Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer June 2019 by Hamerville Media Group

JUNE 2019

FRESH LOOK

HAS THE BOILER OF THE FUTURE ARRIVED?

TECH TIPS

ADVICE ON FILTRATION, CYLINDERS AND MORE!

HORROR SHOW

THE BEST OF THE WORST FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

@professionalplumber

JUNE 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 6 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

REGULARS

TRAINING

VIEWPOINT

22 OPENING REVENUE STREAMS BY BECOMING MULTI-SKILLED

NEWS & VIEWS

NEWS SPECIAL

24 TRAINING WITH MARIE 25 TRAINING ROUND-UP 11 #INSTALLOFFAME 12 HORROR SHOW

HEATING & RENEWABLES

14 IN PROFILE

27 PUTTING WATER TREATMENT UP TO THE TEST

20 BUSINESS ADVICE

28 A CHANGING FACE FOR THE BOILER INDUSTRY?

61 CIPHE UPDATE

27-38 HEATING & RENEWABLES CYLINDER SERVICING REQUIREMENTS

30 THE IMPORTANCE OF CYLINDER SERVICING

64 #TRADESTALK CORNER

32 A SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR INSTALLERS

66 TOOLFAIR PREVIEW

34 EXPERT FILTRATION ADVICE

69 TWO MINUTES WITHâ&#x20AC;¦ BOILERFIT!

37 WARMING UP THE PIPELINE

70 NEW PRODUCTS

38 PRODUCT NEWS

73 MY BRAIN HURTS

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

SPECIAL REPORTS

41 TECH TIPS WITH GROHE

16 KEEPING AN EYE ON REGULATIONS

44 AN INSTITUTE SET TO RAISE THE BAR

18 THE HEAT FOR GOOD TEAM HEAD TO BRADFORD

46 PREVENTING WATERBORNE BACTERIA

58 A NEW SYSTEM FOR SAFEGUARDING SAFETY DOCUMENTS

41-54 PLUMBING & BATHROOMS WHY COPPER IS THE SAFE CHOICE

48 A VERSATILE APPROACH FOR TILING 51 AIR PRESSURE MANAGEMENT 54 PRODUCT NEWS

PRODUCT TESTS 62 ARE GREEN LASER GUIDES BETTER THAN RED? 63 SIEVI FOOTWEAR

COMPETITIONS 65 WIN A WILO-YONOS PICO PUMP! 67 ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME! 68 GIVEAWAYS!

18 THE HEAT FOR GOOD TEAM IS BACK! PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 1

VIEWPOINT

EDITOR JAMES MOORE phpi@hamerville.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR KELLY NEWSTEAD knewstead@hamerville.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER ADRIAN STAPLETON astapleton@hamerville.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH DIGITAL GROUP MANAGER STUART DUFF DESIGNER GEMMA WATSON GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT STEPHANIE STAPLETON DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PUBLISHER BRYAN SHANNON PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH LTD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER is a business journal for those involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating and plumbing systems. It is available to the trade at leading heating and plumbing merchants and specialist outlets throughout the UK. Subscriptions to PHPI are available for 1 year (11 issues) at the following rates: UK £30 post paid Airmail £80 post paid Europe £50 post paid

Time for change It seems like an obvious point to make, but the ways in which we (I’m talking everyone from installers to magazine editors here) consume and search for information has changed significantly in the past 30 years. Think about it, when was the last time you were asked a question you didn’t know the answer to, and you didn’t reach straight for your phone to look it up on the internet? While there are some obvious drawbacks to the ever-increasing complexities of the digital world, it is here for good and has dramatically changed our lives. For our sector, the internet offers immediate access to manufacturers and provides a hub of social media interaction, while it enables media outlets, such as PHPI, to get closer than ever to readers. A recent example is the number of online responses we’ve had to our 2019 reader survey, which was fantastic to see – a big thank you to all those who took part, by the way. On a side note, (fortunately) it hasn’t detracted from the ‘bread and butter’ of the industry it seems. Responses clearly showed that the plumbing and heating community still get the majority of their industry news and updates via trade magazines, merchants and exhibitions. Without question, these avenues are still vital to improving standards and keeping up to date with the latest in the sector. Having said that, we do understand that more and more readers expect to engage immediately with content online – once you’ve picked up the ‘good stuff’ from the pages of PHPI, of course. On this note, we have decided to move away from the traditional Readerlink Card enquiry system, in an effort to offer installers an enquiry service befitting the instantaneous needs of a digital age. Each article in this issue has a unique web address at the end of it, which starts with ‘www.rdr.link’. When typed into your preferred web browser, the coded address will re-direct you to a specific page, related to the article, product, competition or manufacturer – making it easier than ever to “find out more”. The new system is designed to offer you a more direct route to the relevant material online, meaning you can spend less time ‘googling’, and more time on the job. And for those ‘Readerlink Card loyalists’, it’s certainly faster than the postal service!

“Our new readerlink system is designed to offer you a more direct route to the relevant material online, meaning you can spend less time ‘googling’, and more time on the job.”

Have a great month,

James Moore

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

For the latest news, plus video reviews, competitions and exclusive content, log on to the PHPI website at WWW.PHPIONLINE.CO.UK PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 3

News

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

33% of UK adults admit they’ve not checked if the engineer working on their home’s gas appliances is doing so legally, according to the latest research findings from Gas Safe Register. The findings come as the Gas Safe Register nears completing 2,000 illegal gas work investigations in three years, more than two thirds of which (69%) were found to be unsafe – meaning the people living in the properties investigated were in potential danger from faulty gas work. Alarmingly, respondents thought they’d correctly verified that their gas engineer was on the Gas Safe Register by noticing a logo on the engineer’s website or uniform (28%), or by asking the engineer (13%), rather than checking with Gas Safe Register directly (28%). When asked why they hadn’t thought to check if their engineer was working on their home’s gas appliances legally, the research revealed that there was a lack of understanding and an assumption that all engineers are registered (40%) so people didn’t realise they had to check (29%). Some of those who let in an engineer without checking their registration information blamed being in a rush (15%) or forgetting to ask (18%), putting their safety at risk. British politeness also stopped 14% of adults checking if their engineer was on the Gas Safe Register as they claimed they were ‘too embarrassed to ask’.

“Research revealed that there was a lack of understanding and an assumption that all engineers are registered (40%).”

Gas engineer checks aren’t the only safety precautions that UK adults are putting to one side, as they also admit the following judgement errors: ● Not checking meter readers’ ID (18%) before letting them into

their home ● Having a drink given to them by a stranger (14%) ● Using an unlicensed mini cab without checking whether it was

legitimate (11%) ● Buying tickets from touts or unlicensed websites (9%)

Of those who realised that their engineer wasn’t Gas Safe registered after they had worked on their gas appliances, they admitted they’d wasted money (8%) as the work had to be checked by a registered engineer and, in some cases, re-done (12%). 6% contacted Gas Safe Register to inform them of the illegal work.

SPEAKER ANNOUNCED FOR WIT CONFERENCE Organisers of WIT 2019 have announced that the conference’s headline speaker will be Maggie Alphonsi MBE. The face of international women’s rugby and arguably one of the most well-known names in women’s team sports on the planet, Maggie represented her country an impressive 74 times, won a World Cup and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. In 2015, after ’retiring’ from rugby, Maggie became the first ever former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby when she was signed up by ITV for the Rugby World Cup. Hattie Hasan, organiser of the conference, commented: “This year’s conference looks set to be the best one yet. We’re delighted to welcome new sponsors and very excited that Maggie Alphonsi is going to share her stories with us. Can’t wait!” For tickets and information about the WIT Conference, go to www.rdr.link/PF100

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 5

INTERGAS TEARS UP THE RULE BOOK Intergas is introducing a new service protocol for its smart boilers that it believes will benefit installers and their customers. All Eco RF boilers installed from 1st May 2019 will now only need to be serviced after 1,700 hours of operational use, rather than every 12 months. The RF technology embedded in the boiler, together with the Intergas LAN Gateway, will enable the installer to track boiler performance remotely from a specially developed Service Dashboard. The installer will receive an alert when the boiler is approaching 1,700 hours so that a service visit can be arranged. Once market uptake has been assessed, the new low NOx boilers, the Xclusive and Xtreme, will also become eligible for a 1,700 hour service. Stephen Zouch, Managing Director, Intergas, said: “It has never made sense to service a boiler based on an arbitrary date in the diary. If you don’t use your boiler for months at a time, why should you pay for a service at the end of 12? Using data from the Netherlands, where Intergas’s RF technology has been in operation for the past seven years, the optimum time to carry out a service is after 1,700 hours’ usage.” If a customer doesn’t want to use the monitoring and maintenance technology to carry out the service at 1,700 hour intervals, then the boiler must be serviced annually. The Intergas servicing hours protocol does not apply to the private rented sector, as landlords are legally obliged to carry out a gas safety check (commonly known as a CP12) on the boilers in their properties once every 12 months.

“NET ZERO IS ACHIEVABLE”

Ahead of the latest publication by Government advisory body – the Climate Change Committee, CCC, which demands more ambition in tackling climate change – the EUA has asked that policymakers legislate for Green Gas compatible boilers. The CCC Net Zero report recommends replacing the current target of ‘reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, with a target of ‘net zero emissions’ between 2040 and 2060. Mike Foster, CEO, the Energy and Utilities Alliance, said: “The gas boiler is not the enemy in the fight against climate change but an ally. It’s the use of methane that releases carbon, and that needs to be

phased out. Using low or zero carbon gas in our homes – such as biomethane or hydrogen – will keep our homes warm; meet our cooking needs and keep bills down, as well as saving the planet.” “The gas infrastructure is already in place for nearly nine out of 10 homes, through our world-leading gas network. What government should do is to legislate for Green Gas compatible boilers, to replace existing stock. This can then be phased in over a number of years, delivering the carbon reductions we need to make without any major disruption to peoples’ lives. The products are already being tested, just waiting for the go ahead.”

6 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

UK POTY 2019 OPEN FOR ENTRIES The UK Plumber of the Year competition returns for its fifth year, with the stakes higher than ever! The competition will again see trade giants come together to recognise the remarkable level of talent from plumbers across the UK and search for the nation’s number one. The competition’s official judging partner, Watersafe, will shortlist 15 plumbers from across the UK from the applications submitted by Friday 28th June. The public will then vote for who they believe deserves to be crowned the winner and the five with the most votes will then go through to the grand final, which will be held at Bristan’s HQ later in the year. In addition, the competition will also see the introduction of two incentives to enter with new prize partners, Checkatrade and Vendigo Finance, as well as numerous other goodies up for grabs. After hundreds of strong entrants in 2018, it was Taunton’s Steve Bartin who triumphed, thanks to his unbridled passion for his trade. Speaking of his win, Steve commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to win the honour of calling myself the UK Plumber of the Year. I’ve been in the industry for 23 years and I feel like all those extra hours and dedication have paid off. I’ve had a blast in the competition and I’m really thankful to all the people who voted for me!”

PLUMBERS TURN TO MOBILE APPS It appears many SMEs are turning to mobile apps to comply with the Government’s new Making Tax Digital initiative. As small plumbing businesses come to terms with changes, Countingup has raced past the 10,000 customer accounts milestone less than 12 months after launch. Countingup’s momentum is being assisted by MTD, a disruptive transformation of tax, which is driving SMEs’ need for simpler banking and accounting solutions. Although HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for VAT launched on April 1, 2019, a recent Research Report commissioned by HMRC revealed that 30% of the VAT mandated businesses surveyed didn’t recognise the name “Making Tax Digital”. Yet from April 2019, business owners need to be filing VAT returns using a Making Tax Digital solution.

NEWS IN BRIEF... 2019 GOLF CLASSIC TEES OFF The 2019 Golf Classic – the annual five round knock-out tournament, sponsored by Marley Plumbing & Drainage, recently teed off and the competition has seen some fantastic golf played in challenging conditions so far in round 1. Strong winds didn’t make for easy play but Anthony Searle and Martin Hayward battled against the elements to win their first round.

JG SPEEDFIT KAWASAKI AIMS FOR THE TOP JG Speedfit is set to continue its long involvement with the British Superbike Championship – and in particular, its ongoing sponsorship of the current title-holding team. Now part of the RWC family of brands, JG Speedfit is looking to emulate the success of the 2018 season, when the team scored an impressive 1-2 at the top of the rankings.

BAXI SUPPORTS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY Colleagues of Baxi Heating have baked, run, cycled and dressed up to raise money for charity partners, Alzheimer’s Society and the Alzheimer society of Ireland. The team has raised £42,670 for the charity to date over the last 18 months, as well as raising awareness of dementia by rolling out Dementia Friends across its organisation.

quickshooting/AdobeStock

NEWS SPECIAL

NEW MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT LAUNCHED Mind has launched a toolkit with construction partners to promote better wellbeing in the workplace.

he new toolkit is online at the Mental Health at Work website. This UK-wide initiative allows all types of employers and employees to access free tools, advice and information – all in one place. The construction toolkit includes resources from a range of expert organisations. The resources include tips on how to start the conversation on mental health, mental health first aid training and five steps to building a positive and supportive culture in construction. Mind invited colleagues from Building Mental Health to put together this toolkit of resources. Faye McGuinness, Head of Workplace Wellbeing Programmes at Mind, said: “We are pleased to launch this sector specific toolkit to the construction industry, in partnership with Building Mental Health. It brings together resources from a range of expert organisations, many of which are free. “We know that suicide rates are a much larger cause of death than falls from a height in the construction industry. We hope this toolkit encourages people to open up the conversation on mental health in construction and to utilise the resources to help them get started.” Emily Garnett, 30 from London, works at Morgan Sindall – a leading UK construction and infrastructure company. Emily, who has

generalised anxiety and was diagnosed with depression in 2017, said: “It’s great to see a toolkit specifically designed for the construction industry. Over the past few years I have seen the positive changes within the industry towards health and wellbeing, although I believe there is still a long way to go, particularly in the construction industry where suicide rates are the highest of any sector.”

work is widespread, with nearly half (48%) of all people surveyed saying they have experienced a mental health problem in their current job. The survey of more than 44,000 employees also revealed that only half of those who had experienced poor mental health had talked to their employer about it, suggesting that as many as one in four UK

“We know that suicide rates are a much larger cause of death than falls from a height in the construction industry. We hope this toolkit encourages people to open up the conversation on mental health and to utilise the resources to help them get started.” “We will all experience mental illness directly or indirectly at some point in our lives, so the more we seek help and talk about it the better.” This website brings together information, advice, resources and training that workplaces can use to improve wellbeing and give employees the mental health support they need. Mind with support from The Royal Foundation, Heads Together and 11 other organisations, has created the free Mental Health at Work website. A major study into workplace wellbeing by Mind has revealed that poor mental health at

8 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

workers is struggling in silence. Mind surveyed nearly 45,000 employees and found that roughly three in five said their mental health was good or very good (58%), while 13% of respondents said that their mental health was currently poor or very poor. Of those who said their mental health was poor, 82% said that this was work-related – either due solely to problems at work, or a combination of problems at work and outside of work.

To access the construction toolkit, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF101

Proud to support the profession al installer

#InstallOfFame is designed to showcase some of the great work carried out by plumbers and heating engineers. PHPI’s #InstallOfFame will feature on Twitter and Instagram to give installers the chance to show off their finest installations… and we’ll be highlighting some of the best submissions on our website and in print. Honeywell Home is proud to support the professional installer and will be giving away a T6 Programmable thermostat each month to one lucky entrant! To check out the latest additions to the galleries, follow #InstallOfFame on Twitter or Instagram. If you’re not on social media and would like the opportunity to be included, please email your photos to phpi@hamerville.co.uk

Here are a few more examples:

s @2starkirb

@professional_reliable_plumbing

@parrandevans15

@nample

@RushbroPlumbing

@stylesplumbing

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

Tim West: “I thought this was an April fool. The amount of PTFE on this bath waste… had to cut it off with a knife!”

The app is available for both iOS and Android. Simply visit the stores and search for Gas App UK. Download the app now for a free 24-hour trial. If you like it, it’s just £25 per year thereafter! Do you use a Kane analyser? Sign up to the app now and you will recieve 15% off your Kane calibration!

IN PROFILE

planning

ahead

When it comes to financial advice, it’s important to be armed with the correct information to ensure you can run a successful business. Kelly Newstead speaks with ex-plumbing & heating engineer Darren Carter, Associate Partner at St. James’s Place Wealth Management, to find out about his move from the trades.

inding the right financial adviser to assist you with your business can prove paramount to its success. This can be even more crucial if you select someone who has previous experience in a trade role and someone who knows the ins and outs of the plumbing and heating industry. This is exactly where Darren Carter believes he can help. Now an Associate Partner at St. James's Place Wealth Management, his career originally began in the plumbing and heating industry working predominantly with domestic and commercial gas and renewable technologies (a few examples of his work can be seen here). He worked in the industry for around 13 years running his own company and working as a sub-contractor, where he was able to build a trusted reputation within the sector. While considering his options about a career change, it was by coincidence that he was completing a plumbing job for someone who worked at the Wealth Management company he is now part of. Because of family commitments, as well as a desire to take his career in another direction, Darren felt as if it was an opportunity not to be missed. He explained: “It was actually by coincidence that I was fixing a boiler for someone that works at St. James’s Place

NAME:

Darren Carter

COMPANY NAME: St.

St. James’s Place Wealth Management Wealth Management. We are good friends and he messaged me and asked if I was still thinking about doing something different. I said yes and he suggested taking a look at the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Academy.” The academy is focused on individuals who are looking to start a second career and

14 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

takes them through a training process to become a qualified financial adviser. “I had a look and it just seemed perfect. Everything was based on me, my knowledge and my ability to do the job – the flexibility and control in managing my diary fit perfectly with having children. I would be self-employed but working under the umbrella of a big company, but it’s all about my personal relationships with people which is what I seemed to be good at.” After completing the necessary qualifications, Darren is now practicing and looking at ways in which he can help tradespeople run their businesses more efficiently, as well as support his clients in all areas of finance. Darren understands that the busy nature of working in the trade means the business side of things can sometimes get pushed back on the list of priorities. However, he wants to raise awareness surrounding the importance of good financial planning, but also make sure tradespeople take care of their families.

IN PROFILE

“As an industry we don’t always take financial advice from a professional, we baulk at the plumbing DIY’ers but we then take a DIY approach with our finances – I want to change this.”

He continued: “I know the nature of the beast, as plumbing is what I have done for the last 13 years; I know the problems and the way we generally work, in terms of how we are good at our trade but the business side isn’t always our strength. “My core job is to look at how tax efficient people are and what tools we can use to help achieve a client’s financial goals. My aim is to get people thinking about putting money towards their future – understanding the tax benefits from it and developing a plan to give them the option, to retire when they want.”

The Partner is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives. As well as providing financial advice, Darren and the company run a number of initiatives to encourage people to use their services. These include events on different areas of running a business specific to tradespeople, as well as working on initiatives such as negotiating discounts on products, including vans and tool insurance. Darren also commends the trade on the

great charity work that they participate in, giving up their valuable time to help communities and to give back to their customers. This is an area he is keen to expand on and hopes in the future he can assist in these types of projects. Darren concludes by saying: “As an industry we don’t always take financial advice from a professional, we baulk at the plumbing DIY’ers but we then take a DIY approach with our finances – I want to change this. I strongly believe that tradespeople are undervalued and underserved in this country. “I want to be the person giving quality advice to tradesmen and women – why shouldn’t we get the same service! I hope that looking beyond the scope of my job with certain initiatives will help reinforce that and will give me trust from within industry.”

For more information about the financial services Darren can offer, email: Darren.carter@sjpp.co.uk or GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF102

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 15

SPECIAL REPORT | Legislation

DON’T IGNORE THE REGS! Following APHC’s latest set of workshops in April, PHPI asked Graeme Dryden, APHC Technical Services Manager, to provide an overview of the requirement for installers to comply with Building Regulations and how Competent Person Schemes can support in this.

uilding Regulations 2010 (as amended) for England and Wales are minimum standards for the design, construction and alteration to virtually every building, and are developed by the Government and approved by Parliament. They are designed to ensure buildings are safe, structurally sound, and water and energy efficient.

How do you comply with Building Regulations? Many plumbing and heating works in a property fall under the definition of a ‘controlled service or fitting’ and so, need to be notified as being compliant with Building Regulations by a Building Control Body – either a Local Authority Building Control or a private sector Approved Inspector. Direct notification and subsequent inspection can be costly, so the alternative is for an installer to belong to a Competent Persons Scheme and self-notify installation work.

A business certified by a Competent Persons Scheme can prove they are competent to carry out design, installation and commissioning of appliances and systems within the scope of their certification. Their business management systems and on-site installations are assessed by the Certification Scheme Operator to ensure they work compliantly. This certification then allows them to self-certify, ensuring that the work has been undertaken in compliance with Building Regulations. Their Competent Person Scheme Operator, such as APHC (Certification), can issue a compliance certificate, the detail of which is lodged with Local Building Control. A completion certificate is proof that the installation meets the requirements laid down in the Building Regulations and is, therefore,

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legally safe. Buyers, solicitors, banks and building societies may need to see the completion certificate before the property owner can sell or lease a property. Additionally, without the relevant completion certificates, building insurance may be invalidated. Competent Person Schemes have the added advantage of insurance-backed warranties and complaints procedures, so if there’s a problem the property owner has an independent party to help resolve any issues. For plumbing and heating contractors who regularly carry out installation work, Competent Person Schemes are generally the most cost efficient way of ensuring that work complies with Building Regulations. If a property owner doesn’t use a plumbing and heating installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme, they will have to obtain Building Control approval, which can cost considerably more.

What areas of work fall under Building Regulations? Broadly speaking, some examples of the types of plumbing and heating work requiring Local Authority notification include: ● Installation of gas, oil and solid fuel

appliances ● Installation or replacement of hot water

and heating systems ● Electrical installation work in domestic

“For plumbers who regularly carry out installation work, Competent Person Schemes are generally the most cost efficient way of ensuring that work complies with Building Regulations.”

properties ● Installation of plumbing and water supply

systems and bathrooms and sanitaryware ● Installation of microgeneration and renewable technologies

What if you do not comply with Building Regulations? Relevant work must comply with the Building Regulations and be notified within 30 days of the work being completed. Non-notification of relevant work is deemed to be a contravention of Building Regulations. The relevant Local Authority has a general

duty to enforce Building Regulations and if a person carrying out work contravenes the Building Regulations, the local authority may prosecute them in the Magistrates' Court where an unlimited fine may be imposed. Prosecution is possible up to two years after the completion of the offending work. This action will usually be taken against the person carrying out the work, although the legal responsibility ultimately rests with the property owner. If the work has not been notified to a Building Control Body or carried out by a Competent Person Scheme registered

installer, the Local Authority will have no record that the work complies with Building Regulations, which will be vital for the property owner when they come to sell the property as they may be asked to provide completion certificates. If the property owner can’t provide a completion certificate, the purchase of an indemnity insurance policy is often requested by the buyers’ conveyancing solicitors. This indemnity insurance policy is designed to protect the new homeowner against legal action if the Local Authority serves a building regulation enforcement notice.

What work is exempt from Building Regulations? As a plumbing and heating contractor there are certain works which are exempt from Building Regulations approval. These include most repairs, replacements and maintenance work and like-for-like replacements of baths, toilets, basins or sinks.

Further information can be found if you GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF103

SPECIAL REPORT | Heat for Good

S T R O P S d o o G

Viessmann and the Heat for Good team deliver a West Yorkshire rugby club makeover.

he Heat for Good collective, including 11 heating engineers from around the UK, has installed a free heating system to the Clayton Rugby League Club in Bradford. The amateur rugby league club from West Yorkshire received a substantial free makeover to its clubhouse in mid-April, care of a “Community Kindness” initiative sponsored by Viessmann and organised by the Pulse 1 and Pulse 2 radio stations. At the heart of the renovation is a completely new heating system, supplied and installed by the Heat for Good heating industry collective. Clayton Rugby League Club was founded in 1947 and has occupied the clubhouse since 2000. The club currently fields one open age adult team and seven junior teams, as well as two snooker and two billiards teams. 11 installers gave up their time for free to fit a Viessmann Vitodens 100-W combi boiler, with radiators from Barlo, a pump from Grundfoss, press fittings from M-Press, and a low loss header from Spirotech. In addition to the heating system upgrade, volunteer tradespeople from around the region, as well as an army of local residents and rugby club

members, have pulled together under the “Community Kindness” project to provide a new roof and toilet facilities, as well as painting and decorating, industrial cleaning, asbestos consultancy and skip hire. Darren McMahon, Marketing Director at Viessmann, which is the official heating partner to nearby Huddersfield Town FC, said: “There is no doubt that the Clayton Rugby League Club makeover will significantly impact the local community and absolutely everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved to turn the clubhouse into one that is now comfortable, safe and fit for purpose. The old heating system was in dire need of replacement; it’s something that clubs like Clayton struggle to fund without some help. Viessmann has a strong connection to the West Yorkshire area and we are very grateful to our industry friends for donating products, and of course, to the real stars, the installers, who came from as far afield as Brighton and Loughborough.” Heat for Good is an open membership charity install programme, comprising heating industry suppliers and installers, and administered by Viessmann on behalf of all

18 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The Heat for Good installers at Clayton Rugby League Club were: ● Peter Booth of GV Booth Plumbing &

Heating ● Andy Brown of ACE Gas & Heating

Services ● Lee Brown of Peak Heating ● Marcus Bull of MB Plumbing & Heating ● Ian Forbes of Ian Forbes Heating &

Plumbing ● Clive O’Malley of O’Malley Plumbing & ● ● ● ● ●

Heating Ben Smailes of P&R Heating Damien Rose of DTR Gas & Heating Will Scholfield of NBH Richard Watt of RAW Heating & Plumbing Jerome Williams of J Williams Plumbing & Heating

parties. Its last project was at Let’s Play, a charity providing after-school and holiday activities for over 100 disabled children in Oxfordshire. “This makeover of our clubhouse will give it a completely new lease of life, it will really put us on the map. We’re hoping to increase our membership and encourage more youngsters to join the club and take up rugby league. We can’t say thank you enough to Heat for Good, Viessmann and Pulse radio,” said David Pickthall, Steward of the club.

BUSINESS ADVICE

Fewer and fewer customers use cash these days, so offering a card payment option is becoming increasingly important to securing business. Steven Stewart, Director SMB Solutions, UK and Ireland, Valitor, details how Kenna Plumbing has been able to expand its operations since accepting card payments.

aking payments whilst on the go is essential for independent traders, especially heating and plumbing contractors. Not only does accepting card payments make things easier, it reduces the time spent on administrative tasks such as chasing invoices, and improves the customer experience. Despite this, 49% of small businesses (SMEs) in the UK prefer not to take card payments, according to data from the Market Inspector. Not only are these businesses missing out on the many benefits of accepting card payments, but they also risk losing business to their competitors. Adopting the latest payment technologies can help SMEs stay ahead of the competition and continue to meet the needs of their customers.

Peace of mind

Expanding business capabilities

Jamie looked at what he could do differently and decided to introduce a new payments provider. Valitor, an international payment solutions company, streamlined Kenna Plumbing’s payments process through offering immediate settlements and therefore reducing time spent on financial admin by 90 hours a month. This freed up a lot of time for Jamie and his staff, who no longer had to chase customers

Since using Valitor, customers of Kenna Plumbing have complimented the business on its professional, flexible service. Due to accepting both debit and credit cards for a range of fees, from £75 up to the cost of a full bathroom fitting, the company has been able to expand its business opportunities. In fact, it has worked with 360 new clients each year, gained 720 new clients over the past 24 months and secured an extra 30 jobs per month since accepting card payments. Owner Jamie could not be more thrilled with the service Valitor has provided, stating: “Valitor has transformed how we do business. As we grow, they will become an even more integral part of our operations in order to offer a consistent, reliable and professional plumbing and heating service.” Valitor has also been integrated with Gas Engineer Software and accounting software, Zero, to create a seamless experience, from sending out an engineer, finishing the job and getting a receipt printed. Kenna Plumbing has saved time, stress and admin through streamlining its payments process with Valitor, enabling Jamie to focus more on building his business and spending time with his family.

Kenna Plumbing A small business that took the initiative and implemented a new method for taking payments is Kenna Plumbing. The South West London based plumbing business found itself running into frequent issues with customer payments. Employees spent a lot of time chasing customers for bank transfers, rather than sourcing further business opportunities and working to improve customer retention. This presented a huge challenge for founder, Jamie Kenna, who constantly worried about whether finances were taken care of.

for post-service payments or invoices. Jamie was also offered the peace of mind that the finances of his business were in check. The instant settlements help Kenna Plumbing comply with the Doorstep Trading regulation, through ensuring that payments are settled immediately after the job is complete and no complexities are added to the payment process.

20 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

To find out more about Valitor, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF107

TRAINING

OUR SURVEY SAYS... At the end of last year, Logic4training ran a survey asking building services engineers (BSEs) about up-skilling. The results showed an appetite for branching out from more than just one profession, with benefits including increased job satisfaction and profits. Mark Krull, from Logic4training, discusses the results.

ur survey at the end of last year was designed to explore building engineers’ views on skill set expansion over the course of their career. We were pleased to see how adaptable and practical plumbers and other BSEs are. One respondent of the survey, for instance, reported: “This industry is always changing and you need to continue training or be left behind.” The majority of those responding to the survey began their working lives as plumbers – (50%). A further 27.5% were gas installers, 12.5% were electricians and the rest worked in refrigeration, oil and other related industries.

An adaptable skill-set An overwhelming 87.5% of respondents reported that they had added to their skill-set over the years, demonstrating that a starting point anywhere in the building services engineering sector provides a potential gateway into other areas. Our results showed the majority had added not one but two new strings to their bow. As you might expect, there was a major cross-over between the plumbing and gas sectors – almost three quarters of respondents up-skilling into gas had started out as plumbers. This is hardly surprising, as

22 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

some of the skills required in both areas are eminently transferable and both trades are complementary in the workplace.

Improved working satisfaction Our survey showed that the motivations for up-skilling were varied. Fulfillment was important, with more than 39% reporting an increase in work satisfaction following career development. Those who hadn’t up-skilled scored their level of job satisfaction at just 5.38 out of 10, whereas those who’d focused on development or a change in career gave satisfaction 7.5 out of 10, on the same scale. Financial rewards proved to be a significant motivator too. Following an investment in training and an increase in their skill-set, nearly 73% reported a wider customer base. There was a clear correlation between an increased skill-set and an increase in hourly rate as well. 53% of those who had not chosen to up-skill earned an hourly rate of under £20 an hour, whereas, following further

TRAINING

training in a new field, this percentage fell to just below 18%. The most common hourly rate for up-skilled workers was between £30 and £39 an hour (21.87%) and an elite 15.6% – offering specialist or niche skills – reported earning an hourly rate of £60 or more.

“Energy efficiency, smart metering and heat-pump courses are popular with engineers seeking to make the most of new and growing marketplaces.” And what about the future?

Up-skilling routes Independent training courses were the most popular means of up-skilling, with 73% of respondents choosing this path to betterment. A small proportion of those who responded reported that they had been encouraged to develop their skills by their employers, but most of the time it was self-motivation that speared the change. There was significant evidence of the value of on-the-job training too, with 40% of those who’d followed an independent training course supplementing their knowledge with practical experience at the coal-face.

Our survey showed that the UK’s BSEs aren’t resting on their laurels. Sustainable solutions are gaining in popularity. According to the survey, 39% of those who are currently considering up-skilling are thinking about renewables. Energy efficiency, smart metering and heat-pump courses are popular with engineers seeking to make the most of new and growing marketplaces. Another of our respondents reported on how he was planning to move forward with training to supplement his business: “You can offer clients a complete package, especially now hybrid systems are becoming very popular.”

We will always need water, heat and power within our homes and buildings, so being part of the BSE sector is an important and relatively safe career choice. The key to success in any industry is adaptation, and as consumer requirements and technology changes, savvy installers need to keep ahead of the curve, with up-skilling key to business progression and job satisfaction.

Logic4training offers a range of new entrant and ‘top-up’ courses for trainees in related trades looking to up-skill. For more information, GO TO www.rdr.link/PF108

ith - Traininargiw M e

We catch up with how Marie Barrett’s training course at Sterling Assessment Centre is going.

workshop and, of course, with our mentors. It is a juggling act finding time to study, work on site and record all our evidence. I think we are all experiencing some difficulties getting our mentors to help fill in the evidence records, as they are so busy.

Hi Marie, what have you been up to this month then? Since my last update we have covered: ● Controls ● Gas Emergency Actions & Procedures ● Re-establish Gas supplies ● Labels and Notices ● Legislation ● Flues We are now going over the syllabus again with, hopefully, a better understanding now we’ve had a chance to put our knowledge into real experience. We have now completed three assessments: 1. Customer & Real Work Environment Essentials 2. Tightness Testing & Purging 3. Pipework

How are you finding balancing studying with working on the job? The course has the right balance of training and knowledge through PowerPoint presentations, discussions and practical experience in the

How are the rest of your coursemates finding it? Are there any particular topics you’ve all had to spend more time on, and if so, why do you think this is? My coursemates are great! After last week’s assessment, which was very tough, it was evident that although we all passed, we still had a long journey ahead! So far, we have not had to spend more time on any particular subject that we may be struggling with, but we may have to later on in the course, as we will be targeting more on the ACS exams and we may find it more difficult leading up to that. Saying that, we have had to go over pipe sizing in depth as there are a lot of calculations to consider. According to our trainer, we are where we should be at this stage of the course – the only thing we may be struggling with is covering the criteria with varying types of work.

You’ve been training for a few months now. Is there any advice you’d give to those about to start, or thinking of starting, the course? If I was to give advice to anyone wishing to start the MLP course, it would be to try and get as much experience as they can working alongside a qualified engineer before they start. It’s certainly helped me!

In a new feature, PHPI rounds up the latest training and professional development courses available for installers throughout the UK. Potterton Commercial

Conex Bänninger Conex Bänninger has introduced a new CIBSE approved CPD programme for heating engineers, designers and installers. The CPD focuses on how modern technologies such as press-fit can benefit the industry while also discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Dan Wild, UK Business Unit Director for Conex Bänninger, said: “We’re taking this opportunity to discuss ways in which we can help improve the industry and make it quicker and safer for those involved in the installation process. “The CPD explains the benefits of press fittings over brazing, push-fit and compression and as delivery timelines get tighter and costs increase, it is important for installers to find more efficient ways of working. “The programme discusses the ‘leak before press’ indicator that alerts installers to fittings that have not been pressed or have been pressed incorrectly. This feature allows installers to work effectively and avoid mistakes.”

Due to increasing demand, Potterton Commercial has introduced new training dates for its Sirius three, Paramount five and Eurocondense five boiler ranges. In addition, Andrews Water Heaters has added more dates to its MAXXflo and ECOflo training sessions. Held at Baxi Heating’s Commercial Training Academy in Warwick, the single day courses are free to attend and will feature useful insights and hands-on experience to ensure maximum learning in minimum time. The Sirius three training course will cover the installation requirements, commissioning and maintenance of Potterton Commercial’s comprehensive range of condensing boilers. During the free training, engineers will become familiar with single and cascade installation, flueing types and flue accessories, and electrical supply and controls connections. The course also covers appliance commissioning, how to carry out an annual service, understanding the sequence of operation, using the boiler Human Machine Interface (HMI) as well as identifying faults and accessing fault codes and history. Heating engineers that also sign up to the free-to-attend Andrews Water Heaters MAXXflo and ECOflo training session will learn how to install, commission and maintain these two water heaters. To find out more and to book on a training course, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF105

Engineers and designers who would like to book a CPD session can GO TO www.rdr.link/PF104

Grant The Grant Uflex Underfloor Heating course is a one day course open to domestic heating installers who either have previous UFH experience or who are new to this form of heating. In addition to exploring the basic principles of UFH, the course will cover system design, installation and commissioning, as well as the accompanying controls. The objective is to educate installers with an understanding of underfloor heating and the relevant considerations that must be factored in before, during and after installation. Also included within the course content is an introduction to Grant’s underfloor heating range. It provides an overview of the different types of pipe available from the manufacturer, as well as the various systems available within the Uflex range. Candidates who successfully complete and pass the course will be eligible to become Grant UK G1 Accredited Underfloor Heating Installers. The course is currently available at Grant UK's Training Academy in Devizes, Wiltshire, and it will also be held off-site at Grant's other training locations later in the year. To read more about the courses available from Grant UK, GO TO www.rdr.link/PF106

HEATING & RENEWABLES

UP TO THE TEST System treatment has come a long way in recent years, with ever-improving technology creating more efficient products that are easier to fit, dose and maintain for engineers. Fernox continues to invest and innovate in this field, as PHPI reports from a visit to its testing facilities in Woking.

n order to ensure its installer customers receive reliable and quality products, there’s plenty that goes on behind the scenes at Fernox. Starting life in 1964 as a water treatment company, the business has invested heavily in product development since that time, now manufacturing everything from power flushing pumps to filtration devices, to chemicals. While heating engineers will be familiar with the Fernox family of filters and chemicals – the TF1 Total Filter, TF1 Omega Filter and the recently launched TF1 Sigma Filter to name a few – many won’t be aware of the investment that goes in to developing and testing the range.

Quality assured Richard Wall, Technical Director at the company, comments: “We work extremely hard to ensure all of our products match the ever-changing regulatory developments in the sector. And with the chemical side of things, you have to be absolutely sure that the pH balance is correct. If it’s off, it’s not just the metal components in the filter that could be damaged – you also have to think about the rubber O-rings, plastics and oils in the rest of the heating system and boiler.” A short tour of the facilities on show in Woking demonstrates this commitment to quality. The company’s range of chemicals are

initially tested here, and then scaled up and developed in Bangalore, India, before eventually being manufactured for sale in Oxford. Much of the filter testing, however, is based at the Surrey headquarters, where rigorous testing takes place on an automated filter test rig, which is capable of pressure cycling between 0 and 10 bar, as well as temperature cycling between -5 and 90°C. The importance of high standards is clear, and it is surprising to hear there is no industry standard for testing filters. While Fernox is campaigning for such a standard to be put in place, the manufacturer is able to offer installers peace of mind with independent verification from BSRIA, running a testing process that goes far beyond what most filters will be subjected to on a daily basis. The company also makes clear that

support to engineers is always available. The Water Quality Test service on offer allows installers to send off samples to the labs, where a team of experienced chemists can help diagnose and report back on the quality of the system water, check if it has been adequately treated and identify what, if any, issues there are in the sample water that might cause future system problems. Samples can be submitted via the Water Quality Test App to make the whole process faster and easier for the installer. The newly-refurbished training academy, also based in Woking, is situated directly next to the development labs, so that engineers can witness the science and technology in action for themselves, while recapping the importance of water treatment. It goes without saying that keeping a clean and efficient heating system is integral to the message Fernox continues to push towards the industry. Water treatment, via a mixture of chemical dosage, efficient filtration units, and power flushing where necessary, helps to guard against corrosion, contamination, debris and limescale – problems that will ultimately lead to the costly breakdown of your customer’s heating system or boiler.

To find out more about the range of products available from Fernox, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF109

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 27

HEATING & RENEWABLES

BACK TO THE

FUTURE In April, Worcester Bosch revealed a new boiler range in London, the Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle, and it’s safe to say the company has taken a vastly different approach to the design. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, explains the change of style, as well as all the features to look out for.

esign has become front-and-centre of most homes. To keep up with this trend, sleek, stylish and modern designs have become the norm for products across many industries – think cars, phones, fridges, even vacuum cleaners. Now it’s time for the boiler, and after years of development and direct feedback from hundreds of installers, I’m proud to reveal the Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range. The 8000 Lifestyle range is made up of two products, replacing the Greenstar CDi Classic – a big move for us, but one that we haven’t taken lightly. We would only replace one of the UK’s most popular boilers with something we believe takes it to the next level, and were confident we had the research and installer input to back that up.

Greenstar 8000 Life The future direct replacement of the Greenstar CDi Classic, the 8000 Life keeps all of the tried, tested and much-loved features, while improving on all the key installer touchpoints for easier installation, servicing and maintenance.

Greenstar 8000 Style Our new top-of-the-range boiler. Our most powerful, modern and stylish to date, the model comes in the industry-standard white, but also in a stylish black – perfect for those who are design-conscious. But for the installer, there are many impressive features to look out for. The Greenstar 8000 Style intuitive full colour and text boiler control display makes installing, maintaining and commissioning effortless.

28 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GREENSTAR INTELLIGENT FILLING SYSTEM The Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle is also compatible with Worcester’s new Greenstar Intelligent Filling System – designed to reduce the number of system pressure-related call-outs engineers receive. With manual filling, there is always the challenge of instructing homeowners on how to do this, as well as the possibility of over filling. Notwithstanding these issues, there are countless examples of when installers are called out to top up the system, creating the awkward scenario of charging for something that takes almost no time. The system is said to ensure the Lifestyle range always maintains optimum boiler pressure. After the initial manual filling, the Filling System can be switched on within the appliance’s display menus. From then on, if the system pressure becomes low, the internal filling valve automatically fills the heating system. Once optimum pressure has been reached, this function will automatically stop and close the integrated filling valve. It also prevents the boiler from over filling and will alert the homeowner if the heating system is losing too much pressure.

Benefits to the installer Power Available in combi, system and regular, the Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range features outputs between 30 and 50kW. It has a 1:10 burner modulation, which means it can reduce its output to as little as 3kW for the 30kW appliance and 5 for the 50kW one. The Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range also has an improved flow rate at the hot water tap. For example, with the 50kW at 35°C, the flow rate is at an impressive 20.3 litres a minute.

chamber, meaning installers can start servicing the boiler in minutes. We’ve also highlighted key installer touch points to ensure these components can be accessed quickly and easily. For example, the control fascia can be quickly dropped for comfortable service access, the wiring connection can be accessed without any screws and are laid out similarly to the Greenstar I, while the PRV now sits at the front, meaning it can be replaced in less than 10 minutes.

Improved installation, commissioning and servicing The Lifestyle has a reinforced steel front cover, which can be removed and replaced with just one screw. It also has screw-less and removable top and side panels to improve the access and lifting of the appliance. It also only takes one screw to remove the combustion

Bosch EasyControl Thanks to a wireless receiver, called ‘the Key’, which slots in underneath the boiler, the Bosch EasyControl can now be installed on the wall or placed on our new table stand. It can be powered from a 3-pin plug or installed via a 2-core wire connection between the control and the boiler.

Other features include: ● ‘RF Key’ receiver links controls and boiler, enabling engineers to fit our Greenstar Comfort+ II RF and wireless Bosch EasyControl ● Designed so the pipe connections, as well as flue and drill wall mounting screw holes, are in the same position as the Greenstar CDi Classic for a simple switch ● To complement our black Greenstar 8000 Style variant, there is a choice of our 100mm diameter silver flue options ● Maximum flue lengths up to 17m when run horizontally (60/100 for our 30kW variant)

Why the Greenstar 8000 Style? The Greenstar 8000 Style has been designed not to be hidden away. Its high gloss, premium finish means the appliance can take pride of place anywhere in the home. The full colour text display allows customers to understand what the boiler is doing at all times, and if required which action they need to take. In addition, it is compatible with our wireless smart Bosch EasyControl, meaning users can monitor and control their heating and hot water from their smart device. In summary, we have worked closely with hundreds of installers to ensure that the Greenstar Lifestyle’s features will help make the engineer’s job that little easier. We truly believe that the boiler of the future has arrived.

Find out more on the Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle. GO TO www.rdr.link/PF110

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 29

HEATING & RENEWABLES

AT YOUR SERVICE he servicing of hot water cylinders can sometimes be disregarded by installers and consumers alike. With a yearly service increasingly becoming a condition of the manufacturer warranty, it’s important that heating engineers know what a cylinder service entails and how they can educate consumers on why it is just as necessary as a boiler service.

While servicing a boiler every 12 months is standard practice for engineers, the need to undertake a service every year on unvented direct and indirect cylinders can be overlooked. George Linder, Product Manager at Heatrae Sadia, offers his tips on best practice servicing.

The first steps

noticed anything out of the ordinary with the cylinder, such as whether it has been leaking – this will immediately alert them to something being wrong. The next step might seem simple, but visually checking over the cylinder is a sure-fire way to spot any defects that may be inhibiting its performance.

There are several steps an engineer must take when servicing a cylinder. Firstly, but too often overlooked, they should have the manufacturer’s instructions to hand; these are readily available online and will prove indispensable on a job. The engineer should then discuss with the homeowner if they have

Identify, clean and check It is the responsibility of the heating engineer to check and service the expansion vessel. Cylinders, such as the Megaflo Eco with its internal floating baffle expansion system, should be partially drained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then refilled. For cylinder systems such as the Megaflo Eco Plus – with its external expansion vessel – the mains supply should be closed and a hot tap opened to depressurise the cylinder. The pressure should then be checked and recharged according to manufacturer guidelines. Once complete, the installer is free to reopen the mains water supply. Any interlocks with external controls, like an external heating programmer, should be checked by the engineer to ensure they are working effectively. Once this has been proven, it’s time to move on to check the thermostat is still operating at optimum level. Doing this is simple: with the appliance hot, check the outlet temperature at the tap closest to the cylinder – unless that outlet is a mixer shower, as this will reduce the temperature of the water below that of the storage

“Cylinders, such as the Megaflo Eco with its internal floating baffle expansion system, should be partially drained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then refilled.” 30 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

HEATING & RENEWABLES

temperature, providing an inaccurate reading. There are a number of additional important checks the service engineer should carry out: ● Check the condition of the seals ● Check whether the temperature and pressure relief valve and expansion valves are working ● Check that there are no blockages in the tundish drain ● If the cylinder has an anode, this should be checked and replaced (if necessary) ● Where flexible hoses are used, their condition should be considered

Be a bright spark Electrics are not just the remit of electricians anymore; gas engineers are increasingly having to work with, and repair, electrical components. For instance, while servicing the cylinder, the engineer will be required to check the condition of the electrical housing and replace it, if it shows signs of fault or damage. The cylinder’s wiring will also need to be thoroughly assessed to ensure it does

not pose a risk to the appliances or to the homeowner. The service doesn’t end with the practical assessment of the cylinder; installers should also take the time to complete the Benchmark service record and sit down and talk with the homeowner about the work they have done. This boosts confidence in the engineer’s work

and brings peace of mind to the customer. Best-practice is to advise the homeowner of the need to continue having their cylinder serviced every 12 months. Helping to make the lives of service engineers easier, Megaflo Rewards members receive free annual service alerts for two years on each cylinder registered, giving them one less thing to worry about in their busy schedules. For those penny-conscious consumers, reminding them an annual service is often a stipulation of the manufacturers’ warranty will usually be enough – particularly if they’re looking to avoid a costly repair bill should anything go wrong in the future. The Hot Water Association has released its own free-to-download guide to servicing, which installers can share with their customers to educate them on the standards they should expect from their engineer and why an annual service is necessary.

To read more FAQs about cylinders, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF111

Some of the Viessmann customer services team, based in Telford

HEATING & RENEWABLES

HERE TO HELP

iessmann has grown its field service engineer force to 35 in the past two years, giving what is believed to be the highest ratio of service engineers to installed boilers of any manufacturer in the UK. A further three engineers will be recruited this year. The company's in-house team is supplemented by 25 domestic product contractors around the country. This growth in personnel has enabled the company to almost halve the proportion of call outs attended by contracted engineers, as opposed to Viessmann employees. It followed an extension to the operational hours of its 16-strong, office-based customer service team, making it available to respond to calls or emails six days a week and for longer periods. Within the field team are four area service managers who support the two national managers and focus on training and development. The total number of Viessmann team members devoted to customer service excellence in the UK is currently 54. "Approximately 60% of our incoming calls are from installers and 40% are end-user queries," says Viessmann Service Director, Paul Lambert. "The number one reason installers call us is that they want to be able to efficiently and easily book a service visit. For

Viessmann’s customer services team is expanding rapidly to support a growing installer base, but not at the expense of recruiting for the right attitude, insists Viessmann’s Service Director, Paul Lambert.

“The level of expertise of our engineers is world class and it will continue to get better,” says Viessmann’s Service Director, Paul Lambert

the majority of jobs, we get out to the customer within 24 hours." A survey of nine boiler manufacturers’ aftersales care, conducted by theheatinghub.co.uk, found that Viessmann was the quickest call centre to get through to (to speak to a person) at just 21 seconds; it was one of only two manufacturers offering installers a route straight through to booking

32 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

an engineer and it offered the quickest engineer attendance time, according to survey results. Other installer-pleasing factors include Viessmann’s use of a local rate phone number for its call centre, as well as the option to send an email. The company still wants to do better, however. It is in the process of introducing a new automated scheduling system to increase call-out efficiency, reduce response and travel times and improve reporting. "The new system will be very customer-centric," enthuses Paul. "It will manage the entire process from the customer's call to the problem being solved on site. It will help us to continue to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."

Recruiting right The organisation's investments in customer service staff and technology are part of an unending process. "You never reach your goals in customer service," Paul continues.

HEATING & RENEWABLES "It's ongoing. But, at the same time, it's not that difficult. Good service is about being courteous, providing the information installers need to know, turning up on time and cleaning up after yourselves at customers’ properties. We can train people to fix a boiler, but it is more difficult to change a person’s attitude and character. So, we put a lot of effort into making sure we recruit the right people in the first place. "The level of expertise of our engineers is world class and it will continue to get better," says Paul. "They are attracted to work for Viessmann for the same reasons we want them working for us: they care about what they do. And once they're in, we keep investing in them through our focus on individual training & development." Viessmann has also recently extended its professional development to incorporate gas engineering apprenticeships, with the scheme's first participant joining in September 2018.

Meet the team Lee Pedley, Technical Support Supervisor Lee has worked in Viessmann customer services for nine years, becoming a supervisor five years ago.

What's the best thing about your job? It's the personal satisfaction you get from resolving an issue for a customer. If an engineer has been on site struggling and you can give an objective view and help out, that's a good feeling.

What's the most challenging part of what you do? There are seven of us in the technical team, including two people who work part time, and between us we are ‘on the go’ all day. Also, Viessmann has a large product portfolio, so staying on top of that is quite demanding.

What is the one piece of information you would like to get across to installers, to save them having to call in? Viessmann has a fantastic resource in the Vibooks website. All our product manuals, brochures, spares lists, and more are on there in one handy place.

What do you like to do outside of work? To find out more about how Viessmann can support you, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF112

I'm a bit of a DIY enthusiast and I also enjoy car maintenance. Apart from that, I love spending time with my daughter.

HEATING & RENEWABLES

ASK THE

EXPERTS With a wealth of products on the market, constant technological developments, and a plethora of best practice information available, even the most seasoned installers reach out for advice from time to time. Here, the technical team at BoilerMag answer the most frequently asked questions they come across from heating engineers. I need to install a boiler filter, but I’m stuck for space. What can I do? We’re often approached by heating engineers who are struggling for space to fit a boiler filter. Spaces under boilers can be limited; there’s often a tight cupboard space, or a work surface in the way. Despite being larger in size than some of the other boiler filters on the market, the BoilerMag domestic has a 360° install capability. This means that the filter can be fitted at a 90° angle on vertical pipework leading back to the boiler. And its dual flow design means that performance is not affected. As the magnet is not pulled clear from the top, the BoilerMag only requires 25mm clearance to access the magnet, making it easy to fit and service.

cartridge can be fully removed, it’s easy to clean using the bowl spanner provided. The mesh filter in the cartridge can also be checked for blockages. If you’re retrofitting to

How easy is a boiler filter to service, and how often should this be carried out? On well-maintained systems, boiler filters should be cleaned out annually for optimum efficiency of both the filter and the heating system. Cleaning and servicing is relatively easy. We always recommend having a container ready to hold a minimum of 750ml to empty the contaminant into. Because the

34 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

a particularly dirty system, however, we’d advise servicing and cleaning the filter after the first month of installation, and then annually thereafter.

HEATING & RENEWABLES

Saved by the bell

“If you’re retrofitting to a particularly dirty system, we’d advise servicing and cleaning the filter after the first month of installation, and then annually thereafter.” How many radiators can one boiler filter take? Again, this will depend on model and brand, collection rate and capacity, but as a rule of thumb, an average domestic ﬁlter can comfortably service up to 15 radiators with normal contamination levels. For larger properties, it may be better to install a commercial or industrial sized ﬁlter for ultimate protection.

The heating system of All Saints’ Church in Eaglescliffe, Preston-on-Tees has been protected with a BoilerMag XT industrial filter. Installed by Nigel Stoves Plumbing & Heating Ltd, this large heating system filter is a key part of a complete new boiler installation located in the church bell tower. The nave, chapel and vestry of the church were built in 1903, and the bell tower and spire were added in 1959. Matthew Stoves, Heating Engineer at the company, said: “We always use BoilerMag filters on our commercial heating and boiler installations due to price and quality. The filters are set up nicely for easy installation with flanges or female irons, and the price is extremely competitive. “We installed the BoilerMag XT to prevent the build-up of ferrous oxide in the church’s heating system, and to protect the life expectancy of the new boiler. The addition of a boiler filter to this system will also reduce energy bills for the church, and is very easy to maintain.” Can you powerflush through a BoilerMag? Yes. We’ve designed a Universal Flush Adaptor attachment that allows installers to carry out routine system flushes quickly and easily, by attaching flushing equipment to the filter, using it as the access point. Our flush adaptor is compatible with either screw fit or female cam lock hoses, and can be simply attached to the back of the BoilerMag port block, without fully removing the filter from the pipework. This allows flushing equipment from other leading manufacturers to be used in conjunction with it, too.

Where should I install the filter? It is advisable to install a filter on the return pipe to the boiler rather than the flow pipe. Doing this ensures that the filter provides maximum protection for the boiler by capturing any debris which may be circulating. Does fitting a filter restrict the system flow? Most filters are designed to accommodate flow rates greater than the system flow, which means there is minimal loss in flow. Some filters, such as BoilerMag, are designed to maintain flow even when the magnetic core is fully loaded with contamination. Can you dose chemicals through a boiler filter, and if so, how much can it hold? A filter is often a great place to dose chemicals; it’s usually easier to access than other points such as through radiators. You can dose through a BoilerMag domestic by removing the manual air vent on the top of the unit and adding chemicals in via this

opening. If you remove the magnet and use it just as a dosing pot, the filter can take a full 500ml bottle of chemical. Can boiler filters remove non-magnetic debris too? Yes. As well as the magnet, the BoilerMag domestic also includes a no block mesh guard; this is a 0.5 micron mesh filter that is situated at the bottom of the chamber on the return to the system. The mesh will remove scale, pipe burr and flux, and the gauze can be removed when servicing so that it can be cleaned off and re-attached with ease.

Are the washers rubber or fibre? The BoilerMag only uses high-quality rubber washers and seals for its isolation valves, port block and body threads. Spare seals are provided in every box for the installer’s peace of mind when servicing. There are also no O-Rings in the body of the BoilerMag ﬁlter. The ﬁlter has been specially designed to incorporate a mechanical joint, reducing the risk of part failure and leakage.

For more information about BoilerMag’s range of products, GO TO

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PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 35

HEATING & RENEWABLES

IN THE PIPELINE The sustainability benefits of renewable heat sources such as biomass boilers are resulting in a rise in the number of these systems being installed. But when that heat source is housed in an outbuilding, could pre-insulated pipework be the answer to ensuring heat can be transferred with maximum efficiency? Maincor’s Business Development Director, John Gittens, argues the case.

emand for renewable heating installations is growing, and with energy prices steadily increasing too, demand is set to rise even further with more and more households opting for alternative solutions. The renewable heat incentive (RHI) is partly responsible for this trend too, with such heat sources offering the potential for signiﬁcant returns on investment from both reductions in energy bills and RHI payments over the long term. Coupled with the feel-good factor of ‘going green’ it makes for a very tempting proposition. Biomass boilers, for instance, offer signiﬁcant savings when replacing oil, LPG or direct electric heating systems, resulting in a relatively quick return on investment, not to mention the environmental incentive of making the switch. However, as is often the case, if the heat source itself is sited in an outbuilding or communal plant room, the delivery method by which the heated water is transferred to its end point will go a long way in determining just how energy efficient and cost effective the entire installation turns out to be. There is a very real danger that if a

non-optimum transfer medium is speciﬁed, that during transfer much of the original heat is lost; this would be largely due to lack of appropriate insulation around the pipework, requiring the heat pump or boiler to work for extended periods to produce the required amount of heat and therefore, becoming inefficient.

Think long term Pre-insulated pipework, although appearing a more expensive outlay than standard pipework initially, is a far more cost-effective solution in the long term. With an insulating layer and an outer casing, pre-insulated pipe systems can not only provide high-quality insulation to maintain the temperature of the water running through the pipes, but also the added beneﬁt of reduced installation time. Available typically in lengths ranging from one to 100m, the pipework is laid underground at

a depth of between 0.4 and 1.0m and has an average working life of around 30 years. Increasingly being chosen for large domestic applications due to the rise in popularity of biomass boilers we referred to earlier, these pre-insulated, or district heating pipes, are already commonly used for projects with a centralised heat source feeding multiple properties, predominantly in the commercial heating sector. Such projects tend to have several pipe branches and multiple underground joints featured in the design, with pre-insulated pipes enabling the low heat loss performance of the system to be maintained throughout. Pipe systems with an average lambda value of circa 0.0207W/mK have a very low heat loss level, which will improve energy efficiency and system performance. Additionally, as with Maincor’s Flextra product, an EVOH barrier contained within the outer casing ensures that the insulation’s thermal efficiency properties remain constant over the entire lifetime of the pipe. Pre-insulated pipework is often thought to be costly, but this isn’t necessarily the case, and it is fundamentally important to look at the product cost versus life-cycle returns at the speciﬁcation stage. Choose a pre-insulated piping system with a very low heat loss, and the savings soon add up. Calculate the cost of the heat loss over a 30-year period versus the initial outlay and it quickly becomes apparent that efficient pre-insulated piping is an extremely cost-effective, sustainable solution.

For more details, visit GO TO

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PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 37

HEATING & RENEWABLES MORE INFO

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

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ARISTON ONE Series Introducing two new flagship models, Ariston has strengthened its ONE Series range of gas condensing boilers. The Alteas ONE Net and Genus ONE Net feature built-in Wi-Fi and digital timer programming and are supplied with the manufacturer’s Cube RF control, ready for connection to the Ariston Net smartphone app. Using the boilers with the supplied controls also ensures they are A+ ErP rated for optimum energy efficiency. Both units are said to be lightweight and simple to install, with easy access from the front to all components.There is more room inside the casing to aid with commissioning, servicing and repair.

BAXI 600 range With the launch of three new models, Baxi has expanded its 600 range. The 600 System, 600 System LPG, and 600 Heat boilers enjoy the same features as other Baxi 600 Combi models, including brass fittings, a lightweight design, and a compact cupboard fit. Fully modulating and available in 15, 18 and 24kW outputs, the Baxi 600 System uses the right amount of fuel to meet central heating temperatures, saving money on fuel bills and ensuring high levels of efficiency. Its dedicated 24kW LPG model is also suitable for homes without mains gas.

VAILLANT Heat pumps To accommodate the growing demand for renewables, Vaillant has launched two new heat pump products to its range: aroTHERM split and aroSTOR. aroTHERM split is an air source heat pump that builds upon the success of the original model with a number of improvements to its design, said to provide better performance, greater efficiency and quieter operating noise. This includes a redesign of the air flow stream which achieves running conditions down to as low as 53dB(a). Another new addition is the aroSTOR domestic hot water heat pump, which is designed to provide energy efficient stored domestic hot water for larger properties with multiple bathrooms.

38 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

VIESSMANN Vitovalor PT2 Due to the stricter EU energy labelling scale coming into force in October 2019, Viessmann will be launching the Vitovalor PT2 fuel cell micro combined heat and power boiler. Under the new stricter scale, Vitovalor PT2 will have the highest possible ErP rating of A+++. It will also reportedly be easier to add to an existing heating system than a heat pump and will boast a 40,000kWh heat load demand, double that of an air source heat pump, according to the manufacturer. It will be able to generate heat and enough electricity to cover the basic demands of an average household.

UPONOR S-Press PLUS Partnering with expert industry ambassadors, Uponor has launched its latest line of press fittings. A reinvention of Uponor’s S-Press range, S-Press PLUS is said to have improved flow characteristics, reduces installation time by up to 25%, has increased durability and is technologically adapted, delivering a ‘smart’ experience for installers. A press indicator foil identifies correctly pressed connections and with a specially designed pressing sleeve, installers will reportedly find it virtually impossible to press the fitting with the jaws in the wrong position. To gain real-time insight into how S-Press PLUS will impact the market, Uponor will also be teaming up with industry experts to deliver a training programme at its Watford facility, giving them first access to the range.

STIEBEL ELTRON ISH launches

MAIN Eco Compact Heat

Stiebel Eltron has announced a range of new products across its hot water, heating and ventilation divisions, following a successful showing at ISH 2019. The DCE series of instantaneous water heaters will expand Stiebel Eltron’s offering in the domestic hot water market, incorporating three new product lines, the DCE-X Premium, DCE-S Plus and the DCE-C Trend. This release has been supplemented by the announcement of a new environmentally friendly refrigerant for heat pumps. In 2020, Stiebel Eltron will begin producing heat pumps that implement R454C refrigerant, a sustainable option that is said to improve coefficients of performance and enable higher temperatures. R454C is 10 times less damaging to the environment when released into the atmosphere than the current refrigerants available on the market.

The latest in Main’s heat only range, the new Main Eco Compact Heat boiler is full of features to make installation as easy as possible, assures the manufacturer. The new heat-only models are said to be lightweight, do not need a pump overrun or permanent live and come with a five-year warranty as standard. With a 19.5kg lift weight and available in 15, 18, 24 and 30kW outputs, the new range is suitable for most property sizes and compact enough to fit into cupboards up to 290mm deep. The unit is very quiet in operation to ensure householders remain undisturbed while it is in use, and offers easy front and side access for quick and easy servicing. The range also contains an aluminium heat exchanger that has been designed with less thermal mass, allowing for quicker heat dissipation.

WARMAFLOOR Sentio Manufactured using components from Warmafloor’s parent company, Wavin, Sentio has been designed to make both heating and cooling effortless. Users will only need to connect the thermostat, set the desired temperature and go. The thermostat’s interface features built-in app control software, allowing homeowners to use their phone to manage the system whether they’re at home or on the go. Additional features include humidity sensing, allowing for optimum control of heating and cooling systems, and dew-point detection, which stops condensation from forming. Sentio can also be optimised for commercial applications, with Modbus capability enabling it to be connected to any building management system.

EOGB Extended warranty EOGB Energy Products Ltd has announced the introduction of an extended warranty on its range of biogreen long-life flexible oil hoses for domestic oil burners. Initially launched in 2009, the range has recently been refreshed with the introduction of new materials to further increase durability and futureproof the hoses against new and emerging trends in worldwide oil supply. In line with the new and enhanced product properties, EOGB has increased the warranty from two to three years for all hoses purchased after 1st April 2019. The hoses are available in a range of sizes and are fully-compatible with all FAME based biofuel blends up to B100 (100%). They are also suitable for use with other rapeseed-based fuels as well as standard oils.

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

TECH TIPS Chris Penney, Grohe’s UK Training Manager, highlights some of the most important measures that installers need to ensure are carried out when working with the company’s products. Shower calibration All Grohe shower thermostats go through a temperature regulation process at one of our production plants prior to distribution. This regulates the temperature to 38 degrees, which is deemed the optimum temperature for a comfortable and enjoyable showering experience.

However, with every Grohe shower and thermostat installation you carry out, the temperature must be re-calibrated to adjust to the water pressure that is available in the building. This can be easily done by removing the end cap of the shower to reveal the turbo stat cartridge. Turn on the water supply and place a thermometer into

the water. Adjust the turbo stat valve accordingly until the thermometer reaches the desired temperature – in this case, 38 degrees Celsius. Without re-calibrating the thermostat prior to completion, end users could experience unpleasant fluctuations in temperature and the integrated safety features could be overridden.

Ample ventilation The Grohe Blue Home is one of our most popular products in the kitchen, offering filtered and chilled still and sparkling water. However, with such an advanced product, correct installation and knowledge of the product is crucial. Currently, incorrect installation is one of the biggest causes of fault in this area of the market and very often leaves the customer with a void warranty. When fitting the Blue Home chiller component which is situated under the sink, ensure there is sufficient ventilation to allow the escape of warm air. Simply use the template in the instruction manual to guide you when cutting the hole to ensure it is the right size and in the correct place. A

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 41

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

THINK SMART ventilation grill fitted at the front of the kick plate is also strongly recommended. If this process is not carried out as part of the installation, the chiller unit is likely to overheat, and your customer will be left with an unusable, faulty product.

Don’t forget the expansion vessel Many of our products have WRAS accreditation, deeming them suitable for new build home contracts. In the case of the Grohe Red, we have achieved this through our expansion vessel. As an included component in the installation kit, we have found that many installers are unfamiliar with the purpose of the vessel and how to install it. Used for water expansion during the heat up cycle process, the expansion vessel stops the unnecessary wastage of drinking water during the normal heating process. It must be installed above

If you are interested or currently work with Grohe products and wanted to enhance your knowledge of some of the most advanced products, you can join the manufacturer at one of its hands-on installer training sessions at its Heathrow HQ. Friday 28th June 2019 – Sensia Arena Install Friday 27th September 2019 – Grohe Blue Home/Professional Install Friday 25th October 2019 – Grohe Red Install Friday 29th November 2019 - Rapido Smart Box Trim Sets the Grohe Red boiler and the bottom of the vessel can be identified as the part with the pipe connections fitted. The safety device pipework must be fitted to the main drain; this is to allow the escape of water from the system should a fault develop. Without the installation of this key part, the product does not meet the WRAS criteria.

plate can be installed horizontally and vertically. However, what many don’t realise is that the inner section of the plate, where the logo is located, can be taken out and turned to suit the orientation of installation. Simply by unclipping the two black clips on the underside of the plate, which can be done by pulling the clips towards you, you can remove the part and re-insert it the correct way.

Finishing touches Many of our installer customers know that when installing our Skate Cosmo plate, the

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RAISING THE BAR Launched in 2006, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), has achieved rapid growth and now works with tradespeople, retailers and manufacturers to better installation standards. PHPI spoke to Damian Walters, founder and Chief Executive, to find out more.

warded institute status by the Secretary of State only a year after its inception and British status in 2016, the team at BiKBBI have made ample strides in a relatively short period. Operating as a government sanctioned, not-for-profit organisation, the Institute is dedicated to improving standards in the industry, working with installers, retailers and manufacturers to raise the bar in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fittings. Damian Walters, founder and Chief Executive, first set up the initiative after becoming concerned about the standards in the industry. “Having worked in the sector for a number of years, I began to realise that installations weren’t always up to scratch – affecting everyone in the supply chain and the industry’s reputation. There simply

weren’t enough reliable accreditation schemes for installers, and education was poor, which inevitably affected the consumer and the industry’s reputation as a whole. “We launched with an objective to improve standards, represent professional installers and to bridge the gap between the industry and those specialists who operate on the front line.”

Installer perks For those installers looking to join the Institute, membership criteria includes a minimum of 3 years’ experience installing kitchens, bedrooms or bathrooms, registration or the ability to sub-contract work to a compliant electrician or Gas Safe Registered engineer, and crucially an agreement to undertake annual CPD training.

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Damian assures us that membership is highly beneficial to installers: “For starters, becoming BiKBBI registered will help you stand out from the competition, and demonstrates high levels of professionalism. We’re working with manufacturers, merchants and retailers to ensure consumers understand who we are and the standards our members represent, while you’ll also be listed on our find-a-member online consumer directory. Our links to manufacturers also allows members

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

access to a wide range of discounted products and services. “Most importantly, we can offer support for installers that they may not previously have had access to. Compliance support, legal guidance and tailored training and development opportunities for members, including access to CPD courses and apprenticeship links, are all vital to installers and ultimately, it’s why we decided to form in the first place!” The Institute is also working with a number of organisations, including military charities, to provide retraining opportunities for those skilled tradespeople looking to enter the industry.

Education, education, education A key to improving standards, particularly for the future, is an investment in apprenticeships and the next generation of installers. The BiKBBI has clearly focused a lot of attention to this, and is now working with a number of strategic partners in the development and delivery of a Level 2 Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors, in line with the government approved Trailblazer standards – with the aim of introducing a Level 3 scheme in the near future. Currently, the two year course – 20% college based and 80% employer based – is being delivered at Basildon College, near the Institute’s base in Tilbury, Essex. However, the organisation is looking to run the course out nationally, in an effort to improve standards and encourage the uptake of apprenticeships in the sector nationwide. In addition to this, the iAcademy e-learning course directory is designed to encourage BiKBBI members to invest in CPD and ensure they continue to uphold the high standards expected. Run alongside the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, courses include everything from work skills, health and safety, and business skills.

Keep protected Not satisfied with just working to raise installation standards, the Institute has also recently put together an innovative new solution that is set to “change the way in which domestic KBB installations are operated in the UK,” according to Damian. BiKBBI Protected is a new service driven by technology that connects installers with

consumers, via a merchant or retailer. The organisation says that it focuses protection on all key stakeholders, and is designed to safeguard installers against the threat of late payments and disputes. Organised by the BiKBBI, the customer will pay the cost of the installation into a secure, independent Escrow account (a financial arrangement in which a third party receives and disburses money for the transacting parties), which will then be released to the installer within 72 hours upon satisfactory completion of the work.

Of course, as many installers will know, ‘satisfactory completion’ isn’t always as easy as it sounds with some customers. In the case of disputes – which must be raised within seven days of the finished job – the money is securely held in the Escrow account while one of the Institute’s approved inspectors is sent to assess any ‘breaches in contract’. The BiKBBI will then be able to offer advice and support throughout the process, which would otherwise be left to the installer, ensuring an agreeable outcome for all parties. Damian adds: “We truly believe this platform will be beneficial to all those involved in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installations. The whole process is online, and though protecting the installer, merchant and consumer is the priority, there’s so much more to the initiative. For example, estimated costs can be produced automatically once customers have specified their chosen products, while the general public will be able to easily access vetted and registered BiKBBI members.” The Protected scheme was announced at the BiKBBI’s Annual Conference at the Houses of Parliament in January and has received a promising response from the industry so far, having received interest from over 250 merchants and retailers, including three nationals.

To find out more about the BiKBBI and how you can become a registered member, GO TO www.rdr.link/PF117

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 45

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

MATERIAL WORLD When seeking to prevent the build-up of potentially deadly pathogens such as Legionella in plumbing and mechanical networks, prevention is always better than cure. Here, Dan Wild, Business Unit Director for Conex Bänninger, discusses how installers can minimise the risk posed by waterborne bacteria, simply by choosing the right materials.

athogens, such as Legionella – a bacillary germ with symptoms similar to pneumonia – have the ability to cause severe health issues and in worst case scenarios become life limiting illnesses. New standards set out by industry bodies, such as the APHC and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), outline the importance of quality control and routine maintenance of water systems. In the plumbing industry showers are not the only potential channel of infection; there are also dangers from other environments that generate fine aerosol type spray. Even auxiliary equipment more associated with cold water, such as softeners, filters and devices that dose the network raise the risk of creating elevated bacterial readings and, therefore, should be taken into consideration when planning and maintaining a system. Several preventative measures can be applied by engineers and installers to reduce bacterial build-up that contributes to

waterborne bacteria such as Legionella. Good design of a network fundamentally relies on keeping ‘hot water hot’ (>50°C) and ‘cold water cold’ (<20°C ), and avoiding inappropriate design – infrequently used sections of pipework with stagnant water such as ‘dead-legs’, for instance – and also the oversizing of storage vessels and pipework loading demands. This inappropriate design can be avoided by keeping pipework as short and direct as possible, with pipes and tanks insulated sufficiently to ensure temperatures do not encourage bacterial growth. Good network design and operational monitoring results not only in optimum efficiency, but also increases the functionality

and lifespan of a system. In addition, it helps avoid conditions that favour bio film build-up of bacterial and algal cells that create the perfect environment for bacterial growth and corrosion by iron or through limescale deposits. When planning a system, installers should take into account that materials and components can contribute to bio film growth. They may do this either by adding additional nutriments into the water, or because they do not have the ability to accept both chemical and thermal shock without the system integrity being adversely affected. Many studies have shown copper has a proven and quite unique water chemistry that reduces the threat of waterborne bacteria such as Legionella, Polio Virus and E-coli

“Several preventative measures can be applied by engineers and installers to reduce bacterial build-up that contributes to waterborne bacteria such as Legionella.”

46 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Choice of champions Conex Bänninger’s K65 fittings and Wieland’s K65 tubes have been specified as part of the CO2 solution designed by systems manufacturer Pecomark for the redevelopment of the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. The stadium, home to Spanish football giants Atlético Madrid and the venue hosting the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final this month, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility in recent years. At the heart of the 68,000 capacity football stadium is a CO2 transcritical system with parallel compressors and multi-ejectors, providing cooling for a large kitchen that serves numerous restaurants within the facility, as well as the VIP lounges. Designed to work for an ambient temperature of 38˚C, the CO2 solution includes the installation of four low temperature and 12 medium and high temperature units. Pecomark designed the system working in partnership with a host of suppliers, including Conex Bänninger and Wieland for the tubes and fittings. Jose Miguel Rueda, Business Unit Director for Spain at Conex Bänninger, said: “We are delighted that we’ve been specified for this high-tech stadium project. K65 fittings are ideal for high pressure ACR applications, delivering a best-in-class pressure rating of up to 130 bar (1740 psi), whilst also enhancing the green credentials of any building project by utilising the highly pressured CO2 R744 refrigerant.”

O157. It has also been demonstrated that copper plumbing inhibits the growth of Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Bacillus Subtilis and Bacteriophage MS2, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbance. While correct design, operational practices and surveillance of the network are key, it is also clear that copper and modern jointing technologies, including press-fit systems that avoid hot works, produce less system debris and increase flexibility, which contributes towards controlling network infections, as well as increasing the life expectancy of a system. As a result, designers should consider the choice of materials carefully and select pipework and fittings that are able to control the growth and spread of Legionella.

For more information from Conex Bänninger online, GO TO

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PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

THE

E L I T A S R VE APPROACH Choosing the right grout for a tiling project is as important as selecting the tile itself and if overlooked, can affect the entire aesthetic. Dunlop explains more. Selecting a grout

The ideal choice

When selecting your tile grout, it’s not only “good looks” that matter – it’s also substance. Grouts need to look perfect, but also be robust, durable, and suitable for your specific installation, which is why it is crucial to choose a grout you can trust to ensure your tiling looks great for years to come. There are a number of factors to take into consideration including the size of the tile joint, the application – power shower, splashback, etc. – and any other specific features required, such as being antibacterial, hygienic/sterile or chemical resistant, which will all determine which product to select. For many, especially tradespeople, grout selection has been a minefield for years. Among the greater challenges has been the need to ensure that the shade of grout used on wall tiling matches that used on the floor in the same room or area. This has been problematic because floor tiling typically has much wider gaps than wall tiling, requiring different products to be specified. This has changed with the invention of all-in-one grouts – such as the Dunlop GX-500 Flexible Floor and Wall Grout.

Developed as a result of extensive R&D carried out in collaboration with feedback from installers and builders nationwide, Dunlop GX-500 offers a combination of previously unseen properties to make it ideal for virtually any wall or floor installation. Its versatility removes the need for different grouts within a single installation: as Dunlop GX-500 suits both the floors and the walls. Its superfine formulation enables use with gaps as narrow as 1mm, while its strength and flexibility also allows grouting of gaps as wide as 15mm. As for tile types and backgrounds, Dunlop GX-500 suits any type of tile, including porcelain and natural stone, on any type of background. It is ideal for dry and wet areas, indoors and outside, and can even be used with underfloor heating systems and for plywood overlay floors. The product is available in eight colours – Polar White, Jasmine Cream, Harvest Beige, Sahara Sand, Conker Brown, Mist Grey, Graphite Grey and Liquorice Black – plus colour-matched Dunlop FX-90 Silicone Sealant. Its technologically enhanced

48 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

formulation ensures enduring good looks and a consistent colour with no patchiness or surface discolouration.

Keeping plumbers happy Tilers and homeowners will welcome the 45-minute working time, which enables larger areas to be grouted with a single mix. In addition, as little as two to three hours drying is needed before a floor will bear light traffic, removing project delays and facilitating faster job completion. Clean-down is easy, with no tile haze, while the unusual smoothness also removes the chance of tile abrasion. Because all Dunlop products are manufactured under an approved quality management system it means we can offer a 10 year guarantee on all products, provided they are used in conjunction with the guidelines, product information and technical data sheets specified by Dunlop.

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PRESSURE SITUATION

Fundamentally, an efficient drainage system design is about managing the mix of air and water and maintaining the water seal in the trap, to protect the building’s occupants from foul odours and the risk of bacterial contamination. Here, David Barker, Soil & Waste Category Manager at Marley Plumbing & Drainage, discusses the importance of managing air pressure within a drainage system and explores the various solutions available to do so.

oil and waste drainage systems within high-rise building has the potential for a large high-rise and commercial buildings are number of plumbing fixtures to be used formed of a highly complex network of simultaneously, especially during peak hours. pipework. Considering the large This would result in higher levels of waste number of toilets, sinks and water flowing through the other fittings, which all connect system at any one time, in turn Secondary ventilation in action to the same system, it is vital leading to a substantial that the individual water trap increase in pressure instability, seals are maintained, as they with both negative and are the only barrier between positive pressures within the the habitable space and drainage system. drainage system. So, what are the Pressure within a drainage effects of this pressure? system, regardless of its size, While negative will constantly fluctuate, with a pressure can result in sudden flow of water inside a ‘fall back’ from the trap, pipe – such as the flush of a leaving residents toilet – creating positive vulnerable to sewer pressure in front of the flow and gases and odours, negative behind. Whereas this is positive pressure can unlikely to cause an issue within lead to bubbles of foul air a small domestic house, a passing through the trap seal.

Therefore, it is clear that pressure within a high-rise drainage system needs to be carefully controlled and fortunately, there a variety of solutions available to assist in doing so.

All under control Secondary Ventilation is included in traditional drainage design and incorporates the installation of a secondary ‘dry’ pipe alongside the main stack, which is conveyed upwards through to the roof. This secondary pipe links at each floor level, balancing pressures within the drainage Marley’s system and helping to prevent active the release of sewer gases into drainage ventilation the building. The presence of a solution second stack undeniably takes up more space within a building, however.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 51

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

For applications where space is limited, some manufacturers produce stack-aerators. Installed on each floor of the building, a stack-aerator replaces the existing T-branch fitting and connects the horizontal branches with the vertical stack, meaning that no extra space is required. Its curved shape works to reduce the speed of the falling waste water from the floors above, as well as smoothly merging the horizontal flow from the individual branches with the main stack. This all helps to control the mix of water and pressure within the system. A more recent solution for controlling the air pressure within a soil and waste system is active drainage ventilation. As the name suggests, it actively works to control the pressure and provides relief direct at the Point of Need (PON) by removing or reducing an incoming positive or negative pressure. For example, Marley Plumbing & Drainage offers the Studor P.A.P.A (Positive Air Pressure

Attenuator), which has been developed to eliminate the harmful effects of positive pressure generated in gravity fed systems within multi-storey buildings. It can be easily installed either vertically or horizontally, allowing installers to use it according to the individual requirements and space available. P.A.P.A or other active drainage ventilation products are used in conjunction with air admittance valves to provide a complete working system, capable of reducing pressure fluctuations and guaranteeing the trap seal retention. Designed for installation in a vertical position, air admittance valves work to combat the negative pressure within a drainage system. Once installed, the valve will remain closed unless the system is subject to negative pressure, whereby it will then open and

allow air to be drawn in, stabilising the pressure levels. Marley has both a Maxi-Vent and Mini-Vent available, depending on the building size, both of which can be used alongside the P.A.P.A to provide a complete ventilation system. It actively works to control and stabilise the pressure within soil and waste stacks, in turn maintaining the trap seals and protecting the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occupants from foul odours, sewer gases and bacterial contamination. It is evident that correctly managing the mix of water and pressure within a drainage system is absolutely imperative, both for the efficient running of the system and also for the health and well-being of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occupants. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available that have been specifically designed to assist in controlling and stabilising the internal pressure levels.

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

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ARMSTRONG Circulators and pumps Armstrong’s new product lines for domestic and light commercial applications are now available. The new product lines include high-quality, high-efficiency circulators for heating systems and drinking water, as well as specialist circulators for solar installations, and a broad range of condensate pumps for gas and oil-fired condensing boilers. Included in the portfolio are Armstrong Optimo high-efficiency, electronically-controlled pumps for heating systems, with optional LED displays. Also available is the Armstrong Optimo (N) circulator range suitable for domestic drinking water systems, with stainless steel housings, and the Optimo L Geo model designed for use in higher temperature installations involving solar heat generation.

REDRING Glow Thermostatic

POLYPIPE SURESTOP i-watercontrol Designed to allow occupants access to out-of-reach stopcocks, Polypipe Surestop has launched its i-watercontrol water valve with remote control. The WRAS approved smart switch can be activated by the Surestop mobile app or via a battery-operated remote switch. The standalone valve features a simple lock-down button to control the water supply, so that the entire system can be instantly turned off. Often stopcocks are fitted in an inaccessible place with a tendency to seize at a critical time. By using a mobile app and a remote switch that can be situated up to 2m away from the water valve, the product ensures this issue is prevented as it provides instant water cut off.

A new multi-entry instant electric shower collection has been launched by Redring. The Glow Thermostatic features multi-entry points – six for electricity and eight for water – and makes installation faster and cleaner, adapting to accommodate existing plumbing and fixture work. It comes equipped with a phased shutdown safety protection for cool start up for the next user, with temperature limiter lock options which can be set at installation. Available in 8.5 and 9.5kW models, the shower is supplied with a 600mm riser rail with flexible fixing centre brackets, five mode easy rub-clean showerhead, 1.5m flexible shower hose and a soap dish with integral hose retainer.

LAKES Shower trays Lakes has introduced Lakes Stone to its range – a contemporary suite of premium quality stone resin shower trays. The units are anti-slip and anti-bacterial, with a non-porous surface preventing mould or bacteria forming in the joints or beneath the surface. Lakes Stone is the same colour all the way through, so the aesthetic is not affected if the tray is accidentally knocked. The 30mm trays are said to be easy to fit and can be inset into the floor, making Lakes Stone suitable for a wide variety of project designs. Colours include White, Cotswold Grey and Anthracite with a stainless steel drain cover. Lakes Stone is available in four sizes to suit rectangular showering spaces across Lakes’ Island, Coastline and Classic Collections. The trays are covered by a 10 year guarantee.

BRISTAN Rapid 4-in-1 Growing its boiling water tap portfolio, Bristan has added the Rapid 4-in-1, which delivers hot, cold, boiling and filtered water from a single unit. The Rapid 4-in-1 boiling water tap is packaged with everything required for installation; tap, pressure reducing valve, flexi tails, filter cartridge and a 3L capacity tank with four temperature settings, delivering water up to 98°c. The tap can replace any existing tap hole and the accompanying tank is compact enough to fit underneath most kitchen worktops. To secure repeat business, installers can also offer ongoing maintenance to their customers by replacing the Rapid 4-in-1 filters every six months, to maintain water purity and prolong the lifecycle of the product.

BLANCO CANDOR-S

SANIFLO Kinedo

Taken from Blanco’s stainless steel tap portfolio is the CANDOR-S, which features a brushed steel finish. The tap has a high-arched curved spout with a concealed pull-out hand spray which is said to be ideal for washing up and preventing splashes around the sink area. The design also includes a vertical “off” position for the lever which allows the tap to be situated against a wall with space for wide sink models and splashbacks.

Featuring in its Kinedo portfolio of trays, enclosures and shower cubicles, Saniflo has introduced a collection of shower trays which include the Kinesurf Pietra, Kinesurf + and Kinelisse. Some four further collections are now available in a range of sizes and colours with the tray measuring 30mm thick. It can be cut to size on site if required and features non-slip credentials. Made from Biolith, the tray is resistant to damage and available in square and rectangular shapes with sizes between 800 and 1,800mm. All the new trays can be installed in raised, recessed or flat installations and are produced in six colourways including white, grey, black, sable, anthracite and chocolate.

KALDEWEI Nexsys The new variety of the Kaldewei Nexsys shower surface offers one shower tray in 17 colours and 20 dimensions, with three surface finishes and five design covers. The Nexsys features a narrow waste channel that fits almost seamlessly into the enamelled shower surface, says the company. Kaldewei has also extended the portfolio to include 12 new sizes ranging from 80 to 170cm, increasing the total to 20 dimensions. The factory pre-assembled 4-in-1 system consists of a waste channel, sloping support, sealing system and Nexsys shower surface enabling fast installation. Sound proofing is also guaranteed with the use of sound insulation tape.

rdr.link

Introducing rdr.link

A new digital service for our readers

With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to Podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need. To ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable resources, we are introducing rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories. So, in articles you may now see things like: “To view an exclusive time-lapse video of the process use rdr.link/AB101”

Simply enter rdr.link/ with the unique 5 digit code into a browser and it will take you directly to the mentioned resource – in this case the video. Or, on other pages, you may notice: “For more new products & solutions use rdr.link/AB101” Just type rdr.link/AB101 into your browser and be transported to the products section on our website, packed full of new solutions. Designed to help busy professionals rapidly locate more information – look out for & use rdr.link

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

TOOLFAIR 2019

POWER TOOLS

•

HAND TOOLS

•

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

THE TRADESHOW FOR TRADESPEOPLE 2019 SHOWS: Ricoh Arena, Coventry: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September Sandown Park, Surrey: Thursday 7th & Friday 8th November Featuring:

All the best new tools on the market.

G LIVE DEMOS

Back-to-back power tool displays.

G SHOW SPECIALS

Great deals to be had on the day.

G FREE GIVEAWAYS

Free T-shirts, bacon rolls and more.

BUSINESS TOOLS

We put the questions to Boyd Goulden, who has come up with a novel way of safeguarding safety documents for customers.

ON CLOUD NINE C

reated by Boyd Goulden, an NICEIC registered electrician, CertOn is a paperless document storage system that allows homeowners to upload and store all relevant documentation. But it’s much more than a cloud-based storage system. Through the issue of a unique QR code linked to the property, CertOn allows installers to use their own smartphone or tablet to read the QR code and access all important documents instantly. The system is designed to support all tradespeople, and acts as a digital store for documents such as gas checks, servicing updates, electrical certificates, fire safety, Fensa, building notifications, warranties, and much more. What led you to come up with the idea for this system? I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have been astounded at the lack of certification or missing documents I come across at customer sites. Sometimes it can be blatantly negligent of the previous trades not to have given or left the correct certificates with the customer, or it could be that the customer has not understood the importance of keeping that information.

● Safe – stored in the cloud and paperless ● Secure – every important certificate is

stored in a secure environment ● Accessible – simply scan the QR sticker to

access documents stored on CertOn This system will also help the homeowner to understand the importance of receiving a certificate, whether this is a gas safe annual test, an electrical installation, Part P, building compliance, Fensa or even when the chimney was last swept!

For tradespeople to have access to all certificates is a big time saver, and gives an engineer the necessary information that they may need to know in order to carry out a job safely and efficiently. What are the advantages of using this system? ● Easy – simple set-up and storage process

58 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

What are the main beneﬁts for the consumer? Homeowners or tenants can ensure their documents are up to date, and can rest safe in the knowledge that their documents are safely stored in the cloud. While for companies or landlords who have multiple properties or manage larger installations, it provides a solution where documents are often not always readily available. What will be the main difficulties in rolling this system out? How do you expect to overcome these? The main difficulty will be in understanding the needs of the various types of user for the

BUSINESS TOOLS

system – homeowners, installers or housing associations may have different requirements, for instance – and making the product work for all of them. There has been extensive research into each of the groups to tailor the product to best fit their needs. We are always fine-tuning and altering the system when it’s necessary. The good news is, we received some great feedback at the recent Plumbexpo and Elex trade shows in Manchester from all sides of the industry. How is the system progressing so far? Where do you see it heading in the next 5-10 years? The system is progressing well, and adapting along the way as we learn about new features and requirements as part of the field research. The next challenges will be scalability, and more advanced integrations making CertOn fit seamlessly into people’s lives. We would love to see this as an industry

“The system is designed to support all tradespeople, and acts as a digital store for documents such as gas checks, servicing updates, electrical certificates, fire safety, building notifications, warranties, and more.” standard, thus leaving the end user and installer conﬁdent in knowing where the property documents are, in one easy to access place! How are you encouraging installers to sign up? We are offering an Affiliates scheme to all

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

trades, where anyone issuing documents can earn money back by selling CertOn to their customers. Hopefully the benefits should be fairly obvious. I often hear of installers having to send another certificate to homeowners as they are selling their house, or had lost or not received the original. With CertOn, it’s always at the property, saving any hassle. What’s the difference between your system and some of the existing online certification software out there? We are not an online certification company. We hold an image of the original document, ready for the instant retrieval when required via the unique QR code and app. Simply find the CertOn QR Code in the building near the appliance and you’ll immediately have access to CertOn.

To ﬁnd out more, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF122

GRENFELL, TWO YEARS ON

midst the grief, the criminal investigations and the palpable, understandable anger, Dame Judith Hackitt was tasked with investigating how such a tragedy was allowed to happen. Her report, delivered with the forensic approach befitting her chemical engineering background, highlighted a string of failures within the construction industry.

Changes in attitudes Dame Hackitt’s report suggested that the biggest obstacle to genuine change is the attitudes of those in the construction sector. The mentality of employees simply ticking boxes and washing their hands of the work once the day finishes has to be addressed. Their jobs are too important to simply do the bare minimum, and just changing the rules is not enough to ensure there will never be a repeat of Grenfell. Responding to this issue, Dame Hackitt alludes to the ‘golden thread of responsibility’. This is the notion that everyone involved in the process, from structural engineers, to contractors, to construction workers themselves, must shoulder responsibility for spotting and reporting safety concerns.

Legislation To coincide with this attitude adjustment, there must be a change in legislation. A simplified but strict set of rules and regulations, governed by a single regulator, would help to prevent a repeat of the 2017 tragedy. Equipping this regulatory body with strong

In June 2017, 72 people lost their lives as a result of building and fire safety regulations failures. Two years on, Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the CIPHE, reflects on what we have learned in the wake of the tragedy. enforcement powers would apply pressure on those who continue to take shortcuts. There has been some discussion about introducing a requirement to install sprinklers in all new and converted buildings that are more than 11m in height. A joint statement, signed by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, alongside the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Chartered Institute of Building, is indicative of the appetite for more rigorous legislation along these lines. However, installation of sprinklers cannot be seen as the sole solution; in part due to the skills shortage of individuals capable of fitting such systems, but also because an issue as complex as fire safety necessitates a considered approach, which accounts for the diversity in UK building design. As an educational charity dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in society, the CIPHE is keen to push for legislation which provides tangible protection against another Grenfell disaster. A recent example in Liverpool, in which some newly built flats have been deemed unsafe due to ‘serious construction issues’, highlights this continued struggle. It’s shocking that some people still hope to get away with cutting corners, and re-enforces the need to introduce effective legislation.

Safeguard the public One of the primary concerns of some government officials was to establish the extent to which Grenfell was a ‘one-off’. The continued disregard for public safety since 2017 has shown that this is simply not the case, and that’s why those of us in a position to push for change, have an obligation to do so. Ensuring professionalism and upholding the dignity of the plumbing and heating industry is something we are immensely passionate about, and safeguarding the vulnerable is at the core of what we do. The devastating revelation that some of the residents of Grenfell raised concerns, only to be ignored, further emphasises the importance of taking a public-safety-first approach. The Grenfell disaster cannot be assumed to be an isolated incident. The cooperation between the construction and engineering industry in response to the tragedy has been commendable, and now we must join up the thinking, working closely across the board in order to prevent a repeat of this dreadful incident.

For more information about the CIPHE, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF123

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 61

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

GOING GREEN Roger Bisby gets the level on the latest green beam laser from Imex.

aser levels are a must have tool for most trades these days, but the red beam can be very hard to see in bright light, and the beam intensity drops off dramatically over distance. Green beam lasers cost twice as much, but they offer twice the performance and, once you have grown accustomed to the green, it is hard to return to the red – you have crossed over to the light side. Of course, you can increase the range of any laser with a target or a detector and, unless you are working indoors all the time, you will probably need a detector at some stage unless, like me, you return to site when the sun goes down to do the setting out and establish datum lines. Having said that in bright, cloudy – but not sunny – conditions, you can often manage with just the target. If you are comparing it to a bog standard cross hairs, this may be a pricey laser, but compared to a rotating laser it is dirt cheap and, to my mind, it is a better tool because the three, 360° lines with an off-set for the up and over beam give you three uninterrupted lines simultaneously, which the rotating does not. Add to that the battery life is better when you don’t have to spin a motor. The battery on this unit gives an amazing 45 hours on a single beam, and around half that on the three beams. It comes with a rechargeable Li-ion and a holder for alkaline batteries, so you have options. I am very careful with laser levels, and almost obsessive about locking the pendulum

“Green beam lasers cost twice as much, but they offer twice the performance and, once you have grown accustomed to the green, it is hard to return to the red.” when I move a level, but I often wonder how it would survive if it happened to be dropped. I wasn’t about to try it but Imex says it is the group winner in a one metre drop test. What it doesn’t say is whether it was locked at the time. The lock is a great thing and I was amazed to find that not all laser levels have one, but it can also be a curse. I loaned this to

62 JUNE 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

a tiler for a week and he made the schoolboy error of taking a line with the pendulum locked. The trouble is that it was so close to being level he didn’t notice it until he had four tiles up and stood back. This is one of those things you learn quickly, and the difference with the swinging self-levelling line is very obvious once you know. However good a laser is, I know I’m not alone in instinctively reaching for my spirit level just to check when I am using a laser level. A second opinion is always welcome, particularly when the cost of getting it wrong can be an extra half a day of time wasting rectification. We have all been there and it is such a nice feeling when you put the spirit level up and it is spot on.

For further information from Imex, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF124

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

HAPPY FEET Roger Bisby discovers if the shoe fits with Sievi.

ievi is the largest footwear manufacturer in Northern Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yeah, it surprised me as well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and unlike some dedicated safety footwear companies, these guys have a long history of making shoes and boots that pre-dates PPE. That experience has taught them that not everyone has the same shape feet so, instead of just making footwear to suit the length of the foot, they make shoes and boots to suit the width, and by selecting different insoles they can cater for a high, medium or low arch. How often do you hear someone say that their feet are killing them? I have heard it a thousand times, but until I started looking more closesly at footwear I never really understood what was going on. If you are walking around in footwear that doesn't give you the support and comfort you need for

your particular shape of foot, then it is no wonder you are feeling the strain. Another great feature of the Sievi boots is the aluminium foil insole which keep the cold from the ground from travelling upwards into your feet. If you are standing on cold concrete all day these are the ones for you. They also have boots with studs that grip on ice. This is like having snow tyres, but when you are operating in an area where the snow and ice has cleared you can simply wind the dial and return the studs to the flush position with a dial that is set in the side of the heel, without having to take your boots off.

The boots I am wearing here are the Star Hikers. They have steel midsoles, composite toes and spring rebound in the heel to absorb shock. This particular variation also has a faux fur lining for extreme cold weather, so it might be a bit late in the year to think about these, but Sievi has a huge range of other shoes and boots to chose from. You will not believe how unlike safety footwear some of them are.

For further information on Sievi, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF130

# CORNER In this month’s review of #TradesTalk, Kelly Newstead explores a recent conversation around women in the trade.

n this month’s #TradesTalk corner we will be looking at the recent discussion which focused on women in the trade. This is a topic which has been growing in popularity and has also been rife with debate. But, the facts remain that the number of women entering trade roles is still significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. Why is this? The answer is multifaceted and many will debate the issues they believe as to why this number is so low. This is exactly where question one of the #TradesTalk discussion began, asking the community: “Do you think there are any barriers to women working in the trades, and if so, what are they?” Answers honed in on the fact that it is not always seen as a ‘traditional’ job for women and the facilities simply aren’t there – toilets and workwear, for instance. Breaking down stereotypes was another issue, as well as schools that don’t encourage people into trade jobs and the fact that depictions of trades on tv and media outlets, usually tend to be male. This was summed up nicely by the female led plumbing company, Stopcocks:

Next up #TradesTalk asked if anyone had advice for young women who might be interested in starting a career in the trades. Importance was placed on finding a good apprenticeship course, as well as a willingness to learn and having confidence in your own ability. A great response came from Elizabeth (@Liz_365concrete) explaining:

Workwear was a topic briefly mentioned in last month’s discussion, but it was something that was expanded upon in this conversation. The question was asked “Where do women in construction get their workwear?” In relation to overcoming obstacles, many well-known brands were mentioned such as Dickies, Jobman Workwear and Engelbert Strauss, and it was encouraging to see that there was workwear specifically designed for women’s body shapes. However, some still believed that finding correct and comfortable workwear for women was still an issue. This was something brought up by Get Her Trade (@gethertrade):

What does remain clear throughout, however, is that while steps are being made to ensure that women have access into the trades, obstacles do still remain in place. There are many great initiatives to combat this and encourage more women to enter the industry. One of these is the Women Installers Together Conference which will return this year, being held on 4th July at The Building Centre, London. The event aims to bring together women from the industry so they can share their experiences and promote positive change. Tickets are available at witconference2019.eventbrite.co.uk and more information about the event can be found at phpionline.co.uk.

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

[CO MP ETI TIO N]

CIRCLE OF

LIFE

We’ve teamed up with Wilo to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a Yonos PICO circulating pump!

he new generation of the Yonos PICO series of small circulators from Burton-on-Trent based Wilo bring a range of new features that have been added to this popular product, primarily designed for residential homes and properties, for heating systems and air conditioning equipment. With this new version, Wilo believes it has succeeded in not only upgrading one of the most established products in the market, but also to an extent, it has been able to reinvent it thanks to new functionality and ease of use. “Energy performance plays a major role of course, and many successful existing features have been kept,” says Wilo UK’s Training and Technical Manager, Gary Wheatley. “As in the previous version, the outstanding Wilo ECM technology performance is combined with a precise setting of 0.1m. In addition, energy consumption can be monitored continuously on the LED display.”

New Green Button Technology In addition to energy performance, ease of use also plays a major role in the small pump: “The Yonos range already enjoys exceptional popularity for its easy installation and setting, as well as for easy maintenance,” adds Gary Wheatley. “The new features reinforce these traditional qualities. Thanks to the Green Button Technology and to the use of symbols, it is simple for the customer to set the pump. A push button has been added to separate the setting operation and the functions activation.” Together with the new functions, the compactness of Wilo-Yonos PICO has been dramatically improved to make it easy to install and use in any application, assures the company. Front access to motor screws and the Wilo connector position contribute to the adaptability of the pump for installers. Importantly, new ease of use functions make maintenance far easier for the engineer, too. Manual restart is a response to a specific request from the market, as is the new constant speed mode.

WIN! A Yonos PICO circulating pu mp

HOW TO ENTER There’s two Wilo-Yonos PICO units up for grabs, so don’t miss your opportunity to enter. TO HAVE A CHANCE OF WINNING, SIMPLY, GO TO www.rdr.link/PF125 AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION (THE ANSWER TO WHICH CAN BE FOUND ON THIS PAGE): Where is Wilo based in the UK? A) Plymouth B) Burton-on-Trent C) Watford

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 65

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED EXHIBITORS ● Energenie

●

Makita

●

Electrorad

●

HiKOKI

●

Plumbpal

●

Knipex

●

Netatmo

●

Snickers

●

Brian Hyde

●

Carl

●

Bosch

Kammerling

●

Nest

International

●

Stanley

●

Wera Tools

●

Bott Smartvan

●

Milwaukee

●

Super Rod

●

DeWALT

AND MANY MORE!

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

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

Workwear

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

[CO MP ETI TIO N]

WIN!

THE MYSTERY CONTINUES…

A place on th e Mystery Trip !

Following on from last month, we are giving PHPI readers one more chance to win a pair of tickets to the Glow-worm Mystery Trip, set for relaunch next March. Read on to find out how to enter!

low-worm’s Mystery Trip has returned for 2020 and the company will be taking 80 heating engineers on an unforgettable trip to a secret destination, which will be revealed in September. The trip has been designed as a way to give back to the hardworking professionals who keep the country safe, warm and comfortable all year round. Some may remember the Glow-Worm Mystery Trips that have come before which have seen installers treated to various luxury destinations. In 2005, it was Viva Las Vegas, while 2004 was all about the soul in New Orleans. Those wishing to secure a seat on the plane can enter the Red Zone on Club Energy. Here,

you’ll be given a personalised target from Glow-worm which you will have to meet in order to be in with a chance of winning a seat on the plane. Once you have this target, simply fit and register Energy products on Club Energy to earn Mystery Trip points and extra cashback. Your personalised target will be split into quarters to help you keep on track, and, for every quarter’s target hit, there will be an extra £100 cashback for you – on top of the £30 cash rewards and Club Energy credits earned for each and every install. Be sure to also keep an eye on the @glow_wormclub Twitter page for hints, tips and information about the Mystery Trip, or visit the company on its merchant tour, which started in May.

HOW TO ENTER PHPI is also offering an exclusive chance to get yourself on the tour. Inside this issue we have hidden an image (the same as pictured here) of golden tickets on one of the pages. The steps to enter couldn’t be simpler: 1) Find the Golden Ticket image in this issue (yes, the one you’re reading now!) 2) Email promotions@glow-worm.co.uk, with the subject line ‘PHPI Golden Ticket’, including the page number it is on, as well as your name (feel free to take a picture with it!) You will also need to be a member of Club Energy and have registered at least one Glow-worm Energy boiler in 2019. Good luck to all those entering!

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2019 67

xxxxxxxxxx

HULTAFORS ADJUSTABLE WRECKING BAR This 660mm multi-purpose adjustable Wrecking Bar is made from hardened, high-alloy boron steel. It features an articulated claw, adjustable to nine different positions and, with a special gear ring, the bar can handle the same stresses as a standard wrecking bar. The claw is optimised for pulling out nails and can be set in nine different positions for increased accessibility and better work posture. SET THE BAR HIGH AND ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PF126

ENERGENIE MIHOME SMART WIFI PLUG The Alexa-compatible MiHome Smart Wifi Plug enables users to control devices from anywhere without the need for a MiHome Gateway or Hub. The voice compatible MiHome Smart Wifi Plug is rated to 13 amps and works with any Wifi router. Used with the MiHome app, users can turn devices on/off, check status, create schedules and set timers. Voice control can be added to any device by pairing with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Easy to set up and certified to the latest regulations beginning July 2019, the MiHome Wifi Smart Plug is designed to give users peace of mind that devices will never be left running. PLUG INTO THIS GIVEAWAY AND GO TO www.rdr.link/PF128 TO ENTER!

ARTLINE EKPR MARKERS Artlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new EKPR marker series has been designed with all manner of tradespeople in mind, including builders, plumbers, gardeners and electricians. The markers in the collection have been created to work on tough surfaces including fencing, piping, metalwork, stone and concrete. Each of the seven markers in the EKPR series also boasts a colour-coded barrel to make selection from the tool box simple. The Artline Plumbers Marker, for example, writes on most wet surfaces including copper, plastic and most types of metal thanks to its ink formulation. MARK YOUR ENTRY AND GO TO www.rdr.link/PF127 TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY!

… H IT W S E T U IN M O TW Nathan and Steve at the recent Toolfair show in Manchester

WHO ARE YOU? NAME: STEVE CHALLINOR AND NATHAN WILLSDON COMPANY NAME: BOILERFIT LTD AGE (YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL US): 41 AND 25 IS THERE ONE INVENTION YOU BELIEVE COULD CHANGE THE INDUSTRY FOREVER? NOT AN INVENTION AS SUCH, MORE A CHANGE TO THE

BATH OR SHOWER?

GAS REGULATIONS. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE GAS PARTS

BATH

SOLD ONLY TO GAS SAFE ENGINEERS, AND BOILERS REGISTERED AT POINT OF SALE.

CITY BREAK OR BEACH HOLIDAY? BEACH HOLIDAY

QUICKFIRE TEA OR COFFEE? COFFEE WINTER OR SUMMER?

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD? EARLY BIRD ORGANISED VAN OR MESSY VAN? ORGANISED

WINTER COPPER OR PLASTIC? TWITTER OR FACEBOOK? TWITTER SWEET OR SAVOURY? SWEET

COPPER

PICK ONE . . . HOLIDAY DESTINATION MALDIVES

KETCHUP OR MAYO? MAYO

MEAL THAI CURRY MOVIE PULP FICTION SUPERHERO TALENT INVISIBILITY DINNER GUEST DENZEL WASHINGTON

NEW PRODUCTS MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PF129

MAINCOR Bevelling tool In a bid to make preparing Maincor MLCP (multi-layer composite pipe) simpler prior to installation, the manufacturer has introduced a new bevelling tool. The product is said to make pipe bevelling easier, while its ergonomic design is reportedly more comfortable, particularly when used on a regular basis. Maincor MLCP is a formstable multi-layered pipe, which has a 100% oxygen barrier to guard against corrosion and low rates of expansion to reduce installation times. It can be threaded through a building leaving no wastage, and because its formstable and capable of tight bends, means fewer elbows are required.

ELMHURST ENERGY Design SAP 10 Beta

VIEGA Megapress S Extending its Megapress S range, Viega has introduced press connections for pipe sizes between 3/8 and 2-inch diameter. Part of the Megapress range of press connections for thick-walled steel tube, Megapress S features a FKM sealing element and has been engineered for high temperature applications up to 140°C and pressures up to 16 bar. The Megapress S range, which includes options for large diameter tube, will now allow installers to use press connection technology on tube from 3/8 inch up to 4 inches and, on the larger sizes (2½ to 4 inches), the time saving is up to 80% compared with welding, according to the company. Viega connectors are also colour coded to allow easy identification on-site with Megapress S products clearly marked with a white dot.

Following the release of the SAP 10 methodology, Elmhurst Energy has released Design SAP 10 Beta in anticipation for the updates to the Building Regulations in 2020. It has been designed so that those with access to Design SAP 10 Beta will be able to advise on the new requirements and inputs of the SAP 10 methodology for new build properties from 2020 onwards. It will also allow energy assessors to become familiar with the new requirements, as well as allow them to import existing assessments from Design SAP 2012 into Design SAP 10 Beta to view the impact on the assessment process, including additional data fields and measurements.

KNIPEX TwinKey For those wanting access to standard cabinets and shut-off systems, the Knipex TwinKey has been launched to “open them all”. The small multifunctional key allows access to cabinets, lockers, cupboards and can be used when controlling heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning or gas and water supply and shut off valves. The 8-arm version has two 4-way spider keys, which are connected with a magnet to save space, while a reversible bit is also joined to the key by a stainless steel wire.

RUBI TX MAX Designed for cutting hard ceramic materials, Rubi has launched the TX MAX tile cutter. Notable features include its reinforced components – particularly the 30mm diameter tubular steel guides – as well as its ‘Master Power’ breaker, which can be operated with one hand and has a maximum power of 1,200kg. It also includes breaker-scorer assembly, which incorporates a ratchet lock with quick trigger release. The base of the cutter is cast aluminium and incorporates a rotating square with central pivot for angular cuts. Furthermore, all cutters include 2, 8 and 22mm scoring wheels and a case for protection and handling.

BOSCH PROFESSIONAL X-LOCK Launched at the same time as six small X-LOCK angle grinders, Bosch Professional has introduced the X-LOCK accessory-change system – described as a completely tool-less alternative to traditional systems, allowing users to simply bring the accessory and grinder connecting surfaces into contact and press. To remove a disc, users only need to flick a lever on the grinder and changeovers can be completed in five seconds. A new range of more than 130 accessories covers everything from metalwork and stonework to plumbing and tiling. Almost all of the accessories can also be used on older, non-X-LOCK angle grinders with conventional clamping systems. The six small X-LOCK angle grinders, meanwhile, comprise one corded model and five 18V battery-powered cordless products.

THERMOCILL

REMEHA Quinta Ace Range With the introduction of its new wall-hung condensing boiler series, Remeha has unveiled the Quinta Ace range. Successor to the Quinta Pro series, it builds on its predecessor’s technology with a next-generation control platform and an all-new human-machine interface (HMI) panel. Via a new full-text, full colour interface, the controller provides intuitive access to an extended range of parameters using a rotary selection dial and smartphone-like buttons. Available in 30, 45, 55, 65, 90 and 115kW models, in addition to the existing Quinta Ace 160, the series has been designed to meet all retrofit and new installation requirements.

SNICKERS Topwear The warmer weather will bring the need for professional tradesmen and women to keep cool and dry while working on site. Snickers has, therefore, introduced its new Topwear for the summer which features 37.5 fabric technology, keeping moisture away from the body and the wearer dry. Shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts are also available in a range of styles and colours which promise to be light and quick-drying with advanced ventilation to keep tradespeople cool in the heat. The range also includes body-mapping designs to assist with fit, functionality and comfort.

An eco-friendly product that is said to warm up a room ‘quicker than usual’, has been unveiled by inventor Keith Rimmer. Thermocill is a device which can be placed under the window board and above the radiator to redirect heat in a room. Thermocill works on the basic principle of convection. Most radiators are positioned in a room under a window and are designed to heat the air in the room using convection to transfer heat from the radiators to the surrounding air. When Thermocill is fitted under the window board, it redirects part of the warm convection air flow through the unit, exiting directly in front of the internal glazed unit within the window, focusing on the cold spot. Extending from 125 to 250mm, the unit fits most regular sized window boards and comes in three width sizes of 100, 300 and 500mm.

TITON HRV20 Q Plus Adding to its range of MVHR products, Titon has introduced the energy efficient HRV20 Q Plus. The new model has been designed to offer increased airflows of up to 194l/s, making it the most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced. The HRV20 Q Plus has been designed to enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, by combining low power consumption and a heat exchanger capable of achieving efficiencies of 89%. As a result, units can be fitted as part of a ventilation system inside larger apartments or dwellings. The unit is available in two models – the Eco HMB and the Eco B – each boasting a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass.

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Dickie Dyer .................................................................... (page 53)

The Electric Heating Company ................................ (page 42)

Electric Combi Boilers Company ............................. (page 36)

Toolfair Exhibition ............................................... (pages 56, 57)

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UK Underfloor Heating ............................................... (page 36)

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

GOAL

FACT FILE Here are five facts that you may not know about football: ● Football was invented in China around 476 B.C ● Football is the most watched and most played sport on earth ● The World's first football club was the English Sheffield Football Club. It was founded in 1857 by Colonel Nathaniel Creswick and Major William Priest, two British Army officers ● One of the fastest goals was scored in 2.8 seconds by Ricardo Olivera, in December 1998 ● 16 is the maximum number of goals scored by one player in a single football match

NAME THAT FILM

Answer: Chicken Run

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a space burger… Getting to the point, Colchester United’s training ground saw something out of this world when the groundsman discovered a ‘space burger’ had landed on the pitch. The burger was part of an experiment launched by Tom Stanniland, who had sent the burger up into space secured in a polystyrene box, attached to a weather balloon. A camera was also fastened to the experiment so the burger’s extraordinary views could be captured. Tom explained that the burger had travelled 24 miles up, before the weather balloon popped and travelled another 100 miles to land in the club’s ground. Thanks to a tracker attached to the burger, he was able to find its location and was reunited with his dinner. Tom had also vowed to eat the burger once it had descended back from the dazzling heights of space, but (surprisingly) the mission had not been so kind to it. Clearly taking a leaf out of the ever-descriptive book of Greg Wallace responses, Tom declared: “That’s not nice.” Many unbelievable things are witnessed on football pitches, but finding a space burger has to be up there with one of the most alien experiences to have ever been seen in the beautiful game.

MOAN

One solution is: Moan, Moat, Boat, Goat, Goal

SPACED OUT

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