HIP Handbook 2021/22

2021 ⁄ 22 EDITION £7.99 PRINTED IN THE UK

PLUMBERS, INSTALLERS & HEATING ENGINEERS

THE ESSENTIAL BOOK FEATURING...

NEWLY QUALIFIED

INSTALLER

THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY IS YOURS

REACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INSTALLERS

E D I TO R ’S N OT E I HI P BOOK 2021-22

01

MANAGING EDITOR: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk DIGITAL EDITOR: ALEX SOUTH alex.south@sng-publishing.co.uk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk

Welcome to your course companion!

Y

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: HEATHER THORP heather.thorp@sng-publishing.co.uk

ou have made a great decision! Well done on choosing one of the most vibrant, much-needed trades on the planet, with endless opportunities.

OPERATIONS MANAGER: EMILY HILTON emily.hilton@sng-publishing.co.uk MANAGING DIRECTOR: ZOË TANNER zoe.tanner@sng-publishing.co.uk PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales

GENERAL ENQUIRIES To subscribe to HIP Magazine call 0121 606 3016 or subscribe online at www.hip-magazine.co.uk

DISCLAIMER HIP is published by SNG Publishing Ltd (SNG).

All content and artwork is © SNG Publishing Ltd or its contributors and SNG and HIP are trademarks of SNG Publishing Ltd. No part of HIP may be copied, transmitted or published in any form or by any means without prior permission.

Although SNG has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it does not verify any claims or other information appearing in the advertisements contained in HIP. It therefore cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for consequences that may arise from the content or artwork contained in HIP, including any errors or omissions or any opinions or advice given therein. This publication and its content is not a substitute for professional advice on a particular matter.

Advertisements are accepted for publication in HIP only upon SNG Publishing Ltd’s standard terms of advertising.

Think about it. By the end of 2021, it's estimated that there will be around 28 million households in the UK. Can you imagine how many toilets that is? Or how many bathrooms and boilers there are? All of which will need maintaining or replacing at some point. Get this plumbing qualification under your belt and you'll never be short of work.

This book has been designed to help you widen your knowledge of the industry, covering many topics that you will come across in your course, and in the workplace.

For revision exercises, ask your lecturer for a copy of our termly magazine, and check out the answers on our website to see just how clever you are!

Choose today to be the very best installer you can be.

Always leave each job, knowing that you've done your very best. Above all, enjoy it!

Here's to the start of a very exciting career.

Celia Matthews MANAGING EDITOR

© SNG Publishing Ltd, 2021

SEARCH FOR HIP MAGAZINE

Cover photo credit: Neoperl

02

HIP BOOK 2021-22 I C ON T EN T S

07

INDUSTRY CONTACTS

105 PLUMBING TOOLS

15 GENERAL PLUMBING INFORMATION

31

111 POWER TOOLS

117 SHOWER PUMPS

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

123 SMART TECHNOLOGY 37

BATHROOMS

43

BOILERS

49

CIRCULATOR PUMPS

55

COMPLIANCE

61 CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY

129 SUSTAINABILITY IN PLUMBING

137 TRAINING

143 UNDERFLOOR HEATING

149 WALL-HUNG TOILETS

155 WATER REGULATIONS 67

DRAINAGE 171 WATER SAVING

73

FLEXIBLE PLUMBING 177 WATER TREATMENT

79

HOT WATER CYLINDERS 183 WIRING CONNECTORS

85

MACERATORS 189

93

MERCHANTS 208 HIP ONLINE QUIZZES

99

METAL RECYCLIING

CONTENTS

NATIONAL COMPE TITION

LEARNER

OF THE YEAR

2022

COULD THIS BE YOUR YEAR? T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N S TA R T S N O W …

We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2022 HIP Learner of the Year competition.

WWW.HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

04

HIP BOOK 2021-22 I LOY C O M PE T I T IO N

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR THE 2022 HIP LEARNER OF THE YEAR!

LEARNER

OF THE YEAR

2022

We’re excited to announce that the HIP Learner of the Year competition is back and bigger than ever, and coming to a location near you!

During January and February, we will be travelling across six regions of England and Wales in search of the best up-and-coming industry talent. Level 2 and 3 plumbing and heating students from colleges nationwide will compete in a live practical installation for the chance to win this coveted award.

> THE SIX REGIONS SOUTH WEST Bridgwater & Taunton College Tuesday 18th January 2022 WALES Coleg Gwent, Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone Thursday 20th January 2022 NORTH EAST New College Durham Tuesday 1st February 2022 NORTH WEST Wigan & Leigh College, Pagefield Campus Thursday 3rd February 2022 SOUTH EAST Farnborough College of Technology, Aldershot Campus Thursday 17th February 2022 MIDLANDS Stephenson College Tuesday 22nd February 2022

Each regional winner will go on to compete in the Grand Final, taking place on 20th & 21st April 2022.

Alongside the prestige for both the winning student and winning college, there are fantastic prizes up for grabs, with every competitor receiving a certificate for taking part. The prizes have been donated by competition sponsors including Platinum sponsor Worcester Bosch, along with Milwaukee, Wilo, Triton Showers, Kingspan, Graham the Plumbers’ Merchant, Roca, WaterSafe, Pegler, Stelrad, Fernox, Wednesbury Copper Tube, Talon, Blaklader and VW Commercial Vehicles.

The competition will be judged by Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

LOY C O M PE T I T I ON I HI P BOOK 2021-22

05

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management at Worcester Bosch said: “It is essential that the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers are supported by the industry – helping them navigate through their training as they work towards their qualifications. This is why Worcester Bosch has come onboard as the new Platinum Sponsor for next year’s Learner of the Year, as it is a great way for the next gen to hone their skills! We look forward to seeing the competition progress.”

LOY22

The 2021 winner was Tom Race from Burnley College, who said that anyone thinking of entering the competition should definitely do it: “I think people should enter the HIP Learner of the Year competition next year because it’s a really good challenge and it helps you showcase all the skills that you’ve learnt from college and within your workplace, if you have an apprenticeship.

You get to win some great prizes from all the great sponsors. It’s a really good way of testing yourself and showcasing what you’ve learnt already.”

2021

“It’s a really good way of testing yourself and showcasing what you’ve learnt already” For more information about the competition and to check out last year’s test paper, head to www.hip-magazine.co.uk

WINNER Tom Race

INDUSTRY CONTACTS

08

HIP BOOK 2021-22 I IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S

Alpha Heating Innovation Nepicar House, London Road, Wrotham Heath, Kent TN15 7RS T: 0344 871 8760 I E: info@alpha-innovation.co.uk

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk

At Alpha, we believe in putting our customers first. That's why we pride ourselves on the quality of the products we offer and in being there to support you in making the most of your business. Our range of gas boilers meets the needs of a wide variety of property types and requirements, from an average family home right up to large commercial buildings.

Altecnic Altecnic Ltd, Mustang Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1GW T: 01785 218200 I E: sales@altecnic.co.uk www.altecnic.co.uk

Altecnic is the UK’s leading manufacturer of hydronic solutions products for both commercial and domestic markets. Part of the Caleffi Group, our products satisfy the needs of trade merchants, original equipment manufacturers, engineers and specifiers.

Baxi Heating Brooks House, Coventry Road, Warwick CV34 4LL T: 0344 871 1525 I E: info@baxi.co.uk

www.baxi.co.uk

Baxi has been manufacturing in the UK since 1866 and provides reliable, energy efficient boilers, backed by industry-leading customer support, hands-on training by experienced professionals and nationwide availability of parts.

Blåkläder Workwear Ltd 1 Chapel Street, Warwick CV34 4HL T: 0800 028 8234

www.blaklader.uk/en

FUNCTIONAL, SAFE AND STYLISH, THROUGH AND THROUGH. Our workwear just loves grimy workshops, muddy building sites, weld spatter and metalwork sparks. And it has you covered whatever the weather. That’s because our garments are designed to protect you for work in the toughest environments.

BOSCH PRO Robert Bosch Limited, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ T: 0344 736 0109 I E: Bosch.ServiceCentre@uk.bosch.com www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en

Bosch Professional engineer power tools, measuring tools and accessories to the highest standards, designed to meet the toughest jobs in the trade and make professionals more efficient every day on site.

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IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S I HI P BOOK 2021-22

Copper Sustainability Partnership E: enquiries@cuspuk.com

cuspuk.com

Born from the ambition to challenge the plastics greenwash within construction and plumbing, CuSP champions environmental thinking, insight sharing and collaboration across industries to encourage the use of copper as a more sustainable choice. @cusp-uk @cuspuk

EMR Metal Recycling Sirius House, Delta Crescent, Warrington, WA5 7NS T: 0345 266 1854

emrlocal.com

EMR Metal Recycling is the recycling partner you can count on. Our core business is the recycling of metal and plastics, generating around 10 million tonnes of sustainable materials every year. @EMRMetalRecycling

@emrmetalrecycling

@emrmetal

@emr

Fernox 2 Genesis Business Park, Albert Drive, Sheerwater, Woking GU21 5RW T: 0330 100 7750 I E: sales@fernox.com www.fernox.com

Fernox has pioneered the use of high performance chemical water treatment and filter technology to keep central heating systems working to optimum efficiency. Fernox recognises the importance of education and training for the next generation of gas engineers and installers.

Geberit Geberit House, Edgehill Drive, Warwick CV34 6NH T: 01926 516800 I E: enquiries@geberit.co.uk www.geberit.co.uk

At Geberit, we use our passion for design and technology to deliver contemporary, high quality solutions that transform efficiency, increase safety and enhance living and working environments. As a European market leader in sanitary technology we apply our vast know-how and over 150 years of experience to everything we do.

Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant T: 02476 560 777 I E: website@grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk or turningpro@grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk www.grahamplumbers merchant.co.uk

Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant is a major supplier of plumbing, heating, bathroom, smart and renewable solutions. Graham has over 140 stores across the UK, as well as 15 bathroom showrooms.

Continued >>

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S

GROHE World Business Centre 2, Newall Road, London Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 2SF T: 0871 200 3414 www.grohe.co.uk

GROHE is a global leader in premium bathroom and kitchen fittings, offering complete bathroom solutions and a diverse range of sinks, taps and innovative Water Systems for the kitchen.

Grundfos Pumps Ltd Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4TL T: 01525 850000 I E: grundfos-uk@sales.grundfos.com www.grundfos.co.uk

Grundfos Pumps is a UK leader in the supply of energy efficient pumps for a wide range of applications around the home.

This includes a great line-up of domestic circulator pumps that will meet all your demands.

HANSGROHE T: +44 (0) 1372 472 001 Founded in 1901, Hansgrohe stands for innovative solutions for bathrooms and kitchens that combine intelligent functionality, outstanding design, and enduring quality. www.pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

@HansgroheUK

@hansgroheUK

@Hansgrohe_uk

Henkel Ltd Wood Lane End, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4RQ T: 01442 278100 I E: technicalservice.loctite@uk.henkel.com www.henkel-adhesives.co.uk

LOCTITE® is the trusted choice for high-performance adhesives and sealants and is well known for its quick, easy and effective LOCTITE® 55 pipe sealing cord. New WRAS approved LOCTITE® 5400 generalpurpose metal pipe and fittings sealant is hazard-label free.

Ideal Industries EMEA Unit 3, Europa Court, Europa Boulevard, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 7TN T: 01925 444 446 I E: eur.sales@idealindustries.com

www.idealind.com

From the introduction of our first wire connector in 1924, IDEAL has been the leading force in wire termination technology. Through ingenuity, proven performance and innovative engineering, IDEAL supplies products for fast, easy and safe installation.

Search Ideal Industries EMEA

IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S I HI P BOOK 2021-22

11

Kingspan Water & Energy Unit A, Tadman Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 5QU T: 0345 260 0258 I F: 0345 260 0259 Technical Helpline: 0345 812 0007 I Customer Service: 0345 260 7260

www.kingspancylinders.com

Across all the Kingspan Water & Energy businesses we’re pioneering new technologies to preserve and protect water & energy for future generations. This ideology is especially clear in our hot water cylinders business, where we’re committed to delivering high quality, energy efficient cylinders in both traditional Albion copper and our modern Ultrasteel unvented cylinders ranges.

McAlpine Plumbing Products Kelvin Avenue, Hillington Park, Glasgow G52 4LF T: 0141 882 3213

www.mcalpineplumbing.com

Cut corners? Choose cheap products? Get hassle from customers?

Keep having to go back to fix things? We know that we can’t make you buy our products. All we can tell you is that with thousands of quality products to choose from, all easy to use, fit and forget, it’s no wonder that good plumbers always choose McAlpine.

McAlpine Plumbing Products - No Compromise

Neoperl UK Enigma Business Park, Sparrowhawk Close, Malvern WR14 1GH T: 01684 564869 I E: info@neoperl.co.uk

neoperl.com

Neoperl is the world’s leading manufacturer of flow regulators and aerators that can be found in most showers, taps and boilers. Many of their products can also be retro-fitted providing great water saving solutions for the home.

Polypipe Building Products Broomhouse Lane, Edlington, Doncaster DN12 1ES T: 01709 770000 I E: residential@polypipe.com www.polypipe.com

The UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic piping systems for the residential market, including above ground drainage products, plastic plumbing fittings and pipes and underfloor heating solutions. Stocked in plumbers’ and builders’ merchants nationally.

Rhino Products Ltd T: 0151 319 2931

www.rhinoproducts.co.uk

Rhino Products is Europe’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle accessories. With a range including roof racks, bars, pipe tubes and more, Rhino supplies products of unrivalled quality for van users around the world. @rhinoproductsUK

@rhinoproducts

@rhinoproducts

Continued >>

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S

Ridge Tool UK c/o Emerson Electric, 2nd Floor Accurist House, 44 Baker Street, London W1U 7AL T: 0808 238 9869 www.ridgid.com

RIDGID®, a leading manufacturer of tools and equipment, markets its products in over 140 countries. The company offers more than 300 types of tools serving the rental, plumbing, HVAC/R, utility, industrial, electrical, petroleum, institutional, commercial and hardware markets.

RJW Engineering T: 01384 442852 I E: RJWEng@btinternet.com

www.rjwengineering.co

Established in 1989, RJW has brought new innovative products to the plumbing industry. The only NHBC approved fitting for the PRV on boilers, the PIPE COWL. The only permanent fix to a holed pipe without cutting the pipe, the CLICK FIX. The only answer stopping dust sheets moving on stairs, the Safety Stair Rods. Also in the Guinness World Records for the largest copper pipe fitting in the world.

Roca Ltd Interlink Way West, Bardon, Leicestershire, LE67 1LD T: 01530 830080 I E: sales.orders@uk.roca.net

www.uk.roca.com

Quality, innovation, design and sustainability are at the heart of all our bathroom products. With over 100 years of experience and products across all price points, ranging from affordable to luxury, Roca has a bathroom solution for all your needs. @RocaProUK

RWC Horton Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 8JL T: 01895 449233

www.RWC.com/family

RWC and its family of brands develop safe, sustainable and efficient solutions through a range of engineered and innovative products. Its JG Speedfit, Reliance Valves and SharkBite brands offer a complete range of pipes, valves and fittings. They’re designed to seamlessly integrate, from boiler to point of use, within the modern built environment.

Saniflo Ltd Unit 1, Watford Interchange, Colonial Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4WP T: 020 8842 0033 I E: sales@saniflo.co.uk www.saniflo.co.uk

Saniflo is the market leader in the production and sale of macerators, pumps and lifting stations for domestic and commercial use. They also have the Kinedo showering range which includes cubicles, trays and enclosures.

Continued >>

Pioneering for You

wilo

Want to find out more about Wilo products and services? Join in the conversation and get involved with #TeamWilo by simply following Wilo UK and #TeamWilo on our social channels!

Team Wilo are a group of real life, working installers, brought together by their love of Wilo pumps. The team share their own real world, working experiences on jobs, as well as providing plumbing, heating, gas and installation advice via their social media platforms.

Looking for more information about Wilo pumps?

The Wilo Assistant is the app for you! Free to download, the Wilo Assistant App provides you with direct access to product information and pump technology know-how.

Discover an entire world of high-efficiency pump technology available on your smartphone or tablet and get support with product selection, installation and commissions, as well as remote control and maintenance.

Scan the QR code to find out more.

For more information please visit our website www.wilo.com/gb/en

T: 01283 523000 I E: sales.uk@wilo.com I � @WiloUK I @ @wiloukltd I O @teamwilo

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I IN D U S T RY C O N TAC T S

Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd T: 01928 704 330 I E: customer.services@sentinelprotects.com

www.sentinelprotects.com

Sentinel are water treatment experts, providing best practice solutions across the world for 30+ years as well as helping you clean, protect & maintain domestic and commercial heating and hot water systems. @FacebookCPM

@sentinel_uk_insta

@SentinelHQ

www.linkedin.com/company/3011479

Viessmann

www.viessmann.co.uk

Viessmann, a family business, has been at the leading edge of heating technology for over a century. Viessmann has developed a portfolio of products and digital services to provide sustainable climate solutions encompassing heating, cooling and air quality. @ViessmannUK

Viessmann UK

@ViessmannUK

@viessmann

Water Regs UK 13 Willow Road, Pen-y-Fan Ind Est, Crumlin, Gwent, NP11 4EG T: 01495 983010 I E: info@waterregsuk.co.uk www.waterregsuk.co.uk

Water Regs UK gives advice on the Water Fittings Regulations and Scottish Byelaws, on behalf of UK water companies. Plumbers and other water fittings professionals can join our free Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme, run on behalf of 14 UK water companies.

Water Regs UK also publishes The Water Regulations Guide.

Wavin Edlington Lane, Doncaster DN12 1BY T: 0844 856 5165 I E: info@hep2o.co.uk

www.hep2o.co.uk

Hep²O is part of the Wavin Group and offers a complete range of push-fit plumbing and underfloor heating systems. Wavin is the leading supplier of water management, plumbing and drainage systems for the building and construction markets. Other Wavin brands include Hepworth, OSMA and Tigris K1.

Wilo UK Second Avenue, Centrum 100, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2WJ T: 01283 523000 I E: sales.uk@wilo.com www.wilo.com/gb/en

Wilo is a significant driving force in the pumps sector in the UK, providing pumps and pump systems for heating, cooling and airconditioning technology as well as water supply and sewage disposal. @teamwilo

@WiloUK

@wiloukltd

@wilouk

GENERAL PLUMBING INFORMATION SPONSORED BY

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

TOP 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Richard Bateman, Product Marketing Manager at RWC, discusses five key things that all plumbing and heating installers should know to keep water supplies safe and stable.

From planning pipework to managing water pressure, through to compliance and safety, there’s a lot that plumbing and heating installers must know to keep water supplies clean, futureproof and fit for use and consumption.

Here are five key things that ensure you adhere to the regulations and best practices in plumbing and heating.

> 1. CORRECT SIZING OF PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES One of the most important components of any plumbing and heating system is the pressure reducing valve (PRV). This valve ensures that water coming into the home is at a safe and comfortable pressure for usage.

To pick the correct PRV, it is always important to consider four key factors: ▸ The type of building ▸ The required flow rate ▸ The required outlet pressure range ▸ The flow velocity For domestic properties, a general rule of thumb is to size the valve to fit the mains water pipe entering the property, and Reliance Valves’ 312 Compact Series is a highly suitable PRV for these applications.

> 2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TMV2 AND TMV3 Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are valves that you will encounter almost every day in plumbing and heating and are crucial to allowing hot water systems to run at high enough temperatures to kill Legionella bacteria, while also preventing scalding at the outlet.

There are two certifications of TMV available - TMV2 and TMV3.

TMV2 certified valves should be used in domestic, commercial and public buildings, as outlined in Part G of the Building Regulations and the TMV2 Scheme.

In healthcare settings, on the other hand, a risk assessment should be carried out and TMV3 certified valves must be specified accordingly. A valve must be installed to every water outlet identified in the risk assessment.

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> 3. BACKFLOW – UNDERSTANDING THE RISK AND RELEVANT VALVES Backflow prevention is another area of plumbing that installers must know like the back of their hand. You must remember to check the Fluid Category, as defined by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulation, of each application before deciding on the suitable backflow prevention device.

Check valves and backflow prevention solutions can come in a range of sizes, materials, and types. At RWC, we have a complete range of valves suitable for any application and finish desired, with handy features such as built-in isolation to help with maintenance and servicing.

> 4. CHOOSING PIPE MATERIALS When installing pipes in residential spaces, there are different pipe materials available with each having their own benefits and uses.

These include copper pipe, PEX pipe, polybutylene pipe (e.g. JG Layflat pipe), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) pipe, flexi hoses, and pipe-in-pipe solutions.

to appliances but also has built-in isolation for maintenance and servicing. You can also get a JG Speedfit Double Check Service Valve, a 2-in-1 product that provides backflow prevention and isolation.

> HELPING YOU TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN PLUMBING AND HEATING At RWC we’re committed to helping installers, especially those who are just setting out on their careers in this industry. Our technical team is always on hand to support with installation advice and best practice to guide you through projects.

It’s important to use the right pipe material for the application, as doing so will help you speed up jobs, while making the installation easier.

> 5. SAVE SPACE WITH COMBINATION FITTINGS You’ll quickly learn that space is at a premium in plumbing and heating. Especially with second-fix applications like under the sink or in tight spaces like utility rooms, there isn’t much to work with, and so you must be clever with the way you plan pipework.

RWC’s innovative range of second-fix fittings from JG Speedfit helps you get around this. For instance, you can get an Appliance Tee from JG Speedfit that not just connects

For more about RWC and our family of brands - JG Speedfit, Reliance Valves and SharkBite, please visit www.rwc.com

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

VALVES & CONTROLS A valve is a device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of water by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.

> AUTOMATIC AIR VENT

A device which releases air trapped within a water system, automatically.

The air vent is usually fitted at the highest point of the heating system.

> CIRCULATING PUMP

The device which generates the flow of water around the heating circuit.

> PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE (PRV) This is a safety device fitted to relieve excessive pressure within a heating system or boiler.

Once excess pressure has been relieved, it will reset itself automatically.

> AUTOMATIC BYPASS VALVE

A valve which ensures a minimum flow rate through the boiler if all zone valves or TRVs are closed.

> LOCKSHIELD VALVE

A Lockshield Valve is fitted at the return side of a radiator and is used to balance the system when it is first installed. It is usually covered with a cap.

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> RADIATOR VENT

A device that releases air from within a radiator.

> REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE VALVE (RPZ) The RPZ Valve is a device which prevents backflow, protecting against the contamination of mains cold water supply. RPZ valves are widely used in the UK.

> ROOM THERMOSTAT A Room Thermostat switches the heating system on and off as required. It works by sensing and responding to the air temperature.

It switches on the heating when the air temperature falls below the thermostat setting, and switches it off once this set temperature has been reached.

> COMPACT PRV

> THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE (TMV) A TMV blends cold water with hot water to ensure constant, safe shower and bath outlet temperatures, preventing scalding.

> THERMOSTATIC RADIATOR VALVE (TRV) A valve fitted to one end of a radiator that automatically opens and closes as necessary to achieve the pre-set room air temperature.

> WIRELESS PROGRAMMABLE ROOM THERMOSTAT The Wireless Programmable Thermostat is designed to provide wireless time and temperature control to heating or cooling systems in domestic and light commercial buildings.

> TENANT VALVES Precisely controls and regulates water flow and pressure for safe operating conditions.

A space saving and compact all-in-one water monitoring unit, that consists of a ball type isolating valve, pressure reducing valve, double check valve, test point and a connection point for RWC single jet water meter.

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

PIPE DISCHARGE DIMENSIONS Shown below are some of the most common pipe discharge dimensions that you will come across.

DIAMETER OF TRAP (MM)

DEPTH OF SEAL (MM OR WATER / EQUIVALENT)

Washbasin

32

75

Bidet

32

75

Bath

40

50

Shower

40

50

Sink

40

75

Washing machine

40

75

Dishwasher

40

75

Urinal bowl

40

75

WC pan – outlet <80mm

75

50

WC pan – outlet >80mm

100

50

APPLIANCE

PIPE CLIP SPACINGS Listed below are the recommended spacings to use between internal fixings when using copper pipe, plastic pipe or low carbon steel pipe (LCS).

PIPE SIZE

COPPER

PLASTIC

LCS

mm

in

Horiz. (m) Vert. (m) Horiz. (m) Vert. (m) Horiz. (m) Vert. (m)

15

½

1.2

1.8

0.6

1.2

1.8

2.4

22

¾

1.8

2.4

0.7

1.4

2.4

3.0

28

1

1.8

2.4

0.8

1.5

2.4

3.0

35

1¼

2.4

3.0

0.8

1.7

2.7

3.0

42

1½

2.4

3.0

0.9

1.8

3.0

3.6

54

2

2.7

3.0

1.0

-

3.0

3.6

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

21

FIXING SCREWS Listed below are the most common types of fixing screws you will come across on a day-to-day basis.

1

2 PHILLIPS CROSS HEAD SCREW

SLOTTED SCREW

4

3

5 COUNTERSUNK SCREW

7

6 PAN HEAD SCREW

8 ALLEN SCREW

POSIDRIV

ROUND HEAD SCREW

9 SET SCREW

SET SCREW WITH NUT & WASHER

PLASTIC PLUGS: Shown below are common size matches for screws, drill bits and plugs.

SCREW SIZE (GAUGE)

DRILL SIZE (MM)

PLUG COLOUR CODE

6-8

5

Yellow

8 - 10

6

Red

10 - 14

7-8

Brown

14 - 18

10

Blue

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

FITTINGS As a plumber you will need to be able to recognise the different types of fittings and their correct applications. Shown below are some of the most common you may come across.

2

1 45˚ ELBOW

4

3 45˚ STREET ELBOW

6

5 90˚ FEMALE ELBOW

7

8

9 APPLIANCE TEE

11 SLIP TEE CONNECTOR

90˚ TAP CONNECTOR ELBOW

90˚ MALE ELBOW

STOP END

10

90˚ ELBOW WITH BACKPLATE

DOUBLE BRANCH MANIFOLD TEE

12 STRAIGHT TAP CONNECTOR

FEMALE COUPLER TAP CONNECTOR

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

13

14

15

STRAIGHT CONNECTOR

JG SPEEDFIT ELBOW

17

16

18 REDUCING COUPLING

TWO WAY DIVIDER

20

19

APPLIANCE TAP

ANGLE STOP VALVE

23

21 STOP VALVE

22 DOUBLE CHECK VALVE

24

FOUR PORT RAIL MANIFOLD

DOUBLE CHECK SERVICE VALVE

25

PLAIN PIPE INSERT

26

BENT TAP CONNECTOR

SUPER SEAL PIPE INSERT

27 FOUR WAY MANIFOLD

PIPE REPAIR KIT

28 TANK CONNECTOR

23

Family connections made faster All the control and reliability of Reliance Valves with the speed and simplicity of JG Speedfit.

At RWC we’re bringing our family of brands closer together by combining two of our world-leading technologies to transform the speed and simplicity of installations.

Designed for domestic and light commercial applications, our new Reliance Valves range delivers ultimate control with fast, reliable push-fit connections – perfect for tight spaces as no tools are required.

Find out more at rwc.com/valves

NEW

EASIFIT TMV

312 COMPACT PRV

NICKEL PLATED BALL VALVE FOR WATER

AUTOMATIC AIR VENT

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Safety at work should always come first, and employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

These rules apply if you’re self employed as well, so you’ll probably need to use some type of personal protective equipment (PPE) in your job. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work.

It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

TOP TIPS

1

Choose products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you

2

Choose equipment that suits the user – consider the size, fit and weight of the PPE. If the users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it

3

If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used together, e.g. wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks

4

Never allow exemptions from wearing PPE for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes’

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

HAZARDS & TYPES OF PPE > EYES Hazards: Chemical or metal splash, projectiles, dust, gases and vapours, radiation.

Options: Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors.

> HEAD & NECK Hazards: Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery, chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature.

Options: Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters’ helmets.

> EARS Hazards: Noise – a combination of sound level and duration of exposure, very high-level sounds are a hazard even with short duration.

Options: Earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert / canal caps.

> HANDS & ARMS Hazards: Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water.

Options: Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm.

Options: Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) including respirators, facepieces and breathing apparatus. If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication ‘Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide.’

> WHOLE BODY Hazards: Heat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.

Options: Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons, chemical suits.

> FEET & LEGS Hazards: Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, vehicles.

Options: Safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration-resistant, mid-sole wellington boots and specific footwear, e.g. foundry boots and chainsaw boots.

> LUNGS Hazards: Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours.

> FURTHER INFORMATION For general information on health and safety at work, and FREE leaflets you can download. > hse.gov.uk There are plenty of health and safety training courses available around the country. Find the one nearest you. > learndirect.co.uk

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

NOTCHING & DRILLING When drilling or notching structural timbers it is crucial that the holes / notches are made in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the structure.

FIGURE 1.

Span (L)

0.25 x L Depth (D)

Max depth of notch = D/8

0.07 x L Rules for joist depth up to 250mm. For deeper joists assume D = 250mm

Notches should be in this zone

It is essential that structural members are not weakened by indiscriminate notching and boring.

In this respect both the size and positioning must be in accordance with fig 1 (above).

> NOTCHES SHOULD BE CUT AS FOLLOWS...

They should be cut no deeper than 1/8 of the depth of the joist. They should not be cut closer to the support than 0.07 times the span, nor further away than 0.25 (1/4) of the span.

G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G I N FO I HI P BOOK 2021-22

Span (L)

> REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTCHING TRADITIONAL JOISTS Drilled holes should be no greater in diameter than ¼ of the depth of the joist. They should be drilled on a neutral axis and should not be less than 3 diameters apart, measured from centre to centre. Drilled holes should be located in the area between 0.25 and 0.4 times the span of the joist from the support.

See fig. 2 (right).

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0.4 x L

Holes should be located in this zone and drilled at the neutral axis

0.25 x L

Depth of joist (D)

Maximum diameter of a hole = 0.25 x D Not less than 3 diameters apart centre to centre

Neutral axis of joist

FIGURE 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING HOLES THROUGH TRADITIONAL JOISTS

> ENGINEERING JOISTS Buildings that incorporate timber ‘I’ joists (Engineering Joists) allow for more flexible drilling of holes for pipe work. ‘I’ joists incorporate 38mm knockouts (dependant upon the manufacturer), and also allow for larger holes to be drilled through the joists.

The same rules apply when drilling through ‘I’ joists as for drilling traditional joists where horizontal measurements between holes are concerned.

However, as the strength of ‘I’ joists is in the flange (see fig. 3), these joists are not suitable for notching, as notching the flange will damage the structure of the joist which will have a detrimental effect on its strength. The size and positioning of holes drilled through ‘I’ Joists must be in accordance with fig. 3 (right).

Not less than 3 diameters apart centre to centre 38mm diameter knockouts are incorporated in TJI joists at approx 300mm centres

Flange

Web Flange

Additional holes can be cut but leave minimum 3mm of web at top and bottom

FIGURE 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING HOLES THROUGH ENGINEERING (‘I’) JOISTS

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I G E N E R AL PLUM B IN G IN FO

PIPEWORK / SUPPLY SYMBOLS Shown below are some of the most common pipework and supply symbols used within the plumbing industry.

1. Radiator

2. Three-Port Valve

3. Isolation Valve

4. Pipe above suspended ceiling

5. Circulating Pump

6. Pressure-Reducing Valve

7. Direction of Flow

8. Float-Operated Valve

9. Union

10. Flange

11. Capped End

12. Pressure-Relief Valve

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AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS SPONSORED BY

Continued >>

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I AIR SO URC E HE AT PUM P S

HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK? Heat pumps are gradually becoming more and more popular, however they still only make up around 1-2% of the heating market, with expected growth of 50% per year - gas boilers, either wall hung or floor standing, make up around 95% in 2021. However, by 2025 gas boilers will no longer be installed in new builds, meaning the future of the heat pump looks promising. But how do these appliances actually work?

> HOW HEAT PUMPS WORK Heat pumps work by taking natural warmth out of the surrounding environment to provide hot water and heating to your home.

“Boris Johnson's 10 Point Plan states that 600,000 heat pumps per year will be installed from 2028”

There are three main types: ▸ Ground source ▸ Air source ▸ Water source The name of each one describes where the appliance takes its heat from, and, therefore, each one works in a slightly different way.

Continued >>

£ 2021

up to 20,000 kWh per annum

Domestic RHI

You need to feel a heat pump.

Not hear it.

Vitocal 222-A heat pump - extremely quiet thanks to Advanced Acoustic Design.

The modern and economical alternative for new build and renovation.

With a sound pressure level of only 35 dB(A) at a distance of three metres* the new air/water Vitocal 222-A heat pump is one of the quietest available. *Sound pressure level tested in night mode on a single fan outdoor unit.

viessmann.co.uk/products/heat-pumps/vitocal

Viessmann Limited | Hortonwood 30 Telford TF1 7YP | Tel: 01952 675000

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I AIR SO URC E HE AT PUM P S

> ABSORPTION Before anything else can happen, the heat must first be collected. Depending on the type of heat pump, the heat will be absorbed by a refrigerant either from the ground, air or water source. This takes place in the evaporator with the refrigerant changing from liquid to gas in the process.

> COMPRESSION The refrigerant is now a gas instead of a liquid and the gas is compressed to increase its temperature even more. It is this heat that can be used to warm up your radiators or underfloor heating.

> CONDENSATION As the refrigerant transfers the heat that is to be used in your home’s heating system, it gradually cools down and condenses back into a liquid. This occurs in a second heat exchanger. One of the reasons why heat pumps are so efficient is because cooler water from the central heating can continue to absorb the heat from the liquid refrigerant within this second exchanger.

> EXPANSION Once the refrigerant has cooled right down, it passes through an expansion valve. In here, the liquid’s pressure is decreased and it returns to the evaporator to begin the whole cycle again.

> HOW ARE AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS INSTALLED? Before undertaking a heat pump installation, you will need to visit the property to check that the site and property is satisfactory. To qualify for government RHI funding in the UK you will need to produce an MCS report (Microgeneration Certification Scheme).

This will include assessing the amount of insulation in the building, as this will influence the size of the required heat pump. To do this, you will need to check inside the house and loft.

AIR SO URC E HE AT PU M P S I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> COST > NOISE An air source heat pump is relatively easy to install.

However, to minimise noise nuisance for both the homeowner and neighbours, distance from the house and neighbours is a key consideration.

As a result of years of intensive research and development work, Viessmann air source heat pumps operate very quietly and are hardly audible while in use. In particular, low-frequency sounds that are often perceived as subconsciously disturbing have been minimised.

> SIZING Generally the heat pump is sized to meet the heat loss of the home. This means that on a cold day in winter, the heat pump should be able to heat the home comfortably.

Calculating the building’s heat loss is part of the MCS paperwork and calculation tools are available. The calculation can be complex as it requires a lot of data, however, it is important that this calculation is carried out accurately to ensure that the home is neither left cold in winter; nor conversely that too large a heat pump is installed, which would cost more than necessary.

In some cases, particularly for larger homes, the heat pump is sized to cover part of the heating load with a gas or oil boiler covering the shortfall, this is known as a hybrid or bivalent system.

It is important that any shortfall in heating the home is never covered by an electrical heater element.

As the UK works towards reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its use of renewable energy, more people are looking to invest in a heat pump. Things for end users to consider when purchasing are: ▸ Installation cost

I

▸ Electricity usage

Both of these things should be looked at realistically so that you can work out the annual cost compared to that of a gas boiler.

It’s worth noting that the installation of the heat pump only needs to be done once.

When the pipework is in place, it’s only the heat pump units that need to be replaced in the future. This means that a replacement heat pump could cost considerably less.

Some people may think that heat pumps use a lot of electricity too, however, bear in mind the end user’s gas bill would drastically reduce and it’s important to discuss their total energy usage and costs.

> HOW WILL THE INSTALLATION PROCESS WORK? Air source heat pumps are usually easier to install than other types of heat pump.

For example, unlike ground source heat pumps, they don’t require any groundworks. The process can often be completed within two days, but this will vary depending on the size of the system and how complicated the installation is. In the event of a straightforward replacement this could be done much quicker and even the same day.

As the installer your job includes providing the homeowner with a detailed schedule before you begin work. A good installer also turns up with all the equipment necessary to complete the job efficiently and will clean up after themselves once the work is complete!

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GOODWOOD - VITOCAL 200-A CASE STUDY Goodwood Education Centre, Complementing outdoor learning opportunities with warm indoor spaces.

requirements. Critically, it features innovative noise-reduction technology that will serve to both preserve the tranquillity of the surrounding area and not provide any unwanted classroom distractions or irritations during periods of learning.

The Vitocal 200-A installation was undertaken by Thakeham. No refrigeration leak test was required because the cooling circuit is hermetically sealed, and no F-gas certificate is needed because the connecting pipes to the outdoor unit are filled with water.

> PROJECT OVERVIEW The Goodwood Education Trust is a registered charity committed to offering schools, colleges and other students a broad variety of learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

The focal point of its endeavours is the Goodwood Education Centre. Set amidst an eight-hectare area of woodland dedicated exclusively to outdoor learning in Seeley Copse, the facility features a bright and airy classroom for up to 60 children and provides access to safe, practical hands-on learning and enrichment activities year-round.

The heat pump is simple to operate thanks to a dedicated control unit that features easyto-read plain text and graphic display. Controls can be altered anywhere via the Vitoconnect web interface and free ViCare smartphone app.

“A+++ rated energy efficient”

Vitocal 200-A Air Source Heat Pump

> THE SOLUTION In line with Goodwood’s environmental credentials, it was decided to specify a Viessmann Vitocal 200-A air source heat pump (ASHP).

The heat pump is highly suitable within the context of the education centre’s

For further information, visit www.viessmann.co.uk or, www.viessmann.co.uk/hip

BATHROOMS

SPONSORED BY

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I BATHROOMS

SELECTING WATER SAVING PRODUCTS When it comes to refurbishment of an existing bathroom or the design of a brand-new bathroom, we are often faced with a myriad of tasks, not only to meet the needs of our customers but we also need to consider the environment. > PRODUCT SELECTION Thankfully, home-owners are becoming increasingly concerned about saving the planet, so one way we can help is by selecting environmentally friendly bathroom products, with low water consumption and less hot water wastage. This can reduce customers’ utility bills and fall in line with government guidelines.

Many bathroom manufacturers are creating new innovative technologies which are specifically designed to reduce water usage whilst maintaining great performance. By selecting these types of products, you can save up to 60% of water compared with traditional bathroom products.

“73% of household water is consumed in the bathroom”

Continued >>

Discover Vernis. Hansgrohe quality at an attractive price Available in two designs that suit every bathroom, and every taste. One with a strong angular structure and the other in a softer rounder form. Available in two finishes chrome and matt black, for greater individualisation. pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I BATHROOMS

“Water and energy waste are two of the greatest problems facing today’s society”

> OUR RESPONSIBILITY Water is at the core of sustainable development, is critical for human survival and is an irreplaceable resource. Today more than 1.7 billion people live in river basins where depletion through use exceeds natural recharge, a trend that will see two-thirds of the world’s population living in water-stress countries by 2025.

There is still the same amount of water on the planet. There are however more people to share this with which is what water shortage is actually about and why we need to use water responsibly.

Water and energy waste are two of the

greatest problems facing today’s society, on average the consumption of water is 136L per inhabitant per day with only 1.5L being for drinking. 10% of the world’s water consumption is used in domestic living, and around 73% of household water is consumed in the bathroom.

> SAVING WATER IS EASY Those who economise with water can help to reduce the impact on the environment – as well as their wallet. Saving water is easy. Even making small changes to our everyday habits can help. For example, if you turn the tap off whilst brushing your teeth, you can save up to 18L of water each time.

BATHROOMS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> WATER SAVING PRODUCTS There are many switches that can be made when designing and installing a bathroom that can have a huge impact on the amount of water that is used.

Below are some suggestions that you can pass on to your customers but also do yourself!

▸ Air Power Water is mixed with air which creates larger, heavier water droplets maintaining a great showering performance whilst reducing the amount of water used. This mixture of air and water is also available in taps.

▸ The Eco Double Flush Toilet The 6-3L version will save up to 47% more water and the 4.5-3L version will save up to 56%. ▸ CoolStart Taps When using Hansgrohe's CoolStart technology, only cold water flows when the handle is in the centre position.

This saves energy as warm water is only added when the handle is turned to the left.

▸ Thermostatic Showers They reduce temperature fluctuations resulting in less energy being used and creating a better shower experience.

Recognised as "a champion of the value of water", Hansgrohe has been integrating sustainability holistically into its business, where it has been developing products which save both water and energy. ▸ LED Technology If you are installing backlit wall lights and mirrors in the bathroom, use LED lighting as it consumes up to 80% less energy.

Find out what you can save by using the Hansgrohe water savings calculator:

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UNIQUE DESIGNS FOR UNIQUE CUSTOMERS Bathroom design is all about personal style and thanks to hansgrohe's FinishPlus, it is even easier for your customers to create their individual dream bathroom. > EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY > UNIQUE DESIGNS With five distinctive finishes to choose from, FinishPlus enables a variety of design options that enhance the bathroom style. If a customer is looking to create contrast within the bathroom, then Matt Black or Matt White will be sure to enhance the shaping of the brassware. Or, if the desired effect is for a sophisticated metallic shine, try the elegance of Polished Gold, Brushed Black or Brushed Bronze.

Many of these products are also available as EcoSmart alternatives, which means they not only save water, but they also save energy and therefore cost less to run.

When installing any FinishPlus product, customers are guaranteed to enjoy all the quality features they have come to expect from Hansgrohe. All FinishPlus surfaces offer exceptional robustness, durability and scratch resistance.

> STOCK AVAILABILITY FinishPlus products are now available on short lead times. Saving both money and time, this gives installers peace of mind when working to tight timelines and schedules.

“Hansgrohe also offers a five-year guarantee on its products and a 15-year spare parts availability.”

For more information and to download the FinishPlus brochure visit:

BOILERS

SPONSORED BY

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I BOILERS

ADVANCE ONLINE The world of plumbing and heating is changing, with new, more modern appliances revolutionising the way our homes perform.

As an apprentice installer, you are entering the industry at an exciting moment, filled with plenty of profitable opportunities.

> START BUILDING ONLINE It is likely that you spend a good amount of time online, and appreciate the possibilities offered up by the Internet for both selfpromotion and product awareness.

As such, you already know that a lot of businesses have a strong online presence, particularly customerfacing ones.

TOP TIPS Here are our top tips on how to make the most of your online presence:

According to a survey from BrightLocal, 90% of consumers regularly use the Internet to find local businesses, with 82% also looking to read online reviews.

> CUSTOMER REVIEWS

> GOOD IMAGERY

Whilst word of mouth is important, reviews are key to attracting new customers as they endorse the quality of your work and level of customer care.

Consider investing into professional photography, particularly on a project that best highlights your skills and then showcase these images online to attract new customers.

BOILERS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> FUNCTIONAL TOOLS

> PERSONAL PROFILE

Incorporating an online quotation tool to provide a simple breakdown of the expected hours and cost can make it easier for customers to select an installer and accelerate bookings.

An ‘about you’ page can convey a sense of personality and help make customers more comfortable inviting you into their home.

Make sure to include any relevant trade qualifications you might have.

> UTILISE SOCIAL MEDIA At Alpha Heating Innovation, we provide a free, online quotation tool - QuoteLink - for our AlphaOne installers, which can be personalised and embedded into your Facebook page or website. With the system, customers have a clear and easy way to get in touch with you for potential jobs.

Look at social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as additional parts of your business. In doing so, you can look to increase interest and engagement amongst customers, generating greater returns.

> DON’T OVERSHARE Your online presence can be fun but should always be professional. It is also imperative to keep a professional tone whenever you are discussing new jobs with customers, whether in person or online.

> EXPLORE APPS Applications like the popular AlphaOne app, which is available on Apple and Android devices can help make life easier for installers. Through the app you can register customers’ boilers on the go, which is key to helping ensure that warranties and Gas Safe certifications remain valid, while avoiding a build-up of admin to be completed later.

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I BOILERS

TAKING CONTROL Apart from smart speaker systems, smart thermostats are the most popular smart home devices in UK households; but what makes them so popular? > SAVINGS Heating accounts for as much as 60% of energy used in the home, so having the right heating controls is crucial.

Smart thermostats can reduce energy usage by 37% and save homeowners up to £130 a year on energy bills.

> REMOTE CONTROL Modern, connected controls, like the Alpha Connect system, allow heating to be remotely monitored and controlled via a tablet or smartphone. With a system like this, heating schedules can be fully programmed based on the dayto-day routine of a household.

When recommending a smart thermostat system, look for a solution with a geo-fencing feature, which will alert homeowners when they leave their home, reminding them if they have left the heating on and allowing them to adjust the heating schedule remotely, if necessary.

> A CROSS SELLING OPPORTUNITY Time and temperature controls offer a significant additional revenue stream for installers. Their ability to reduce energy bills offers a simple, value-based ‘sell-in’ message for installers to pass on to their customers.

> BOILER PLUS In England, fitting an intelligent control, like the Alpha Connect, will help a household comply with the Boiler Plus requirement.

Alpha Connect

If you are just getting started in the trade, it is important to read up on the products available and their selling points, to help you pitch them to your customers – generating business while ultimately saving them money.

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I BOILERS

LOOK TO ALPHA FOR MORE At the heart of Alpha’s business philosophy is a focus on creating lasting, mutually beneficial working relationships with our customers, regardless of their career level. > GOOD HOMES APPROVED Our popular E-Tec Plus combi boiler comes with a 10-year warranty straight out of the box and features a stainlesssteel heat exchanger, high efficiency Grundfos pump and hydroblock assembly.

> CONSUMER AWARENESS To support our installers, we have been boosting brand awareness for Alpha through consumer marketing campaigns, including television advertising.

> COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS We also have an extensive range of low NOx commercial boilers to suit any application, footprint or output requirement.

> LEADING WARRANTIES All Alpha appliances come with generous parts and labour warranties to provide ultimate peace of mind. We also support all installations with our dedicated service team.

> MARKETING SUPPORT Alpha offers its installers a number of digital marketing tools to help you promote your business online. These include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to help increase website traffic, a Reputation Management tool to help organise and respond to customer reviews, and a Social Management tool to help you write, schedule and plan your social media content effectively.

So that we can support you further, and for more information, please visit: www.alpha-innovation.co.uk You can also find us at @alphaheatinginnovation Find Alpha Innovation on: @alphahi

CIRCULATOR PUMPS SPONSORED BY

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MAKING HEATING SYSTEMS BETTER TOGETHER The circulator pump is the heart of a heating system and of course, the better the pump, the healthier the system.

As a global pump manufacturer, Grundfos is aware that when it comes to choosing a replacement, it is frequently the case that the details are taken directly from the pump plate and an identical pump is requested, or if this has been discontinued, the closest alternative is sought. But is this the best way?

Grundfos has spent many years working with

installers to design a wide number of features into its range of domestic circulators, that are engineered to meet the most energy efficient demands and offer many additional features and benefits.

GO Balance ALPHA3

Grundfos offers a range of domestic circulators that are among the most advanced available to the market. This makes them the ideal choice for a variety of domestic heating systems, as they provide effective, reliable, energy efficient solutions.

There are just three models in the range, all with a five year warranty, which makes choosing the correct pump for the job all the easier. The top of the range, high efficiency ALPHA3 has integrated two-way Bluetooth communication that allows for connection via apps to a smartphone for pump set up and hydronic balancing. The mid-range ALPHA1 has the same high efficiency but without the wireless functions. The more traditional UPS3 has maintained many of the features that we know have been very popular on previous models, whilst still achieving high efficiency and with the addition of onboard diagnostics and the ability to replace many internal boiler pumps.

Continued >>

LET’S MAKE BETTER HEATING SYSTEMS – TOGETHER GET THE RIGHT SOLUTION AND SUPPORT FOR ANY CHALLENGE

UPS3 15-50/65

ALPHA1 15-50/60

ALPHA3 15-50/60

Heating systems frequently face challenges, at Grundfos we are very proud to be at the forefront of technology, to help overcome this. We have been continuing to invest in our domestic circulator range, to ensure that we can bring you the very best.

Together, we can make better heating systems.

Discover our range of domestic circulators grundfos.co.uk/newteam

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> ALPHA3 15-50/60 The ALPHA3 has an Energy Efficiency Index rating of EEI ≤0.17 making it (along with the ALPHA1) the UK’s most energy efficient domestic heating pump in its class. The ALPHA3, which is suitable for applications up to 6m, has an AUTOADAPT mode which analyses the pattern of use and automatically adjusts the power output down to as little as 3W when the demand is low.

The built in two-way communication system connects to the intuitive Grundfos GO app, which enables you to easily exchange information between the pump and your smart phone. From the moment the circulator is installed and connected, all pump operation, including setup wizard, can be controlled on your smartphone (iOS and Android). Pump settings can be changed quickly and easily.

And you get access to all relevant data, such as flow, pump performance, work log history and weekly running schedules, as well as warnings and alarms. So knowing exactly how the pump runs has never been easier.

In addition, you can balance an entire

heating system through the GO BALANCE app, with real-time calculations of the flow required in your radiator and underfloor heating systems. A step-by-step guide takes you through the whole process of hydronic balancing all the home’s radiators and underfloor heating zones. Noise/heat insulation shells are supplied as standard.

The ALPHA3 has redefined what a small domestic circulator can do, filled with useful features and robust hardware. It raised the bar for efficiency and reliability in domestic circulators, even in the toughest systems.

> ALPHA1 15-50/60 ALPHA1 also offers the highest efficiency on the market at EEI ≤0.17 and the flexibility to cover 5 or 6m applications with one pump.

The reduction in power consumption is achieved by using permanent magnet motor technology and this power consumption can be as low as 5W. The variable speed modulating modes allows the pump to match its performance to the system requirements, helping to reduce noise when thermostatic valves are closing down.

C IRC UL ATO R PU M P S I HI P BOOK 2021-22

As well as proportional pressure modes, the ALPHA1 has a special constant pressure mode for underfloor heating and single pipe heating systems, and its one touch operation enables simple set up. There is also a WRAS approved stainless steel version available the ALPHA1 15-50 N for advanced high efficient secondary hot water circulation.

to fix even integrated pump issues in one visit, saving you time and your customer money.

This simple replacement recognition has proved to be a big hit with the many installers who are now using this tool.

Like the ALPHA3, the ALPHA1 is simple to install in new or existing systems, with 130mm between ports and an ALPHA plug for ease of wiring. Both models also feature LCD energy display and come with noise/heat insulation shells as standard.

> UPS3 15-50/65 The UPS3 combines improved energy efficiency (EEI ≤0.20), an easier to wire plug and on-board diagnostics with stalwart features such as ceramic bearings and shafts, a manual deblocking port and robust start-up functionality. Built on a highly reliable platform that has been proven in millions of boilers, the UPS3 improves on efficiency, head (up to 6.5m), diagnostics and fitting time.

The clever design features don’t end there, as the new UPS3 can be used not only in system installations but also inside many of the UK’s domestic boilers. Simply scan the old pump with the Grundfos GO Replace smartphone app and it will tell you if the UPS3 is a compatible fit. This gives you the chance

> ‘APPY DAYS WITH GRUNDFOS On top of the great circulator ranges on offer, there is also a fantastic range of supporting apps that have been designed to help you in your working life. These include the Grundfos GO Balance that, used with the award winning ALPHA3, will assist with hydronic balancing of a domestic heating system. The Grundfos GO Remote app, for use with ALPHA3 and MAGNA3 pumps, delivers an easy and reliable remote control tool for installers for commissioning and maintenance – providing fast and simple set up, control and monitoring of the pump.

Grundfos also recognised that getting hold of a specific internal OEM pump can add a significant amount of time, delays and cost to a job. In response, Grundfos created a smartphone app, the GO Replace, that uses a look-up database to confirm if the UPS3 will be a suitable replacement. You just need to scan the old pump and in seconds you’ll have the answer. All these apps are available on both iOS and Android.

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GRUNDFOS FOR INSTALLERS Grundfos for Installers is a one-stop-shop for installers and heating engineers that offers ready access to a range of useful pump related materials.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s plumbing professionals, this portal offers access to the best tools and information from the Grundfos world to support you in your daily work.

On top of all these great elements, being part of the Grundfos for Installers club can also offer you some surprising added extras, that are aimed at helping you to maximise your business potential with both on and offline support suggestions and ideas. These practical guides are available as animations and will help you to stand out from other similar organisations.

> LEARNING TOOLS Launched in 2016, it is under constant development and today it now offers a range of features and information to make sure it continues to meet your needs, such as a range of digital tools, information on new products as well as access to the ever popular Grundfos ECADEMY learning platform that supports a wide range of product and industry related topics, all delivered in bite sized modules.

This internet-based learning tool assists in improving knowledge on pumps, their applications and the theory behind them and is available 24/7. Its aim is to help keep pump professionals up-to-date on a range of industry related topics that includes pump theory, circulator basics, shower pumps as well as product specific modules, all of which have been specifically developed to assist industry professionals.

The Grundfos for Installers hub is ready to help you to fulfil a wide range of tasks as well as providing you with 24/7 assistance and some great hints and tips, all of which can be accessed from your computer tablet or smartphone.

Next time you’re unsure about something pump related, come and pay us a visit on www.grundfos.co.uk/gfi because we’re on your side.

COMPLIANCE

SPONSORED BY

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A QUICK GUIDE: PLUMBING & HEATING APPROVALS When working with water it’s important to make sure you are using the best products to provide great customer service, such as providing the right level of comfort, reliability and efficiency.

Ensuring you have the correct product for the job is vital, but it's also important to understand what product approvals and accreditations it needs in order to be compliant with relevant building regulations.

The easiest way to achieve this is by choosing products from reputable manufacturers who only place products into the market that are approved and accredited.

This is a quick guide to approvals, public bodies and associations that all plumbing and heating engineers need to know about.

Continued >>

Quickfire Training Altecnic Tech Talks Life At The Tap EndThe Altecnic Podcast & Much More!

Expand your knowledge on the go with...

Altecnic’s Digital Content!

SCAN FOR QUICK ACCESS

TO OUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

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> APPROVALS & STANDARDS WRAS approval shows that a material or water fitting is of a suitable quality and standard.

KIWA UK Regulation 4 Approved Product demonstrates that the product connected to the UK water supply complies with Regulation 4 of Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

NSF-WRC provides testing and calibration for approval and certification and is the UK’s largest purpose-built testing and calibration laboratory for water fittings and materials.

TMV2 is an independent testing scheme for thermostatic mixing valves to ensure that national and international standards are met (BS EN 1111 and 1287).

TMVs are installed in both domestic properties and other domestic type environments. TMV2 valves are designed and tested to be used in domestic environments to reduce the risk of scalding at home. In 2010, the TMV2 scheme became part of the British building regulations to control the temperature of hot water to a safe maximum in domestic bathrooms, specifically for baths and bidets. The regulations apply to all new build domestic properties in the UK, along with homes where bathroom renovations are being undertaken involving any movement or replacement of bath, bidet or shower outlets.

TMV2-designated TMVs are compliant with BS EN 1111 (high pressure) and/or BS EN 1287:1999 (low pressure). The UK Building Regulations Part G requires that mixing valves are compliant with BS EN 1111 and/ or 1287:1999 to reduce the risk of scalding.

NSF International delivers TMV2 testing and certification against the updated performance standards BS EN 1111:2017 and BS EN 1287:2017.

TMV3 is an independent testing scheme for thermostatic mixing valves to ensure that national and international standards are met (NHS D08 Standard).

This scheme applies to TMVs for use in high-risk commercial healthcare applications within the UK. These valves offer a high level of protection, reacting much more quickly in shutting off the flow of water if the cold water fails, or a safe temperature is exceeded. Testing bodies must ensure that the valve adheres to the NHS D08 regulatory standard, which ensures stable temperature output despite varying supply pressures and temperatures.

Other important factors taken into consideration when carrying out performance testing for both TMV2 and TMV3 accreditation include: ▸ The company/manufacturer applying for accreditation of the valve must prove their compliance with ISO 9001 (or equivalent quality management system) ▸ The valve must feature the correct markings making it identifiable in the field ▸ The installation and maintenance documents must include information stated by the scheme.

Built Cert is a product testing and certification program designed specifically for plumbing products.

The NEW Mixcal Careflo Plus® from Altecnic is WRAS, TMV2 & TMV3 approved.

C O M PL I A N C E I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> PRODUCT MARKING & LABELLING UKCA - In January 2021, UKCA product marking replaced CE marking for applicable goods sold in the UK. Both UKCA & CE marking may be used in Northern Ireland. UKCA product marking is important as it indicates that the product you are fitting has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet UK safety, health and environmental protection requirements.

TELL classification scheme is a European label scheme to clearly demonstrate a product's energy efficiency. The scheme is applicable to thermostatic radiator valves with ‘I’ being the most energy efficient.

Unified Water Label helps consumers understand how much water they use within the bathroom environment.

BSI Kitemark is a signal to Gas Safe registered engineers that the product has been robustly tested on a regular basis to perform and to be safe to the latest standards.

> BUILDING REGULATIONS The Building Regulations Approved Document G: ‘Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency’ came into force in April 2010. Together with the Code for Sustainable Homes, it ensures a reduction in water use, sets standards for water quality and promotes the safety of hot water systems.

The Building Regulations Approved Document L provides guidance on the conservation of fuel and power. Guidance provided includes insulation regulations, boiler productivity, lighting and storage techniques for hot water. In June 2022, Part L is to be updated, with new regulations for TRVs with boiler replacements.

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> ASSOCIATIONS, DIRECTORIES & CHARITIES WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Water Management Society (WMS) provides practical and technical training solutions in legionella and water hygiene.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) exists to exchange life-enhancing skills and knowledge to reduce serious accidental injuries – such as preventable heating and plumbing accidents that have occurred as a result of poor system design.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents. Such plumbing and heating related accidents include scalding and burns injuries.

The Hot Water Association (HWA) is a member organisation committed to effectively promoting the concept and use of stored hot water in domestic and commercial buildings.

The European Association for the Taps and Valves Industry (CEIR) gathers together a large number of European manufacturers in the field of valves and fittings. CEIR represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the European valve industries.

Altecnic Intaball range of gas lever ball valves were one of the first UK products to be certified to EN 331:2015 (Class C) via the BSI.

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

YOU CAN TRUST It is paramount that manufacturers provide accurate and up-to-date product information that you can trust.

According to a recent survey by the Construction Products Association (CPA) and National Building Specification (NBS), 89% of tradespeople read the technical literature when looking for product information and trust that this information is correct.

One tradesperson said, ‘We cannot check the quality of manufacturers’ information, we have to trust it is accurate.’

> CODE OF CONDUCT

> COMPLIANCE We also take our role seriously as a responsible manufacturer in the development of new standards working alongside industry bodies. The most recent examples include TMV2 with NSF and EN 331:2015 (Class C) with BSI. We encourage all apprentices to use the information and resources available on our website, join our free webinars, and follow our social channels, to ensure you are kept ahead of the curve in only fitting approved and accredited products you can trust.

The research supports the introduction of a ‘code of conduct’ to ensure the accurate provision of manufacturer product information.

At Altecnic, we would be happy to support this. We already invest a huge amount of time and money into ensuring our product information is clear in detailing its intended use, as well as being easily accessible.

This is particularly important for products used with potable water, pressure or gas.

For further information visit: www.altecnic.co.uk

CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY SPONSORED BY

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CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY With the size of new homes shrinking, the challenge of designing and installing a bathroom is now more important than ever. Despite smaller spaces, consumers are also demanding more from their bathrooms and seeking not only a functional space but one that is tranquil and promotes wellbeing.

An increased consideration for hygiene, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, will also now become one of the leading factors in how bathrooms are designed.

The latest advancements in concealed technology can help us tackle these design considerations to enable us to achieve clever bathroom designs that optimise space, hygiene and ambience whilst delivering a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

There are a number of ways concealed technology can help you offer your customers beautiful bathrooms that work within the modern-day household.

Continued >>

MASTERPIECE OF TECHNOLOGY GROHE RAPIDO SMARTBOX SYSTEM With its universal solutions, our GROHE Rapido SmartBox System is the answer for everything. Never before has a rough-in from GROHE offered so many different options and so much flexibility and freedom. And with the GROHE Rapido Smartbox System you can install the box now and decide on a trim in the future. grohe.co.uk

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WALL-HUNG TOILETS AND BASINS Concealed WC frames enable the installation of wall-hung toilets and are fast becoming the most popular option for new build and complete bathroom refurbishment projects due to their space-saving and hygiene benefits:

> SPACE SAVING Combining a wall-hung pan with a concealed installation frame really helps you maximise all available space.

> HYGIENE With the cistern concealed and pan lifted off the floor, cleaning is easy with no awkward corners for bacteria and germs to lurk.

> NOISE REDUCTION The noise from the toilet flush is decreased when using an installation frame as the cistern is behind the wall. This makes it a great option for en-suites and family bathrooms alike.

> AMBIENCE To complement the look of a wall-hung WC, you can also use a concealed basin installation frame. Wall-mounting your basin or basin furniture optimises space whilst hiding the water and waste supplies, creating a more minimalist look.

> CHOICE There are a wide range of concealed WC frames, from different heights to multiple water fixing points and affixing options. The customer can add the finishing touch with choice of flush plate and ceramic!

“The most up-and-coming trend for bathroom design is the shift towards concealed showering”

CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY I HI P BOOK 2021-22

STYLISH, MINIMALIST SHOWERS Perhaps the most up-and-coming trend for bathroom design is the shift towards concealed showering and moving away from traditional systems with bulky, exposed pipework.

> GREATER CUSTOMER CHOICE Innovations such as first fix concealed roughin boxes like the GROHE Rapido Smartbox can facilitate three different water outlets (handshower, headshower and bath filler), giving consumers more choice than ever when it comes to designing their dream shower. The GROHE Rapido Smartbox can be paired with more than 220 different shower trimsets so customers will be sure to find a design, set up and finish that meets their taste and needs.

Concealed showers not only take up less space but also offer more options when it comes to shower design and layout which can be a huge benefit when installing in small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms. With a concealed rough-in box, you could even have the headshower on one wall of the enclosure and the trimset on an opposing wall – the options are endless!

> WHY CONCEALED BATHROOM PRODUCTS? Concealed technology for the bathroom is a trend we believe is here to stay, and one that will continue to grow in popularity in UK bathrooms.

Want to know more about concealed bathroom products? Here are two of our most frequently asked questions:

Q1: Aren’t concealed products harder to install?

A1: While they can sometimes look daunting, the truth is that concealed products can actually be easier and faster to fit. They often have height adjustable feet, four inlet connections for the water as well as adjustable wall brackets.

Q2: Is it more difficult to service and maintain concealed products?

A2: The majority of concealed WC installation systems can be serviced from the space behind the flush button, meaning you don’t need to think about making an access panel for future servicing and maintenance. GROHE concealed showers can also be fitted with service stops behind the trimset meaning the shower can be isolated without shutting down the water supply to the whole room or house. This allows simple servicing and maintenance of thermostats, cartridges and diverters.

For more information about Grohe, visit www.grohe.co.uk

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GROHE RAPID SLX GROHE Rapid SLX is a concealed product hidden behind the wall that offers state-of-the-art plumbing solutions for the bathroom.

Its universal concealed support frame with flushing cistern is designed for use with rimless toilets, a growing trend in the market, and smart shower toilets.

> FUTURE-PROOFING DESIGN The generous opening behind the ceramic provides easy access to the water and power connections, helping to reduce both cost and time of additional upgrades later down the line.

> KEY FEATURES ▸ The integrated flow manager makes it easy to adjust the flow of the flush on rimless toilets to avoid unwanted splashing or overflowing. This can be done in a matter of a few seconds via the flush plate opening when installing a new toilet without the hassle of having to re-tile or demount the valves. ▸ The integrated electric socket and water connections enable a quick retrofit installation of a shower toilet should the designer or customer wish to upgrade to this in the future. ▸ The GROHE Whisper technology of the dual-flush cistern significantly reduces noise of the flush to ensure the bathroom remains a private, personal space. ▸ GROHE’s slim flush plates provide a sleek, sophisticated finish to any project.

“The integrated electric socket and water connections enable a quick retrofit installation”

Whatever the future holds in store for bathroom design, the Rapid SLX is designed to make life easier and smarter – for designers, installers and end consumers – and to ensure vision isn’t held back by technology.

For more information visit: www.grohe.co.uk

DRAINAGE

SPONSORED BY

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DRAINAGE The world of residential drainage is mostly a hidden one.

Boxed away in cupboards and beneath floors and plasterboard, it’s something the homeowner isn’t really aware of unless something goes wrong. But even though it’s hidden, the hard-working drainage system is a key part of a well-functioning home and it deserves some real consideration when it comes to installation and maintenance.

> WHAT DOES A WASTE SYSTEM DO? Generally speaking, a house’s waste drainage system will cover its sinks, baths and showers, and household appliances including the dishwasher and washing machine. So if it were to fail, the resulting leakage would have multiple consequences – from flooding the immediate space with foul water, to knocking a household essential out of action whilst the problem is resolved.

“…the hard-working drainage system is a key part of a well-functioning home…”

> CHOOSE YOUR PIPE AND FITTINGS There are multiple options for household waste and you can choose the system that best works for you and your project. ▸ POLYPROPYLENE PUSH-FIT SYSTEMS: Offer fast, secure and demountable joints. They are also much easier to install in spaces which are hard to access and manoeuver in. ▸ SOLVENT WELD ABS SYSTEMS: Offer permanent jointing and are particularly suited to areas where the system is exposed, such as where the system exits through an external wall or will be in a public area. ▸ UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION SYSTEMS: Can be used to join push-fit systems to solvent weld systems. This system can also be used to join onto legacy copper or lead piping. This is particularly useful when updating a section of a waste system or working on houses where multiple systems are already in place.

> WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A HOUSEHOLD WASTE SYSTEM? It’s best to view a household’s waste drainage as an interconnected system, made up of waste pipe, fittings and traps.

Continued >>

What’s in it for you?

Fit-Rite technology for easy fitting.

Polypipe understands the importance of making a job as simple as possible, thats why our new WP46 Trap has been engineered incorporating our unique Fit-Rite technology to help get the job done quickly. It’s easy to fit, easy to remove and is part of the only range of traps on the market with KitemarkTM Accreditation.

BS 3943 KM09979 BS EN

Over and above, it has to be274-1 Polypipe KM98694

BS EN 13476-2

To view the rest of our new and improved traps range, visit: KM13476

polypipe.com/overandabove BS EN 13476-3

•

New Fit-Rite technology for simple fitting and removability

•

New and improved finned seal for ease of installation

•

The only traps range on the market to be KitemarkedTM Accredited

•

Contains BioCote antimicrobial technology to combat odours

•

Exclusively endorsed product by Help for Heroes*.

*79p from the sale of the WP46 Trap will be contributed to Help for Heroes Trading Limited, which Gift Aids all of its taxable profits to Help for Heroes (Registered Charity Number 1120920).

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> CHOOSE YOUR TRAP The choice of trap is down to finding the right product for the right installation.

Each trap is designed to do a specific job in a specific place and it’s your job to play matchmaker. For example, a bottle trap is typically installed under a basin but manufacturers with comprehensive product ranges can offer you a standard bottle trap, one with an adjustable telescopic connection, one with an anti-syphon addition, or one with both.

Then there are the appliance traps, with specific products for washing machines or dishwashers. There are hard-working multi-tasking kits which can provide waste drainage for sinks with multiple bowls. And there are new low level traps designed to sit neatly beneath shower trays and baths and solutions for wet rooms. There are even self-sealing valves which don’t rely on water levels to achieve an air tight seal – meaning you won’t run the risk of bad smells entering the building in low or no flow situations.

Look for a manufacturer that offers a wide range of traps so you get the right product every time.

> WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WASTE SYSTEM ▸ STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION Choose a system which holds all of the relevant standards and certifications. Look for BBA Approvals and British Standards Institute (BSI) Kitemarks.

Kitemarks are a trusted symbol of safe, reliable products. They are only awarded to companies which complete an initial quality assessment and undergo ongoing independent auditing to ensure products always meet the highest possible standards.

Look for a manufacturer that offers all three types of waste pipe and fittings, in a choice of diameters and colours.

If you’re based in the north of the UK, you’re far more likely to work on houses featuring push-fit systems, but in the south you’re more likely to encounter solvent weld systems.

D R AIN AGE I HI P BOOK 2021-22

▸ INSTALLATION BENEFITS

“Look for products which offer added benefits for you, the plumber”

Look for products which offer added benefits for you, the plumber, for example features which make installation easier or more secure. ▸ HOMEOWNER BENEFITS Wherever possible, look for products which offer added benefits for the homeowner too.

This positions you as a professional with pride in choosing the best product for the job.

This could be a low level bath trap to make the most of that tub the homeowner’s been eyeing up, or it could be a waste trap which prevents bad smells rising in to the property. ▸ ONGOING MAINTENANCE Look for products which offer you the confidence to fit and forget, which need little to no ongoing maintenance and have a long life expectancy.

> OVER AND ABOVE Finally, a real mark of quality is a product which offers all of the above and that little something more.

Polypipe’s WP46 bottle trap is a Help for Heroes endorsed product, meaning 79p from the sale of every trap is donated to the charity. Every year, over 14,000 servicemen and women return to Civvy Street, with one in four forging a new career in construction. The funds will be used to support Help for Heroes initiatives, working with men and women living with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

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OVER AND ABOVE, IT HAS TO BE POLYPIPE Polypipe's innovative waste system offers great features and benefits for plumbers and homeowners alike.

The system is made up of seven new and improved waste traps and a new multi-layer waste pipe and enhanced fittings range.

> WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Developed with the plumber in mind, the new traps feature finned seals, and improved threaded nuts for superb product integrity.

The traps also include Polypipe’s brand new Fit-Rite technology. The Fit-Rite insertion aid helps guide the pipe into place, giving you the assurance that you’ve made a secure joint when you’re fitting in fiddly and hard-to-reach locations. Unlike other products, the Fit-Rite insertion aid is easily removable so when it’s not required, there’s no need for you to break out the stanley knife and cut it free.

That means no more jagged edges that can potentially harm the pipe during installation.

What’s more, our traps are stocked in plumbers’ merchants nationally, so you can find them when you need them. All of which gives you the confidence to fit and forget Polypipe waste products, and move on to your next job.

> WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUR CUSTOMER? As an additional benefit for homeowners, we’ve added Biocote to our waste system.

By killing up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses, Biocote significantly minimises the build-up of bio-film. This reduces unpleasant odours and blockages for the homeowner.

This antimicrobial protection will remain active for the lifetime of the product, giving plumbers and homeowners added peace of mind.

> OVER AND ABOVE Feel good when buying Polypipe as 79p from the sale of each WP46 bottle trap goes straight to Help for Heroes.

Polypipe’s waste systems are the ONLY range on the market to incorporate antimicrobial technology, reducing odours and blockages through combatting the build-up of bio-film.

Polypipe’s are the ONLY traps on the market to hold a BSI Kitemark

For more information visit polypipe.com

FLEXIBLE PLUMBING SPONSORED BY

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PLASTIC PUSH-FIT THE MODERN SOLUTION TO HOT & COLD WATER SUPPLY Plastic push-fit plumbing systems for hot and cold water services were developed by Hep²O here in the UK during the late 1970s.

Subsequent years have seen them steadily increase in popularity amongst professional plumbers and installers – largely as a result of a growth in awareness of the obvious benefits they offer.

Plastic plumbing technology started to be taken seriously in the 1990s when availability became more widespread. A significant boost resulted from the uptake in underfloor heating systems which mainly utilise plastic pipework.

Another important development in explaining the increased interest in plastic piping was the huge take-up of manufactured joists and I-beams for intermediate floors. In fact, it has been suggested that when it comes to fitting pipework through an I-beam floor, using plastic is around 15 times faster than using rigid metal!

> THE PRINCIPLE OF PUSH-FIT FITTINGS A number of different manufacturers’ systems are now available but they all share a similar operating principle: The pipe is cut to length with an appropriate pipe cutter and a pipe sleeve is inserted into the pipe end. This is an essential part of the technology as it keeps

Hep2O Polybutylene pipe comes off the coil straight.

(Pictured here with less flexible PEX pipe)

the pipe end rigid and circular. The pipe is then pushed into the fitting, passing through a metal grab-ring and an O-ring. The grab-ring secures the pipe and prevents it ‘blowing out’ under pressure and the O-ring provides the leak-proof seal – and of course modern plastic fittings are equally effective when joining either copper or plastic pipe.

Subsequent demounting is achieved by releasing the grab-ring and withdrawing the pipe.

SUPPORT

Supporting plumbers of the future

A series of E-learning courses, online calculation tools, How-to videos and installation guides are some of the many ways Hep2O can provide support for students and apprentices. Plus, with a rating of 9 out of 10 for quality and a 50-year guarantee, it’s no wonder installers can feel confident of doing a great job every time with Hep2O. For added assurance, Hep2O also features In4Sure™ secure jointing technology for a perfect push-fit. It’s compatible with copper and the coiled pipe stays flat, which makes every job quick and easy, but don’t take our word for it, try it yourself and request your free test pack now from:

www.hep2o.co.uk

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Plastic push-fit systems are now commonly specified by RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) plumbers across a wide range of domestic and commercial applications.

In fact they are so successful that 90% of all new houses constructed in recent years use plastic systems throughout their entire hot and cold water supply and central heating systems.

BENEFITS LOWER COST IN USE The reason for the growth in popularity of plastic systems lies in the impressive list of benefits they offer over the more traditional rigid systems:

1 Plastic pipe is very flexible and can be ‘cabled’ in a similar way to electrical wiring, thus cutting down on the number of joints required

2 Fewer joints means less risk from leaks

3 Jointing is quicker which means installation time is dramatically reduced More and more plumbers are recognising that the benefits of plastic push-fit systems lie not in a direct price comparison of components, but in the speed of installation.

4 There is no risk of fire because no open flame is used during installation and no Hot Permit to Work is required

5 Joints are easily demountable

6 All connections are made by hand no tools are required

7 No tools means much easier to install in confined spaces

8 Plastic systems are quick to install, whether it’s a complex cabling system or a simple appliance connection.

Most plastic push-fit systems can also be connected to copper pipework.

FLEXIBLE PLUMBING I HI P BOOK 2021-22

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> EASIER INSTALLATION Recent research asked 1,059 experienced plumbers to estimate the time required to replace all the plumbing in an average bathroom with copper and then a second estimate using only plastic. The result is a six-hour (28%) time saving in favour of plastic. Therefore a normal 40-hour week for a bathroom installer using copper would reduce to 29 hours using plastic.

Providing basic manufacturers’ rules are followed, plastic push-fit fittings are the easiest, quickest and most cost effective of all plumbing fittings to use.

The only tool required to make joints is a specialist cutter for plastic pipe or a pipe slice for copper pipe. A hacksaw should never be used as any burrs on the pipe ends may damage the O-ring inside the fitting. They are also just as easy to demount – while different manufacturers have different demounting methods, they all share a common simplicity.

Plastic push-fit fittings are equally effective whether jointing plastic or copper pipe

With the appropriate pipe sleeve arrangement, plastic push-fit fittings can be used on copper or plastic pipe but not on chrome plated pipe as the chrome surface is too hard. To join chrome plated pipes, compression joints should be used.

> NEW DEVELOPMENTS The most significant development in plastic push-fit technology in recent years is Hep²O’s ‘Next Generation’ range of fittings, which features a number of new developments: The new fittings are slimmer in size and have a much sleeker and more stylish design, which means they now look a lot neater and less intrusive when placed in visible locations.

Clearly, push-fit technology is continuing to move forward, largely driven by the same company that was so heavily involved in its original development back in the late 1970s.

1,059 plumbers estimated that an average bathroom would take six hours less to renovate if plastic fittings were used instead of copper.

For enquiries or to place an order contact 0844 856 5152, email info@hep2o.co.uk or visit hep2o.co.uk

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PLASTIC PUSH-FIT PLUMBING FOR PROFESSIONAL USERS Hep²O is the UK’s premier flexible push-fit plastic plumbing system for domestic hot and cold water supply, including potable water and central heating.

The Hep²O system is designed solely for professional users and is currently the most widely specified system in use here in the UK.

> THE SYSTEM The system comprises flexible plastic ‘straight coil’ polybutylene pipework connected to fittings that incorporate an integral push-fit mechanism, making jointing quick and simple.

Unlike other similar types of coiled plastic pipe, Hep²O pipe utilises ‘straight coil’ technology, which means the pipe does not return to its coiled state when uncoiled from the SmartPackTM dispensers.

Instead, it remains straight but with no loss of flexibility, which makes it much easier to handle and ‘cable’ into position.

The result is a lot fewer joints and a significantly faster, safer and more cost-effective installation when compared to rigid plumbing pipe systems, such as copper.

For a series of ‘how to’ installation videos, scan this QR code.

HOT WATER CYLINDERS SPONSORED BY

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WHEN TO USE A CYLINDER

Is this hot water system capable of meeting the demands it could face?

That’s the crucial question you can ask yourself when working with your customers on adaptations, retrofits and extensions to their home. If the answer is ‘no’, it’s an opportunity for you to upgrade your customer to an unvented hot water cylinder.

Combi boilers can be just the job for smaller homes with only one bathroom, but they’re often left lagging when using more than one hot water outlet at the same time.

If your customer is adding a bathroom,

building an extension for a new utility room or a workshop with hot water, it could be time to consider adding an element of stored hot water to the system. It’s no good installing the most luxurious en-suite shower or beautiful new bathroom if your customer is left disappointed because the bath takes forever to fill or the shower becomes a trickle as soon as someone turns on the kitchen sink tap.

That’s where hot water cylinders are the best product for the job. Whether it’s in a home with one bathroom and an en-suite, or in a multiple-occupancy home with four or five bathrooms, they can handle hot water being used simultaneously in multiple places throughout the home.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOT WATER CYLINDER > CYLINDER SELECTION GUIDE FOR INSTALLERS There are four key steps in choosing the right hot water cylinder to meet the needs of your customer and their household hot water usage. Following this simple guide will help you select the best type and size of cylinder for their needs.

Although this guide is aimed at professionally qualified installers, it can also be used in class as an introduction to help apprentices understand what is involved in choosing the right cylinder.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE CYLINDER TYPE NEEDED FOR THE SYSTEM – VENTED OR UNVENTED? > VENTED CYLINDERS Vented cylinders were the traditional way to supply hot water in most British homes between the 1940s and 1990s. A vented cylinder gets its cold-water feed from a header tank, usually located in the loft. It then uses gravity to feed the cylinder with its water supply, as opposed to being fed directly by the cold mains.

Relatively speaking, vented cylinders offer poor performance in terms of water pressure. If you’re looking to replace an old vented cylinder that has failed, a like-for-like replacement with another vented cylinder will provide the easiest and cheapest way of getting the hot water back up and running quickly and with the least disruption.

> UNVENTED CYLINDERS Unvented cylinders use the mains cold-water supply and not a cold tank in the loft. This allows them to provide high flow rates and mains pressure hot water (regulated to 3bar) for the fast filling of baths and powerful showers.

Unvented cylinders are ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms or where the home has both a kitchen and utility room, as they can support multiple hot water outlets at the same time. Modern unvented cylinders are very well insulated for minimum heat loss and come in a protective casing to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

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> THERMAL STORES

STEP 2:

When you’re assessing a home’s current hot water system, you may also come across a thermal store. Before unvented cylinders were developed, if you wanted mains pressure hot water, you would need a thermal store.

SPECIFY THE CYLINDER DEPENDING ON ITS HEAT SOURCE

As the name suggests, a thermal store enables water to be stored at a very high temperature and uses that stored water to heat the mains pressure cold water. This is passed through the cylinder’s heat exchanger – essentially working in reverse to a traditional cylinder – with the heat exchanger taking heat out of the cylinder instead of putting it in.

Thermal stores integrate well into systems with multiple heat sources and where the heat source is unregulated, for example a solid fuel wood burner.

Once you’ve decided whether the house needs a vented or unvented cylinder or a thermal store, the next step is to confirm the heat source and what that means for the type of cylinder you need.

> IMMERSION HEATER USING ELECTRICITY When the only option for the property is to heat the cylinder electrically through an immersion heater, you need to select a ‘direct’ cylinder.

> GAS OR OIL BOILER When your customer has a conventional boiler as a heat source, you need to select an ‘indirect’ cylinder.

> RENEWABLE ENERGY – SOLAR THERMAL OR HEAT PUMP When the property has rentable heat sources available, you need to select either a ‘solar indirect’ or ‘heat pump’ cylinder. Solar indirect cylinders feature two heat exchanger coils – one for connecting to the solar heat source and the other for connecting to a conventional boiler for when insufficient solar energy is available.

> SOLID FUEL, AGA OR OTHER UNREGULATED HEAT SOURCE When dealing with any unregulated heat source or when there are multiple heat sources available, a thermal store will usually provide the best solution.

Continued >>

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STEP 3:

STEP 4:

WHAT SIZE CYLINDER DO YOU NEED?

OTHER KEY INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

When choosing the cylinder capacity for your customer’s home, you should always look to future-proof the installation by considering any likely change in their hot water needs.

For example, if you know they have a growing family, or intend to add an additional en-suite bathroom.

For those not familiar with hot water storage, it is important to remember it is usually held at about 60°C, but is intended to be mixed with cold water down to a usable temperature.

A bath using 100 litres of hot water at 40°C actually only equates to 60 litres at 60°C. A shower can use 18 litres of hot water per minute at 40°C, which is only 11 litres at 60°C. The following average consumption levels of hot water (40°C) per person per day can be used as a guide: ▸ Low consumption = 20-30 litres ▸ Average consumption = 30-50 litres ▸ High consumption = 50-70 litres Old British Standards recommend the following, but do not fully consider the number of users: HOT WATER DEMAND

1 standard bath or shower

BEDROOMS

INDIRECT CYLINDER CAPACITY (LITRES)

DIRECT CYLINDER CAPACITY (LITRES)

Bedsit / 1 bed

90 / 120

120 / 150

2-3 bed

120

180

3-4 bed

150

210

2-3 bed

120

210

3-4 bed

150

210

1 standard bath

1 bath and en-suite

2 standard baths

3 bathrooms

2-3 bed

150

210

3-4 bed

150

210

4-5 bed

180

250

2-3 bed

180

210

3-4 bed

180

250

4-5 bed

210

250

3-4 bed

250

300

4-5 bed

250

300

5-6 bed

300

300

In addition to the type of cylinder and its capacity, installers also need to consider any physical restrictions that may apply. Examples include the amount of available space in the airing cupboard, any narrow loft hatches you need to get the cylinder through and installation time.

> SLIMLINE CYLINDERS Slimline cylinders allow you to get through narrow loft hatches or fit the cylinder in a tight airing cupboard. You will be compromising on the cylinder’s energy efficiency slightly, as tall cylinders such as these lose more heat than shorter, fatter cylinders.

> HORIZONTAL CYLINDERS A horizontal cylinder allows you to maintain cylinder capacity in situations where height restrictions apply. But be aware that horizontal cylinders are marginally less energy efficient, with slightly higher heat loss.

> BUBBLE-TOP CYLINDERS All unvented cylinders, being a sealed system, need some form of thermal expansion control.

Cylinders using internal thermal expansion control (bubble-top cylinders) can eliminate the need for an external expansion vessel, saving space and providing an average of 14% more hot water output. Bubble-top cylinders are quicker and easier to install and offer slightly improved system reliability.

> PRE-PLUMB CYLINDERS With a large proportion of the plumbing work already done at the factory, a pre-plumb cylinder can cut on-site installation time by around 70%. On installations using multiple cylinders, pre-plumb cylinders help ensure consistency from one installation to the next.

MACERATORS

SPONSORED BY

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MACERATORS & LIFTING STATIONS The macerator was introduced into the UK by Saniflo over 40 years ago. The range has since grown from a single product to a range of over 40 pumps and lifting stations, each designed to get waste from places previously thought inaccessible. Whether it is a domestic or commercial space, a loft conversion or a basement, Saniflo can provide a solution.

TERMINOLOGY > MACERATOR Invented to take waste away from situations where gravity drainage can’t, a macerator is a pump featuring a cutting blade that grinds up solid waste into a pulp for discharge through small bore pipework to a drain pipe. Macerators generally fit to the back of a toilet pan and, dependant on model, can take waste from either a single WC or a combination of WC, basin, bidet and shower depending on the nature of the installation.

> PUMPS Units that discharge grey wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, showers, washing machines, wine coolers, ice machines etc. by pumping it out through small bore pipework.

> LIFTING STATION Lifting stations are pumps that are used when waste needs to travel upwards – i.e. lifted away. They can be used for grey or black waste and can be specified with either macerator blades or a vortex system. Lifting stations can be floor standing or underground.

Sanivite + Sanitop Up

Sanicubic 2 Pro

Caveat: Terminology can vary by manufacturer. Always check the product description and specification when deciding which product to use.

Continued >>

THE ORIGINAL AND STILL TOP OF OUR GAME.

• 60 years of innovation and plumbing experience • Creators of a 40-strong range of macerators, pumps & lifting stations • Proud to offer a 5-year guarantee on the majority of our domestic range • Suppliers to all leading plumbers and builders merchants • Supported by over 100 Registered Service Engineers

Anything’s possible. Visit saniflo.co.uk to see how.

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> DID YOU KNOW?

1

According to UK Building Regulations, Part G4, macerators may only be used in a dwelling where there is access to a gravity discharging toilet. This is in case there is a power failure to the building, as the macerators will not work and the regulations say that a toilet must still be available.

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Due to back-flow issues, the UK Water Byelaws dictate that if you have a complete bathroom that needs pumping, including a bath, shower, toilet and wash basin, the bath must be pumped separately using a grey water pump and the toilet, wash basin and shower must be connected separately to a macerator.

ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL No two jobs are ever the same so it is important to match the right product to the job. Over the last 41 years – since the introduction of the macerator into the UK – the range of products has grown and today there are many different pumps available; for single WCs, and WC and basin, through to products with multiple connections for a full en-suite, laundry or kitchen in domestic residences. Larger pumps can discharge waste from a multi-storey building, a site with multiple smaller buildings or a large single storey building. These are mainly destined for the commercial sector, which naturally has a much higher footfall and therefore these pumps are designed to withstand heavy usage. Many have twin pumps to ensure continuity of service in a busy environment.

In the case of one pump failing, the other will assume its duties until the issue is resolved.

Many of these larger pumps have alarms for early notification of problems.

“There are pumps available for single WCs through to products with multiple connections”

Sanicubic 2 Pro with alarm

MACERATORS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MACERATORS Q: Are macerators, pumps and lifting stations noisy?

A: No louder than a toilet flushing. Noise emissions vary from one installation to another depending on the surroundings – size/shape of room, floor coverings etc. Correct installation will minimise unnecessary noise. For example: ▸ Ensure no direct contact between macerator and wall ▸ Place anti-vibration pads under the tank ▸ Mount the piping at intervals ▸ If required place a further layer of sound insulation between the macerator and the floor and/or wall.

Q: Are macerators IP rated?

A: Ingress Protection ratings are used to explain levels of sealing effectiveness against dust, dirt and moisture. Domestic macerators are rated IP44 which means they have adequate protection in damp, steamy conditions. Larger macerators, pumps and lifting stations are rated to IP67 offering protection against temporary immersion in water. IP68 is given to units that are installed in areas such as cool, damp basements and designed to withstand continuous submersion in water.

Q: Is water temperature important when specifying a macerator?

A: This is application-dependant. If a macerator is simply attached to a toilet or to a combination of toilet, basin and shower, the ability to handle higher water

temperatures is not important. Waste water temperature is unlikely to exceed 35°C for any period longer than a few seconds. Most macerators have a working waste water temperature of 35°C. If you’re using a pump with a washing machine or dishwasher, then the waste water temperature requirements can be higher. Remember that water has normally been cooled before it leaves a washing machine and enters the pump. In a café or restaurant, even hotter water will be required sporadically to discharge dirty, soapy or greasy water.

Q: How does a macerator get rid of solid waste?

A: A macerator pump uses a blade to reduce waste to a liquid form and then discharges it via small-bore pipework to a soil stack or sewer. Domestic pumps tend to feature a two-bladed cutter. A commercial lifting station features a more durable cutter blade system. The option of a Vortex system eliminates the need to macerate by creating a circular churning motion to reduce and suck up the waste.

Q: How far away can a macerator pump to?

A: For each job, it is important to work out how far away the mains drain or sewer is from the macerator installation point before selecting the appropriate macerator.

Manufacturer’s technical literature will have full information on maximum vertical and horizontal pumping distances for every product. The figure required is the combination of both.

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SANIFLO – MARKET LEADER

FOR OVER 40 YEARS With the widest range of products on the market, Saniflo has been a leading name in the UK plumbing sector since the introduction of its first product back in 1979. > RANGE OF PRODUCTS The range of products for the domestic market has increased in line with trends for bathroom sanitaryware. Traditional macerators such as the Sanitop Up sit behind a WC or behind a de-mountable panel. However, the popularity of wall-hung and back-to-wall sanitaryware has led to the development of specific products including the Sanipack Pro Up. This slimline macerator can be concealed behind fitted furniture, while the Saniwall Pro Up has a built-in frame designed for location behind a wall or furniture.

Saniwall Pro Up

Sanislim

If a macerator cannot be concealed, the super compact Sanislim needs just 145mm depth behind the WC and also takes waste from a shower and basin. For conversions such as cupboards under the stairs, the Sanicompact is a WC with integrated macerator, which requires no cistern.

MACERATORS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

The Sanifos

The latest developments in Saniflo’s commercial product range include the introduction of the largest floor-standing lifting station – the Sanicubic 2VX – and the Sanifos range, which is designed to be sited outside and underground.

> SANIFOS RANGE

> THE SANICUBIC 2VX

Offers the option of a macerator or a vortex system and is used where drainage is too low for a sewer or surface-mounted pumping station. Both single and three phase options are available and these units can be used to pump residential and industrial waste.

Is available in single and three-phase versions and features a vortex pump. It is ideal for commercial premises and has an alarm plus two easily removable motors for servicing.

For more information visit www.saniflo.co.uk

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SOLOLIFT2 – SEE THE BENEFITS OF INNOVATION External pressure switch, outside the tank and isolating all moving wastewater.

Lift out motor for easy access servicing.

Hardened steel cutter, based on industrial technology for maximum durability.

Adaptable connections, ensuring maximum flexibility and easy replacement of other models and brands.

Practical, accessible service drain, so the appliance does not need removing to drain the tank.

Reliable welded tank, eliminates the risk of leakage if a system blockage occurs.

Designed to directly address traditional installation, reliability and service issues, the Grundfos SOLOLIFT2 range takes macerator innovation to a new level. For more information, please visit www.grundfos.co.uk

MERCHANTS

SPONSORED BY

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HIP BOOK 2021-22 I MERCHANTS

GETTING MORE

FROM MERCHANTS For plumbing and heating installers, choosing the right merchant can make a huge difference to their work and business. But those new to the industry may be unaware of the additional offerings available to them through their local trade counter.

“Staff are ideally placed to provide guidance and advice”

Due to a merchant’s unique position as a supplier of a range of different manufacturers’ products, staff are ideally placed to provide guidance and advice on products and installations. This position also means merchants have a key role in helping customers stay up-to-date with legislative changes and evolving technologies – for example, many merchants provide installer

training courses and host trade days.

The quality of service also depends on the merchant’s ability to offer high quality products that are available when they are needed, a fast service, knowledgeable staff and value for money. As such, this forms the basis of the Graham Plumbers’ Merchant pledge to customers.

Continued >>

Because you're serious about your career we're serious about you For more information or to find your nearest Graham, visit www.grahamdirect.co.uk

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> YOU GET THE PRODUCTS YOU’RE AFTER Product availability is one of the main reasons why customers choose a merchant and so Graham constantly analyses the requirements at a national, regional and local level, with regional differences and seasonality taken into account, to get the stock profile of each store right.

Graham prides itself on its product offering and strong relationships with suppliers to help ensure in-demand items are usually in stock.

Not only do merchants offer the chance to purchase all necessary products under one roof, but by using a merchant, installers can also ensure that they are only purchasing genuine parts and spares from reputable manufacturers. It is not always easy to tell a non-genuine product, especially when purchasing online. While it can be tempting to consider a low-cost alternative from an unfamiliar supplier, the use of non-genuine parts can present a serious risk, not only to the customer’s safety but also to an installer’s reputation.

When purchasing these parts, there is no guarantee of the materials used or the overall quality of the product and there is no support available if something goes wrong. The best way to ensure the quality of the products is to use only reputable merchants who stock directly from manufacturers.

> YOU GET SORTED FAST For installers, any unnecessary time spent getting the parts and materials they need is time that can’t be spent on work that will earn them money. Choosing a merchant that can streamline the process is therefore important.

Good merchants can also often provide delivery direct to site or to a customer’s home if necessary, saving the installer valuable time collecting the products from store.

Part of Graham’s promise is to ensure customers have their queries and orders ‘sorted fast’ and it selects its suppliers accordingly.

> YOU TALK TO PEOPLE IN THE KNOW Merchants can be especially valuable to an installer with regards to their product knowledge and know-how and are happy to provide support, expertise and advice to installers. Graham works closely with its suppliers to ensure its staff are trained across all product ranges.

Likewise, it is vital that installers keep up to speed with current legislation, technological advancements and best practice. For installers looking for assistance in any of these areas, a merchant is an ideal place to start, with specially trained staff on hand to provide technical support, product advice and assistance with planning and installation. Free manufacturer courses and product training are also available for installers to keep their knowledge up-to-date. As well as covering stocked products, training can also cover current trends and market drivers such as renewable technology and smart controls.

“Free manufacturer courses and product training are available for installers”

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> YOU GET HELP ADVISING CUSTOMERS Merchants have a wealth of resources available to help installers advise their customers on the products that are right for them.

Where merchants have onsite showrooms, installers can make use of these facilities to introduce their customers to the products on offer. Graham is constantly reviewing and refurbishing its bathroom showrooms to reflect the current interior design trends.

The showrooms also offer a full in-house bathroom design service and 3D CAD drawings to enable installers’ customers to envisage their bathroom plan.

There are also brochures, guides and online resources designed specifically as sales tools for installers.

For new as well as experienced installers, it is important to remember the advantages of using a specialist merchant for support and advice to help ensure work completed is compliant and products are fit for purpose, so installers can give their customers the best service possible and grow their businesses.

With additional benefits like competitive pricing, speed-focused delivery and free installer training, merchants represent a unique and valuable resource to those in the industry.

For more information or to find your nearest store, visit www.grahamdirect.co.uk Continued >>

www.grahamdirect.co.uk D2758 HIP ADVERT MAY 2021-WELCOME MAT.indd 1

01/04/2021 12:18

METAL RECYCLING SPONSORED BY

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RECYCLE METAL? From trying to reduce the amount of unwanted items we throw away, to buying recycled products, we can all play our part in making the world a greener place.

Metal can be recycled an infinite number of times, making it a recycler’s dream! Using recycled metal to make new products instead of metal ore, reduces the carbon impact of mining for virgin materials by putting recycled materials back into the supply chain.

Plus, you can also make money from your unwanted metal, making metal recycling a win–win!

BUT HOW DOES RECYCLING YOUR METAL HELP? By collecting materials from the general public, tradespeople and businesses, the metal recycling industry works hard to prevent metals ending up in landfill.

Visit emrlocal.com for more information

GET MORE FROM YOUR SCRAP METAL. RECYCLING YOUR METAL WITH EMR IS A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO MAKE MONEY AND HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE DETAILS

To show our appreciation for training the next generation, we are offering a special deal for companies with apprentices. Simply tell your employer to quote HIPHANDBOOK21 to receive an extra £50 per tonne for non-ferrous metal (aluminium, copper, brass, etc.) and an extra £15 per tonne for ferrous metal (iron and steel).

Visit one of our local sites and we’ll get you weighed and paid in a safe and clean environment. We’re the metal recycler you can count on, offering:

They can redeem this offer multiple times before the 30.11.22

• Range of payment options including bank transfer and cheque cashing

• Great prices • Fast and fuss-free service • Convenient locations

T&C’s: This offer can be redeemed multiple times and ends 30.11.22. Customers must quote the correct promotion code to redeem. Cannot be used in conjunction with another offer.

The prices calculated per tonne will be on the basis of Gate Trade prices available on the day and are subject to fluctuation. This promotion is non-transferable, non-refundable and at the managers discretion. This promotion is only redeemable at EMR sites.

emrlocal.com

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Sustainability is a hot topic and you will hear a lot of phrases in relation to carbon reduction, but what exactly do they mean?

HERE’S A QUICK GUIDE TO SUSTAINABILITY: ▸ Net-zero: This is the term used to describe the process of completely removing greenhouse gasses produced by human activity - whether this be in manufacturing or from households. The aim is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero. ▸ Circular economy: A circular economy aims to remove the need for virgin materials. This would then remove the need for mining and the carbon output associated with this. The main idea is that all products should be part of a cycle: manufacture, use, re-use, remake, and recycle. If this is achieved, waste and pollution will be designed out of the process. ▸ Closed loop recycling: Similar to circular economy, closed loop recycling ensures that a product can be recycled numerous times to make the same or different product, without waste or degradation of the materials. ▸ Renewable energy: This is the use of wind, water and sunlight to create energy. These types of energy can’t run out.

METAL RECYCLING I HI P BOOK 2021-22

WHAT CAN I DO? ▸ Recycle:

Whether this is separating household waste or taking your larger items to reputable recycling companies, try and recycle as much as you can either by using your recycling bins at home, or by taking your unwanted material to the tip. ▸ Buy recycled products:

In order to create a truly circular economy it is important for consumers to buy products that have been made from recycled materials. These products have been produced in a way which has reduced carbon intensity and ensures that virgin materials have not been used.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR METAL? Metal recyclers usually separate metal by grade. They begin the process by determining whether the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous. The easiest way to tell is by using a magnet – ferrous metal is magnetic, whilst non-ferrous metal isn’t. ▸ Ferrous metal: Iron and steel ▸ Non-ferrous metal: Everything else! Including aluminium, copper, stainless steel, brass, lead, etc.

All metal can be recycled including the items you come across on a daily basis including radiators, boilers and screws.

95% of all materials we receive are re-used or recycled.

DID YOU KNOW? Metal prices change daily. Prices are calculated based on the weight and grade of the metal, as well as the worldwide pricing markets.

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UNWANTED METAL Making money from your unwanted metal is easy with EMR. We accept metals of all shapes and sizes. From copper piping and radiators, to brass fittings and even old boilers, we offer great prices for metal of all grades.

We are the metal recycler you can count on and we responsibly recycle over 10 million tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metal each year. Our recycling processes ensure that 95% of all materials we receive are re-used or recycled.

Recycling with EMR is a fast, fussfree experience. To find your local EMR site, simply visit emrlocal.com. Here you will find the opening hours and contact details for your local site, as well as how to register for an account.

Our sites are easy to use with signs explaining how to get your metal weighed and graded. Getting paid couldn’t be easier, with a choice of either bank transfer or cheque. Most of our sites can even cash your EMR cheques.

Everyone over the age of 18 is welcome at our sites and you can either set up a personal account or a business account.

“Our recycling processes ensure that 95% of all materials we receive are re-used or recycled”

For more information Visit emrlocal.com

PLUMBING TOOLS SPONSORED BY

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THE VIDEO INSPECTION OF SMALL DRAIN LINES SERVICE RIGHT ON THE SPOT WITH THE VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM

Even routine jobs may conceal unpredictable issues which extend work times for the plumber and pose an inconvenience for their customers.

A blockage, for example, indicates a probable pipe breakage of which the full-blown effects become evident once the obstruction has been removed. The significance of such warning signs can be assessed with the aid of the video inspection camera system.

> WHEN IS VIDEO INSPECTION A GOOD IDEA? When re-laying the drains of a home, using this equipment on the pipes and storing the video recorded enables you to prove, in the event of a complaint, that the job was done properly. This is useful, especially when the drains are installed prior to other jobs during which paints or debris, caused by accidents or negligence, might enter. After the video inspection job is done, a report can be sent to the customer. < Image 1

Inconvenience can be reduced even further by combining the camera with a locator.

This locator will pinpoint the exact location where the pipe needs repair, avoiding unnecessary additional construction works or even accidental damage to the piping.

> THE PRODUCT The photographs over the page illustrate the use of the RIDGID® SeeSnake® microDrain™ Inspection System, which is a portable pipe inspection diagnostic reel and camera with a 20m push cable, combined with a hand-held RIDGID (www.RIDGID.com) micro CA-350x Digital Inspection Camera monitor with a 3.5 inch colour LCD screen. The product range includes different versions of reels, depending mainly on the push cable length and camera diameter. The pushrod inner drum is removable and interchangeable and is compatible with all other SeeSnake, microReel or nanoReel models.

There is no risk of rust or accidental breaks as there are no weld lines.

Image 2 > Continued >>

RIDGID C-STLYE CLOSE QUARTERS COPPER TUBING CUTTER Cut 15/22 or 28 mm with the unique “quick size change” feature

Follow FollowRIDGID RIDGIDEurope Europeon on Facebook Twitter Facebook and Twitter to to find findexclusive exclusiveupdates updates on on trends, trends, tips tips and and tools! tools!

“Everybody knows that a workman is only as good as his tools. So I like to use brands that I’ve had a good experience with and I can rely on, and as far as I’m concerned, RIDGID fits the bill perfectly.

Our relationship has only got better over the years.”

Dirk Peytier – Owner of Plumbing Company & National Chairman of the Trade Federation for Central Heating, Sanitary & Air-conditioning Installers & Affiliated Trades Bruxelles.

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Drain lines from 32 to 100 millimetres can be easily inspected with the SeeSnake microDrain inspection system. The camera can pass multiple turns and 90-degree bends from 40 millimetres upwards with no need to dismantle them. The RIDGID Navitrack Scout® locator is able to trace the pipeline and precisely detect the signal of a sondes (transmitter) to see where assessment or service is needed inside the pipe.

The SeeSnake HQ software, which comes with the SeeSnake equipment and which can be updated free of charge, enables data to be monitored and managed right on the work site by connecting the equipment to a PC. Reports, which can include confidential remarks – not visible to the customer, can then be exported to a CD or USB memory stick. The 235MB internal memory can store over 4,000 photographs. Images and videos can be stored on the included 8GB SD card that comes with the micro CA-350x camera or transferred via Wifi or Bluetooth in real time.

USING THE The RIDGID micro CA-350x Inspection Camera and its case (image 1 on page 98).

1

The push cable of the SeeSnake microDrain reel, shown in the photo, is 20 metres long. It can inspect drains from 32 to 100mm in diameter (image 2 on page 98).

2

The monitor’s menu can be used to rotate the image into the best position for the inspection job.

3

> ADVICE FOR THE PLUMBER Before using the equipment, make sure the customer has not attempted to remove obstructions with hydrochloric acid. Any residues of this substance inside pipes might seriously damage the video inspection system.

If hydrochloric acid has been used, remove the blockage with a pipe cleaning hose, run water through the pipe and then perform the video inspection: this procedure enables you to check the obstruction’s causes and the condition of the pipes.

Also make sure that the camera diameter is compatible with that of the pipe to be inspected.

For example, if the minimum siphon diameter is 40 millimetres, the camera will be able to enter a pipe of even 32 millimetres, but it will get stuck from the first turn. To prevent damage to the drain lines and the equipment, first find out the minimum and maximum diameters and then use the appropriate reel. Also refer to the operator’s manual to comply with all the parameters described for a well done job.

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5

Using the arrow keys, the image can be enlarged as required for optimal viewing.

In the most complex situations, the Navitrack Scout locator helps to identify the exact point where the camera is located.

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EQUIPMENT By moving the locator over the ground, the display shows information about the maximum signal strength, the equipment’s degree of perpendicularity to the line on the screen, the depth and the battery level.

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9

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11

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The range includes three different types of reels, chosen to suit the size of the pipe to be inspected.

The display shows when the equipment has detected an obstruction in a water pipe.

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Easily relay live footage to other devices via WiFi or Bluetooth for ease of recording.

Videos or photographs can be reviewed right after they were made.

The SeeSnake HQ software, supplied with any SeeSnake equipment, facilitates the management and editing of images and video reports.

For better management and cleaner work, SeeSnake microReel, microDrain and nanoReel drums are interchangeable.

For more information, contact Ridge Tool UK by phone 0808 238 9869 or by email ridgid.gb@emerson.com

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MECHANICAL UNBLOCKING Here are the reasons why you should consider using mechanical instead of chemical drain unblocking. > CONSIDER YOUR TIME Low-cost liquid drain cleaners could unclog your customer’s drains, but it is most likely a temporary solution. The investment cost of a hand or mechanical tool may seem high at first, but it will do the job on the first try, saving you time having to re-visit customers with ongoing blockages.

> THE SOLUTION RIDGID manufactures a diverse range of Drain Cleaning equipment to tackle these annoying obstructions.

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HAND SPINNERS OR POWERCLEAR

For residentialuse, these can retrieve objects from the sink or shower drain if they’re not too far down.

> CONSIDER NATURE Chemical drain cleaners get poured and washed into the sewer system, which travels into our local waterways. Sadly, this damages plant and animal habitats. Hand and mechanical drain cleaners have no negative impact on nature.

2

Designed to penetrate and break up heavy build-ups of wet wipes blockages and many other types of softmaterial, like soap, hair and grease build-ups.

> CONSIDER YOUR HEALTH Chemical drain cleaners can cause serious burns. If ingested, liquid drain cleaners can be fatal. When used according to the manual, hand and mechanical drain cleaners are a much safer alternative.

> CONSIDER PIPE DAMAGE With regular use or when used with compromised pipes, liquid drain cleaners could create holes or seriously damage the pipes.

A hand or mechanical tool, however, will clean and de-clog pipes without damaging them.

For more information visit: www.ridgid.eu/gb/en/drain-cleaning

FLEXSHAFT

3

K-40 AND K-45 SINK MACHINES

The professional choice for tackling those residential blockages from the sink or shower drains. They offer different cable and tool options to tackle a wide range of blockages.

POWER TOOLS SPONSORED BY

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BRUSHLESS TECHNOLOGY What is a brushless motor, how does it work, and should you be using one? Brushless motors are becoming increasingly common in power tools on the market today. This is certainly the case for Bosch Professional’s innovative BITURBO Brushless range, which as the name suggests, uses a brushless motor as standard.

> TRADITIONAL MOTORS

> BRUSHLESS MOTORS

For a power tool to work, a motor is designed to convert electrical power into mechanical motion. Traditional DC motors contain brushes which are in permanent contact with other components within the motor. As the brushes rotate, they generate friction and heat which cause them to reduce energy efficiency, limit power, and wear faster over time. Naturally, they then require more maintenance or even replacement.

Brushless motors are much more efficient because they use magnets in place of brushes. Therefore, there is nothing causing friction within the motor. This means that they are maintenance free and are significantly more powerful and efficient. Tools can run longer per charge and can have up to twice the lifespan of a traditional DC motor. In the case of Bosch Professional’s BITURBO Brushless range, motors are designed to boost power even further by using highstrength neodymium magnets to maximise airflow to reduce resistance.

Continued >>

WHEN STRENGTH MATTERS, CHOOSE THE WORLD’S STRONGEST 18V DRILL DRIVER.* If you’re looking for a powerful cordless Combi Drill that delivers a harmony of strength and control, look no further than the Bosch Professional GSB 18V-150 C.

The brushless motor reduces the friction of moving parts within the tool’s motor, this not only extends the life of the tool but also increases power output. This feature is then powered by ProCORE18V batteries, Bosch’s most innovative 18V battery platform yet.

With a maximum torque of 150Nm, it performs solidly for any screwing, drilling, or impact drilling task that it may face in a number of materials including wood, metal, and masonry.

These impressive batteries combined with a brushless motor make BITURBO Brushless, the impressive and powerful technology that drives tools like the GSB 18V-150 C to the next level. A combi drill truly sets a new standard in performance.

But it’s not just powerful, this cordless combi has a few clever tricks up its sleeve. Its ingenious Electronic Angle Detection ensures that long screws are always kept at the right angle, and for tasks that require hole saws, switchable KickBack Control reduces the risk of a sudden rotational torque reaction. To top this off, a metal chuck and gearbox help to ensure impressive reliability and robustness when it matters most.

So where does all this power come from? The GSB 18V-150 C is part of Bosch Professional’s BITURBO Brushless range; a range known for its revolutionary performance. This groundbreaking technology is made up of two key components, a brushless motor and the ProCORE18V battery system.

Find out more info here: *Comparison done by DEKRA Testing and Certification GmbH (report number: 342158900) on behalf of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH. As of 02/2021. Soft torque according to ISO5393:2017.

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> SHOULD YOU BE USING BRUSHLESS TOOLS? There are still plenty of tools on the market that use traditional DC motors, and quite a few of these would make a good asset to your toolkit – especially at a lower cost. However, if you want to become more efficient on site and find yourself working on more demanding tasks, brushless tools are up to the challenge.

Whilst they can be more expensive initially, there is less need for maintenance or replacement over time.

Brushless technology is fast becoming standard on the market, and there are now plenty of entry-level tools that offer similar levels of power and performance when compared to their heavy-duty counterparts. The Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Combi Drill is a great example of this. With a strong metal chuck and a brushless motor, this combi generates a powerful 55 Nm of torque for high efficiency when working in multiple materials like wood, metal, and masonry.

The Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Combi Drill

> BITURBO BRUSHLESS TECHNOLOGY Bosch Professional has developed an innovative solution for demanding jobs on site with their range of BITURBO Brushless tools, all designed to provide extreme power when it’s most needed. They achieve this by combining two key elements: a highperformance brushless motor and the highpowered Bosch ProCORE18V Professional Battery System. These two parts have been engineered to work perfectly together and maximise each other’s performance.

The high-performance brushless motor makes full use of Bosch’s ProCORE18V battery system. Designed to drive and maintain the higher currents needed for power-hungry applications, these advanced batteries feature Bosch’s COOLPACK 2.0 technology. This uses intelligent heat management to optimise efficiency for greater power and runtime, while extending battery life by preventing damage from overheating.

This combination of a powerful motor and long-lasting batteries enables tools to work to their full potential, so much so that BITURBO Brushless technology can match the performance of their equivalent corded tools.

POWER TOOLS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE, MAXIMUM FREEDOM BITURBO Brushless tools, like all Bosch Professional products, are built to a high quality for professionals who take pride in their work and their equipment.

Their extreme power is packaged in lightweight designs for easy handling, and their high specifications typically include electronic safety and control systems. Most feature onboard interactive displays and offer the option of Bosch connectivity, allowing functions such as remote adjustment and data transmission.

Find out more online by scanning the QR code.

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BOSCH PROFESSIONAL WORLD IS NOW LIVE! > CUSTOMER EXPERIRNCES In a digital-first world, customer experiences involving hands-on opportunities are always the most powerful. But due to the restrictions over the last 12 months, this has been quite tricky to achieve for power tool manufacturers. However, Bosch Professional have created something truly unique to get power tools in the hands of UK tradespeople.

Bosch Professional Power Tools and Accessories are bringing back the opportunity to get up close and personal with their products - and you don’t even have to leave your sofa. Using the latest scanning technologies and innovative design platforms, it has built a fully immersive 3D world for you, its users, to connect to Bosch Professional in a way never seen before.

Bosch Professional users and power tool fans alike have the opportunity to explore this online world and navigate between specific zones for Power Tools, Measuring Tools, and Accessories. In each zone it’s possible to interact with new and exciting products, learn more about their capabilities, and engage with a huge array of content designed to show the development process that goes into creating each tool to suit the needs of tradespeople and make them more efficient in their work.

Discover the digital experience at www.boschprofessionalworld.com

SHOWER PUMPS SPONSORED BY

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THE GRUNDFOS ECADEMY IS READY WHEN YOU ARE The Grundfos Ecademy is a popular internet-based learning tool that is designed to help improve your knowledge on pumps, applications and their theory. > DIGITAL TRAINING PLATFORM This digital training and information platform is available 24/7, so it can be accessed whenever and wherever suits you. Its aim is to help keep everyone with an interest in pumps and pump solutions informed and up-to-date on products and a range of relevant industryrelated themes.

To keep it fresh and interesting, new topics are added on a regular basis. Some recent subjects include the exciting UPS3 as well as other members of the latest generation of domestic circulators families. These have now joined a range of other topics that includes the award-winning SCALA2, a compact whole house booster, SOLOLIFT2 macerators, drainage pumps, plus more general areas of interest that cover basic pump principles and pump types; circulator basics and

control modes; basic hydraulics and pump performance, and hot water recirculation.

Additionally, there is also an Ecademy section that covers shower pumps, which is further broken down into two modules – an introduction to shower booster pumps and Grundfos shower pump solutions. At the end of each module there is a short test to help you to assess your new-found understanding and how much you have learned about the various topics.

Today the Ecademy can be accessed from your smartphone, tablet or computer, which means that you can log-in whenever best suits your schedule. Registering for the Grundfos Ecademy can be done by visiting: www.grundfos.co.uk/ecademy Once you have signed up, you will be able to use your log-in to access not just the Ecademy but also other Grundfos web platforms such as Grundfos for Installers.

THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES SUPERIOR WATER SOLUTIONS FOR HOMES AND GARDENS SSR2 & STR2 UNIVERSAL RANGE

SSR2 & STR2 RANGE

AMAZON UNIVERSAL RANGE

AMAZON RANGE

INTRODUCING THE GRUNDFOS SHOWER PUMP RANGE Renowned in the trade for reliability and innovation, Grundfos pumps offer quiet, energy efficient and powerful solutions to the challenges of making good homes great.

For more information on our latest range please visit www.grundfos.co.uk

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SHOWER PUMPS THAT CAN TAKE THE PRESSURE Taking a shower is part of our daily lives and their continuing popularity can be attributed to speed, immediacy, cleanliness and convenience. They are also perceived as wasting less water but this is not necessarily true, as when it comes to power showers they use water at a rate of between 20 and 50 litres a minute.

Industry forecasts still show that this market will continue to increase, although today due to the large installed base, the new vs replacement split has swung in favour of replacement.

> SIZING UP THE DEMAND Help to make the right choice is at hand, as Grundfos has a great online pump selector tool that will guide you through the selection process. This explains that whether the requirement is for a new shower pump or to replace an existing one, the first thing that needs to be established is, what is the demand? This is done by working out the number of people who will be using the shower, as well as the frequency of use.

Regardless of whether the need is to address inadequate water pressure or simply to create a more exhilarating shower experience, Grundfos will have the pump to suit the need.

Check this handy tool out at www.grundfos.co.uk/showerpumps This isn’t the only benefit Grundfos can offer, as all our shower pumps conform to both European and UK standards, including UK WRAS product approval. They are also backed by a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty and are supported by our customer service department.

Today, Grundfos shower pumps are available to support the following systems:

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> GRAVITY SYSTEMS When selecting a mixer shower for use on a gravity system, the most important thing to consider is the flow rate that can be accessed. Unless you have water pressure of at least 0.5 bar, which is equivalent to a gap of five metres between the bottom of the cold-water storage tank and the shower rose, you will need to select a 'Low Pressure' shower valve, capable of supplying a satisfactory shower at water pressures as low as 0.1 bar (which is approximately a one-metre difference).

You should be able to get a rough idea simply by observing the flow rate of water that you receive from the bath taps.

Remember that you will be mixing hot and cold water, but if the flow appears slow then the chances are that the shower’s performance will also be disappointing.

“In general, a shower pump should be sited as close to the hot water cylinder as possible” In general, a shower pump should be sited as close to the hot water cylinder as possible, however, if the shower pump is fitted in the loft or above the hot water cylinder, a minimum static head is required.

Once again, check out the website for example installations.

> THE MODERN SHOWER PUMP To overcome the problems that can be experienced with a gravity system, the solution is to fit a shower pump that pushes the water to your shower mixer, thus creating an invigorating powerful showering experience. If you opt for the pumped solution you must ensure that you have plenty of hot water storage capacity. Standard pumped showers can deliver anything between 11-25

litres of blended water per minute, and this can drain an average-sized cylinder very quickly.

You will have an idea of the amount of hot water that you have available by looking at the physical size of the cylinder and monitoring the required everyday usage. For example, the depth of hot water that can be achieved when running a bath before the hot water runs out.

If there are not large volumes of stored water, the storage capacity will need to be upgraded.

Modern shower pumps are available in a variety of models and sizes. Variants can pump both hot and cold water or from an individual water source and offer various pressures ranging from 1 bar up to 4 bar.

They come in both composite and brass bodies. The use of connection flanges on hot water cylinders is paramount to ensure hassle-free showering.

> SPEAK TO THE EXPERTS At Grundfos we have a range of shower pumps that can help you. Our single impeller pumps are generally used to boost the pressure of cold water supplied to a combi boiler, such as our Grundfos SSR or Amazon series.

Our unvented cylinder options are also served by an Amazon pump. The twin impeller pumps are used to boost the pressure of hot and cold water to a single shower, using the STR or Amazon series. Multiple showers or a whole domestic house system are covered by the Amazon range, as are larger installations, such as showers in a sports facility.

Continued >>

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> NEWEST FAMILY MEMBERS The more recent additions to the range of shower booster and universal head shower booster pump ranges from Grundfos continue to receive excellent reviews. The feedback for these continuously rated pumps has indicated that the shower pump’s design, that minimises the turbulence within the pump head, is a welcome feature. The introduction of an improved impeller design means that these units will overcome air pocket issues, plus all variants are fitted with quality shaft seals and supplied with high quality braided connection hoses and filter washers, as standard.

In terms of the options available, the SSR2 and STR2 are positive head pumps for boosting water pressure – typically used in shower application. They are ideal when the plumbing route has multiple ends or elbows.

The SSR2 and STR2 Universal options are positive and negative head shower booster pumps for boosting pressure where the outlet is at the same height as, or is above, the water storage tank.

> A RIGHT SHOWER

SSR2

One thing is certain – our love affair with showers shows no sign of dissipating and with an aging population, we cannot see this situation changing, so showers are here to stay. By working with a reputable shower pump manufacturer such as Grundfos, you can be assured that any shower pumps that you install will be fit for purpose and will continue to deliver – taking the pressure off you.

Help is always at hand to help you to make the right decision about which pump to choose. Remember for general information on the range of Grundfos products check out our main site. If you just want help exclusively with shower pumps visit us at www.grundfos.co.uk/showerpumps

SMART TECHNOLOGY SPONSORED BY

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SMART BATHROOMS ARE THE SMARTER CHOICE We use technology in every part of our lives and utilising it in the bathroom is no exception. David Bromell, Head of Marketing at Roca UK, talks us through the latest developments in bathroom technology and what students and apprentices need to know. > TECHNOLOGY Technology helps us with a vast number of things around the home. We can turn the kettle on from our bed in the morning, have an app to control the heating while we are out and even buy a fridge that keeps track of our groceries.

Technology is everywhere and that includes the bathroom. Whether it is incorporating smart mirrors, lighting, showers, or the latest innovative toilets.

Products are being developed that incorporate useful, innovative technology that is easy to use and looks fantastic when installed in a bathroom.

Homeowners are looking for a number of things when they select a new bathroom. Functionality, hygiene and convenience are high up on their agenda, but design, personalisation and technology are also important. Therefore technology that delivers a personalised bathroom experience is important.

Continued >>

#Touchless

For the ultimate in hygiene, upgrade your existing toilet with Roca’s EM1 touchless automatic flush valve with sensor. This easy to install, water-saving dual-flush valve (adjustable to 6/4, 4.5/3 or 4/2 litres) can be retrofitted and requires no mains connection as it’s guaranteed to flush more than 40,000 times with just 4 x AA batteries.

Discover more at

www.uk.roca.com

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TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY With increased demand for high levels of hygiene as a result of the pandemic, one of the key trends this year is touchless bathroom technology.

That is why Roca has introduced the EM1 Touchless dual flush cistern valve, which offers zero contact and maximum hygiene by reducing the need to touch WC flush buttons. The EM1 valve can be simply retrofitted to upgrade an existing flush valve and button to convert the toilet to a sensor operated flush.

Scan the QR code below to see how quick and easy it is to install!

TOUCHLESS FLUSH VALVE

Users can now play their own music whilst bathing. For example, Roca’s Stratum-N wall-hung furniture unit provides Bluetooth® connectivity to integrated speakers. This allows the user to connect their phone to the unit and play their favourite music.

Its hidden speakers project sound comfortably, yet effectively around the bathroom.

Touchless tap solutions provide higher levels of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Featuring infrared sensors, the intuitive products allow users to activate the water flow in taps using a simple movement without the need for contact, avoiding the spreading of viruses and bacteria. An example of this is Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the L20-E range shown in the image, featuring an infrared sensor.

SMART TECHNOLOGY I HI P BOOK 2021-22

SMART TOILETS Shower toilets are growing in popularity as technologies develop and more consumers understand and appreciate the hygienic comfort and health advantages which are provided by intimate cleaning, using pure water.

The main advantage of a shower WC, such as the Roca In-Wash®, is increased hygiene, together with that feeling of freshness which it gives the user.

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

Scan the QR code to see The Roca In-Wash® In-Tank®

Developments in technology have also driven new, exciting product designs and has also allowed companies to develop solutions that are more sustainable.

There are products available that will reduce water wastage and will actually re-use water. For Roca, innovation has come in the form of recycling water used in the wash basin and reusing it to flush the WC in the iconic W+W model.

The W+W basin has two wastes – the basin waste and one further down the waste pipe. The user has the option of either diverting it to the mains or recycling it by storing it in the cistern ready for the next flush. The unit saves around 25% of water in a typical household.

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SMART SHOWER With a smart shower, users can customise their preferences and have a unique showering experience.

Roca’s Smart Shower has a sleek, simple interface allowing up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings including shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on their own individual needs.

This digital shower can be controlled via an app meaning users can simply use their phone or tablet from a bedside to conveniently turn on the shower and activate the warm-up function.

The smart shower not only caters for the entire family, but it also streamlines the bathroom’s functionality on a daily basis.

WARM-UP

PROGRAMS

It pre-heats the shower at the desired temperature by activating all its water outlets at the same time, letting cold water flow until the pre-set temperature is achieved.

Set your preferences according to the time of day, automate the shower or activate the child protection to ensure a safe showering experience.

PROFILES

APP

It installs and stores up to 3 different user profiles with their own temperature, flow rate and water outlet parameters.

It allows you to set up all options with up to 3 different user profiles, check your own water and energy usage statistics.

Incorporating technology should be less about gimmicks and more about technology that is going to benefit homeowners long-term. Anything that makes the bathroom experience more streamlined, functionable, relaxing and hygienic is definitely a useful product for students and apprentices to understand.

For more information visit www.uk.roca.com

SUSTAINABILITY IN PLUMBING SPONSORED BY

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SUSTAINABLE PLUMBING Sustainable plumbing isn’t just about picking energy saving devices and grey or rainwater recycling, it is equally important to pick the right type of pipes to support a long-term solution.

As the global community seeks to reduce its impact on the climate, limit preventable waste, and protect natural resources, it is clear each profession and industry must do their part in the battle against the current climate emergency.

It has long been the material of choice when it comes to supplying water, heat and gas to buildings and the tradition of copper tubes is one that spans centuries, due to its reliability.

> COPPER

> SUSTAINABILITY

By opting for copper pipe, you can actually increase the lifespan of the installation, eliminate the use of disposable materials and ensure circular end of life recycling.

Copper is perfectly positioned to help meet the new challenges set by the Government to the building industry in the development of sustainable homes. To help achieve environmental targets going forward, new buildings will need to use less power and water to provide comfortable, high quality, sustainable living.

> VERSATILITY Copper is one of the most versatile materials on the planet. It can be used and reused repeatedly without losing its properties, meaning it can provide infinite uses over infinite lifecycles.

> RELIABILITY

Continued >>

Copper tube, the professional choice Copper has long been the material of choice when it comes to supplying water, heat and gas to buildings.

The tradition of copper tubes is one that spans centuries, and it is the perfect material for creating sustainable plumbing solutions for generations to come.

Learn more at

cuspuk.com cusp-uk

cuspuk

CuSP Copper Sustainability Partnership

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THE CIRCULAR JOURNEY OF COPPER PIPE Join us in taking a closer look at the circular economy of copper pipes. > THE PROPERTY

>MANUFACTURING PLANT

Whether it’s an old building being demolished or a home in need of a plumbing refresh, most buildings will have old copper pipes that can be taken out and recycled. For plumbers especially, scrap copper pipe can provide an extra source of income when returned to the local scrap merchant.

At the manufacturing plant, the scrap metal is melted down and rid of any impurities gained from previous use. It is then drawn and prepared into new copper pipe of various specifications and sizes, before being packaged and sent out to plumbers’ merchants as available stock.

> SCRAP MERCHANT

> PLUMBERS’ MERCHANTS

Once the copper has arrived at the scrap merchant, it is sorted and prepared for manufacturers to collect and turn into shiny new copper tube, or other copper products.

Once at the plumbers’ merchants, the new copper pipe is ready to be bought and supplied to new projects and specifications.

> THE INSTALLATION Shiny and new, the copper pipe is ready to be installed and recycled again and again for generations to come.

Most copper pipe manufacturers are making great strides to become 100% self-sufficient, continuously increasing the proportion of reclaimed materials used to make new pipe, phasing out the need for traditional mining and therefore improving its sustainability.

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COPPER VS PLASTIC? Copper has long been hailed as the gold standard material choice in plumbing but in recent years plastic pipe has become more prevalent. So, what are the differences, and which one is better? > COPPER PIPE IS INFINITELY RECYCLABLE The tradition of copper pipe spans centuries, in fact around half of Europe’s copper demand is currently being met by recycled materials and at least 65% of all copper mined remains in circulation today thanks to its fantastic recyclability. Meanwhile, the plastics industry is still figuring out how to make plastic compounds suitable and profitable to recycle.

The harsh reality is that 91% of all plastics produced globally have not been recycled.

> COPPER IS A SAFER ALTERNATIVE Copper is known for its thermal resilience and has the ability to withstand fluctuating temperatures. In fact, its incredibly high melting point means copper pipes won’t melt, burn or give off toxic fumes in a building fire like some plastic pipes will. Copper has been proven to support health and wellbeing as its naturally occurring anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties discourage the growth of harmful organisms.

> COPPER IS EXTREMELY VERSATILE Copper is extremely versatile, offering great choice and longevity across utilities and environments thanks to its resilience to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures and exposure to UV and oxygen. Plastic pipes, on the other hand, are unsuitable for use in outdoor applications as they can be damaged

by UV radiation. It’s also unsuitable in steam services, solar applications, next to a boiler, or in Medical Gas installations.

> COPPER LASTS A LIFETIME Copper can be used for applications that need to keep their integrity for hundreds of thousands of years. For example, copper makes up part of Sweden’s nuclear waste handling technology where copper canisters encapsulate the radioactive waste for long-term storage.

For more information visit cuspuk.com

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ANDY CAM’S 5 TOP TIPS FOR USING COPPER PIPE Owner of CosyWarm Central Heating and Plumbing and social media icon Andy Cam, shares his five top tips for becoming a copper installation pro.

1

Pipe bending – As a new plumber, money can be a bit tight, but one of my biggest tips is to not scrimp on your pipe bender.

Invest in a good one, I have had mine for over 25 years, and it is still going strong and well worth the initial outlay.

2

Cutting pipes - When I first started out you had to cut your copper pipes with a hacksaw and a file, now it’s much quicker and easier. Get yourself a great adjustable pipe cutter, there are some really good pipe slicers and de-burring tools out there that are worth investing in.

3

Cleaning – Maintenance of your equipment is key so don’t forget to clean your kit regularly. To freshen up my pipe formers and guides I use wire wool which also stops them from rippling your pipework. To finish off I always give my tools a little squirt of lubricant oil.

4

Pipe joining - There are many ways to join copper pipes. If you’re soldering, always use a good, clean flux, low to medium heat, and feed the solder in from the back of the fitting to make your joints look really neat. To give them a great shine I finish with a damp cloth and a bit of wire wool.

5

Press fittings Despite many years in the plumbing game, I’ve only recently got into using press fittings. I find this much easier and quicker to use and the lack of hot works makes it safer too, as you’re not inhaling fumes from the solder. This also means cheaper public liabilities insurance.

“Like I have always said: It’s done proper in copper - and that’s why I love plumbing”

#HelloPro

Britain’s favourite pipe carrying product for heating and plumbing engineers.

• Optional PVC lining.

• O-ring seal to reduce water ingress.

• Integral lock housed inside the tube.

• Aerodynamic nose cone.

• Dual openings.

T. 0151 319 2931 E. sales@rhinoproducts.co.uk www.rhinoproducts.co.uk RHINO_HelloPro 178mmx125mm PipeTube Pro Advert.indd 1

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ONGOING TRAINING IS VITAL FOR THE FUTURE As we transition into a low carbon future, nurturing younger generations as they join and progress within the heating industry has never been more important, as well as the continual training of installers, regardless of experience and position. Steve Owen, National Training Manager at Baxi Heating, explains why investing in industry training opportunities remains key with changing legislation and new products coming to the fore.

The decarbonisation of domestic heating is a core part of the UK’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, so the heating industry is making strides to adapt. The upskilling of current and future generations of heating engineers plays a vital role in ensuring the UK meets energy efficiency targets, while also helping to close the skills gap.

Covering relevant topics and new technologies, sessions are available in a blended learning format to ensure training is as accessible as possible. Based on greatest interest and need, these training sessions are offered either online or face-to-face, whichever is the most suitable format.

> MULTIPLE COURSES Following the completion of an apprenticeship in the industry, maintaining and growing skillsets is critical when it comes to keeping up with the constantly evolving market.

With new products and technologies being developed, attending regular training sessions throughout a heating engineer’s career is essential.

From new product introductions, to electrical safety courses and fault-finding, there is a broad range of training on offer to help installers of all levels of experience expand their knowledge and grow their businesses.

Continued >>

Every Tuesday at 12 noon, one of the Baxi trainers shares their top tips and advice on social media. And, at no more than a minute long, even the busiest students can find time to watch. So, for nuggets of boiler wisdom, follow Baxi.

To subscribe head to youtube.com/baxiboilers

baxi.co.uk

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> GETTING TECHNICAL > ONLINE TRAINING Following the disruption of the pandemic, a multitude of online resources were made available by manufacturers at the click of a button, enabling heating engineers to access key snippets of information and training.

Similarly, smart technologies like HoloLens are being used in sessions, creating an interactive, immersive and hands-on learning experience for engineers and installers, wherever they are in the UK, without the need for travel.

> FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING As restrictions ease, face-to-face training opportunities are starting to return. This offers the perfect opportunity to meet with other installers, share experiences and provide helpful and valuable hints and tips on the job.

“Attending regular training sessions throughout a heating engineer’s career is essential”

The rise of online video and HoloLens training isn’t the only emerging technology in the heating industry. Apps and online tools are fast becoming increasingly popular, allowing installers to carry out jobs much quicker and simpler than before. With the ability to provide professional quotes to customers, complete the Benchmark Checklist following installation, request a service engineer or record service visits, these handy apps reduce time spent organising paperwork. In addition to this, online tools such as gas pipe sizing calculators, gas flow rate calculators and error code information help to simplify processes while carrying out a job.

However, it’s important to take the time to learn how they work, undergoing training if necessary, as smart controls and digitallyconnected components offer a strong potential growth area for businesses, and a chance for installers to upsell to customers.

TRAINING I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> PREPARING FOR HYDROGEN

“Smart controls and digitally-connected components offer a strong potential growth area for installers”

It is expected that the switch to hydrogen will require extra modules to be added to existing training courses.

This is because a hydrogen boiler should work in a similar way to existing gas boilers, in terms of installation, commissioning, servicing and maintenance.

To prepare for hydrogen, it is therefore important that resources are available to installers to provide understanding around government plans for the future of heat and new legislation, so they remain informed and reassured. Failure to do so, could mean that meeting system installation and servicing demands in the future could present a challenge.

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THE RISE OF SOCIAL With social media playing a vital role in encouraging engagement and training within the plumbing and heating sectors, it is essential that manufacturers use it as much as possible to appeal to the younger generations interested in a career in the industry. > INTERACTIVE LEARNING

> RESOURCES FOR LEARNERS

Baxi is actively engaged in delivering easilydigestible pieces of training and information online using #TrainingTuesday and Baxi Cam. Baxi Cam is the use of a GoPro camera which shows installers the inside of boilers and helps explain what they are doing, while answering specific questions. This is not enough information to be used as a single resource for training - however, it does allow manufacturers the chance to communicate with younger engineers in an easy and interactive format.

Video reminders of classroom lessons can also help students to consolidate learnings, giving trainees a chance to refresh their memories and understand challenging concepts in their own time. Providing extra resources helps to support students in their journey to becoming skilled heating engineers, both during their training and then so they can keep developing their skills as they embark on their career.

To find out more about Baxi, visit: www.baxi.co.uk or follow Baxi on Twitter or Instagram @Baxiboilers or on Facebook @BaxiUK

UNDERFLOOR HEATING SPONSORED BY

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UNDERFLOOR HEATING BASIC PRINCIPLES & BENEFITS > ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMFORT Underfloor Heating (UFH) using piped warm water is a modern and energy-efficient option for heating homes and other buildings.

UFH also delivers comfortable warmth for occupants, as well as other practical benefits.

uneven warmth and higher temperatures at ceiling height compared with floor level.

As radiators intrude on the usable space within a room, there is a general desire to keep them as compact as possible. As a consequence of this, the piped water has to be hotter than for UFH in order to achieve the same level of comfort for the occupants.

> HEATING PRINCIPLES With UFH, the floor is gently heated by piped warm water (or alternatively by electric cable) and the heating energy is emitted from the floor by natural radiation. This heat is absorbed by other surfaces in the room which then also emit warmth.

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> HEAT SOURCES Plumbed UFH uses piped warmed water from any primary heat source.

This may be from a conventional domestic boiler that is also supplying domestic hot water. In some situations, the boiler may be supplying heated water for radiators as well as for UFH. Alternative sources of warmed water may be heat pumps or solar water heating. UFH is especially suited for such renewable heat sources because it requires water at lower temperatures than traditional heating techniques.

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The result is an all-round, more even warmth than is typically achieved by other space heating techniques. Radiators, for example, use room air to transfer the heat, mostly by convection. This reliance on the convection of air to heat the room results in Continued >>

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Welcome

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> MAIN ADVANTAGES OF UFH Underfloor heating offers many benefits to the homeowner. ▸ Lower water temperatures required for UFH mean better energy efficiency with fuel bills up to 20% lower ▸ More even room temperature ensures all round comfortable warmth ▸ Silent running – no expansion creaking or water flow noise ▸ Unhindered room layout - because there are no wall-mounted radiators ▸ Healthier environment - because less dust is circulating in the air ▸ Decreased irritants - as the warm floor inhibits the breeding of dust mites and fungi ▸ Greater safety - because there are no exposed hot surfaces

3. Controls: to monitor water and air temperature and signal the heat source. In effect, the nerve centre of the installed system.

The careful selection of each of these is critical to the efficient operational performance of the entire installation.

Let’s look at these in more detail.

1 > FLOOR PRODUCTS The choice of floor product is influenced by several factors: ▸ Whether the floor is being newly constructed or already exists ▸ Its type of construction: solid / screeded or dry / timber ▸ The size and shape of the space to be heated ▸ The type of floor finish that will be installed over the UFH. A solution to suit any combination of these factors can be found within the Hep²O underfloor heating product range.

▸ Low maintenance - no radiators to redecorate or renew, or to be ‘dropped’ to allow room redecoration.

> THE THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Plumbed UFH comprises three key elements that work together to deliver the required heating performance and effect: 1. Floor products incorporating UFH pipe: to create the pipework circuits within the floor that will emit heat. Many floor products help to hold the pipe at the correct spacing to ensure even distribution of heat across the floor surface above.

2. Manifold: to provide flow and return circulation of warm water at the correct temperature and flow rate to ensure an even, comfortable temperature across the whole floor surface.

2 > MANIFOLDS A manifold is required wherever UFH is to be installed to serve two or more plumbed circuits from the same primary heat source.

When UFH is being connected to a high temperature heat source which also controls hot water or other heat emitters, a mixing unit is connected to the manifold to mix the water to the required temperature for the system.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING I HI P BOOK 2021-22

The Hep²O underfloor heating range includes manifold solutions that can be tailored to each situation. The composite manifold can be sized to serve the exact number of individual UFH circuits up to a maximum of 14 circuits. Single circuit installations which require water temperature control will be connected to their heat source via a mixing unit, but will not require a full manifold.

3 > CONTROLS As with any type of heating, UFH operation requires time and temperature control.

The choice of controls will initially be based on these key factors: ▸ Whether wired or wireless installation is practical or preferred

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This can affect heat output. Allowance should be made for the thermal resistance of the floor finish, in combination with that of the floor construction, to ensure this will not prevent efficient heating performance.

> TYPICAL LAYOUTS When laying out the pipe there are several patterns that can be used. This will depend on the size and shape of the room and installer preference.

There are two typical patterns for laying UFH pipe: 1. Spiral: this follows room shape in a spiral to the middle and is then reversed out. This pattern is possible with two Hep²O underfloor heating systems – Staples and System Plates.

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SERPENTINE LAYOUT

▸ Requirement for programmed or nonprogrammed operation ▸ Number of individual circuits – and whether these are to be controlled separately or linked.

In addition, special operational features and functions may be included to enhance convenience (e.g. remote operation) or operational safeguards for householders (e.g. frost settings, child / interface lock).

Many controls are now web enabled and can be controlled by apps.

Hep²O underfloor heating controls provide a comprehensive choice of solutions tailored to the specific needs of each installation – and the preferences of the householders.

> FLOOR FINISHES All UFH installations are overlaid with a final floor finish. This may be: carpet; resilient vinyl; linoleum (or equivalent); stone; ceramics; timber or laminate. As with different types of floor construction, the thermal resistance of each floor finish option varies.

2. Serpentine: pipe is laid in parallel runs up and down room length, with loop turns at each end. For systems that use pre-drilled channels e.g. Hep²O low build system, this is the pattern which is used.

> ADVICE, TOOLS AND GUIDANCE Most manufacturers will offer advice and online tools to help you select the correct system, calculate the heat losses, determine what products are required for the job, and give advice on installation.

Hep²O has an online calculator which will help you work out what you need for a specific project and give you a list of materials you can take in to your merchant. It also has a range of product and installation guides with detailed guidance on each system. These can all be found at hep2oufh.co.uk

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MAKING UNDERFLOOR

HEATING SIMPLE

More and more homeowners are seeing the advantages of installing underfloor heating in their properties.

Whether it’s an extension, conservatory or a retro fit to an existing room, UFH means more wall space, greater comfort and controllability and often cheaper heating bills. It also adds a touch of luxury at an affordable price. To help you make the most of the opportunities, Hep²O underfloor heating offers a range of systems for both screeded and dry floor constructions. The range includes staple systems and system plates which allow easy spacing of pipes, and a range of panel products so you can choose the right product for your project. Hep²O also has a range of single room packs which contain everything you need for projects up to 24m².

Hep²O UFH has a range of thermostats and controls, ranging from simpleto-use wired and wireless options, to the latest web-enabled, app-based systems, so you can meet the needs of any client.

“Hep²0 underfloor heating offers a range of systems for both screeded and dry floor constructions” As a leading plumbing brand in the UK you can be sure that the products will perform, and all system components have been quality tested to the highest standards and come complete with manufacturer’s guarantees.

DID YOU KNOW? Fitting UFH is much easier than many installers realise. Hep²O provides a range of literature, online tools, videos and step-by-step guides to make installation simple. You can find all this information at hep2oufh.co.uk

Hep²O underfloor heating is fully compatible with Hep²O plumbing products and is widely available from plumbers’ and builders’ merchants nationwide.

For more information visit wavin.co.uk or follow @Hep2O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

WALL-HUNG TOILETS SPONSORED BY

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GOING WALL-HUNG:

THE BENEFITS The average size of a home in the UK today is now smaller than ever, leaving installers with a growing challenge of coming up with practical, stylish and affordable bathroom solutions. Purdie Proudman, Channel Marketing Manager at Geberit, makes the case for wall-hung sanitaryware, looking at how a wall-hung toilet can transform even the smallest of bathroom spaces and the potential opportunities that these systems can offer to installers and their customers. > SHRINKING SPACES Homeowners today are contending with ever-shrinking spaces, with today’s new build properties typically smaller than 30 years ago1 and the average size of a bathroom now stands at just 4.4 square metres. In fact, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) estimates that the average size of a onebedroom new build home is just 46 square metres – that’s the same size as a tube carriage.

Yet, despite these space issues in the home, the bathroom remains an important part of our lives. Geberit carried out research in 2018 which told us that the bathroom was, in fact, the most important place for sanctuary in the home – and with a growing shift towards ‘Instagrammable’ bathrooms, installers are left with a challenge. How to create the perfect bathroom that addresses this issue of space.

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IF YOU’VE GOT A JOB TO DO, THEN WHY NOT GET THE JOB LOT? SAVE TIME AND BUY YOUR GEBERIT BATHROOM PRODUCT TOGETHER

Flush plate

Concealed cistern

Back-towall toilet

Geberit’s back-to-wall toilets boast a range of clever features; a quiet, soft closing seat, a 4.5 litre water saving flush, as well as a hidden cistern and Rimfree® pan which make for easy cleaning and greater hygiene. So if you’ve got a job to do then why not get the job lot from us, it’ll save you time and hassle and will give you the complete bathroom solution from one trusted supplier.

To discover more about our concealed cisterns, download our Duofix brochure at geberit.co.uk

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> THE WALL-HUNG WAY With homeowners increasingly seeking out design-led solutions, installers are, in turn, having to come up with bathrooms that are stylish yet overcome these space constraints – in short, a practical, flexible and attractive space. As a result, manufacturers are developing a number of bathroom solutions that maximise space without compromising on style and we’re predicting real growth in particular for wall-hung toilets and sanitaryware in the UK market.

> SPACE-SAVING FLEXIBILITY Bathrooms are valuable spaces, yet all too often require the most versatile solutions.

Wall-hung systems can easily make even the smallest of bathrooms appear bigger, simply by concealing the toilet’s cistern and lifting the footprint off the floor. Opting for a wallhung system can also bring real flexibility to a project, with the frames enabling toilets to be easily installed in more awkward spaces, such as under a window, in a narrow wall duct or under a sloping ceiling.

Cleverly concealed fixings and the inclusion and position of water inlets also make life easier for installers - and with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, there is no need for additional studding.

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Maintenance is also made safe and simple with these systems. A good concealed cistern will allow full access to the cistern internals through removal of the flush plate or removable shelf.

“We’re predicting real growth for wall-hung toilets and sanitaryware in the UK market”

Wall-hung toilet

WALL-HUNG TOILETS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> REDUCED SANITARY SOUND Opting for a wall-hung toilet is a sure-fire way to reduce sanitary sound in any bathroom. Raising the toilet from the ground stops noise travelling directly from the toilet pan to the floor.

By incorporating a pre-wall frame into a bathroom design, the installer can also help optimise all acoustics values for the customer.

Some frame systems will, for example, include integrated rubber tipped push rods to reduce noise from the flush plate when pressed for flushing, a polythene jacket insulating the cistern, circlips on threaded rods to eliminate movement and sound absorbing seals on drainage brackets.

In bathroom refurbishments bound by tighter budgets, there are typically two considerations when it comes to installing wall-hung toilets: the cost of the ceramics and the cost of the installation. However, with extensive product and system development by leading manufacturers, affordable wall-hung ceramics ranges are now available through merchants.

> DESIGN-LED Wall-hung furniture can offer your customers the opportunity to upsell finishing touches to a project with the option of adding stylish flush plate finishes such as textured rustic wood or slate designs to shades that blend harmoniously into the desired colour scheme. Best in class prewall frame systems, like Geberit Duofix, can also offer homeowners a variety of location choices, including remote actuated flush buttons which enable the flush to be located away from the cistern.

Yet, if wall-hung isn’t possible for the task at hand, you can talk instead to your customers about the importance of saving even a few centimetres in such a small space. Back-to-wall toilets with concealed cisterns are another effective and stylish way to streamline the space. By hiding the cistern in the wall or furniture, it can offer a simple, yet effective, solution for smaller spaces.

> THE BOTTOM LINE When we consider the ever-present issue of shrinking space in today’s home, the opportunity to offer advice and upsell with innovative systems is a win-win for the installer and customer – as well as the perfect opportunity to grow your reputation by acting as a bathroom advisor as well as installer.

For more information visit www.geberit.co.uk

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GET THE GEBERIT JOB LOT When it comes to planning a space-saving, ‘Instagrammable’ bathroom design, Geberit’s range of wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets offers homeowners a stylish solution suitable for any bathroom space. > GOING WALL-HUNG

> BACK-TO-WALL

When space is at a premium the most effective solution is to opt for wallmounted furniture and ceramics which create the illusion of ‘floating’ above the floor.

Geberit’s range of back-towall toilets are also perfect for creating a streamlined, stand-out bathroom regardless of space. With the cistern hidden in the furniture or behind the wall, Geberit’s back-to-wall ceramic range also boasts a host of other features, such as soft closing seats, water saving flush and Rimfree pan for easy cleaning.

Quick and affordable pre-wall frame systems, such as Geberit Duofix, work with Geberit’s range of wall-hung toilets to open up even the smallest bathroom by concealing the toilet’s cistern and lifting the footprint off the floor. Cleverly concealed fixings and the inclusion and position of water inlets mean a simpler installation and, with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, there is no need for additional studding.

> GET THE JOB LOT Geberit’s range of toilets, Duofix frames, concealed cisterns and flush plates – means you can get the job lot from one trusted supplier.

For more information on Geberit visit www.geberit.co.uk

WATER REGULATIONS SPONSORED BY

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INFORMATION & TECHNICAL ADVICE Now you’ve completed your training and put away your textbooks, you’ll never need to get them out again, right?

Well, maybe... but remember that as the installer, you’re the one who must ensure that your work complies with the Water Fittings Regulations, or Water Fittings Byelaws if you are working in Scotland.

pressure zone (RPZ) valves (type BA devices); designing air gaps for cold water storage cisterns; installing rainwater harvesting systems; or the accessibility of water fittings when they are in walls or under floors.

If your work doesn’t comply, you risk prosecution for a criminal offence and the water supplier can require alterations, at your own cost, to make your work comply. So because no-one knows everything - sooner or later you’ll have questions about some part of the Water Fittings Regulations. Where can you look for answers?

> GUIDANCE ON REGULATIONS Maybe even more useful is technical guidance and other advice developed with water companies, which can be found in the dedicated ‘Guidance’ section of the website.

You may have a copy of the Water Regulations Guide, but there is extra advice which isn’t printed in the Guide.

> WATER REGS UK

> ADVICE

One place to try is Water Regs UK (www.waterregsuk.co.uk), which is the new name for the company previously referred to as WRAS. Note this is now a separate business from WRAS Approvals.

If you can’t find the answer, Water Regs UK offers a technical advice service. You can ring up or write in asking any question about the regulations and Water Regs UK will do its best to provide an answer. The best thing is – it’s all free.

Water Regs UK have advice and guidance on all kinds of topics whether installing or maintaining fittings such as reduced

Although you may know about the regulations, your customers might find useful the leaflets explaining what the regulations are, or what work needs to be notified to a water supplier. There’s a series of customerfriendly booklets which describe how the regulations apply to different types of premises, such as farms, caravan sites or sports grounds, with more titles being added from time to time.

WATER REGULATIONS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

COMING SOON

> WATER REGS UK INFORMATION Find out more about:

NEW WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE AND TRAINING MANUAL

▸ Commissioning plumbing systems and about fluxes

An update to the popular Water Regulations Guidebook is on its way.

This 3rd Edition will feature the recent changes including Regulation 4 following the UK exit from Europe.

▸ Where you mustn’t use lead solders

> WATER SUPPLY (WATER FITTINGS) REGULATION 1999 FOR PLUMBERS TRAINING MANUAL Water Regs UK has developed a new training course specifically aimed at plumbers. The regulations course was developed with the cooperation of the water industry to enable plumbers to become approved contractors. The manual is a home study, pre-self-learning document, that complements the one-day course and can be delivered either in the classroom or remotely.

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▸ Pipe identification ▸ Prevention of the risk of backflow in the design of bathrooms Information booklets and more are available on our website that are free to download.

> THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT! Want to know if your lagging is sufficient?

Water Regs UK have developed online tools available on our website and Apps that can be downloaded for free. ▸ So you can check pipe insulation you plan to use is suitable for the purpose.

▸ To help you calculate the size of a Type AB air gap. The tool is an easy-to-use design aid for designers and installers.

Water can be dangerous; no-one wants their drinking water to be unsafe.

Backflow prevention is one of the most important aspects of the regulations.

In addition to point of use backflow protection, whole site or zonal protection may also be required.

You can watch a video about backflow on the Water Regs UK website or YouTube channel here:

Contact Water Regs UK Ltd. at Unit 13, Willow Road, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Crumlin, Gwent, NP11 4EG. Alternatively call 0333 207 9030, fax 01495 248 540, email info@waterregsuk.co.uk or visit waterregsuk.co.uk

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS You might think no-one would sell a plumbing fitting which was illegal to install...but sadly, you’d be wrong. > HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A PRODUCT IS OF A SUITABLE QUALITY AND STANDARD Advising customers to use compliant and approved fittings is really important. Not all products which are available to buy have been tested to demonstrate that they are of a suitable quality and standard. So, as a plumber, you should advise your customers to only buy compliant products which have passed appropriate conformity tests to demonstrate that they don’t leak or cause contamination. This will help provide peace of mind that the product is reliable, as well as saving water and money. You should look for a declaration from the manufacturer or check if a product is approved.

The approval schemes in the UK: ▸ WRAS Approvals wrasapprovals.co.uk ▸ Kiwa’s ‘KUKreg4’ kiwa.co.uk/waterproducts ▸ NSF’s REG4 nsf.org/certified-products-systems

“Using approved products gives confidence a product is of a suitable quality and standard”

DID YOU KNOW? Under the Water Fittings Regulations, it’s not illegal to sell you a fitting which doesn’t comply, but you could commit an offence by installing it. It’s the installer’s legal duty to ensure that water fittings they install meet the requirements of the regulations.

> TESTING To demonstrate compliance every product is extensively tested to performance requirements which are laid down by Government. For example, taps are operated 200,000 times to check they are leak-tight over their full life.

Pipes are pressure tested with hot water as well as cold if they’re for hot water or heating systems. Air gaps are measured for backflow protection and materials in contact with water are tested to make sure there are no nasty tastes or toxic substances. When it comes to toilets, in addition to wash-down tests, flush rate tests and endurance tests, they’re tested with artificial poo to see if it clears the pan correctly!

Join WaterSafe The next step for qualified, approved plumbers Got the right plumbing qualifications under your toolbelt? Congratulations! So what’s next?

WaterSafe is the online directory and national accreditation body for approved plumbers in the UK. • Promotion for your business • Customer reassurance • A direct link to your water company © Piers Baker | Doodle Whiteboard

Find out more at watersafe.org.uk or call 0333 207 9030. @WatersafeUK

@WaterSafeRegister

WaterSafe

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WHAT IS WATERSAFE? WaterSafe is the UK register of approved plumbers. It provides an online directory of qualified, professional plumbers trained to work safely with customers’ drinking water.

WaterSafe is supported by all the UK water companies, as well as the drinking water inspectorates, Citizens Advice and the Department of Health. Being a WaterSafe approved plumber shows potential customers you have specific training in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws, which are designed to maintain the high quality of water supplies and avoid the risk of contamination.

> WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING FOR YOUNG PLUMBERS? By joining the national accreditation scheme of 6,000 plus approved plumbers you will: ▸ Reach more customers – WaterSafe’s online directory is one of the largest in the UK ▸ Enjoy support from your local water company – who refer their customers to WaterSafe for approved plumbers and can support you with advice ▸ Benefit from promotion and a stamp of approval for your business – members can display WaterSafe branding on their vehicles, stationery, websites and social media ▸ Have access to the latest Water Regulations and Byelaws information – to keep you up-to-date with changes in the industry ▸ Be able to issue a compliance certificate – to give customers confidence, reassurance and legal protection ▸ Give peace-of-mind to customers looking for a qualified, competent plumber.

> HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER OF WATERSAFE? To join WaterSafe, you firstly need to complete your training and gain a water fittings regulations certificate. Once qualified, you can join one of the following seven existing Approved Contractors Schemes in the UK. Some of these schemes are free to join while others require you to pay a membership fee for which you get extra benefits. Once signed up you can join WaterSafe at no extra cost. ▸ The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) operates across England and Wales ▸ The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) operates across the UK ▸ The Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) operates across Northern Ireland and Scotland ▸ Anglian Water (APLUS scheme), Severn Trent Water (WaterMark scheme) and Thames Water (TAPS scheme) operate in the areas supplied by these water companies ▸ The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS) covers the remaining water suppliers’ areas in England and Wales.

For more information visit watersafe.org.uk/howtojoin

WATER REGULATIONS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> WATER INDUSTRY APPROVED PLUMBERS’ SCHEME - WIAPS Membership of WIAPS is free. To join you need a plumbing qualification (minimum of NVQ Level 2 or equivalent), a water fittings regulations certificate, public liability insurance and employers’ liability cover if needed. On joining you’ll get free packs of branded compliance certificates and regular technical updates.

“Being a member is important – so many people think they're 'plumbers' because they can put together two pipes. There’s more to the job than just that – people’s health can be potentially at risk if they use unqualified plumbers”

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WaterSafe approved plumbers have the authority to self-certify to water companies for certain types of plumbing work (e.g. existing buildings extensions and bidets) – avoiding delays, reducing paperwork and making you more attractive to developers.

“I think being a member of WaterSafe is great ... a way for people to recognise reputable plumbers that have the knowledge and competency to do a job safely”

Hannah Dorkenoo Leggat, WaterSafe member Steve Bartin, WaterSafe member

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WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE

INFORMATION ON NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED PLUMBING WORK The following information is an extract taken from the Water Regulations Guide. > WHAT ARE THE WATER FITTINGS REGULATIONS? The water fittings regulations, or byelaws in Scotland, hereafter referred to as regulations, are national requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. Their purpose is to prevent misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water and, most importantly, to prevent contamination of drinking water.

> WHERE DO THEY APPLY? All plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using equipment in all types of premises supplied or to be supplied from the public water supply, even if it is just a backup supply, come under the regulations. The regulations apply from the point where the water enters the property’s underground supply pipe. Premises without a public water supply connection are not governed by these regulations.

> WHO HAS TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS? Owners and occupiers of premises and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings have the legal duty to ensure that the systems satisfy the regulations.

Architects, building developers and plumbers must follow the regulations on behalf of future owners or occupiers. Advanced notice must be given for most proposed installations to obtain consent for the work from your water supplier. It is a criminal offence to contravene the regulations and offenders may face prosecution.

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> PLUMBING SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

> PREVENTION OF CONTAMINATION

BY BACKFLOW

Plumbing systems must be designed, installed and maintained to meet the requirements of the regulations and their Schedules. This is to protect water quality and public health, to ensure safety, ease of access for maintenance, detection of leakage, protection against damage or freezing etc.

Backflow occurs when water flows opposite to the intended normal direction of flow. Where water or water-using equipment is used with fluids or materials which could contaminate the water, there must be adequate protection to stop backflow of potentially contaminated water into other parts of the system, especially drinking water outlets.

The regulations define fluid risk categories according to the contaminants which are present. They only specify the appropriate type of devices or arrangements which must be fitted to protect against backflow.

If you are carrying out your own installation work, ensure you know how to meet your legal obligations. If you are employing someone else, consider using an Approved Plumber who will certify compliance of the new installation.

> FLUID CATEGORIES OF RISK

> CHOICE OF MATERIALS & FITTINGS

Fluid Categories are used to determine the level of risk posed to public health in the event of contamination by substances that could potentially backflow into the water supply.

Plumbing materials and fittings must meet the standards given in the regulations.

At present they must be tested to demonstrate they conform to an appropriate British Standard; or some other national specification which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance; or conform to a specification approved by the Regulators, which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance.

The Regulations have 5 categories of risk.

> NON-METALLIC SUBSTANCES Fluid category 1 is wholesome water and therefore is safe to drink but Fluid category 5 is not and can cause loss of life.

It is important that every plumber knows the risk to the water supply that each fitting or appliance represents, so they can fit the correct backflow prevention device. A double check valve does not protect against a Fluid Category 5 Risk.

Any fitting or pipework that is made of non-metallic material that can be in contact with the water supplied by the water company must meet the requirements of BS 6920. This is to ensure that it does not contaminate the water or have a detrimental effect on the water passing through it.

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> ADVANCED NOTIFICATION In most cases, before work starts on any proposed installation, the installer, owner or occupier must obtain the water supplier’s consent by giving notification of the details of the proposed work. Proposed work which must be notified is summarised in the following list.

c. A shower unit of a type specified by the Regulator (none are currently specified) d. A pump or booster drawing more than 12 litres per minute, connected directly or indirectly to a supply pipe e. A unit which incorporates reverse osmosis f. A water treatment unit which produces a wastewater discharge or which requires the use of water for regeneration or cleaning

The installation of a water fitting in connection with: 1. The erection of a building or other structure, not being a pond or swimming pool 2. The extension or alteration of a water system on any premises other than a house 3. A material change of use of any premises 4. The installation of: a. A bath having a capacity, as measured to the centre line of the overflow, of more than 230 litres b. A bidet with an ascending spray or flexible hose

Diagram R15.9a: Illustration of the principle of a zone of backflow risk

g. A reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly or other mechanical device for protection against a fluid which is in Fluid Category 4 or 5 h. A garden watering system unless designed to be operated by hand i. Any water system laid outside a building either less than 750mm or more than 1350mm below ground level 5. The construction of a pond or swimming pool over 10,000 litres capacity, designed to be replenished automatically with water supplied by a public water supplier.

Diagram R15.9b: Illustration of zone of backflow risk for a bidet with hose and spray

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> NOTIFICATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND For Northern Ireland and Scotland the following are also needed with the above: i. Grey water, recycled water, reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting systems ii. Water systems for firefighting, including domestic sprinklers iii. A flexible shower hose or other flexible outlet for use in conjunction with a WC iv. A ‘shower toilet’ or ‘bidet-toilet’ where either as part of the WC itself or as an addition or adaptation of it, a stream of water is provided from below the spillover level of the WC pan for personal cleansing.

In Scotland, there is an additional requirement for notification of any system incorporating a private water supply.

> DETAILS TO BE NOTIFIED For installations to be supplied with water from the public water supply, the following information must be sent to your local water supplier: ▸ The name and address of the person giving notice and, if different, the name and address of the person to whom the consent should be sent ▸ A description of the proposed work or any significant change of use of premises ▸ The location of the premises and their use or intended use. A plan of those parts of the premises which relate to the proposed work and a diagram showing the pipework and fittings to be installed ▸ If an Approved Plumber will be carrying out the work, along with their name and address.

> GRANTING CONSENT There is no charge by your water supplier for dealing with notifications or granting consent.

Work on installations must not start until consent has been given. If consent is neither granted nor refused within ten days of the water supplier receiving a valid notification, consent is deemed to have been granted.

This does not alter the obligation upon the installer and owner or occupier to see that the regulations are fully met.

Did you know that by notifying the local water company, it could save you time and prevent unforeseen expense?

Apart from the legal requirement the notification process is also advantageous to plumbers because – ▸ It can highlight potential areas of non-compliance, before it has been installed. Therefore, if extra water fittings like backflow prevention devices or storage cisterns are required this will enable you to inform the customer in your quote ▸ It is better to know before you begin the work what is required, than after a regulations inspection, which could cause a delay having to complete alterations so that the plumbing system complies ▸ Making alterations at the end of the job causes unforeseen cost, work and risks contract penalty clauses ▸ Prevent delays to the connection being made or the supply possibly being disconnected ▸ Prevent possible legal action that can have a negative impact on your company.

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“There is no charge by your water supplier for dealing with notifications or granting consent” Unless their contractor scheme requires them to do so, installing items 2, 4b, 4g, iii and iv in the above lists, water suppliers do not have to receive prior notification before starting work. However, on completion in addition to supplying a certificate to the person who asked for the work to be done, a copy of the compliance certificate must also be sent to the water supplier.

> APPROVED CONTRACTORS An approved contractor, often called an approved plumber, will certify that their installation work satisfies the Regulations. In the event that this certified work contravenes the Regulations, the owner or occupier can use the certificate as a legal defence against prosecution.

> WATERSAFE All of the approved plumber schemes operated by water suppliers are part of WaterSafe. WaterSafe is an online national register and search facility that enables customers to locate an approved contractor in their area www.watersafe.org.uk

> WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE REGULATIONS & FURTHER ADVICE? For England and Wales, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and their Schedules, Statutory Instruments 1999 No.1148 and No.1506, are available from HMSO and via: ▸ legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/ made A Guidance Document relating to the Schedules to the regulations is available on the Defra website.

Copies of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 are available from Scottish Water or via:

Most UK water suppliers either operate their own approved contractor scheme or support the national Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS), whose members have demonstrated their experience of plumbing work plus knowledge of the Regulations and have liability insurance cover.

▸ scottishwater.co.uk/en/Businessand-Developers/Byelaws-and-TradeEffluent/Water-Byelaws/ The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) are available from NI Water: ▸ niwater.com/water-fittingsregulations/

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DEAD LEGS, SERVICING VALVES & REGULATION INTERPRETATIONS The following information is a small selection of guidance that can be found in Government’s (Defra) and Water Regs UK guidance. > REDUNDANT FITTINGS & DEAD LEGS

as short as possible and capped off, ideally no longer than twice the length of the pipe diameter. See interpretation on the next page for full details.

If you are installing branch pipes to facilitate future connections, don’t connect them until they are ready to be used. Install the pipework but seal both ends to prevent anything getting inside. Once the pipework is ready to be used, cut your tee piece in and connect the pipework, remembering to thoroughly flush it, and if necessary disinfect it, before making the final connection.

“Any draw-off fitting that is permanently removed from the installation should have the branch pipe serving the fitting disconnected at its source.”

By leaving redundant pipework connected to the plumbing system you increase the risk of contaminating the water. Stagnant water may promote the growth of micro-organisms, especially where it is in a warm area. Any redundant pipework should be completely disconnected and removed from the system, ideally removing the tee piece.

There may be occasions where it is not practical to remove a tee piece, in this instance the redundant pipe should be cut

> PROVISION OF SERVICING VALVES FLOAT VALVES AND APPLIANCES “Inlets to all float-operated valves, cisterns, clothes washing machines, dishwashing machines, water heaters, water softeners and other similar appliances should be provided with a servicing valve to facilitate maintenance.”

> LOCATION “Servicing valves should be fitted as close as is reasonably practical to float operated valves or other inlet devices of an appliance.”

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> TYPES OF SERVICING VALVES “Servicing valves may be of the screwdown or spherical type.”

Servicing valves should be installed adjacent to the appliance they are serving, making sure they are readily accessible.

Usually servicing valves are the screwdriver operated type, but screw down stop valves may be acceptable. You can use hose union bib taps for isolating appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers!

There is no requirement to fit servicing valves to taps, but it is certainly good practice to do so. It makes life easier should you need to replace a tap at a later date, and less water will be wasted as you won’t have to drain the whole system.

The following information is a small selection of the advice provided.

> GUIDANCE & ADVICE Water suppliers have a legal duty to ensure that the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws are complied with in their appointed area of supply.

To facilitate compliance with, and support consistency in the application of these Regulations, water suppliers, assisted by Water Regs UK, have produced publications and other advice. Please note this is guidance only and is subject to change.

Check out the Guidance section of the Water Regs UK website for up-to-date information and advice waterregsuk.co.uk/ guidance

DID YOU KNOW? It is a requirement to notify any proposed plumbing work relating to a material change of use. This includes any changes to a plumbing system for the storage and / or use of substances which if mixed with water would be classified as either fluid category 4 or 5, for example the installation of a rainwater harvesting or grey water system in any premises.

> DEAD LEGS Where water is allowed to stagnate, there is a risk of contamination. Minimising this risk can be achieved by: ▸ Completely removing redundant pipe work.

Where this is not practicable the pipe should be terminated so that any ‘dead leg’ created is no longer than twice the diameter of the pipe. ▸ This general principle should also be applied to fittings which by design incorporate areas which do not have a steady through flow of water. ▸ For pipework supplying fittings which are used infrequently i.e. fire supplies or water reuse systems with a back-up supply, appropriate backflow protection should be installed as close as reasonably practicable to the mains or supply / distributing pipe.

WATER REGULATIONS I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> INSTALLATION OF EXPANSION VESSELS Water stagnation and particulate accumulation can have detrimental effects upon water quality. This could lead to the formation of biofilms and/or the accumulation of particulates. Therefore, it is recommended that any fitting on a wholesome water system which accommodates expansion or pressure surges, such as expansion vessels, pressure accumulators and surge arrestors, be installed so as to avoid localised low turnover (stagnation).

These fittings should be installed in the vertical so that the fitting accommodating thermal expansion or a pressure surge is:-

> INSTALLATION 1. bottom fed and upright; and

Examples of good practice for installing expansion vessels or pressure accumulators.

2. that the connecting pipework to the fitting:- rises continuously; and - is kept to a minimum

> SIZED 3. sized correctly for the system; and

> SYSTEM DESIGN 4. designed to ensure an adequate turnover of water within the fitting.

When installing expansion vessels, you should not forget that there will be a need to carry out maintenance at some point.

The installation should also take in to account the requirement not to waste water. Installing a servicing valve on the pipework connecting the expansion vessel is permitted, however, it is recommended that servicing valves be a tamperproof design, such as a ‘lockshield’ valve.

Examples of installation practices which can lead to detrimental effects on water quality

INSTALLATION Orientation: Bottom fed & upright Connecting pipework: > Rises continuously > Is kept to a minimum INSTALLATION Orientation: Bottom fed & upright Connecting pipework: > Rises continuously > Is kept to a minimum Fitting: Sized correctly for the system System: Designed to ensure adequate turnover of water within the fitting

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INSTALLATION Orientation: Bottom fed & upright Connecting pipework: > Rises continuously > Is kept to a minimum indicates those areas where there is the potential for low turnover which could result in the formation of biofilms or accumulation of particulates.

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> USE OF PETROLEUM TAPES FOR WRAPPING PIPES AND FITTINGS As plastic pipe and fittings are susceptible to permeation by organic compounds, such as the hydrocarbons present in the adhesive glues and mastics used in tapes for wrapping pipe and fittings, it is recommended that such products only be applied to plastic pipe if the pipe incorporates a protective aluminium layer or is pre-wrapped with aluminium foil prior to the wrap application.

DID YOU KNOW?

> BEFORE YOU GO …

A recent Water Regs UK study of UK plumbers and installers found that more than half agree that continued training is necessary to ensure good practice. Regularly testing your knowledge is a great way to know if you need any refresher training. ▸ Why not sign up for our newsletter at https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/news/ newsletter/ ▸ Follow us on Twitter (@WaterRegsUK) and take our quiz.

There are case studies that you can read on our website. These provide real-life examples of the ways in which compliance with the regulations/ byelaws protects public health and safeguards public water supplies.

They also illustrate what can happen when they are not complied with, such as illustrated in the case study for lead solder.

Following an inspection by a water company, soldered joints on a small section of pipework was found to contain lead solder. The solder on these joints had the same dull grey appearance as those seen on the central heating system. A ‘Lead Check Swab’ test kit was used to confirm the inspector’s suspicions after it turned pink. To read more about this case check out the story by scanning the QR code.

Call Water Regs UK on 0333 207 9030 to buy your copy of the complete guide or go online at www.waterregsuk.co.uk for further information.

WATER SAVING

SPONSORED BY

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REDUCE THE FLOW TO SAVE WATER We now have the technology to easily reduce the flow of water in valve showers and taps without compromising the experience.

Many showers and taps have a higher flow rate than required and we are simply throwing clean water down the drain.

> WATER USE FACTS Water is a precious resource under growing pressure as we build more homes and experience the increasing effects of climate change. It’s also a fact that each person in the UK uses on average 141 litres of water every day, the highest across all European countries. That equates to 9.7 billion litres used daily and needing to be replaced, a huge task for our water authorities.

The importance of saving water is well documented, but what about the energy used to heat it? This also has an impact on cost and increased carbon emissions.

“The less water we use, the less energy we use” Around 20% of the cost of energy used in the home is for heating water for showers, baths and hot water taps. So, any device that can reduce our water usage, with no compromise on performance, must be considered because, the less water we use, the less energy we use and the more money we save.

Drinking water is our planet's most vital resource.

Neoperl products are often found in use wherever water flows.

They shape the water stream, regulate its flow rate, filter it, protect it and distribute it to help conserve water resources.

Aerators

Flow Regulators

Check Valves

Hoses

Enigma Business Park, Sparrowhawk Close, Malvern WR14 1GH Tel: 01684 564869 info@neoperl.co.uk www.neoperl.com

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TAILOR SHOWERING TO SAVE WATER > WATER FLOW It’s estimated that 34% of all water used in the home is through showering and bathing and here is where the fitting of a flow regulator can help. These small devices can be retrofitted, to convert an existing shower quickly and easily, simply by inserting it upstream of the shower outlet, to reduce and regulate the water flow.

A standard European shower will produce around 18 litres of water a minute and yet an equally comfortable shower is possible from a shower head delivering around 12 litres of water. If one considers a 7-minute shower a day that’s 42 litres of water saved by one person per shower.

See our installations on YouTube Search Neoperl Group

> HOW IT WORKS A flow regulator device has an integral dynamic control ring (DCR) at its core. As water flows through it and as the pressure fluctuates the DCR deforms into the core of the flow regulator, either reducing or increasing the size of the orifice, to enable a stable and constant flow, independent of pressure. To retro fit a flow regulator is an easy job for a plumber, they simply need to obtain the right advice as to which regulator to fit to retain adequate performance and to purchase a simple tool to fit it.

Typical Neoperl flow regulator

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> KITCHEN TAP THAT SAVES WATER > OFFER A ‘WATER SAVING AUDIT’ Why not offer your customers a ‘Water Saving Audit’ whilst in their home or on their business premises? It’s a great service to offer them and may result in additional business for you:

1 2

Offer to do an audit on the water flow for all taps, showers, urinals Assess flow rates and propose changes to reduce flow for relevant appliances

3

Assess whether flow regulators and/or aerators can be installed in any taps and showers

It’s always been a little harder to encourage water saving in the kitchen, understandably as we all want to be able to quickly fill our pans or kitchen sinks. However, the new Mini Ecobooster is an aerator for the kitchen tap that can be switched from water-saving eco-mode for general use and boosted to a fuller flow in an instant. It’s a flow device that can be easily retrofitted to most kitchen taps, protrudes slightly from the tap and can be switched easily into boost mode by pulling the sleeve upwards. After closing the tap, it always switches back into the default water saving mode.

4

Suggest urinal controls or waterless urinals, efficient flush toilets and automatic sensor taps

Check out how to install Neoperl products at: www.youtube.com/user/NeoperlGroup

For more information visit: neoperl.com

> REDUCING TAP FLOW IS EASY Tailor the flow rate for each tap you fit for your customer.

If a tap is only used for washing hands or cleaning teeth reduce its water flow, it takes minutes to do, saving water, energy and reducing fuel bills.

Flow rate on tap as purchased

When fitted with a Pressure Compensating Aerator (PCA)

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REDUCING TAP FLOW IS EASY! Encourage your customers to save water by fitting a PCA aerator onto their existing tap.

Check out how: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NFttMz3iUt0 or follow these simple steps below.

> STEP 01

> STEP 02

> STEP 03

Using a special tool, available from Neoperl, loosen the existing aerator housing at the end of the tap.

Once loose, remove the housing by gently unscrewing with fingers.

Take the new Pressure Compensating Aerator.

These are colour coded to help identify the flow rate and stream pattern of the model (aerated or laminar).

> STEP 04

> STEP 05

> STEP 06

Insert into the existing or new circular chrome housing unit.

Ensure the washer is placed on top to prevent leakage.

Screw the housing back into the tap, tighten with the tool.

All taps may vary slightly in sizing and specification.

For technical support: 01684 564869

WATER TREATMENT SPONSORED BY

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KEEP IT SEALED To keep central heating systems working at their best, make sure an in-line system filter is installed as per BS 7593:2019 guidance and best practice. Here, Mark Hall, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Devices at Fernox explains the benefits of sealed filters and what to look for when selecting a model to install. > WHAT DO FILTERS DO?

BS 7593:2019 EXPLAINED

In-line system filters capture any sludge, scale or debris and prevent it from circulating through the system and causing lasting damage to key components like the boiler.

BS 7593:2019 recommends installing a filter to provide continued protection and maintain system efficiency – most leading boiler manufacturers will require a filter to be installed for their warranties to be valid.

> WHY SEALED FILTERS?

1

Installation flexibility – look out for models like the Fernox TF1 Sigma which can be installed on both horizontal and vertical pipework and positioned up to a 45° angle.

2

Quick and easy cleaning - the whole process for a sealed TF1 filter takes less than two minutes.

3

No ongoing maintenance costs – as there is no lid, there is no ‘O’ ring to replace during servicing.

Remember to empty filters at the annual boiler service, according to the manufacturer’s instructions to comply with BS 7593:2019.

To find out more about the Fernox TF1 filter range visit:

4

Reduced chance of leaks as a sealed TF1 filter does not need to be disassembled during cleaning.

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KEEP IT CLEAN Cleaning central heating systems is an important step in restoring energy efficiency and optimising system performance, says Richard Crisp, Head of Chemistry at Fernox. > LATEST GUIDANCE To comply with the latest guidance documents (including BS 7593:2019) it is important to make sure central heating systems are cleaned in the following situations: ▸ If the system is heavily contaminated ▸ When a new radiator is installed, or extra pipework is added ▸ When a new boiler is installed.

BS 7593:2019 recommends using a recognised cleaning method like powerflushing to ensure the best results.

A powerflushing unit sends water at high velocity through the system to dislodge and remove debris, limescale, and sludge build-up.

To accelerate the process, high performance, pH neutral but strong cleaners like Fernox Power Cleaner F8 should also be used to remove contaminants quickly even in heavily sludged central heating systems.

Once cleaned, the system should be dosed with a highquality inhibitor to maintain water cleanliness and prevent contaminants from reforming. An in-line system filter should also be installed to capture any sludge, scale and debris that may form and prevent it from circulating through the system and damaging components like the boiler.

To find out more about the Fernox range of cleaning products visit:

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KEEP ON TESTING Here, Richard Crisp, Head of Chemistry at Fernox, summarises how installers can comply with BS 7593:2019 recommendations on system testing. > INHIBITOR LEVELS Firstly, inhibitor levels should be checked on-site annually, to ensure full protection and prevent sludge, scale and debris from forming. For convenience, use handy dip test kits like the Fernox Express Inhibitor Test that instantly reveals whether the system water has the correct levels of inhibitor present. Even better still, with the free Fernox Water Test App results can be recorded effortlessly - and if the test passes, a digital certificate is generated to evidence that the system is fully protected.

All jobs can be logged within the app for monitoring and follow-up with the customer.

sample of the system water and sending it off for analysis is quick and easy. What’s more, when used with the Fernox Water Test App, users can get their lab results logged via the app within 24-48 hours. After lab analysis is complete, a pass or fail result is available via the app and a full diagnostic report is sent to the user, including recommendations for how to remedy any issues.

Secondly, inhibitor should be re-dosed, or a full laboratory analysis of the system water completed every five years.

With kits like the Fernox Water Quality Test Kit, taking a

For more information on the Fernox test kit range visit:

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THE FUTURE IS SEALED Fernox has pioneered a number of industry firsts – including the TF1 Sigma Filter, the first sealed, composite plastic filter available with either slip socket or valved connections. >THE TF1 SIGMA FILTER The TF1 Sigma Filter is a precisionengineered, sealed unit with no removable lid, so it is reliable, watertight, easy to clean and service. The sealed design means that there is no need to replace ‘O’ rings when emptying the unit at annual boiler service (in accordance with BS 7593:2019 regulations and manufacturer’s instructions), so there is minimal hassle for the installer - and no ongoing maintenance or parts costs for the homeowner.

> EASY INSTALLATION It can be installed horizontally, vertically or in any orientation in both flow directions and can be positioned at an angle up to 45° - making it ideal for installing in small, tight or awkward to reach areas.

Users can choose from 22mm and 28mm versions with either high-quality valves or slip-socket connections. All valves can be operated easily by hand and they provide a secure connection to the system and a robust service point for dosing via the drain valve.

> GREAT EFFICIENCY This high-performance filter also uses Fernox’s unique Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology and magnetic filtration to remove non-magnetic as well as magnetic debris fast and efficiently from the system.

10 YEAR WARRANTY Made from glass fibre reinforced polymer plastic, this strong unit has a market leading warranty of 10 years.

TF1 Sigma Filter

To find out more about the TF1 Sigma Filter, please visit:

WIRING CONNECTORS SPONSORED BY

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OUT WITH THE OLD! While electrical installation work makes up only 10-15% of the average project for a heating engineer, it can represent a much larger proportion of the headaches. Fiddly and time-consuming electrical terminations can slow the installation down and any that have not been completed as required can be hard to identify, causing further delays or snagging issues.

“IDEAL wire connectors – for a fast, easy and safe installation”

Electrical cable terminations are traditionally done using a terminal strip.

They’re not difficult to use, but even the simplest of traditional techniques can be improved upon and, in this case, the use of IDEAL lever or push in connectors can save time, make the job easier, and help heating engineers achieve a more consistent and compliant installation.

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THE KEY BENEFITS Listed below are the many benefits of switching from traditional terminal strip connections to push in and lever wire connections.

These innovative connections from IDEAL are perfect for plumbing apprentices who are still learning. > REDUCED ARCING OR LOOSE SCREWS When using traditional terminal strips the screws can loosen over time, causing arcing in the connector. This presents a potential fire risk and is just one of the reasons why push in and lever connectors are being more widely used instead of terminal blocks in numerous applications.

> FASTER INSTALLATIONS

> COMPLIANT INSTALLATIONS

The old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is a mantra often quoted by those content to remain permanently within their comfort zone. The problem is, without trying new tools and techniques, we don’t find out whether the job can be done faster, better and with a greater level of consistency.

The 18th Edition requires that traditional terminal strip connections should be accessible for annual inspections in compliance with BS EN 60670-22 which makes it difficult to select a suitable location for terminal strip connections, leading to non-compliance for many projects.

> IMPROVED QUALITY

Lever and push in connectors are classified as ‘maintenance-free’ when used in conjunction with an approved enclosure box, so can be part of a compliant installation anywhere within the property.

Often, keeping to the same routines can mean missing an opportunity to save time and improve quality, both of which can deliver commercial advantages for heating and plumbing installers.

> REDUCED CALL BACKS Even small time savings on a single task can add up to a significant time and cost saving over the length of a full installation. What’s more, consistent quality not only reduces the risk of snagging and call backs; it could also enhance the success rate of bids for repeat work.

SpliceLine® In-Line Wire Connector, Model 42 Orange

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> CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENCLOSURE A traditional junction box with screw terminals has always needed to be installed in an accessible location as over time terminals will need to be checked. If an appropriate location could not be found, access panels were needed. Choosing an enclosure which has been tested to and complies with BS 5733 maintenance free accessory standard like the IDEAL In-Sure® Box makes it possible to save money on materials and keep the enclosure installation process as quick and simple as possible.

> REDUCED LABOUR COSTS A barrier to change when it comes to switching from terminal strips to lever or push in connectors is perceptions of cost. While the unit price of connectors may be slightly more than terminal strips, the time savings they offer easily offset the minimal additional costs.

Connectors not only help to keep the job within programme, but also reduce labour costs over the length of the project.

> PEACE OF MIND What’s more, making the switch provides peace of mind because use of connectors removes any inconsistency associated with the tightening of terminal strip screws, thereby building value into the cost of the connectors by reducing the need for quality assurance checks or call backs.

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> REMOVED MARGIN FOR ERROR This standardised approach to making the connections ensures lever and push in connectors deliver a fit-and-forget solution, as well as driving speed of installation.

While speed and consistency of terminal strip installations grows with experience, connectors remove any margin for error, even for inexperienced installers who are still training.

> CONSISTENT CONNECTIONS Using connectors rather than terminal strips ensures every connection is consistent because there is no variation in the tightening of the fixing screw that fastens the cable in place. Ideal Industries’ wire connectors even include a stripping guide on the side to aid consistently accurate stripping of the cable prior to connection, along with a CPC port for relevant testing.

The In-Sure® Push In Wire Connector

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QUICK, RELIABLE CONNECTIONS WITH IDEAL INDUSTRIES IDEAL Industries’ range of wire connectors provides heating and plumbing installers with a timesaving, modern and safe alternative to traditional screw-down terminal strips. > 32A GEN II® LEVER WIRE CONNECTORS ▸ Perfect solution for joining solid, stranded or flexible conductors ▸ Modern alternative to traditional strip connectors ▸ Levers open in the opposite direction of insertion point locking the cables into position to prevent any accidental loosening or pull-out ▸ For use in all applications up to 32A including lighting, access control, radial and final ring circuits ▸ 0.2 mm2 to 4.0 mm2 for solid and stranded and 0.14 mm2 to 4.0 mm2 for flexible

> 32A IN-SURE ® PUSH IN WIRE CONNECTORS (2, 3 & 4 PORT) ▸ Reduce installation time by up to 50%

> 32A SPLICELINE® WIRE CONNECTOR ▸ Excellent for extending and connecting wires

▸ Easy glide-in wire connection

▸ 3x faster to install than traditional crimped butt splices

▸ Perfect replacement for crimped splices

▸ Provides a crimp free, solderless butt splice

▸ Low insertion force for fast connections

▸ Tool free, push in straight line connector

▸ 0.75 mm2 to 4.0 mm2 for solid and 1.5 mm2 to 2.5 mm2 stranded

▸ 0.5 mm2 to 4.0 mm2 for solid and 1.0 mm2 to 2.5 mm2 for stranded

> ADDITIONALLY, ALL THREE TYPES COME WITH: ▸ Check port for continuity testing ▸ Clear shell allowing for visual inspection of connection

Robust and well-designed at an attractive price point, IDEAL wire connectors offer a user-friendly, cost-effective and quality-led alternative to terminal strips. They are BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition) compliant and conform to EN 60998-1 and EN 60998-2-2 connecting device standards.

For further information, visit: www.idealind.com

NEWLY QUALIFIED

INSTALLER SPONSORED BY

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STARTING A BUSINESS So, you’ve completed your apprenticeship. You’re now a newly qualified installer.

What’s next?

It may be that you’re desperate to start your own business and be your own boss. There are lots of things to think about but you aren’t on your own – there is help available for young people with business ideas.

You might be in a position to finance your business yourself, but at some stage you might need a loan or a grant to help get things up and running.

Luckily, there are a number of schemes set up to help. The exact schemes open to you will depend on a number of factors, including your age and where you live.

> START UP LOANS There is loads of advice and information on the gov.uk website, including how to apply for a Start Up Loan. These are unsecured personal loans of between £500 and £25,000 that are backed by the government (the average loan amount is £7,200).

You’ll be offered free support and guidance to write a business plan for your application, and if successful you’ll get 12 months of free mentoring.

> HOW TO APPLY To apply for a Start Up Loan you must: ▸ Live in the UK ▸ Be 18 or over ▸ Have, or plan to start, a UK-based business that’s been fully trading for less than 24 months.

You can repay a Start Up Loan over one to five years and you’ll be charged a fixed interest rate of 6%.

For more info visit: startuploans.co.uk

NQI I HI P BOOK 2021-22

> THE PRINCE’S TRUST ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME The Prince’s Trust has helped more than 86,000 young people start their own business through its Enterprise programme, which is broken down into three stages.

1. A free information session in your local area, explaining how you can get support 2. A four-day workshop covering business planning, marketing, sales, budgeting and tax 3. Building your business with the help of a mentor and the chance to apply for funding (loans up to £5,000 offered by the Start Up Loans Company).

Before you launch your business, you’ll also get to present your business plan to the Prince’s Trust’s Business Launch Group, get feedback and more financial support if you need it.

For more info visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk

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“There is lots of help available for young people with business ideas”

> ADVICE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT There are government-run helplines offering free advice and support around the UK, including the Business Support Helpline in England, Business Gateway in Scotland, the Business Wales Helpline and Invest Northern Ireland.

There is a searchable list of schemes offering financial support and advice at gov.uk/business-finance-support Most banks have access to a business manager, who may be able to advise on local training, support and funding sources. Your local council or chamber of commerce might also be a good place to find out what help is available locally.

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GETTING YOUR WEBSITE RIGHT Word of mouth is still a vital way of getting new business, but increasingly people will head straight to Google when they need a plumber.

In fact, a 2019 study by WRAS showed that while 54% of people still ask family and friends for recommendations, a fifth (17.5%) rely on online search results.

That’s why it’s important to have a website that works for you. When people in your local area search online for a plumber, you want it to be your name they find.

Start by building a basic website - at the start of your business, you want to keep your costs down as much as possible so we'd suggest using Wix.com or a similar online platform which are either free or fairly inexpensive.

“When people in your local area search online for a plumber, you want it to be your name they find”

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If you’re keeping it simple, stick to three pages for your website – a homepage, a services page listing everything you offer, and a contact page.

> HOMEPAGE This has to grab people’s attention but avoid being tacky. Describe what you do and use images that reflect your business.

> SERVICES PAGE List every service you offer as part of your business, including those that may seem obvious or mundane to you, like installing washing machines and dishwashers or replacing taps. Think about what people will type into Google when looking for a plumber.

> CONTACT PAGE Include your full business address, contact numbers, an email address and links to your social media accounts. Make it easy for people to get in touch with you.

You could also add an ‘about’ page, so people can find out more about you. And if you can put in more time, it might be beneficial to create individual pages for the different services you offer. For example, a ‘boiler’ section on your website could contain separate pages for installations, repairs, servicing and emergency call-outs.

Other things you can do to boost your website: ▸ Create a Google Business Listing (go to google.com/business) ▸ Encourage your customers to leave reviews ▸ Register with business listings websites like Yell, Gumtree or Checkatrade.

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MAKING THE MOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can be brilliant for promoting your business – and the different platforms each have their own strengths. > FACEBOOK Most people have a personal Facebook page, but make sure you set up a separate one for your business. This should have links to your website and any other social media accounts you have linked to your company.

Post photos of installations you’ve carried out and make your comments friendly and chatty.

Update it as often as possible.

> TWITTER Twitter is great for starting and joining in conversations. Build up your followers by ‘following’ and engaging with other people and retweeting messages. The plumbing Twitter community is full of people sharing images of their work and learning from each other. Links automatically condense in your Tweet, so it’s easy to add your website to your message.

Social media is about creating a conversation, so share other people’s relevant content and try to respond as soon as possible to people who post on your page or send you messages.

Social media works both ways.

If you provide a great service, you’ll reap the benefits.

Personal recommendations are priceless. However, if you upset a customer, it could damage your reputation for a long time, especially if you lose your cool online.

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> LINKEDIN Create a company page for your business, again include your website and any other social media accounts you have. You will find an option to add contacts to your page.

You’ll find that your list will grow as other people see your page and want to link with you. Customers will have the opportunity to recommend you to others.

> INSTAGRAM Instagram reached 1 billion users worldwide in 2018 and is becoming an increasingly popular platform used by the plumbing and heating industry. Manufacturers and businesses alike share pictures and videos regularly. Instagram can be a great way to showcase your best work and impress those potential customers.

> YOUTUBE YouTube is a great platform for picking up hints and tips from other plumbers, manufacturers and merchants – and there are some great personalities to follow. Consider starting your own channel, it's completely free and it's a great way to share ideas.

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GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE JOB Your local Graham Plumbers’ Merchant is an ideal place to get all the advice you need when it comes to the best product for the job in hand.

Here are some tips from Graham’s experienced team for those just starting out.

1 OPEN A TRADE ACCOUNT It is important to open a trade account with a specialist merchant as these can provide you with cost savings and regular special offers.

2 GET YOUR PPE RIGHT It is essential to ensure that you are equipped with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Goggles, ear defenders, safety gloves and respiratory protective equipment should be included in your day-to-day PPE kit.

3 TRAIN TO GAIN Newly qualified installers will be bombarded with potential training courses from manufacturers and organisations; merchants can advise on the most valuable courses and many will run free events in local branches for installers to attend.

4 BEWARE CHEAP IMITATIONS When it comes to boiler parts, don’t be fooled with cheap spares. In all likelihood they won’t be genuine, and you could encounter problems with long-term performance as well as endangering your customer, any warranties from the original equipment manufacturer and your reputation.

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HANDLING FINANCES Balancing the books may not be the reason you became a plumber, but looking after the financial side of things is an important part of running your own business. > GOODS ON CREDIT If you are just starting out you will need to set up a credit account with a plumbing merchant. They will make an assessment on how much credit they are willing to offer you.

At first they may want you to pay upfront for goods, until you become established. After that, you will usually be given 30 days to pay for the goods you have ordered.

Be prompt with your payments and in time, your credit rating will rise.

> ACCOUNTS Make sure you keep an accurate account of all earnings and expenditure. You don’t want to find yourself in trouble with the tax man.

> PRICING UP A JOB The ability to price up a job is something that will probably develop over time and with experience, but here are a few tips to help when you’re starting out.

“Make a thorough list of the materials you'll need to complete the job. For big jobs get prices from different merchants”

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> TOP TIPS FOR PRICING UP ▸ When pricing work for customers, the first thing to establish is whether the customer requires a quote or an estimate. Remember a quote is a firm price, while an estimate is your best guess and may vary from the initial price.

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▸ If you provide a quotation you should not invoice the customer for anything extra unless they have asked you to do extra work. If the customer asks for extra work to be carried out during the installation you should re-price the work and present a variation order for the customer to sign. ▸ Sometimes you will have to do extra work you couldn’t have reasonably known about when you quoted. You may be able to add this to the invoice but you should let the customer know as soon as possible. ▸ Make a thorough list of the materials you’ll need to complete the job. If it’s a big list, get prices from two or three different merchants.

It’s worth spending that extra time making sure that your materials are priced right. ▸ If a job takes longer than you thought all you’ve lost is your time, but if you’ve underpriced the materials it will come out of your pocket. Charge the customer list price for all materials. Any reductions you receive from the list price should be marked as profit margin. ▸ For labour costings, allow time for travelling to and from jobs, and also for the time you’ll spend collecting materials. Work out an hourly rate and how long you think the job will take. If you’re not sure how much to charge customers per hour, you could call other plumbing companies in your area to learn their hourly rates.

With experience, you’ll learn how long most jobs will take and allow for any problems.

When starting out, predict how long an individual job will take and write it down, then compare it with how long the job actually took. It will help to price jobs more accurately.

Also allow for any time you have been out to look at a job beforehand, and if it’s a larger job you may want to allow for coming back and snagging.

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BEING A PRO Even in the age of Google and social media, one of the best ways to gain customers is through word of mouth. Being professional is a simple way to impress your customers and earn that all-important recommendation. These are our top tips:

> TURN UP ON TIME

1

Being punctual shows that you’re reliable. Showing up late is not going to endear you to a customer who has potentially waited in all morning for you to arrive. If you’re stuck in traffic or running late through no fault of your own, call ahead to let your customer know you’ve been delayed.

> LOOK AFTER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY

2

Show your respect for people’s property by taking off your shoes when you enter their home. If you need to wear shoes for the job, wear shoe covers. And remember to put down dust covers wherever you work and use heat mats when necessary.

> LOOK THE PART

3

Dressing smartly suggests professionalism from the outset. A polo shirt with your company logo on it is much better than a tatty old T-shirt.

> MANNERS COST NOTHING

4

Something as simple as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can make a real difference to how a customer sees you. Listen to your customer and be sympathetic to their concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem to you.

> TAKE EXTRA CARE WITH VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS

5

You may need to be more patient with elderly customers, for example.

The CIPHE is the membership body for the plumbing and heating industry and can award letters after your name, depending on your qualifications and experience.

This gives you professional recognition, tells your customers that you are qualified and skilled, and that you work to the highest standards.

With a wide range of benefits available to members, we're here to support you and your business.

SPECIAL OFFER Call 01708 463 116 or email membership@ciphe.org.uk and quote HIPSTUDENT to claim 15 months membership for the price of 12.

www.ciphe.org.uk

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INSURANCE JARGON BUSTER Confusing insurance jargon has been baffling plumbers for years. But this handy guide has you covered.

1 ASSURANCE Insurance cover against an eventuality, for example - the death of a person being covered under a life insurance policy.

2 ADDENDUM An additional piece of policy information.

3 WARRANTY A written guarantee or a commitment issued to the purchaser to repair or replace the article purchased if necessary, within a specified period.

4 PREMIUM The cost of the policy which includes taxes and broker/insurer fees.

5 RATE Mark Herbert at ConstructionInsure.co.uk compiled this jargon-busting list to help plumbers understand complex insurance issues in simple terms. He said:

“When people begin to understand these frequently used terms, and realise it is not as complex as it sounds, insurance becomes a much simpler matter”

The risk calculation used to arrive at the premium, minus broker and insurer fees.

6 COVER The amount of risk or liability that is covered for an individual or object by insurance services.

7 CLAIM A formal request to an insurance company for coverage or compensation for a covered loss. Claims are made in the event of loss or damage.

8 LOSS The injury or damage sustained by the insured.

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9 POLICY A document that has been put together with an insured (the first party) to best protect their risk.

10 ENDORSEMENTS Sections of a policy which state exclusions and recommendations.

11 BROKER A middle man acting between a client and an insurer. They have a legal duty to help you obtain appropriate coverage at a reasonable price.

12 QUOTATION A document presented to a client before the parties agree to go ahead. It details an estimate of a rate with a potential insurance carrier.

13 CONTINGENT INSURANCE A policy that is contingent on the absence of other insurance.

14 ALL RISK COVER All risk cover insures all losses arising from an unexpected or fortuitous cause except those that are specifically excluded.

15 INDEMNITY Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden.

16 EXCESS Is the first amount payable by a policy holder in the event of a loss.

17 LIABILITY A person or company’s legal responsibility for an act of negligence, or a circumstance in connection to their business, causing loss or damage to a third party.

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18 NEGLIGENCE A failure to act in a way that a reasonable person would when faced with certain situations or circumstances. For example, if water is coming into your home due to a burst pipe, your insurance policy will require you act to prevent further damage. If you do not, you may be considered negligent.

19 NO CLAIMS BONUS A discount given for being claim free.

20 NON-DISCLOSURE Holding back information that would bear an effect on a policy.

21 RISK The exposures covered within a policy.

22 POLICY HOLDER The lead name on an insurance document, a person whose name an insurance policy is held in.

23 REINSTATEMENT The rebuild value of a property.

24 RENEWAL Re-application of insurance after the existing policy has expired.

25 STATEMENT OF FACT A document which contains all information given by a policyholder.

26 THIRD PARTY Insurance is purchased by an insured (the first party) from an insurer (the second party) for protection against the claims of another (the third party).

27 UNDERLYING INSURANCE The basic or primary layer of coverage, the initial policy that will respond to the covered loss.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK A big part of your job will be maintaining the correct Health and Safety procedures every working day. It is crucial you are aware of the hazards that exist wherever you are working and that you take the necessary precautions so you are prepared in case the worst happens.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974 legislation should be followed to ensure your own safety and that of anyone you work with, and you are legally obliged to follow its rules and regulations.

> KEY HASAWA RESPONSIBILITES ▸ As a plumber working on domestic premises, the health, safety and welfare of the occupant becomes your responsibility because it is your place of work. ▸ You have a responsibility to both yourself and to others to keep the workplace hazard-free. ▸ While your employer has a duty to ensure that the safety equipment provided is kept in good condition, you still need to maintain your own safety as they cannot cater for human error or negligence.

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> HERE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS A PLUMBER MIGHT FACE:

> WORKING AT HEIGHTS Working in attics and at internal and external high points on buildings puts you at risk of falling. Make sure the surface you’re putting the majority of your weight on is secure and has been inspected where this is relevant. Never stand on a surface unless you’re 100% sure it is safe.

> EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Lead, asbestos, raw sewage and mould are just some of the hazardous substances you are at risk of being exposed to as a plumber.

These can cause serious illnesses such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A, B or C. Make sure you apply barrier cream before starting a job, wash your hands whenever you take a break and always wear the correct PPE (gloves, eye protection etc). Clean your equipment properly after use and maintain good ventilation where you are working at all times.

The COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations must be adhered to at all times. Substances that fall under COSHH will often be labelled as dangerous (i.e. toxic, very toxic, harmful, irritant or corrosive) and control measures must be applied when handling such substances. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions of use.

> EXPOSURE TO NOISE Tools and machinery can create more decibels of sound than the human ear can safely be exposed to, so use ear plugs or ear defenders at all times when working in a noisy environment, as part of your PPE.

Continued >>

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> SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS If you suspect someone has a broken bone, keep them still until the injured part is secured and supported. If the person is in immediate danger, then of course they should be moved away from the hazard – but do not put yourself at risk and always call emergency services immediately.

> INJURY FROM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Always make sure to maintain any tools and equipment that you use and cut away from your face and body when using sharp objects. If the task at hand requires a lot of concentration or if you are in an awkward position whilst performing the task, take frequent breaks to eliminate the chance of error and adjust your position regularly to avoid cramping and muscle injury.

> BURNS Don’t underestimate the damage that can be caused by hot water and steam.

If you are scalded, flood the burn with plenty of cold water immediately and do not remove anything that may be sticking to the burn – this may cause further damage and introduce infection. Always call 999/112 for emergency help.

DID YOU KNOW? The load generally accepted as the maximum for a fit person to lift is 20kg

If you would like more information, here are some websites which may be useful to you. ▸ hse.gov.uk/coshh ▸ hse.gov.uk/legislation ▸ www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/ what-we-do

SOCIAL MEDIA

18,000 FOLLOWERS

HIP Magazine’s social media is the best way to get your work featured and seen by some of the industry’s leading brands and professionals.

Do you have a bit of graft that you think everyone needs to see? Maybe it’s that new install that’s a cut above the rest, or perhaps you’ve fitted a cylinder for the first time and want the world to know?

WHATEVER IT IS, GET IN TOUCH! To be featured across HIP Magazine’s social space, simply tag us in a photo or video of your work and let us do the rest. And if tagging isn’t your thing, our DMs are always open!

If you’re lucky, your work might also get selected for exclusive competitions and giveaways that we curate with some of the

biggest names in the plumbing and heating industry. Whether it’s tool sets, training sessions or new gear to help you in your career, we’ve got you covered.

To stay in the know and to avoid missing out on everything we have to offer, search HIP Magazine across all platforms and give us a follow.

SEARCH FOR HIP MAGAZINE

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DOMESTIC HEATING SYSTEMS QUIZ Whether you’re new to the trade or back for another year, our HIP quizzes are a great way to test your plumbing and heating knowledge in a fun, interactive way. Here are a selection of multiple choice questions taken from our website.

1) The main method of heat transfer from underfloor heating is?

2) 9 DER stands for _____CO2 Emission Rate

A Convection

A Design

B Radiation

B Durable

C Conduction

C Dangerous

D Induction

D Dwelling

3) Which radiator circuit is used first when balancing a heating installation?

4) When would a Low loss header be installed?

A Nearest radiator circuit

A To prevent thermal shock within the heat source

B Downstairs radiator circuit

B To prevent thermal shock within the heat emmitters

C Upstairs radiator circuit

C To allow for expansion in the pipework

D Index radiator circuit

D To provide higher operating temperatures

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5) A heating system should be divided into two zones when the floor area exceeds _____m2?

6) Where should the sensor for an optimiser be fitted?

A 150

A Next to the boiler

B 140

B On the south-facing outside wall

C 125

C On the north-facing outside wall

D 100

D Within 3 metres of the wiring centre

8) What temperature should the floor temperature not exceed on an underfloor heating installation?

C 550C

D 42m diameter

D 700C

8) 290C 7) 28m diameter 6) On the north-facing outside wall

Questions supplied by Alpha Heating Innovation

1) Radiation

C 35m diameter

2) Dwelling

B 350C

3) Index radiator circuit

A 290C

B 28m diameter

within the heat source

A 22m diameter

4) To prevent thermal shock

7) A condensing boiler with a heat output of 35kw requires _____of copper flow & return pipes?

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5) 150

Answers: For more interactive HIP quizzes head to our website: www.hip-magazine.co.uk/student-resources/