Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer November 19

NOVEMBER 2019

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CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

NOVEMBER 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 10 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

@professionalplumber

64 THE NEW VW TRANSPORTER, TESTED!

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

7

NEWS & VIEWS

@phpimag

10 #INSTALLOFFAME 13 HORROR SHOW 67 TOOLFAIR PREVIEW 76 VIDEO WATCH 77 #TRADESTALK CORNER 79 TWO MINUTES WITH… KEITH HARRISON! 80 NEW PRODUCTS 83 MY BRAIN HURTS

SPECIAL REPORTS

31-44 HEATING & RENEWABLES UNKNOWN USES FOR UFH

HEATING & RENEWABLES 31 KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH WATER TREATMENT STANDARDS

53 INVENTOR’S CORNER: SHOWER POWER BOOSTER 56 INSTALLATION GUIDE: SANIFOS 500 58 TIME SAVING TIPS FOR BATHROOMS

34 A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR WARMFLOW

60 COMBATTING THE ISSUE OF TIGHT SPACES

37 SURPRISING USES FOR UFH

61 PRODUCTS ROUND-UP

22 BE PROUD TO BE A PROFESSIONAL!

40 GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR TACKLING DECARBONISATION

VEHICLES

24 HOW CAN YOU PROFIT FROM THE CONNECTED HOME MARKET?

42 THE CHANGING FACE OF WATER TREATMENT

64 TESTED: VW TRANSPORTER & VW CADDY

44 PRODUCTS ROUND-UP

66 WHY AN ORGANISED VAN EQUALS AN ORGANISED BUSINESS

16 TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 19 ELIMINATING ILLEGAL GAS WORK

62 STAY ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE

TRAINING

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS 47 YOUR SHOWER QUERIES ANSWERED

69 LOCKS TO GUARD AGAINST TOOL THEFT

50 OVERCOMING WETROOM INSTALLATION CHALLENGES

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

27 TRAINING ROUND-UP 28 TRAINING WITH MARIE

68 ADVICE ON SELLING YOUR USED VAN

70 ARE YOU READY FOR THE RAIN? 72 KEEP YOUR WORKWEAR WORKING FOR LONGER 73 A NEW APPROACH TO WOMEN’S PPE 74 PRODUCT TEST: KNIPEX PLIERS WRENCH 74 PRODUCT TEST: LOCTITE SEALING CORD

COMPETITIONS 51 WIN! A COMPLETE WETROOM INSTALLATION KIT!

47-61 PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

78 GIVEAWAYS!

WETROOM INSTALLATION TIPS PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 3

VIEWPOINT

EDITOR JAMES MOORE phpi@hamerville.co.uk EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ABBIE SMITH asmith@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 PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH LTD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 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

Make your mind up We’ve got an apology to make. In the October issue you may have noticed an article regarding the reverse charge VAT changes that were set to come into force on 1 October this year.

As it happens, these changes have since been delayed until 1 October 2020, so if you were planning on reading it, save it for 11 months’ time!

To be fair, the Government’s decision was made a day after the magazine left the building to be printed, roughly three weeks before the changes were due to come into force. Now we understand things change, but surely such last minute decisions are good for no one? Least of all, us. And this isn’t the first time this has happened to PHPI either – Part G of the Building Regs was deferred last minute, and the Domestic RHI delays were a constant thorn in the side for everyone involved.

While this is frustrating for us, it is far worse for those whose livelihoods are beholden to these things. Companies could have been preparing for months, only to be told three weeks in advance to postpone those plans for another year. It’s almost laughable, if it wasn’t so infuriating.

We received numerous communications in the months leading up to the changes from industry bodies arguing for a delay. SNIPEF, for instance, called for a government review in August, joining 15 other UK construction bodies to share serious concerns regarding the implementation of the changes. As was pointed out, the industry is already under strain from rising material prices and skill shortages, so changing VAT practices will only have added to the burden.

It certainly seemed like there was a consensus amongst the experts who represent the construction sector, so why did it take the Government so long to make up its mind? We know there are plenty of other issues for them to assess at the moment – Brexit is arguably the best ever example of government indecision – but decisions that could affect the hundreds of thousands of businesses and individuals involved in construction should not be left until the last minute.

Let’s put it this way, imagine if you won the business for a customer’s bathroom replacement, then a day before you were due to start, the customer decided they were actually going to wait another month to start it. You’ve suddenly lost out on a week-long job that you’ve had scheduled for months, leaving you with a last minute gap to fill and no income during that period. While I have no doubt that this scenario probably happens far more often than it ever should, it’s not exactly ideal.

I started this comment rant with an apology, but really it’s the Government who should be apologising – not just to us, but to the entire construction sector. While there’s a hint of a silver lining in the fact that they (eventually) listened to industry experts and delayed the changes, is it too much to ask for a little more of a heads up in the future?

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 NOVEMBER 2019 5

News 2019 UK PLUMBER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED Martin Warnes, from Essex, has been crowned the 2019 UK Plumber of the Year. The 2019 competition saw over 400 plumbers enter from across the country, with Martin taking not only the crown but also the £15,000 prize pot.

A judging panel made up of experts shortlisted 10 plumbers across the UK based on their skills, qualifications and experience. The top 10 then went head-to-head to win public votes where the five individuals with the highest number of votes went through to the final stage.

Martin has been a Plumber since 2007, starting out as a local apprentice to becoming self-employed in 2009 as the owner of M L Warnes Plumbing & Gas Services. He has expanded his business with four other plumbers on the books, plus two kitchen fitters, three office staff and a kitchen designer.

Speaking of his win, Martin said: “I’m thrilled to have been crowned the UK Plumber of the Year 2019, I still can’t believe I’ve actually won! I absolutely love what I do and to be recognised for it by such a fantastic competition really is just the icing on the cake.”

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

Reverse charge VAT was due to come into force for the construction industry from 1 October 2019. The Government has now announced the delay, stating that: “Industry representatives have raised concerns that some businesses in the construction sector are not ready to implement the VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction…

To help these businesses and give them more time to prepare, the introduction of the reverse charge has been delayed for a period of 12 months until 1 October 2020. This will also avoid the changes coinciding with Brexit.”

The move has been described by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) as a ‘victory for common sense’. Brian Berry, Chief Executive, said: “I’m pleased that the Government has made this sensible and pragmatic decision to delay reverse charge VAT until a time when it will have less of a negative impact on the tens of thousands of construction companies across the UK. The situation hasn’t been helped by the poor communication and guidance produced by HMRC. “What’s required now is for the Government and industry to work together to deliver a sector-wide communications campaign, which must include plain English guidance on the changes. We also want to work with the Government to deliver workshops aimed at construction employers, held in locations across the country, to explain what’s happening and why.”

RETRACTION: In PHPI’s October issue, we ran an article detailing the changes and what to look out for, ahead of the original deadline of 1 October 2019. While the advice is still relevant, please be aware the delay was announced after the issue went to press. As above, the changes will now come into force in October 2020.

STAMP OUT TOOL THEFT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES Simply Business has launched a campaign to Stamp Out Tool Theft, after research revealed that more than one in three tradespeople have had their tools stolen. The small business insurer is calling on the Government to implement greater fines for those convicted of tool theft, as well as tighter regulations on the selling of second-hand tools. It has launched a petition with the aim of attracting 100,000 signatures for the measures to be debated in Parliament.

A staggering 84% of tradespeople don’t believe the Government is doing enough to prevent tool theft. 60% believe there needs to be greater sentences for thieves, while more than half believe there should be greater fines for those convicted.

The petition can be viewed and signed by going to GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ001

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 7

CELEBRATING THE TRADE Dickies has launched a campaign celebrating the passion and skills of tradespeople who inspire others with their dedication and ingenuity.

Whether it’s the creativity of those who make a living with their hands or the dedication of tradespeople who are always looking for new ways to do what they do best, the initiative includes a series of videos featuring tradespeople from a range of disciplines. This includes a stonemason, carpenter, brewer, sign painter and vehicle painter and explores their work and what they love about it.

Are you passionate about your trade? Do you have any work you’re particularly proud of? Dickies would love to see examples of your work on social media. Just tag @DickiesEurope on Twitter, @dickiesworkwearofficial on Instagram or post on Facebook @DickiesWorkwear. Use #mydickiesworkwear and you might get featured!

Dickies’ series of videos will be featured on the blog at www.rdr.link/PJ002

HOW DO NEW CUSTOMERS FIND YOU? Brits are shunning trusted and approved sources when searching for a plumber, according to new research. 6.8% have admitted they would ask strangers on Facebook.

And while more than half would ask friends and family for a recommendation, nearly a fifth admit to blindly searching online.

The study, by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), asked homeowners about the process they go through when seeking out a new plumber. The findings show that consumers could be failing to do thorough research before commissioning plumbing work in their home.

When it comes to making a final selection for a job, personal recommendations still dominate at 71%, while 55% rely on price to decide. Worryingly, only a third would choose a plumber because they have approved status. WRAS is urging consumers to take extra care when selecting a plumber.

8 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

RAISING AWARENESS OF LEAD PIPES WaterSafe is working in partnership with Scottish Water and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland to encourage homeowners to check if their water pipes are made of lead. The use of lead plumbing has been banned in the UK for more than 25 years because lead dissolving into drinking water can be harmful if it builds up in the body – especially for babies and children, whose development can be affected.

However, research by WaterSafe shows nearly two-thirds of homeowners in Scotland have never checked to see if they have lead water pipes. The campaign follows the publication of the annual drinking water quality report last month by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.

While it confirmed drinking water in Scotland is of high quality, with 99.9% of samples meeting the required standards, it also showed that some homes are still being affected by lead pipes. These are mostly found in homes built before 1970.

To help raise awareness, WaterSafe, Scottish Water and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator produced a film to help homeowners take action – available at GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ003

MIND THE GAP Delegates at this July’s Women Installers Together Conference participated enthusiastically in roundtable discussions in which they talked about their experiences of the industry and how to make it more welcoming.

Hattie Hasan, organiser of the conference, commented: “Far from being a moan or whine session, the delegates showed an excellent understanding of the reasons for the low numbers of women in the industry and how this effects both women and men. Their insights will go a long way to helping overcome the coming severe skills gap.

“With insufficient numbers of plumbers and heating engineers qualifying and working in the industry and the average age of those in it being 57-58 we’re in for a major crisis in the next five years.

“Women in the heating and plumbing industry have some excellent insights to share that will make the industry more aspirational and more welcoming to everyone, and if we’re going to beat the coming skills gap we will need to look at the experience of those on the margins of the industry, traditionally the place where problems show up more extremely, giving this group 2020 vision.”

Next year’s conference on 1 July will be focussing on this 2020 vision.

NEWS IN BRIEF...

PLAIN SAILING Great sunshine and a fair wind contributed to the success of Polypipe’s 21st Annual Regatta on The Solent in September.

The charity event saw 465 people from across the heating and plumbing sector participate in a day of sailing. £8,000 was raised through a charity auction and raffle for Polypipe’s corporate charity partner Help for Heroes and the John Merricks Sailing Trust.

DRAYTON PLEDGES TO SUSTAINABILITY As part of this year’s National Recycling Week, Drayton pledged its ongoing commitment to finding sustainable manufacturing solutions. For the past five years, the company has operated as Zero to Landfill from its site in Plymouth, which means all waste and rubbish are recycled either in the factory or elsewhere. Alongside this, Drayton has been running a Single Use Plastic initiative over the past 12 months.

IDEAL AT THE DOUBLE Ideal Boilers welcomed the Queen’s representative to its Hull headquarters recently as part of an event to celebrate scooping two 2019 Queen's Awards for Enterprise. The business was presented with two trophies recognising its outstanding achievements in both innovation and international trade by the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Dame Susan Cunliffe-Lister.

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:

@irbheating

very @gregreco

@beresfordplumbing

@goecohub

@RushbroPlumbing

@j_c_gas

HONEYWELL HOME ASKS…What makes you proud to be a professional?

Christina Birch: “When things work properly and things are easy to control, there’s no stress for the customer. If they’re happy, I’m happy!”

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!

MENTAL HEALTH

“TAKE A STEP BACK” David Holmes, founder at Boiler Guide, explores the issues around mental health for self-employed tradespeople in the plumbing and heating industry, as well as some recommended coping techniques which may help those affected.

T

he latest statistics tell us that around one in four people in the UK will experience mental health problems during their life, and people working in the trades are at a higher risk of suicide by as much as 1.6 times the national average. But why are self-employed tradespeople at a higher risk of mental health problems and what can plumbers and heating engineers do to take care of their own mental health?

Loneliness While it’s well-known that humans are pack animals and designed to interact and communicate our thoughts and feelings, self-employed engineers can be alone for much of their working life. While it may seem that installers are meeting people all the time because they are in and out of people’s homes, these relatively brief interactions with customers are not the same as building

long-term relationships with co-workers, or having the opportunity to confide in or seek support from a manager.

And, even if an engineer works alongside others, they often choose not to share. Bottling up feelings is a stereotypical trait associated with men and as the trades are still dominated by men, it’s not absurd to suggest that men may feel they would be judged, or thought less of, if they were to talk about their mental health.

Technology and the internet has opened up a whole world of communication options which tradespeople can use to stay connected to friends, family and even fellow engineers. Twitter, for example, is popular with tradespeople all over the country who use it not only to share professional insight and advice, but also as a support network and a platform for social interaction.

Stress and exhaustion Being self-employed can make for a hugely rewarding career both financially and in terms of a sense of accomplishment, provided you can make it work. On the other hand, many face high levels of stress, especially in the early years when trying to find regular work and keep themselves above water financially.

Add in the occasional difficult, frustrated or uncooperative customer and it’s clear to see why pressure and negativity could build.

16 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

MENTAL HEALTH

Plumbing and heating jobs are often complex and require long hours to complete, including weekends. A recent survey found that heating engineers take just 18 days holiday (on average), with the most common reason being that taking time off would result in lost income. A busy lifestyle lacking in rest and relaxation can lead to physical and mental burnout if allowed to continue for too long, while spending very little quality time with friends or family can also contribute to feelings of isolation and depression.

Look after yourself and bring some work-life balance back to your life. For example, take time off from work at least once a week to do something you enjoy with friends and family, and look at your budget to see if you can save for a special holiday at least once a year.

Physical health issues Physically demanding jobs which involve dangerous tools and chemicals, heavy lifting and hot water can lead to life-changing

“Many self-employed tradespeople can face high levels of stress, especially in the early years when trying to find regular work and keep themselves above water financially. Add in the occasional difficult, frustrated or uncooperative customer and it’s clear to see why pressure and negativity could build.” injuries and/or disabilities, chronic pain or skin conditions. What’s more, installers tend to kneel and bend regularly on the job, which could lead to debilitating pain or even permanent damage.

Your physical and mental health are connected, so make sure you see a doctor if you have an injury or condition you’re concerned about. To give your body and mind the best chance of functioning at their best, get plenty of sleep every night, eat a balanced and nutritious diet and try to get regular exercise.

For more information on mental health

issues, either for yourself or for advice on supporting employees, friends or family members who may be affected, the following UK charities are great places to start: Mates in Mind, Mind UK and The Samaritans.

To find out more from Boilerguide, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ004

Mates in Mind – GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ005

Mind UK – GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ006

The Samaritans – GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ007

SPECIAL REPORT | Compliance

With the ninth incarnation of Gas Safety Week having taken place in September, and more than a million homes suffering from work performed by illegal gas fitters, PHPI speaks with John Roche, Chief Operating Officer for Gas Tag, about how the company is looking to eliminate this pressing issue.

TAG ALONG

What is Gas Tag and how does it work?

Where did the idea come from?

Gas Tag is a real-time gas safety solution aimed at protecting people’s homes from the dangers of unregistered gas fitters and could help to eliminate the 1.1 million unsafe gas checks that are carried out in the UK every year. In November 2018 Gas Tag was awarded the coveted New Business of the Year at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards. It now employs 99 full-time UK-based employees.

The company was founded in 2015 by Chief Executive Paul Durose and Stephen Ullathorne, with the aim of changing an industry that had not adapted to using technology to make homes safer. It raised seed money from early investors and then raised private equity money in early To download th e app, 2018 to expand the business.

DOWNLOAD! go to www.rdr.l

How big is the problem of unsafe gas works and unregistered gas fitters?

PJ008

This problem has proven to be huge. The Gas Safe Register says that each year there is an estimated 1.1 million illegal jobs conducted by rogue unqualified engineers. This unsettling number of illegal jobs has resulted in one in six homes – an estimated 4.28 million households – in the UK having a dangerous appliance.

Similarly, we have found that perhaps due to British politeness, one in three residents would not ask an engineer for ID, let alone proof of their being Gas Safety registered.

Not only does this high number of unqualified engineers undermine the professionals who do pride themselves on making homes safe for residents, it can have truly deadly effects.

ink/

How do you ensure only Gas Safe Registered engineers can sign up?

Upon sign up, engineers must enter their Gas Safe Register license number, Gas Safe Business ID number and national insurance number. This enables the app to uniquely identify the engineer and bring back a list of their competencies. This list displays the appliances that the engineer is qualified to conduct work on and the appliances they don’t have the qualification for and engineers will only be able to record work through Gas Tag for the things they are qualified to do.

How valuable is the support you have received from Gas Safe Register and Local Growth Hub? The support from the Gas Safe Register has been brilliant from the beginning. The

register’s aim to protect the public from unsafe work directly aligns with the capabilities of our system and that is why we’re aiming to get a Gas Tag into every UK property. We hope that achieving this goal will make the UK the gas safety capital of the world and to give the work back to gas engineers who have spent time gaining qualifications.

The support from the Local Growth Hub has also been invaluable in helping us boost our credibility and build our local network as a business in the Liverpool city region. Some of the connections we have made through the growth hub, and recruitment we have done as a result, definitely helped us take Gas Tag to the next level.

Is signing up to the app and using Gas Tag a lot of extra work for engineers?

Quite the opposite, it takes a couple of minutes to download Gas Tag for free and sign up. Whilst on the job the engineer will use the app to answer the questions they are used to. The app assists the engineer throughout their work, asking them to answer a set of mainly pass/fail questions, saving time on having to fill out endless forms and paperwork and helps best practice. Contractors using the app for Manningham Housing Association have found that they have saved an average of eight minutes on a standard landlord gas safety check after setup.

Will the app have any additional benefits for engineers and installers?

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 19

SPECIAL REPORT | Compliance

Yes, there are a number of benefits for engineers. We previously mentioned that there are efficiency gains from streamlining the process of work and reducing the time spent filling out repetitive forms and that Gas Tag only allows qualified engineers to work on their system, eliminating illegal work by rogue fitters.

In the past an engineer may have been able to potentially forget certain smaller aspects of the work (after all, we’re all human and can have a bad day), but with Gas Tag there are mandatory prompts within the app to remind the engineer to complete all areas of the service.

How does the app support the interaction between installers and their customers/homeowners?

Using Gas Tag will make your customers happier by providing an impartial audit trail.

This will also make it easier for the engineer to resolve any potential issues or disputes which may arise.

To learn more about Gas Tag, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ009

Portal 2.0 Gas Tag has also recently announced how its new Portal 2.0 and upcoming project, X-Tag, will continue to drive innovation. Portal 2.0 will mean it will be even easier for housing providers to monitor their gas safety and compliance.

Development has been focused on navigation, splitting the product into six main task areas; compliance, management, jobs, issues, audit and administration. The new navigation areas will allow housing providers to view at a glance their overall compliance and easily resolve issues, including access problems and unsent LGSRs. Other benefits of the portal include the management of stock and contractors, job allocation and an area for auditing Landlord Gas Safety Records. Portal 2.0 is also a prelude to the X-Tag project, which will signal the start of the rollout of new workflows, including Solid Fuel, Oil, Solar, Unvented and Air Source, meaning that its clients can ensure compliance across a greater number of properties and fuels.

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLERS

PLUMBEXPO

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NEXT SHOWS

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SPECIAL REPORT | Campaign

Resideo is championing the professional installer this PROvember. Sales Director Martin Wilson explains how.

IT’S PROVEMBER! R esideo is joining forces with PHPI for PROvember: a month-long initiative to celebrate installers and raise awareness of the benefits of using a qualified tradesperson to install heating controls.

So, what’s the campaign all about?

It all kicks off with a #TradesTalk takeover on Tuesday 5 November, where we’ll be asking the community: what does it mean to be a professional installer? Featuring some familiar faces, the discussion will explore issues affecting installers today, such as training and skills, gas safety, marketing, DIY culture and legislation. Listen out for us on

November’s #TradesTalking podcast too, where we’ll be debating the issue of professionalism with a very special guest.

Keep an eye on the PHPI website as each week we’ll be uploading a new blog advising installers on different ways to boost their knowledge, expand their skillsets and grow their businesses. Topics include: heating control best practice for every application, such as underfloor heating; increasing profits with the concept of good, better, best; and new technologies that will impress homeowners and make installers’ lives easier.

All content will also be hosted on a dedicated website at

22 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

54 %I 94 %I 63%I 94%I

Of professional installers attend some form of training more than once a year Of professional installers agree that more should be done to stop rogue traders

Of professional installers agree they have lost business to a non-reputable company in the past Of professional installers have taken a job on for free or heavily discounted it to help someone in need

These results were compiled from a survey of 151 tradespeople who regularly install heating controls or thermostats.

www.proudtosupport.co.uk so installers can access resources anytime they need them, whether that’s during PROvember or otherwise. From here you can also download an asset pack with logos to use on your marketing materials to tell customers that you’re proud to be a professional installer.

We know that the way to installers’ hearts is through their stomachs, so we’ve selected 100 cafes around the country known for their fry ups – and in close proximity to plumbing and heating merchants – to bear messages of support for the professional installer on their sandwich bags, giving a little boost to installers’ bacon sandwiches. The Resideo sales team will also be hosting breakfast mornings in-branch with giveaways, games and free breakfast.

SPECIAL REPORT | Campaign

Professional installers spend hours a day in their vans, which is why we’ve created two special PROvember Spotify playlists to give you the motivation to get through the day.

There are two versions to cater to all music tastes, both packed with energising anthems to provide a soundtrack to your day. Installers can also suggest their favourite songs to be added to the playlist by tweeting @phpi using the hash tag #PROvember.

Ryan Mills of G.D. Mills Plumbing & Heating is proud to be a professional installer:

Here to support you Year round, Resideo supports professional installers by supplying the products and backup that they need to do their jobs swiftly and with the confidence that the systems they fit perform as designed.

Our onsite training courses are held at various venues across the UK. We offer three levels of face-to-face training suitable for all types of professional. For busy installers, our online product courses can be completed from any location, at any time and at any pace.

As a member of the Honeywell Home Installer Network, installers also get access to a superb range of information, tools and support

to drive their businesses forward. And there are tonnes of resources available to members and non-members, alike – including the Honeywell Home Wiring Guides app, which provides all the necessary information, including schematics, directly to installers’ tablets or phones.

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ010

for more information and don’t forget to submit your best work by tweeting @phpi, uploading an image to Instagram or emailing phpi@hamerville.co.uk with the hashtag #InstallofFame

“I’ve seen loads of thermostats that have been wired poorly.

One instance that springs to mind was where the homeowner had removed too much of the insulated coating, causing the wiring to arc and heat up the plastic, posing a serious fire risk.

Thankfully, I repaired it before anything bad happened, but it just goes to show you should always use a professional.”

SPECIAL REPORT | Connected home

As interest in connected home devices continues to rise, Google Nest breaks down how this is set to offer opportunities for installers in the future.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

C

onnected homes are here to stay.

Research from PwC suggests that 30% of the UK population say they are planning to buy a connected home device within the next two years. That’s more than double the number who said the same back in 2016, underlining the huge growth in the industry.

And, with connected home technology now integrating everything from heating and lighting to security and fire safety, this presents a huge business opportunity for professional installers. Particularly given that 59% of UK homeowners say they would prefer a professional to install their connected devices, according to Eureka Research.

Your business… in

one year

PwC’s Connected Home 2.0 survey predicts that £10.8bn is expected to have been spent on connected home devices – including thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, and more – in the UK by the end of 2019. This comes with two significant opportunities for installers.

Firstly, as more devices are purchased, there will also be a rise in the number of people turning to professionals for help installing and setting up their new connected home devices.

Secondly, YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 report reveals that among people who currently own at least one connected home device, consideration for buying further such

devices increases to 40%. In other words, you may be able to turn a simple installation into a much larger job – a customer who asks you to install a smart thermostat could then be more receptive to hearing about other connected home devices, such as indoor and outdoor security cameras.

Your business… in

two years

As we move into the 2020s, all evidence points to a new trade emerging. “In the past, we’ve had quite disparate trades – there’s heating engineers, electricians, security and more, each responsible for fulfilling only one aspect of a customer’s needs,” says Paul Haynes, Head of Industry Partnerships at Google Nest. “With connected technology, a new trade is arising, and the traditional installer – with their skills and knowledge – has much of the core expertise required to join this new trade.”

And it’s not just new customers who will be seeking out the skill set of this modern brand

“Within the next few years, acquiring expertise within the connected home market will become essential for installers.”

24 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

of professional installer. You can expect to receive repeat customers, too, as PwC predicts over 40% of existing connected homeowners in the UK are expecting to upgrade their devices within the next two years. The more of these devices you are familiar with, and the more connected home installs you do today, the better for your business.

Your business… in

five years

By 2025, connected homes are expected to become the norm. “In the next few years, connected home technology will be completely normalised, just like the internet is today,” says Professor Dorothy Monekosso, Director of Research at the School of the Built Environment, Leeds Beckett University. “There will be no need to explain what connected home devices are, or what they do, because almost everyone will own at least one. I expect there to be a particular demand when it comes to home security – such as cameras and entry systems – but also assisted living, helping our ageing population to live more autonomously.”

SPECIAL REPORT | Connected home

Meet the Google Nest family!

Nest's helpful home devices include…

Needless to say, within the next few years, acquiring expertise within the connected home market will become essential for installers.

The installer’s view Two professional installers share their insights and experiences from working with connected home technology, and the benefits that embracing this market has brought to their businesses.

Peter Booth, Plumber and Gas Engineer ( @pbplumber) It’s only a matter of time before we’ve all got these devices in our homes. From my perspective, learning about this market and these products, and making sure I’m comfortable installing them, is a way to prepare my business for the future. I like to talk to customers about the interconnectivity of the Google Nest ecosystem – you can have the Protect smoke and CO alarm, the

Hello video doorbell, the cameras, the thermostat, all linked on the same device. It just makes life easier.

Customer feedback is key – and it doesn’t have to be from traditional channels. On my Instagram, I asked people to comment on what their favourite smart controller was, and Nest came out on top. From what I’ve gathered on my YouTube and social media channels, professionals like fitting Nest products. It’s a nice, easy, clean job.

Having Nest installed in my own house makes it easy for me to show customers how it works and how simple it is, right there on my phone. If you’re installing something in other people’s homes, you have to know your way around them, so that your customer has enough confidence in you to actually buy the control. You don’t want to be the person who fits it and is then stood there reading the instructions, like you don’t know what you’re doing.

● ● ● ● ● ●

Nest Learning Thermostat Nest Protect Nest Hello Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Nest Cam IQ Indoor Nest Hub

Amrinder Singh, Plumber, Installer and Nest Pro at Handa Heating ( @amrinder_handa) I first came across Nest about four years ago.

I searched the website and saw the option to sign up for an installer account. Slowly but surely, I started to receive customers from Nest. That first year, I received 30-40 jobs.

The next year, double that. Now I install, on average, three to five of its products every day.

Every installation has the potential to turn into an even greater business opportunity. It’s very common that a customer will get me in to install a Nest thermostat, for example, and then while I’m there, ask if I can replace the boiler, too. So, I’ll get a job through the company that turns into an even bigger job.

Also, customers will often call back and say: “We love our thermostat, now we want to install a doorbell and security cameras – can you help us set it all up?”

There is a definite benefit to becoming a Nest Pro, especially for people who are starting a new business. The way the programme works, you complete a job and receive a good review, then you receive another job and another good review, and so on. The more jobs you do, the more new customers you’ll acquire.

To learn more about becoming a Nest Pro installer, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ011

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 25

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

Grant Grant UK’s Training Academy will now be delivering product training courses at the HLI Centre in Livingston.

From oil boilers and air source heat pumps through to Grant’s new underfloor heating range, a wide range of product courses will now be available in West Lothian, Scotland.

Throughout the summer, a number of products have been installed at the HLI Centre. All of the products are fully operational models and include a range of Vortex and VortexBlue oil boilers, Aerona³ R32 air source heat pumps and a VortexAir oil boiler/ASHP hybrid. In addition, a Uflex MINI wet underfloor heating system is installed at the centre, allowing engineers to get to grips with this new product.

The selection of installed products at the premises will allow the company’s Training Academy to deliver a comprehensive range of its product courses. This will include courses on oil boilers and burners, two-day air source heat pump training and the underfloor heating course. All of the product courses held at the centre will be delivered by one of Grant UK’s Trainers who are experienced not only with all of the company’s products, but also on the latest industry changes which are affecting heating engineers today.

JTL JTL has recently acquired Develop Training. Established for 50 years, Develop Training provides professional short courses, specialising in utilities and energy and construction, as well as many others, and has seven dedicated training centres in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The acquisition will allow the two respected organisations to better serve the sector, giving an opportunity for both to expand their offering and extend their national coverage, according to JTL. The acquisition will help the business better serve the sector by expanding its short course provision beyond apprenticeships, whilst Develop Training can grow its current apprenticeship programmes through JTL’s support. Both organisations will continue to operate under their current trading names, with business as usual.

JTL’s Chief Executive, Jon Graham, said: “This is a truly exciting step forward for both businesses and the sectors we work in. We are really pleased to be welcoming such a well-established and respected brand within the industry into the JTL family. There is a natural synergy between JTL and Develop Training, so we are looking forward to working together to build upon the offering of both companies on a national level.”

For more details, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ013

For more details, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ012

Duravit Duravit is set to introduce its RIBA approved CPD: Hygiene and Cleanliness in Bathroom Design. The CPD will include aspects such as: ● Features and Benefits of standard vs rimless toilets ● How technology is being combined with the manufacture of toilets to meet the needs of both current and future users ● Additional hygiene options available Martin Carroll, MD of Duravit UK, comments: “CPDs are not only about providing in-depth knowledge and information, but also help to establish and build relationships. Based in London, the Duravit Showroom has a unique advantage.

We are ideally placed to either host our CPD, or alternatively we will visit design practices and present the CPD in the comfort of their own offices.”

For more information, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ014

h t i w g n i n i a r T Marie Hi Marie, how important are mentors in the training process?

Mentors are extremely important in our ability to learn and I can see first-hand it can be very difficult for them at times. They must commit 100% to training us if they want us to be an asset to their business. It’s not just a case of using us for cheap labour and leaving us to get on with it. The time spent by them mentoring us is huge and without it, I very much doubt I would find any of the course easy.

And Shaun, what’s your advice to anyone thinking of taking on a trainee/MLP student?

Make sure you leave enough time to explain things properly and the reasons why you are doing something a certain way so the trainee can see not only the method, but the intended outcome of what you are trying to achieve. And always ask them if they understood what you have said and done. Sometimes people just say yes, but in reality, have no idea what happened and why.

You also have to be patient. It’s not unusual to go over things

This month, Marie’s husband, business partner and mentor during her qualification, Shaun Barrett, offers his advice to other engineers looking to take on an apprentice. multiple times so it starts to sink in – give them jobs to do and let them make small mistakes. We all learn quicker from mistakes than you think.

Remember that they aren’t you and will develop their own style of working.

We all started out at some point with little idea of just how complex our industry is. You really need to be interested in the progression of whoever you are teaching and not look at it as just a way of getting the van packed up at night.

One of the greatest things we can do is share our knowledge and its rewards aren’t just of the monetary kind. It can be very rewarding when you see things starting to click into place and you see your student just getting on with it.

Over the years I have taught a fair few apprentices but teaching my wife has definitely been a challenge to both of us. We have had a few heated moments! But 95% of the time we laugh about it and try to sneak in a pint on the way home!

Ultimately, my advice to anyone taking on a student/MLP trainee is to remember to take deep breaths and count to 10!

HEATING & RENEWABLES

IN THE KNOW Changes to the British Standard for the preparation, commissioning and maintenance of domestic heating and cooling water systems, BS 7593, will help drive the need for installers to take a holistic approach to protecting system health. Dr Neil Watson, Global Technical Director at Adey, explains what installers need to know.

S

ince Chris Adey invented magnetic filtration technology more than 15 years ago, Adey has been working to change the way household heating systems are maintained. As the first manufacturer to champion a best practice approach, the company has been helping installers to adopt system cleaning and the use of high-quality chemicals hand-in-hand with the installation of a magnetic filter, to deliver better long-term system performance for customers.

For the first time, new incoming legislation in the form of an updated British Standard, BS 7593:2019, recognises a necessary shift towards treating systems as a whole, rather than solely focusing on the boiler.

Best practice

BS7593:2019 regulation

Clean A premium chemical cleaner will help shift any sludge that has already built up.

All systems should be cleaned using a chemical product formulated specifically for heating and/or cooling systems.

Flush This will help ensure that system water is completely free from sludge.

Flushing should be undertaken prior to commissioning a new system and during repair of an existing system.

The speed and effectiveness of cleaning can be improved by magnetite capture and the mechanical vibration of radiators.

Filter installation Fit a filter to catch and collect any sludge that future corrosion could cause.

An in-line filter should be fitted immediately after completing the clean, on all systems.

In systems where a filter is already in place, it should be serviced as part of the recommissioning process.

Protect Dose the system with protective chemicals to slow and even stop corrosion.

Chemical inhibitors should be added at the time of the final fill with fresh water.

Systems that are dormant over the winter months should be protected from freezing.

Biocides are particularly important for systems designed to run at temperatures below 60°C, such as underfloor heating.

Test Check the system’s water regularly with a test kit.

A water test is required to test the level of inhibitor and cleanliness of the system every year.

Maintain Keeping up with maintenance provides maximum protection, whether servicing the filter or re-dosing with chemicals.

Chemical inhibitors should be re-dosed every five years, or a lab test conducted to verify that the chemicals are sufficient. Following work on the system where the protection has been significantly diluted, the inhibitor should be checked that it meets the manufacturer’s recommended concentration.

A simple way to comply Having come into effect as a Code of Practice on 31 May, BS 7593:2019 now requires the fitting of a permanent in-line filter, in addition to a chemical clean and fresh water flush before inhibitor is added.

Once officially incorporated into Part L of the Building Regulations, BS 7593:2019 will become law, so it’s important that installers are aware of what they need to do to comply.

One of the easiest and most effective ways for installers to ensure they are meeting each of these requirements is to follow Adey’s Best Practice approach.

The six-steps outlined here will help ensure that installers are BS 7593:2019 compliant, as well as providing optimum, long lasting system protection.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 31

HEATING & RENEWABLES Clear customer benefits This new standard is intended to improve the performance of domestic heating and cooling systems while reducing energy use, lowering carbon emissions and guarding against breakdown. Benefits which will all have a positive impact on homeowners. The costs associated with heating the home are notoriously high, whether it’s energy bills, repairs due to system breakdown or investing in a new boiler. Ensuring compliance with BS 7593:2019 therefore represents a good opportunity for installers who are able to demonstrate this added value to customers.

Lower running costs, fewer breakdowns, longer boiler lifespan, enhanced warranties and reduced carbon emissions are all tangible benefits that will resonate. The new standard means that installers can confidently offer a more complete service, while more regular maintenance and system checks provide an opportunity to strengthen the customer relationship.

For more advice from Adey on the changes to the legislation, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ015

“Once officially incorporated into Part L of the Building Regulations, BS 7593:2019 will become law, so it’s important that installers are aware of what they need to do to comply.”

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GOING FOR GOLD PHPI flies over the Irish Sea to find out more about Warmflow’s significant recent investment, which also happens to coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary in 2020.

“B

elfast has changed beyond recognition over the last 15 years,” muses Brian Beattie, Head of Sales and Marketing at Warmflow, as we drive through the city. Thanks to a reduction in violence from The Troubles, both internal and external investment has significantly changed the face of Belfast, which has welcomed the introduction of modernised buildings and an impressive array of tourist attractions – visitors will find themselves entertained with the Titanic Museum and Game of Thrones set, while the picturesque Giant’s Causeway is just an hour’s bus ride away.

Though it is impossible to ignore the historic tensions that starkly divide hotspots – murals, peace walls and emotive propaganda remain – it is impressive to witness how the new infrastructure seamlessly blends with the old. Traditional, independent pubs positioned next to modern high-rise five-star hotels are commonplace.

Just 10 miles south of Belfast lies the head office of Warmflow, in Lisburn. With a recent £4 million injection into the business, covering everything from state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to investment in a new portfolio of products, parallels between the manufacturer

and the nearby capital are easy to make.

In 2020, the company will have been operating as a manufacturer and supplier of oil-fired boilers for the past 50 years and the investment has coincided nicely with this, as it looks ahead to the next half a century.

Family run operations are routine in the plumbing and heating sector, and Warmflow is no different. The company has been family owned since its inception, while it demonstrates a strong commitment to the local community. Many employees have notched up well over 10 years on their time sheets

34 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

and the business is involved in numerous charity initiatives around the local area.

Back in England, the manufacturer has also invested in its Telford base. Brian explains: “We’re working hard to ensure all our installer customers have access to excellent support mechanisms. The technical advice team are all experienced engineers, so they’ve been on the tools – there won’t be a problem that they haven’t already come across. Customers are always pleased to hear we have no filter options when ringing up, meaning they will come straight through

HEATING & RENEWABLES

to an experienced advisor to ensure we get any queries sorted as quickly as possible.

We’ve also launched our Installer Connect scheme this year to show further commitment to our customers.”

The Installer Connect scheme is Warmflow’s new web-based loyalty scheme. Once an engineer has bought and installed a boiler, they simply need to register online to build up points on their account. And as you’d expect, points mean prizes, with everything from branded soft-shell jackets and tools, to free boilers up for grabs. For those installers who aren’t familiar with the manufacturer’s product line, the company also offers training courses

by OFTEC registered trainers at partner sites for its oil and renewable products.

Invest to innovate Not stopping at investing in its facilities, Warmflow has coincided its golden anniversary celebrations with a completely new-look range of products. “Over the last couple of years we’ve invited over 400 installers to our HQ in Northern Ireland where we’ve discussed and listened to feedback on what engineers like, dislike, and need from our boilers. The new Warmflow Agentis oil boiler range is the result. We’ve designed them with installation and service engineers in mind, making them reliable and easy to install and service,” adds Brian.

The portfolio – Agentis happens to be Latin for efficient and powerful, in case you were wondering – includes internal, external and boilerhouse oil boilers and offers a range of outputs between 15-44kW. The business is particularly proud of its internal and external combi Agentis boiler, which has a hinged 24ltr expansion vessel with easy access to internal components, reduced moving parts, Riello low NOx burner, a factory fitted DHW expansion vessel and pressure reducing valve, and much more besides.

While the company is of the firm belief that the oil industry is not going anywhere soon, it’s updated renewables range, under the brand of Zeno, also demonstrates a commitment to the once-again growing heat pump sector. The range features a mixture of air and ground source heat pumps, as well as biomass wood pellet boilers.

Brian comments: “While we still see a future in oil, the new Zeno renewables range

Going Pro The new Warmflow Agentis external pumped, external system and combi boilers are available to buy as standard, or as part of a ‘Professional’ package.

Included within this Professional package is roughly £250 worth of factory fitted extras, such as an integrated Adey Magnaclean pro 2 filter, and a pre-wired Grundfos circulating pump. The company says the Professional package saves around two hours of labour during the installation process.

shows our commitment to installers who will likely need to be thinking about developing their expertise in the renewables sector, as government rhetoric continues to move that way. Our air source and ground source heat pumps have had a complete redesign, operate efficiently and quietly, while also offering homeowners the benefits of government grants.

“As well as this, products in our oil boiler range are compatible with biofuels, though the jury is still out on which is the best route to take with this area. If installers are interested, then we’d certainly advise contacting our technical support team to help talk them through the specifics of the job.”

A golden anniversary always offers the chance for a company to look back at its successes over the past 50 years, and it is clear Warmflow is proud of its heritage, maintaining close ties with the local community and installer customers alike. Yet the business is not resting on its laurels, as it looks ahead to the next 50 with a plethora of new products and support to offer engineers going forward.

To find out more about Warmflow and its latest portfolio of products, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ016

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 35

HEATING & RENEWABLES

ON THE RISE Many professional installers are increasingly recognising the range of unique functions offered by underfloor heating that can actually make it a high-performance, long-term solution in both domestic and commercial settings. Steve Harris, Technical Services Engineer for Wavin Hep2O, highlights some lesser-known advantages.

What are the key advantages of UFH? As pipework is installed beneath the floor’s surface, it is natural radiation that transfers heat into the room. This offers a range of benefits when compared to traditional convection heating. For example, traditional systems can harbour bacteria and dust which often have a negative impact on health, but in contrast, UFH systems have very little impact on air quality and help to keep the air clean.

Additionally, UFH systems are 20% more energy efficient than traditional heating systems. This means that customers can cut heating costs significantly, while maintaining the temperature of their home for longer, using less energy in the process.

It’s unsurprising that UFH has grown in popularity over the years and is now identified as one of the most popular trends for property owners because of all of these benefits. It is also becoming a popular choice across public sector developments.

Is UFH only effective when it’s under the floor?

It’s a very common belief that UFH can only be used under flooring, as the name would suggest. It can, however, be installed in many parts of a building envelope, including the walls of a room. This is hugely beneficial in areas of the home where the floor has a small surface, such as a bathroom, where radiators and traditional convection heaters would take up essential space. In such cases, UFH can be placed in walls to boost the output, although it is worth noting that the overall output in walls is 60KW per m², in comparison to 100KW of heat that is transmitted per m² in floors.

There are also instances of installers using UFH in the ceiling of a customers’ property.

This is particularly beneficial in block apartments where there’s a void in the ceiling which is easily accessible and can be used for both the flat above and flat below. In this case, the pipework can be set into the concrete allowing the building structure to be heated or cooled. However, this kind of installation is less common in the UK, as air conditioning systems are rarely used.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 37

HEATING & RENEWABLES

Can UFH cool buildings?

Yes, and as summers get longer and the temperature gets warmer, the demand for UFH as a cooling mechanism over traditional air conditioning systems is rising. Underfloor cooling systems use chilled water, sourced via air or the ground, which is circulated through the pipes to cool the building. The temperature is reduced through the transfer of energy by radiant heat exchange. The key advantage is that installers can provide a cooling system that is essentially free to run and available day or night.

The majority of components required are identical for heating and cooling systems.

The only key difference is that underfloor cooling systems require slightly more complex controls which are capable of automatically changing from heating to cooling, as well as controlling the dew point when in cooling mode.

Another essential factor to consider when installing cooling and heating systems is the spacing between pipes. Although installation between the two is very similar, the required

spacing differs – the recommended pipe spacing for underfloor cooling of 150mm, differing from the typical 200-300mm spacing used in standard UFH installations.

Additionally, underfloor cooling systems can only be used on a limited variety of flooring types – such as ceramic, stone or LVT – as these surfaces make it easier to maintain a constant floor temperature, ensuring it never drops below dew point. This minimises

the risk of condensation forming and therefore reducing any chance of customers injuring themselves on a slippery surface.

Wavin Hep2O offers a range of UFH products suitable for both heating and cooling that are easy to install.

For more information and advice on Wavin Hep2O’s UFH range, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ017

HEATING & RENEWABLES

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, discusses a Government financial initiative designed to tackle decarbonisation.

A

head of the release of the Green Finance Strategy, the Government announced that there is a new £5m fund to help the financial sector develop green home finance products. This includes green mortgages, where customers are rewarded with lower mortgage rates once they have upgraded the energy rating of their home. This is a great step toward the UK’s new demanding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Alongside this, the Government announced that there is a further £10bn fund available to companies who provide innovative ideas on retrofitting homes with energy saving measures. Whilst these initiatives show an awareness on the importance of tackling the UK’s impact on the planet, what isn’t so certain is the willingness of the public to allow these changes to encroach upon their homes.

Over 17 million homes in the UK have an EPC below Band C, while around 80% of the homes we will be occupying in 2050 already exist. This means that in order to reach these new targets, it is crucial that current homes in the UK become more energy efficient.

Retrofitting boilers could help take strides towards reducing the overall carbon footprint of the UK and take us one step closer to the

40 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

new net zero goal. It’s therefore critical to the success of this initiative that homeowners in the UK are willing to embrace this change.

Similar exercises have been made in the past, such as the process of fitting condensing boilers into the same place and the footprint of standard efficiency boilers some 15 years ago. This resulted in quite a challenge as there are significant differences in the internal componentry of a condensing boiler compared to a standard efficiency one.

These designs allowed the pipework connections to be in the same rotation and the flue diameter to remain the same, thus the original flue hole in the wall could be used.

The only additional pipework requirement

“Whilst it may be possible to broadcast the benefits of becoming energy efficient to homeowners, getting people to act on it is a different story.” was for the condensate discharge pipe.

Although these similarities are useful and time-saving, getting the public on board will require hard work. Many of the measures outlined in this new plan are already available to homeowners, but the disruption to their day-to-day life often deters them from making the change.

This disruption prevented many from getting free loft insulation some years ago, with the thought of emptying out their loft likely to be more hassle than a freebie was worth. Some providers were even offering to empty the loft for the householder, insulate it and then put the belongings back, but even the take-up for this was very limited. The concerns raised here are that this will happen again.

Fitting a new boiler may not be as intrusive as floor and wall insulation, but the nation already feels as though there’s not enough time in the day. Who is going to be willing to give up some of their precious spare time to change boilers? Whilst it may be possible to broadcast the benefits of becoming energy efficient to homeowners, getting people to act on it is a different story.

A suitable solution?

With the hassle involved, it seems that the most suitable technology for our carbon targets is hydrogen. Like renewable generated electricity, hydrogen is a clean energy carrier. Hydrogen will enable high temperature boilers to be installed, eliminating the barrier of getting householders to revamp their house. It’s a great energy carrier that needs to be utilised in order to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The targets set by the UK may be tough, but if homeowners are able to see how retrofitting their homes will be an advantage to them in the long run, this initiative could be what the country needs to meet the new greenhouse gas targets. The only way to make our homes fit for the future is to make the most out of Government initiatives and work together to create a more energy efficient society.

For more information from Worcester Bosch, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ018

HEATING & RENEWABLES

MEMORY LANE Here, Ernie McDonald, General Manager at Fernox, looks back at some of the biggest changes and innovations in water treatment over the past 20 years.

Can you explain your experience working in the industry?

I started out in the industrial sector, working for a global provider of chemical, equipment and services for over 10 years. I transitioned to domestic water treatment over 20 years ago when I joined Fernox.

The biggest challenge for me – moving from the industrial to domestic sector – was that there is no direct commercial relationship with end users in the domestic market. I therefore had to take a multi-faceted approach to develop, support and grow Fernox as a business. A key driver for Fernox has been to simplify the usage of products to meet the changing requirements of the installer and to innovate the design of products to anticipate market demand.

How has the industry changed over the past 20 years?

The biggest change over the past 20 years has been the role of chemical water treatment – where previously it was used to problem solve, its primary role today is problem prevention.

Condensing technology has necessitated the preventative approach of water treatment

in protecting the performance and longevity of central heating boilers and systems. From a chemical standpoint the improved effectiveness of inhibitors and cleaners to prevent corrosion and scale and to restore heating efficiency has had a positive environmental effect. From an equipment perspective, the development of in-line filtration has had a demonstrable benefit in maintaining system efficiency.

Technology is changing the way that installers and manufacturers operate – what practical tools are out there for installers?

The use of digital platforms means that installers can share experiences and best practice through social media, gain valuable product instruction via video and download apps to test the quality of system water and submit samples.

Similarly, new product applications like the Fernox Express range, which uses barrier pressure pack technology to dispense product mess-free and in less than 30 seconds – without the need to drain down the system – saves installers valuable time on site.

What do you see as the most significant challenge facing the industry today?

It is key that the industry continues to focus on attracting new talent – particularly through apprenticeship schemes and extending college places. It is also vital that we support skilled installers and assist their development.

Looking at your time at Fernox, what are you most proud of?

I am proud of a number of things – from assisting those who work at Fernox to thrive and develop their skillsets, to taking the business from a UK entity to a global operation, now operating in 38 countries.

What advice would you give to installers who are starting out?

Never stop learning and expanding your skills – in this way, you will always keep ahead of the curve.

To find out more information about Fernox, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ019

42 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

HEATING & RENEWABLES MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PJ020

STELRAD Augmented reality app To increase its BIM involvement and broaden the range of products available, Stelrad has released a new app to help those specifying its radiators to envisage them in a real life setting. The augmented reality app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple and Android app stores.

The company has also added to the number of its radiator products with a range of Low Surface Temperature radiators being introduced. This includes the LST Standard Deco and LST i Plus Deco design – both featuring the Deco horizontal lined fascia to make the casings for the radiators more aesthetically pleasing. www.rdr.link/PJ021

WORCESTER BOSCH Worcester 2000

BAXI Baxi 800 range To complete the company’s collection of boilers, Baxi has launched the new 800 range. The series consists of the 825 Combi, 830 Combi, 836 Combi, 818 System and the 824 System.

Each boiler has a central flue design and comes with a 10-year parts and labour warranty, so that installers can give their customers peace of mind. In addition, each boiler comes with a compact Adey Magnaclean Micro2 magnet system filter to protect the heating system as standard, to further reassure customers. www.rdr.link/PJ024

Designed as a cost-conscious alternative for installers and their customers, Worcester Bosch has announced the launch of the Worcester 2000 – a natural gas fired boiler which claims to offer high quality and reliability, at a competitive price. With outputs of 25 and 30kW, the 2000 is said to be quick to install and has the same flow rates as the existing Greenstar i. It can pipe vertically to the boiler and is simple to specify with maximum flue lengths of 12m horizontally and 15m vertically.

The series comes with a five year warranty, which can be increased to six when fitted with a system filter. The unit also includes removable side panels similar to the recent Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range, allowing easier access to the internal components. www.rdr.link/PJ022

ALTECNIC ¾" Reflex Lockable Isolation Valve

IDEAL COMMERCIAL Evomax 2

Altecnic has further expanded its range of vessels with launch of the ¾" Reflex Lockable Isolation Valve. The valve allows expansion vessels to be isolated and drained for essential periodic servicing and re-charging, features a protected shut-open facility against inadvertent closing and has a drain outlet for draining the vessel contents. The product is designed for use in membrane expansion vessels in sealed heating and cooling systems.

The unit incorporates a ball valve, lever with safety button and drain feature. The ball valve allows the expansion vessel to be isolated from the system. The lever has a button operated safety feature which prevents accidental isolation, which could cause a major safety hazard.

Following on from the reported success of the Evomax boiler, Ideal Commercial has launched the Evomax 2. The upgrade is said to have produced a smarter, more intelligent and more dynamic boiler, designed specifically for UK plant rooms, while being easier to install and service. Evomax 2 comes with a integrated flue non-return valve, increasing safety in common flue installations. Additionally, lift weight is reduced by up to 10% and the company continues to offer a five year warranty.

www.rdr.link/PJ023

www.rdr.link/PJ025

TO ADVERTISE IN PHPI MAGAZINE PLEASE CALL ADRIAN STAPLETON ON 01923 237799

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

Paul Rowley, Approvals and Training Manager at Triton Showers, answers some of the questions most commonly asked by installers attending training courses at the manufacturer’s HQ in Nuneaton.

ANSWER ME THIS… My next job is fitting a bathroom which will be used by young children, as well as older members of the same family. What type of shower should I install to ensure everyone is provided for?

There are several shower options available to cover the needs of a multi-generational family, depending on the system requirements on site.

Whether you’re selecting an electric, mixer, digital or power shower, installing a thermostatic shower provides precise control over the maximum water temperature available, therefore significantly reducing the possibility of excessively hot water.

TMV2 mixer showers provide the ideal solution for domestic applications as the water temperature is regulated to within +/- 2°C, ensuring a comfortable showering experience for all. When considering the elderly, less-abled or more vulnerable users, TMV3 is the preferred option as the water temperature is controlled to within +/-1°C, providing the end user with performance, safety and peace of mind.

For the installer, Triton mixer showers have been designed with retro-fit and refurbishment jobs in mind by providing convenient push-fit pipe connections, fast-fit surface brackets and easy-fit spacing guides.

What level of performance can I expect to achieve from a mixer shower installed on a gravity system?

The flow rate delivered by gravity fed mixer showers can vary depending on the available head of water and restrictions within the supply and valve. Using pulled bends can also help avoid any restriction to the water supply. For similar reasons, the use of obstructive stop taps or ¼ turn service valves is unadvisable. Use full way lever or gate valves instead, as these are less likely to curb water supplies. When selecting the correct pipe size to use, remove any margin for error by following the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the shower.

“For the installer, Triton mixer showers have been designed with retro-fit and refurbishment jobs in mind by providing convenient push-fit pipe connections, fast-fit surface brackets and easy-fit spacing guides.”

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 47

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS Finally, before connecting any pipes to the mixer unit, always flush them out first to avoid any unwanted debris making its way into and blocking inlet filters. This could make the difference between a happy customer and getting an unwanted call back later.

Is it advisable to connect a power shower to the mains cold water supply or a combi boiler?

All power showers contain a pump and a mixing valve, which are designed to accept water from a low-pressure gravity (cistern fed) supply only.

Connecting this type of shower to the mains cold water supply could place the pump under excess pressure, resulting in damage to internal components. In some cases, this could also cause leakage from the unit.

Similarly, it is not advisable to install a power shower in properties where the hot water supply is delivered by a combination boiler. Connecting to a high-pressure mains fed combi would have a similar detrimental effect on performance. Both scenarios are prohibited by UK Water Regulations, so stick to connecting power showers to low pressure

gravity supplies to avoid any issues.

I am looking to fit an electric shower in a property where the water pressure is below 1 bar. How best can I overcome the pressure problem when it comes to the installation of a new electric shower?

Certain properties are susceptible to low water pressure issues. Conventional electric showers have a minimum water supply requirement of 8 litres per minute at 1.0 bar running pressure, and 11 litres per minute at 1.5 bar running pressure. Most properties meet or exceed these requirements and so a variety of shower types can be fitted.

In properties where these minimum water

supply requirements cannot be met, a pumped electric shower can be fitted. These are supplied from a cold-water header tank requiring a minimum of just 75mm head.

Alternatively, a conventional electric shower can be fitted to a cold-water header tank if a booster pump is fitted between the tank and the shower unit. The booster pump can usually be installed out of sight, in an airing cupboard or under the bath.

In both cases the capacity of the header tank must be big enough to provide enough water to ensure a suitable showering duration.

For further technical advice from Triton Showers, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ026

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW discusses how to overcome common wetroom installation challenges.

WIN! A complete w et room installa tion kit!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

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pting for a wetroom continues to be a big trend for consumers. As well as being driven by the move towards luxury hotel-style bathrooms at home, more and more older consumers are looking for well designed, accessible bathrooms so they can remain independent for longer. There are many advantages to having a wetroom, however installation can be challenging.

Getting the gradient A key issue that can arise with poorly designed or incorrectly installed wetrooms is pooling around the waste area which can occur on both tiled and safety finish floors. However, correct installation for waste water drainage depends on the kind of flooring already in the installation:

● If the property is a new

build, a gradient may have already been built into the concrete floor at the time it was laid. If this isn’t the case, or installation is happening on timber flooring, then a retrofit solution will be needed that involves a plywood subfloor and suitable shower former. AKW’s new Tuff Form8 former has an integral gradient, which delivers the required fall to the waste area and eliminates the risk of pooling around the waste. ● If there is insufficient gravity for the waste, then a pumped waste and wireless pump are essential. In addition, the latest wireless pumps connect wirelessly with smart electric showers.

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

● It sounds obvious, but the shower must not

point towards the door if the installation is not going to include screens, to minimise flooding issues.

Overcoming obstacles One of the most common problems that installers come across when installing on joists is sub-floor obstructions that block the waste area. To overcome this, many formers are available that incorporate an offset waste, allowing the installer to turn the former around to avoid the obstruction. However, there are still times when a joist blocks the waste area. This is where AKW’s Tuff Form8 comes into its own, as it is designed with a rotating octagonal plate that provides 15 different waste positions, helping installers to avoid all obstructing joists during installation.

Waterproofing – slow and steady The sealing, or tanking, of the wetroom using a waterproof membrane is a key stage in the installation process and the instructions need to be followed religiously. Tanking takes time, but it is time well spent, as doing each stage of the process correctly avoids expensive repair issues later on. Areas that need special attention when tanking are the corners and the seal between the floor and waste, with a particular focus on:

“The sealing, or tanking, of the wetroom using a waterproof membrane is a key stage in the installation process and the instructions need to be followed religiously.”

Underfloor heating Underfloor heating is the icing on the cake when it comes to creating luxury in a wetroom, however, to avoid difficulties during and post-installation:

● Ensuring a good seal on the banding tape

at the inside and outside corners (use preformed corners for ease here), pipe and waste seals, any joints and former edges (if one is being used). ● Ensuring that the surface of the former and the slope of the waste are well coated with a suitable waterproofing membrane. ● Being patient with waterproofing drying times. After two to three hours when the first coat of 1mm deep waterproofing is touch dry and can be walked on, apply a second coat across the first, ending with an overall coating of around 2mm. This second coat needs to dry completely for at least six hours. ● It is worth ensuring that if the installer is finishing the wetroom with safety flooring, the end result will be uneven if plywood is not used on the rest of the room up to the side of the former.

COMPETITION To see how easy wetroom installation can be, AKW is offering one lucky installer the chance to win the key components that go into creating an accessible wetroom.

● Use the correct size mat for the

wetroom’s floor area and avoid positioning it under bathroom furniture or the shower screen. ● Remember that the open copper ends of the 3m long cold tail cable is the only section of the heater cable that can be trimmed down to create a shorter length cold tail. The floor heat sensor cable can be trimmed if needed, but only from the open sensor end. ● Check the mat with a multimeter before fitting and don’t use it if the values differ from those stated on the quality certificate.

Wetroom installation is avoided by some installers as it is seen as potentially complicated. However, there is no reason why the installation cannot go smoothly if the above tips are followed.

These include: AKW’s new easy to install Tuff Form8 wetroom former, an AKW waste unit, an AKW Level Best Deflector Screen (this includes 6mm thick toughened glass tested to EN 12150), AKW’s new Onyx shower seat in black or white and an AKW Arka Thermostatic Mixer Shower Kit! In total, the package is worth over £500 and to be in with a chance of being the lucky winner, simply GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ027

Deadline for entries is 31/12/19. Terms and conditions apply.

AKW has prepared an installer guide that for wetrooms that is free to download, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ028

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 51

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

PUMPED UP

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inding inspiration from Victorian engineers, who used physics rather than complex electronics, Norfolk-based hydraulics expert and engineer Alan Wright began work on the Shower Power Booster in 2012. Today the retrofit pump is only 150mm in height, and will transform a low pressure shower or tap, making it a potential solution to tricky pressure problems that cannot always be rectified with a larger pump.

Size aside, what Alan believes sets the Shower Power Booster apart from other pumps is the wide range of applications. The unit is an appropriate addition for gravity systems, mixed systems and electric showers.

However, due to its impressively small size the pump is said to be unable to cavitate, and is compatible with combi boilers. It is temperature and pressure-rated, making it safe for use with wood-burners and solar thermal systems.

Abbie Smith sits down with Alan Wright to find out all about the Shower Power Booster, a compact pump solution designed to make pressure problems a thing of the past.

The product is available as an automatic be natural to question whether the pump or manual pump, and is also offered in would be able to boost the power of the bundles to boost, or double boost both hot shower or tap to the same level as a much and cold water. Each pump is 100% larger installation, but according to Alan, not waterproof, so can be fitted in the bathroom only do Shower Power Boosters have an if needed, and uses a 12V DC power supply, overall cost less than most traditional pumps, to ensure that the product is safe and does they use just 5% of the energy to create up to not require an electrician for fitting.

1.1 bar of boost.

The compact nature of the pump allows it Alan explains: “With its flexibility and range to be fitted unsupported to existing pipework of applications, the booster has become at any angle or orientation, making it an somewhat of a staple for some plumbers effective solution for working with tricky, niche problems. A great households that simply example of this is small hotels and B&Bs. don’t have the space for Installing a much larger pump comes a larger water pump. with several problems for the hotel For lucky reader s, Of course, it would owner, such as the risk of we’ve got three Shower overloading old, fragile pipes, the Power Booster SP22S disruption to trade, and the fact that kits to give away a boost may be required in several ! Head to page 78 to fin rooms. The Shower Power Booster d out how to enter. solves the problems that bigger pumps just can’t.”

Despite the easy installation, many homeowners and businesses are opting to have their Shower Power Booster fitted by a professional installer. Perhaps this is unsurprising, with a recent study finding that 17% of Brits who attempted some form of DIY last year injured themselves in the process! To boost business for installers fitting the unit, Alan

WIN!

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 53

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS has set up a ‘Find a Plumber’ page. To become a recommended plumber and advertise on the Shower Power Booster site, visit the website www.showerpowerbooster.co.uk/find-a-plum ber/

INSTALLATIo N GUIDE

햲 Choose a Location

The Shower Power Booster pump can be fitted to a water feed pipe in any location where there’s suitable access. Due to the compact nature of the pump, it can be fitted unsupported to existing pipework at any angle or orientation.

The pump’s 12V DC power supply can be plugged into any convenient socket up to 15m from the pump (using low voltage extension cables).

햳 Insert the Pump Simply cut and remove 115mm of pipe. Insert the Shower Power Booster pump and tighten the compression joints.

햴 Plug in the Power Supply The pump’s power supply can be plugged into any convenient socket (up to 15m away) without requiring an electrician.

As the Shower Power Booster pump draws only 15 watts of power, it can also be connected to a standard lighting circuit. It

uses low voltage DC, so it can also be positioned in bathrooms where 240V is prohibited.

For more information on the Shower Power Booster, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ029

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

INSTALLATION GUIDE: SANIFOS 500 PHPI tracks the installation of a Sanifos 500 from Saniflo.

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he renovation of an old French mill house from the 1930s required an extensive overhaul of the drainage to the property to ensure compliance with local building regulations. To keep excavation work to a minimum, the contractor, SBTP of Val-de-Marne, installed a Sanifos 500 underground lifting station in the basement for the discharge of black water waste from the whole property.

The unit is equipped with dual motors and has two separate load balanced pumps with high performance macerating systems that operate alternately for even wear and provide fail-safe running. It also has a remote control and an alarm box for ease of operation and monitoring.

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Step-by-step 1 I The unit is delivered to site with all the elements required for connection to the drainage pipes.

2 I The installers dig a hole ready to locate the lifting station. This is near to the black and grey drainage pipes and the rainwater collection point.

3 I A good layer of levelled sand ensures a flush installation of the lifting station and prevents any effluent from stagnating at the bottom.

4 I At this stage in the installation, the pit remains open with three yellow trigger floats for the alarm and the pumps.

5 I The red cable that protects the power supply is unwound and the electric wires are inserted inside the Sanifos.

6 I With a Smart interactive control box located near the Sanifos 500, the lifting station can be fully controlled at all times with a stop button and safety switch.

7 I More sand and pea shingle mixture is used to fill the space around the pipework.

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

8 I Water pipes are connected at a 45 degree angle. The black pipe with the blue line connects to the sewer.

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9 I The Sanifos 500 is connected to the electrical network and is filled with water to check that the pumps work properly.

10 I The 50mm external diameter discharge pipe that connects to the sewer is attached to the Sanifos 500.

11 I In front of the house, the rainwater is collected and brought to the level of the lifting station. The communal pipe network was not affected.

12 I A final check to ensure all equipment is encased correctly within the unit is made.

13 I The station is closed. The blue casing facilitates ventilation to avoid incorrect operation of the pump.

14 I The station is switched on and the water

is successfully pumped into the main sewer which is located outside the property.

will discharge into the Sanifos 500 and pump out to the main sewer.

The whole installation process took less than two days and the plumbers were able to move on to renovating the bathrooms which

For further installation advice on the Sanifos 500, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ030

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

Beat t he clock For sole traders, time is a precious commodity and there is nothing more frustrating than overly complex products that make a job run behind schedule. Here, Peter Pegden, Product and Procurement Director at Croydex, provides his top tips for making sure projects run to time and customers are kept happy.

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or self-employed plumbers, time is money. The more jobs they can complete, the more they can earn, meaning any scheduling setbacks can really affect earnings. What’s more, customers often don’t decide which bathroom accessories they want until the later stages of a project, which can elicit new challenges, such as risk of damage to tiling and other decorative finishes.

By using products designed to speed up installation, installers can move onto the next job quicker – and boost their bottom line.

Speedy showers Bath and shower installations are bread and butter work for most plumbers, so being able to shave a few minutes off each job with

clever finishing touches will really add up over time. The key is to find time-saving tricks that do not compromise the quality of the finish, to safeguard customer satisfaction.

Choosing adaptable accessories, such as shower screens and bath panels, is another way to save time and avoid the headache of having incorrectly sized products. Foldable bath panels are useful for sole traders or those with limited space in the van, as they can be folded for transportation and unfolded to fit, making them much easier for one person to carry and fit alone. Many also come with height adjustable base panels, making it easy to tweak the dimensions for a neat and tidy look. The same goes for shower screens; some products are adjustable to allow for walls that are out of true.

“Foldable bath panels are useful for sole traders or those with limited space in the van, as they can be folded for transportation and unfolded to fit, making them much easier for one person to carry and fit alone.”

Tricky toilets Flimsy products that quickly become loose during use are a persistent problem for installers. Customers who’ve recently finished their new bathroom don’t want to see poor quality fixtures and fittings spoiling their brand-new look, and installers don’t want to use their time on unnecessary call backs.

Out of all the bathroom accessories that need to be properly installed and firmly fixed, toilet seats are probably top of the list.

Unfortunately, this type of product is notorious for coming loose in a short space of time, and this can unfairly reflect on the work of the installer. Most people will have experienced a wobbly loo seat at some stage, and whilst an inconvenience for most, for households with less able or older members, it can be a real safety hazard. With this in

58 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

mind, it’s well worth looking for seats which are designed for sticking power and durability.

A good place to start is the fixing mechanism. Innovative new Flexi-Fix toilet seats are now available, which feature grip pad technology and patented ‘V’ plate hinges, providing maximum adjustment for the fixing holes of any standard toilet pan, to make sure the seat stays fitted. These seats also come with fittings for installation from above or below the pan, ensuring they always fit and never slip.

Flexible fixtures Customers often change their mind about where they want to put various bathroom accessories. But with quick installation and flexible fitting, installers don’t have to spend too much time if a re-think is needed.

With this in mind, Hang-n-Lock technology is an easy route to flexibility, simplifying the installation process for cabinets and mirrors. A fully adjustable hanging bracket enables the level to be changed after fixing holes have been drilled, whilst an in-built spirit level ensures the product is aligned before it is securely locked in place. What’s more, these features also allow for single person installation – ideal for sole traders.

Retrofit projects can be sped-up if installers use no-drill fixing methods. Flexi-Fix brackets with ‘X plates’ ensure that most existing fittings can be replaced easily using existing fixing holes, regardless of any differences in spacing or alignment. Accessories can be secured to walls with no mess, no fuss and no damage to existing décor. X plates also make it easy to swap accessories when customers fancy a change of style. The finishing touches are what make a bathroom, and by choosing the right products, installers can get the job done quicker whilst keeping the customer happy.

To find out more about the flexible products on offer from Croydex, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ031

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

SPACE INVADERS Whether you are facing a new build home with small rooms, or an older property with awkward and tricky angles, fitting a new shower in a tight space can be a challenge. PHPI speaks to Chris Tranter, Senior Product Manager at Bristan, to discuss space saving solutions.

Understand the size of the space Although this step may seem obvious, it’s certainly easy to overlook. A great starting point for any plumber or installer starting a job is to take a step back, and really understand the size of the space they’re working with. For example, if a small bathroom is being renovated, installing a large, space consuming shower bar at the beginning of the job will make it difficult to manoeuvre around – being aware of these complications can help prevent them. In many cases, specific products that can help save space during the projects, such as the Wallmount 12 bar shower fixing kit can prove very helpful in navigating these small spaces.

The design of this fixing means the bar doesn’t have to be fitted until a later stage of the installation, so there won’t be any bars or showers getting in the way, also reducing the risk of damaging the bar shower. Wallmount 12 sits in front of the tiling on the pipework, which is great for renovation projects, while if you’re installing where new tiling is required, Wallmount 11 can sit behind the tiles to give a guaranteed 150mm to help on installations.

box. They range from 110 to 155mm, so no extra parts are required. This also limits any tiling or changes to existing pipework. They are small and neat in design, so they can be used in smaller showering areas.

If your product has very slim wall cavities, Bristan’s recessed ‘dual control’ showers use a unique valve platform to aid installation, while most recessed showers are also fully serviceable from the front.

Make the most of already-existing pipework

Don’t forget the customer

If you are renovating a small bathroom, rather than a new build, the existing shower and pipework can pose a problem. When you are taking stock of the job at hand to understand the size of the space, it can prove helpful to be open-minded about how to make the most of already-existing pipework, which may save you time and unnecessary legwork during renovation.

Bristan Mini Valves are a useful solution, especially in older properties. The valves can be easily installed on already-existing pipework and are able to replace any exposed mixer shower, no matter the brand, age or dimensions of the inlet centres, due to the flexibility of the elbows straight out of the

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The final tip is to remain customer focused. Of course, it is easy to concentrate on the logistical challenges of installing a shower in a small or tricky space, but at the end of the day, it is still important to please the customer.

For example, there are currently five Wallmount 12 bar showers; nine Mini Valves; and 19 Concealed Valves, which should be enough to suit a variety of client needs. Every customer will have different requests, from aesthetic desires to accessibility requirements, so it’s best to keep them in mind every step of the way.

For further information about Bristan’s products, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ032

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PJ033

FIBO Hidden Corners Fibo has launched a new ‘hidden’ corner profile for use with its kitchen and bathroom wall panel system, designed to offer a complete tile effect.

While the original plastic or aluminium corner profiles overlap the wall panels, the new option can be installed behind them. Once sealant is applied, the internal profile is said to be completely hidden from view, so the join looks the same as if the wall was traditionally tiled and grouted, as well as being totally waterproof. The new profile can be used with all of Fibo’s wall panels. www.rdr.link/PJ034

TRITON AS2000SR Designed for low-pressure systems, and ideally suited to the replacement market, the new AS2000SR from Triton, has been launched, to provide a quiet power shower. The shower has been awarded the Quiet Mark approval, and is fully thermostatic with a maximum temperature stop to avoid any accidental exposure to uncomfortably hot water, making it ideal for families.

The new model also features multiple cable and water entry points, and includes the Triton Swivel Fit water inlet, enabling installation to either top, rear or bottom entry pipes. Further added benefits include an anti-twist hose and a large three-mode, rub-clean shower head, helping to make cleaning a simple task. www.rdr.link/PJ035

MERLYN Merlyn IQ In an attempt to remove the difficult and time consuming elements from installation, Merlyn has launched the Merlyn IQ, with a slot and lock system, meaning screws are not needed. Similarly, there is no drilling required on the profiles or side panels to make adjustments. Instead, installers can simply hand tighten the profile in place using the pre-installed locking system.

The rollers come completely pre-assembled and simply click on to the fixing, and the easy-fit system allows installers to assemble the door directly on the tray making it a one person install. www.rdr.link/PJ036

GROHE Grohe Sense App With the newly launched Sense app, Grohe believes it is taking water security and water management to a new level.

The app lets users monitor and control the system from anywhere, and at any time, reportedly providing the maximum level of security. In case of an emergency, such as a detected leak or burst pipe in the home, a notification is sent to the user’s smartphone.

When Sense Guard is installed on the mains water pipe of the home, the water supply can be automatically turned off with just one tap of a button using the app. www.rdr.link/PJ037

AKW Tuff Form8 AKW has launched Tuff Form8, an easy installation wet room former. It is said to combine all the benefits of the company’s existing Tuff Form former with a new octagonal fitting plate, allowing for up to 15 different waste positions and ensuring easy installation every time.

Available in nine sizes, the product is made from high strength Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC), and has a weight capacity of 381kg. The former can be tiled or covered with safety flooring and used to create complete level access solutions on both timber and concrete floors. www.rdr.link/PJ038

CARBON MONOXIDE

ON ALERT Taking a few minutes to assess whether the customer has the right carbon monoxide (CO) alarms fitted in the correct locations around the home can provide additional income for your business – not to mention ensuring customers are protected. Adrian Keats from Honeywell’s Home Safety business explains more.

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Functions and connectivity

f you’re honest, how often do you kick yourself when you realise there was an opportunity to upsell an additional product to the customer, but you’ve already left the property? It may be more times than you think.

Home safety is an area that can reap big rewards, with a new generation of wireless carbon monoxide alarms available that provide ultimate peace of mind. So, what do you need to know to take full advantage of this market?

In contrast to the colour change spot detectors of the past, the latest CO alarms use long life sealed battery units that give a loud audible signal when CO is detected and provide maintenance-free protection for up to 10 years. These devices have easy-to-understand LED indicators and a range of functions, such as alarm memory and event logger and end-of-life signal.

Ideally, home safety systems should all be connected, so that when one goes off all of the other alarms on the network follow suit.

Products such as Honeywell’s X-Series range of sealed CO, smoke and heat alarms can all be connected wirelessly using a plug-in module to form a full alarm system. What’s more, the X-Series Alarm Scan App enables information on the status of alarms to be checked on a smart phone or tablet.

So, before you rush off to your next job, make a mental note to ask the customer about home safety!

Safety first Although the UK is becoming more aware of the importance of home safety, there is still much more to do, particularly in terms of the carbon monoxide threat. As a colourless and odourless gas that can kill quickly, CO can be a major worry for homeowners and the Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends the use of audible CO alarms which are officially approved to EN 50291 as an important precaution.

It is estimated that every day, four people in the UK are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning – yet 58% of the population admit they would not know how to spot a leak. With many homeowners oblivious to the dangers, it can often fall to professionals entering their homes to offer potentially life-saving advice.

Alarm positioning A CO alarm should be placed in any room containing a fuel burning appliance, such as gas boilers, cookers, coal fires and wood burners. Devices should also ideally be located in any bedrooms situated above these areas.

A quick survey of the building will decide how many alarms are needed. Ideally, alarms should be positioned high up in the room within 12 inches of the ceiling, but it doesn’t have to be fixed on a wall. Many modern

alarms do not require wiring and for even quicker installation the alarm can be placed free standing on a high shelf or bookcase, for example.

It may seem obvious, but it’s important not to put the alarm behind furniture or by external doors and ventilation equipment, as this will prevent it from working effectively. Under normal circumstances you should not install an alarm in areas of high condensation such as bathrooms, however Honeywell’s X series units have been specially designed with increased condensation protection, which enables their use in these areas if required.

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For more information, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ039

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 Sandown Park, Surrey: Thur 7th & Fri 8th November 2019 Alexandra Palace, London: Wed 29th & Thur 30th January 2020 Featuring:

Register for free at www.toolfair.info

VEHICLES

ROUTE CANAL

PHPI goes on the road with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as we drive over the canals of Amsterdam and through the streets of London in two of the manufacturer’s most popular models.

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f you’ve ever been to the Dutch capital, you’ll know that walking around the busy streets can be an ordeal in itself. Bikes very much hold sway in Amsterdam, while the city’s network of canals ensures a tricky navigational exercise for anyone looking to find their way around the city.

Fortunately, this is nothing that the latest incarnation of Volkswagen’s Transporter panel van can’t handle. In the new T6.1 model we worked our way from the Heineken factory (we promise there was no stopping in), to the De Gooyer Windmill, all the way to the local beach – not exactly what Amsterdam is known for, but we weren’t complaining.

The panel van, which has come a long way since the first edition was introduced way back in 1950, handled all of this with ease. For the city centre in particular, its noticeably light steering made the job of avoiding hordes of cyclists fairly straightforward, while the six speed 150 PS version we tested was a breeze on a brief motorway excursion – even with half a tonne of weight in the back. We must admit, the five-speed manual 110 PS was a little noisy in lower gears, but this was only in comparison to the peace and quiet of the six-speed.

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As far as updates to previous editions go, the exterior certainly shows off a new, sportier look. The redesigned front bumper and radiator grille provide a ‘refreshed’ aesthetic, as well as offering a larger support frame to reduce vibrations. Inside the cab, there’s a dashboard with three different infotainment systems available: Composition (as standard), Discover Media with sat nav and Discover Pro, which has a 9.2-inch touchscreen to ensure you really can see where you’re going. The usual array of cup holders are there for your morning brew, while there’s the option of a fold-down table for the middle seat to finish off paperwork on.

Perhaps the biggest update is the raft of new assistance systems VW has introduced.

Safety is an ever-increasing concern for road users, and your insurance company should be pleased to hear the number of features now available for purchasers. The new standard electro-mechanical steering system allows for lane assist, driver steering recommendation and front assist with city emergency braking as standard, while optional extras include park assist for semi-autonomous parking; cross wind assist; rear traffic alert; a reversing camera; trailer assist and a side protection system.

VEHICLES

The 2.0 turbo diesel engine is available in a range of drive systems, starting at 90 PS up to a 199 PS 7-speed DSG 4MOTION option.

Though we doubt many plumbers will need to venture to such a high-spec, the option is at least there. As we found out, city driving is no issue for the T6.1, while it also complies with Euro 6 emission standards for those looking to avoid additional charges. Four-wheel drive options are available, but the van comes in front-wheel drive as standard.

If you were wondering what lengths of copper you can fit in, the standard wheelbase measures in at 3m, with a variable compartment length of 2.45 to 2.8m, thanks to a new under-seat loading function. If you’re in regular need of more space, the longer 3.4m wheelbase option may be one to think about, which allows up to 3.3m worth of storage capacity.

At the launch event, VW described the T6.1 as “like an update for your smart phone”, but for those who don’t already own a T6, it’ll likely prove to be much more than that.

Perhaps this is no better demonstrated by the USB C connection ports found within the cab.

While this was no good for us, with a phone that is now long past its retirement date, VW assures us that this is where technology is headed, with all major manufacturers (other than Apple, as usual) introducing the charging technology into their new models. There is of course the usual cigarette lighter charging option, so don’t fret, but the new safety-conscious and connected Transporter is clearly looking to cater for the future. And, with prices starting at £21,635 (excl. VAT), it may well be time to upgrade.

For those who don’t necessarily need the space of a panel van, VW’s smaller option comes in the form of the Caddy. While we didn’t have to quite traverse through a sea of bikes, there’s always the small matter of London’s increasingly congested roads to navigate.

Again, the Caddy survived with no issues.

To be totally honest, other than a lack of seats in the back, it was no different from driving a car – a plus in our eyes. Much like the Transporter, the steering is light, making it easy to manoeuvre into tight spots or tricky customer driveways, while it pulls away nicely on the motorway. And once again, it features a 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel Euro 6 engine.

Our payload stood at 645kg, though higher options are available up to 736kg for the Maxi version, while the standard version’s load length comes in at just over 1.2m with a 3.2m2 overall load area volume. As a vehicle option that’ll likely be more popular with servicing engineers, this should allow plenty of space for tools, equipment and spares.

A near-side sliding door and rear doors make for easy access and there’s even an option to include an additional off-side sliding door, if you’re the messy type.

Three trims are available – Startline, Trendline and Highline – with the latter offering everything from a 6.33-inch touchscreen display, to cruise control with speed limiter, to climatic air conditioning. While our ‘Sandstorm Yellow’ test vehicle perhaps isn’t the colour we’d opt for, there are nine other colour options to choose from, including the classic ‘Candy White’. Prices for the standard Caddy start at £19,370 (excl. VAT).

For more information

For more information

GO TO

A lighter option

GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ041

www.rdr.link/PJ040

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 65

RACK VEHICLES

EM’UP

Ben Rotheray, Head of Marketing and Development at Bott Smartvan, explains why an organised van equals an organised business.

I

t goes without saying that installers take pride in their work as a professional. You know your cowls from your crows feet, your apron from your arrow head and your baffle from your back wash.

Keeping an organised van, however, may not be something you’re so consistent with. This is despite the fact that keeping your mobile office neat and tidy can improve your efficiency on site, as well as show professionalism to potential customers.

Everyone’s been there – wasting valuable time To use Bott’s hunting for that tube time saving of mastic or solder calculator tool, go lead reel you know to www.rdr.link/ you bought, only to give up and make a PJ042 trip to the trade counter in the middle of a job.

For this reason, we’re confident that Bott Smartvan will pay for itself. And, to make an informed decision about investing in a professional van racking solution, we’ve designed a new calculator tool to see just how much you could save. Users simply input information such as how long they think they spend searching for lost items – the results can be quite eye opening for some!

created our pre-designed van racking packages, specific for plumbers and installers. This is designed to take the guesswork out of what will be the most suitable set up for your business.

Once users have selected which model of van they use, there are both standard and premium solutions on offer with differing price points. Key components include universal power tool holders, removable boxes for stock of small parts and trough shelving with dividers to create the size of space you need.

Meanwhile, the premium offerings include in shelf mats and non-slip flooring, to protect products from sliding around in transit.

Full systems start from as little as £890 (including VAT) and standard delivery times are between three to five working days with full fitting instructions included.

Using our experience of van racking and the kit, parts and tools you need to carry, we have

Wayne Wiseman, from The Boiler Blokes, invested in Smartvan Racking in early 2019. He says: “From me placing my order to final delivery everything was seamless.... Bott Smartvan have a great team, something to be proud of!

“I have deliberately waited six months before writing this to see if the racking was actually any good before commenting on it. I’m glad to say, it is just as good as their customer service…

It is built with quality and longevity in mind, something often overlooked.”

customised for your van and your job

4 I Check out online and earn up to 20% off Our website also includes testimonials from installers, as well as a library of videos and fitting instructions.

1 I Go to www.bottsmartvan.co.uk and click on ‘Design your racking’

2 I Select your van make and model from the No more guesswork

The installer’s view

options 3 I Click on ‘Plumber’ and select your Premium or Standard van racking solution,

66 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

To find out more about how Bott Smartvan can support your business, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ043 . Fitting insallation guides are also available, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ044 .

TOOLFAIR & ELEX 2019 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY – NOVEMBER 7TH AND 8TH

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS AN INDUSTRY FAVOURITE, THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL TOOLFAIR AND ELEX TRADESHOWS TAKE PLACE AT SANDOWN PARK IN SURREY ON NOVEMBER 7TH AND 8TH. 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.

PLUMBEXPO RETURNS! PLUMBEXPO will be back with a bang in 2020! The popular plumbing and heating show, which runs alongside Toolfair, Elex and Pro Builder Live, will be taking place at the following: ●

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.

FEATURED EXHIBITORS ●

Energenie

●

Makita

●

Electrorad

●

HiKOKI

●

Plumbpal

●

Knipex

●

Netatmo

●

Snickers

●

Brian Hyde

●

Carl

●

Bosch

Kammerling

●

Nest Stanley

3 FREE BACON ROLLS

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

Workwear

International

●

●

Wera Tools

●

Bott Smartvan

●

Milwaukee

●

Super Rod

●

DeWALT

AND MANY MORE!

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

Alexandra Palace, London – 29th and 30th January Event City, Manchester – 12th and 13th March

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

VEHICLES

THE PRICE IS RIGHT Dan Powell of Honest John Vans explains how to get the best deal when selling your van.

Meeting potential buyers Always ask a potential buyer for their name and contact number. Never agree to meet anywhere other than your home or business address (which should also match the address on the vehicle’s logbook).

Let the buyer look over the van for as long as they want, but keep possession of the keys and never leave them alone with the van.

Always take a note of the buyer’s vehicle details, including the registration number. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member present for support, even if they don’t know anything about vans.

The test drive As the vehicle owner, it’s your legal responsibility to check that the potential buyer is insured to drive your van. Before the test drive, ask to see the buyer's driving licence and insurance certificate. Sometimes your own policy will allow another driver to use your vehicle with your permission, but always check before letting anyone loose in your van.

Prepare a short test drive route that gives the buyer a good idea of the van's handling characteristics at urban and (if possible) dual carriageway speeds. Perform the driver swap at a public place (that preferably has CCTV) like a fuel forecourt or supermarket car park.

Always keep hold of the keys until you are in the passenger seat with the belt on.

“Used van buyers will usually attempt some form of negotiation on the price. Don’t be offended if someone tries to haggle.”

Haggling Used van buyers will usually attempt some form of negotiation on the price. Don’t be offended if someone tries to haggle, but never lose sight of the fact that you are under no obligation to sell for anything below your asking price. When you do come to an agreement, write the agreed price on the receipt and insist that you both sign it. It’s

68 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

normal to take a non-refundable deposit of around £100 at this point, if the buyer is not paying in full there and then.

Dealing with road tax (VED) Remember, you can’t sell a van with road tax.

This means you have to cancel it. You can do this online or over the phone by calling the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. The DVLA will send a refund cheque for any full months left on the van’s tax or cancel the Direct Debit if you pay monthly. The new owner will then need to tax the vehicle in their own name online, over the phone or at a Post Office branch that deals with road tax.

For more van selling tips and advice, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ045

VEHICLES

HOOKLOCK

ON GUARD When it comes to vehicle security, Van Guard is ‘locking’ good. PHPI talks to the company about its latest launch.

DEADLOCK

H

aving supplied a wide range of solutions for the commercial vehicle sector from its Exeter production facility for more than 40 years, Van Guard is already a proud British manufacturer. Senior Marketing Executive, John Land explains: “Today, we are probably best known amongst the trades for the likes of internal racking, roof bars, roof and pipe racks, and we have forged a reputation as a market leader.

“The Van Guard name, however, was actually adopted in the early ‘90s when we began developing a range of rear window grilles for a local company who were experiencing high levels of break ins. It was more common back then for LCVs to be supplied with glazed areas in the rear doors, which had become a target for thieves, and that would lead us towards other associated security solutions, like aftermarket bulkheads and secure tool stores.”

Since then, of course, the van industry has evolved to make those window grilles and bulkheads a less common feature, but the

REPLOCK

SLAMHANDLE

SLAMLOCK demand for security solutions has never been greater. Crime of every class is on the increase, and vehicle manufacturers are struggling to keep pace with a generation of thieves who are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the tools available to their nefarious trade. You might think that with considerable budgets behind them the major automotive manufacturers would be several steps ahead, but with vans only renewed on at best a three year cycle they are, in fact, playing catch-up in the deployment of the latest security features.

Of course, every LCV is different, which is why Van Guard is supplying a range that is specifically designed for each of the door designs of the most popular vehicles. If you think of the analogy of a front door, where some might lock behind you whilst others will require the turning of a key, then the range falls into those two broad categories. The Deadlock is of the latter variety, and favoured by drivers who require manual control of locking and unlocking.

Slamlocks, however, will immediately lock

behind you without turning the key – an advantage if you happen to have a handful of tools or a length of 8 by 4 about your person at the time. Not only that, but the Slamlock can also allow for the unlocking of an individual door rather than the whole van, which means your load bay will remain secured whilst you’re in the cab, or vice versa.

Variations on these themes include the Hooklock, with a different mechanism for even greater levels of security.

“Sadly, there are some vans that have proven to be easier to break in than others,” continues John, “and that’s why we’re offering specific and direct replacements for the existing locks on some models.” The Van Guard Replocks have been developed for Ford, for example, and they also have the advantage of being easy to fit, with no drilling required. Also specific to Ford, the manufacturer’s Loom Guards stop thieves from cutting into the vehicle’s wiring loom, which can disable the central locking or even unlock the doors straight away.

“Essentially, what we provide is an additional level of defence to what would already be there. Our Slamhandles, for instance, are a more secure replacement handle to the plastic OEM versions. Our Door Shields and Handle Shields fulfil the same function, whilst also protecting the van door itself from damage from an intruder.”

For further information on the range of Van Guard Aftermarket Locks, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ046

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2019 69

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

RAIN

WORKIN’ IN THE With winter fast approaching, plumbers and installers should be ensuring that their workwear is suitable for the less than ideal weather conditions. Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, talks waterproof workwear.

I

t’s said that rain can affect your mood – it can definitely affect the way you work on site. It can also have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing and, if you haven’t got particularly effective rainwear, your mid- and base-layer clothes will get damp and uncomfortable.

Apart from your clothes getting heavy, you can also get a rash from irritation through friction and moving around becomes much more tiring.

Your body can also lose heat – probably faster than you can generate it to dry your clothes out. That’s fine if you’ve been drenched by a sun shower when it’s warm, but if it’s cooler or even cold on site, your body temperature is going to drop.

Similarly, if you’re wearing damp or wet clothes for too long, bacteria and fungus from the air can multiply in the wet clothes environment and then run rampant on your skin, causing rashes and irritation.

intensely you're working and how many hours you spend outside. Here’s what to think about when dressing for wet weather work – not only jackets but trousers too: ● For 100% waterproof garments for a full day’s high-intensity work, choose a breathable waterproof garment with taped seams for maximum protection and breathability. ● For 100% waterproofness in low-intensity work in pouring rain, choose a PU garment with welded seams.

● For low-intensity work or work in lower temperatures, you might need to add an extra layer to build warmth.

‘Waterproof’ or ‘water-repellent’? ● For a basic protection against water, choose a garment that is water-repellent.

The garment will keep you dry if it’s drizzling but still offers breathability.

Stay dry in the rain

Don’t forget that what you wear underneath your outer layer really matters.

Staying dry and comfortable on site is all about choosing the right type of rainwear for the job. Your choice depends on a variety of factors, from the type of rainfall to how

● For high- intensity work, make sure your base- and mid-layer clothes can transport moisture.

70 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

When it comes to ‘water protected’ workwear it’s important to know what’s behind each of the terms. They are different.

A waterproof garment is the most effective protection in rainy weather. This kind of waterproof fabric consists of an outer layer called the “face fabric”, usually made of polyester with a laminated membrane or a coating that prevents water penetration.

It’s achieved by sealing the internal fabrics completely from external conditions. All

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

seams and cut lines are taped or sealed to stop the water coming through the stitched areas of the fabric.

Water-repellent garments only offer basic protection against the effects of water, but at the same time provide great breathability to ventilate your body when you’re active.

Water-repellent protection is achieved by using a hydrophobic fabric, which means that the water is repelled on contact. The fabric is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that causes the water to form drops on the surface of the fabric that run off or can be brushed off easily.

Choosing the right waterproof workwear To choose the right kind of waterproof workwear, check the details of the weather forecast. Is there a risk of heavy rain, showers or drizzle? And then think about your working day. Will it be low-intensity or more active?

Finally, how long will you be exposed to the wet weather – minutes or hours?

Naturally, longer shifts will put more demands on your working clothes and the waterproof technology used in the garments, which is

why you need to consider whether you should be wearing waterproof or water-repellent clothing.

For longer exposure or, if you need 100% protection on site in the rain, look for our GORE-TEX jackets. These highly technical garments are extremely durable, with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm. They’re waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

For quick and reliable protection when it’s raining or if your work is less active, choose

our PU garments which have EN 343 certification for Protection against Foul Weather. This accreditation validates the garment’s performance in the rain through independent testing.

Also, don’t forget about ventilation – your clothes’ breathability is as crucial for your comfort as the outer-layer protection against water. Clothes with good breathability transport sweat away from the skin.

Make it a habit of checking the breathability features of the garments you buy. Breathability can be achieved in two ways; either the breathability of the fabric itself, such as our 37.5 sports fabric, or built-in ventilation functionality such as zippers or meshed fabric areas at the sides and back of the garments.

Whatever the rain may do to dampen your spirits, as far as your work clothes are concerned, by choosing the right workwear, you can work effectively and comfortably all day long.

To find out more from Snickers GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ047

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

WANDASH GO PHPI gets to grips with the Engel Workwear brand, as well as some advice from the company on how best to maintain its garments.

F

ounded in 1927 by Carl J. Engel Senior and now fourth generation family-owned, Engel Workwear has 850 employees based at its Headquarters in Norgesvej, Denmark and two factories in Lithuania. Beginning life importing denim from the US as a hard wearing fabric, the company’s aims have always been the same – to provide superior quality, value for money workwear designed for a flexible fit and to give long lasting, reliable service.

New colours and designs have been introduced over the years and the company explains how materials are continuously created and tested, with an emphasis on innovation, comfort, durability and environmental awareness.

Now firmly established in the UK, the company has seven collections, all bespoke for a wide range of tradespeople. Particularly suitable for the plumbing and heating trade are the new 4-Way Stretch X-Treme slim-fit trousers, suggests Engel, which have patches of highly stretchable and ventilated material at the backs of the knees and seat areas to help keep cool and provide maximum flexibility whilst bending or kneeling.

It’ll all come out in the wash One of the primary purposes of workwear is to help protect the wearer from injury and reduce the risk of accidents on site. But just wearing it is only half the battle; it’s just as important to ensure workwear is properly maintained and washed so it performs to maximum efficiency at all times.

Cleanliness is vital, as failing to wash all work garments properly can lead to the risk of infection for both the wearer and colleagues; dirt, oil, grease and other substances, if ignored, can also lead to deterioration and a subsequent reduction in protective efficiency.

In worst case, it can actually cause accidents

Out of this world Forming part of Engel’s Galaxy collection is a smart and comfortable t-shirt which has soft ribbing around the neck and is made from a high quality fabric mix of 60% cotton and 40% polyester/single jersey.

WIN!

Available in a wide range of sizes, the T- shirts are offered in a variety of two-colour designs, which match the other garments in the ‘Galaxy’ collection to provide a professional corporate image. The shoulders feature reflective print for enhanced visibility.

We’ll be giving away some of these in our December issue, so keep an eye out next month!

72 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

through stitching or fastenings becoming loose from gradual weakening.

But simply throwing dirty garments into a domestic washing machine at home is not enough. The average temperature used at home is 48°C but bacteria can only be thoroughly destroyed when garments are boiled or washed at over 73°C. What’s more, PPE that is washed at home might actually be damaged during each washing cycle, causing the slow erosion of protective qualities, such as within high-visual strips or infection-resistant fabric, resulting in non-compliance with health & safety or internal hygiene regulations.

Sales Manager Gareth Bladen says: “We take enormous pride in our reputation for the comfort and long-term safety effectiveness of all our workwear lines and emphasise to our distributors that they should explain to all their customers the importance of correct washing and maintenance procedures. We maintain that if you have the best product its worth giving it the very best care”.

An exception to the rule is with Engel’s ‘Safety’ High Visibility Collection, which the company recommends that for best results it should only reach 60°C.

For more information GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ048

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

IF THE SHOE FITS H

ow many women, out shopping for a new wardrobe for the office, would venture into a men’s shoe shop and settle for a pair of lace up brogues in a size small enough to fit their feet comfortably?

It sounds like a crazy scenario, when we know there are hundreds of fashion brands offering shoes that are designed and styled to suit and fit women’s feet.

This is an everyday experience for most women working in industry jobs (such as building sites or factories) where their feet need to be protected from possible injury.

Rather than footwear designed to meet their size and shape, women are offered small size men’s clothing and footwear that are ill-fitting, uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.

Evidence Dr. Martens has recognised this as a serious issue for many working women. Through a social media campaign with online publication for professional women in industry,

Womanthology, Dr. Martens discovered that the issue of badly fitting PPE continues to be a real issue. Many readers tweeted their experiences of having to make serious adjustments to men’s size coveralls to prevent tripping up and stuffing tissue into the toes of their workboots in an attempt to get them to fit.

New approach Jon Marchant, Global Category Director at Dr. Martens, began developing a women’s line of safety boots in response to the growing numbers of women working in industry who deserve comfortable, high quality and safe footwear. “Manual work isn’t just a ‘man’ thing, it’s an ‘us’ thing and we want to champion women in industry and offer them footwear that fits correctly and keeps them safe at work. I’ve been shocked by the typical ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s fit PPE and the feedback we have from talking to many women is that they don’t want to be treated differently, but with respect for the job

“Manual work isn’t just a ‘man’ thing, it’s an ‘us’ thing and we want to champion women in industry and offer them footwear that fits correctly and keeps them safe at work.”

Footwear brand, Dr. Martens, talks to PHPI about its drive to bring more awareness to the lack of women’s PPE in the industry.

they are doing and with their safety and comfort in mind.”

Martens makeover So, in 2018, Dr. Martens launched its own industrial Women’s Collection, giving women a choice of protection, style and comfort with no compromise on quality or safety. The strength of Dr. Martens’ fashion business influenced and guided the way the collection was designed.

Jon continues: “First, we started with the right shape. We developed a women’s specific ‘last’ (the foot model that gives the length, width, in-step and overall foot volume) and then re-engineered the shape of our SoftWair sock-liner that provides underfoot airflow and great cushioning at the forefoot and heel. We think the collection is a real game-changer for the industry. Women demand and should expect the same level of comfort and protection as any man in the workplace – if they’re serious about their job, then they will also be serious about their choice of footwear.”

To learn more about the industrial Women’s Collection from Dr. Martens, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ049

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SMOOTH OPERATOR Drew Styles gets to grips with the 86 03 180 Pliers Wrench from Knipex.

S

o I’ve had these Knipex pliers for a few months now having picked them up at a trade show, and they’ve become a firm favourite in the tool bag.

They certainly aren’t the cheapest you’ll ever pick up, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for and these really are quality.

Smooth parallel jaws so you don’t leave marks and scuffs on whatever it is your working on, which makes them ideal for rad valves and chrome.

They’ve also got a nice big face on them so they don’t slide off the fitting and smash your hand against the nearest brick wall (or does that just happen to me?), but they’re also narrow enough to get into the right spaces. They’re made from a tough, lightweight chrome vanadium steel so they can really take a bash and not let you down, or rust up.

I have heard people say they don’t get on with the ratchet locking system, but it’s

DREW’S REVIEWS

not been a problem for me. So if you want to treat yourself to something that’s a bit of real quality and won’t let you down, these really will be a worthwhile buy for your tool bag!

To find out more about the Knipex Pliers Wrench, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ050

SEAL OF APPROVAL Jade Deakins puts the Loctite 55 Thread Sealing Cord through its paces.

H

arpers Heating & Plumbing Ltd, Bishops Stortford, took on Jade Deakins as an apprentice two years’ ago. The first female plumber (trainee or qualified) to be employed by the company, Jade is now near completion of her Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating.

As part of her on the job training, Jade recently undertook installing an outside tap and was asked to put Loctite 55 Thread Sealing Cord through its paces. Putting aside the usual PTFE tape, Jade started by drilling through the wall where the tap was required.

She then connected the new 15mm copper pipework to an existing inside cistern feed and up to the backplate pipe where the two were coupled together.

Taking the work to the outside, Jade was ready to join the tap itself. Using the Loctite 55, she wound the sealing cord up the tap thread several times and back down again,

74 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

going in each direction once only before using the built-in cutter to break off the cord and then screwed the tap into position. “This formed an immediate leak-proof seal,” she explains. “I used much less of the Loctite 55 than I do PTFE tape and it was much easier to apply.

The roll of PTFE tape can often be cumbersome to manoeuvre, hold and apply.”

Designed for sealing metal and plastic pipes and fittings, Loctite 55 is said to need no cure time and results in an immediate, full pressure seal. It is cost-effective, saves time and simply needs to be wrapped around the male threads the recommended number of turns, and assembled.

To find out more about the Loctite 55 Thread Sealing Cord, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ051

PLAYTIME PHPI takes you straight to the heart of the action, as we round up the latest industry videos to keep your eyes busy.

Just type in the rdr.link codes listed to watch!

UNEQUALED HEATING

ARDEX

Got leaks?

Repair work

On a record breaking transfer deadline day, PHPI ensured we fared better than Chelsea’s summer, announcing Tony Dumble as the latest signing to our website. We’ll be bringing you all of the Heating Installer of the Year’s on-site videos, as he shares tips and advice to others in the industry.

Ardex demonstrates how its A46 Repair Mortar can be used to great effect when sealing pipework on external walls. The multi-purpose product is designed to fill cracks, gaps and holes up to 50mm deep, sets in only 30 minutes and can be used for internal and external use.

In this video, Tony explains how he recently investigated and resolved an issue with a leaking shower, which will likely resonate with many of you!

To see Tony’s solution,

In a short two minute video, the company provides its expert advice on how best to apply the mortar around pipework and explains how quickly this can be done.

www.rdr.link/PJ052

To watch the video, www.rdr.link/PJ053

PB PLUMBER

Bending copper pipe To the outsider, pipework is often simply a necessity for ensuring hot water runs through their tap and the radiators in the living room will keep them warm. For plumbers, however, it can be an art form. PHPI’s own #InstallOfFame initiative is designed to celebrate this fact, while the growth in social media is helping to inspire installers across the country to ensure their pipework is of the highest quality.

Such a job isn’t always straightforward, of course. In the first of a series of videos, Peter Booth demonstrates his method of bending copper pipe at a 90 degree angle.

With hacks, tips and common issues included, Peter is hoping to offer some useful tips to others in the industry who may not be so experienced. The second in the series is also available, which takes a look at offset bends. Be sure to keep an eye out on the PHPI website for the rest!

Video one: www.rdr.link/PJ054 Video two: www.rdr.link/PJ055

76 NOVEMBER 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

# CORNER Abbie Smith explores the recent conversation discussing networking at trade shows.

T

rade shows are a great way of staying up to date in your industry, meeting new tradespeople, and learning about new products and services. #TradesTalk participants discuss the benefits of attending and how to make the most out of a day off the tools.

The discussion kicked off by asking “why (or how) do you think networking at trade shows could be a good thing for you?” While “beer with friends” was (inevitably) a popular answer, another common response was the opportunity to meet colleagues from social media and around the industry and put faces to the names. Plumbing can be a lonely industry at times, especially as a sole trader, so getting to know people in similar situations is a great way to get more meaningful daily interactions.

Next up, #TradesTalk asked: “If there is a company you really want to connect with at a show, do you find it easy to go and introduce yourself? If not, what would make it easier?” This question bought in a wide range of answers, from some tradespeople who love meeting the brands that they work with and some who couldn’t think of anything worse. A great tip was offered by @Dripfix:

But what happens after the trade show? “Do you take the time to follow up with new people after the event?”

Participants once again suggested making use of social

media to follow the person you are talking to straight away, while in general it was agreed that it is both worthwhile and polite to get in contact with new people after the show, as you never know what opportunities it could bring.

Of course, taking time off of the tools can be tough, so question four asked: “How do you judge the success of an event? Could better networking skills make events more worthwhile?” With many people claiming that a trade show is always worthwhile if it was a good time, (@lloydwlheating) describes exhibitions as a ‘must’ because of the opportunities and contacts that are created through networking.

The discussion ended by asking the community to share a job or opportunity that was only made possible for them through attending a trade show or event. Although not every response detailed a specific job, a very common answer said that the product knowledge they got from a trade show has certainly helped improve their work and offer better advice.

From the discussions, it is clear that not only are trade shows a great way to stay on top of your ever-growing industry; they are a chance to meet new contacts and create opportunities for yourself and your business. And of course, meeting more members of the #TradesTalk community is always a bonus! Make sure to catch PHPI at Plumbexpo at Alexandra Palace (London) in January and Event City (Manchester) in March!

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

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5

All this month’s giveaways are now on one handy web page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! For more fantastic giveaways and competitions, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ056

HELLBERG SAFETY SAFE 3 VISOR The Safe 3 headset can be used as a stand-alone visor carrier or together with Secure hearing protection for multiple tasks on site. The browguard and visor protects from flying particles, is lightweight, comfortable and is said to be fully adjustable to various head sizes. It is designed to offer the wearer high protection and comfort. According to the company, which is owned by Hultafors Group, the carrier is developed together with the hearing protector, so fits perfectly and holds the visor firmly in place.

3

TO BE IN WITH THE CHANCE OF WINNING, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ057

SHOWER POWER BOOSTER SP22S The Shower Power Booster is a compact pump which can be fitted to any shower, tap or hot water system to boost water pressure and flow. The British designed and manufactured pump uses a safe 12V DC power supply. It can be used on many applications including: gravity hot and cold, mixed gravity and mains, combi boilers, electric showers and radiators, to name a few. According to Alan Wright, inventor of the product, not only do Shower Power Boosters have an overall cost of less than most traditional pumps, they use just 5% of the energy to create up to 1.1 bar of boost. The kit up for grabs includes a pair of pumps, which is said to offer the complete solution for low pressure and low tap flow in any application.

TO BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PJ058

10

IRSAP GROUP GOODIE BAG IRSAP Group, manufacturer of radiators designed to “save energy, lower costs and respect the environment” is giving away a goodie bag to 10 lucky winners! The pack includes a branded IRSAP t-shirt, an airvent key, a branded pen and the most recent brochures for its brands, which detail all the products and prices for the latest extensive, stylish ranges.

TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THE PRIZE, GO TO www.rdr.link/PJ059

…

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

TWITTER OR FACEBOOK? TWITTER

NAME: KEITH HARRISON

SWEET OR SAVOURY? SAVOURY

AGE (YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL US): 31

KETCHUP OR MAYO? COMPANY NAME:

KETCHUP

HARRISONS OF BURWELL LTD. BATH OR SHOWER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED

SHOWER

IN HEATING AND PLUMBING? I’VE BEEN IN THE PLUMBING AND

CITY BREAK OR BEACH HOLIDAY?

HEATING INDUSTRY FOR THE LAST 17

CITY BREAK

YEARS.

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD? EARLY BIRD

IS THERE ONE INVENTION YOU BELIEVE COULD CHANGE THE INDUSTRY FOREVER? NOW THIS MAY SOUND A BIT FAR-FETCHED, BUT IMAGINE IF THERE WAS A GIANT BALL OF FREE ENERGY – LET’S SAY

ORGANISED VAN OR MESSY VAN? ORGANISED VAN

FOR ARGUMENTS SAKE ‘THAT SITS IN THE SKY’ – AND IT

SOLDER, PRESS-FIT OR PUSH-FIT?

BECAME LAW THAT EVERY BUILDING BEING BUILT HAD TO

SOLDER

INCORPORATE A WAY OF HARNESSING THAT ENERGY...

NOW WOULDN’T THAT BE SOMETHING SPECIAL!

QUICKFIRE

PICK ONE . . .

HOLIDAY DESTINATION AMALFI COAST

TEA OR COFFEE? COFFEE

MEAL BANGERS AND MASH

WINTER OR SUMMER? WINTER

MOVIE GOODFELLAS SPECIAL TALENT I CAN DO A MEAN HERBERT FROM FAMILY GUY IMPRESSION – HAVING WITNESSED IT FIRST HAND, PHPI CAN CONFIRM IT’S SPOT ON! CAR ASTON MARTIN DB5 DINNER GUEST KATE BECKINSALE ACCENT IRISH!

NEW PRODUCTS MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PJ060

HELLBERG SAFETY Secure Active Hellberg Safety specialist PPE products include hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions for personal wellbeing on site. The Secure Active headsets enable workers to communicate safely with colleagues, hear signals and other important information while remaining protected from hazardous noise. The built-in, level-dependent microphones are said to provide perfect directional hearing with an electronic protection system that limits all sounds through the speakers to a safe sound level.

The replaceable headband and ear cushions allow for regular replacement for a long lasting and high performing product. For optimal safety, communication radios and other sound sources can be connected via the external audio input.

HIKOKI Cordless Disc Grinder HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the G3623DA Multi Volt 36V Cordless Disc Grinder with Brake System. Equipped with a Multi Volt battery and a brushless motor, the product can deliver the power of a corded tool and more, says the manufacturer. The disc grinder has a thrust of 29N, using a ø230mm depressed centre wheel and has the same mortar cutting speed, too.

The product also features a brake system that shortens the time between turning off the tool and the motor stopping and is dust and water-resistant, offers overload and anti-restart protection, a soft start function and Auto Mode. www.rdr.link/PJ064

www.rdr.link/PJ061

FLIR T860 thermal camera

BOSCH PROFESSIONAL Bosch GSR Drill Driver Bosch Professional has boosted the power of the FlexiClick 12V cordless drill driver system by adding a brushless motor. The resulting GSR 12V-35 FC Professional Drill Driver is said to be faster, stronger, more efficient and longer-lasting, as well as maintenance-free. With its upgraded specification, short length, low weight and range of adapters, this tool promises even greater effectiveness in a diverse range of high-precision tasks. According to the company, top speed has been increased by 35% to 1,750rpm, while maximum torque has been raised to a powerful 35Nm for hard screwdriving applications and 20Nm for soft. www.rdr.link/PJ062

The latest addition to the T-Series family is the Flir T860. The thermal camera features Inspection Route software and is ideal for streamlining inspections of components, distribution lines, manufacturing equipment, or electrical and mechanical systems.

The 640 by 480-resolution thermal camera claims to provide enhanced image clarity with half the image noise of previous models and advanced measurement tools, such as one-touch level/span and laser-assisted autofocus, which helps users quickly find problems and make critical decisions. It also features an onboard routing system that works with the company’s Thermal Studio advanced reporting software to create numbered, labelled inspection routes that users can create from the camera. www.rdr.link/PJ063

SCRUFFS Work Trousers Range Scruffs has launched what is said to be its most comprehensive and innovative range of trousers, which now offers a broader range of price points. The introduction of stretch fabric technology means the company can now offer slim and regular trouser fit options, combining to provide all day comfort. The abrasion resistant trousers are made from 2-way or 4-way high-quality stretch fabric, which reportedly allows for freedom of movement and flexibility.

The range also features Cordura reinforcement knee protection designed to provide durable, anti-abrasion protection in high wear areas such as the knees. www.rdr.link/PJ065

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Waterproof Workwear To provide protection throughout the autumn and winter, Snickers Workwear has released new AllroundWork Jackets for professional tradespeople. Claiming to keep the wearer dry, warm and comfortable, the selection of water-repellent jackets are said to give you basic protection from the effects of light showers with great breathability to ventilate your body. If 100% protection is needed, the Gore-Tex jackets and trousers are designed to be extremely durable with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm. They’re 100% waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable. www.rdr.link/PJ066

WERNER Work Platform Werner has launched a new professional work platform, suitable for a variety of jobs around the worksite. The lightweight 79025 Aluminium Professional Work Platform features a load capacity of 150kg, as well as several new features designed for comfort and ease of use.

The easy-grab handle allows professionals to transport the 79025 in one, while another feature is the new slim fold dual locking legs, meaning the work platform closes to a compact depth of 8cm. This allows professionals to fold the work platform completely flat for easy transportation and storage, while the locking system ensures the legs are secured in place.

DUNLOP Shower Waterproofing Kit

FIREANGEL Specification range

Said to include everything required to allow a tradesperson to waterproof a shower area, wet room or walk in shower area, Dunlop has launched the Shower Waterproofing Kit. The kit is suitable for any internal intermittent area where continued exposure to water may cause damage, and waterproofs the background behind a tiled surface to prevent water penetration up to 1.5m high in a two-walled shower unit, or 1m high in a three-walled shower unit. The kit prevents water saturating the whole area, reducing the risk of black mould forming, floor collapse and other surfaces vulnerable to corrosion.

FireAngel Safety Technology has launched its new Specification range. The system now features Smart RF technology, which can be adapted and upgraded at a later date by simply fitting a Smart RF radio module into a smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarm.

The new mains powered range features a 10 year Panasonic lithium battery back-up and is the only alarm to have a proven carbon footprint measurement, according to the company. Consequently, the device is said to produce on average 95% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other mains powered alarms.

www.rdr.link/PJ069

www.rdr.link/PJ067

SQUARE Square Terminal Aimed at all types of businesses that want to deliver a seamless payment experience for their customers and their employees, Square has launched Square Terminal, an all-in-one device designed to make credit and debit card processing fair and accessible to more businesses across the UK. According to the company, with simple pricing, no hidden fees and 24/7 expert phone support, Square Terminal is for all types of sellers whether they are just getting started or expanding. And to help SMEs, like many plumbing and heating engineers, the company is offering zero-interest payment plans so businesses have the opportunity to pay for Square Terminal in monthly instalments. www.rdr.link/PJ068

www.rdr.link/PJ070

RAPTOR Test Equipment For professional plumbing, heating and air conditioning engineers, Raptor has launched its new range of test equipment, adding 14 testing products for installers looking to take highly precise measurements in heating, ventilation, cold storage and air conditioning applications. The new range of products allows engineers to conduct a variety of tests, including temperature, voltage, pressure, combustible gas presence, current, polarity, microwaves and resistance.

Similarly, the range allegedly uses robust materials and new technologies to provide engineers with reliable tools which offer highly accurate measurements. www.rdr.link/PJ071

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Aqualisa Products ........................................................................ (page 55)

Nu-Heat .......................................................................................... (page 39)

Ariston ......................................................................... (outside back cover)

Pegler Yorkshire ........................................................................... (page 59)

Baxi Heating .................................................................................. (page 23)

Plumbexpo ...................................................................................... (page 21)

Bott .................................................................................................. (page 29)

Pump Technology ........................................................................ (page 54)

Bristan ............................................................................................. (page 49)

RWC ................................................................................................. (page 46)

Calor ................................................................................................. (page 12)

Snug Solutions .............................................................................. (page 52)

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

Stelrad Radiators .......................................................................... (page 36)

Danfoss ............................................................................................ (page 41)

Surestop ......................................................................................... (page 48)

Drayton Controls .......................................................................... (page 30)

The Electric Heating Co ............................................................... (page 17)

Electric Combi Boilers Company .............................................. (page 45)

The Electric Heating Co ............................................................. (page 38)

ESI Controls ................................................................................... (page 73)

TomTom ............................................................................................. (page 4)

Ford .................................................................................................... (page 6)

Toolbank ......................................................................................... (page 45)

Glow-worm ..................................................................................... (page 26)

Toolfair Exhibition ......................................................................... (page 63)

Google Nest ........................................................................... (pages 14, 15)

TradesTalk ....................................................................................... (page 75)

Grant Engineering ........................................................................ (page 33)

Unilite ............................................................................................... (page 71)

Honeywell ............................................... (gatefold to inside front cover)

Viessmann ....................................................................................... (page 11)

Honeywell ...................................................................................... (page 43)

Wavin ................................................................................................ (page 18)

Kamco .............................................................................................. (page 57)

Wilo .................................................................................................. (page 28)

Keston ............................................................................................. (page 32)

Wiseman Industries ..................................................................... (page 20)

phpionline.co.uk all the tools you need...

Visit phpionline.co.uk for even more content!

Offering access to all the best features from the magazine, the Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer website also has exclusive online articles, the latest product releases and up-to-date news stories from the industry.

In addition, installers can enter all our competitions and giveaways directly, gain access to step-by-step video guides, and sign up to the weekly newsletter.

Plumbers and heating engineers can also follow all the latest updates on PHPI’s social media feeds.

On each platform, you’ll find exclusive #InstallOfFame and Horror Show archives, as well as giveaways and competitions!

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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.

NOT THE WURST IDEA...

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

FALL

SAID

One solution is: Fall, Mall, Mail, Sail, Said.

FACT FILE Here are five facts that you may not know about dogs! ●

● ●

● ●

An estimated 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named primary beneficiary in their owners' wills The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ has a frequency only dogs can hear Dogs have three eyelids, the third is responsible for keeping the eye protected and lubricated A dog’s nose print is actually as unique as a human fingerprint Greyhounds can reach a speed of up to 45 miles per hour

NAME THAT CITY

Answer: Dubai

For those looking for a quick bite to eat, Germany has introduced an interesting solution to shops closing early – sausage vending machines! The vending machines have been installed outside German cities where shops are less likely to stay open for long hours.

Now let’s get down to the details. Some vending machines, which belong to local butchers, sell three or four types of sausages, as well as punnets of accompanying potato salad. Other machines sell groceries such as eggs, milk, butter, and fruit and vegetables – which we’d imagine are a little less popular than the bratwursts.

According to The Independent, there are 570,000 vending machines across Germany, many of which are increasingly used to provide food when brick-and-mortar grocery stores have shorter opening hours.

In other countries, particularly Japan, vending machines are used to sell a whole host of bizarre items, from fish soup, to flowers, to surgical masks! It is worth noting, however, that in most countries, vending machines are supposed to supplement a local store, rather than put it out of business.