BUSINESS & TRAINING
UNLOCK NEW BUSINESS WITH HEAT PUMP TRAINING
HELP REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
BATHROOMS
WATER AND ENERGY SAVINGS
5VIEWPOINT
6NEWS
44HORROR SHOW
45CIPHE UPDATE
51PLAYTIME
10Avoid disputes
Swerve heating and plumbing disputes by optimising video
12Making the ‘spa-throom’ sustainable Achieve a dream bathroom whilst reducing water and saving on bills
14A growing opportunity?
Research from the BMA shows that bathroom makeovers are on the minds of homeowners
15Low profile waste
Slim is a low-profile solution for low-level shower trays
16Speed up installations
How JG Speedfit can assist in the
21Guidance // smart heating controls
Get the most out of smart heating controls
24A hybrid approach...
PHPI speaks with Andrea Carmeli, Managing Director for Alpha, to discover more about the company’s latest solutions
26LOWER TEMPERATURE RADIATORS
Stelrad introduces new Compact 900mm high radiators
28Help cut heating bills
A new TRV that is making it easier to balance hydronic heating systems
30Managing heating health
Heating protection and maintenance
32Navien’s new boiler
The Combi Crossover range has been expanded with a new option for smaller
40Train to gain
Unlock new business with Grant’s heat pump training
42Begin your heat pump journey
Vaillant’s new ‘Aspire’ heat pump training programme
47 Resideo introduces Water Control solutions
48 Baxi introduces a new floor standing bolier
33What’s on?
InstallerShow 2023 is making its second appearance at the NEC in Birmingham in June
36SHOW time
With around 400 exhibitors they’ll be plenty to see at InstallerShow - PHPI picks out a few of the highlights
12 BATHROOMS
47 WATER CONTROL
EDITOR
JONATHAN COLE phpi@hamerville.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER
OLIVER SHANNON oshannon@hamerville.co.uk
ASSOCIATE
RAY SUITTERS rsuitters@hamerville.co.uk
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE PATRICK MOORE pmoore@hamerville.co.uk
DIGITAL MANAGER
KELLY NEWSTEAD
DESIGNER
DONNA BOOTH
GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER
CAROL PADGETT
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
KARL CLARK
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Copyright © 2023
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.
Domestic heating often dominates talk around the sector – especially now as the long-established norms are being increasingly disrupted by alternative solutions brought forward by the focus on ‘low-carbon’ solutions. However, bathroom refurbishments, repairs and renovations can also make-up a significant proportion of plumbing work and certainly deserves a share of attention.
So, it was interesting to read the latest report from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) which suggests the number of people looking to have a bathroom refurbishment in the next two years is rising.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults indicated more than a quarter of the UK population (26%) wants to complete a full bathroom refurbishment, with partial makeovers and replacing taps also slightly up – clearly good news for the sector.
However, alongside this positive story one concerning issue revealed in the survey was a downward trend away from professional fitters –although the survey did show that some Brits would rely on trusted professionals they have used before. (You can read more details from the BMA survey on page 14.)
When renovations or refurbishments are being discussed trusted professionals can play an important role in product specification – ensuring the solutions selected meet the needs of customers. With high energy costs persisting, and customers motivated to make energy-savings, it is probably a good opportunity to advise them about the latest product innovations which can help save both water and energy.
As Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA remarks: “As consumers look to save money, we could see an increase in the purchase of innovative products designed to cut energy and water bills. Professional installers are critical for this endeavour. Their advice and knowledge ensure customer satisfaction, compliance, and safety.”
When selecting products for the bathroom perhaps one thing to look out for is the Unified Water Label. Designed to offer clear and concise messaging about the water consumption of a product the voluntary scheme is industry-led and supported by over 160 brands, with around 16,000 products currently registered.
The way in which water is heated, distributed and used not only in bathrooms, but throughout a house, can play a major role in keeping bills under control – something which all customers will be pleased to hear. By providing tailored advice and through delivering competent installations professionals can provide customers with ways to keep bills under control while reducing the demand on valuable resources.
The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication.
Subscriptions to PHPI are available for 1 year (11 issues) at the following rates:
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Jonathan Cole EDITORWorcester Bosch is launching a new ‘Savvy Series’ designed to support installers in guiding homeowners through the various options and advantages around future green home heating technologies.
The new content series is part of what the company describes as “an extensive push” to deliver quality and impactful energy saving tips to homeowners to help curb the cost of household spend and energy usage.
The Savvy Series will be fronted by TV presenter and consumer champion Angellica Bell, with each video revealing new tips on how homeowners can either save money or gain a better understanding of greener heating options for their home.
The series also aims to simplify greener home heating, giving consumers a better understanding of the future technology that may be available to them. The home heating solutions covered include hydrogen, heat pumps and hybrid systems.
Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, said: “We’re delighted to have Angellica as the face of our Savvy Series. Her involvement will help us reach more homeowners with both energy-saving tips and the right guidance to help them transition to the greener heating future.”
To find out more about Worcester Bosch’s new Savvy Series, please www.rdr.link/pau001
When World Cup-winning rugby player, Steve Thompson, put a call out on social media about a problem he was having with his heating, ADEY and Sure Maintenance were quick to step in and help.
During the cold snap in December 2022, Steve noticed that the radiators in his 1930s semi-detached house were not
working properly. They had multiple cold spots and even when the heating was turned right up, rooms were still cold.
Spotting Steve’s request for help on social media, ADEY got in touch and recruited the help of local heating engineers, Sure Maintenance.
“We sent a manager out to Steve’s house to check there wasn’t an issue with any of the boiler components,” said Pat Coleman, Managing Director at Sure Maintenance. “But the water test confirmed that the system needed flushing, so we arranged a date for our engineers to return.”
Using the MC3+ cleaner from ADEY to help lift the sludge and the MagnaCleanse system flush meant the system didn’t have to be drained down and the flush could be carried out in one day without turning the heating off and keeping Steve’s home warm at the same time.
After the system had been flushed, a MagnaClean Professional2 magnetic filter was fitted under the boiler and dosed with inhibitor to keep the system protected from the damaging effects of magnetite.
LCL Awards has announced that it updated Water Regulations course has been officially recognised by Water Regs UK as meeting the minimum competency requirements for plumbers who wish to join the WIAPS Approved Contractor Scheme.
The course is a necessary requirement for qualified plumbers (holding as a minimum a NVQ Level 2) looking to join their local Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) or WaterSafe. It is also a suitable pre-requisite for several renewable technology qualifications, such as heat pumps and solar thermal, and may also be taken by learners on new entrants’ programmes - Gas Managed Learning Programmes (MLPs) or plumbing NVQ, for example.
The qualification is available from LCL Awards centres throughout the UK.
Ideal Heating is offering installers the chance to earn a Connect points bonus worth £300 by fitting just one more of its boilers than they did during the same period last year.
Through the company’s “One More Max” promotion members of Ideal Heating’s Installer Connect loyalty programme can claim the one-off bonus, on top of their normal rewards, by installing one more Logic Max or Vogue Max in the same qualifying period last year.
So, if an installer registered five installations of the Logic Max or Vogue Max during 1st April – 12th July 2022, they can claim an extra £300-worth of loyalty points by installing six between 1st April – 12th July 2023.
Installers with two or fewer registrations of Ideal Heating’s Logic Max or Vogue Max products in quarter two last year, or who weren’t members of Installer Connect at the time, must install at least three between 1st April – 12th July 2023 to be eligible for the extra bonus.
Luke Pykett, Head of Brand Marketing for Ideal Heating, said: “We want as many engineers as possible to take advantage of our limited time only promotion. It’s our way of rewarding our longstanding engineer partners for their loyalty, and new engineers for giving our range a try with the added benefits of our free Installer Connect loyalty scheme.”
To find out more about Installer Connect, please www.rdr.link/pau002
Grant UK has been focusing on biodiversity at its new Headquarters in Swindon, Wiltshire, where the company has planted an abundance of bulbs and wildflowers as well as installing wildlife-friendly features throughout the site.
The company has also creasted compost bins from recycled pallets and these will enable it to collect and compost the fallen leaves and cut grass from the site, compost which will then be used in the new growing season when fresh plants and bulbs are ready to be sewn.
Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing at Grant UK said: “By focusing on biodiversity, we have not only made some beautiful outdoor areas for our employees to enjoy but we have started an exciting programme which will make the site a wildlife-friendly
Following feedback from heating engineers Baxi has completed its range of high-performance models with the launch of its latest 600 and 800 Combi and System 2 boilers. Improvements to the new Combi & System 2 boilers include a pre-heated siphonic condensate trap, which prevents freezing and boiler lockouts in adverse winter conditions, a combined PrV and separate primary boiler drain for quick, simple draining and maintenance access, and colour coded wiring blocks for easier wiring. Both ranges are now also manually convertible between Natural Gas or LPG without the need for a conversion kit to be fitted, adding flexibility for off gas applications.
The new 30kW output in the 800 System 2 boiler means the complete range offers outputs in the region of 24kW to 36kW for Combi boilers and 15kW to 30kW for System. This provides installers with greater flexibility to meet the requirements of a variety of domestic property applications – large and small.
The 600 and 800 models have been designed to be compact and lightweight to make fitting in cupboards and small spaces easier. With a top central flue and pipe-behind facility, as well as stronger and corrosion resistant brass hydraulics, the company says they have been designed from the ground up with installers in mind.
All boilers come with a stainless steel heat exchanger and are certified to run on an 80/20 blend of natural gas and hydrogen. For more on the Baxi 600 and 800 Combi & System 2 ranges, please www.rdr.link/pau003
The all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo has been named ‘EV Van of the Year’ at the Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards 2023. The van impressed the judges with its all-electric powertrain and eye-catching design.
John Kendall, Editor of Van Fleet World, said: “Volkswagen’s ID range of electric cars has established the manufacturer as a producer of dedicated electric vehicle platforms and the logical extension to this has been to include light CVs in the same process.
“The VW ID. Buzz Cargo is the first model to emerge, providing a compact to medium sized van built on an electric only platform. With a design recalling the original 1949 VW Transporter, it’s a head-turner, while the ID electric driving experience is one that is likely to please drivers. With sales through VW Commercial Vehicles, EV van fleet customers can expect the support they would hope for from a van manufacturer.”
Commenting on the award, Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The ID. Buzz Cargo is proof that an electric van can effectively balance sustainable credentials, style, performance and practicality. We’re thrilled that the experts at Fleet World have recognised the vehicle in this way, by crowning it their ‘EV Van of the Year’.”
To get a deeper understanding of the barriers and motivators behind retraining to be able to offer customers low carbon technologies such as heat pumps, Vaillant recently surveyed more than 1,300 installers, registered on the company’s loyalty programme Advance.
82% of installers surveyed were currently not installing heat pumps although 87% of installers answered ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ when asked if they were interested in undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months.
The top three motivators of these installers looking to undertake heat pump training were future-proofing their business or career development, personal financial benefits from installing a diverse range of heating technologies, and the benefits for the environment by supporting the net zero agenda.
Vaillant estimates that heat pump training for an existing heating engineer can take up to 9.5 days – however, on average, the installers surveyed only needed a further 6.5 days training, as they already had some skills required to fit a heat pump.
Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director for Vaillant, said: “Whilst it’s encouraging to see that most installers are keen to upskill with additional heat pump training, some are also wary about the demand from consumers being low – and we’ve seen this through the recent BUS inquiry. In our response to this inquiry, we have urged the Government to set a clear strategy for consumer education and awareness to help drive demand for heat pumps and therefore the training required for installers.”
To help upskill heating engineers Vaillant has launched its Aspire heat pump training programme. For more details turn to page 42
National builders’ charity Band of Builders has expanded the support it offers to tradespeople after figures indicated that the suicide rate amongst construction workers in the UK has increased for the fifth year in a row.
Figures from the team at Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) Built Environment Asset Management (BEAM) Centre - in conjunction with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – found that the suicide rate for construction occupations in 2021 rose to 33.82 per 100,000. This figure has risen steadily from 25.52 per 100,000 in 2015 when the figures were first compiled.
In a bid to tackle the mental health crisis in the UK construction industry, a new free mental health and wellbeing platform has been launched that construction workers or their immediately families can use at any time to get help – thanks to the Big Brew, a campaign organised by Band of Builders.
The Big Brew is funding a partnership with Spectrum.Life, which will encourage tradespeople who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or any other trauma to take the all-important first step of seeking help.
Tradespeople can self-refer at any time through the charity’s website and receive confidential counselling via freephone, live chat, WhatsApp, SMS or a call back.
To celebrate 90 years of manufacturing in the UK, Leisure Sinks is launching an exclusive anniversary competition to win a VIP day out at Goodwood Revival – the world’s greatest historic motor race meeting.
Installers and plumbers are invited to enter the competition for a chance to win one of three pairs of VIP hospitality passes to the vibrant Goodwood Mess on ‘Super Sunday’ (10th September 2023). Goodwood Revival, which also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is the only sporting event of its kind, with the VIP hospitality passes granting access to the best racing action, magnificent air displays and a host of off-track activities, plus food and unlimited drinks.
James Cunningham, Sales Director at Leisure Sinks, said: “Leisure Sinks’ 90th anniversary is a major milestone for a British manufacturer and we’re excited to be celebrating our history with our customers. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent reputation and the high-quality sinks and taps we have to offer. Now, we’re giving plumbers and installers the chance to win a fantastic prize with three pairs of VIP hospitality passes to Goodwood Revival up for grabs –the lucky winners will be announced in August. Good luck!”
Swerve heating and plumbing disputes by optimising remote video guidance –says Ciarán Harkin,
Managing Director at Dispute Assist.
Disputes between businesses and customers are rife across the heating and plumbing sectors, but there is a modern way that professionals can steer their customer service offering in the right direction to minimise instances of disputes, or even avoid them completely.
By optimising remote video guidance in their operations, heating and plumbing businesses can ensure a job moves along efficiently throughout the lifecycle of a project. This technology can also help a business to gather evidence in case disputes with customers emerge further down the line.
Through remote video guidance, a customer or a professional can capture the footage depending on what is required. It can play a key part in the lifecycle of a project, starting right at the initial fieldwork stage. When compiling quotes or planning out a project, remote video guidance can be used to capture scans of a property or site to provide clear visuals. The professional can get a clear idea of what is required, and the customer can check that it meets their requirements too before works begin. Obtaining these scans or footage is as easy as using the camera function on a smartphone, and what is obtained can also be used to document what the site initially looked like for future reference.
After the project begins, heating and plumbing professionals can use remote video guidance to keep thorough records of the job as it rolls on. Utilising this software for quality control may mean adjustments can be made before they turn into major issues, making a business more efficient in terms of time and money.
If a customer requires an issue to be troubleshot, remote video can play a crucial role too. It can be used to assist with issues maintenance and emergency solutions, and it can assist if in-person inspections are needed too. Utilising video guidance technology can help to scope out the heating or plumbing issue beforehand, saving on the amount of time an engineer spends at a site or property. And if the engineer requires support from another professional, they can use this technology to train them in new products or techniques. Providing remote video guidance to
customers may contribute to enhanced customer service overall, as prospective clients may see this offering as a business’ commitment to providing quality workmanship. Professionals can nip issues in the bud before they escalate by quickly viewing issues remotely, rather than leaving customers in the lurch waiting for the issue to be resolved.
Businesses can use remote video guidance to document each stage of the job, so they have evidence of what a site looked like before, during and after the work was completed. So as an objective record, content gathered by remote video guidance can prove helpful if dispute resolution services have to step in.
Instead of venturing down the lengthy, expensive and often stressful court route, many home improvement businesses are
Professionals can nip issues in the bud before they escalate by quickly viewing issues remotely
turning to the full spectrum of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to help settle disputes with customers. Whether it be disappointment over workmanship or an issue with the finished project, ADR methods can help both parties reach a fair resolution.
Mediation and conciliation, at the softer end of ADR, aims for the parties in dispute to reach a resolution on their own through a facilitated conversation, with or without questions asked by an expert conciliator. Other ADR methods include arbitration and expert determination, both of which are legally-binding and see a case reviewed by an expert.
If a business has documented each stage of a project through remote video guidance, this could be used as evidence in the dispute resolution process. It can also help to protect a business when faced
■ Dispute Assist is the dispute resolution arm of QASSS, a resolution services provider to the home improvement and renewable energy markets. QASSS supports financial services, national retailers, trade associations, installation companies and manufacturers via a range of resolution services. Dispute Assist’s services include mediation and conciliation, independent inspections, remedial works, arbitration and expert determination.
Data from Dispute Assist, a resolution services provider to the home improvement sector, found that heating and ventilation was the worst-performing sector when it came to cases involving contractual issues, with 36% of cases received in relation to the issue. Just over half of the contractual issues were related to servicing and maintenance. Notably, heating and ventilation was the third worst-performing sector when it came to product issues at 16%, and it was the
implications for heating and ventilation businesses’ time and money, with repairs being required in 77% of cases.
What is clear from this data is that disputes can be a frequent occurrence across the heating market, and this is only a snippet of the scope of disputes across the home improvement market. Heating and plumbing professionals looking to reduce disputes, or stop them from occurring altogether, may find remote video guidance is just the solution they were looking for to get on with their jobs.
The bathroom has become an important place for wellness and regeneration amongst consumers and ‘spa-throoms’ (spa-like bathrooms) have been named a top interior design trend for 2023. To help create a spa-like bathroom, or when embarking on any bathroom renovation project, showers are one of the most important considerations.
For wet rooms and bigger bathrooms, large, waterfall-style showers offer a luxurious experience by cocooning the user in water droplets. Meanwhile, hand showers with varying spray types can help provide different water experiences dependent on the person’s skin type, making them ideal for multi-generational households.
Hand showers are a great partner to overhead showers, but also work brilliantly as a standalone product. For example, if customers are looking to create a luxury shower experience without the space for an overhead shower, hansgrohe’s Pulsify hand showers are equipped with gentle PowderRain and more invigorating IntenseRain spray modes. There is also a
As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues and seek more sustainable ways of living a key area that has come under scrutiny for its high-water usage is the bathroom. Sarah Evans, Head of Product Marketing at Hansgrohe UK, discusses the ways installers can help customers achieve their dream bathroom whilst reducing water and saving on utility bills.
third spray mode available in both variants - a relaxing massage spray or a more intense activating spray to help relieve muscle aches and tension. Whilst this functionality sufficiently ticks the ‘spa-throom’ box, sustainability will still be front of mind for some consumers. An increasingly common question for installers may therefore be – ‘in order to reduce my water usage in the bathroom, do I have to compromise on a great showering experience?’
The technology included in the latest eco showers and showerheads mean that installing water-saving options can be effective and straight-forward and, importantly, maintain the bathroom
experiences many homeowners are looking for. What’s more, less water used is also less water that needs to be heated, so switching to a product with integrated sustainable technology will help your customers save on their heating bills.
EcoSmart technology from hansgrohe, for example, can be integrated into many of the brand’s hand showers and overhead showers. It reduces the water flow automatically to around six to nine litres per minute, saving at least 43% of water compared to a conventional product. This also means less water is heated, providing a further incentive for homeowners to switch and save on energy bills too.
Most importantly, your customer will still get an incredible shower experience despite the low flow rate. EcoSmart ensures a constant water flow, even with low or fluctuating water pressure, to ensure user experience will remain the same. This has been proven through customer feedback too, with nine out of 10 customers agreeing that the Pulsify Select S hand shower with EcoSmart technology still results in a great showering experience, despite using 40% less water.
There are multiple spray patterns to choose from with EcoSmart shower heads including invigorating Rain spray, a whirling massage spray and PowderRain – a fine spray of micro-droplets that also help to reduce noise and minimise splashing, helping to create that relaxing showering experience so many are looking for.
With installer recommendations remaining influential in customers purchasing decisions, resources that help your
customer see the difference energy-saving and water-saving can make are increasingly important. There are plenty of useful resources available online that help calculate the amount of energy a household uses. You can also look out for the information provided by your manufacturers and suppliers.
For example, hansgrohe has created the Water Savings Calculator to help installers educate their customers on water reduction and how this translates in real financial savings. By simply inputting some basic household information about water and energy use, you can access the financial savings made by switching to an EcoSmart product – including overhead showers, hand showers and taps.
Research shows that if water consumption continues at the current rate, by 2025 two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. The bathroom industry has a key part to play in bringing forward solutions to help tackle this.
Most recently, we worked closely with
the innovative design studio PHOENIX to develop Hansgrohe’s Green Vision Beyond Water: Rethinking Bathroom Culture. This revolutionary concept completely reimagines the bathroom experience, with a 90% reduction in water and energy consumption, resulting in 90% fewer CO2 emissions caused by water heating.
The technical innovations within the Green Vision concept will continue to inspire Hansgrohe’s overall ambition to reduce water consumption in the bathroom without compromising on experience – and are already being incorporated into current product development.
For example, the new Pulsify Planet Edition has only six litres of water flowing through the hand shower per minute, without compromising on showering comfort. It also considers the entire product lifecycle in the design with a handle created from recycled plastic. Made from end-of-life products, and rejects, which are then shredded and cleaned, recycled plastic is a cleaner alternative to petroleum and fossil-based primary plastics and means energy consumption is significantly reduced during production.
For more information on the Pulsify range and to visit the dedicated hansgrohe website for installers, please www.rdr.link/pau006
To take a look at hansgrohe’s Water Savings Calculator designed to help installers educate customers on water reduction, please www.rdr.link/pau007
There are plenty of useful resources available online that help calculate the amount of energy a household uses.
The BMA, in partnership with Opinium Research, has recently conducted a biannual poll of 2,000 UK adults to understand customer sentiment and intentions around bathroom refurbishments in the next two years.
The poll, conducted in February 2023, showed an uptick in the % of UK consumers planning a complete bathroom refurbishment in the next two years, back to the same level as June 2021. From their sample, more than a quarter of the UK population (26%) wants to complete a full bathroom refurbishment, with partial makeovers and replacing taps slightly up over the same period.
General repair intention is slightly down to 27% from 29% in July 2022. However, this is still the highest intended task, with replacing a shower control and replacing taps also at 27%.
While there has been a downward trend away from professional fitters, most Brits would rely on trusted professionals they have used before. For all tasks except a complete bathroom renovation, people would return to a fitter or plumber previously used, varying from 29% for replacing a bath to 35% for replacing taps.
As the cost-of-living bites, the intention to use professionals for bathroom maintenance or refurbishment has dropped, with 53% using a professional for a complete bathroom refurbishment. 40%
would use a professional to replace their bathroom taps.
Previous BMA research in 2022 highlighted the importance of using professionals within the bathroom and how influential they are in consumers’ decision-making processes. After all, a professional will ensure the right product for the right job is fitted correctly and to regulations, avoiding costly mistakes later.
Regarding a complete bathroom refurbishment, 33% would rely on a recommendation from a friend or family member. Online recommendation sites such as Checkatrade were preferred, whilst local directories and professional bodies
seem to have fallen out of widespread use for finding professionals.
When thinking about the skills gap and if the public feels confident about finding a professional, nearly half (48%) are sure they would find their required professional in the necessary time.
The results of the poll are, overall, encouraging. With 26% of the population looking for a complete bathroom refurb, consumers still want to improve their homes and have the available cash, despite inflation.
Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, remarked: “Bathroom manufacturers and their partners are operating in a challenging economic environment. Seeing an uptick in homeowners looking at a complete bathroom refurbishment is welcome news. It could be driven by numerous factors, such as adapting to multigenerational living or adopting more energy and water-efficient products.
“As consumers look to save money, we could see an increase in the purchase of innovative products designed to cut energy and water bills. Professional installers are critical for this endeavour. Their advice and knowledge ensure customer satisfaction, compliance, and safety.”
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau008
Seeing an uptick in homeowners looking at a complete bathroom refurbishment is welcome news.
Category Management at Wirquin, to find out more about the benefits
QWhat applications has the Slim+ range of wastes been designed for?
SLIM+ can be used with 90mm shower trays with an outlet thickness of up to 25mm. Thanks to the SMART membrane cartridge the SLIM+ is only 40 mm in height, ideal for low profile shower trays.
QHow does the solution prevent bad smells and back siphoning?
The patented SLIM+ membrane cartridge is equipped with a silicone membrane which acts as a one-way check valve; opens when water passes and closes automatically afterwards, ensuring optimal drainage. Its external bi-injected washer provides a perfect seal with the waste body itself.
Shower wastes with a traditional water seal are prone to back-siphoning when negative pressure is created in the pipework. As the SLIM+ membrane is a physical barrier, it cannot be back-siphoned, SLIM+ is guaranteed to protect against bad smells.
The membrane is resistant to more than 15,000 opening / closing cycles without any distortion or decrease in performance. This is equivalent to 10 years of use for a four-person household.
QWhat flow rates can the waste handle?
The SLIM+ offers a high-performance flow rate up to 32 L/min, 33% higher than British Standard requirements (BS EN274) under 15mm of water. When tested under a 10mm of water, the flowrate is still up to 25% higher than BS EN274. Even in extreme
conditions, the flowrate is still more than adequate.
QWhat are the installation benefits that help to speed-up the job?
Thanks to the Bi injected washer under the tray, SLIM+ offers a reliable installation, guaranteed to be 100% leakproof. The stainless-steel fixing plate combined with the three stainless-steel screws with brass inserts, ensure a reliable fixing to the shower tray.
Slim+ also has a universal outlet which can speed up any job. The SLIM+ is manufactured from ABS and can be connected to the waste pipe by either a compression fit (PP) or solvent weld (ABS) without the need for any adaptors.
To support the installer, SLIM+ has been designed with an integrated 2% slope within the waste body to aid a correct fall on the waste pipe for optimal drainage.
The membrane cartridge contains an independent hair catcher that can be removed easily from above, without removing the complete cartridge for quick and easy cleaning. The complete cartridge can be removed for a deeper clean and to provide direct access to the pipework in the case of blockages in the waste pipe.
QDécor is important to all homeowners. What finishes are available to help match the design of the bathroom?
The SLIM+ range currently has a choice of four stylish finishes to compliment any bathroom; Chrome plated ABS dome, Brushed Nickel dome, Brushed stainless steel grid and Black touch dome. In addition to this, Wirquin also supply SLIM+ without a finish for customers to supply their own finish.
QDoes the product provide any benefits from a sustainability point-of-view?
An additional benefit of the SLIM+ is that it contributes to preserving natural resources by fighting against leaks and encouraging smart cleaning without the use of chemical products. Thanks to its compactness the shower waste uses 30% less plastic compared to the first Slim generation. Sustainable, SLIM+ is manufactured in France with a new generation press that consumes 50% less electricity, packaged in the smallest recyclable cardboard and guaranteed for 10 years.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau009
Lee Halstead, Technical Sales Engineer at RWC, provides some examples of how products from JG Speedfit can assist in the installation of kitchens and bathrooms.
Tpipework is becoming equally complicated and crowded. Newer kitchen trends, such as instant hot water taps and larger fridge freezers with water coolers, only add to the existing mesh of pipework stemming from the dishwasher, washing machine and sink. Equally, minimalist and modern bathroom trends that call for hiding pipework behind walls and increasingly smaller cavities, place specific demands on the plumbing system when it comes to space.
Rooms with limited spaces are becoming more frequent in both retrofit and new-build projects, which makes it increasingly difficult to make connections that require the use of tools, simply due to the lack of room for manoeuvre.
In modern bathrooms, hiding all of the pipework in wall cavities poses the same issue. Indeed, even an experienced contortionist would find it difficult to use tools in these kinds of situations, which is where plastic push-fit fittings can be a real help.
If we think about modern kitchens, simply fitting appliances is getting increasingly more complex. The number of appliances seen as standard is higher than ever before, especially in new-builds and retrofit projects. But the amount of space available to fit them all is slowly but surely decreasing, too.
Connections are made by simply pushing the pipe end into the fitting, without the need for any tools. The JG Layflat pipe from JG Speedfit, is available in long length coils and can bend and flex behind the cabinets to enable a fast and easy connection to appliances. From elbows to tees to service valves and flexi hoses and more, JG Speedfit push-fit products help simplify installations under the kitchen sink, behind the cabinets and in wall cavities.
Additionally, with a growing number of appliances there is an increased chance of backflow occurring. Appropriate backflow protection valves must be installed on the kitchen’s main water supply to comply with water regulations. This is because a variety
of fixtures and equipment, including kitchen sink taps, washing machines, and dishwashers, as well as outdoor hosepipes, can cause backflow. Wastewater from these areas can include everything from cleaning agents to stagnant water from garden pools, all of which may pose a major health risk if they were to enter the mains water supply.
A type of backflow prevention valve, such as a JG Speedfit Double Check Valve, should be installed on the outlets of appliances that provide a higher risk of back-siphonage to offer appropriate protection from backflow. This valve has two internal valves for added safety and only allows water to flow in one direction. Even if one fails, the other can still stop backflow and contamination.
With smaller spaces in mind, having another set of valves to fit presents an additional challenge for installers. So, to enable faster installation of backflow prevention valves, JG Speedfit push-fit double check valves are easy to install, as no tools are required. Additionally, the brand provides a push-fit double check
If we think about modern kitchens, simply fitting appliances is getting increasingly more complex.
service valve with an integrated water isolation feature. This 2-in-1 valve offers extra advantages by making repair and maintenance work faster and simpler too.
While some people do like the industrial look of exposed pipework in their bathroom or even their kitchen, it is more of a niche style than a mainstream one. In most cases, pipes that connect to showers and sinks, need to be hidden behind walls, under floors, or beneath free-standing fixtures.
Soldered copper pipes give the ideal look for exposed pipework, however when this is not the preferred aesthetic, these pipes and fittings can be too rigid to easily conceal behind walls without expending more time and effort than you should. Flexible polybutylene pipes can
pipes from JG Speedfit, can bend and flex around tight spaces, which make them the natural solution for those type of installations, whilst minimising the need for joints, too.
To make kitchen and bathroom installation and retrofits more efficient, look out for JG Speedfit’s Twist & Lock fittings range. The fitting’s primary O-Ring seal and Grip & Seal collet with stainless steel teeth mean that each piece in the Twist & Lock range creates
primary O-Ring when combined with the JG Speedfit Superseal Pipe Insert, which feature twin O-Rings, also create a multi seal.
The fittings’ non-toxic polybutylene construction makes them durable and watertight, while preventing the need for maintenance. This material is also resistant to corrosion and scale accumulation. Furthermore, the fittings come in a number of bends, including straight, tee, and equal elbow connections, meaning kitchen or bathrooms can be fitted easily from every angle.
minimalist and modern bathroom trends that call for hiding pipework behind walls and increasingly smaller cavities, place specific demands on the plumbing system when it comes to space.
outward projection of the toilet by concealing the cistern behind a stud wall and lifting the pan from the footprint of the
Achieving the balance between space and style is one of the biggest challenges for any bathroom installer, with smaller properties and greater expectations from homeowners.
Customers are spending longer in their homes, new builds are getting smaller (down 20% in the last 40 years) and house prices continue to rise, potentially forcing some buyers to downsize in order to live in the areas they want to.
Geberit’s own research, meanwhile, shows us that the bathroom is one of the most important places in the home to switch off from our ‘always-on’ world, so it’s vital to get it right –but balancing all of this is no easy task for bathroom designers and installers.
So what solutions are available for your customers to help them along the way?
One of the most effective solutions is to specify a wall-hung WC. This reduces the
Wall-hung ceramics offer a premium look and feel in smaller bathroom spaces, creating the illusion of ‘floating’ above the floor. They can open up the bathroom space by allowing flooring to run underneath the toilet, whilst offering a sleek, streamlined ceramic design too.
However, it’s not just all about aesthetics and space. Hygiene and ease of cleaning is now a huge consideration for homeowners –and lifting the toilet from the footprint of the floor is an effective way to help avoid those hard-to-reach areas, making customer’s lives that little bit easier.
Cleverly concealed fixings and the inclusion and position of water inlets make life easier for installers, too –and with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, there is
Wall-hung ceramics offer a premium look and feel in smaller bathroom spaces, creating the illusion of ‘floating’ above the floor.
no need for additional studding. For services, accessing the cistern is simple just by removing the flush or cover plate.
Back-to-wall toilets with concealed cisterns are another effective and stylish way to open up the bathroom space. Instead of installing a wall-hung frame, the WC stands on the floor with the cistern concealed inside the wall or furniture. Alternatively, slim-design ceramics present installers with a simple way to create valuable space.
Geberit’s Duofix frame, in conjunction with Geberit Selnova Compact, for instance, offers a range of compact and slimline options, allowing pipework and cisterns to be neatly concealed behind the wall. For smaller spaces such as guest
maximise space in any room is to reduce unnecessary clutter. Incorporating intelligent storage solutions into a bathroom design is a simple way to do this. These can include vanity units or mirror cabinets, designed to offer practical, dual-purpose usage. Mirrors are another way to brighten a room, helping reinforce that perception of space whether that’s in the bathroom or your own showroom.
There is no escaping the fact that smaller homes are becoming an increasingly bigger issue for many homeowners and, in turn, installers. Take the opportunity to think about how you help your customers along the way by offering alternative space-saving solutions and advice to create their desired bathroom.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the country, many homeowners are looking for more efficient ways to heat their homes to make cost savings. Therefore, they are looking towards installers for reliable advice on how to remain comfortable at home without overspending. Here, Jeremy Palmer, General Manager at Drayton, highlights key guidance that installers can share with customers to ensure they are getting the most out of their smart heating controls.
According to recent data collected by the Office of National Statistics, 49% of adults who pay energy bills are finding it very or somewhat difficult to afford them. Given this information it’s clear that homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the amount they are paying towards bills whilst keeping their homes adequately heated.
The good news is that the increasing advancement in smart technology means homeowners can run their heating more efficiently than ever before, by way of intuitive controls. Such is the impact of using smart home heating controls that BEAMA
reports over 30% of energy can be saved by upgrading from basic heating controls to a smart multi-zone heating system. As the uptake of such devices increases, given their efficiencies, it’s important for installers to be well-versed in the opportunities these systems can provide their customers in terms of savings. Here are some things to consider when informing homeowners on how to use smart home heating controls.
Scheduling is a tried and tested way of reducing the costs of running the home’s
heating system. The addition of a smart home heating system in conjunction with a heating control app, such as the Wiser Home App, enables the user to heat the home to a set schedule in accordance with the resident’s preferences.
For example, someone who splits their time between working from home and the office, can schedule their heating to come on in certain rooms on the days they work from home and can schedule it to come on half an hour before they are due home from a day in the office.
Not only does this offer maximum convenience for the user, but it also
ensures that they can set up a schedule that reduces the risk of energy waste and the unnecessary costs associated with this. Additionally, with a smart control like Wiser, if there are any unexpected change in plans, users can easily adjust the schedule via the app from anywhere at any time.
Encouraging customers to make use of multi-zoning functions can be a significant help when it comes to driving energy costs down. Without the use of smart thermostats, it can be difficult to regulate temperatures across an entire living space, which means many homeowners find themselves heating the whole home to a single temperature which can be wasteful, should some of the rooms be unused.
A multi-zone enabled heating control system like Wiser allows heating to be
to stay. Alternatively, users can ensure their baby’s room is set to a cooler temperature than other more frequently used rooms in the house, such as the lounge.
Not only does this ensure that all residents can gain maximum comfort in the space they are using, but it can also result in a long-term cost saving.
Smart modes are another way for customers to efficiently manage their heating costs. For example, Wiser’s Eco Mode learns about the home’s thermal properties and can respond to external temperature changes, turning the boiler off sooner to save on energy use, whilst keeping the home at the desired temperature.
Other modes, such as Away Mode, can reduce set points throughout the home
Home App or via IFTTT, which triggers an automation when the homeowner leaves their home using geofencing technology.
These handy modes mean energy waste is significantly reduced and money can be saved. In fact, Wiser’s Smart Modes were found to save UK households 16% in energy usage in a recent Schneider Electric study.
As the popularity of smart home technology develops, and as customers require more automation in line with other elements of their lives, smart heating systems will become
Many customers will be keen to see detailed overviews to understand how they can use their heating more efficiently and learn from their current usage.
The Wiser Home app provides both Insights, which help users to generate an understanding of how they can save on energy, and a heating report, which is useful to determine that their heating system is working in the right way. Tracking internal and external temperatures and setpoints enables the user to build an understanding of what changes could be made to heating schedules to conserve energy.
Furthermore, Insights+ is available to customers by connecting Wiser to a smart meter. This feature can learn from the data stored in insights and reports as well as real time data from the smart meter to
budget accordingly.
As the popularity of smart home technology develops, and as customers require more automation in line with other elements of their lives, smart heating systems will become more sought after. Making use of this information offers homeowners the added benefit of being able to manage their energy use more efficiently as the cost-of-living impacts a significant number of households.
With the affordability of energy bills front of mind for many, it is essential that heating engineers are supporting their customers with the right tools and advice to learn more about how smart systems can reduce their monthly outgoings, and the many features that can be used to gain a better understanding of how their heating can be used in the most efficient way.
QThe heating market is changing as the UK seeks to move towards low carbon solutions for domestic heating and hot water. What is Alpha’s view on this shift?
With the majority of the UK’s 30 million buildings still reliant on fossil fuels, 23% of total UK carbon emissions are attributed to heating. Whilst almost one quarter is a staggering statistic, this presents our industry with a real opportunity to make a sizeable contribution towards attaining the country’s individual net zero goal.
For this reason, the domestic heating sector must undergo a permanent revolution. The government is regulating a shift away from the traditional gas boiler and the hydrogen sector has recently called on Westminster to do more to support 100% of new boilers being fully hydrogen-powered by 2026.
Fortunately, there are already plenty of different technologies – either readily available or in development – to help us make the transition to low or zero carbon heating and hot water. The crucial point (and our strategy for Alpha) is to look at all innovations so that domestic customers have access to the best solutions for their house type, lifestyle and current and future needs.
QWhat solutions are available from Alpha to help installers offer lower carbon alternatives to customers?
Our E-Tec Plus combi boiler can modulate down as low as 4.3kW and incorporates a Delta T controlled pump which can be used to maintain a low return temperature, essential for keeping the boiler in condensing mode. As with all our boiler models, the E-Tec Plus is also 20% hydrogen blend-ready and will therefore be able to run for its lifetime, even when hydrogen begins to be phased into the gas grid.
Smart controls can have a serious impact on energy efficiency but can often be overlooked by consumers. With products like the Alpha Climatic, the controls measure and maintain the temperature inside the home, continuously adjusting the CH flow temperature to ensure the least amount of energy is used to achieve the desired comfort levels.
Installers will already be aware of options such as electric heat pumps. But while an effective option for new builds, a heat pump-only approach for retrofits can prove to be either a complex process or simply unfeasible. An effective option (and the preferred choice, in my view) is a hybrid
solution which sees a heat pump working together with a gas boiler.
QThe recently introduced E-Tec Hybrid combines a heat pump, a boiler and controls. How does this combination deliver a high efficiency solution?
We launched the E-Tec Hybrid this January following years of careful research and development to offer homeowners a pathway into renewable heating without losing the benefits of their gas boiler. This factory-made solution combines a gas boiler with a heat pump. These then work in tandem with Smartech controls to cleverly combine live energy prices with the outdoor temperature, configuring the optimum combination and adjusting the heating flow and water temperature in the radiators to heat the home and provide instant hot water in a highly efficient way.
Independent university studies have
confirmed that the heat pump element of our solution will account for 80% of the heating provision, while the boiler covers the remaining 20% during peak demand. This means a tremendous saving in carbon emissions without the need to find space for a big cylinder like you would do with a standalone heat pump.
QWhat kind of feedback have you had to this hybrid option?
We’ve had a phenomenal response, I’m happy to say. There’s been chatter on the installer forums between members keen to understand the concept and those that we have welcomed in for training have loved it – with some even fitting it within their own homes to get to grips with the controls so they can now confidently push it out to their clients. Installers are also really pleased about the fact that they can fit an E-Tec Hybrid in just one day.
I have the E-Tec Hybrid installed in my property and it has been fantastic; so, I can personally vouch for it! Our team too has seen it installed in a variety of house types and we’ve heard anecdotally that customers have been very happy with the result.
QAre you witnessing an increase in interest in heat pumps?
Yes, certainly. However, for the heat-pump only option, this generally derives from those with more disposable income. What we need is to see more of the general population embracing renewable energy – however the investment is out of reach for those households with less disposable income.
This is where the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme is failing. Although the incentive offers up to a £5,000 subsidy towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump, the homeowner still must fund the remaining £10,000. Were the scheme to be extended to hybrid solutions, a homeowner would need only invest approximately £1,000 to £2,000. Basically, with the cost of a combi swap, you would get the heat pump for free and the hybrid would work perfectly without the need for a major upgrade to an existing heating system.
Only recently, it was announced that the scheme has been extended for a further
three years. This is the biggest disappointment here. Rather than continuing the scheme as it stands, it could be adapted to include hybrid heat pumps and incentivise more people to make smaller steps to renewable energy, rather than a select few taking one large leap all the way.
QHow is the company providing support to installers and engineers as the sector changes?
Domestic customers will naturally be looking to their trusted installers to help them navigate the way to sustainable heating. We’ve been working with installers
for years to help them understand the latest heating technologies so that they can walk their customers through the best options applicable to their particular property.
In tandem with the unveiling of the E-Tec Hybrid, we have been rolling out training in packaged heat pump solutions, recognising that many installers will be needing support with the transition to renewable heating systems. This one-day hybrid course is free and includes: key features of the Alpha hybrid solution; considerations when fitting a heat pump; system design; positioning; and installation. An on-demand training video is also available to view.
QWill Alpha continue to support its current ranges of boilers?
Yes, absolutely. All new Alpha boilers are hydrogen-blend ready – ready for as and when hydrogen becomes the norm – and we will soon be launching a new range of gas boilers with enhanced features, benefits and efficiency ratings.
Let’s be clear, we all need to embrace zero carbon heating as soon as we possibly can. However, the tried-and-trusted gas boiler will be part of the UK’s homes for some years yet. We need to make sure we keep all doors open for domestic customers until such a time as everyone is able to transition to green energy.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau013
As part of its programme of providing radiators to operate well with renewable heating systems –powered by air source and ground source heat pumps – Stelrad has announced that it will be launching a range of 900mm high radiators in a variety of widths in Q2 2023.
Head of Marketing Chris Harvey said: “There is a clear need for larger size radiators to cope with the lower circulating system temperatures generated by renewable heating systems and we are making sure our installer and specifier customers have access to the full range of options they will need in the months ahead.”
Flow temperatures
Chris continued: “The arrival of the new upgrade to Building Regulations with effect from 15th June in England and from November this year in Wales brings with it
a realisation that the key figure to bear in mind is 55°C – the maximum flow temperature for all new wet heating systems from this date. The regulations also say that heating appliances and radiators should not be oversized. TRVs need to be fitted to every radiator except where there is a room thermostat fitted. The differential between the flow and return should be 10°C – giving a 45°C
but simply means that sizing of radiators is more important than ever and all the advice you could need is available through relevant websites to point installers and specifiers in the right direction with regard to using the right radiators in the right applications.”
Chris noted: “The transition from fossil fuelled, boiler driven systems to heat pump driven renewable systems is well underway and we’re making sure that installers and specifiers realise fully that radiators are ‘fit for the future’ and more than capable of providing the necessary heat around the home – radiators need to be sized properly as always to provide sufficient heating capacity and insulation needs to be evaluated to ensure its adequate to ensure the heat in the home does not escape to atmosphere.”
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau014
There is a clear need for larger size radiators to cope with the lower circulating system temperatures generated by renewable heating systems
Gareth Ash, Marketing Communications Manager at Danfoss, explains how a new TRV is making it easier to balance hydronic heating systems and save consumers energy and money.
High heating bills and other complaints, such as noisy radiators and hot or cold spots around the home, can be caused by an unbalanced system. When a system isn’t properly balanced energy is wasted because hot water is unevenly distributed. As a result, the house can take a long time to warm up, increasing energy consumption and reducing comfort for occupants.
However, despite these benefits, surveys conducted by Ipsos MORI and the Energy Savings Trust as part of the Government’s Boiler Plus policy review have suggested that there are varying practices when it comes to system balancing. For example, while some installers reported that they carry out balancing as standard when fitting an entire heating system with new radiators, others said that they only carried out balancing on new installations if there were problems, such as radiators not heating up.
The research also highlighted some installers’ concerns about the additional time – and cost to their customers – that completing this process would incur. It could also be that less experienced installers may lack the skills they need to undertake balancing with confidence.
To overcome some of these barriers
Danfoss has developed the RAS-B2 Dynamic Valve to make balancing faster and easier for busy heating professionals. Essentially, unlike some other TRVs which only act as flow limiters, this solution features a differential pressure controller. This ensures that pressure drops over the valve remain at a constant level, so flow through the valve is maintained at both full (winter) and partial (autumn/spring) loads.
working time. This means they can now make sure a system is correctly balanced in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
To make life even easier the RAS-B2 TRV is featured on the Danfoss Installer App, which provides an interactive guide to the process of calculating, recording and documenting the correct flow and subsequent setting for each radiator on a smartphone or tablet. Using the App’s radiator presetting tool, installers can perform quick and easy calculations based on the selected valve, sensor and key system parameters. Having defined flow, return temperature and differential pressure (the difference between static and dynamic pressure in the heating system) the App displays the calculated flow in litres/hour and emission in watts for each radiator.
The following 10-step guide provides a basic overview of how to balance a system using the RAS-B2 Danfoss Dynamic Valve with the Danfoss Installer App.
1.If not already installed, download the Danfoss Installer App. For ease and convenience use the QR (Quick Response) code in the product instructions.
2.The App features simple navigation and prompts. Just click Next after completing each section to go to the next step.
3.Firstly, select Radiator presetting from Quick Tools.
4.Under System properties, define flow
temperature, return temperature and differential pressure (the difference between static and dynamic pressure in the heating system - as a rule of thumb this is generally 10kpa (0.1 bar) for a standard residential heating system.).
5.Choose Valve type, eg RAS-B2, from the options.
6.Set Valve size from the options (10mm or 15mm for RAS-B2).
7.Choose Valve sensor from the options, eg RAS-C2.
8.In Method, select Radiator type from a choice of Panel, Column or Towel.
9.Define radiator sizes using the drop-down menu. Heat Emission, Calculated Flow and Presetting will be displayed.
10.The recommended Presetting corresponds to the positioning numbers on the ring on top of the valve body, ie 1 - 7 (N for Neutral = fully open). Simply turn the ring so the Presetting number recommended by the App is in line with the arrow on the valve to complete the process.
Heating professionals who want to get hands on with the latest heating controls and tech, like the RAS-B2 Dynamic Valve, can join the Danfoss Installer Life Tour which is currently making its way around Britain. Installers can hop onto the tour bus when it comes to their area and meet the Danfoss team. Once on board the Danfoss team can give short product demonstrations as well as introduce them to how the company is making installer’s lives easier with products that comply with the latest requirements of Building Regs Part L.
To get a list of tour dates and locations please www.rdr.link/pau015
Apart from the time saved compared with using traditional methods, the RAS-B2 Danfoss Dynamic Valve and Installer App takes the element of guesswork out of hydronic balancing. As a further benefit, the App’s project function makes it possible to calculate the correct setting for each radiator prior to installation, allowing for
much quicker commissioning on site. Once complete, a report of the settings is generated for future reference and will also document that the system has been adequately balanced and can be e-mailed to the customer if required.
For more information on Danfoss please www.rdr.link/pau016
Colin Yearp, ADEY Head of Training, highlights how far the industry has come in developing the tools needed to better manage the health of the nation’s heating systems, why it’s important to pass on this knowledge to homeowners, and how never compromising on quality will help deliver the highest performance in heating protection and maintenance.
The cost of heating system repairs or, in a worst-case scenario, a replacement boiler are significant, especially if unplanned. And against the backdrop of the ongoing cost of living crisis and with energy bills remaining high, it pays to make sure that as installers, you’re doing everything you can to improve system efficiency. Not only will this obviously decrease the likelihood of an inconvenient and expensive breakdown, it helps reduce energy usage and carbon emissions too. Alongside delivering these benefits for homeowners, with changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, the need to show compliance has also increased. Part L
states that domestic heating systems should be prepared and commissioned to the British Standard BS 7593:2019.
The Benchmark Checklist can be used to show that commissioning has been carried out satisfactorily for the heating and hot water system and its heat generation source. Benchmark is like a ‘boiler passport’ which is assigned to the specific heating system at an address. Every qualified installer or engineer that works on that system, must record the activity undertaken.
Following ADEY’s Best Practice approach has evolved to be the most effective way to
deliver compliant proactive system protection and maintenance.
Not only is there a section in the Benchmark checklist that relates to each of the four steps in ADEY’s Best Practice, so installers can methodically evidence work as they go, it’s also been independently tested by KIWA Gastec to save up to 7% a year on gas usage*. The steps of Test, Clean, Protect and Maintain should be considered as a continuous cycle, crucially using high-quality filters, chemicals, and
ProCheck, can help to advise the customer on what’s needed there and then, to get the job done in a single visit. Simply take a sample of water, use the dedicated test strips and card, scan with the ADEY ProCheck app, and get an instant on-site report and recommendations directly to your phone.
Cleaning the system before installing a new boiler is critical. ADEY’s MagnaCleanse is a fast and effective process for removing damaging black iron oxide magnetite as
A well cleaned system health can start deteriorating quickly if good protection hasn’t been put in place. Correctly selected and fitted, the right filter makes it easy to capture and remove the particles that cause damage to the boiler components and pipework.
Using a magnetic filter for ongoing heating system protection now goes way beyond just ticking a box. And with different filters yielding different results, choosing a filter with optimum performance means paying attention to specific design details. After all, investing in the best performing filter from the outset will help customers avoid costly problems further down the line.
Magnet strength, water flow and quality is key. The magnet inside a MagnaClean filter is able to capture and keep hold of tiny particles as small as 2 microns in diameter, 60 times smaller than the width of a strand of hair.
MagnaClean’s magnet is also purposely positioned in the flow of the water to maximise first pass capture, preventing harmful magnetite and debris from circulating around the system and causing damage. Its unique design includes integrated flow diverters which channel the flow of water round the magnets several times, maximising the amount of sludge captured. And, crucially, water flow isn’t restricted, even when the filter is full.
The final best practice step will ensure the system’s ongoing health is maintained. An annual boiler service should also include a filter service and system water check, re-dosing with chemical protection if needed.
It is highly likely that most installers consider these water treatment solutions as the bread and butter of their service, but they’re messages that still need to be reinforced to the homeowner. Afterall, it can truly make a difference to heating system performance, crucially cutting household costs.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau017
Navien has further expanded its range of Combi Crossover boilers –adding a new option for smaller homes.
range of boilers that do not need a cylinder to deliver hot water to larger homes. Building on this success, the new NCB500-1S+/32K promises the same benefits - but at 32kW is specifically designed for smaller properties. For installers, the cylinder-free design promises easier installation. For homeowners there are space-saving benefits, particularly handy for those properties where space is already at a premium.
Jason Davies, National Business Manager at Navien UK, said: “The NCB500-1S+/32K is a reliable and easy to install boiler which never compromises on power or performance. Installers are already fitting the NCB ON range for their customers with larger properties and have been asking us to extend the range. Now their clients in smaller homes can also benefit from efficient, future-proofed boilers that deliver superb energy savings.”
The new model is equipped with Navien ON technology and it is backed by an up to 10-year warranty. The new
Installers can earn prizes through the new ‘Navien Choice’ rewards programme. Those who register with the programme online can earn points for fitting Navien boilers and exchange these points for a range of tech and gadgets from top-quality brands.
solution has been designed to be 20% hydrogen-blend ready.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau018
Navien has opened nine new training centres in the UK and Ireland in the last four years.
Promising over 400 exhibitors from across the sector and a packed programme of discussions and demos, InstallerShow 2023 takes place this year at the end of June (27-29th). Visitor numbers are predicted to be around 15,000 industry professionals as the show looks to build on its debut in Birmingham last year.
The organisers of the event believe it is ‘the’ place to see and try new product innovations, meet peers, make connections with manufacturers and gain insights into the future of the industry.
The show is an opportunity meet manufactures, industry colleagues and
The Installer Plaza, sponsored once again by Glow-worm, will play host to debates, interviews, live podcast recordings, celebrity appearances and more. A raft of well-known names will be sharing their views on the industry’s direction of travel. Highlights are set to include: The view from the frontline; Drayton Installer Forum LIVE; BetaTalk live podcast; The heat pump revolution; Is hydrogen heating happening? and Electrification and smart homes.
discover new solutions to help your business thrive.
Plus, with much change occurring within the heating sector –as it gradually moves to a low carbon footing –the event also gives the opportunity for installers to hear about the latest products and discuss current challenges.
Additionally, the event has been expanded beyond its traditional plumbing base to include ‘elemental’ –providing visitors with a wider consideration on water, air, heat and energy.
BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, will be hosting the Net Zero by Design feature theatre. Visitors will learn about best practice, find out about new solutions for reaching net zero and decarbonising targets and learn from industry leaders on effective approaches to EV and infrastructure, indoor air quality, heat pumps and electric heating, retrofitting and more.
■ elemental content theatres
Speakers here are set to include ex-footballer Gary Neville and former housing minister Esther McVey, with debates and discussions across the two elemental content areas – the Housing Hub and the Decarbonising Buildings Theatre.
Decarbonising Buildings highlights include: The case for mandatory solar; The business case for sustainable buildings; Strategies for achieving net zero buildings; Energy generation for local authorities; The electrification of heat in buildings; Delivering energy security with low-carbon fuels & hydrogen micro-CHP and Improving heat network efficiency.
The highlights at the Housing Hub include: National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) Home Upgrades Conference; Who is going to buy a heat pump?; Getting retrofit right first time; The most effective ways to tackle fuel poverty; The future of housing retrofit; ECO funding and decarbonisation; Retrofitting hard-to-treat homes and Overcoming barriers to low-carbon tech.
The BMA Bathroom Zone will serve as a hub for brands and bathroom installers alike, with a three-day programme that promises to inform and entertain with presentations, panel debates and
showcase demonstrating the installation and operation of renewable and energy efficiency products in both retrofit and new build settings.
Highlights include: Installing heat pumps;
Established in 2019, InstallerMERIT shines a light on the plumbers and heating engineers who do outstanding things for no personal gain. It’s an awards event that dispenses with the usual format and formalities, instead bringing the industry together in honour of the achievements of its true stars. InstallerMERIT will take place on June 27th
● InstallerShow 2023 takes place on 27-29th June,
● The event takes place at NEC Birmingham
● Over 400 exhibitors
● Live debates, panel discussions and hands-on product demos
Parking (in designated car parks) and entry to InstallerSHOW are completely FREE. Register for a visitor pass at www.rdr.link/pau019 Entry to the InstallerSHOW is FREE. To register for a visitor pass please www.rdr.link/pau020
InstallerShow 2023 promises over 400 exhibitors, so they’ll be plenty to see at the NEC from 27th to 29th June. PHPI picks out a few of the highlights...
Lynch and Tom Kearns, will provide handson demonstrations showcasing how Fergus can meet the unique needs of heating and plumbing businesses.
For more information and a free trial of Fergus please www.rdr.link/pau023
■ KNIPEX
2023 has seen a number of innovations in hand tools from Knipex, with the company announcing its ‘Spring Update’ product launch back in April. So, it is no surprise that the pliers’ specialist’s stand at Installer 2023 will be crammed with the company’s array of pliers, hand tools and new tool bags.
The Knipex team will be demonstrating and selling tools, perhaps most notably the new products for 2023, including the Modular X18 backpack. This year, installers will also be able to claim a Limited Edition T-shirt when they spend £100 or more, whilst stocks last.
For more details on the new products you can watch the video at www.rdr.link/pau021
For more details on Knipex www.rdr.link/pau022
■
If you want to grow your business or even just need help getting invoices off to get paid on time, then the Fergus team will be able to show you how. Despite the challenging economic climate and rising costs, job management software like Fergus can help you grow your business and maximise profits.
At the show, the Fergus experts, including Country Manager James Chillman, and sales team members Tim
■ NIBE
With interest in low carbon heating on the rise NIBE is inviting installers to ask them about how to become an MCS certified heat pump installer with NIBE Pro. The company will also be displaying its new F2050 air source and S735 exhaust air heat pumps alongside its existing products. Visitors to the stand will also be able to take part in a competition to win a NIBE Pro training and support package worth £1,800.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau024
Heating controls manufacturer Drayton will be driving conversations about bestpractice and key industry topics. On Tuesday 27th at 2pm, the main plaza will host the live Drayton installer forum, featuring Richard Burrows, Kimbo Betty, Rhiannon de Wreede and more. During the session, the panel will be discussing the latest hot topics – from energy bills to lowcarbon heating. Immediately afterwards at 3pm on the Drayton stand,
the regular Drayton Community Facebook livestream will be going live for the very first time from InstallerSHOW.
Alongside this heating installers will be able to learn more about Drayton’s range of products, including the Wiser smart heating control, new Digistat and Auto-balancing TRVs, as well as find out how to access free training on all of these products. There will also be chances to win, with giveaways running across the event.
For more information please
Known for its Agentis range of oil boilers
Warmflow will be displaying its Zeno Range of renewable home heating appliances including the Zeno Air Source Heat Pump. The Zeno air source heat pump comes in anthracite grey and includes Warmlink, which is Warmflow’s remote-control technology for heat pumps, allowing for quick, efficient and remote diagnostics.
The company will also be showing off its Agentis Professional boilers, including an AA rated combi boiler designed to save time and money due to a range of factoryfitted accessories.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau026
■ IRSAP
Radiator manufacturer and parent company of Supplies4Heat and The Radiator Company, IRSAP, will be exhibiting at this year’s InstallerSHOW. The brand will be welcoming installers to stand H160 to discuss its extensive collection of radiator and towel rail solutions designed to meet every project brief. Visitors will be able to explore the company’s latest colours and tinted lacquer finishes across the range.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau027
■ GRANT UK
Grant UK’s stand at InstallerSHOW will be hosting the company’s wide range of heating products, including its awardwinning Aerona³ Air Source Heat Pumps, HVO compatible Vortex boiler range, and its Uflex Underfloor Heating offering.
“We are really excited to be returning to Installer Show this year,” said Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing for Grant UK. “There will be lots happening on the Grant stand including some fun giveaways. We’ll also be showcasing our latest products and of course the Grant team will be available to answer any questions. Our stand is located right next to the InstallerPLAZA, so look out for the big red logo.”
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau028
■ VAILLANT
Located at standF50, visitors can expect to rediscover a familiar flagship product in the Vaillant range, designed with installers in mind – one which the company describes as “definitely not to be missed!” Vaillant’s team of experts will be on hand throughout the show and will be hosting lots of activities on the stand, including discussions on smart home integration and connectivity—what this means for the future and how Vaillant is supporting this.
In addition, installers can get practical tips on diversifying their business, taking the first step into a low-carbon future via Vaillant’s heat pump training offering, together with helpful advice on energy efficiencies and the benefits of utilising its expertise on full heating system solutions.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau029
■ VIESSMANN
Viessmann will be at the Installer Show this year to present the full breadth of its systems, services and tools to support the growth of its partners’ businesses. The company’s latest Vitocal heat pumps will be shown as well as its Vitodens boilers with Wifi inside and Lambda Pro combustion
technology, for continually high efficiency.
The company will also be outlining its vision for domestic homes’ energy independence. In the near future, it says, energy flows within the home can be connected and optimised by Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) such as Viessmann’s OneBase platform. By adding solar PV, a heat pump, battery storage and an EV charger, homeowners have the greatest opportunity to enjoy 100% self-
£1,800
At InstallerShow 2023 Cistermiser will be showcasing its limescale prevention solution for the domestic sector. Combimate is a limescale prevention device designed to protect boilers and appliances in hard water areas while also reducing the effects of soft water corrosion.
The company will also be demonstrating its water, energy and carbon saving solutions for commercial washrooms, including the EasyflushEVO. A sensoractivated dual flush valve specifically designed to prevent leaks from toilet cisterns, the company says each unit can save up to 146,000 litres of water per year. Also on display will be Cistermiser’s urinal flushing solutions, including its mainsflushing sensor-controlled valves and infrared and hydraulic control valves.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau031
There will be lots happening on the Grant stand including some fun giveaways. Our stand is located right next to the InstallerPLAZA, so look out for the big red logo.
Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing for Grant UK.
Flexvent, to new
to 80 L/min and pressure up to 3.0 Bar, delivering a boost to multiple outlets, across multiple floors, all at the same time in a mains fed system.
degasser for low
On its stand this year, Spirotech will be showcasing its range of water treatment solutions, including the SpiroVent RV2 deaerator and SpiroTrap MB3 dirt separator, which will be available as a working demo for installers to get a closer look at how the technology works. Also on stand will be the new SpiroExpand Pressure Expansion Vessel and SpiroVent S250 Superior demo, the vacuum degasser suitable for light commercial, larger domestic and low flow temperature systems.
Heating engineers will also have the opportunity to register to become an Approved Installer. By signing up with their seven-digit individual gas safe number, eligible installers will have their business information listed on the new ‘Find an Installer’ section of Spirotech’s Better Heating website.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau032
Flamco will be displaying a mix of its solutions for both domestic and commercial applications. Products are set to include the company’s classic automatic
Unitherm will be showcasing its full range of products and services at the Installer Show and vistors to its stand will be able to see the launch of a new Phase Change Material (Heat Battery) – eSTOR, as well as a new Exhaust Air Heat Pump – eVEN. Visitors will also be able to see Unitherm’s Underfloor Heating and find out about its Training Centre and options for MCS signoff. The company is encouraging installers to come along and talk to the team about any projects and training needs.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau034
Salamander Pumps is joining the line-up at InstallerSHOW 2023 to spotlight its latest launch, TankBoost. The product is the latest addition to the company’s MainBooster range and is suitable for both domestic and light commercial properties. The single unit solution can provide flow up
TankBoost combines a cold water storage tank and an integral pump. The high-quality stainlesssteel pump is submerged within the tank, this means that TankBoost is extremely quiet throughout operation. Stand visitors will have the opportunity to view TankBoost as well as speak with Training Manager Mike Oxley to ask questions or get more information about the product.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau
Water treatment manufacturer Fernox will be on hand to welcome visitors at InstallerSHOW. A key highlight will be the company’s latest product launch – the space saving TF1 Sigma UB Filter. Visitors to the Fernox stand can learn more about how this neat new filter can be installed directly under the boiler to capture the maximum amount of circulating debris to optimise system efficiency and prevent system breakdown, as well as explore the entire Fernox range of Protectors, Cleaners and TF1 Filters, including the recently announced TF1 Sigma HP Filter.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau036
TankBoost can provide flow up to 80 L/min and pressure up to 3.0 Bar
With interest in heat pumps likely to grow, Phil Stanley, Training Manager at Grant UK, explains how you can unlock new business with the company’s heat pump training.
As the market for heat pumps continues to flourish, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can install and maintain them effectively. Not only is training incredibly important but it is also the key to unlocking this burgeoning market, equipping installers and engineers with the specialist knowledge and skills required to offer clients a reliable and efficient greener heating solution.
Manufacturers such as Grant UK are at the forefront of providing professional training. The team at the Grant UK Academy, located at our new headquarters in Swindon, have decades of experience between them in the heating sector, with a vast technical knowledge of both traditional and renewable heating systems.
The Grant Aerona³ Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Installer Course offered at the Academy in Swindon, is a two-day event and is intended for domestic heating and renewable installers who wish to know more about the Grant Aerona³ range, as well as learning the principles of air source heat pump installation and heat pump system requirements.
The training covers both the Grant Aerona³ heat pump and Grant VortexAir Hybrid, including construction, principles of operation, electrical wiring, controller settings, sizing and selection of the correct unit to suit the property concerned, installation considerations and requirements, and commissioning the complete system.
Grant UK provides a complete learning experience, including lunch and refreshments for on-site training. It is always important to choose a training course with the right facilities, and our Swindon Training Centre has been fitted with state-of-the-art training rooms, rigs for practical work and all the comfortable amenities to help you learn in a modern and comfortable environment.
On the practical element of the course, you will have the chance to get ‘hands on’ with a Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump. These units are MCS approved, highly
efficient, and reliable. Designed with the installer in mind, Grant heat pumps are straightforward to install and maintain, while also delivering exceptional performance for homeowners.
For those installers who are unable to attend the new Training Academy in Swindon, Grant UK can organise and deliver off-site heat pump training both in Hawes, North Yorkshire and Livingston, Scotland.
In addition to in-person courses, Grant UK offers online air source heat pump training via the Grant eLearning Academy. This digital platform offers on-demand advanced installer and introduction courses as well as instructor-led tuition,
allowing professionals to learn at their own pace in a place that suits them.
As well as delivering renewable product courses, Grant UK’s Training Academy also provide the training and assessment programmes for the installation, commissioning and servicing of air source heat pumps and heat pump system design for technicians seeking their OFTEC registration and MCS certification. At the Academy in Swindon, we deliver both of the new OFTEC heat pump qualification courses - OFT21-504A: Installation, commissioning and servicing of Air Source Heat Pumps and OFT21-504D: Design of Heat Pump systems.
With the growth the heat pump industry is experiencing, providing a complete air source heat pump learning experience for heating engineers is a priority for us. For installers who want to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to install and maintain heat pumps, training is the first step on their journey to offering their customers an efficient and reliable renewable heating solution.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau037
providing a complete air source heat pump learning experience for heating engineers is a priority
To help upskill existing heating engineers, Vaillant has launched its new ‘Aspire’ heat pump training programme.
Following the findings of its recent installer survey, which questioned respondents on the barriers and motivators around training to install low carbon technologies, Vaillant has unveiled Vaillant Aspire, a comprehensive heat pump training programme.
With the UK Government’s target to install 600k heat pumps per year by 2028 approaching, Aspire aims to upskill existing heating engineers to expand their businesses to offer the low carbon technology.
The launch comes after Vaillant’s research found that while 82% of installers surveyed expressed interest when asked if they would be undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months, many felt that loss of income, together with a lack of Government support financially, were the main barriers that would stop them investing in training.
With the same survey identifying 55% of
82%
undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months
Vaillant says each Aspire learning journey will be personalised depending on the installer’s existing qualifications, starting with theory-based modules covering a variety of subjects from heat loss and system design, to commissioning the heat pump and setting up the controls for optimised performance.
Understanding that most installation businesses are small enterprises, Aspire also includes industry processes and procedures in the modularised programme, such as guidance on implementing a Quality Management System, and delivering quality customer service to help educate the end user on using a heat pump to heat their home. These modules aim to support the installer to implement the necessary processes to join a Competent Persons Scheme or become
Participants taking part in Aspire will have access to Vaillant’s System Sales and Design team who offer advice and guidance on best-practice system design
or deliver the full design depending on the type of MCS accreditation the installer requires. In addition, Vaillant’s Service team will provide on-site support to ensure an installer’s first installation meets the company’s requirements, together with the industry standards needed to be eligible for any grant schemes available.
Commenting on Aspire, Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director at Vaillant said: “The journey to decarbonisation is gathering pace and ensuring the UK’s existing installer base is upskilled on low carbon technologies is central to achieving this.
“As a long-standing manufacturer of heat pump technology, here at Vaillant we recognise the role we play in ensuring those working in the industry can not only get the products, but also the expert knowledge and support they need to deliver a low carbon future. Having expanded our production capabilities just last year with the launch of a heat pump production line here in Belper, Aspire further builds on our investment by offering heating engineers and installers access to industry-accredited training for heat pump installations.”
For more information on Aspire please www.rdr.link/pau038
The journey to decarbonisation is gathering pace and ensuring the UK’s existing installer base is upskilled on low carbon technologies is central to achieving this.
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 phpi@hamerville.co.uk
As homeowners continue to seek cost-cutting options, Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) explores how plumbing and heating engineers can play a supporting role.
Given that heating and hot water accounts for over 50% of average fuel bills, there are significant benefits for homeowners who have efficient systems. From an environmental perspective, property heating accounts for nearly half of all energy consumption and 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions – a key reason why understanding how appliances are used is so valuable.
In terms of water consumption, it is anticipated that shortages will hit the UK within the next 25 years. As a collective, we all have a responsibility to reduce the volume of water wasted. Plumbing and heating engineers can make a real difference by being a trusted advisor on system efficiency – let’s explore how.
Before starting any type of heating or hot and cold water system installation, it’s important to assess the building occupant’s needs. For retrofit jobs, checking existing design elements and how they affect system efficiency is a frequently overlooked step. If a property has cavity wall insulation and double glazing, for example, then less heat will be lost through walls and windows.
Another factor impacting efficiency is the layout, size and capacity of pipes. In domestic properties, common plumbing problems occur when alterations to an existing system are made incorrectly. For
far too long, many have relied upon retailers or manufacturers to supply calculations but there is no one-size-fits-all. This is why starting at the design stage is fundamental.
Accurate pipe sizing is critical as getting it wrong can cause numerous issues. Pipes that are too small for their intended use could create poor water flow and pressure, plus dissipation of heat. Oversizing can also be problematic. The result being water and energy waste. To achieve efficient operation of a system, the pipework needs to be correctly sized, and this is particularly important to keep in mind when working with new low temperature heating and hot water systems. Taking a rule of thumb approach is just not accurate enough anymore as the equipment installed is finite.
Controls are also a key element of system design. These must be implemented with the end user front of mind. In many cases, keeping it simple is the answer. This
way, occupants can understand how they wish to achieve their comfort levels and efficiencies. Installing controls that are aligned with what is assessed to be the customer level of understanding and capability is a critical part of ensuring their use on a long-term basis.
Another problem that must be avoided is unwanted heat transfer between pipes. Hot and cold-water pipes should therefore be separated to prevent the cold water being warmed up by heated pipework. If space does not permit this, pipes and cisterns must be fully insulated and covered with a firm lid. Insulating heating pipes also helps to prevent heat dissipation through floors or ceiling voids.
The addition of insulation does require considerations in relation to layout because it is likely to increase the space required for the pipework. For example, a 20mm diameter pipe could become 50mm with insulation. The layout of pipes is directly linked to the structure of a building as the integrity of structural joist could be affected if pipes are installed in the wrong place. As such, it is important to plan installations with the building make-up in mind.
Overall, installers should be aware of how design, alongside pipe size and layout, impacts system performance. An efficient system is one that provides the correct amount of heat by using energy in the most efficient way possible and switching off the appliance when the demand is satisfied. Achieving this objective will require correct system design, avoiding inappropriate sizing, and insulating pipework.
For further guidance, installers can visit: www.ciphe.org.uk/
Installers should be aware of how design, alongside pipe size and layout, impacts system performance.
phpionline.co.uk f e a t u r e s t h e l a t e s t i n d u s t r y n e w s , v i d e o r e v i e w s , t e c h n i c a l u p d a t e s a n d e xc l u s i v e c o m p e t i t i o n s , g i v i n g y o u i n s t a n t a c c e s s t o a l l t h i n g s h e a t i n g a n d p l u m b i n g o n y o u r d e s k t o p, l a p t o p, t a b l e t o r p h o n e
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Tmanagement challenges, Resideo is introducing its L Series Water Control Products range. The L Series range is designed to help consumers protect against costly water damage and the need to make home insurance claims. The company says the development builds on its long term legacy of quality water products, via the Braukmann brand.
The Resideo L1 WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector alerts consumers to leaks or frozen pipes with smartphone notifications, on site alerts and an alarm. While the company’s Braukmann L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve automatically turns off the water supply to the home
The company believes that the two products together make a complete water leak damage defence system – connected via the Resideo Smart Home app – that raises awareness of leaks and helps safeguard belongings and the home’s structure from potential costly repair.
Sylvain Baladon, Global Water Product Director, said: “Water damage is one of the most common types of domestic property damage claims. Anyone who has experienced a catastrophic leak knows how devastating and expensive it can be.
For many years we have been focused on raising awareness of the risk of water damage through our existing water leak detector portfolio. However, now with our new L5 water leak shutoff valves, we are going one step further and making a difference to the speed at which homes and belongings can be protected following the detection of a leak.”
For more information on Resideo’s new L series range please www.rdr.link/pau039
For many years we have been focused on raising awareness of the risk of water damage through our existing water leak detector portfolio.
BRemeha Gas 210 Ace floor standing boiler series. The company says the new range builds on the features and benefits of its predecessor, the Gas 210 Eco Pro, to deliver compact dimensions with an improved control platform and optimised connectivity.
Built on the Remeha Ace control platform, the new Gas 210 Ace includes a smart controller designed to allow rapid access to an extended range of parameters for easier installation, commissioning and maintenance.
Built-in 0-10V and volt free contacts provide direct connection to any Building Management System. New BACnet and Modbus gateway options, as well as optional OpenTherm and Bluetooth functionality, are also available for enhanced connectivity and efficiency.
Space saving
The solution features a versatile design, with Baxi stating that the Gas 210 Ace can
applications. The boiler has been designed to be quick and easy to install, while its ability to be installed back-to-back in modular configuration provides added flexibility in space-saving design. The optional secondary return feature makes the hybrid ready Gas 210 Ace suitable for use in low temperature installations as well as for retrofit applications.
Paul Arnold, Product Manager at Baxi, said: “Our new Gas 210 Ace completes the standardisation of controls across all Remeha boilers. Versatile, adaptable, reliably efficient and now with optimised control and connectivity, the Gas 210 Ace is perfectly suited for use in retrofit projects as well as with low temperature technologies like heat pumps or underfloor circuits. Plus, it also comes with our industry-leading comprehensive 7-year warranty and 24/7 round-the-clock technical support helpline for added peace of mind.”
The Gas 210 Ace is available in 80, 120, 160 and 200kW output models that deliver SBEM seasonal efficiencies of up to 95.8% GCV. With low Class 6 NOx emissions and quiet operation, the company says that it meets all environmental regulations while delivering improved comfort for end users.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau040
directly under the boiler, close to the wall and with direct connections to the system. The company believes it is an easy to install option even in restricted of spaces and has been developed for use with concealed pipework.
The drain valve provides a service point that allows the filter to be emptied without the risk of spillage. It also acts as a convenient dosing point for the Fernox Express chemical water treatment range. As the system does not need to be drained down it helps to save time on site, with Fernox stating that cleaning and dosing can take place in less than two minutes; making
compliance with BS 7593:2019 as well as Part L of the Building Regulations simple. Mark Hall, Head of Mechanical Engineering, at Fernox concluded: “The TF1 Sigma UB Filter provides an effective solution for new builds or properties where boilers are housed behind cupboards and close to kitchen counter tops, meaning installation of an in-line filter was not practical or convenient. The TF1 Sigma UB Filter provides greater choice for the installer and increased system protection for the homeowner.”
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau041
A modular integrated heat pump cylinder has been launched by Mixergy, designed to offer both low carbon benefits and fast hot water. The Mixergy iHP uses the company’s patented smart Stratos technology, a modular heat pump which heats water from the top down, to deliver useable hot water in around 30 minutes.
The new cylinder also brings with it other ‘smart’ advances including top-down heating, smart tariff use and machine learning.
Mixergy says its new iHP allows the user to optimise their energy use to save even more on their energy output and carbon footprint, while enjoying a cylinder that can meet the heated water needs of a modern household.
Pete Armstrong, CEO of Mixergy said: “The iHP delivers hot water ten times faster within a product designed to last four times longer than alternative systems on the market. Combining Mixergy’s ‘heat what you need’ approach to hot water storage alongside the capability of our state of charge sensor, connectivity and machine learning, the iHP is future proofed to make the most of renewable energy whether it comes from rooftop solar PV or flexible tariffs connected to offshore wind.”
Mixergy says the iHP also benefits from being up to a third smaller than rival systems on the market. This, added to the fact that the design allows the heat pump to be detached from the cylinder, could make it easier to transport, fit and maintain. iHP comes with a 25-year warranty on the cylinder.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau042
Suited for summer conditions, Snickers Workwear’s lightweight, functional tops are designed for work in warmer weather and come in a range of over 50 T- and Polo shirt styles. From the new Khaki to Class 1,2 and 3 High-Vis options, Snickers Workwear has tops and colour choices for those professional tradesmen and women who want to look and stay cool on site this summer.
Look out for the LiteWork tops, all made from a functional and quick-drying polyester fabric designed to deliver everyday comfort and UPF40+ protection in sunny weather. They also have a bio based anti-odour finish for cool, ventilating comfort when it’s warm on site.
For more information please
A new eVan has been launched by Maxus. Pitted as a medium-sized eLCV, the company says the eDELIVER 7 will bridge the gap between its current eLCV offerings, the smaller eDELIVER 3 and big brother, the eDELIVER 9. Maxus says its latest eVan offers up to 226miles/365km (WLTP combined) on a single charge (88kWh battery).
It is available in three size configurations, with a payload of up to 1200kg, and offers three driving modes, Eco, Normal and Power and a one-touch start. Safety features include blind spot detection, lane change assist, AEBS (autonomous emergency braking system), fatigue driving monitoring, plus front and rear parking sensors and 360 degree cameras.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau044
uvex has launched a trainer designed to combine PPE functionality with the fit, comfort and style of leisure footwear. The uvex 1 trainer has been designed to provide support, anti-fatigue shock absorption, and high levels of slip-resistance, with breathable, flexible, ultra-lightweight materials.
The company says the trainer’s sleek design has been inspired by high-street fashion to help encourage maximum PPE compliance. Available in black or blue, the uvex 1 trainer also includes elastic ‘speed’ laces that allow the shoes to be individually and quickly adjusted, slipped on or off as well as a pull tab that offers an easy on-off fit. A reflective element on the logo and pull tab enhances wearers’ visibility.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau045
With summer approaching, a range of new cap colours have been released from US workwear specialist Carhartt. The caps are made of 100% cotton, a washed canvas material that is durable, comfortable and antimicrobial. The range includes the Canvas Cap, the Canvas Mesh-Back Logo Graphic Cap and the Men’s Sweat Wicking, Canvas Mesh-Back Cap.
They come in a variety of new eye-catching colours to help users be easily visible on the job site or blend in with a more neutral tone. The caps are one size fits all, with an adjustable strap.
For more information please www.rdr.link/pau046
ToughBuilt’s latest product releases include a full range of spirit levels, including illuminated box levels, a die-cast pocket level with a 360-degree rotation, and a billet-aluminum torpedo level.
The Pro Line of Lit Levels adheres to strict standards to ensure clear readings in tight spaces or low-light conditions. They also boast what the company descbibes as ‘a foolproof one-button user interface and innovative design features’.
The levels feature brilliant LED-lit vials designed to remain visible in low-light environments, and have been designed to provide sustained clarity throughout the workday. Using magnets, ToughBuilt’s Lit Box Levels can attach to ferromagnetic surfaces.
ToughBuilt’s Magnetic Billet Level has a top groove that can be used on pipes or conduits, while four onboard high-visibility vials are precision-set at zero, thirty, forty-five, and ninety degrees.
The 360-Degree Pocket Level weighs only seven ounces, handy for portability and quick access. It has a smooth rotating vial, powerful magnets, and a durable die-cast frame. It also allows for angle identification featuring a one-handed operation with the flick of a thumb. For more information please www.rdr.link/pau047
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Baxi Heating UK Ltd..............................................................(page 20) www.rdr.link/PAU100
Bosch Thermotechnology UK Ltd......................................(page 27) www.rdr.link/PAU101
Bright Business Advice..........................................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/PAU102
Geberit......................................................................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/PAU103
Henco......................................................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/PAU104
Intergas Heating Solutions..................................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/PAU105
Leisure Sinks..............................................................................(page 11) www.rdr.link/PAU106
NIBE............................................................................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/PAU107
OFTEC......................................................................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/PAU108
Panasonic Heating & Cooling........................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/PAU109
PHPI Online............................................................................(page 46) www.rdr.link/PAU110
Reliance Water Control................................................(pages 22,23) www.rdr.link/PAU111
STH Westco................................................................................(page 9) www.rdr.link/PAU112
Toolfair..........................................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/PAU113
Tide......................................................................................(loose insert) www.rdr.link/PAU114
At an overall thickness of 28mm (6mm upper and 22mm lower panels combined), the 2400mm long by 600mm deep TorFloor 2 UFH system is a direct replacement for standard chipboard flooring, with precision machined T&G edges making for rapid installation across timber joists or battens. TorFloor 2 has evolved from its predecessor by adding a 6mm thick chipboard upper panel with pre-foiled aluminium heat diffuser. Both panels feature matching routed channels to align around the 12mm water pipe, while the printed upper face indicates the pipe’s position and the points where screws can be safely fixed. The company says its design means that an output of 50W/m2 can be achieved with a flow temperature of 41ºC. In this video the company demonstrates the installation steps involved.
To watch the video
www.rdr.link/pau048
In this new episode PB Plumber tackles the installation of some cast iron rads in a house, demonstrating how to build the radiators on site and overcome some of the installation challenges. To help put the sections together PB uses a dolly to help manoeuver the rads into place, before joining them together. Later in the video he talks through an app to help keep track of each job you are working on using a combination of photos and location data from a phone – providing a useful way to help remember what to bill for on each job.
To watch the video
www.rdr.link/pau049
In this video on the PHPI You Tube Channel, Macauley from Smart Pipe Plumbing Services takes a look at the Knipex TubiX Pipe Cutter for domestic use. There is a run through of all the features of the tool, including the cutting wheel, blade changes and deburring tool, before Macauley puts it through its paces. The Tubix cuts from 6 to 35mm pipe with wall thicknesses of up to 2mm. It features a QuickLock one-hand locking mechanism which allows for independent holding and clamping on the tube.
To watch the video
www.rdr.link/pau050
