Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer June 2024

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JUNE 2024

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT PRESS FITTINGS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

THE LATEST BATHROOM TRENDS

DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

CREATE CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT WITH SMART CONTROLS VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

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CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

@professionalplumber

June 2024 VOL. 39 NO.5 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

35 INSTALLERSHOW PREVIEW

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

6

NEWS

9

BUSINESS MATTERS

@phpimag

46 CIPHE UPDATE 51 HORROR SHOW

SPECIAL REPORT 10 WATER SAFETY

EVENT PREVIEW

Navigating Regulation 4 compliance

35 INSTALLERSHOW 2024

20 ‘OFF-PEAK’ SERVICING

What’s in store at the NEC this June

DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

36 SHOW TIME A sneak peak of what visitors can see at the InstallerSHOW

20 ‘OFF-PEAK’ SERVICING

Creating a win-win for installers and customers

22 SMART BOILER CONTROL Glow-worm expands its controls range

16 BATHROOM SEALANT

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 12 THE NEXT LEVEL

Being a bathroom installer frequently entails more than the fitting...

14 THE MODULAR APPROACH Lakes launches Modular Walk-In shower collection

16 SEAL OF APPROVAL Sealant solutions – the final elements of a bathroom installation

18 BATHROOM TRENDS How to communicate with customers about the wide variety of options to consider in the bathroom

24 MAXIMUM CONVENIENCE How smart heating controls can offer convenience, comfort, and cost-efficiency

44 TRAINING UPDATE

27 ASHP INSTALLATION TIPS PART 2 Diversitech provides some further tips on ASHP installation

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 30 DRAIN CLEARANCE

How plumbers can unblock and descale domestic and commercial drains

32 THE POPULAR PRESS The popularity of press fittings has been steadily on the rise

TRAINING

44 REAPING THE REWARDS PHPI catches up with Logic4training’s ‘Lifetime of Training’ winner

PRODUCT ROUND UP

45 Clivet’s new air-cooled reversible heat pump

48 Workwear, shower trays, hinged clips and more...

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2024 3

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VIEWPOINT

phpionline.co.uk EDITOR JONATHAN COLE phpi@hamerville.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER OLIVER SHANNON oshannon@hamerville.co.uk DIGITAL MANAGER KELLY NEWSTEAD DESIGNER GEMMA WATSON GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE THWAITES DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY PCP TELFORD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2024 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.

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.

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@professionalplumber

phpi@hamerville.co.uk

Support services With many plumbers and heating engineers often spending long periods working on their own it can be a challenge to know where to turn to find support with products. Some may look to fellow plumbers they know for advice; others may ask merchant staff or turn to social media. All can offer varying degrees of assistance across a variety of topics.

Another approach is to contact manufacturers directly. Experts on their own solutions, many have technical support lines which can point installers in the right direction when advice is needed.

But if you want to jump ahead of the game, and limit the amount of time spent on the phone, it may be worth considering accessing training directly from manufacturers. Getting insightful advice from product experts can help build confidence in using a solution and speed up installation times.

And the variety of training on offer is more diverse than ever. Online training is available, websites are increasingly stocked with useful resources, while webinars (either live or pre-recorded) can also be handy sources of information.

In-person training remains an immersive way to pick up new tips and techniques directly from manufacturers. Often hosted at their own facilities, it would also appear to be an area on which many product suppliers are placing a greater focus.

For example, recently Ideal Heating launched a new training facility close to the M1 near Luton to provide training closer to installers in the South-east and Midlands. The site is equipped with theory rooms alongside practical hands-on areas to get ‘up close’ with the company’s heating solutions – whether that be boilers or heat pumps.

Another facility which has recently been officially opened is hansgrohe’s new training academy near Warwick – another facility with a large area for hands-on training, this time featuring the company’s showers and brassware. These are just two examples – many other manufacturers also have training sites across the country.

With manufacturers keen on getting installers along to find out more about their solutions and the best ways to fit them correctly to ensure a speedy installation and a happy customer, this summer may well be a good time to access support and training.

The last week of June sees the return of the InstallerSHOW at the NEC. With many manufacturers showing off their latest solutions, along with many activities for installers to get involved in, it promises to be a highlight of the calendar. To help you get a feel for it, in this issue of PHPI we have a preview of the event, please turn to page 35.

EDITOR

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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

GEBERIT CELEBRATES HEATING INSTALLER AWARDS 2024 – REGIONAL WINNERS REVEALED 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Bathroom manufacturer Geberit is celebrating its 150-year anniversary, marking its journey from a one-man business to an international group. Established in 1874 in the historic town, Rapperswill, Switzerland, Geberit today employs more than 10,000 people globally, across 26 sites including its UK HQ in Warwick.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mark Larden, Managing Director at Geberit UK, commented: “At Geberit, we pride ourselves on taking a good thing and making it great. This has been our credo since day one and in doing so, we always put our customers at the centre of everything we do. Over the past 150 years, Geberit’s values and objectives haven’t changed, despite growing from a small family business to the European market leader for sanitary products.”

To commemorate this milestone year – Geberit UK is launching a local initiative to support the local community with its 150 Acts of Kindness campaign. ‘Acts’ can include donation to local food banks, volunteering at a local community kitchen or even helping out at the local care home. Geberit UK has also pledged to match any monies raised for the CRASH UK construction industry charity.

The Heating Installer Awards has announced its 2024 regional and sustainability winners as well as the finalists for its Rising Star and HVAC categories.

The shortlists have been decided by a panel of experts including representatives from the awards’ partners who recently scored all of the entries on their technical expertise, problem-solving, product knowledge and outstanding work.

The panel was also joined by the 2023 Heating Installer Awards national winner, James Bowen from Integral Plumbing, Heating & Renewables Ltd and Most Sustainable winner, Liam Barry from Custom Renewables, who scored their respective categories.

The regional and sustainability winners and category finalists will now go through to the next stage of the awards, which involves a technical challenge and a public vote.

The public vote will make up a quarter of the overall scores.

The winners will be announced on 26th June 2024. To view the winners and finalists www.rdr.link/pbe001 please

HANSGROHE OPENS NEW INSTALLER ACADEMY Bathroom brand Hansgrohe has unveiled its new Warwick-based UK headquarters. The new facility was officially opened by Hansgrohe Group CEO, Hans Juergen Kalmbach, and Managing Director for Hansgrohe UK & Ireland, Jay Phillips.

Part of the new HQ is a purpose-built Installer Academy training centre, designed to deliver hands-on training for trade professionals. Part of strengthening its offering to the trade, the expansion in training facilities provides enhanced access to technical support from Hansgrohe’s product experts and the opportunity for direct, practical experience across the product portfolio. Training courses will begin later in the year.

NESTA LAUNCHES ‘VISIT A HEAT PUMP’ SERVICE Innovation charity NESTA has launched a new service designed to help homeowners considering installing a heat pump in their homes. The online platform, VisitAHeatPump.com, helps householders to book visits in their local areas to properties where heat pumps are already in use. Users can search via their postcode on the website, find nearby owners and book a visit to see a heat pump in person.

Nesta’s scheme aims to help people learn about heat pumps in a real-world setting.

It says the project is designed to give consumers more confidence in heat pump technology and increase the likelihood of switching from gas to low-carbon heating.

The charity says 150 heat pump owners have already signed up across the UK.

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WINNER OF HIP LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2024 Daisy Turner from Barking and Dagenham College has been named the HIP Learner of the Year 2024. The win followed a two-day final in mid-April at the JTL Birmingham Training Centre. Zak Rowan from Grimsby Institute earned the runner-up spot.

Daisy commented: “I still can’t believe it. The prizes and the overall experience have truly been overwhelming. I’d encourage anyone considering participating next year to absolutely go for it.”

Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at HIP, commented: “The final was nothing short of spectacular. Each competitor has demonstrated remarkable skill and should be proud of their achievements. We’re excited to see what next year brings as the talent this year has indeed set a promising precedent for the future of plumbing.”

Daisy was also crowned the HIP Female Skills Competition 2024 Winner, following a grand final at Stephenson College, in Coalville. Ciah Hooch Llewellyn Davies from Gower College Swansea secured the runner-up spot.

CONSUMERS STEP-UP SEARCHES FOR HEAT PUMPS There are 95,454 searches on Google for heat pumps each month in the UK, according to new research by Confused.com The company looked at the UK’s most in demand renewable energy sources based on consumer search data and amount of media mentions. It also found the UK locations with the most renewable energy installation companies to reveal which area is the most prepared for renewable energy adoption.

In the period between November 2022 and December 2023, heat pumps were the most searched energy source in the UK. On average, they gained 96,000 Google searches per month. Solar panels took second spot, gaining 68,187 searches per month in 2023.

HHIC WELCOMES NEW CHAIR The Heating & Hotwater Industry Council has announced the appointment of its new Chair, Henrik Juhl Hansen. Managing Director of the Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, Henrik takes over the role from previous Chair, Karen Boswell of Baxi.

Henrik joined Vaillant in 2016 and has been Managing Director at Vaillant Group UK & Ireland since January 2022. He said: “We are at a pivotal time in the heating industry so Government and industry need to work closer than ever to transition to a low carbon future. Broader collaboration is needed across industry to help give the consumer more choice and more opportunities when choosing a new heating system, providing clarity and direction to homeowners across the UK.”

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Business Matters PART 4: BE A BETTER LEADER

IDEAL HEATING OPENS NEW SOUTHERN TRAINING CENTRE Ideal Heating has opened a new £1m training centre serving the south of England.

Located at Insignia Park in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, the Training and Technology Centre is close to the M1 north of London, providing straightforward accessibility for heating engineers across the South and much of the Midlands.

It is the latest training centre dedicated to low carbon technologies to be opened by Ideal Heating.

Ideal Heating CEO Shaun Edwards said: “Opening our new Training and Technology Centre means we can support even more installers with the transition to working with low carbon heating products like heat pumps.

“Our training facilities are best in class and this new centre features the latest testing and simulation equipment which provides installers with hands-on, practical experience.”

HEAT PUMP ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW STATISTICS WEBPAGE The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has launched a new statistics page noting annual UK heat pump sales data. The service also features quarterly updates on the number of individuals who have successfully completed training to install heat pumps in the UK since 2022.

The organisation says that the new statistics page is part of its ‘ongoing commitment to advocate for the acceleration of heat pump deployment in the UK, by supplying transparent and insightful data to inform policy, guide industry practices and empower those in the sector’.

The data reveals an increase in heat pump sales over the past six years, with a 125% increase in sales between 2018 and 2023. The HPA says this underscores the rising demand for greener, cleaner heating solutions.

James Chillman, UK Country Manager for Fergus, gives PHPI readers five leadership tips for trade business owners.

1 Put structure and policies in place

A big reason trade business owners’ ‘burn out’ is that it’s easy to fall prey to the false perception that you need to be everywhere at once. Instead, set up policies, systems and processes that are black and white and leave little room for interpretation.

2 Build a team

The first step here is hiring the right people with the right attitude. The next step is to onboard them properly and make sure they understand your systems, processes and values. The last step is to train them, otherwise you’re never going to get the best out of them.

3

Have confidence in yourself

If you doubt yourself sometimes and you’re not completely confident about running or managing your business, here’s a tip: almost no one is. But if you don’t believe in yourself and your business, you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll see it affect your staff, your productivity and your profitability. Instead talk to other business owners and friends; you’ll be blown away by how many other people have been through the same problems or concerns and found a way around them.

4 Accept responsibility

This is an easy one. If someone makes a grave error in your business, you have to be ok with that. It sounds tough but if the process is broken, fix it, if the person needs more training, train them and if the person can’t be helped, let them go.

5

Know your numbers, know your business

The reality is, nothing is more empowering for a business leader than getting a firm grip on your finances because it gives you the ability to make strategic decisions for your company. If you’re a little bit in the dark on where your numbers are, download a free cashflow forecast template from the internet and fill it out.

For more free information and advice on running a successful trade business, as well as a free trial please www.rdr.link/pbe002

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SPECIAL REPORT – WATER SAFETY

NAVIGATING REGULATION 4 COMPLIANCE When it comes to ensuring the safety and quality of water-related products, Regulation 4 compliance is paramount. Regulation 4 details the specific requirements for wholesome water fittings, as they must be of an appropriate quality or standard for the circumstances in which they are intended. Three prominent certification bodies, WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme), KIWA, and NSF International, play significant roles in verifying compliance with Regulation 4. Here, Stephanie Allchurch, Product Development Manager at Altecnic, delves into the details of each certification body and explores why Regulation 4 is important.

Background – What is Regulation 4?

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, set out the design, maintenance and operating standards required of plumbing systems in all types of premises, to protect public health and safeguard supplies by preventing: ● Waste ● Misuse ● Undue Consumption ● Contamination Regulation 4 sits within these water regulations and specifies requirements for water fittings installed within the water supply inside the boundary of a property. It details the specific requirements for wholesome water fittings, as they must be of an appropriate quality or standard for the circumstances in which they are intended.

Legality & Responsibility – Who is accountable?

adhere to the requirements could result in legal repercussions for the installer.

According to the regulations, the responsibility of compliance when installing plumbing fixtures, water fittings, and appliances is the legal obligation of all users, owners, occupiers and installers. It is the responsibility of water companies to ensure compliance by inspecting new or existing installations and enforcing the legislation.

UK Approval Schemes – How can compliance be ensured?

With Regulation 4 setting the requirements, there are three main certification schemes in the UK which play a pivotal role in verifying compliance with Regulation 4 standards, ensuring that water-related products and materials meet stringent requirements for public health and safeguarding water supplies. These are: WRAS, NSF and KIWA.

All systems connected to drinking water in the UK are required by law to be installed using items that abide with water regulations, namely Regulation 4. Failure to

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Comparing Certification Bodies – Are there any differences?

WRAS contribute to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and encouraging the efficient use of water. This certification scheme has a high level of recognition with installers, manufactures and specifiers as it has been most supported and prominent for many decades. WRAS is purely a certification scheme and they do not offer a service to test or verify products, instead they independently validate and review. In comparison, both KIWA and NSF are classified as functional UKAS test houses.

NSF Reg 4 scope includes mechanical products in contact with drinking water, such as valves, backflow prevention devices, taps, mixers, showers and many more. It also covers non-metallic products such as rubbers, coatings resins and sealants and offers an equivalent certification scheme to WRAS.

Each certification scheme hosts a database with their approved products listed.

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KIWA Reg 4 is for manufacturers and distributors of sanitary and plumbing products and components intended for installation in the UK who require compliance with UK Water Regulation 4.

Recently adding BS 6920 testing to their scope of accreditation, they offer an equivalent certification scheme to WRAS. Certification by any of these bodies provides manufacturers, specifiers and installers with assurance that the products they make, specify and install comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to industry best practices. This enhances consumer confidence and trust.

Finding Approved Products – How to ensure an installation is compliant?

Each certification scheme hosts a database with their approved products listed. Specifiers, installers and end users can search these databases to find approved products. These can be narrowed down or searched using keywords, materials, testing specifications, or product groups.

The database includes important specifications like maximum working pressures and temperatures, as well as a scope and description of the product. Markings that are present on the valve, which is most significant when identifying a valve of fitting on site, are also detailed in the database, as well as a list of the models covered on the approval.

Certified products can also be identified by having approved product from the certification scheme on their product packaging, product page on the manufacturer’s website, and/or on product literature.

As a responsible manufacturer, Altecnic are proud to have a range of relevant products approved by WRAS, KIWA and NSF. To view the company’s full range of approved products www.rdr.link/pbe003 please

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Compact washbasin, toilet and vanity unit options with shorter projections can be used to optimise space.

TAKE BATHROOM INSTALLATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL Being a bathroom installer frequently entails more than the fitting. Space planning and interior design skills as well as knowledge of all the latest bathroom product developments and trends all spring to mind. To support installers, Ruth Davies, Senior Marketing Manager from VitrA, offers up relevant and current responses to some of the common questions installers get asked.

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Q

I’ve got a tiny bathroom; how do I optimise the space?

Although UK building regulations don’t detail the exact size requirements, recommended minimum clearances around fittings allow for comfortable circulation and particular products can help where space is at a premium.

Compact washbasin, toilet and vanity unit options with shorter projections can be used to optimise space. For example, the depth of an average washbasin is 450mm, whereas the VitrA Integra Compact Washbasin is just 220mm, offering a installers a neat solution. A semi-recessed basin also works well in a smaller bathroom, still providing counter space for everyday items.

Point customers towards units with double doors, so they project less into the room when opened and get them thinking about whether single doors need to be right- or left-handed to maximise space.

Wall-mounted or ‘floating’ options, like

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wall-hung basins, toilets and washbasin vanity units, that incorporate storage such as those in VitrA’s Sento Collection, offer customers a sense of space by not cluttering the bathroom floor. Although this approach requires structural planning, which can eat into the floor area, if thoughtfully planned, recessed niches can add handy spaces for added organisation or decoration. Tall and short units can incorporate flexible options from shelving to integrated laundry baskets as well as recessed niches for open storage. There are even compact versions for especially tight spaces.

Q

How can I reduce my water usage?

With the average person using 143 litres per day and 63% of that used in the bathroom (according to waterwise.org.uk), there are various recommendations for water-saving opportunities.

Introducing customers to a low-flow product such as a tap with a water aerator is one option. This adds streams of air into the water flow, allowing less water to be used, whilst still maintaining the pressure. Many manufacturers offer integrated aerators in their taps for added convenience.

Another opportunity is the toilet. On average, a toilet is flushed 7.7 times a day per person and is one the main culprits for

water waste. However, with a dual flush, users can choose a smaller flush, which can use as little as 2.5-4 litres of water.

If your customer is looking for a shower, thermostatic showers may be a more environmentally friendly option, they’re also a cost-efficient and safe choice for those living with young children or older people. By carefully mixing hot and cold water and recognising changes to the water pressure, both water and energy consumption are reduced.

Q

How can I make the bathroom safe for my frail partner without making it feel institutionalised?

For customers facing mobility issues and frailty, safety is crucial. One suggestion is to install grab bars in strategic locations such as near the toilet and shower to provide stability and support.

Thankfully, in today’s market, it’s possible to seek out manufacturers that design with accessibility, inclusivity and practicality in mind from the outset. A comfort height toilet can be beneficial for people with reduced mobility. These are taller than standard size toilets but look the same, reducing the distance for the user to bend to sit down and stand up.

You could also suggest a shower toilet (sometimes called a bidet toilet, a washlet or an automatic wash dry toilet). This type of toilet combines the functionality of a toilet with the cleaning properties of a bidet. By washing with water, it is ideal for people with reduced mobility and models that include a dryer function eliminate the need for toilet paper and wiping, to offer a completely hands-free experience.

control or an app can really appeal to the gadget minded. Choose from models that feature enhanced technology such as motion sensor night lights; motion sensor toilet seats which automatically lift and close when the occupant walks in and out of the bathroom; heated seats and integrated dryers.

For concealed cisterns, a smart flush panel which can be controlled by voice or mobile app means the customer can flush their toilet remotely or automatically after use. An example is VitrA’s Smart Panel Flush Plate which, when connected to the compatible app, allows the user to flush and view usage data for their toilet remotely. It also provides weekly water usage reports to help households to identify how they can be more water-efficient.

Q

What haven’t I thought about in my bathroom design that you think I should include?

Q

I love ‘techie’ things, what smart things can I include in my bathroom?

It’s the finishing touches that can make a difference: the waste set for the basin, the overflow cover to match the tap and a soft closing toilet seat.

Practical accessories from soap dispensers, bathrobe and towel holders to accommodating toothbrushes, toilet rolls and toilet brushes can all be specified with the same colour and finish to provide a cohesive look.

Lighting can add practical points of interest too. LED light accents add to the ambiance of the space while being a functional enhancement for a mirror.

Just because a bathroom may not have a large area it doesn’t mean that style, comfort and functionality have to be compromised.

In fact, with so many choices available it’s quite the opposite nowadays, it’s simply a case of guiding customers to ‘smart’ space solutions in every sense of the word.

There are a number of products that tech savvy clients will appreciate. A smart shower toilet controlled via a remote

For all the latest bathroom fixtures, fittings and design trends from VitrA www.rdr.link/pbe004 please

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

THE MODULAR APPROACH

Lakes has launched a Modular Walk-In shower collection.

L

akes Showering Spaces has launched a walk-in collection offering bathroom personalisation across 28 configuration options, six colour finishes and a range of 8mm and 10mm glass panel and hardware options.

The company says the move comes as the appetite for modular products across construction and in the bathroom sector continues to grow.

The modular walk-in range comes in a range of six colour finishes – initially covering silver, matt black, gun metal, brushed nickel and brushed brass, with brushed bronze to follow in the near future.

The versatility of the collection – which

Whatever your showering space demand, style need, scale or budget, our intelligent designs and market leading engineering mean there’s a solution for everyone.

Lakes believes offers one of the most customisable options in its field on the market – means it is suitable for recess/alcove, corner and flat wall installations and can be installed onto a shower tray or flush fit directly to a tiled wet room floor, providing accessibility for the specific needs of consumers.

Consumers are able to choose glass panels, bracing and stabilising preferences, glass connecting and deflector options and colour finish.

‘Game changer’ Lakes Managing Director, Mike Gahir, said: “This is a real game-changing launch for Lakes, we’re incredibly proud to be bringing our reputation for high quality, stylish and installer friendly products into the walk-in market.

“Demand for products that offer personalisation for the consumer while making the lives of bathroom retailers, designers, and specifiers easier is growing all the time and we’re confident that now is the right time for our modular walk-in range to launch.

“Whatever your showering space demand, style need, scale or budget, our intelligent designs and market leading

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engineering mean there’s a solution for everyone.”

Mike Gahir concluded: “2024 is about keeping pace with the market and bringing our Lakes stamp of quality to customers.

“Hot on the heels of our Wave range expanding last year with black and brushed brass – both of which have been popular with installers and consumers alike – we’re building on the momentum we’ve created.

“The industry is already starting to sit up and take note and this launch is another major step in the right direction for us.”

To browse the complete Modular Walk-In range please www.rdr.link/pbe005

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

SEAL OF APPROVAL Sealants have a major role to play when putting together the final elements of a bathroom installation. Here, Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel, takes a look at the solutions on offer.

A

lthough a tiny proportion of an overall bathroom budget, the sealant used can actually make or break a project.

The use of low-quality sealant products has the potential to ruin an installation, resulting in call backs that are both costly and time-consuming, as well as

possibly leading to customer dissatisfaction that can be harmful to your reputation.

The biggest risk when choosing a sealant is the potential for loose adhesion, creating a route for water ingress that can cause real problems. In fact, one of the more common reasons for insurance claims in the UK is

water damage. Lower quality sealants are also less likely to withstand humid air and condensation within a bathroom and will be vulnerable to mould and bacteria build up.

They also offer UV and colour stability, along with being water and temperature resistant.

While there are many sealant products on the market, performance is crucial.

Low-cost silicone sealants may be bulked out with other chemicals that evaporate as they cure, causing the sealant to shrink – forming a weak bond that can cause cracks and lifts. Look out for products that have been formulated specifically for bathroom jobs. When working with wet areas or non-porous surfaces, it is important to use a flexible product that contains a fungicide to resist mould growth, such as Trade Mate Sanitary Seal.

When working with wet areas or non-porous surfaces it is important to use a flexible product that contains a fungicide to resist mould growth 16 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

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All-rounder Alternatively, MS Polymer products are growing in popularity. They feature the flexibility, durability and UV stability of silicones and the paintablity of acrylics, so are ideal for a range of fixes and repairs in a bathroom. THE WORKS PRO, for example, could be used to re-seal the bath or shower, fill cracks in the wall and stick up a mirror – it’s a real all-rounder. It can seal and bond virtually any material without shrinking or the need for additional fixings.

It’s particularly good for quick fixes as it can be used in both wet and dry conditions and can even bond and cure underwater.

Furthermore, MS Polymers are non-staining on porous materials, so are suited for projects involving natural stone like granite bathroom tiling.

Away from sealants, for general tasks such as filling gaps or joining door frames and skirting, acrylics such as Geocel Painters Mate are the most popular option, as they have a fast-overpainting time, perfect for a tradesperson in a hurry.

Acrylics are suitable for use with wood,

plastered walls and masonry, however, they are not suitable for applications where they are regularly exposed to water or high movement.

High performance Especially in wet environments, it is essential to choose a high performing sealant. Being aware of the differing qualities available could save you valuable call back time on your next job, as cheaper alternatives are almost always a false economy.

Looking to a trusted manufacturer can

help. Brands such as Geocel invest heavily in research and development, as well as product testing to ensure trade professionals benefit from high-performance products. Geocel’s range includes a number of tried and tested sealant solutions for wet, bathroom environments – providing powerful solutions that have been specially formulated to provide the best possible finish.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe006

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

BATHROOM TRENDS PHPI catches up with HiB Sanitaryware Category Manager Robert Pattern, to discuss the latest bathroom trends and explore how installers can communicate with customers about the wide variety of options to consider in the bathroom.

Q

Bathrooms are a key room in most homes. What are the latest trends in the bathroom sector that installers should be aware of?

At HiB, we focus on designing ranges that reflect current and future trends. In 2024, we identified four trends shaping bathrooms in the UK and beyond. The first, Euphoria, embraces geometric, abstract and fluted patterns, creating a dynamic and nostalgic bathroom scheme. The Elements trend is inspired by Wabi Sabi, this trend celebrates raw beauty, resulting in a moody, stormy aesthetic. The Exhale trend focuses on being minimalistic and nature-inspired, this trend favours simplicity and neutral tones, echoing environmental elements. Finally, Enamour, which focuses on vintage glamour, aiming for a sense of ‘quiet luxury’ with timeless elegance and minimal clutter.

Across these trends, common themes emerge for installers, such as the popularity of metallic finishes beyond chrome, including black, brushed brass, gunmetal and brushed bronze. Additionally,

Across these trends, common themes emerge for installers, such as the popularity of metallic finishes beyond chrome, including black, brushed brass, gunmetal and brushed bronze. vibrant colours like oranges and pinks paired with soft shapes such as arches and rounded forms are gaining traction.

Our HiB Sanitaryware range reflects these trends with sleek curves and finishes like dusky pink, sage green and brick red, catering to both practical needs and aesthetic preferences. Our 2024 Trends Guide provides further insights for interior design enthusiasts, ensuring our products stay fresh and appealing to contemporary tastes.

18 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Q

HIB recently introduced a new sanitaryware collection, what are the highlights of this new range?

The highlights of our new Sanitaryware category are a stunning variety of washbasins that combine style with practicality, perfect for any installation.

Standout additions like the Entero concrete vessel basin range, with its vibrant matt colours and modern shapes, offer durability and versatility to complement any

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countertop or furniture.

The Cleo washbasin range offers timeless beauty with its intricately detailed designs in three different shapes. Plus, we’ve expanded our brassware offerings with new finishes like gunmetal and brushed bronze, providing a comprehensive selection for projects.

We’ve also expanded our Aero toilet range, now including a square option and accompanying accessories. Each piece in our range is designed to meet the aesthetic and functional demands of modern bathrooms in the UK, making them stand out.

Q

Does the company have matching brassware and washbasins?

Our product development teams have worked really hard to produce brassware, handles and accessories with matching finishes across the ranges. We’ve found this is one of the key reasons why our black, brushed brass and chrome options have been so successful.

Customers have also complimented the new gunmetal and brushed bronze brassware, and the fact that they match our showers and mirrors in the same finishes.

Although it is still early days, to receive this kind of feedback is hugely positive and we are looking forward to seeing the Sanitaryware range progress in the coming months and years.

What’s great for plumbers and installers is the universal compatibility of our washbasins with various bathroom furniture units.

Whether your clients prefer modern, colourful designs or more traditional options, our washbasins have broad appeal, making installation simpler for any style preference.

Q

What are the key accessories which help to finish-off an inspirational bathroom?

interact with daily is crucial for elevating a bathroom’s appeal. Spending a bit more on these finishing touches enhances the perception of quality and style.

Larger accessories like illuminated mirrors or cabinets are fantastic as focal points, but do require thought in the initial stages of designing the space due to electrical requirements. These features often capture attention and set a bathroom apart, adding a touch of luxury and functionality.

Q

Can you provide some advice on how installers can communicate with their customers on bathroom options?

As installers know, it is important to recommend the right products and bathroom scheme to suit the needs of each customer as it can vary from household to household. We provide in-depth specifications about our products and accompanying inspirational imagery to provide installers with the information they need to be confident recommending our products to their customers.

What is key with our new Sanitaryware range is that we are offering options such as concrete vessel basins in a range of colours, which can often carry a luxury price tag, yet we’ve managed to make them accessible to a broader consumer base with affordable pricing.

We’ve introduced a specific brochure for HiB Sanitaryware which is packed with stunning imagery, key features, technical specifications and information, all geared towards helping Installers cater to their customers efficiently.

For more information please

Investing in accessories that consumers

www.rdr.link/pbe007

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DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

‘OFF-PEAK’ SERVICING The annual service is key to a heating appliance’s performance and longevity, but many homeowners only choose to book their service when peak heating season is already upon us. Ian Trott, Training Manager at Baxi, explains the opportunity installers have to encourage servicing outside of the industry’s peak period, creating a win-win for themselves and their customers in the process.

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ut of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, this is the approach of many homeowners when it comes to servicing their heating appliances – unless a problem arises, that is. According to Google search data, searches for ‘boiler service’ spiked significantly in October last year, which marked the continuation of a longstanding tradition.

Typically, a service will be booked just ahead of the heating season when customers are preparing to turn on their heating for the first time in several months.

Some might even choose to delay even further to the point when the system is back up and running and showing signs of a fault. But as we know, leaving servicing to the autumn, one of the busiest periods of the year for heating engineers, could leave householders having to wait weeks for an appointment.

Win-win There is, however, a simple win-win solution that will make it easier for customers to book a slot while allowing installers to better balance their workload across the year: actively encouraging a service during the industry’s ‘off-peak’ period of spring and summer.

The benefits to customers of a spring or summer service are clear. First and foremost, ensuring that the heating system operates safely and efficiently before the start of the heating season gives the homeowner welcome peace of mind of trouble-free service in the colder months ahead. In contrast, by ignoring the heating system completely throughout the warmer months they put themselves at risk of underperformance or a breakdown just when reliable, efficient performance is most vital. We are all familiar with instances

leaving servicing to the autumn, one of the busiest periods of the year for heating engineers, could leave householders having to wait weeks for an appointment where a customer requests a service when in fact the boiler has actually broken down.

And as we know, when it reaches this point, the cost of a repair is likely to be much higher than that of an annual service.

Installers too will benefit from encouraging a service during those earlier months of the year as it will avoid the current bottleneck in September and October and allow them to spread their workload more evenly.

Customer loyalty So how to buck the current trend and encourage the switch to a service before the industry’s busiest period? A simple way to do this is to send service reminders to customers, a tactic which in turn helps build relationships and ensure business for today and tomorrow.

Showing value for money from a service

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The annual service represents so much more than a simple box-ticking exercise, giving installers ample opportunity to consult with their customers around heating efficiency. can also help to build customer loyalty. One way of achieving this might be to leave a checklist upon completion of the service, a form of physical certificate that underlines the value of having the service. Another would be to provide details of any parts replaced as a result of an issue identified during the service and confirmation that the replacement parts are genuine. Genuine parts serve the best interests of both the homeowner and the installer so play an important role in maintaining those levels of loyalty and trust.

The service can also open up an opportunity to give customers advice on how and where they can save money. This could be as simple as recommending the control settings that are best for them or how to add the latest energy-saving measures.

Developing relationships like this with customers not only ensures ongoing business through building trust but makes householders better informed about opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of their system and legislative changes.

Make yourself marketable Many installers are already thriving using these methods and understand the value that lifelong loyalty brings to customers and the business alike. And as acknowledgment of this, industry provides an ever-growing toolkit to encourage and support customer engagement.

The Benchmark Checklist remains a means of meeting the commissioning requirements within Part L of the Building Regulations, and Digital Benchmark now makes recording servicing, commissioning

data and installation even easier.

Importantly, a homeowner version of the app is now available to help build greater transparency between heating engineers and homeowners.

Digital Benchmark is integrated with the Baxi Toolbelt app and the Baxi Works loyalty scheme, where engineers can register newly installed systems and set up reminders for customers while accessing rewards through the platform. This makes it even easier to remind homeowners of servicing with regular service intervals being planned through the app, ensuring appliances remain within warranty and that heating systems are performing at their most efficient levels.

The annual service represents so much more than a simple box-ticking exercise, giving installers ample opportunity to consult with their customers around heating efficiency. As such, heating engineers have an opportunity to ensure annual servicing is both a consistent revenue stream for them and a layer of protection against an unexpected breakdown for their customer. By promoting annual servicing over the spring and summer, there is huge potential for both parties to reap the benefits.

For more information on Baxi’s Toolbelt app and Baxi Works, please www.rdr.link/pbe008

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DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

SMART BOILER CONTROL MiGo Link and MiGo Select expand the existing Glow-worm control range and bring connectivity to MiSet and Climastat Select thermostats.

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low-worm’s connected smart boiler control products have been re-imagined, designed to offer a host of new features designed to aid speedy installation and deliver dependable smart boiler control for homeowners.

The MiGo Link internet gateway, accompanying app and MiGo Select smart thermostat integrate with a range of smart home systems allowing homeowners to control their boiler on the go.

Glow-worm boiler installs can now be ‘connected’ with the help of the MiGo Link internet gateway and either a MiSet, MiGo Select or Climastat Select thermostat.

The company says the new MiGo Select completes the range of connected thermostats, offering alternative options to suit any home.

Energy efficiency From an energy efficiency perspective, MiGo Link and MiGo Select allow the boiler to modulate to ensure it continually operates at its most efficient level, reducing energy consumption and prolonging the life of the boiler. Weather compensation ensures the boiler only fires when needed.

Glow-worm believes this can be a powerful message for customers when guiding them on how best to reduce energy use for heating and hot water, without compromising comfort or convenience.

Following installation and using the

downloadable MiGo Link app, customers can track their energy consumption and with it, energy cost savings.

Homeowners can also set up convenient timer programmes via the app to suit their lifestyles and requirements, with adjustments made through the MiGo Link app. Day-to-day comfort control in the home is achievable thanks to the new MiGo Select smart thermostat.

Voice control Voice control is now available through Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. Users can request information such as current temperature levels and instruct changes such as increasing heating temperatures with a simple vocal instruction.

Mike Lacey, Head of Digital Technologies for Glow-worm, commented:

The new generation MiGo Link delivers a smart heating control solution applicable to today’s advanced technology and changing market demands.

“Whilst MiGo, launched in 2016, has been a popular control solution with installers and homeowners, we have enhanced the smart system’s capability with a raft of new benefits and features with the introduction of the new MiGo Link.

“The new generation MiGo Link delivers a smart heating control solution applicable to today’s advanced technology and changing market demands. “’Simple, but smart’ has guided the product’s development journey. We have ensured that installers will find MiGo Link internet gateway and MiGo Select quick and easy to work with and that customers benefit from a highly convenient way to better understand their energy use, save money, and easily control their heating and hot water on the move.”

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe009

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DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

MAXIMUM CONVENIENCE

As technology continues to support people in their day-to-day lives, homeowners are looking to smart heating controls not only to help manage their homes but due to their cost-saving credentials.

Merlin Milner, Product Owner for Water-based Heating Systems at Drayton, discusses how smart heating controls can offer convenience, comfort, and cost-efficiency.

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ccording to Meltwater’s 2024 Global Overview report, over 28% of 16-64 year olds own some form of smart home device in the UK. It is evident from this statistic that while once a novelty, smart technology is becoming a common fixture within many homes, no surprise given that 34% of those surveyed for Schneider Electric’s latest consumer report consider adopting smart home devices as an easy way to reduce energy use.

In addition, YouGov states that 1.7 million UK residents are using smart systems, like Wiser, to manage their heating. This makes sense given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, as BEAMA research shows that annually smart controls can offer savings of up to 18% when upgrading from a traditional thermostat and programmer.

Of course, while savings are appealing, smart heating controls can also help

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support the busy modern homeowner in managing and automating tasks, offering those who enlist them maximum efficiency.

So how can smart controls offer the best in convenience and comfort?

Get smart Homeowners can save around 16% on energy usage by making use of smart modes, such as Away Mode and Eco Mode, often found with smart controls. If that isn’t appealing enough, smart modes are great for saving household’s valuable time too.

Wiser’s Away Mode is useful for busy homeowners who find that their daily schedules can change with little notice. For example, those who like to socialise after work and won’t be back as expected can activate Away Mode remotely in order to override their pre-set heating schedule, turning off the heating to avoid wasted energy and costs.

Furthermore, Wiser’s Eco Mode saves time and money by intuitively combining optimum stop and weather compensation to learn more about the thermal properties of an individual’s home and then using this information to manage the heating accordingly.

This means that without homeowner intervention the system learns when best to automatically switch the boiler off, sometimes before it is scheduled to, whilst still maintaining the desired setpoint.

This allows the homeowners to enjoy optimum comfort, without having to waste energy powering a boiler that has already achieved its set point temperature. What’s more, this is made possible without any inconvenience to the homeowner, given that the system automatically adjusts to the environment without the need for any complex calculations.

In the zone Multi-zoning is a tried and tested method that not only offers convenience but can save the average homeowner up to 19% on energy bills, according to BEAMA research.

Smart multi-zoning is a time saver in that it can control heating from room-to-room via an app, like Wiser Home. With zoning, homeowners needn’t manually turn radiators on and off, or adjust temperatures in individual rooms using individual TRVs. Again, ideal for a busy household with

people that have different and frequently changing needs, who don’t want to be inconvenienced by manually managing the heating from room-to-room. For example, with the click of an app, parents or guardians can reduce the temperature in the room of a sleeping baby, whilst managing a cosier temperature in the lounge. Equally, home workers can keep their home office toasty while maintaining unused rooms at decreased temperatures, without having to leave their desk and interrupt their workflow.

Smart heating controls are fast becoming more mainstream, especially in line with homeowner efforts to drive bills down On schedule Scheduling is one of the most popular methods homeowners use to manage their heating for cost-savings and convenience.

Heating control apps, like Wiser Home, supports users in setting their heating schedules with their smartphones, meaning gone are the days of manually altering traditional thermostats.

Once again, this is perfect for the busy modern homeowner whose schedule can change at short notice. With smart heating controls, heating schedules are easier to implement than ever before, meaning less friction for users to take advantage of such settings.

For example, if a homeowner’s work-from-home day changes from a Tuesday to a Wednesday, at the touch of a screen the heating schedule can be adapted to account for this. Equally, if a user’s transport home from work is delayed, the schedule can be pushed back to save heating empty rooms.

Even smarter For ultimate efficiency, smart heating controls can be integrated with other smart home devices. For example, Wiser can be activated by voice command with virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, found in 31% of UK homes.

Homeowners who may be busy preparing dinner, or putting the children to bed can simply ask for the heating to be turned down without having to lift a finger, equally those getting cosy in front of a film can request the heating to be turned up to the required temperature. Such a feature can further support the convenience that heating controls bring.

Smart heating controls are fast becoming more mainstream, especially in line with homeowner efforts to drive bills down, which according to Schneider Electric’s latest survey is of concern to 81% of UK homeowners. However, while cost-savings are important, it is clear that as the modern homeowner continues to value convenience, smart heating controls are a must for those managing the home while juggling busy work and family commitments.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe010

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DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

ASHP INSTALLATION TIPS PART 2

To help installers looking at Air Source Heat Pump installation, Paul Greengrass, Product Development Director from DiversiTech, provides some further tips on installation.

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iversiTech International (formally known as Pump House) has been working in the UK heat pump sector for over 15 years – working with OEM’s, wholesalers, and training organisations to help provide the best installation solutions to deliver heat from the heat pump into the home.

We are a design and manufacturing business which has created a range of installation accessories to assist installers to fit heat pumps in a cost-effective and efficient way.

performance air flow and insulating the external pipework.

One way of protecting the external pipework, and more importantly, maintaining the integrity of the insulation around the pipe work, is by using external

grade trunking. This not only provides important protection to the insulation, but it also improves the aesthetics of the install.

Installing pipework incorrectly and correctly for your air source heat pumps is demonstrated below.

Efficient heating systems Air source heat pumps are extremely efficient electrically driven heating systems, with the main power being consumed by the compressor. The standard refrigeration cycle being applied has been used for many years with two key functions; compression to produce heat and expansion and evaporation to provide cold.

Through the processes mentioned above, heating of the water within the system can be achieved in an economical manner to provide water to radiators, underfloor heating and for domestic hot water.

Basis of a heat pump In its basic form, the heat pump acts in a similar way to a boiler – energy in and heating out. However, the key difference (besides that of operation) is that most boilers are typically fitted inside a home while the heat pump sits outside the home (either partly or as a whole).

The heat pump heating cycle provides a coefficient of performance between 3:1 and 4:1, so for every 1kw of electrical energy consumed by the unit the home receives 3 to 4Kw of useable heat (or 300-400% efficiency), as opposed to a gas boiler only achieving around about 92% efficiency.

Are you insulating?

In our previous article we discussed the key factors in ensuring optimum

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DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

15

DiversiTech International (formally known as Pump House) has been working in the UK heat pump sector for over 15 years Installing adequate soak away Pre bagged soak aways are available for quick and easy installation

The problem of condensate Volumes of condensate are being produced by units during the day-to-day operation and defrost cycle. Units can produce up to 50 litres of condensate per day – an absolute maximum considering units do not run every day at full capacity.

This equates to approximately 3,000 litres per year.

These volumes are almost double that of a condensing boiler, and taking into account that the unit is installed outside – exposure to cold and freezing temperatures is even more prevalent.

Although not acidic like the condensate from a boiler, this condensate still needs to be routed into a drain or soak away to avoid the risk of ice forming on paths around the unit.

A soak away can be installed under the unit to provide quick draining from the heat pump. The soak away should be installed away from the building to avoid damp ingressing into the footings.

The capacity of the soak away should be similar to that of the boiler soak away as described in BS 6798 standards. BS 6798 calls for a 400mm deep hole, 300mm in diameter with a preformed plastic drain tube. If correctly installed the soak away should include around 25kg of chippings to provide adequate drainage. A Geotextile membrane is also recommended to prevent soil and root ingress into the soak away.

Some heat pumps also come with trace heating cables which can help prevent the pipework from freezing.

circumstances like these, the installation of protective cages or guards is recommended.

These protective cages are designed to provide adequate air flow around the unit resulting in the correct manufacturers rear air space as well as protecting the unit from vandalism and accidental damage.

Installation of a guard can also offer protection from possible personal injury.

Metal guards can be manufactured in various colours and there are also wooden guard options available.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe011

Further protection for your install …

If installing air source heat pumps in exposed areas, there is a risk that the outdoor unit can be damaged. In

The hazards when your air source heat pump install does not have adequate condensate removal.

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One way of protecting the external pipework, and more importantly, maintaining the integrity of the insulation around the pipe work is by using external grade trunking

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

DRAIN CLEARANCE

PHPI chats with Paul Morrow, Country Manager UK & Ireland, RIDGID, to discover how plumbers can unblock and descale domestic and commercial drains.

Q

Blocked drains are one of the less glamorous jobs for some plumbers.

What kind of applications has the K9-12 unit been designed for?

The new Flexshaft has been designed for unblocking and descaling of pipes 1 ¼” to 2” (32 – 50mm) diameter. It’s perfect for both commercial and domestic kitchens where the usual suspects of sinks, dishwashers and washing machines can cause pipes to become blocked with hair, fat, grease and food waste. Plumbers have also reported how great these are at clearing blocked downpipes from the roof gutter to the drain. Just insert it at ground level and it’ll clear the blockage of leaves and small plant growth with ease.

The spinning chain knockers of the new Flexshaft makes light work of soft blockages with only one-pass. There is even a built-in clutch which is great for protecting the cable if you do encounter a harder blockage.

If you find that a slightly more aggressive approach is needed, there are

penetrating ball heads available to help break through the initial blockage before the chain knockers do their job. Even Nylon brushes are available also up to 2” diameter for that finishing touch.

Q

How do you power the unit?

All you need is a standard 1800-2500 RPM power drill to attach to the 3/8” (10mm) drive spindle in seconds. The spindle is angled conveniently for attachment to your drill to make operation comfortable and controlled. So, its fully portable with a cordless battery drill meaning no unnecessary trailing leads. This also keeps the overall expense of the unit down and reliability up.

Q

How far can the cable reach down a pipe?

The unit has 9m of Flexshaft cable, sheathed in nylon for less mess and easy clean-up. As the inner cable spins the chain knockers, they expand to fill the pipe and provides wall-to-wall cleaning. The outer sheath remains static to prevent any damage to fittings and fixtures. The cable can be pushed easily into the self-coiling housing. The handy outlet cable cap can

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be removed when you want to access the cable easily for cleaning, maintenance and for storing the chain knocker at the end of a job.

Q

Drain cleaning can be a messy job. Are there any features on this unit that help to minimise the mess.

The unit has been designed with a domestic plumber in mind.

The fully enclosed housing ensures that any mess is contained, meaning no drips or mess inside your customer’s house. It’s always good practise to wipe the sheath with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris before you coil it back into the drum – this also helps prevent wear and keeps the job as clean and tidy as possible.

Q

How portable is the K9-12 drain cleaner?

The compact design is just 3.8kg (without drill or chain knocker) and has an integrated carrying handle. At just over 1’ x 1’ x 5” (33 x 38 x 12cm) it’s small enough to fit under sinks and standard cupboard units on confined jobs and can be stored on its side meaning it won’t take up much space in your van either.

This is a handy and compact solution for every plumber.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe012

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

THE POPULAR PRESS

The popularity of press fittings has been steadily on the rise in recent years. John Gittens, Operations Director at Maincor, explains why their versatility is even more appealing today, but warns installers to be wary of quality when choosing which fittings to use.

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t’s been said that using press fittings can reduce the installation time of a pipe joint by as much as 60%, helping installers to work smarter, faster and more cost-effectively on site. With the cost of materials still high, building and construction budgets are being continually squeezed on all types of job. This means proven product performance is more important than ever and the flexibility

offered by modern methods of connection, such as metal press fittings, is helping to ensure the delivery of projects on time and within budget.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits that’s made metal press fittings a more favourable choice, is how easily they meet site regulations and overcome safety concerns by rendering soldering and hot works unnecessary. Connections can be made in a fraction of the time it takes to weld or solder pipe, and the absence of heat or naked flame means they can safely be used on a wider variety of installations.

This also greatly reduces the risk of injury on the job while requiring less safety gear to operate a press tool.

Viewing window Indeed, innovation in press fittings such as Maincor’s MAINPRESS MLCP plumbing system, also offer less opportunity for errors to occur. As a robust non-demountable pipe and fitting system for domestic and commercial projects, MAINPRESS fittings feature a viewing window so installers can easily see if the pipe is properly secured before it’s pressed, reducing risk and ensuring a reliable, leak-free connection every time.

These multiple benefits are why many installers are choosing to use metal press

fittings, especially when combined with flexible multilayer composite pipe, over and above push-fit or traditional connection methods. With other methods, there is a risk that fittings can be left incomplete or weak if not soldered correctly around the joint or not connected sufficiently, resulting in leaks that can be difficult and expensive to fix. By using a press tool, the strength of press fitting connections is consistent and just as strong as a properly soldered joint. Maintenance can also be done more quickly and easily without the need to shut down systems.

Leak prevention However, the press fittings market is more crowded than ever so installers need to be aware of quality and how this can affect

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performance. Engineered in Germany, MAINPRESS fittings include a large D-ring sealing which prevents the risk of leaks and damage when the fittings are connected to pipes, ensuring it’s a solution that provides peace of mind.

Our fittings have a zero failures record, so we pride ourselves in having a reliable product range that professional installers can trust. That’s why we back the performance of our fittings with a 10-year insurance warranty and a 50-year Product Replacement Guarantee, going beyond the industry standard.

We’re also conscious that a great deal of emphasis must now be placed on environmental impact when selecting products, and metal press fittings also have a role to play in this. Using less energy and chemicals on

site and creating less waste, as well as their long lifespan, means they’re a more sustainable choice than traditional connection methods.

Overall, there are many reasons why installers are increasingly turning to press fittings, but to truly reap all the possible benefits, it’s critical to understand the differences between the products available so you can select a solution that won’t let you down.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe013

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EVENT PREVIEW

What’s on?

Already well-known in the heating and plumbing sector, InstallerSHOW is branching out this June to provide visitors with even more from a trip to the NEC.

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nstallerSHOW 2024 is one of the UK’s largest events for installers and specifiers of heat, water, air, and energy technology. The event, which takes place at the NEC from 25th-27th June this year, has grown to become a well-regarded fixture on the heating and plumbing calendar.

Hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers will be attending the show, ready to interact with visitors keen on unearthing new technologies, looking for details of the latest regulations impacting the sector and seeking new opportunities.

Many of the exhibitors will be hosting special events on their stands, including live demo’s and competitions – so there is plenty for plumbers and heating engineers to get their teeth into.

Installers can also check-out InstallerINVENT, an area showcasing the future of heat, water air and energy technology. It is an opportunity to get a glimpse of innovations that might have the potential to become mainstream in the years to come.

Content streams

Kitchens & Bathrooms In 2024 not only is the show bigger, it is also broader. One area of note is the new Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms. Promising a blend of technology, tools, innovation and inspiration, this new addition is set to include a content programme across two theatres covering topics such as water and energy efficiency, design and innovation, sustainable and smart technology, and changing legislation. It is backed by a

number of organisations including the BMA, BIKBBI, NKBA, AMDEA UK, and the Unified Water Label, as well as a host of leading manufacturers.

Another notable innovation for 2024 is the ‘Workwear Catwalk’ where installers will be able to check-out the latest gear, demonstrated by tradespeople from across the industry.

InstallerSHOW will also deliver a host of talks and seminars. Overall, there are 10 content streams with free-to-attend live content and insights. Amongst the highlights are Luke Humphries, the PDC World Darts Champion; Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a conversation with Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden, hosted by Philippa Forrester. You can get more information on all of the live content on the event timetable. Please www.rdr.link/pbe014

InstallerSHOW 2024 runs from 25th – 27th June at the NEC in Birmingham. For more details and to book a free ticket please www.rdr.link/pbe015 (Details correct at time of going to press)

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EVENT PREVIEW

SHOW TIME Returning once again to the NEC in June (25th-27th), InstallerSHOW 2024 promises over 600 exhibitors and a number of special events. PHPI picks out a few of the highlights.

■ INSTANTOR Plumbers coming to the Installer Show at the NEC Birmingham will have the opportunity to find out more about the Instantor UK portfolio. The company, an established and market leading business in Ireland, manufactures high quality plumbing & heating products including Instantor brass compression fittings.

With a range of plumbing products, the Instantor UK portfolio includes press fittings, press tools and jaws, domestic & commercial pumps, shower fixing kits and immersion heaters.

Instantor provides press solutions for numerous applications in Ireland, including Instantor Press System which is a range of press fittings and multilayer pipe, Instantor Copper Press for water & gas applications, Instantor Stainless Steel Press for water & gas applications, and most recently Paktermo by Instantor which offers corrugated stainless steel tube & brass fittings.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe016

■ MARK VITOW | TOP-FIX Mark Vitow Ltd is gearing up to showcase its Top-Fix waste installation solution at InstallerSHOW. The company says Top-Fix represents a ‘paradigm shift’ in shower, bath, kitchen, and basin waste fitting with its top-down installation approach. The two-piece system drops into the waste hole from above, eliminating the complexities of

awkward angles and the need to simultaneously hold parts in place from below. Once in position, the two main components are secured using a 14mm bolt, creating a robust watertight seal, without the need for silicone.

The recent launch of the shower and kitchen strainer wastes received significant interest, paving the way for the exclusive unveiling of basin and bath wastes at InstallerSHOW. Visit Team Vitow and ‘I Love Plumbing’ Andy Cam at Stand 5D16.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe017

■ TUCSON PUMPS Tucson Pumps have engineered pumping solutions since 2005 and are said to be widely popular amongst installers in Ireland thanks to their ease of application, high performance and warranty terms.

The Tucson portfolio of products includes Tucson Circulating Pumps; a range of cast iron, stainless steel & bronze body domestic pumps & pump head replacements, MetaBoost Cold Water Booster Pumps; constant and variable speed booster pumps with a range of

36 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

heads available, Equinox Shower Pumps; single & twin impeller brass body shower pumps ranging from 2 – 4 bar, VolMax Circulating Pumps; 10 & 12 metre head circulators designed for commercial use & SubPro submersible pumps; built for low maintenance, high performance installs.

All products are designed as ‘fit & forget’ solutions, are backed by warranty terms and an in-house after sales team.

Installers can see the range at the Installer Show. Visit the team at stand 4D18 for live demonstrations, competitions and giveaways.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe055

■ ALPHA Boiler and heat pump manufacturer, Alpha will be in attendance on stand 5G39d showing a complete overview of the brand’s core offering, including its renewables range. Experts in the field of gas and renewable energy solutions will be on-hand to offer the latest insights and advice on heating systems and training, including Technical Director, Darran Smith, National Renewables Manager, Dan Wilden and Commercial Product Engineer, Daniel Sturch, among others.

Alpha will be showcasing gas boilers including the ProTec NX, as well as the E-Tec Hybrid solution, Hydro heat pump, and Ares Tec floor standing modular boiler.

Darran Smith, Technical Director at Alpha, said: “The Installer Show is a key date in our calendars, and we’re delighted to be bringing our show van to the 2024

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exhibition, to demonstrate the wide breadth of products and support we have on offer.

We’re particularly eager to share more insights and information on our E-Tec Hybrid and Hydro products, as we seek to support installers in embracing a low-carbon future, and discussing the free training we have on offer to upskill in this area.”

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe018

discharge straight to drain without additional equipment.

The non-return valve prevents foul odours or waste gases entering the living area whilst the tundish air break safeguards against cross contamination with wholesome water. The company says its smallest tundish can deliver all this within just 73mm between pipes. For large unvented cylinders, hotun highflow provides for higher flow rates.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe020

■ OFTEC OFTEC will be located at Hall 5 Stand A12.

The organisation is encouraging visitors to come to find out the latest about HVO and its vision for a technology inclusive approach to decarbonisation, which recognises the diverse nature of the UK’s building stock and the need for multiple heating solutions to achieve net zero.

The organisation will also be promoting its heat pump training and assessments, which have been developed to meet the needs of heat pump installers and dovetail with MCS requirements. The cross-industry working group behind the courses included Grant UK, Panasonic, Vaillant, Nationwide Training, Cert-Ain Certification and ERS Certification as the representatives of seven UK based accredited certification bodies.

OFTEC’s head of public affairs, Malcolm Farrow, will be joining a panel at the InstallerSHOW to discuss ‘how do we solve off-grid heating?’ at the Installer PLAZA on Thursday 27th June (1 – 1.50pm).

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe019

■ RA TECH If you want to see how the hotun tundish range of products perform live under pressure head to the RA Tech stand. The hotun dry trap tundish incorporates a tundish with a wide bowl and a non-return valve. Installers can use it to take pressure relief discharge or temperature relief

■ OB1 OB1 will be at InstallerSHOW alongside Mark Vitow, exhibiting on stands 5D16 & 5D18.

The company will be showcasing its OB1 Multi-Surface Construction Sealant & Adhesive formulation which has been used by the trade for almost 20 years. The company says the product replaces mastics, wood and P.U. adhesives, silicone, sanitary, acrylic and butyl rubber sealants, and can even be applied on wet surfaces and underwater.

It will also be showcasing its new crystal-clear universal sealant and adhesive, OB1 Diamond. This product has a ‘crystal-clear’ aspect and high UV resistance, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications. The company will also be introducing its new OB1 lines at the show. OB1 PlumbersPal is a hybrid sealant and adhesive for a wide range of sanitary applications. OB1 PaintersPal Paintable Hybrid Sealant has been designed to meet the needs of painters and decorators – while visitors may also get a sneak peek of OB1’s new Bio-Based range.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe021

■ MULTIPIPE Unreliable parts can lead to leaks, callbacks, and angry customers, challenges that every plumber and heating engineer has faced at some point in time costing installers time, money, and perhaps most importantly, reputational damage.

Multipipe is a trusted supplier to the heating and plumbing sector promising to provide installers with the tools and materials needed to get the job done right, the first time: whether the job is a completely new plumbing system, an underfloor heating system, or a complex retrofit.

The company’s skilled design and technical team can work with installers to create the ideal system for projects; including heat loss calculations, advise on building regulation requirements, and design for the integration of renewable energy technologies as required. The company says: “It’s time to partner with Multipipe and build a reputation for quality and expertise.”

To secure time with Multipipe at the InstallerSHOW you can book a consultation at a time of your choice. Please www.rdr.link/pbe022.

Alternatively, simply drop by Stand 5G24 for a chat with the company’s team of experts.

Can’t wait until the show? Contact Multipipe today to discuss your project needs. Please www.rdr.link/pbe023

■ STELRAD RADIATORS Located on Stand 5A32, Stelrad Radiators will be exhibiting its wide range of radiators including a number of new products developed since the last event in 2023.

Most notable are the extended range of K3 radiators available to meet the needs associated with low temperature renewable heating systems. K3s offer three panels and three sets of fins – a 50% increase in heat generating radiator surface over a standard K2 for example,

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but from the same radiator footprint.

Another popular way of generating the additional surface needed for additional heat is the ever-growing vertical radiator options available in a range of designer and decorative models that are increasingly popular with designers and installers. Head for the Stelrad stand to see the latest in electric radiator options too – with a wide range of standard radiators and towel rails for bathrooms with both fluid and drystone technology options.

the provision of plumbing through growth and development and Kevin led the winning bid to host the 14th World Plumbing Council Conference in the UK at InstallerSHOW 2026. During the preview, he will discuss what installers can expect from the upcoming conference.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe026

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe024

■ DRAYTON This year at InstallerSHOW, heating controls manufacturer Drayton is celebrating 75 years of supporting installers, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about its new rewards scheme and get insights on industry hot topics.

Visitors to the event will be the first to hear about Drayton’s new rewards scheme, launching this year, which is designed to give installers more; from perks and points that can be redeemed against items from the rewards catalogue, through to being part of a community of likeminded professionals.

Over the three days of the show, heating engineers will be able to learn more about the company’s range of products, including the Wiser smart heating control system including under floor heating, the Digistat range and auto-balancing TRVs. There will also be chances to win on the Drayton stand, with giveaways running across the event.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe025

CIPHE The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), a professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, is exhibiting on stand 5G71 at InstallerSHOW, where you can meet the team and spin the wheel to win prizes courtesy of its industrial associates.

As well as giveaways, you can hear from Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at CIPHE, at the World Plumbing Council preview on Tuesday 25 June at 13:30. The international organisation aims to ensure

■ CISTERMISER AND KERAFLO Cistermiser, a provider of water and energy saving management solutions for commercial and public sector washrooms, will be exhibiting at InstallerSHOW 2024.

The company, also known in the domestic sector for its Combimate solution, will be launching a new water saving innovation at the event which it believes could become an essential part of water management across the public sector and beyond.

The company’s stand will also feature Cistermiser’s sister company Keraflo, which develops, designs and manufactures electronic tank management systems and delayed action mechanical float valves, which control cold water storage tanks in commercial and public buildings.

“The Cistermiser and Keraflo team will be on hand to answer any product related or technical questions and visitors will be guaranteed a demonstration to showcase how our ingenious products work in situ,” said Lisa Moon, Cistermiser’s Marketing Communications Manager.

For more information on Cistermiser www.rdr.link/pbe027 please For more information on Keraflo please www.rdr.link/pbe028

■ DERBLAUE The company’s highly flexible liquid collection systems could consign cut-off buckets or other makeshift solutions for draining or collecting liquids to the past.

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Whether replacing radiators, pumps or valves, for general maintenance or a number of installations DERBLAUE® adapts to fit the space available, thanks to its integrated bending metal elements.

The company says that all its products have been developed so that once they are installed, the installer can have their hands free, to get on with the tasks at hand, increasing efficiency.

The DERBLAUE® complete set consists of the 10 litre collection tub (which contains built-in bending metal elements and a soft sealing lip), a pumping system – optionally operated with a power supply unit or a splash-proof, rechargeable battery – as well as splash protection products, the single- and double-splash-guard and slide.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe029

■ SANIFLO AND KINEDO Saniflo has doubled its presence at InstallerSHOW this year with a stand that features Saniflo on one side and the Kinedo shower brand on the other. A wide variety of Saniflo’s portfolio of pumps, macerators and lifting stations will be on display including models aimed at the commercial sector, such as the Sanifos underground lifting station and a Sanicubic GR. The domestic range will also be represented with a range of macerators, shower pumps, condensate pumps, sump pumps and two WCs with integrated

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macerators; the Saniflush and Sanicompact. Both models are suitable for bathrooms with limited access to gravity drainage where space is at a premium or where the owner prefers to conceal the macerator within the WC. The Kinedo shower brand is most closely associated with all-in-one shower cubicles, but also features a range of shower enclosures and lightweight cuttable shower trays; many of which will be showcased on the Kinedo stand. Walk-in models on display include the Ekinox Duo in cobalt blue, along with a Kinequartz solo with smoked glass.

Appointments with members of the Saniflo or Kinedo sales team will be available to book in advance by emailing marketing@saniflo.co.uk.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe030

■ CARRIER Carrier will be emphasising its commitment to the “Road to Net Zero” with new technologies and product showcases for residential and light commercial customers. “At Carrier, we recognise the urgent need to decarbonise heat and are positioning our powerhouse of brands, Carrier, Toshiba, Riello and Vokera, as essential partners in aiding this transition,” said David Dunn, Sales Director for Northern Europe, Carrier RLC EMEA. “Technological advances in improved sustainability, indoor air quality, energy efficiency and carbon emissions are vital to our planet, so we’re excited to share how far we’ve come and where we’re heading.”

On show will be the latest hybrid-ready boiler solutions from Vokèra, combining traditional and renewable technologies for optimal energy savings. The exhibit will also explore Riello’s rich heritage in burner technology and transition towards renewable liquid heating fuels, alongside products like the NXHM R32 ASHP Monobloc and RS ULX (Ultra-Low NOx) Burner.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe031

■ GRANT UK Grant UK will be returning to InstallerSHOW 2024 on Stand 5C40. Located next to the popular InstallerPLAZA and showcasing its range of efficient low carbon heating solutions, the Grant UK stand will feature the company’s latest sustainable innovations as well as a glimpse into its future product solutions. Alongside its Aerona3 R32 heat pumps, smart controller technology, hybrid products and package solutions offering, the stand will also be home to some of Grant UK’s new products which are launching later this year.

Visitors can expect a warm welcome from the friendly Grant UK team who will be on hand to answer any questions, from heat pump training and installation, to heating system design and beyond. Product demonstrations will be hosted on

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the stand throughout the show and visitors will be able to take a close look at the range of Grant products on display.

Refreshments will be available in the stand’s hospitality area and there will also be the chance to win prizes and take-home giveaways, plus much more.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe032

■ DIMPLEX Dimplex, exhibiting on stand H90 at InstallerSHOW, will be showcasing an array of products demonstrating the ‘Dimplex Difference’. The stand design will play home to low carbon heating solutions including the Alta Wi-Fi panel heaters, the newly launched IRP Far-Infrared panel heater and the whole home heating solution – Quantum HHR storage heater, Q-Rad electric radiator, Edel hot water heat pump and Dimplex Control Hub. Coming soon to the Dimplex portfolio for autumn 2024 is a brand-new range of heaters and the team will be unveiling an exclusive sneak-preview for visitors. Also on display will be a selection of products from the Xpelair by Dimplex ventilation and air movement range.

Visitors can also secure their place in the Dimplex PRO Installer Club - benefits include professional training, expert support and an array of awards. Dimplex will host a Club showcase offering installers the opportunity to sign-up as a member and join in with interactive fun and games where prizes will be up for grabs.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe033

■ SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS Schlüter-Systems is highlighting some of the company’s most popular products at this year’s Installer Show. Among the products on display will be the company’s KERDI-200 waterproofing membrane, the low height, linear drainage set KERDI-LINE-G3, the KERDI-TS waterproofing strip for bathtubs and shower trays, KERDI-BOARD-NLT prefabricated niche with LED lighting, LIPROTEC illuminated profiles and the DITRA-HEAT electric underfloor heating system In addition, the team will be performing

product demonstrations to highlight the best practices in waterproofing, featuring the KERDI-BOARD, a tileable, waterproof backerboard. Visitors will also be able to find out more about the company’s training days, while also exploring how to become a Schlüter-approved installer. Installers can also enter a daily “Quickest installation” competition to see who can fit the DITRA-HEAT Peel & Stick underfloor heating system in the quickest time possible.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe034

■ VIESSMANN Visitors to the Viessmann stand will be able to see the wide breadth of technologies, connectivity, services and tools that are available to support the growth of its partners’ businesses. A focus for the business is its One Base digital platform; a system for power and heat that connects power generation, storage, and usage within the home, including the use of electricity for heating, with all connected devices visible within the same App, ViCare for end users or ViGuide for installers.

Viessmann’s team of experts will be on hand to answer questions on anything from training, to its VPlus loyalty scheme, as well as to recommend which of its extensive portfolio of domestic and commercial solutions are the correct fit for upcoming projects. Visitors will also be able to view the company’s latest Vitocal heat pump models, as well as its Vitodens boilers with Wifi inside and Lambda Pro combustion technology.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe035

■ WILO Wilo returns to InstallerSHOW with the award-winning plumbing and heating engineer Grant Gundelfinger set to partner the pump manufacturer to demo live pump installations and answer installers’ queries.

Grant will be appearing as a special guest

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on Wilo’s stand (4G14) every day during the exhibition to raise awareness on the benefits of smart pumps and new pump technologies.

At the show, installers will be able to see a range of Wilo’s smart products, software and assistive technology being demoed

by Wilo’s team and Grant.

These include domestic heating and hot water circulators from its PICO range, drainage and sewage pumps, and water booster sets like the smart IsarBOOST5.

As well as its solutions for domestic applications, Wilo will be showcasing a selection of its products for use in commercial plumbing and heating. This includes its water pressure boosting sets and commercial pumps from its HVAC range, such as the Stratos MAXO and Stratos GIGA2.0.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe036

■ SALAMANDER PUMPS Salamander Pumps will be unveiling a brand-new product at InstallerSHOW 2024 which the company says will be an ‘essential addition to a plumber’s tool selection’.

In an exclusive first look, event attendees will be introduced to the brand new product, which the company says has the capacity to identify issues and recommend solutions for plumbers in the field, based on accurate, precise readings.

Salamander Pumps says installers who have been involved in the development, are already describing it as a “game-changer”.

Visit stand 4H15 to be amongst the first to see the new user-friendly, digital device, and speak with Training Manager Mike Oxley to discover more. Salamander Pumps will also be offering visitors a chance to win this brand-new product.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe037

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pump compatible thermostat solutions, including the Honeywell Home evohome, DT4 and the T3. The stand also boasts an exciting ‘Beat the Vault’ competition, with the chance to scoop a Playstation 5 in a prize draw and the opportunity to ask the technical experts questions on installation, servicing, and training opportunities.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe039

■ HANSGROHE Incorporating the latest style trends for the whole bathroom to sustainability and water saving options, and ease-of-installation advances, the hansgrohe stand at this year’s InstallerSHOW has plenty to experience.

The stand includes a complete bathroom setting where hansgrohe’s Rainfinity shower and Tecturis basin mixer taps will sit alongside its new bathroom furniture, its ceramic sink and toilet collection, its xtrastoris range of wall alcoves and storage for bathroom essentials, and its RainDrain sleek shower drain, suited to wet rooms and walk-in tiled showers.

With sustainability so important to future design, a Working Water area of the stand will allow visitors to experience hansgrohe’s eco products first-hand, seeing how a reduction in water usage does not have to have an impact on the showering experience. Two technical booths, manned by the company’s team of experts, will also be ready and equipped to give technical demonstrations on how to install the iBox 2, answer questions on servicing products and showcase a host of pipework and shower set ups.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe038

■ RESIDEO You’ll find Resideo on stand 5F58 at this year’s show, and installers are invited to pop by, grab a beer, and say hello to the expert team over the course of the three days.

With smart products still growing in popularity, visitors can find out more about how the new online System Builder helps specify a complete, bespoke Honeywell Home evohome smart zoned heating solution for a customer, with ease.

Equally, there is the chance to chat with the Resideo team about the range of heat

■ ADVANCE APPLIANCES Located on stand 5A42 the company will be showcasing its range of Heat Pump Cylinders, Buffer Sores, Thermal Store cylinders and the Electric Boiler range. This year it will have its Pre-Plumbed Heat Pump Cylinder on display to showcase the company’s design and manufacturing capabilities which it offers to all of its customers.

Alongside the company’s cylinder ranges Advance Appliances will be launching its installer network for Thermal Store Cylinders. As a market leader in Thermal Stores, the company says it is often asked for information on heating engineers available up and down the country who can help customers. It believes that a concentrated list of specialist engineers available in and around their location would be of benefit to customers. If you are an engineer who has experience working with Thermal Store Cylinders and would like to join the company’s Installer network then please come along and speak to Advance Appliances.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe040

■ CONEX BÄNNINGER Conex Bänninger, a manufacturer of high-quality fittings, valves and accessories, will have an enhanced interactive stand (5D19) at InstallerShow 2024. Providing a ‘real exhibitor experience’ is at the heart of the

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company’s offering including an interactive touch-screen display to find the right product for a given application, as well as a ‘Head-to-Head’ >B< Sonic challenge for installers, who will have the chance to win daily prizes.

On display will be a mix of plumbing, heating and ACR solutions including >B< MaxiPro’s new larger size 1 5/8” fitting, >B< Press, and Conex Compression. Visitors will also have a chance to have a ‘sneak’ preview of new products coming onto the market including >B< Flow, the new ‘Y’ joint compatible with >B< MaxiPro. For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe041

■ MAINCOR Visitors to Maincor’s stand (5B12) at InstallerSHOW can expect to find out more about its robust and secure MAINPRESS MLCP plumbing system as well as the opportunity to take part in an interactive strength test challenge.

The non-demountable pipe and fitting system is said to be quick to install, saving time, money and resources on site, and, the company says, the viewing window reduces risk by ensuring a reliable, leak-free connection every time.

As part of the MAINPRESS Tightest Grip Challenge, visitors to the stand will also be invited to see how strong their grip is.

Using a grip measuring device, participants will battle it out against each other, with prizes awarded to the winner at the end of each day.

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe042

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TRAINING UPDATE

REAPING THE REWARDS PHPI catches up with Logic4training’s ‘Lifetime of Training’ winner, Josh Scott, a year after he began his plumbing NVQ at the Northolt training centre. He’s come a long way since then and is feeling optimistic about his future.

Q

Last time we spoke you had recently finished your Plumbing Diploma.

What have you been up to since then?

After my diploma, I started Logic4training’s MLP (Managed Learning Program) – training to be a gas engineer. I spent most of last Autumn at Logic’s training centre in Northolt, learning how to work safely with gas. There were technical lessons in the classroom and practical sessions in the workshops. After that I began working on my portfolio where you focus on work experience before you finally take your ACS exams and qualify.

For the portfolio you shadow a qualified Gas Safe engineer to put the skills you’ve learnt at the centre into practice and build your confidence. Over the months you become more independent – ready to take on a professional role as a heating engineer. I’ve loved it.

Q

Where did you work to build your portfolio experience?

I’ve been working for Belfor, a fire and flood restoration company where my dad and brother Ryan work. It’s been great. I’m employed as a Multitrader, so I’ve been working on all sorts of things as well as boiler installs.

My plumbing skills have been useful, and I’ve even done a bit of tiling, which is something I used to do before I started my training. It’s really good to be able to turn your hand to a range of skills and help out where you’re needed.

I’ve realised that when you’re starting out it’s good to have more experienced people around you. They give me support

which helps me feel more assured about what I’m doing.

Q

What do you fancy doing next?

Although the first part of the prize is coming to an end, I get £1,000 worth of training a year for the next ten years. It’s fantastic! Logic4training is great, they’re always bringing in new qualifications, so I’ll have a little browse and see what I fancy next. Heat pumps would be good, or maybe solar PV. I feel very lucky to have the chance over the next few years to expand my knowledge and get the qualifications I need to develop my career. My Dad says it’s important to be adaptable these days.

I’ve also just bought my first house. It needs a lot of work doing on it, but I wanted to find somewhere I could put my own mark on and to be honest, somewhere I could practice my new skills! It needs a new bathroom, so that’s fine, I can do that, plus new flooring and decorating

I feel so lucky that winning the prize has enabled me to learn a new trade and get a good job.

44 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

● Josh Scott won Logic4training’s Lifetime of Training competition in May 2023. The amazing prize will give him a wide variety of training and support so he can become a successful building services installer; from practical training to a new website, Checkatrade membership and even marketing support.

Once he’s completed his MLP, Josh will benefit from £1,000 worth of training every year for a decade. everywhere. It also needs a new kitchen, so I’ll have to bring Dad in to help with that.

It’s a big project, but one I’m excited to be starting out on.

I feel so lucky that winning the prize has enabled me to learn a new trade and get a good job. I never would have been able to get a mortgage as a self-employed worker, so I have put the plumbing and tiling company I started up before I began my training, to one side for now. There’s plenty of time to think about what I might do in the future, but at the moment life’s good. I’ve got one more thing to cover for my portfolio – the flue on a boiler install and then it’s back to Northolt for a re-cap before I sit my ACS. It makes me very happy to look back and think about all I’ve learnt this year.

For more information on training please www.rdr.link/pbe043

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PRODUCT FOCUS

NEW AIR-COOLED REVERSIBLE HEAT PUMP FROM CLIVET

T

hunder is a new energy-efficient air-cooled reversible heat pump with natural refrigerant R-290. It is available in the 40 to 85 kW capacity range and has a seasonal efficiency in heating SCOP (W55) up to 3,63 – exceeding the minimum requirements of the Ecodesign (ErP) directive.

The solution has been designed with full-inverter technology on latest-generation scroll compressors and axial fans.

The Thunder guarantees heating, cooling and domestic hot water production up to 75°C and an operating range in heating from -20°C to +42°C ambient air.

The company behind the new unit says Thunder is, “perfect both for meeting the minimum requirements for new buildings and for use in refurbishment due to its ability to produce hot water at high temperatures, making it suitable for use as an alternative and replacement for boilers,

in combination with classic radiator systems. Thanks to the careful design, the unit delivers a heat capacity very close to the nominal data, even at very cold outside air temperatures.”

Modular design The solution is designed for modularity and the company says dedicated hydraulic connections simplify and speed up the installation phase.

Product Manager Giuseppe Barreca commented: “Thunder is the optimal solution for pursuing the European decarbonisation goals of the coming years.

Thanks to the use of an ultra-low GWP refrigerant such as propane (R-290), and the very high levels of efficiency obtained by adopting full-inverter technology, the unit contributes to the reduction of both direct and indirect greenhouse gas

emissions, while guaranteeing maximum comfort and application flexibility.”

For more information please www.rdr.link/pbe044

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IMPROVING BOILER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) discusses the Improving Boiler Efficiency Standards, what this means for installers, the importance of upskilling the industry to meet the new standards and how to support their customers now.

T

he government recently publicised its response to the consultation on Improving Boiler Efficiency Standards.

The consultation includes a range of proposals relating to gas boilers, hydrogen-ready boilers and hybrid heating systems.

The aim behind improving the efficiency standards of the UK’s boilers is two-fold.

Firstly, it is to reduce domestic gas consumption to lower consumers’ bills, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy security. Secondly, this will help the installers prepare for the transition to low-carbon heat in the form of heat pumps or a potential hydrogen conversion.

A crucial aspect identified within the consultation is the need for competent professionals. In fact, two thirds of respondents to the consultation agreed that low temperature training should be mandatory for gas engineers to help ensure Building Regulations are met. With this in mind, the government’s response recognises that professionals installing heating systems and self-certifying that their work complies with the Building Regulations must be competent to sign off all aspects of the work, including energy efficiency matters. As a result, the government intends to introduce a requirement for low temperature training for Gas Safe installers.

Core focus Of course, following a series of high profile building safety failures, competency has been a core focus for all aspects of the

built environment. As part of this, professionals across the industry are dealing with a constantly changing regulatory landscape and all work should be completed to the highest standards.

This means that for the plumbing and heating industry, we must not only improve competence on low temperature systems, but also carefully consider the performance properties of the materials specified and the methods undertaken to install new systems to ensure compliance.

While the whole of the construction industry recognises the necessity for competency, with the biggest set of regulation change to impact the sector in over a decade, achieving compliance can feel like a daunting challenge. This is why upskilling the workforce is vital. But to do this, installers must have access to training and resources that can aid them in meeting customer needs whilst also feeling confident in meeting the regulations set out by the government.

And, as our qualifications currently stand, installers will be unable to meet these requirements.

New qualifications At the CIPHE, we have been developing a new proposed qualification that has received encouragement from numerous government departments. It recommends the introduction of a new Level 2 qualification. The new Level 2 would give apprentices an additional entry point that could help them to secure a career in the industry with an adequate level of

46 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

competency. Level 3 would then be used to upskill people in renewables and low temperature system design.

Outside of upskilling the workforce, the new Level 2 would give apprentices more access routes into the industry and opportunities to specialise, whilst also being more beneficial to businesses who would then be able to commit to onboarding an apprentice for two years and progress to a Level 3 course if they choose to do so.

89%

of respondents felt that there should be both Level 2 and Level 3 entry points for careers as a plumber...

82%

of the employers surveyed, said that a Level 2 would benefit them and encourage them to take on an apprentice.

046_PHPI_JUN24_Layout 1 13/05/2024 13:10 Page 47

installers must have access to training and resources that can aid them in meeting customer needs whilst also feeling confident in meeting the regulations set out by the government To gain industry insight into how the new qualification may benefit the industry both now, and for future generations, we recently conducted our own consultation to garner feedback from the industry and understand their thoughts on the new Level 2 qualification. So far, this has taken the form of a Plumbing Employers Group and research conducted with apprentices, business owners, educators and professionals in the sector regarding training within the plumbing and heating industry.

Through this research, we found that an overwhelming 89% of respondents felt that there should be both Level 2 and Level 3 entry points for careers as a plumber, and, of the employers surveyed, 82% said that a Level 2 would benefit them and encourage them to take on an apprentice.

Competency While education is crucial to upskilling the workforce, ensuring competency and helping the UK achieve net zero, there are things plumbing and heating professionals can do today to help consumers increase efficiencies within their home and in turn reduce their bills. For example, undertaking training in renewables and incorporating insights learnt into advising customers. On top of this, in line with the updates to Part L, installers should ensure pipework is insulated. This helps minimise heat loss or risk of freezing in winter, reducing the energy required to maintain the temperature of the water in the pipe and in turn saving customers money. Insulation also prevents condensation which can lead to corrosion or damp over time.

Installers can also support customers by advising on smart controls or recommending an annual boiler service and plumbing health check to ensure their system is running at maximum efficiency, while also expanding the system’s lifespan.

There is undeniably work to be done to ensure professionals within our industry can meet the changing regulations laid out by the government while adequately supporting customers in a way that will limit their energy use and help them to prepare their homes for the future.

While it can at times feel overwhelming, there are resources that can help.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe045

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

ALTECNIC APARTMENT CONTROL ASSEMBLY PLUS Altecnic has launched the new ‘Apartment Control Assembly Plus™’. The valve assembly has been designed to allow the easy monitoring and control of water supply to a range of residential and commercial multi-occupancy developments.

The Apartment Control Assembly Plus features three interconnected monoblocs: Pressure Control & Isolation: Featuring an isolating ball valve, a high-performance pressure reducing valve (PRV) with a tamper-proof cover, a gauge port, and a strainer, this monobloc provides robust isolation and pressure regulation.

Water Meter & Carrier: Equipped with a water meter carrier and isolation capabilities, this monobloc facilitates accurate monitoring and measurement of water usage.

Backflow Prevention & Isolation: Incorporating a double check valve with a test port, a high-quality isolation valve, and a rotatable 360° drain cock on two axes, this monobloc ensures efficient water flow and maintenance.

The new solution is available in six configurations, including various options of water meter with wireless MBUS connectivity. The use of wireless MBUS connectivity opens the potential for remote communications from the water meter.

The company says the Apartment Control Assembly Plus features built-in mounting brackets and user-friendly features. By consolidating multiple functions into a single assembly, it says, the solution reduces the number of connections required during installation, thereby saving time, money, and mitigating the risk of leaks.

Gary Perry, Managing Director at Altecnic, commented: “The Apartment Control Assembly Plus offers a comprehensive solution that simplifies water management for multi-occupancy buildings.

Each component of the assembly has been designed to put flexibility into the hands of installers, whether in new-build or retrofit, and whether installing or performing maintenance.”

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe046

48 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

SNICKERS WORKWEAR SUMMER CLOTHING Snickers Workwear’s working clothes and accessories for the summer are designed to combine comfort and protection when working on site in the summer. There are new Sun Protection Caps, Shirts, Shorts, Trousers, Jackets and Jackets all designed to deliver enhanced freedom of movement and ventilation plus lightweight workwear that combines all the features of high-performance sportswear. 37.5® fabric technology is quick-drying and functional as well providing UPF 40+ sun protection.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe047

CRAMER UK HAROSECUR STRIP

The HaroSecur Strip is a flexible installation strip for the safe and secure fixing of sanitary ceramics. The self- adhesive strip is made with acid resistant plastic and features a smooth bacteria repellent surface. The design of the strip allows users to quickly adapt it to fit all ceramic shapes. It provides increased strength to sanitary fixings, improves acoustics (between 8 - 10 decibels) and can be used to build-up uneven surfaces or sloping walls.

Supplied in packs of 3 or 30 strips, it has a stress test load of up to 600kg on a wall hung sanitaryware unit.

For more details and to watch a video of the solution www.rdr.link/pbe048

KUDOS SLIMLINE SHOWER TRAY

The new Kudos Ultimate slimline shower tray collection stands at just 27mm in height and comes in two standard slate effect finishes, four bespoke-coloured options and 19 standard sizes. The company says the trays are lightweight, slip and stain-resistant, trimmable to fit on site, and the slate effect finishes contain an antimicrobial additive to inhibit the growth of microbes.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe049

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IDEAL HEATING ECOMOD COMMERCIAL HEAT PUMPS

NAVIGATOR MAGBLU MINI MIDNIGHT FILTER

Ideal Heating Commercial has launched its next generation ECOMOD heat pumps, with natural refrigerant.

The first to be released this year is the ECOMOD 290HT, with ECOMOD CO2 to follow.

The ECOMOD 290HT is a monobloc air source heat pump designed to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, whilst benefitting from an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just three as a result of the use of R290 natural refrigerant.

Available in three chassis sizes and five outputs from 15kW through to 50kW, ECOMOD 290HT has been designed for use in larger commercial buildings and can be used in cascade to achieve higher outputs. All ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps come with a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Heating.

Navigator MSL has launched the MAGBLU Mini Midnight boiler filter. A compact filter, the Mini Midnight comes in a black reinforced nylon body with a nickel-plated solid brass top and two 22mm butterfly type compression valves.

The company says that all seals are boiler grade, designed to withstand high temperatures for a prolonged period. The valve position can be altered to suit the space available – either ‘in line’ or at right angles to the filter.

The magnet can be removed for cleaning, which is recommended during normal service intervals – so at least every year when the boiler is serviced. The kit comes with spare seals and a tool for adjusting the top cap. It can operate at a working pressure of up to 6 bar and the magnet strength is 9000 GAUSS. It weighs 1300 grams and has a KVS flow capacity of 4.8m3/h.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe050

ACTIV-TEC ACTIVSTOPLEAK

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe052

TALON BLACK SPACERS FOR HINGED CLIPS

Activ-Tec has announced the launch of its new leak detection and prevention device, ActivStopLeak – a solution designed to provide protection against the risks of flood damage in properties.

The company says ActivStopLeak can detect micro flows as low as 0.1 litres per hour. Stuart Gizzi, Director at Activ-Tec, said: “ActivStopLeak is not just about detecting leaks; it’s about proactively preventing the extensive damage and costly repairs that can result from flooding. Its advanced technology can detect even the slightest anomalies in water flow, offering a vital line of defence against severe water damage and costly bills.”

The system’s intelligent control learns normal water usage patterns to identify leaks or burst pipes early. Upon detecting a potential major leak, ActivStopLeak promptly shuts off the water supply. This, the company says, mitigates the risk of flooding and associated damage, including electrical hazards, compromised structural integrity, and the potential for mould and mildew growth.

The unit features an app for real-time monitoring and control from a smartphone. Users receive alerts for detected leaks and can remotely shut off or restore the water supply.

Talon has announced its Black Spacers are now available in a bag of 100. The Black Spacers, designed for compatibility with the company’s Hinged Clip range, have previously been available in bags of 20. The spacers allow heating and plumbing installers to easily maintain their standard of pipework, providing both functional and aesthetic enhancements quickly and easily.

Manufactured from high-quality polypropylene, Talon’s Hinged Clips offer a 360° fixing solution for a wide variety of pipes, including PEX, Copper, MDPE and PVC. The system also allows all sizes of Talon Hinged Clips to be connected, delivering a comprehensive solution for pipework security.

For more information please

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe051

www.rdr.link/pbe053

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2024 49

048_PHPI_JUN24_Layout 1 14/05/2024 12:06 Page 50

PRODUCTS ROUND UP

INTA TENANT HUB Inta has launched its new Inta Tenant Hub – an assembly which has been designed to provide a simple solution to water management and measurement in multi-tenant buildings.

The Inta Tenant Hub combines several essential components into one compact unit, including a stop valve, an adjustable pressure reducing valve, a pressure gauge, a Class D water meter carrier, and a double check valve to eliminate the risk of backflow.

The company says this consolidation of components into one package promises to significantly reduce installation times and complexity in both residential and commercial multi-occupancy buildings.

The Inta Tenant Hub can be installed either vertically or horizontally, catering to varied architectural layouts. It also comes fully equipped with a whole assembly moulded insulation cover, bolstering the unit’s durability and helping to prevent frost damage.

Neil Stead, National Specification Manager at Inta, said: “The Inta Tenant Hub consolidates our premium plumbing components into a single, efficient unit, simplifying the installation process in multi-occupancy buildings. With its stop valve, individual units can be easily isolated from the main system. The adjustable pressure

reducing valve and gauge enable installers to tailor flow rates for each specific installation. Additionally, the inclusion of a Class D water meter carrier offers landlords the flexibility to choose their preferred meter manufacturer.”

The Inta Tenant Hub is certified by the Kiwa UK Regulation 4 Product Approval Scheme (KUKreg4), showing it meets the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.

For more information please

www.rdr.link/pbe054

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Advance Appliances............................................................ (page 47) www.rdr.link/PBE100

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V .................................... (page 2,IFC) www.rdr.link/PBE111

Bosch Thermotechnology UK Ltd .................................... (page 15) www.rdr.link/PBE101

Multipipe ................................................................................ (page 43) www.rdr.link/PBE112

Bristan Group Ltd ................................................................ (page 39) www.rdr.link/PBE102

Pump Technology Ltd ........................................................ (page 29) www.rdr.link/PBE113

Centrica PLC.......................................................................... (page 26) www.rdr.link/PBE103

RA Tech .................................................................................... (page 11) www.rdr.link/PBE114

Conex Universal Limited ...................................................... (page 7) www.rdr.link/PBE104

Ridgid Tool UK ...................................................................... (page 43) www.rdr.link/PBE115

Cramer UK.............................................................................. (page 45) www.rdr.link/PBE105

Schluter Systems Ltd ............................................................ (page 4) www.rdr.link/PBE116

Derblaue .................................................................................. (page 17) www.rdr.link/PBE106

SFA Saniflo UK Ltd .................................................... (page 52,OBC) www.rdr.link/PBE117

Diversitech International .................................................... (page 23) www.rdr.link/PBE107

Toolfair ...................................................................................... (page 8) www.rdr.link/PBE118

Diversitech International .................................................... (page 33) www.rdr.link/PBE108

Sanbra Fyffe Ltd - Tucson.................................................... (page 41) www.rdr.link/PBE119

Installation Assurance Authority ...................................... (page 34) www.rdr.link/PBE109

Sanbra Fyffe Ltd - Instantor ................................................ (page 41) www.rdr.link/PBE120

Intatec ...................................................................................... (page 31) www.rdr.link/PBE110

Walraven Ltd.......................................................................... (page 29) www.rdr.link/PBE121

50 JUNE 2024 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

051_PHPI_JUN24_Layout 1 13/05/2024 13:12 Page 42

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.

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