Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer September 19

SEPTEMBER 2019

STAY SAFE

GAS SAFETY WEEK RETURNS!

BACK TO REALITY

IMPROVING INDUSTRY STANDARDS WITH AR

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GUIDANCE ON FITTING YOUR FLUES

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

CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

@professionalplumber

SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 8 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

33-48 HEATING & RENEWABLES

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

7

NEWS & VIEWS

@phpimag

IN DENMARK WITH DANFOSS!

13 #INSTALLOFFAME 16 HORROR SHOW 18 IN PROFILE 20 BUSINESS ADVICE 72 CIPHE UPDATE 74 #TRADESTALK CORNER 76 TOOLFAIR PREVIEW 79 TWO MINUTES WITH… LEE BROWN!

HEATING & RENEWABLES

80 NEW PRODUCTS

33 DENMARK’S GREATEST EXPORT?

83 MY BRAIN HURTS

34 TECH TIPS: FLUE SITING 37 INSTALLATION GUIDE: ADEY MAGNACLEAN PROFESSIONAL3 SENSE

SPECIAL REPORTS

45 KEEPING OIL BOILERS SIMPLE

10 GAS SAFETY WEEK RETURNS! 14 WE CATCH UP WITH GAS APP

14 CATCHING UP WITH GAS APP!

22 WIT CONFERENCE REVIEW 24 WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE OIL SECTOR?

TRAINING

66 STAYING SAFE WITH ELECTRICS

26 NEXT GEN TRAINING TECHNIQUES

68 MAKING PIPE BOXING EASY

29 PHPI GETS WISER

71 TIME SAVING TOOLS

30 TRAINING ROUND-UP

48 PRODUCT NEWS

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS 51 A SLIM SOLUTION FOR SINK INSTALLATIONS 52 TECH TIPS: BOOSTING WATER PRESSURE 54 VENTILATED SOLUTIONS 57 FLYING THE KITE FOR QUALITY 60 PRODUCT NEWS

VEHICLES 62 A NEW INNOVATION FOR VAN PROTECTION 64 YOUR GUIDE TO VAN SELECTION

COMPETITIONS 43 WIN A RESIDEO SMART HOME BUNDLE!

51-60 PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

77 WIN AN EXCLUSIVE ECO-FOIL HB42 PACKAGE!

QUALITY COUNTS

78 GIVEAWAYS! PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 3

VIEWPOINT

EDITOR JAMES MOORE phpi@hamerville.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR KELLY NEWSTEAD knewstead@hamerville.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER ADRIAN STAPLETON astapleton@hamerville.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH DIGITAL GROUP MANAGER STUART DUFF DESIGNER GEMMA WATSON GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT STEPHANIE STAPLETON DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PUBLISHER BRYAN SHANNON

PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2019 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. Subscriptions to PHPI are available for 1 year (11 issues) at the following rates: UK £30 post paid Airmail £80 post paid Europe £50 post paid

With the questions surrounding the future of heat rumbling on, a concerning number of poor, and quite frankly dangerous, installations continuing to be found, questions over training standards and apprenticeship opportunities, and a whole lot more besides, this industry isn’t always the most straightforward to be part of. Ultimately, engineers have a lot to contend with, notwithstanding the pressures of earning a living to look after themselves and their family.

Despite this, installers up and down the country continue to step up to the plate. In the most recent of a long line of ‘feel-good’ stories, tradespeople were called upon to raise money for a plumber in need. Simon Antonelli was diagnosed with cancer back in April, and due to a life-saving operation to remove his femur and hip, he will be unable to work for the remainder of his life. To add to his mounting problems, Simon was having little luck in sourcing a buyer for his much loved van and tools.

Once this was brought to the attention of the plumbing community, a GoFundMe page was set up and promoted heavily across social media – the target of £20,000 was set. Within 10 days, the target had been met. Installers, manufacturers and industry representatives all donated in their droves, leaving Our new rdr.link Simon overwhelmed (with joy) at the response. reader enquiry system is We weren’t exactly shocked at the designed to support you in finding generosity shown – as onlookers we see this out more information on all the time and time again. Whether it’s the Heat for Good team taking time out of their weekends products, services and advice found to install a free heating system for a within each issue. When typed into your community rugby club in Bradford, or web browser, the coded address will countless tales of engineers helping out some take you to a specific page or video of the most vulnerable in society, this industry related to each article. It’s as really should be proud of itself. And that’s not to easy as that! mention all the work we don’t hear about, from those who prefer to remain under the radar.

Manufacturers and merchants must take their deserved credit, too. There are simply too many stories of companies raising money for worthy causes – often with the support of their installer communities, we should add – for us to run all of them, but they do it. A lot. And in the case of Simon’s cause, some even arranged for installers to convert loyalty scheme points into donations.

Every sector has its bad days, but not many would be able to raise such a substantial sum of money so quickly, all to help someone most have never met. A round of applause must go to you all, keep up the good work!

DON’T FORG E

T!

PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH LTD

Raise a glass

James Moore

EDITOR

69,709 (Certificate of Average Distribution for the 11 issues distributed between January 1st and December 31st 2018).

For the latest news, plus video reviews, competitions and exclusive content, log on to the PHPI website at WWW.PHPIONLINE.CO.UK PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 5

News NEW PRESIDENT FOR CIPHE A new National President was inaugurated at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) Annual General Meeting on Friday 21 June. Tracey Richardson handed over the presidential baton to Christopher Northey.

Beginning his plumbing career in 1987, Chris attained his Master Plumber Certificate in 2004. In his first Presidential address, Chris emphasised his belief in the importance of working in partnership with other bodies to improve the industry, raise standards and petition government on important issues, such as regulatory change and the installation of residential sprinkler systems post-Grenfell.

The CIPHE’s role in providing technical guidance and its growing international remit were also highlighted in his speech.

CIPHE CEO, Kevin Wellman, said, “I’d like to thank Tracey Richardson for her hard work and dedication in her Presidential year. Chris, with his passion for the industry and interest in training is a perfect successor to Tracey, who made education and training pivotal to her year in Office.”

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

Following the launch of PAS 2035, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has warned that the changes could leave the vulnerable without heating and will impede the professionals trying to do their job.

Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said: “With up to five ‘professionals’ required for every installation and loopholes which mean that they don’t have to actually be qualified – coupled with bureaucratic delays that could leave vulnerable people without heating and hot water – the proposals announced… are yet another example of unnecessary burden.

“In most instances, the presumed additional red tape would be a detriment to both industry and consumers – particularly those having boilers installed or replaced under government-backed retrofit schemes such as ECO, which aims to tackle fuel poverty in the UK. Those eligible under the scheme are often vulnerable and unable to afford the measures without assistance. These new rules may increase costs, create confusion and not provide any additional, meaningful safeguards to consumers. It would also almost certainly increase installation time, leaving those most in need potentially without heat or hot water while they wait for the ‘boxes to be ticked’.

“What we would like to see is more support and funding for existing schemes and the enforcement of them.”

Martyn Bridges from Worcester Bosch has also been critical in his reaction, saying: “In short, it looks like that there are two new trades that have been introduced – A Retrofit Project Manager and a Retrofit Designer – alongside the existing Retrofit Installer.

“Aside from making the process longer and more complicated for installers, who have been doing this job for years and understand retrofitting like the back of their hand, it is the homeowners who will be most affected.”

APPRENTICES…READY! Young tradespeople are being urged to get building and win some powerful 18v tools in the HiKOKI Power Tools College Build Off. HiKOKI is asking young tradespeople to design a product or tool that would be useful in their everyday job. It could be a workbench, an unusual toolbox, an upcycled vehicle or something weird and wonderful that catches the judges’ eye. Whatever the apprentices choose to design, they need to have the skills to build it because the best designers will be invited to the company’s Milton Keynes HQ to build their creations at the Build Off Final.

All participants have to do is post their design to Instagram using the hashtag #HiKOKIBuildOff tagging @HiKOKIUK by 30 November for their chance to get to the HiKOKI College Build Off Final. Don’t forget to post what the item is and what it does!

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 7

BIKBBI LAUNCHES MEMBERSAFE

TAKE A BREAK! A recent survey has found that on average, plumbers and gas engineers only take 18 days of holiday per year, compared to other UK full-time workers who are entitled to a minimum of 28 days’ paid holiday.

Glow-worm, in association with OnePoll, quizzed 300 tradespeople on their work-life balance and holiday preferences and found the amount of time they have off falls well short of the national average. When asked which factors stop them from going on holiday, 39% of electricians and 30% of gas engineers and plumbers stated it was down to their busy work schedule. Cost is also a barrier for 39% of gas engineers/plumbers.

This struggle to take a break, combined with money worries, can have serious consequences on mental health. In fact, 49% of ‘general tradespeople’ and 45% of gas engineers/plumbers agree that ‘taking regular holidays is necessary for good mental health’.

Glow-worm highlights it is for reasons such as these as to why it recently relaunched its Mystery Trip, allowing 80 lucky heating engineers to be whisked away on an all-expenses paid trip to the now-revealed secret location: Vietnam. Installers can secure their place by hitting their personalised target of Glow-worm installations via Club Energy.

OPENTHERM SPREADS THE WORD The idea for a single, common standard for communication in the domestic heating sector between heating controls and central heating appliances – boilers and air heaters – has been mooted for many years and indeed has been growing in popularity across Europe, but has only recently begun to make its mark seriously here in the UK. OpenTherm is a non-manufacturer-dependent system of communication currently utilised predominantly between modulating HVAC heating appliances and room thermostats. It consists of a communication protocol and an interface specification.

The OpenTherm Association is intending to introduce the protocol more widely in the UK and has launched an initial three-year communication process to raise awareness of the protocol, its benefits to the heating industry as a whole and to manufacturers and installers in particular.

The logo is beginning to appear more often in the UK already, with members using it on websites, literature and at exhibitions. It’ll also begin appearing more often in social media as the months go by.

For more information, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH001

8 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BIKBBI) has announced its MemberSafe initiative – the first of a number of measures planned to protect installers against financial loss when transacting with other businesses.

MemberSafe includes an early warning system linked to the industry’s financial profile, which will alert members to signs that may indicate risk within those businesses they engage.

The MemberSafe initiative also includes a credit insurance scheme in association with specialist global insurer Allianz, providing members with a facility to insure B2B invoices on an individual basis. The pay-as-you-go insurance policies provide cover from as little as £13 for an invoice of £2,500, or £80 to cover £100,000.

APHC AND ALTECNIC PARTNER UP APHC has partnered with Altecnic to host a set of free regional workshops to update the installer regarding the future of heating and the new British Standard BS 7593:2019. The workshops will run between 9am and 12pm as follows: ● ● ● ● ●

Tuesday 17 September – Devon Wednesday 18 September – Newport Thursday 19 September – Dartford Tuesday 24 September – Stafford Wednesday 25 September – St Asaph, Denbighshire ● Thursday 26 September – Leeds Readers can book a place by contacting APHC on 0121 711 5030 or marketing@aphc.co.uk

PLUMBER EARNINGS REBOUND Weekly earnings for self-employed plumbing contractors rebounded in June, according to the latest figures released

by Hudson Contract. Analysis of June payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a month-on-month increase of 4.7% to an average of £1,132. The rise reverses the 3.2% fall seen in May. Plumbing remains the second-best paid of all 17 construction trades covered by Hudson Contract. Shop-fitters retained top place for the second month.

NEWS IN BRIEF...

GRANT’S BIG G1 GIVEAWAY IS BACK! Open to all G1 Installers, Grant UK’s 2019 ‘Big G1 Giveaway’ has thousands of prizes up for grabs until December with monthly prize draws and a ‘Big Holiday Superdraw’, where one lucky installer will win £5,000 in holiday vouchers. G1 installers who register a Grant product via their Portal or G1 Click app will be automatically entered into that month’s prize draw.

SPIROTECH SHOWS SUPPORT Spirotech has gifted a SpiroCross water conditioning unit to the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind in support of the charity’s plans to develop a central hub for services for the visually impaired. The self-funded CRCB offers support for people with visual impairments and caters for between 150-170 people a week.

KESTON BOOSTS BENEFITS Installers will now be able to benefit from higher points for each boiler they install on Installer Connect, Ideal Boilers’ customer loyalty scheme. The updated amounts for Keston Combi and System boilers start at 46 points (£15) in Bronze, moving on to 107 points (£35) in Gold, while Keston Heat boilers are worth up to 140 points (£46).

CHARITY EFFORTS AT WORCESTER BOSCH Over the last 12 months, employees at Worcester Bosch have raised £33,100 for men’s health charity Prostate Cancer UK. Staff at Worcester Bosch have been giving donations and taking part in fundraising events, including the London half marathon and the Big Half in order to raise funds.

GAS SAFETY WEEK

SAFET Y FIRST This year’s Gas Safety Week takes place from September 16th to 22nd .

T

he ninth incarnation of Gas Safety Week – coordinated by Gas Safe Register – will run from September 16th to 22nd and will see organisations from across the UK working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

As always, installers are being encouraged to do their bit, with thousands of organisations supporting last year’s Gas Safety Week. Centred around ‘family matters’, research undertaken during the event

FACT FILE ● 23 MILLION gas consumers in the UK ● ONE in SIX gas appliances investigated by the Gas Safe Register are unsafe ● OVER 4,000 supporters pledged to take part in Gas Safety Week last year ● 132 MILLION opportunities to see or hear gas safety messages (GSW18) ● OVER 50,000 hard copy leaflets and posters distributed (GSW18)

revealed that the majority of people in the UK failed to identify the four main potential signs of an unsafe gas appliance – black marks/stains around an appliance; a lazy yellow flame; excess condensation and failing pilot lights – demonstrating more still needs to be done to raise awareness.

Vulnerable people will be at the heart of the campaign this year - whether it’s keeping elderly dependants safe or making sure consumers don’t become vulnerable to illegal gas work, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Join the masses and pledge your support at GasSafetyWeek.co.uk to receive a free toolkit of digital materials including: logos, images, social media updates, web banners, articles and more. Free hard copy leaflets and posters are also available to order (although you’ll have to be quick to get these in time for the start of Gas Safety Week).

Meet the safety squad! Joining campaign mascot Doug this year are Gas Safe registered heroes Aisha, Bob, Leon and Olivia (left to right). They all work in different areas of the industry but have one thing in common: they put gas safety at the heart of everything they do. You’ll spot the new characters in the toolkit and in all things Gas Safety Week.

Spread the message Here are some tips to help your customers stay gas safe: ● CHECK their gas appliances every year.

Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants should be aware that it’s their landlord’s responsibility to arrange this. Encourage your customers to set reminders. ● CHECK their engineer is Gas Safe registered and qualified for the type of work they need doing. Let them know they can find this information on the Gas Safe Register website and the back of the Gas Safe ID card. When you go to your customer’s home, be proud to show them your card before they ask for it. ● CHECK for warning signs that their appliances aren’t working correctly, such as lazy yellow/orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room. ● CHECK they know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. ● CHECK they have an audible carbon monoxide alarm

To get involved and receive free materials to raise awareness of gas safety, GO TO

10 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

www.rdr.link/PH002

Proud to support the profession al installer

#InstallOfFame is designed to showcase some of the great work carried out by plumbers and heating engineers.

PHPI’s #InstallOfFame will feature on Twitter and Instagram to give installers the chance to show off their finest installations… and we’ll be highlighting some of the best submissions on our website and in print.

Honeywell Home is proud to support the professional installer and will be giving away a T6 Programmable thermostat each month to one lucky entrant! To check out the latest additions to the galleries, follow #InstallOfFame on Twitter or Instagram. If you’re not on social media and would like the opportunity to be included, please email your photos to phpi@hamerville.co.uk

Here are a few more examples:

@goecohub

@Rushbroplumbing

@rdmills88

@MSagePlumbing

@s_calvert_plumbing_heating

@YourPlumbing

GAS APP

APPY TIMES We catch up with Ant Provan, founder of Gas App Uk, to find out all about the latest updates and new features for users.

Hi Ant, it’s been a while since we properly caught up. How’s the last 12 months been for you and the app?

It’s been great. We’ve seen a big increase in the number of gas engineers using the app, from around 25,000 last year to 40,000 this year. That means we’ve seen more manuals downloaded and more traffic across all areas of the app. This is particularly good for the social areas, such as Break Time, because engineers have an opportunity to connect with an even bigger pool of likeminded professionals.

In April, we bagged an industry award for the second year running, which we’re obviously chuffed about. It’s a seal of approval that we’re achieving what we set out to do, which is to deliver a one-stop shop for engineers, featuring all the help and resources that they need for their day-to-day work. The award is recognition for all the hard work we have put into it.

We have also been actively working with our partners, Adey, Grundfos, Intergas Heating and Delta Dore, attending shows and

training events with them, and pushing their content out to our engineers so they are fully informed about how to install and use their products. But ultimately the last 12 months have been about being there for our engineers and making changes in response to what they tell us they need.

“Features are there for a reason because they’re useful, not just for the sake of being there.”

What’s been the biggest change?

The biggest change has probably been making Gas App available as a web portal since July. This change, which comes at no extra cost, means that engineers can access a carbon copy of the app from their computer or laptop, which makes everything that bit

more user friendly. It’s great for engineers who prefer to use their laptop for admin tasks like viewing their quotes or forms, or for those of us who are office based.

We also continue to make more subtle changes to make things slicker and easier to use. For example, we have added postcode lookups to our forms so engineers can quickly find their customers’ addresses. We have also added notifications to the Break Time section, so engineers don’t miss feedback on something they have posted.

What’s the response been like from subscribers?

We always try and listen to our users, which is why I think the app has gone from strength to strength. Our engineers are extremely supportive of the product and we don’t often get criticism. But if we do, we take it as constructive feedback and change things accordingly.

Because I worked as a heating engineer, I have a good sense of what our users want and what changes will be helpful. Features are there for a reason because they’re useful, not just for the sake of being there. For this reason, subscribers are generally really positive about changes. I think they know that we are genuinely trying to meet their needs.

Why did you decide to introduce a quoting tool to the app? How does it work, and what are the benefits it offers installers that don’t currently use it?

The quoting tool was introduced because there are so many engineers out there who

14 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

GAS APP

want to be able to send their quote straight away. They don’t want to get home at the end of the day and have to open up their computer and start doing their admin, or risk forgetting to send the quote completely.

If they use the quoting tool in the app, all they have to do is visit the Office section and fill in some details. Then a quote containing their logo, if they have one, gets emailed automatically to their customer. The quote itself looks good and the customer gets the impression that the engineer is organised and professional. Plus, the engineer saves themselves some time and hopefully earns money when they win the job. It’s a win-win!

And what’s the Gas App loyalty scheme all about?

The scheme enables engineers to build up referral points, which they can then use on gifts in the app’s store. An engineer just has to use the share button inside the app to refer a friend or colleague to us. Then, as soon as that person signs up, the referrer’s account gets credited with 100 points, which they can

redeem against gifts in the store, such as experience days, getaway breaks and games consoles. The best item in there is of course the Gas App golf umbrella!

Members can also access these gifts by entering the free competition. Each month we give away fantastic prizes like Adey MagnaCleanse units, Intergas boilers and Grundfos beach bags, as well as others.

shows around the country to keep an ear to the ground. In this way, we can find out what installers are talking about and continue to hone Gas App to meet their needs.

We've also just taken on a new addition to the team, Olivia, to help us continue to build our community. You can usually find her in the Break Time section or on our social channels, talking with and engaging with engineers.

She's also working on adding more manuals.

Personally, what really excites me about Gas App is continuing to grow the community and bring everyone together. As an innovator and someone who embraces new technology, if I can find a better and nicer way of delivering Gas App, then I will always try and do that. But what I find most rewarding is connecting with our community and listening to users’ feedback. I think doing so is why we’ve gone from strength to strength over the last three and a half years since launching.

Sounds like you’ve been busy! What’s next for Gas App?

To find out more about how to download and get started with Gas App,

We'll continue to attend various events and

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH003

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 15

Welcome to the Gas App UK Horror Show, showcasing some of the ‘finest’ work that’s been spotted around the country. If you spot any masterpieces to rival these, please submit them to the good people at Gas App UK or email them to us at phpi@hamerville.co.uk

The app is available for both iOS and Android. Simply visit the stores and search for Gas App UK. Download the app now for a free seven-day trial. If you like it, it’s just £25 per year thereafter!

Do you use a Kane analyser? Sign up to the app now and you will recieve 15% off your Kane calibration!

IN PROFILE

ROLL with the

PHPI’s Kelly Newstead steps into the ring with gas engineer Andy Gatenby to find out all about his love for the industry, previous career as a professional boxer and recent move into acting.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background in the industry? What made you want to become an installer and what was your route into the industry?

NAME:

Andy Gatenby

COMPANY NAME: St. Gatenby Gas

I’m based in Portsmouth. I’ve been in the heating industry since leaving school and I’ve now been gas safe registered for 14 years.

I've worked for different mechanical companies and gained invaluable knowledge in the domestic and commercial sector, but I started to work for myself in 2017 and have never looked back.

When I left school, my dad said to me: “If you go to college and get a trade you won’t have to pay any rent.” If I didn’t, he wanted £25 per week! I quickly enrolled on a gas course, so I can certainly thank my dad for pushing me towards the industry.

18 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

What do you believe makes your company different from others? What are the main services you offer?

I believe what makes Gatenby Gas stand out from other companies is the versatile work that we offer. As far as gas goes, there is not much that we cannot do. All domestic and commercial works, including commercial catering, is undertaken.

I believe that any investment in yourself is a good investment and I’m always pushing to be better in every aspect of life. I’m a firm believer in personal development and always strive to achieve more.

What’s your marketing strategy? Do you have any advice for fellow installers looking to be successful in the industry?

IN PROFILE

“I believe that any investment in yourself is a good investment and I’m always pushing to be better in every aspect of life.”

I find social media is very good for marketing, and to help build the brand of your business.

You have to think slightly outside the box for this, as I see people fail by just uploading discounts and aggressive sales pitches. I just use social media to showcase my work and never tout for work from it.

I get very good results from Google and my website is normally the top hit for commercial gas. Gone were the days when being a good engineer was good enough – I believe you have to have a good digital platform to stay busy.

What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you on a job?

The strangest thing that has happened to me so far was in 2010. There was a gas emergency in North Barnet, it was during the Christmas period and a water main ruptured the gas main. Lots of homes had no gas and no water. It was manic, about 100 gas engineers were called in to suck the water out of the gas main, and this went on for about two weeks!

Every wet vac had been sold out and someone who owned a local cafe drove about 40 miles away to buy a wet vac. He shut his cafe and teamed up with a gasman. They were paying £60 per hour so he was buzzing!

Tell us a bit about your career as a boxer?

I started boxing when I was 14, and stopped when I was 28 – in this time I had about 60 fights. I boxed all over the country starting as amateur, unlicensed and had six fights as a professional. I won all six and was lined up for an English title fight before being referred on my medical due to an issue with an eye exam.

Wow, that must have been tough to take?

I decided I would rather see my two children grow up than win a British title and go blind, so I retired.

I got closure after this by going on BBC2’s Special Forces Ultimate Hell Week and showing the country how tough I was by reaching the final of the series.

What was the hardest part about Ultimate Hell Week?

Special Forces Ultimate Hell Week was the best but worst experience I’ve been through.

It was the toughest TV programme ever recorded by the BBC and had 30 of the fittest civilians in the country. While I wasn’t super fit like the rest of the competitors, I had a good base fitness with a ‘die before I quit’ mentality which got me all the way to the final of the series. Unfortunately, I got sent home in the end as I was deemed too aggressive during the interrogation phase by the SAS. They said they were worried I was going to flash up!

The hardest part of the series was the Australian SAS phase. We didn’t eat or sleep for 48 hours. We were climbing mountains all day carrying ridiculous weight and marching all night, carrying bodies on stretchers, followed by a 10 mile run as the morning broke. The Russian part was one not to forget, either. The soldier running it was a guy called Sonny Puzikas and he’s got to be the nicest, yet baddest man on the planet. I really got on with him and even got to drink some vodka with him, but only after I passed his phase!

Not stopping there, we notice that you are also an actor! How did this come about?

After my boxing career finished I was a little bit lost, so decided to audition for drama school. I got accepted and travelled to London once a week for 2 years. Since then I’ve got myself an agent and have had several parts in feature films and TV shows, I started filming on a new gangster film (Card Dead) in August and have been cast in a new Krays film. I should start filming that near the end of the year.

Working for myself has given me the flexibility to chase my dreams as an actor, whilst building a successful business. I juggle both together so some nights I’m reading film scripts, and the next I’m quoting for jobs!

I’m on twitter @gatenbygas, say hello and let’s connect!

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 19

BUSINESS ADVICE

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE Are late payments an issue for your business? Lee Murphy, founder of Pandle, explains how you can look to avoid those awkward conversations with customers.

I

Be clear

f you have had experience with late payers, private or commercial, you are not alone. Did you know that one in five insolvencies are the result of cashflow problems caused by late payments?

While there have been many government and industry initiatives to encourage prompt payment, the truth is if you want to get paid on time there is much you can and should do to help yourself.

Get organised Keeping on top of who owes you what and when can be challenging if you are not organised or use “old tech” paper and Excel spreadsheets. The general rule is the longer you leave a payment before chasing, the less likely you are to be paid. At the very least, have a diary and reminder system with a clear list of what is due and when you will call and chase them. Better still, automate as much as possible and give the rest to someone else to free up your time.

The good news is there are plenty of online tools available to support you in your efforts, many of which are free. Pandle, for

instance, can automate the process of chasing and reminding clients for you.

It’s our experience that most late payments aren’t cynical but down to a lack of organisation. If you get a good reminder system in place, you will be closer to getting your hard-earned cash.

Beware, we have come across self-employed people who only discovered that large invoices had not been paid when their accountant checked their books at the end of the year….12 months after payment was due! Make sure this isn’t happening to you.

20 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Having a standard payments policy that customers are asked to sign before you start the job will help, should payment problems arise further down the line. It will be the same for everyone, so a standard note on your estimates, or a link to an online page.

If you send a letter of appointment or contract, make sure it is mentioned on this. If you ask customers to sign the document, it is an enforceable contract that you can rely upon should matters take a turn for the worse.

As well as details of what your costs cover, the policy should also tell customers about your payment terms. If you expect to be paid upon completion, make sure your customers are clear on this. You may also want to ask for a deposit up front, so you are not left out of pocket should the job fall through.

Making it easier for private customers to pay you will help them pay on time. Offering mobile payments will mean that some will be able to pay while you are still at the job.

For commercial jobs you could offer discounts to those who settle invoices early and penalties for late payers.

Beware your customers!

How long do you allow customers to pay you? If your business is using too many net days – that is the number of days until you receive the payment – then you could be storing up trouble for later.

Reducing your net days will quickly boost your cashflow.

Accepting a larger contract might seem appealing as they can be profitable, but make sure you work out the impact on your cash flow before agreeing to work. Can you afford to wait 66 days for payment and what impact will it have on your ability to move on to the next job?

Most businesses that go insolvent are profitable, they just don’t have the money in the bank to pay the bills. If the payment terms are bad and will put you under pressure, think about whether it is worth the risk.

What if the customer still doesn’t pay?

If you have people who won’t pay, then lots of phone calls and emails are the starting point –and clearly turning up at their house for domestic clients works well.

You will want to refuse any future work until the bill is settled.

After that, it is legal channels, which sadly can be slow moving and involve more cost. Remember to stay professional. You trade on your reputation, so being confrontational with customers could be damaging as well as aggravating for you.

By automating the system with the software available and leaving the chasing to others you will find more time to focus on making your business a success, with more bills being paid earlier, and that is good for you and your customers.

To find out how Pandle can support your small business, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH004

SPECIAL REPORT | WIT Conference

ALL TOGETHER NOW On Thursday 4th July, over 150 delegates descended on The Building Centre, London, for the third annual Women Installers Together (WIT) Conference, to celebrate women who work in the plumbing and heating industry. Kelly Newstead reports.

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esigned as an event to bring women together from within the industry and celebrate their accomplishments, this year’s WIT Conference also highlighted how many have had to persevere in the face of adversity.

A recent study in 2018 by Wise found that the number of female employees in construction numbered just 11%, meaning the industry could actually be taking a step backwards – when compared to previous figures. Research such as this, highlights the importance of hosting these types of events, as they raise awareness that trade jobs are a viable option for both men and women.

Unconscious bias Event organiser and founder of Stopcocks, Hattie Hasan, began proceedings by explaining the main theme of the day, ‘Unconscious Bias’. Hattie stated how this was something that women within the industry would have experienced, but is something that we are all guilty of doing.

Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that have been formed outside of one’s own conscious awareness. This can come into play with women working in a traditionally male dominated role, such as a plumber or a heating engineer, as people’s unconscious bias has already constructed a stereotypical image of

what they would expect this person to be.

In order to change these constructed perceptions, Hattie explained that everyone – both men and women – need to become aware of our own unconscious bias and challenge these socially constructed norms that have been a staple of society for far too long.

She continued to say it is about making something become the new ‘norm’, and developing role models outside of these constructed stereotypes will allow, in the case of the installer community, women to become a more regular feature.

Shared experiences Round table discussions were a new addition to the line-up this year, and were designed to provide a direct link between attendees. This provided an opportunity for everyone to discuss their experiences and key issues with members of the press to relay back to the

22 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

wider installer community. Although from all different walks of life, the common denominator was that each had faced many challenges to reach their point of success.

Delegates were also treated to an inspiring speech by Maggie Alphonsi, a rugby player who has represented England 74 times, won a World Cup and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns.

Experiencing a number of firsts for women in the world of rugby, such as becoming the first female player to commentate on men’s internationals, she explained how barriers are there to be challenged.

The event concluded with a raffle, made up of prizes from sponsors and manufacturers, with the final part of the day encouraging delegates to network as the event drew to a close.

Hattie concluded: “We’re Stopcock-a-hoop after the success of the WIT 2019 conference!

More women plumbers, heating engineers and trainees than ever attended and they all got involved in great discussions that we will use to take the movement forward.

“This is the tip of a tidal wave of change transforming our industry into a better place for us all.”

WIT 2020 will take place on 1st July, so be sure to save the date! For more information on Stopcocks, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH005

SPECIAL REPORT | OFTEC

WHAT NEXT? O

FTEC’s latest Mini-conference, held in Tewkesbury, saw industry leaders from across the heating and oil sectors debate a variety of topics, with the agenda consisting of: ● Developments for a Hydrogen Future – Mark Crowther, Kiwa UK ● Low-carbon Liquid Fuel Transition Report – Jason Woods, In Perpetuum Partners ● Industry Next Steps for a Low Carbon Future – Paul Rose, OFTEC CEO

PHPI reports back from the latest OFTEC Mini-conference, where hydrogen and biofuels were on the agenda.

There is still work to be done, but research from Kiwa UK indicates a promising future for hydrogen to be used as a viable future heat source.

30% blend of FAME and kerosene – provide the best carbon reducing routes for the least financial outlay. While electrification seems to be an avenue the Government is continuing to push, it isn’t the only option, and biofuels such as biokeresene may eventually result in a 100% reduction of carbon use.

Jason noted that more work needs to be done on the infrastructure of blending tanks, feedstock and storage facilities, amongst others, but indicated that much of the supply chain is already in place. The use of biodiesels, he suggested, should be used in the heating sector before the transportation sector, and that they can meet the demand of the UK. The first steps, however, should be the “reasonable improvements to older properties”. According to the report, 51% of oil using homes are detached, while the majority of these are pre-1919 build. Reasonable improvements should be carried out – loft insulation and double glazing, for instance – to improve heat loss to a reasonable level, before the move towards a decarbonised fuel is implemented.

Paul Rose concluded the conference by commenting on how biofuels clearly offer many benefits, but there are still challenges that need to be met. “Now we are in no doubt that biofuels provide the future path for oil heating, the next step will be to develop ‘pathway options’ for government, detailing how and when industry will develop and roll out low carbon liquid fuels. Field trials will also begin to confirm the performance of biofuels and we will further step up our communication with government and stakeholders to secure recognition and support for this compelling solution.”

To find out more from Kiwa,

For more information,

Here, we summarise the key points.

A hydrogen future?

The off-grid debate

There has been much discussion regarding the potential to use hydrogen as a fuel source.

Mark Crowther of Kiwa UK, an independent testing, inspection and certification company, explained how hydrogen can become a very realistic possibility for heating the UK’s homes in the near future. The concept will involve converting local gas networks to hydrogen on a piecemeal basis, in order to provide zero carbon energy supplies for users of the natural gas network. Mark demonstrated his belief in the potential, with advantages including: ● Hydrogen is a permitted gas and no substantial change to the existing infrastructure would be needed ● Transition can be dealt with via local authorities ● Low hassle for users in the transition – compared to full insulation measures that would be needed to ensure heat pumps and other options worked to maximum efficiency ● Broadly similar properties to natural gas for transportation purposes ● Cheaper than district heating

Up next was Jason Woods, from In Perpetuum Partners. The independent organisation had been tasked, by OFTEC, with finding out what the alternative options are for a de-carbonised fuel of the future.

Attendees gathered to hear the outcomes of the six-month study, which used a detailed analysis of oil heated housing stock in England to help inform extensive modelling that compares biofuels with other low carbon heating options available today.

With numerous facts and figures used as evidence, the research findings revealed that biofuels – both a 100% pure biofuel and a

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH006

24 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH007

TRAINING

REALITY CHECK

Stuart Doggrell, Water Heating General Manager at Fabdec, explores how innovative training technology is raising standards in the water heating sector.

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he UK’s water heating sector is always looking to uncover the latest disruptive technology that can improve training, safety and increase efficiencies. This commitment has formed the foundation of sustained success in recent years and it is key to future-proofing the industry.

However, it can be challenging to assess which technologies are here to stay and which are a flash in the pan, inflated by the hype that often accompanies any disruptive innovation. Many in the industry are justifiably cautious when exploring whether new technology will provide a strong long-term benefit for those that use it.

In water heating, a key development that has had a transformative effect on the way products, concepts and systems are understood – and the way installers can be trained via product demonstration – is virtual reality (VR).

A virtual world In partnership with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE), manufacturers have now commissioned virtual representations of heating and plumbing products that can be accessed on mobile, laptop and tablet devices. These representations provide insights into the product and the technology that powers it, without the need to physically disassemble and inspect it.

This allows the viewer to visualise the

provide an augmented reality (AR) capability, and we hope the industry follows suit. When completed, this will not only provide a representation of a new system – but also dissect it piece-by-piece in real-time.

Using this technology, vast amounts of time could be saved and maintenance and repair work could become a more straightforward process.

Understanding new technology

inner-workings and composite parts of a complete system. By doing so, it offers the opportunity to raise the bar when it comes to understanding the products that people are buying, selling, specifying or installing.

The software can also simulate the effects of the system being run in normal operation in a safe environment, demonstrating optimum performance in a diverse range of different conditions. Conversely, it can be used to demonstrate potential problems that can be identified without a risk to the operator.

As the popularity of this technology increases, our goal is to work towards the introduction of more advanced systems that

26 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

These developments are particularly useful following the introduction of innovative new unvented water heaters with internal expansion that incorporate the ‘Venturi effect’, which eliminates the need for an internal floating baffle or an external expansion vessel.

Understanding the scientific process behind this method, and the way the Venturi valve works in normal everyday operation, is invaluable for specifiers and installers. It can also help educate end-users who have specified the water heater for their property, allowing a deeper understanding of the new developments that are powering sustainability in the water heating sector.

By offering unique training packages across a product line, manufacturers add value to the system they are creating for all parties involved. These benefits not only provide the opportunity to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the systems themselves, but also the potential for stronger installer relationships.

TRAINING

Unique insights As installers build their knowledge of a product line and the installation process becomes shorter and simpler, they’re more likely to become repeat customers of the products they’re most familiar with.

Training technology also provides the opportunity to demonstrate how modular additions to water heaters can be integrated into systems, and what they can add. It offers a visual demonstration of the scalability of modern water heaters and a chance to demonstrate product capabilities in virtual

marketing material.

From the perspective of a homeowner, understanding the science that powers the hot water source in their home can lead to environmental and energy saving benefits.

It also provides insight into why performance may change depending on the situation and conditions. Understanding why this occurs, and how to prevent it reoccurring, could result in water and energy saving, benefitting the environment and lowering overall product life-cycle costs.

The introduction of exciting new technologies like virtual reality also helps to position the sector as forward thinking and dynamic, ensuring it keeps up with other industries as an attractive destination for those leaving school or university. As new training technology continues to be implemented within the sector, this should improve standards across the board.

For further information about Fabdec, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH008

TRAINING

KNOW IT

ALL

Following the success of its Wiser Approved training tour, Drayton launched an online training portal – 9° Know How – in June. PHPI reports back from our very own trial session.

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s popular as Drayton’s Wiser training tours have been since their launch, it’s never easy for installers to find time out of their busy schedules to attend. Step in, 9° Know How. The manufacturer has added to its 9° Professional Installer Network by introducing a series of training modules, which can be undertaken anywhere, and at any pace – ideal for all that time spent in the van waiting for customers to arrive!

In order to report on the new training academy, PHPI was given access to the portal to gain a better insight of what’s on offer, and how it all works. For those new to Drayton’s 9° Network, you’ll simply have to register for free by entering a few details of your proficiencies and any accreditations, and then you’re all set. Once the Know How training has been completed your listing is added to the ‘Find an Installer’ search on the Wiser consumer website, generating leads for your business. You’ll also be granted the usual 9° benefits, which include extended warranties, access to the discounted members shop, and exclusive training opportunities.

Guiding you through As you are taken through to the training dashboard, which currently focuses on the Wiser multi-zone heating system as its first available module, installers are greeted by four sections. The main topics covered in a series of videos and (short) tests, include:

● Introduction to Wiser – Explains why multi-zone/room to room heating is beneficial, and introduces the various Wiser system packs ● Installation and commissioning advice ● Common installation questions and answers ● Tips on how to introduce the system to your customer Overall, the series of modules could take engineers as little as 30 minutes to complete, but the animated videos cover everything you need to know about Wiser – from the benefits of room to room heating for your customers and which Wiser packs are suitable for different heating systems, to the entire commissioning and set up process. Once all the videos have been watched and tests completed, participants will be granted with ‘Wiser Approved’ status.

The overall look is clean and polished, with smart, animated videos and clear

instructional advice to keep you on course.

Any questions that you may get wrong in the multiple-choice tests are highlighted and then able to be retaken to ensure full understanding – we only discovered this for research purposes, of course…

Assessing the results of the recent PHPI survey, it has become clear that a large proportion of installers are now fitting smart heating devices and products. The benefits for customers are more pronounced, while engineers are becoming more comfortable with fitting and commissioning the systems.

And, with reports suggesting that smart home spending will triple by 2025, this trend is only going to continue.

Fortunately, Drayton’s 9° Know How offers something for all levels of understanding. The installation process is made as simple as fitting any other thermostat, and there’s plenty of advice for engineers looking to upsell a smart heating system to customers. Heck, you can even do it all from the comfort of your own home!

To sign up to the 9° Network and access the Know How training portal, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH009

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 29

PHPI rounds up the latest training and professional development courses available for installers throughout the UK.

Salamander Pumps Salamander Pumps has launched a new online learning tool, ‘eSchool’, featuring a host of helpful training modules involving games, interactive imagery and animated technical videos, for installers and students alike.

The eSchool will help installers and college students learn more about Salamander’s products, their applications and best practice for installing the company’s range of shower and whole house pumps.

Developed in conjunction with the CIPHE, the training courses can be accessed via the link below or through Salamander’s Installer Hub. The courses have been supplied to City and Guilds to benefit training within the industry, and to support the development and training of industry professionals.

By registering for Salamander’s free Installer Hub, installers can also earn points for each pump they install, which can then be exchanged for high street vouchers. As well as this, installers will have the option to feature on Salamander’s Installer Map if they register their training module scores, allowing them to be more visible to homeowners.

The eSchool categories feature modules such as Gravity Systems and Solutions, EVE Product Training, and HomeBoost Product Training.

The training modules feature a range of interactive activities, from technical animated videos, games, interactive imagery and multiple-choice tests. Participants will need to achieve a score of at least 80% to pass but may have as many attempts as they like, with their highest score being recorded.

Calderdale Gas Calderdale Gas, which showcases a range of Sime domestic gas boilers, is set to expand after a successful year. The facility launched in May 2018 ready to train new engineers and support the skills development of existing engineers.

The centre has run a variety of courses since then using the Murelle One HE, Murelle Advanced HE, Murelle Elite HE 30 combi and the Elite HE 35 System T model. Director Raman Mistry said: “The new place will be bigger, offering us more space and more classrooms to extend our provision. Sime has supported us right from the beginning – training students, providing us with boilers and offering lots of support.”

The centre runs courses for people who want to become gas engineers and for existing gas engineers who must re-sit their qualifications every five years. Courses offered include: Initial Gas Qualifications for new entrants, ACS Domestic Gas Initial and reassessments, smart metering, LPG gas training and assessments, boiler servicing and fault finding, 18th Edition Electrical, hot water storage systems – unvented systems, water regulations and legionella.

It also runs add-on courses for service engineers, including training in dealing with asbestos and implementing energy efficiency and will soon be offering commercial catering and heating courses too.

The new training centre will continue to use Sime products, but also offer electrician qualifications alongside gas.

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH011

To access the training, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH010

Watts Industries Watts has underlined its commitment to growing its UK business from St Neots by opening a new bespoke Training Academy at its head office.

Munish Nanda, President Americas and Europe, and Managing Director, Nigel Woods, led the opening ceremony for the new training facility, which will enable customers to connect with the company, learn and, in future, undertake CPD work.

Two long-serving employees, Trevor Harling and Sue Barnes officially opened the Academy and began the celebrations by cutting a cake in recognition of their long service and commitment to the company.

For further information, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH012

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GREAt DANE

Formed in 1933 by Mads Clausen in the attic of his parent’s home in Denmark, Danfoss is now a global corporation, manufacturing everything from TRVs to district energy solutions. PHPI reports back from a trip to its Danish HQ.

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hink of Denmark and your mind likely wanders to Lego, pastries and a famous side of underdogs winning Euro 92. Yet many installers probably fit one of the country’s greatest exports on a daily basis. Starting life TP5001 CGI in a humble farmyard attic, founder Mads Clausen and those who have followed in his legacy have now developed Danfoss into a global brand.

In the UK domestic heating sector, the manufacturer is best-known for its controls and TRVs. Danfoss has a long history with the TRV, with Mads having engineered the first radiator thermostat way back in 1943. Proud of this history, the highly sophisticated production facility in the town of Silkeborg ensures quality control with a network of inter-connecting robotic arms regularly checking for consistency, while the business claims to be the only TRV producer to manufacture its own valves and bellows.

75 years on from the TRV’s origin, the company continues to highlight its importance for improving energy efficiency in the UK, with its own research indicating that TRV upgrades in Europe could make savings of more than 29 million tonnes of CO2 per annum.

Gareth Ash, Marketing and Technical Support Manager in the UK, comments: “It’s likely that around 11 million homes in the UK have potential for upgrades, providing

ECO2 vertical in kitchen

fantastic opportunities for installers.

With a potential payback period of nine months (depending on the system), and measures from the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive set to come into force next year, it really does make sense to upgrade or install a customer’s TRVs when replacing a boiler.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Danfoss has built its very own science park next to its headquarters in Nordborg.

Designed to inspire the next generation, Universe Science Park includes a Segway race track, giant ‘blue cube’, film studio, VR coaster and hosts the Danfoss Museum, detailing the history of founder Mads Clausen.

Making it easy During the trip, Danfoss also announced plans to provide greater support for its UK-based network of installers, with the business set to streamline its range of electronic room controls and timers. Plans involve reducing the number of model variants from 80 to 17, without compromising on any features, to make it easier for customers when selecting a suitable unit.

For example, the redesigned TP5001 replaces existing TP7000 and TP9000 models. Based on the company’s TP platform and with an ultra slim profile, this latest version is available in three variants: battery

First TRVs

volt free relay, 230V mains volt free relay, and RF. This joins the upgraded TPOne with OpenTherm programmable room thermostat in the new product line-up, as well as the RET1001M dial room thermostat and the RET2001 room thermostat featuring OpenTherm and an electronic display.

Its domestic time controls, meanwhile, have also been streamlined from seven models, down to two. The TS710 and FP720 are easy to programme for either 24hr, weekday/weekend (5/2) or seven day periods.

Installer Life Not stopping there, Danfoss is set to introduce a dedicated new website as part of its ‘Installer Life’ campaign, where engineers can find all the information and support they need when choosing and fitting domestic heating controls. The Installer Hub will feature training modules, webinars, puzzles and competitions, as well as exclusive ‘How To’ videos, product comparison tables and the latest product data sheets.

Gareth adds: “We know our customers are busy people who need information fast and without fuss. Installer Life is all about meeting that need.”

For more information on Installer Life, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH013

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 33

HEATING & RENEWABLES

FLUE FITS

IF THE

While it’s easy to see the installation of a flue as straightforward when installing a condensing boiler, there are a number of considerations that can often be overlooked. Graham Collins, Training Support Manager at Baxi Heating, discusses the need to give flue siting and sizing as much attention as the installation of the boiler itself.

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n 2005, Part L of the Building Regulations was changed to mandate that gas-fired boilers fitted beyond this date must have a minimum efficiency of 86%. This resulted in the introduction of condensing boilers. With condensing boilers emitting a plume of condensate, it was almost an inevitability that the revisions to Part L would bring an increased importance to the location of the flue terminal.

Nuisance Pluming A major consideration for any heating engineer is the siting of the flue terminal to prevent it from causing a nuisance to neighbours. BS5440-1 states that the flue from a condensing boiler should not be installed where it is likely to cause a nuisance.

This could be the condensate cloud exiting a boiler flue terminal across a neighbouring driveway or pluming above a pavement.

While manufacturers provide detailed guidance on permissible lengths of the flue and BS5440 Part 1 gives minimum clearances for flue terminal siting, every installation is different. Therefore, installers should always pay close attention to the siting of the flue terminal to avoid putting the homeowner in the unenviable position of having to get the nuisance flue re-sited.

Options are available to installers when re-siting the flue is not a viable option. Flue accessories, such as plume displacement kits and plume deflectors, can be used to point the pluming away from the area that it is likely to cause an issue.

34 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

All about length At current, a production Baxi, Main or Potterton system or combi boiler with a 60/100mm concentric flue fitted, can be up to a maximum length of 10m. For those installations that require the flue run to be longer, the flue size can be increased to 80/125mm, providing a maximum flue length of up to 20m.

The choice and siting of any boiler will be affected by the permissible maximum equivalent length of the flue. Calculating the equivalent flue length is a straightforward process. Installers simply have to remember that for current production Baxi, Main or Potterton boilers the first elbow on a concentric flue is free. From there, they will need to make a one metre reduction for each 90-degree bend and a half metre reduction

HEATING & RENEWABLES

for every 45-degree bend.

Should the decision be made by an installer to operate the boiler with a flue that exceeds the maximum length, then the boiler may not function as it should. For instance, the installer may find that the ignition is delayed and the combustion is affected, which could result in serious damage to the boiler.

Just as a boiler must be properly hung and supported on a homeowner’s wall, the flue also requires adequate support. BS5440 requires that installed flues are supported throughout their entire length and Baxi specifies that they are supported at least once every metre. Without the required support, a horizontal flue-run may dip, leading

to an accumulation of condensate water in the flue pipework which could prevent the boiler from properly functioning.

Manufacturers provide installers with a means of complying with these requirements.

For instance, all Baxi Multifit flue components are supplied with support brackets where necessary, meaning there really is no reason not to comply.

Site it right There are a number of siting considerations that must be made when installing a flue to prevent the products of combustion from entering a homeowner’s property or that of their neighbours.

For instance, horizontal flues that are installed adjacent to an opening window must be installed with a minimum distance of 300mm between the window and the flue terminal. Importantly, though sometimes overlooked, if a plume displacement kit is utilised the flue terminal air intake can be sited a minimum of 150cm from an opening window or door. To avoid causing a nuisance or putting neighbouring homeowners at risk, the distance from a fanned draught appliance terminal installed next to the boundary line must not be less than 300mm. However, the use of a plume deflector can reduce this minimum to 25mm.

Flue installations do not always receive the consideration that they need. Installers must take the time to familiarise themselves with the right technical knowledge to ensure that the flue is installed safely and in compliance with industry standards.

For more advice from Baxi, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH014

HEATING & RENEWABLES

1

PHPI finds out how to connect and use Adey’s new connected magnetic filter to predict and prevent system issues, providing long term protection for installer customers.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Magna Clean Professional3 Sense

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ccording to recent industry research, 71% of installers fit smart controls beyond the Boiler Plus minimum. For the first time, Adey has applied connected technology to its popular MagnaClean filter, enabling installers to monitor systems and prevent sludge-related damage before it occurs.

Using Adey’s Sense technology, the filter detects the level of magnetite collected, preventing ongoing system damage by alerting installers, so problems can be treated before it’s too late. Magnetite capture is easily monitored both in situ using LED indicators incorporated on the canister, or remotely via

regularly scheduled or real-time updates sent to the Adey ProClub App. The ability of the filter to ‘talk’ to the App is crucial and the company believes this connectivity sets the filter apart. In addition, Professional3 Sense doesn’t compromise on the performance that installers expect from MagnaClean products and remains independently proven by Kiwa Gastec to reduce household heating bills by 7%, year on year.

In this step by step installation guide, Adey demonstrates how easy it is to connect the new Professional3 Sense filter and get it up and running.

2

Step 1

Log on to the ADEY ProClub App. Click the MagnaClean Sense tile to start adding a new filter.

Step 2

Follow the instructions on the App, complete the system information and homeowner details. Get the filter ready for set-up by following the instructions.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 37

HEATING & RENEWABLES

Step 3

Connect the filter to your smart phone through phone settings. You’ll need to turn off mobile data to find the filter on the Wi-Fi network.

3

Step 4

Once the filter is found, enter the serial number as the password. This is located on the side of the filter.

Step 5

Return to the ProClub App for set-up and complete the filter information.

7

Step 6

The ProClub App will now search for the homeowner’s Wi-Fi network. Select the correct network and enter the homeowner’s password.

4

TOP TIP: The App doesn’t remember the homeowner’s password information, so they can be reassured that their data is secure.

With the filter now connected to the home Wi-Fi network, your phone can be removed from their network by returning to phone settings and turning mobile data back on. You can double check your phone is disconnected from the filter in W-Fi settings.

Step 7

5

6

Return to the Adey ProClub App – the Professional3 Sense is now connected. A warranty will be automatically sent to the customer’s email address. Multiple filters can be added and monitored via the App so the installer can easily keep up with servicing needs and any required action.

A note on servicing As a matter of course, any filter should be serviced at the same time as an annual boiler check is undertaken. When servicing the Professional3 Sense, installers will need to use the key provided to clear the data point when the service is complete. When the five lights on the front of the filter flash, the data point has been cleared.

38 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

8

Step 8

Now you’re ready to complete the installation of the Professional3 Sense filter to the system. It’s just as simple as fitting a MagnaClean Professional2.

To find out more about the Adey MagnaClean Professional3 Sense, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH015

[CO MP ETI TIO N]

STAY CONNECTED We’ve partnered with Resideo, supporter of the professional installer, to offer you the chance to win a fantastic bundle of prizes!

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esideo, manufacturer of Honeywell Home branded smart home controls, is showing its support for the professional installer by offering one lucky reader of PHPI the chance to win a connected product bundle. It includes: two Honeywell Home T6 thermostats, a Honeywell Home W1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector with extension cables and a Honeywell Home C1 Wi-Fi Security Camera.

The growing popularity of smart controls – especially with predictions showing that by 2040, 85% of people expect most homes in the UK to be fully ‘smart’, according to Smart Home Week – means that customers are looking for a wide variety of options. The Honeywell Home range ensures installers always have something to offer their customers. These include connected thermostats, such as the Honeywell Home T6 series, that benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity and allow users to adjust indoor temperatures and heating schedules remotely, and also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit technology.

However, thermostats are just one element of the smart home, and homeowners are increasingly choosing to integrate more types of intelligent devices – such as cameras and sensors – into their properties.

WIN! A BUNDLE O F RESIDEO GOODIES!

The Honeywell Home W1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector detects leaks both at the device and via the 1.2m cable, whilst it can also monitor indoor temperatures and humidity levels.

Featuring a 100-decibel siren that can warn the homeowner of potential issues and, through the dedicated app, sends an alert to the householder’s device enabling them to respond even when they are away from home.

An equally useful product to upsell to homeowners is the Honeywell Home C1 Wi-Fi Security Camera for comfort, safety and security. Capturing a wide-angle, high-definition live stream of any room, the C1 can detect any unusual activity and save and notify homeowners via the Honeywell Home app – enabling users to take swift action in the event of an emergency.

For installers, the benefit of having a full suite of connected devices in their arsenal is that more products can be upsold to increase the return on each job.

Resideo also offers a hands-on Control Applications Course that covers the above products, and is aimed at those wishing to learn more about selecting appropriate heating controls depending on different applications.

HOW TO ENTER For a chance to win the product bundle, simply GO TO www.rdr.link/PH016 and answer the following question: Q: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE EXPECT MOST UK HOMES TO BE FULLY ‘SMART’ BY 2040?

A: 65% B: 75% C: 85% Deadline for entries is 31/10/19. Terms and conditions apply.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 43

HEATING & RENEWABLES

KEEP IT SIMPLE T

David Hall, UK Director of Firebird, explores how the redesign of the company’s Envirogreen oil-fired combi boiler is making life easier for installers.

he combi boiler is undoubtedly the most popular type of boiler in the UK and in off-grid areas an oil-fired version is usually the first choice for smaller households with limited space. Although simple to install, it is equally important to have a boiler that is easy to service and maintain.

This type of boiler was long overdue for a re-design and we believe the Firebird Envirogreen combi HE range has quite literally revolutionised current boiler design thinking, making life a whole lot easier for the installer.

So, what has changed?

Accessible pipework connections, front service access, multi-directional flue options and a long, comprehensive warranty are all important considerations when choosing a boiler. But where the Envirogreen Combi really comes into its own is the Firebird by elco Low NOX burner. At 60mg/kWh it not only has lower emissions than any other boiler on the market, but is easily installed, commissioned and serviced using a single Allen Key. The trouble-free ‘plug and play’ burner, which requires only two settings for

pump and air pressure, makes installation a breeze. To ensure the highest level of efficiency is achieved by the burner, the CO2 level is factory-set at optimum 12.5%.

Should this need to be adjusted for any reason, the CO2 level settings are printed on the burner casing, acting as a handy reference guide. With a Firebird digital control box and a simple diagnostic system, installation really couldn’t be more straightforward.

When selecting a boiler, long-life serviceable components are also something that should be taken into account. The electro-mechanical flow switch, for instance, which activates the hot water function, has been replaced with a temperature sensitive thermistor. When a hot water tap is opened, the thermistor will sense a change in conditions and electronically activate the boiler control circuits to run the circulating pump, which diverts the store water through the compact plate heat exchanger.

Another major development is the design and introduction of a ‘Hydroblock’, which reduces the number of individual components

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 45

HEATING & RENEWABLES

by incorporating them into a single moulded brass block. This improves fault diagnostics in the field and cuts unnecessary downtime due to leaks that may occur when the boiler is operating under pressure. The reduction in the number of pipework connections makes installation simpler and lowers the amount of maintenance required.

As oil-fired combi boilers have to perform two functions (heating and DHW), the width of a standard boiler has predominantly been in excess of 600mm. To overcome this, instead of the twin circulating pump approach used in most oil-fired combi boilers to perform these functions, Firebird has utilised a single, ‘A’ rated Grundfos pump and electronic diverter valve which uses integrated pressure-control to meet these requirements. This not only means that the size of the Envirogreen Combi HE has been reduced to 595mm in width, but equally as important, it has created a great space to work inside the boiler.

Corrosive debris that may be present in the primary pipework can potentially cause premature failure of the primary heat

exchanger through pitting corrosion. Best practice flushing and inhibitor dosing reduces this risk, but the flow through the heat exchanger is also a key factor. In line with standard European practice, a complete unit has been designed which houses the secondary heat exchanger beneath the primary heat exchanger. By locating this unit at the bottom of the appliance, a wet top/bottom that promotes consistent flow through the boiler jacket is created. This type of design helps to eliminate corrosion failure and boiler inefficiency, as the potential for corrosive debris product build-up in the jacket flow paths and cavities is significantly reduced.

In off-grid areas of the UK there is still no real financially viable alternative to oil at current, so any advances in boiler technology that make installation, servicing and maintenance trouble-free will be welcomed with open arms.

For further information on the Firebird range, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH017

Future in oil?

While oil may not offer the perfect solution in terms of carbon emissions, Firebird believes a modern high-efficiency oil system such as the Firebird Envirogreen range can provide an environmentally acceptable alternative to renewable alternatives. Oil it would seem is here to stay; whether in its current form, or as a reduced carbon liquid in the not too distant future.

HEATING & RENEWABLES MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH018

FERNOX TF1 Omega+ The new nickel-plated brass filter has been developed specifically to meet the needs of larger systems and light commercial applications, with installation flexibility and high levels of system debris capture.

The filter is the latest addition to the Fernox TF1 Omega Filter range and protects the heating system with the same combination of a Neodymium magnet and Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology. The unit is also said to offer the same ease of installation and maintenance, as the larger, higher capacity filter can be installed on horizontal or vertical 1¼ and 1½ inch pipework in both flow directions, and even positioned at a 45° angle if required for confined or awkward spaces. www.rdr.link/PH019

ADVANCE APPLIANCES Plug & Glow 2

POLYPIPE Smart controls Polypipe has developed a new range of UFH smart controls compatible with home smart systems. The controls are compatible with Google Assistant, Apple Homekit and Amazon Alexa and are designed to operate more efficiently – saving money and energy.

The range offers three different control options: Simple (dial thermostat), Standard (programmable thermostat) and Smart (internet enabled). Features and benefits include frost protection, holiday function and optimum start.

Advance Appliances has launched Plug & Glow 2. The new version features bespoke software and is the same size as the original version (120 by 195mm).

With a 27kW output, it has 22 connections for ease of installation, a 13 amp plug fitted and can be programmed twice a day with a five day/weekend option. Temperature is adjusted by a calibrated knob on the front of the case, or it can be controlled by an off board thermostat. www.rdr.link/PH022

www.rdr.link/PH020

TADO° V3+ Smart Thermostats tado° recently unveiled its new V3+ smart thermostats for greater interaction and comfort for homeowners. The Air Comfort Skill is said to achieve healthier indoor air, improved productivity, and a better quality of sleep for users, by giving insights and advice into a home’s air climate. The Air Comfort Skill is part of a new app for the V3+ product suite. It joins a variety of other core skills, including: Geofencing, Weather Adaptation, Open Window Detection, Smart Schedules, and Insightful Reports. www.rdr.link/PH021

ANDREWS WATER HEATERS MAXXflo Following customer feedback on the original MAXXflo, Andrews Water Heaters has unveiled the MAXXflo EVO. With built-in BMS connectivity as standard, a new design and increased functionality, the enhanced unit is said to provide specifiers with a cost-effective means of meeting their customer’s individual hot water needs.

Available in 30-60kW models with a 200-litre capacity, and 30-120kW models with a 300-litre capacity, it is suitable for use in most commercial premises. With customer’s calling for boosted efficiency levels, the EVO has been designed to be low NOx, with emissions of 39mg/kWh and below. www.rdr.link/PH023

KAMCO CombiMag Dual Kamco has upgraded its CombiMag Dual combination power flush heater and magnetic filter to incorporate a digital controller for the heating element for greater precision. The unit now incorporates an electric heater alongside a magnetic filter, as the company explains that flushing chemicals are more effective when heated – maximising cleaning efficiency even if the boiler is non-functional or isolated. The unit can raise water temperatures up to 65˚C, depending on the system size and design. During this process the filter module snatches debris from the heating system water, so that it is not re-circulated, reducing the amount of time and water required during a power flush. www.rdr.link/PH024

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

The Slimfix clips flex inwards when lowered into a prepared cut-out.

SLIMMING

WORLD Jeanette Ward, Communications Manager for Franke UK, explains how the company’s Slimfix innovation is changing the process of installing sinks for plumbers.

The challenge of space and time For plumbers, saving time at work can mean saving money and therefore speeding up any part of an installation process is welcomed.

Installing a sink is a common, everyday job for plumbers which although easy to do, can be a fiddly, time-consuming process, often involving scrambling around underneath the sink area.

Traditionally, when it comes to fitting an inset sink, installers are required to use a series of products such as clamps, screws and fixing rails. The plumber will need to access underneath the sink space, sometimes a cramped and dark area, to secure the sink in place which can prove an uncomfortable task. It can mean additional time for each job and plumbers often wish they had an extra pair of hands and the flexibility of a gymnast!

Solving a problem Changes in product design are often the result

To watch ation the install to guide, go k/ n li www.r dr.

PH025

of problems encountered over a long time and Franke has listened to its installers, responding to their feedback to simplify sink installation and help them save both time and effort.

Franke’s Slimfix fixing system uses robust clips to anchor the sink firmly to the work surface, reducing the time spent squeezing into cramped spaces and resulting in a sink which is virtually flush with the surface.

This shows the Slimfix clip mid-way through installation – once fully lowered, the sink will sit virtually flush to the worksurface.

Simplicity rules The first step as always is to do the cut-out in the work surface using the template (where supplied) or scribing in from the overall diameter to give the prescribed cut-out size, and then waterproof sealant is applied around the edge of the space. This would traditionally be followed by ducking inside the cabinet to fix the sink in place, while holding the sink to prevent it from moving out of position. With Slimfix, the unit is simply placed into the space and pushed down to secure the clips.

A firm connection The system features strong anchor clips, pre-fitted under the rim of the sink, which flex when the sink is placed into the space. Once in position, the clips hold the sink firmly in place without the need for any additional clamping. It also offers installation flexibility, as it can be used with any thickness of work surface material.

The fixing system is available in single bowl and 1.5 bowl sinks from Franke in the Argos, Maris, Laser, Ascona ranges and its new Box Center, alongside sister brand Carron Phoenix with its new Aruba granite range – the first time this clip system has been used on a granite range.

Knowing and understanding the challenges faced by plumbers, this faster and easier way to sink installation from above the work surface can save time and effort for the installer, while also delivering long lasting performance.

For further information about the Slimfix system GO TO www.rdr.link/PH026

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 51

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

KEEP THE

Pressure ON

There is no single solution for boosting water pressure – what might work in one situation may not work so well in another. It is important therefore to treat every boosting enquiry on an individual basis. Pump World’s Director, Nigel Harris, explains more.

Understand the property The first step is finding out the property specifications: how many floors are there?

How much space is available to store pumping equipment? How many water outlets are in the property? What are the pressure ratings of these water outlets? Is the property in a hard water area? Is the property in constant use, or is it left idle for certain periods of time?

Now, find out about your client and their goals for the project: what is their budget?

What bar pressure are they hoping to achieve? What’s most important – low noise, performance, energy efficiency? If you have a nursing home client, or hotel, do they need to make sure there is a back-up option if a pump fails? Conducting this research before starting your specification process is vital, and should save you time and money in the long run.

Specification When boosting water pressure, there are lots of products out there, from Systempro whole house boosting package solutions to mains boosting sets, pumps connected directly to the mains, accumulators paired with booster pumps, underground packages, and shower pumps.

Firstly, look at the options that will actually do the job:

boosting the water pressure to the specifications outlined by your client. Here is where you have to do some calculations, including: calculated normal demand flow rate, calculated peak demand flow rate, static height difference between supply tank water level and highest outlet in system, required pressure at the highest outlet, friction losses at peak flow rates, and percentage of pump redundancy required for emergency cover at peak demand.

Once you know this information, you can rule out some of the potential solutions outlined above. For example, if you have worked out that you will need to pump more than 12 litres per minute to achieve your client’s goals, you can say goodbye to pumps connected directly to the mains. This is because, when boosting mains

52 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

pressure above 12 litres per minute, you are required by most water authorities to use a break tank with a booster pump.

Now, let’s think about a commercial situation. Here, it is not just the product(s) that you have to consider, but also the back-up and customer support. If you are boosting a property that cannot operate without water for any period of time, you will need to not only specify the most reliable solution, but also have the assurance that there is a failsafe back-up structure in place that supports you if anything goes wrong.

Product-wise, a pump set with Duty, Assist and Standby options could well be the best and most reliable option. Specifying a solution with assist and standby options gives both you and the client peace of mind that should something go wrong with one pump, or even two, you always have a back-up option.

“If the specification tips above feel overwhelming, there are many independent suppliers out there. Pump World offers an independent specification service to help installers find the right solutions for their clients.”

Outsourcing If the specification tips above feel overwhelming, there are many independent suppliers out there who can specify the right products for you. Pump World offers an independent specification service to help installers find the right solutions for their clients. Ask your local merchant to get in touch with the Pump World technical team and relay your project details.

Alternatively, contact the team yourself to discuss the project, and let us know which merchant you would like us to quote. We will then contact the merchant on your behalf with all the specified products.

If you would like to find out more about the products we specify, make sure to browse the newly published Pump World brochure, R U Under Pressure 11. You can request a copy from our website.

Maintenance and link-selling Pumps and mains boosting sets need regular maintenance to keep their warranties valid. Leave your card with the client or leave a label on the pump/mains boosting set with your contact details. You could even set up a reminder service, texting your client when their maintenance is due.

If your client lives in a hard water area, or their property is left idle for months at a time, offer water treatment products as part of the boosting package.

For more technical advice from Pump World, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH027

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

BREATH OF FRESH AIR With a growing awareness of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are an increasingly popular solution for new build and refurbished properties. Here Lee Stones, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, tells you all you need to know.

What is an MVHR system?

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are ideal for buildings where insulation levels are high, such as new build and newly-refurbished homes. This is particularly important in areas of the home where excess moisture can build up, such as the bathroom, where mould, mildew and damp can form very quickly. Available as a centralised heat exchange system, the proven technology extracts moist, stale air from inside the property and replaces it with fresh, incoming air.

Crucially, it uses heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air, with high efficiency systems able to warm air up to more than 90% of the internal air temperature.

How does it work?

Correct specification is key. Heat recovery is a system comprising two components – the heat exchange unit and the ducting. The design and quality of both is equally important in achieving maximum performance.

Because the heat exchange unit is often installed in an isolated space, it’s important to ensure the device is correctly connected to the spaces within the building requiring ventilation – essentially the kitchen and bathrooms. Since the role of the system is to remove stale air and replace it with fresh air, the suitability of the ducting that travels in and out of the unit is vital.

Appropriate specification of the MVHR unit and the ducting to operate alongside it requires an overall design view, in the context of the property it is destined for, to ensure the correct heat exchange unit and optimum ducting is selected.

If you specify a certain duct run, the MVHR unit needs to be able to be operate effectively alongside it. If excessively long ducting is used or the duct has too many bends or a completely inappropriate type of duct is fitted – flexi ducting, for instance – then an MVHR unit will not be able to perform correctly.

Ensuring that the main areas requiring ventilation are highlighted ahead of the installation is essential to guaranteeing that the system can be fitted with the correct duct run.

This is why our dedicated in-house Xpelair System Design Service team work with clients, reviewing their building design and ventilation requirements to help them get this right.

54 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

“MVHR units use heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air, with high efficiency systems able to warm air up to more than 90% of the internal air temperature.”

What are the main benefits of an MVHR system?

Part F of the Building Regulations states that there are four categories of ventilation product that an installer can choose from: Intermittent extract fans and background ventilators, passive stack ventilation, centralised or de-centralised mechanical extract, or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).

As a cost-effective, mechanical, balanced ventilation system, MVHR offers the benefit of providing ventilation that extracts air from a building, whilst also supplying fresh filtered air – addressing key health concerns commonly associated with high levels of insulation and poor ventilation.

To increase their effectiveness, the latest MVHR systems from leading manufacturers offer a host of features including ultra-fine filters, PIR sensor activity for enhanced efficiency, and cold-climate pre-heating. Xpelair’s Natural Air 180 also uses adaptiflow technology to deliver a constant volume of extracted air, giving system designers and users assurance that the specified performance is being delivered.

How can installers maximise this opportunity?

Ventilation is not a one-size-fits-all approach and the one constant of a modern ventilation system – whether in a domestic or commercial setting – is the need to balance energy efficiency with management of indoor air quality. MVHR provides an opportunity for outstanding performance in this area when significant refurbishment or new building design is taking place.

Evolving Building Regulations and a greater focus on management of indoor air quality make this a fantastic opportunity for installers to add value and boost their income stream. It is now easier than ever to help your customer understand the benefits of investing in a ventilation system that will pay dividends for decades to come.

For more information on how to apply MVHR to a project that you’re involved with, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH028

TOP MARKS ✓

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

Paul Jackson, Product Manager at Polypipe Building Products, details the importance the company places on BSI Kitemark and why installers should be aware of it.

A

ll plumbers and installers know that there is one thing that can make or break your business – reputation. A good reputation for a business is hard won, but often easily lost, and the trust necessary to create that reputation can be built by offering products that achieve a BSI Kitemark.

When it comes to waste traps, Polypipe Building Products is the only manufacturer to achieve the BSI Kitemark for its traps range.

With an extensive range stocked in thousands of outlets across the UK, we guarantee to comply with, or exceed the latest performance legislation.

Our BSI credentials are well established, with our first Kitemark achieved back in 1983.

Our plastic piping offer, including three soil systems, six waste systems, four hot and cold water systems and nine rainwater profiles, all hold Kitemarks.

Grahame Wackett, Certification Manager at BSI, explains that in order to achieve a Kitemark for plastic traps a product is tested in five distinct areas: í˘ą Raw materials – does the material behave appropriately for the task? í˘˛ Geometric characteristics – are all the dimensions accurate? í˘ł Mechanical – for example, will the product withstand an impact? í˘´ Physical – will the product withstand the necessary temperatures? í˘ľ Performance – does it perform the job that it claims to do?

These tests ensure that every product is of a consistently high quality and fit for purpose. It means that customers can install the traps and forget about them, moving on to the next job with confidence. The Kitemark also means that there is

longevity in the product, attesting that the product meets all the performance and durability claims on the packaging.

The Kitemark in effect becomes a symbol of trust because the plumber and the end-user know that whatever is being fitted in their home or their place of business is suitable. While some companies may state that

their product meets the relevant standard, for a product to actually be Kitemark certified is a much more rigorous process.

Test and control First comes the initial testing – comprehensive laboratory testing to prove the product meets the standards in the five areas listed above. There is then ongoing testing every year during the lifetime of the certification.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 57

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

BSI also assesses the factory production control processes. This is done twice a year and ensures that they are effective and that every product that comes off the line is fit for purpose and of consistently high quality.

Polypipe currently holds 23 Kitemarks and we are adding more all the time. Crucially, this process demonstrates it is not just a case of getting a product to pass a specific test – there is ongoing testing that we have to do all the time to ensure that the product meets the standard.

Our traps, for example, go through a thermal cycling test that far outweighs anything it is likely to go through in a domestic setting. Water is heated to 95 degrees and flows through the trap for 15 minutes – then cold water at 20 degrees for 10 minutes, and this is then cycled five times.

This flow, temperature and repetition is designed to push the trap beyond what it would experience in normal use after

“The Kitemark in effect becomes a symbol of trust because the plumber and the end-user know that whatever is being fitted in their home or their place of business is suitable.”

installation. This test will fail a product very drain sufficiently for it to work efficiently in a quickly if it hasn’t been designed and normal environment. And that’s not what manufactured correctly. we’re all about. We produce products The tests also involve detailed which give installers the confidence checks of the entire product. of a job well done, with no repeat Testers make sure that the visits for future leaks.

Polypipe’s BSI threaded elements have the From the professional Kitemark video – right length and diameter, that installer’s point of view, products go to the connecting sockets have the should come with the ability to www.rdr.link/ correct depth and that the water ‘fit and forget’, meaning no fear of PH029 seal height and wall thickness meet future calls from an unhappy the requirements of the standard. customer with a leak. This is part and Polypipe could produce products without a parcel of growing a business through BSI Kitemark. We could make lower cost, customer recommendations, which will not smaller traps – but this would mean the happen if plumbers are required to make end-user having a product that would not repeat visits for the same job, due to initial fitting of a sub-standard product.

With the average cost of an ‘escape of water claim’ coming to around £2,600 – it is expensive for customers to repair the damage Fit-Rite technology has been developed by Polypipe to enable simple fitting and removability across Polypipe’s range of waste traps. The technology is said to allow for to their homes in the event of a product easy guidance in tight spaces, such as beneath baths and sinks, while a ring lock seal failure. The damage to a plumber’s reputation, allows for quick and easy installation. Polypipe has also partnered with antimicrobial however, could be worth considerably more technology specialist, BioCote, with a range of products manufactured to include an than that. anti-odour and mould reduction chemical agent to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria, eliminating blockages caused by the build-up of biofilm.

For more information,

WATCH

Added value

GO TO

58 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

www.rdr.link/PH030

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH031

ALFIE ALFIE is a fixing system that is described as a complete turnkey solution to reflect client needs. The product delivers an all in one solution for accompanying wall mounted taps, fixed shower heads, shower hose wall fittings, and converts to copper pipes and isolation valves.

The system is said to ensure a robust solution to potential leaks, which can cause long term damage to the building fabric. Overcoming the need to second guess the depth planning of fittings at first fix stage when attaching wall mounted brassware fixtures for second fix stage, ALFIE also prevents the need for tiles to be drilled. To find out more, contact Ty@coolag.co.uk.

WIRQUIN Neo Neo, the range of basin and sink traps boasting a zero-leak bottle trap, continues to impress, says Wirquin. All washers are over-moulded onto the body, so there can be no loss of washers, giving total protection against leaks. The Air system function replaces the traditional ventapipe air admittance valve, preventing noisy gurgling and bad smells. All Neo products have been designed to be quick and easy to fit thanks to the ‘quick safe’ function, a ¼ turn captive nut that ensures a quick and reliable installation and are easy to clean with a simple ¼ turn base. www.rdr.link/PH032

SANIFLO Eclipse The versatile Eclipse range offers installers multiple sizes and configurations, including corner and recessed, and can be specified with either pivot or sliding doors. Each door and panel is manufactured from toughened 6mm glass which lightens the load for the plumber, whilst providing a durable shower space. All pivot doors open 180° for maximum entry space and the profiles are adjustable by up to 30mm to cater for uneven wall surfaces. www.rdr.link/PH034

BLANCO Etagon Blanco has introduced the Etagon sink in a variety of sizes, installation methods, styles and colours. The unit extends the simple bowl with a ledge detail, a pair of heat-resistant rails and a host of accessories – a chopping board, a thin-profile food board, a colander, and a mobile drainer.

The bowl level is designed for rinsing, washing and general use; the ledge and rail level for draining, drying and soaking; and the surface level for preparation and serving.

Installation options are undermount, inset and inset flush for the stainless steel models.

The sinks feature the InFino integrated drain system. www.rdr.link/PH033

PEGLER VSH MultiPress A new multilayer pipe system, VSH MultiPress is described as a quality, plastic-based piping system. The pipe features an aluminium layer with additional inner and outer layers of polyethene, whilst the way these layers are linked delivers enhanced resistance to loads generated by internal pressure and high temperature. The aluminium means there is minimum linear expansion, which delivers a performance comparable with copper, and the smooth surface prevents the build-up of scale and other debris.

The system incorporates many benefits for a variety of applications in domestic and light commercial plumbing projects including sanitary, heating and underfloor systems. Its heat free nature ensures that no hot works are needed. www.rdr.link/PH035

SURESTOP i-watercontrol With the launch of i-watercontrol, Surestop says it now offers installers, homeowners, landlords, property agents and local authorities the ability to control water away from the property for the first time.

The technology, which has been developed to protect property from severe water damage, is delivered through a smart technology app. This allows the water to be turned on and off remotely – ideal for unoccupied properties or for the occasions when a water leak is detected and the property owner is not at home. The i-watercontrol water valve and remote controller is battery operated, has a 30-minute installation time and is WRAS approved for drinking water supply. www.rdr.link/PH036

VEHICLES

UNDER LOCK AND KEY PHPI speaks to Bobby Painter about his new solution to tackling van break-ins and tool theft.

A

lmost every tradesperson knows of someone who has been affected by tool theft. Whether it is you, or a colleague down the road, the crime spree doesn’t appear to be any less significant in the rural countryside than it is in the middle of London. According to statistics from NAPIT Insurance, a van is broken into every 23 minutes in the UK, while the average value of tool theft totals around £1,626.

For some, this value is much higher. When Bobby Painter’s son, a carpenter working as a sole trader, had his van broken into late last year the thieves made off with £8,000 worth of tools that he had built up over his years in the trade. After searching for a solution to the problem, Bobby believed that there was little available to sufficiently prevent the incident from happening again.

Work, therefore, began on a new device, eventually culminating in an electronic deadbolt system. Bobby explains: “We wanted to create an independent locking system to the central locking mechanism of the van, and we think we’ve found the answer. There are bolts available for the rear doors, side doors and side beams, and even if the thief is able to gain access to the cab, the storage area will still be locked. The bolts are also designed to prevent van peeling, which is how my son’s van was broken into.”

The locks are controlled by an electronic key fob, which has an option for a secondary

button to be included to control a separate alarm system. And for those worried that thieves will be able to gain access to the fob system, Bobby assures us that he chose the manufacturer based on the fact they also supply jewellers. Likely a challenge too far for your average thief, then!

So far, the bolts have been templated on 25 different vans, including popular models such as the Ford Transit. Uptake is on the rise, with a growing network of installers (mostly locksmiths by trade) able to fit the devices across the UK, while Bobby has fitted around 25 full systems himself. Ultimately, however, he believes that the system has been designed so that installers can fit the mechanism themselves, as it comes with pre-drilled holes for each templated van.

Reviews are good, with John Griffin, from Griffin Electrical Contractors, having had the system fitted recently: “Bobby arranged for a dual bolt system to be installed to the side door and rear door of my van, a Renault Master. I also opted to have an alarm installed in the loading area with a dual sounder under the bonnet.

62 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

“The system is easy to use – two buttons!

A dual sound to set the system, and a single sound to unset. I am very happy with their product, service, and overall professionalism, and would not hesitate to recommend these guys to anyone. In fact I have already done so, on several occasions!”

There are various packages to choose from, including a one bolt system for the rear door, and two bolt and three bolt systems for side doors, while the alarm mechanism comes as an optional extra. And with prices starting from around £235, the cost of fitting the system is significantly lower than the value of your tools.

To find out more and to get in contact with Bobby, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH037

VEHICLES

Consider this...

Simon Joyce, Managing Director of Anchor Vans, offers guidance on what plumbers should be considering when buying or leasing a van.

U

pgrading your existing van or buying or leasing your company’s first commercial vehicle means a considerable capital outlay. The challenge is making sure that you choose the right van for your business and that it meets your budget.

How do you do that? Well, you need to think very carefully about what your commercial van needs to deliver for you and your business.

What will you use your van for? ● Carrying equipment and tools? ● How heavy will the load be? ● What access is required? Do you need

van works for your business? ● Will you need internal seating, cages to store equipment or shelves to ensure your tools are easily to hand?

By answering most of these questions, this should give you some idea of the size of van you’ll need.

Van security Having gone to the expense of buying or leasing your van, it is vital that you make sure that it, and your tools/equipment, are secure.

Van crime and tool theft in the UK is on the rise so security features must be a priority.

Insurance The larger and heavier the vehicle, the higher the premium will usually be, as the damage to a third party in the event of an accident is more likely to be significant. And when choosing an insurance option, carefully consider the consequences and costs if it is not fully comprehensive.

Think about ways of keeping insurance costs down: paying upfront can be cheaper than monthly installments; low annual mileage, a fitted speed restrictor, good security (e.g. kept in a locked garage), no claims discount, keep track of extras – don’t pay for those which are not essential.

back and side doors? ● Will you need to carry passengers? ● Will your van be used for local or

long-distance travel? ● What customisation will be needed so the

Consider these additional features and options: ● Alarm/immobiliser ● Install lockable toolboxes, deadlocks and slamlocks ● Fit steel grates to any windows ● Keep the cab and load area separate ● Electronic GPS tracker – your van will be easier to recover if stolen and can lower insurance premiums ● If keyless entry is applicable, store keys in a metal container or ‘faraday’ pouch.

Maintenance Good maintenance is vital to keeping your van ‘on the road’, so make sure it is serviced regularly. As with a car, every van over three years old requires an annual MOT. Record when the next MOT is due and don't let it lapse, as without an MOT your insurance is invalid.

Breakdown cover This is key! Ensure you have breakdown cover and also roadside recovery to get you home from wherever you breakdown.

Fuel economy The speed at which you drive will be the main

factor influencing your van's fuel consumption, however, there are other ways to positively impact fuel use: ● Regular maintenance – in particular, tyre pressure ● Only use warm or cool air conditioning when necessary ● Remove accessories that create drag when not in use, such as roof bars ● Remove loads when possible so the van is not weighed down ● Drive in as high a gear as possible

Emissions To help achieve the Government’s climate change targets all vehicles have a Euro rating: Euro-1 to Euro-6. Euro-6 is the latest standard to reduce levels of harmful emissions for petrol and diesel emissions for cars and vans.

If your van is reasonably new, its rating can be found on the vehicle registration certificate (V5C). If it is an older vehicle or the V5C is missing, you can search the Vehicle Certification Agency’s website. An MOT will test your vehicle’s emissions annually - not meeting the required standard is an automatic fail.

Congestion Zone/ULEZ If you operate in central London the Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) may impact the cost of your journeys. Since April 2019 the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in the same area as the CCZ. From 25th October 2021, the ULEZ area will expand to include the inner London area bounded by the North and South Circular roads.

Euro-6 compliant vehicles will be exempt from paying the ULEZ charge. If you are going to buy a new van and will be operating in the affected area, it may be worth considering compliant options.

For general vehicle use and care,

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH038

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Martindale TB118KIT1 All in one gas engineer electrical safety kit

ALL CHANGE Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric, provides further clarification on the guidance issued in the revised TB 118 for gas safe registered businesses and engineers.

What is TB 118?

Technical Bulletin (TB 118) was updated in January 2018 and includes new guidance in relation to electrical safety when working with electrical equipment, including gas appliances.

Established for over 10 years, TB 118 contains guidance to help gas engineers understand the legal requirements relevant to working on equipment that has an electrical supply.

An electric shock can be fatal, and with 16% of all fatalities at work being electricity related, it’s clear how important the guidelines are.

How do you comply?

One of the main changes in the latest version of TB 118 regards checking the electrical supply to the gas appliance is earthed. One of the safest ways to do this is to measure the earth

loop impedance of the power supply, using an instrument designed for that purpose, such as an advanced socket tester.

A low earth loop impedance measurement is important to ensure that fuses and miniature circuit breakers achieve a fast-enough disconnection time to avoid electrocution. This approach uses a simple solution to comply with TB 118 and is common among service organisations, particularly those installing and maintaining domestic appliances.

When selecting your advanced socket tester, the process for identifying a satisfactory earth can be simplified by selecting an instrument which combines a basic socket tester with an earth loop check, such as the EZ650 from Martindale.

EZ650 verifies mains earthing

66 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

What simple solutions are available for mains earth verification, locking off and proving dead?

The new procedures for loop impedance are in addition to the existing requirements for safe isolation of the appliance before any work is carried out. And, although ensuring the right tools are available for the job might seem like common sense, it’s still proving to be an issue among some installers.

For example, using a multimeter to prove a circuit is dead is not permissible as it could easily give a misleading reading if set to the wrong range, or if the batteries need replacing. As a non-contact voltage detector is also unsuitable, the most reliable method for proving dead, by far, is to use a dedicated voltage indicator with no ranges, switches or batteries. The procedures require the voltage indicator to be tested before and after use with a proving unit to demonstrate that it is functioning correctly. Having the right locking off device to hand for all types of common circuit breakers or fuse holders is a must.

Many manufacturers now offer a variety of kits for live voltage indication and earth verification. Kits such as the TB118KIT1 from Martindale, include a voltage indicator and matching proving unit, an earth loop and polarity checker for socket and spur testing, and a range of fused spur and mcb locking off devices to enable engineers to securely lock off circuits before carrying out work.

When it comes to the tools a gas engineer uses, it is imperative that all test equipment is manufactured and certified to meet the relevant standards listed in TB 118.

For more information on complying with TB 118, GO TO www.rdr.link/PH039

PIPE BOXING

BOX

CLEVER

An example of unsightly pipework

James Brennan, Business Development Manager at Pendock, answers some common questions about pre-formed pipe boxing.

I spend ages making sure my pipework is straight. Don’t most people want it left on show?

wider options. There are a variety of colours and high-end finishes available, including wood effect (similar to the look of a laminate kitchen worktop).

Many installers put a lot of effort into their pipework, making sure pipes are neat and straight. However, while there is certainly a trend for exposed copper pipework, it’s not for everyone, and it’s unlikely that anyone would want a soil pipe or lengthy flue left on display. Exposed central heating pipes can also pose a burn risk, can be more easily damaged and are more difficult to keep clean.

Isn’t it best to subcontract boxing in work to a carpenter or joiner?

Carpenters and joiners usually fabricate solutions on site from wood or MDF – but pre-formed pipe boxing is an alternative, which, in normal circumstances, a heating and plumbing installer should be able to fit with ease. There’s minimal cutting involved, and no need for any carpentry skills.

There is a misconception that pipe boxing is complicated, involving lots of components.

In reality, you’ll need two pieces of batten, a pre-formed profile, some screws and some mastic sealant. There are accessories available if required – these include external and internal corner pieces, eliminating the need to fabricate mitre joints (a job that’s often passed onto a joiner).

Boiler pipe casings, which wrap around the pipework beneath a boiler for a neat look, are another easy-to-fit option. They’re ideal if a boiler is being upgraded and there’s

Isn’t pipe boxing just used in social housing?

additional pipework to conceal, and deliver substantial savings when compared to using a joiner.

Isn’t pipe boxing expensive though?

The initial upfront cost might be perceived as more expensive than buying lengths of wood or MDF to fabricate on site. However, when the time savings are considered (we estimate it takes around half the time to fit pre-formed solutions compared to on-site fabrication), along with the aesthetic benefits and the consistency of fit and finish, pre-formed pipe boxing is a cost-effective solution.

Will I need to prime and paint the pipe boxing?

No – products are fully-finished, so once fitted and sealed with mastic the job is complete.

Isn’t it just available in white? Some customers might want a different colour to match their decor.

Pendock’s standard products are finished in white melamine, but laminate provides much

68 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

While social housing is a significant market for pipe boxing, it is increasingly being retrofitted in private housing. A range of finishes, from standard to the more bespoke, means there’s a solution to meet every application and budget.

What if there’s a problem with the pipework in the future?

Maintenance is allowed for; access panels can be included (ideal for inspecting valves), or sections can be easily removed and refitted.

Where do I buy pipe boxing from?

Our pipe boxing is available through all national merchants, as well as hundreds of independent merchants and distributors.

How do I know which components to order?

For large contracts, we can use site drawings to create a bespoke quote/order. For smaller jobs, our website will probably be a good starting point, before ordering from your local merchant. If you need assistance with sizing, our technical support team can help. We offer a design service, site visits/surveys and installation support.

To find out more from Pendock, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH040

THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

TOOLFAIR 2019

POWER TOOLS

•

HAND TOOLS

•

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

All the latest tools, live demos, show specials – all under one roof!

NEXT SHOWS Ricoh Arena, Coventry: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September Sandown Park, Surrey: Thursday 7th & Friday 8th November Featuring:

Register for free at www.toolfair.info

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

AGAINST THEc L O c k

How can installers ensure customer satisfaction with time-saving solutions that will enable them to carry out a professional, accurate job and reduce the risk of call-backs?

John Dabb, Sales and Marketing Director at Hyde, looks at some possible solutions.

T

ime, as they say, is of the essence and with only so many hours in the day an installer’s life is all too often a juggle between carrying out a quality, professional job and hurrying along to the next one. And that’s without the phone ringing part-way through an install with a potential customer looking for a quote, or taking a dreaded call-back from an existing contact.

Time management There are lots of good time management tips available. From keeping things organised and tidy as you go along, to using one reliable supplier for as much of your equipment as possible, to booking a holiday in the diary and sticking to it.

The equipment that you choose can also help you cut down the time it takes to complete a job, without cutting corners or compromising on quality. And that means reducing the risk of maintenance issues rearing their ugly heads too, further down the line.

Gimmick or godsend?

There are an array of so-called time-saving solutions continually coming to market, and it can be tempting to dismiss many of them simply as clever marketing gimmicks.

However, that is not always going to be the case. The trick is, ironically enough, to take some time to consider where in your everyday work you can afford to save some time and look for the solutions to suit.

Take the Bora Speedhorse as a good example. Both setup and teardown take just a

few seconds thanks to its clever design, yet it has a weight capacity of 1,500lbs so quality is not compromised. Dismantling such equipment when the working day is done and you are juggling tasks with half a mind on the next job often leads to frustration, which only serves to slow the whole process down. With the Bora Speedhorse, teardown can start with either leg to speed things up.

Working conditions can also slow you up, particularly when installing pipework and fittings retrospectively and in tight, awkward spaces. Again, going in armed with some suitable tools for the job can really make all the difference – the Stabila LED spirit level is a case in point. Its two integrated LED light sources ensure intense, balanced illumination for optimum readability of horizontal and vertical vials, even under poor visibility conditions.

Laser distance measurers too, offer a fast and accurate way of measuring up. The LD520 is Stabila’s highest specification model, with a number of key features that ensure efficiency as well as accuracy, including a built-in digital camera, simple navigation and a handy calculator that provides an easy estimating tool too.

For more details, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH041

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 71

RAISING THE BAR Work in progress

As an educational charity, one of the primary goals of the CIPHE is to safeguard the general public and most vulnerable in our society. As Jerry Whiteley outlines, this makes events such as Gas Safety Week hugely important, and the awareness that it raises absolutely invaluable.

This combination of efforts to promote safety suggests that we are moving in the right direction, however, there remain instances of poor workmanship that show that progress still needs to be made. The HSE has highlighted cases in which underqualified ‘installers’ have been successfully prosecuted for breaches of gas regulations.

The sheer amount of examples of dangerous installations provides evidence of the ongoing problem of gas safety.

Furthermore, there continues to be instances of registered gas installers signing off the work of others, which is both inexplicable and inexcusable.

O

ver the past five years, the CIPHE has delivered its own ‘Proud to be a Professional’ campaign, seeking to raise standards across the plumbing and heating industry. At the same time, the domestic gas utilisation and appliance manufacturing sector has done incredible work in raising safety standards, highlighted by the small number of incidents that can be attributed to registered gas engineers.

Despite the best efforts of a number of different individuals and institutions within the industry, there are clearly examples of substandard work slipping through the net.

The key question for everyone involved in the industry is what can we do to combat this?

Ongoing learning Given the range of gas work that engineers will be exposed to, continuous engagement with further training is vital to ensure safety standards are maintained. It is important to be aware that this is not limited to those entering the profession for the first time, but also for those who have decades of experience.

The nature of plumbing and heating is such that technology and legislation is continuously developing, which means that installers have to do likewise. One of the most common issues that prevents further training for engineers is cost. This doesn’t just apply to the actual fees for the course, but also the loss of earnings in time taken away from work.

While this is understandably a significant stumbling block, installers need to look at ongoing learning and re-assessment as an investment. By putting in time and money, they can ensure they remain up-to-date on everything they need to know in relation to gas, safety, and professional standards.

CPD Ongoing learning is something that the CIPHE is passionate about, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a massive part of this.

There are a number of ways to achieve CPD. At the CIPHE, we promote the fact that CPD

72 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

can come in many forms, including attending training courses, seminars and exhibitions, through to reading professional publications and mentoring employees and apprentices.

CPD should be seen as an opportunity to improve professional standards, and the Institute recommends that its members should attain 30 CPD hours per year. It forms part of an ongoing effort to improve the industry and continue to safeguard the public.

The opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety should be welcomed across the sector.

Licence to practice Licence to practice is another way in which professionalism can be improved. The CIPHE has spoken passionately about this on a regular basis, and the benefits it would bring become particularly apparent during Gas Safety Week.

When it comes to working with water in domestic properties, anyone can currently

non-mandatory way for qualified engineers the chance to show this commitment to professionalism, by ensuring that its members abide by a Code of Professional Standards.

Final thoughts

establish a plumbing business, regardless of relevant qualifications. This can give the industry a bad reputation, but more importantly, it threatens public safety. The reduction in incidences of death and injury related to carbon monoxide, since the introduction of the statutory registration scheme for gas installers in the United Kingdom in 1991, highlights the effectiveness of licensing work on systems that impact on public safety and health.

A licence to practice signifies to customers that they are employing a professional – someone who is capable of carrying out the job to a high standard. The CIPHE offers a

The importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to gas safety. The financial considerations associated with undertaking further training can often put people off, but installers should use it to gain experience, and view it as a way of potentially improving their income further down the line.

By engaging with CPD, and supporting the CIPHE in its mission to implement a licence to practice, engineers can raise standards across the industry, and continue to safeguard the most vulnerable in our society.

To find out the latest news and views from the CIPHE, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH042

# CORNER Kelly Newstead returns to take a look at a recent #TradesTalk discussion based around trends, guest hosted by Rob Playford (@DrBoilers).

R

ob began with a nostalgic question, asking: “My old boss' father used to carry out plumbing on a bike (obviously, not physically on the bike)! How was your trade different when you started?”

Answers honed in on the development of apps to keep track of appointments, finances and admin, while others detailed how much power tools have developed, making their day-to-day working tasks a lot easier.

An interesting answer came from @GreenAlbionLtd, demonstrating exactly how far the industry has come in terms of the type of heating systems installers are fitting:

Indeed, with new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions coming into force, the heating industry is certainly not done yet with diversifying.

This focus on technology is exactly where conversation headed to next, as Rob asked the community: “How has technology changed your trade in that time? Has it been positive or negative?” Most believed that technology had positively impacted their work. Paperless capabilities, along with being able to access equipment remotely and making processes quicker were all praised in this new digital age.

those connections cannot be made or the app goes down, it can actually slow the job down.

Modern day technology also means you are expected to be on call 24/7. With rising concerns regarding mental health in the construction industry, if installers are unable to switch off from an increasing work load this could prove to be a contributing factor. This was summed up nicely by @AJFitzLtd:

Social media and what the future holds for the industry were up next and most seemed to agree that social media had afforded them a great platform in which they could share ideas, knowledge and advice amongst the trade community. Participants in the chat expressed how it has allowed them to procure work, in addition to building up a network of support.

In terms of what the future might hold most seemed unsure (unfortunately we don’t all have access to a crystal ball), but the future of gas seemed to be the main concern.

Whether natural gas is removed from the equation completely or a renewable alternative is the focus, the industry currently feels in limbo as it waits upon the Government for a cohesive strategy to follow.

However, there were concerns from some that believed technology has had a negative impact. This includes the reliance on apps, which require signal and connectivity – if

#TradesTalk can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @TradesTalk

TOOLFAIR & ELEX 2019 RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY – SEPTEMBER 19TH AND 20TH

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS AN INDUSTRY FAVOURITE, THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL TOOLFAIR AND ELEX TRADESHOWS TAKE PLACE AT THE RICOH ARENA IN COVENTRY ON SEPTEMBER 19TH AND 20TH. TOOLFAIR Featuring all that is new in tools and equipment, Toolfair is the must-visit regional tradeshow brought to you by Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer and our sister magazine Professional Builder. A host of major manufacturers will be at the shows to get your views on what you want from their products. You will be among the first to examine the very latest trade products and also be able to enjoy special exhibition discounts on the day.

ELEX Running alongside Toolfair will be the popular Elex show, which will also incorporate a number of exhibitors offering products and training for the heating and plumbing sector.

DON’T MISS OUT! Just in case you need persuading, here are some of the key reasons to visit Toolfair and Elex:

1 LIVE DEMOS Don’t miss all the latest tools being put through their paces live at the show. Throughout the two days, tools will be demonstrated in a real life, ‘hands-on’ situation – so you can see whether they’ll be able to do the job for you.

2 FREE PHPI T-SHIRTS All pre-registered visitors will get a free PHPI T-shirt featuring an exclusive trade design from the number one magazine in the industry.

OTHER SHOWS IN 2019 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY – NOVEMBER 7TH AND 8TH

FEATURED EXHIBITORS ●

Energenie

●

Makita

●

Electrorad

●

HiKOKI

●

Plumbpal

●

Knipex

●

Netatmo

●

Snickers

●

Brian Hyde

●

Carl

Bosch

Kammerling

●

Nest

International

●

Stanley

●

Wera Tools

●

Bott Smartvan

●

Milwaukee

●

Super Rod

●

DeWALT

AND MANY MORE!

3 FREE BACON ROLLS If you work up an appetite trying out all the new products, we’ll give you a free bacon roll to keep you going.

4 FAST TRACK ENTRY If you pre-register, you’ll be sent a fast track entry badge to avoid queuing on the day.

Workwear ●

TO REGISTER FOR THE SHOW, CALL 01923 237799 OR VISIT WWW.TOOLFAIR.INFO

[CO MP ETI TIO N]

WIN!

HB42 An Ultimate Package!

SEAL THE DEAL PHPI and HB42 have teamed up to give five readers the chance to win the Ultimate HB42 All-in-One ‘Eco-Foil’ package!

U

sing advanced hybrid polymer technology to give outstanding trade strength and adhesion, the HB42 All-in-One Sealant and Adhesive is now available in a more sustainable 400ml foil pack, removing the environmental problem of disposing of the single use plastic cartridge.

It is estimated that over two million single use plastic cartridges are put into landfill every week in the UK. The HB42 foils produce around 95% less waste than one-use plastics and hold 400ml, whereas the plastic tubes hold only 290ml – meaning you are also getting 38% more in the tube.

HB42 All-in-One seals, sticks and fills, is flexible up to 230%, works in the wet, does not shrink and can be overpainted. It is also low in VOCs and bonds to almost anything, is food safe and fully cures within 24 hours.

95%

less waste compared to plastic tubes

The prize:

HOW TO ENTER

● Case of 12 HB42 ‘Eco foils’ ● Exclusive PHPI and HB42 Foil gun (600ml Foil Gun can be used for foils and cartridges) ● Nozzle Pack ● HB42 T-Shirt ● HB42 refillable bottle

For your chance to win, simply read the text and answer the following question online.

GO TO www.rdr.link/PH043 to enter.

For those who didn’t know, Hilton Banks called its range HB42, because as the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy once said, the number 42 is the answer to everything! The range was launched in 2013 to meet increased demand from plumbers and builders for a high-end trade brand of sealants, with sensible pricing that offered the ultimate answer to sealing, fixing, grabbing, filling and bonding.

Q: HOW MUCH WASTE PACKAGING DOES A HB42 ALL-IN-ONE ‘ECO FOIL’ SAVE COMPARED TO A SINGLE USE PLASTIC EQUIVALENT? A: 95% B: 35% C: 15% Deadline for entries is 31/10/19. Terms and conditions apply.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2019 77

xxxxxxxxxx

3

SNICKERS WORKWEAR BUMPER WORKWEAR AND SAFETY SHOE KIT This month, the good people at Snickers Workwear are giving away a bumper package! Included is the latest 6351 Loose Fit Stretch Trousers, plus Solid Gear’s Onyx Safety Shoe and the newly-launched Rugby Top. The new stretchy work trousers for men have a loose fit for a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel, with stretch Cordura for increased durability, as well as improved ventilation and close quarter mobility.

The Onyx Safety Shoe integrates a seamless upper and Cordura reinforcements with a breathable footbed and strong rubber outsole for maximum grip on slippery and uneven surfaces – plus a fibreglass toecap. The Rugby Shirt is made from a a soft but durable fabric for casual comfort and great everyday use on site.

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH045

For more fantastic giveaways and competitions, be sure to GO TO www.rdr.link/PH044

4

AICO 3000 SERIES CO ALARM The Ei3018 mains powered Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm from Aico brings together the company’s very latest technologies into one alarm for exceptional protection. At the heart of the alarm is Aico’s high performance, electrochemical CO sensor which has a 10-year life. It is pre-calibrated and tested in CO gas to ensure accuracy.

The Ei3018 comes with a number of sophisticated features, including AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK wireless interconnection and whole system data monitoring capability. Its Easi-fit design makes for quick and simple installation.

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH046

…

H IT W S E T U IN M O TW WHO ARE YOU? NAME:

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD?

LEE BROWN

EARLY BIRD

COMPANY NAME:

ORGANISED VAN OR MESSY VAN?

PEAK GROUP

ORGANISED, EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK – SAVES TIME!

AGE (YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL US): 44 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN HEATING AND PLUMBING? 21 AND SOME… IS THERE ONE INVENTION YOU BELIEVE COULD CHANGE THE INDUSTRY FOREVER? I DON’T THINK SO. AS WITH EVERYTHING, TIMES AND

COPPER OR PLASTIC?

TRENDS CHANGE, SO YOU HAVE

COPPER

TO CHANGE TOO.

PICK ONE . . .

QUICKFIRE

HOLIDAY DESTINATION

TEA OR COFFEE?

BENIDORM, BABY! LOVE THE PLACE.

YORKSHIRE TEA. OBVIOUSLY.

MEAL

WINTER OR SUMMER?

FULL ENGLISH

WINTER TWITTER OR FACEBOOK?

MOVIE

TWITTER

POINT BREAK

SWEET OR SAVOURY?

SUPERHERO TALENT

SWEET!

TO CURE CANCER BY HUGS

KETCHUP OR MAYO?

CAR

KETCHUP

ASTON MARTIN

BATH OR SHOWER?

DINNER GUEST

50/50

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN OR MEAT LOAF

CITY BREAK OR BEACH HOLIDAY?

ACCENT

BEACH HOLIDAY

IRISH!

NEW PRODUCTS MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PH047

MAKITA Impact driver The DTD171 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver is said to deliver high-end performance in a compact and lightweight package. Suitable for use across a number of high-intensity tasks, the new tool has a max tightening torque of 180Nm, an electronic four stage impact power selection, as well as four separate assist modes tailored for different tasks. A variable speed trigger allows tradespeople greater power selection, while twin LED job lights assist in poor visibility situations.

Makita has also added a number of Cordless Impact Wrenches to its product portfolio, including two new 12V Max CXT Brushless Impact Wrenches and an 18V LXT Brushless Impact Wrench. www.rdr.link/PH048

KNIPEX Protective Jaw Covers

CONEX BÄNNINGER >B< Sonic To bring the Cuprofit range in line with the rest of its portfolio, Conex Bänninger has relaunched it as >B< Sonic. The flame-free copper push-fit plumbing system, first introduced in 1998, offers significant time savings, while providing a secure, leak-proof joint, assures the manufacturer.

It is also demountable and re-usable.

Technical advances have enabled the fittings to be modified and simplified, while maintaining the quality of fit. WRAS approved, the fittings are suitable for use on drinking water and other hot/cold water systems, including central heating.

Available in sizes 10 to 28mm, they are designed to connect with hard, half-hard and soft copper tubes. www.rdr.link/PH049

The covers are designed for the Knipex Pliers Wrench (2018 models onwards) in the 250mm length. Enabling users to replace a whole set of spanners, the wrench is lightweight and the zero backlash jaw pressure prevents damage to the edges of sensitive components. The Protective Jaw Covers offer additional damage-free gripping, holding and compressing.

Made from plastic and with a soft, smooth gripping surface, the covers can be used on any delicate surface, remaining firmly fixed to the jaws with an internal latching hook. The covers come in a pack of three sets. www.rdr.link/PH050

BOSCH PROFESSIONAL BITURBO By launching ‘BITURBO’ models, Bosch has expanded its 18V cordless range into tool classes. Described as more powerful than all previous Bosch cordless products, the new saws, rotary hammers and angle grinders give equivalent performance to corded tools rated between 1,000 and 1,800W. Brushless motors, advanced electronics and Bosch ProCORE18V battery packs allow for more power-intensive applications, says the manufacturer. The majority of the tools also feature a Bosch connectivity module for remote adjustment and data transmission. The range includes four saws, three rotary hammers and four angle grinders. www.rdr.link/PH051

AIRFLOW iCONsmart Airflow Developments has launched iCONsmart, the first app controlled range of modular fans.

The fan features a smart integrated flow sensor that will automatically adjust to the specific installation situation, removing the need for manual alterations to be made during commissioning.

The unit is linked to the myAirflow app which guides the engineer through the installation process to configure elements such as the activation range, overrun duration and silent hours. NICEIC approved installers can also use the app for certification and notification of works.

The range includes the iCONsmart 15, 30 and 60, and is said to offer excellent sound performance with figures as low as 23.5 dB(A) at three metres. www.rdr.link/PH052

GRANT TechBox app The TechBox app from Grant UK has been updated with an improved layout, new features and additionality functionality. With more imagery, improved pathways to find documents and more structured categorisation, the app is now much easier to navigate and use, assures the company. The app now invites users to select the product categories relevant to them, for a more bespoke experience. In addition, Grant can now provide manual updates and a new document search facility and ‘Favourites’ option. www.rdr.link/PH055

HIKOKI POWER TOOLS Compound Mitre Saws HiKOKI Power Tools has introduced the cordless C3607DRA 36V slide compound mitre saw (185mm blade) and the C3610DRA 36V slide compound mitre saw (255mm blade) for improved precision on tough cutting jobs. Both models feature brushless motors, a laser guide system and LED worklights.

The C3607DRA 36V saw allows installers to make bevel cuts up to 45° left and right and mitre cuts up to 45° left and 57°. Meanwhile, the C3610DRA unit has a cutting speed with up to 374 cuts per charge. Bevel cuts can be made up to 55° left and 60° and mitre cuts up to 48° left and right. www.rdr.link/PH053

SOLID GEAR Onyx

RUBI TC-125 Kit Rubi is launching the TC-125 Kit, designed for cutting porcelain slabs, natural stone and sintered stone. The Kit is said to ensure a high precision, smooth cut, due to the stability provided by the combination of the SLIM guides, clamps and suction caps that are included. The dual dust reduction and control system allows it to be used for both dry and wet cutting, while the unit facilitates Depth adjustable cutting and mitre cutting between 0° and 45°, both with a quick adjustment system. The kit comes with a 125mm blade, a transport case for the cutter and a cloth bag for the guides.

Said to combine comfort and protection with a robust and durable design, Solid Gear’s Onyx is available as a shoe or a boot and ideal for different types of on-site work. This footwear has a modern-looking style that integrates a seamless upper and Cordura reinforcements with a poured polyeurethane midsole, a breathable footbed and strong rubber outsole.

Metal-free protection comes from the fibreglass toecap and penetration board, while the BOA Closure System is designed to distribute the pressure of the shoe evenly across your feet. www.rdr.link/PH057

www.rdr.link/PH056

ELTA FANS Prema In response to the latest update to the ISO 16890 filtration standards, Elta Fans has unveiled the latest version of its Air Design Prema range of energy recovery units. The units work by maintaining good indoor air quality and comfortable temperature levels by transferring thermal energy from the stale air to the incoming fresh air.

The units are available in four sizes to provide an airflow ranging from 0.006 to 0.936m3/s, and are suitable for a variety of applications. The range features enhanced filtration, heat/coolth recovery, a dual condensate tray, controls capability and thermal treatment capabilities. www.rdr.link/PH054

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Stretch Trousers The new stretchy work trousers for men have a loose fit for a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel, with stretch Cordura for increased durability, as well as improved ventilation and close quarter mobility. In addition, the latest slim-fit work trousers for women are shaped to fit. The fit features wider hips and a narrower waist, said to provide a fashionable look with optimal comfort and freedom of movement built-in. www.rdr.link/PH058

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX BMA ................................................................................................. (page 75)

PipeSnug ........................................................................................ (page 56)

Bott .................................................................................................... (page 17)

Pump Technology ......................................................................... (page 67)

Bristan ............................................................................................. (page 56)

Robert Bosch .................................................................................. (page 31)

Bristan ............................................................................................. (page 59)

Saniflo ............................................................................................. (page 50)

Conex ............................................................................................... (page 61)

Snickers Workwear ........................................................................ (page 4)

Continental Underfloor ................................................................. (page 9)

Surestop .......................................................................................... (page 61)

Dab Pumps .................................................................................... (page 28)

Testo ................................................................................................. (page 21)

Danfoss ........................................................................................... (page 49)

The Electric Heating Company ................................................. (page 27)

Devi .................................................................................................. (page 63)

Toolfair Exhibition ......................................................................... (page 70)

Electric Combi Boilers Company ............................................. (page 49)

UK Underfloor Heating ............................................................... (page 49)

Fernox ............................................................................................. (page 42)

Unilite ............................................................................................... (page 73)

Ford ................................................................................................. (page 25)

Vaillant ............................................................................................. (page 39)

Freezemaster ................................................................................ (page 63)

Vauxhall Motors ..................................................................... (pages 40,41)

Glow-worm ..................................................................................... (page 32)

Viessmann ..................................................................................... (page 23)

Grundfos Pumps ........................................................................... (page 44)

Wavin Hep20 .......................................... (gatefold to inside front cover)

Heatrae Sadia ................................................................................ (page 47)

Wavin Osman .................................................................................. (page 11)

Kamco .............................................................................................. (page 67)

Wiha Tools ...................................................................................... (page 65)

Keston ............................................................................................. (page 35)

Wilo .................................................................................................. (page 36)

Nu-Heat ........................................................................................... (page 12)

Wirquin ............................................................................................ (page 53)

OFTEC ............................................................................................. (page 78)

Wirquin ............................................................................................ (page 55)

Pegler .............................................................................................. (page 56)

Wiseman Industries ..................................................................... (page 36)

Peugeot ............................................................................................. (page 6)

Worcester Bosch ...................................................... (outside back cover)

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Are you looking for a totally pointless way to waste a bit of your day? Well you’ve come to the right place.

TOOK

FACT FILE In celebration of this summer’s historic World Cup win, here are five facts that you may not know about cricket!

The first recorded game was played in 1646 The longest cricket match recorded took place in 1939 between England and South Africa – it was a draw… ● It is believed the game originated from shepherds in England, who were simply bored while guarding their sheep ● Ex-England wicketkeeper, Alec Stewart, scored 8,463 test runs. His birthday is 8th April 1963 – or 8/4/63! ● The highest number of runs scored in one over was 77, during a domestic game in New Zealand. The bowler gave a number of no balls, wides and full tosses to ensure a disastrous spell. ● ●

NAME THAT CITY

Answer: Seattle

We all experience a bit of nostalgia now and again. It’s almost a duty of growing up, to occasionally look back at pictures from the not-so-distant past and exclaim quietly, “ah, those were the days…”

Arsenal fans may understand this more than most (others have had it worse, we take your point), and who would have thought the leaders of the UK and USA would have better hair 15 years ago than they do now – Bush and Blair, style icons.

One young man appears to have taken nostalgia a little further back than most. Zack Pinsent has decided to shun modern fashion trends, instead preferring to wear clothes from the 1800s. Apparently, he burnt his last pair of jeans when he was 14, and has only looked back since. Voted as the best dressed in his school leaver’s book – Zack is now in his mid-twenties – a typical day involves wearing a pair of knee-high leather riding boots, a floral waistcoat and a riding jacket with long tails, according to an interview in The Metro.

His obsession started when he came across a box of his great-grandfather’s old suits. Finding that the clothing fitted him well, he now researches, designs and sews his own outfits. This is perhaps more out of necessity – we suppose it’s probably not the kind of thing you find in your local high street…

FAIL

One solution is: Fail, Tail, Toil, Tool, Took

BUCKING THE TREND

By replacing one letter at a time, can you make it from the top to the bottom word in the number of steps provided?