop control, which allows the ﬂow into the unit to change independently of the pressure in the system.

Installation All connections for the heat network, mains cold water, DHW and LTHW circuit are ﬁtted at the top of the unit to aid installation. Ecodan Hydrodan is also compatible with UFH, radiators, fan coils and fan assisted radiators, and offers both single and twin zone control. The unit incorporates a heat pump module containing the compressor, refrigerant to water heat exchanger, loop to refrigerant plate heat exchanger and water circulating pump. The heat pump module operates at low noise output and has internet-based controls can help keep running costs down. “The move to low temperature heat networks using the water-to-water model helps to signiﬁcantly improve the current heat network technologies, by reducing the distribution losses and contribution to apartment overheating,” added Bagnall. “Ecodan Hydrodan technology also leads the way towards larger community and network heating schemes, where energy can be sourced and shared from other HVAC technologies”. To find out more about Ecodan Hydrodan www.rdr.link/pac029 please

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 43

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Welcome to the

The Gas App UK Horror Show showcases some of the ‘finest’ work spotted by installers across the country. If you spot any masterpieces to rival these, please submit them to the good people at Gas App UK or email us: phpi@hamerville.co.uk

is now

The app is freely available for both iOS and Android. Simply visit the stores and search for Gas App UK.

FREE!

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

ELCO SUPPLIES ADVANCED HEATING TO PONTELAND SCHOOLS AND LEISURE CENTRE

LCO Heating Solutions has delivered three TRIGON XL 500 boilers to the Ponteland Schools and Leisure complex in Northumberland. The three TRIGON XL500 units were specified and managed by SES Engineering Services Ltd. Commenting on the installation, Neil Clark, Senior Project Engineer at the company said: “This was a prestigious project, so it required a robust and efficient heating system. We selected ELCO’s TRIGON XL units as they deliver ultra-low emissions and a powerful performance all within a compact arrangement. Plus, the after sales team at ELCO offered a complementary first annual boiler service in addition to the standard warranty, so we are confident that these units are future-proof and capable of supplying reliable heating and hot water for many years to come.” One benefit of the TRIGON XL is modular assembly, allowing a boiler to be dismantled and reassembled in half a working day. All models are designed to pass through standard 760mm wide doors, while factory fitted cargo wheels allow the boiler to be manoeuvred into its final position. Andreea Manoiu, Solutions Centre Manager at ELCO Heating Solutions, said: “We are delighted that the TRIGON XL500 will be delivering extremely efficient and essential heating to the Ponteland Schools and Leisure centre. The highly efficient boiler range has been designed for the future, producing a reliable and unrivalled performance suitable for the complex’s many needs. We included an additional boiler service as well as the standard warranty, to give the customer peace of mind, while our after sales team were always on hand to provide essential technical support.” For more information please

OVER 7000 HENRAD COMPACTS INSTALLED IN SOUTH WALES

enrad Radiators, a brand of radiator manufacturer Stelrad, has recently completed a contract with Newport City Homes in South Wales with more than 7,000 Henrad Compact radiators installed by contractor Gibson Specialist Technical Services in Bridgend. The contract began back in 2018 with heating system replacement projects across Newport City Homes social housing development at Dyffryn Estate to the west of Newport, and came to completion recently with the replacement of the heating systems in Aneurin Bevan Court sheltered housing scheme in Dyffryn. “We’re delighted to have been able to work on this project over the past three years,” said Henrad’s Head of Marketing Chris Harvey. “It’s a major project and one that has operated well for all the parties involved. The Henrad Compacts are our best-selling radiators and have been selected for a huge number of social housing projects up and down the UK in the last decade.” For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac032

www.rdr.link/pac031

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 45

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

VIEGA UTILISED FOR HISTORIC MANCHESTER REDEVELOPMENT

SANIFOS MAKES GLAMPING POSSIBLE

aniflo UK has provided drainage solutions to Galley Hill Farm, which includes a caravan site with 10 pitches. The busy site encompasses a block with shower and WCs and has recently expanded from 5 to 10 pitches plus two glamping pods complete with bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room. Waste from the house and the toilet block is discharged to a septic tank that was recently upgraded due to new regulations. A separate chemical disposal point was also installed for the caravan site. The proposed space on site for the glamping pods did not have sufficient gravity fall to reach the septic tank, which was 70m away, and thus required a pump to discharge the waste. A Sanifos 610 underground lifting station provided the solution; with sufficient capacity to accommodate more units in future. The Sanifos 610 has a 612-litre tank and is offered with a choice of one or two pumps. Galley Hill Farm specified the twin pump model to ensure continuity of service. The pumps work alternately to ensure even wear of the motors, but in the event of one pump failing, the other will activate to ensure it keeps working. It is supplied with a smart control box which is an interactive, intelligent station monitoring system and includes an alarm for early warning of any problems. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac033

46 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

iega’s Profipress press connection system has been utilised for the domestic hot and cold water systems for Urban Splash’s Avro development in Manchester. Designed specifically for copper pipe, Profipress was selected to provide a safe, quick and reliable method of pipe connection. Located canal-side in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Avro is a luxury 31 apartment development that consists of one to four bedroom loft-style homes. Celebrating the area’s history, Avro takes its name from aviation manufacturer A.V. Roe and Co, which once occupied Brownsfield Mill and built iconic aircraft such as the Avro 504, Lancaster and Vulcan. R.A.D. Mechanical Services Ltd was contracted to supply, install and commission the plumbing and mechanical services for the development. Viega’s Profipress system was chosen for the hot and cold water distribution system. Mark Radcliffe, Managing Director at R.A.D. Mechanical Services Ltd explained: “Press connections offered a clear benefit in terms of fire safety, which is now essential on site, as no naked flames or heat are required. We looked at the options and were impressed by the technical demonstration we received of the Profipress product. It was clear how the design of the fittings would help us minimise the chance of leaks and issues with the pipework.” Profipress features Viega’s SC-Contur technology that delivers a visible leak if the fitting is inadvertently left unpressed and is therefore clearly discernible during leakage testing or when the system is filled for the first time. The Profipress range includes more than 800 components from 12 to 108mm diameter and every connection and component is certified safe for use with potable water. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac034

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

VOKÈRA BY RIELLO LAUNCHES HYDROGEN-READY BOILER RANGE Vokèra by Riello has launched the Unica MAX, a hybrid enabled, 20% hydrogen-ready gas condensing boiler range. Available in a choice of combi and system models, it also features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel heat exchanger. Designed to accept 20% hydrogen, the new Unica MAX will adapt to burn the methane-hydrogen blend when the local network makes the transition. The boilers have active combustion control (ACC) so they can adapt the air/gas mix according to the gas quality available. Unica MAX includes a colour LCD user interface and the full text menu-driven control enables both the installer and end user to quickly navigate through the boiler’s parameters and settings, including an optional embedded time clock to program the heating on and off times as desired. The display will also provide installers with diagnostics. This latest addition to the range offers a new air filter featuring filter mats that can be washed and yet still retain their technical filtering properties. Designed for ease of installation in various domestic heating and hot water installations, the new range is available in two combi boiler models: 35C and 40C and a choice of 20S and 30S system boiler versions. For more information please

VAN GUARD ULTI LOCK HOOKLOCK Van Guard Accessories’ new Sold Secure approved hooklock is designed to enhance van security, protecting tools from being stolen. The lock has anti-drill side plates, an anti-bump hook design, an anti-pick, bump and drill cylinder and an anti-snap lock case. The ULTI Lock Hooklock has been tested by Sold Secure and awarded gold standard. The company says the product should be installed by an approved fitter to ensure optimum function and warranty. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac036

www.rdr.link/pac035

HOUNSFIELD BOILERS ONLINE TRAINING VIDEOS Hounsfield Boilers, has launched a suite of online training videos to support installers. The series of films provides step-by-step instruction on installing the oil boiler as well as maintenance and servicing. The videos range from short clips, which outline some of the boilers features to longer films with information on how to install and service the boilers. All of the videos can be viewed at the Hounsfield Boilers’ website. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac037

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 47

047_PHPI_JANFEB22_Layout 1 09/01/2022 18:00 Page 48

PRODUCTS ROUND UP

SNICKERS WORKWEAR BASELAYER UNDERWEAR

RELIANCE VALVES UPGRADE TENANT VALVE PLUS

The Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing for professional tradesmen and women uses high-tech breathable fabrics for ventilation and body moisture transport for sustainable warmth and comfort. The Base, Mid and Toplayer clothing combines to keep professionals working dry, warm and comfortable. Garments are available in recycled polyester and merino wool as well as the 37.5 technology ventilating fabric to suit different types of work in a variety of cold and wet weather conditions. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac039

Reliance Valves’ Tenant Valve Plus has been enhanced to bring further benefits to specifiers and contractors who use the solution for water control in high-rise buildings. The new Tenant Valve Plus controls and monitors water supply to high-rise and multi-occupancy properties by combining several functions into a single unit. These functions include an isolating ball valve (WRAS approved as a mains stop valve); a pressure reducing valve with strainer; a double check valve; a patented dual reading pressure gauge that shows upstream and downstream pressures; optional connection points for water meters and a moulded insulation case. The latest version of the valve includes enhancements to the pressure gauge, enabling readings to be taken at any orientation, meaning that if the unit needs to be ﬁtted upside down, one can still read the gauge as it is reversible. In addition, the Tenant Valve Plus includes an adaptor for connecting Class D water meters, joining the existing optional connection point for Class A meters. “Ensuring a safe, sustainable and metered water supply for every apartment is essential in high-rise buildings. This requires the installation of multiple valves; however, with more apartments squeezed into tighter footprints, installers are being asked to fit these products in smaller spaces. Naturally, this increases the complexity of the job,” explained Martin Nicholson, Divisional Director National Specification of RWC UK. “The Tenant Valve Plus by RWC provides a handy solution to this problem, meaning that installers can significantly simplify and speed up the process. The valve isn’t specification only and can also be purchased off the shelf, yet we ask anybody who wants to find out more about how it can improve productivity and efficiency to get in touch to arrange a demo.”

Knightsbridge supplies more than 30 different types of shaver socket, in a huge array of colours, finishes and fixings, to suit many styles of bath and washroom. Sockets can be screwless, flat plate, raised edge, or round edge and finished in a variety of matt and reflective metal finishes – such as matt black, polished brass, and gunmetal. There is also a choice of black, white, or grey inserts. The pull cord switches are offered in polished chrome, metal matt black, brushed chrome, black nickel, antique brass, white and matt white – with matching pull cords.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac038

48 JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

KNIGHTSBRIDGE BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

www.rdr.link/pac040

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REMEHA FUTURE PROOFS ITS CONDENSING BOILER RANGES

SOLID GEAR REVOLUTION 2 GTX SAFETY TRAINER

Commercial heating and hot water provider Remeha has achieved independent certiﬁcation for its Quinta Ace, Gas 220 Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace boilers to operate on a 20% hydrogen blend. The Quinta Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace also offer NOx emissions of less than 24mg/kWh (Class 6) in compliance with the maximum two credits available under BREEAM. Remeha Product Manager Paul Arnold said: “There has been a lot of hype surrounding hydrogen in recent months. Securing independent certification for our condensing boilers means peace of mind for specifiers, contractors and end users that they are future proof to the proposed blend of natural gas with 20% hydrogen.” New commissioning settings have also been introduced for Remeha’s Quinta Ace wall hung boilers and Gas 320/620 Ace floor standing boiler range, which enable the boilers to achieve NOx emissions below 24 mg/kWh. “Condensing boilers have an important role to play in setting older buildings on the path to net zero,” said Paul. “By ensuring that our boilers are low in NOx, suitable for use with renewable and heat network technologies, and certified to operate on a future 20% hydrogen blend, we hope to make it easier for customers and end users to make achievable progress towards improved sustainability.” The company has pledged that all products they make from 2025 will work with low carbon energy, either operating on electricity or having the ability to convert to run on hydrogen during its service life.

Navien’s range of NCB condensing gas boilers comprises four Combi and four System models, with outputs from 20 to 40kW. In addition to low NOx emissions (class 6), all NCB gas Combi boilers are water resistant to an IPX5 rating, and the range is also ‘OpenTherm’ ready, allowing for access to the latest heating control technology. All boilers benefit from a modern full text display, designed to make it easy to view useful information on domestic hot water usage, while an ECO function reduces energy and water used.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac041

The latest safety shoe from Solid Gear features a lightweight construction which the company believes is a ‘giant leap forward’ from the look and feel of ordinary safety shoes. Designed to combine a blend of ergonomic design, athletic comfort and S3 protection, the waterproof GORE-TEX upper delivers constant dryness while the locking drawstring ensures a good fit. The shoe also features an E-TPU midsole and ‘bounce back’ technology. For more information please

www.rdr.link/pac042

NAVIEN NCB BOILER

www.rdr.link/pac043

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 49

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

DRAYTON WISER HOME APP To offer homeowners more visibility over energy use Wiser has partnered with smart home energy specialist Green Energy Options (geo). With this partnership, homeowners are able to integrate data from their smart meter with the Wiser Home app to help save energy and money. This interconnectivity will unlock the new Insights+ feature, where homeowners can access their energy use in real-time, from anywhere. Additionally, a new Moments function allows homeowners to activate multiple devices with a single tap by grouping them together. To discover more please

www.rdr.link/pac044

LG THERMA V R32 MONOBLOC ‘S’ LG has launched the latest version of its Therma V Monobloc air to water heat pump – the Therma V R32 Monobloc ‘S’. The ‘S’ stands for ‘Silence’ and ‘Supreme’ to highlight its reduced noise level and best performance criteria. As with the original Monobloc, this new model combines the indoor and outdoor features in one module. It is also connected by only water piping, eliminating the need for refrigerant piping. Hydronic components like an improved plate heat exchanger, expansion tank, water pump, flow sensor, pressure sensor, air vent valve and safety valve are all built in – inside the outdoor unit – pre-installed and ready to run. For more information please

THE ULTRAHEAT COMPACT 4 RANGE The mild steel convector panel radiator is a popular choice of domestic heating. The water ways of the Ultraheat Compact 4 range have been manufactured to allow for better circulation and the convectors have been designed to increase the heat output, as well as the top grills being adapted so that they do not interfere with the flow of hot air. The floor facing twin tappings are positioned on one side only of the radiator allowing for a single point of connection for flow and return of the water supply. The installation and the positioning of the pipes, valves and thermostats have been updated, and all the improvements have been designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of the radiator. With people now choosing sustainable heating sources such as biomass boilers, solar water heating and some heat pumps, the Triple Compact 4’s are well suited to renewable energy products. It operates on low water temperatures of 50°C or below and comes with three convector panels and three sets of fins. This design of radiator provides a large heating surface area which creates a higher overall heat output. The Compact 4 range is designed to be durable and versatile, offering a large range of rapid heating solutions for homes and working environments. Each radiator is individually tested and comes with a 10-year guarantee. For more information and to download a catalogue please

www.rdr.link/pac045

www.rdr.link/pac046

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Baxi Heating ..................................................................................... (page 19)

RJW Engineering ............................................................................ (page 21)

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Circoflo Ltd ...................................................................................... (page 23)

Stuart Turner ...................................................................................... (page 9)

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Mascot International ...................................................................... (page 42)

Testo ................................................................................................... (page 17)

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Monarch Water ................................................................................ (page 41)

Todays Tools ................................................................................... (page 35)

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NIBE .................................................................................................. (page 29)

Toolfair Exhibition ........................................................................... (page 37)

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Omnie ................................................................................................. (page 4)

Viessmann Ltd ........................................................................... (page 2/IFC)

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Pitacs ................................................................................................. (page 13) www.rdr.link/PAC106

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PLAYTIME PHPI takes you straight to the heart of the action, as we round up the latest industry videos to keep your eyes busy. Just type in the rdr.link codes listed to watch… & don’t forget the popcorn!

HOUNSFIELD BOILERS Training videos

PB PLUMBER Soldering tips In this 23minute video PB Plumber runs through his tips and tricks for soldering copper pipe. He explains the importance of de-burring copper pipes and cleaning them, before running through how he applies flux to the pipe. PB goes on to demonstrate two ways of soldering copper pipe – including how to achieve a really clean look from a soldered joint.

Oil boiler manufacturer, Hounsfield Boilers, has launched a suite of online training videos to support installers. The series of films provides step-by-step instruction on installing the oil boiler as well as maintenance and servicing. The videos range from short clips outlining features such as whisper quiet operation, flue entry points and visible neon indicators, to longer films detailing the burner, the redesigned heat exchanger and information on how to install and service the boilers. To watch the videos…

www.rdr.link/pac048

GRANT UK Heat pump sound video

To watch the video… www.rdr.link/pac047

WAVIN HEP2O Pride of Plumbing: Ben Faherty Wavin Hep2O’s Pride of Plumbing 2021 celebrates remarkable individuals from the plumbing community. Ben Faherty, the Owner and Director of BON Plumbing Services on the Wirral, takes home the fourth Pride of Plumbing accolade after being nominated for creating, funding and delivering more than 80 luxury Christmas hampers to those in need in his area. They were filled with everything needed to make a Christmas dinner, including selection boxes for children and handwritten cards. To watch the video…

Grant UK has published a new video on its YouTube Channel which shows how quiet air source heat pumps are. The video features an Aerona³ heat pump in operation, showing its sound levels and providing comparative sounds of other common household appliances. The short video features footage of the Quiet Mark approved Aerona³ 13kW air source heat pump working, providing audiences with the sound levels of the unit both close up and further away. To watch the video… www.rdr.link/pac050

www.rdr.link/pac049

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2022 51

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phpionline.co.uk features the latest industry news, video reviews, technical updates and exclusive competitions, giving you instant access to all things heating and plumbing on your desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.

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