Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer July-August 19

JULY/AUGUST 2019

STACKED UP

STORAGE AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS

WIN!

A NEW TOP OF THE RANGE BOILER

TAKING CONTROL

YOUR HEATING CONTROL QUESTIONS ANSWERED VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

@professionalplumber

JULY/AUGUST 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 7 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

REGULARS

23-30 HEATING & RENEWABLES

3

VIEWPOINT

5

NEWS & VIEWS

9

#INSTALLOFFAME

THE RIGHT CONTROL FOR THE RIGHT APPLICATION

10 HORROR SHOW 12 IN PROFILE 14 IN PROFILE…EXTRA! 16 BUSINESS ADVICE 49 #TRADESTALK CORNER

TRAINING

56 CIPHE UPDATE

21 TRAINING ROUND-UP

58 TOOLFAIR PREVIEW

22 TRAINING WITH MARIE

61 TWO MINUTES WITH… JEROME WILLIAMS!

HEATING & RENEWABLES

62 NEW PRODUCTS 65 MY BRAIN HURTS

35-42 PLUMBING & BATHROOMS CELEBRATING 110 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING

23 NEW BOILER ALERT! 24 TECH TIPS: HEATING CONTROLS

SPECIAL REPORTS

26 CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOFT INSTALLATIONS

52 PRODUCT TEST: SNICKERS SUMMER WORKWEAR

28 TECH TIPS: WAX VERSUS LIQUID IN TRVS

54 TAKE A LOAD OFF WITH THE NEXT HIKOKI HACK

30 PRODUCT NEWS

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS 35 INSTALLATION GUIDE: MIRA HONESTY ERD 38 HATTIE HASSAN TALKS WETROOMS 40 110 YEARS OF CONEX 42 PRODUCT NEWS

VEHICLES 44 DRIVING IN REVERSE 46 ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VAN? 48 PRODUCT TEST: VAN VAULT SLIM SLIDER

COMPETITIONS 59 WIN A WORCESTER BOSCH GREENSTAR 8000 STYLE BOILER!

54 BUILD YOUR OWN HOVER TROLLEY!

60 GIVEAWAYS! PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 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

Take a break Taking time off work is never easy; as relaxing and rejuvenating as the idea sounds, it never seems to go quite to plan. And, in an industry where the majority are self-employed, it becomes even harder to justify. The stress of having to simply catch up on emails is significantly increased when installers have the pressures of missing out on potential customers and income – uttering the word ‘no’ can appear implausible.

This exact topic came up on a recent #TradesTalk chat on Twitter, with many reluctantly admitting to work taking precedence over everything else. The chat also covered how difficult it was to switch off, even when you are on holiday. With the regularity that customers use social media and instant messaging these days to get instant answers and quotes, it becomes a very difficult dilemma to voluntarily ignore your phone in order to switch off.

Yet, taking a break is vital to wellbeing and the benefits should not be overlooked. In an industry where stress levels are rarely below high, it can make a significant difference to your mental health – even if you may not realise it at the time. While work can dry up a little in the warmer months, there are countless installers we speak to who are constantly busy, working from early morning to late at night. Inevitably, this does come with the territory, but overworking yourself can quickly become an issue before you realise it.

Indeed, The World Health Organization announced recently that burnout has been included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon (although it is not classified as a medical condition), and is characterised by three dimensions: ● feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; ● increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to

one’s job; ● reduced professional efficacy

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

While these symptoms may not affect you currently, the longer you put off a break or continue to overwork yourself, the more likely they are to have an impact. And don’t forget to look out for others, either. Whether it’s a colleague or simply a friend you speak to at your local merchant, it might be worth checking in with them. Understanding and appreciation of mental health has come a long way in the construction industry over recent months, but overworking to the extent of burnout isn’t always at the forefront of this discussion.

And it’s not only the health of yourself, but also the health of your business that could be improved. Sometimes, taking some time off allows you to take a much-needed step back and reassess what’s working, and what isn’t. It’s a mantra that Tommy Lee-Zmuda values highly (see page 16), when explaining how he was able to turn his own business around and understand that it wasn’t viable, or healthy, to take every job on that is offered. Not usually one to argue with the lyrics of Sir Elton, it’s actually ‘no’ that seems to be hardest word, for tradespeople at least.

So make sure you take a break, it is the summer, after all!

James Moore

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

EDITOR

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 JULY/AUGUST 2019 3

News CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN! An installer from Northern Ireland is tackling the climb to the top of Mt Errigal… carrying an oil boiler!

Ben Kennedy and his team will be taking on the ascent on August 3rd to raise awareness of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and to raise money for the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS). Ben’s wife Rebekah has been diagnosed with the condition, which affects over 200,000 people in the UK. He explains: “This is a condition that I had not heard of until my wife was diagnosed with it a couple of years before we got married. It is a painful inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons and ligaments.

“I’m organising this event to try and raise awareness of AS and to help the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, a charity that helps support people with AS living in the UK. They work to help raise awareness and educate people about the symptoms of AS, in order to help reduce the diagnosis time. They have branches all over the UK that help people with AS get specialist physiotherapy and support them to stay in control of their lives and maintain their quality of life.”

The aim is to raise £5,000. Go to www.rdr.link/PG001 to donate.

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

After over 40 years, Plumbing Pensions has announced that the Scheme will close to future benefit accrual from 30 June 2019.

This announcement means that no members of the Scheme will build up any new pension benefits in the Scheme after 30 June 2019.

However, the existing benefits already built up in the Scheme are protected by law, and by the Scheme’s rules, and are therefore not affected by the Scheme closure proposal.

Plumbing employers will need to auto-enrol their employees into a new pension arrangement from 1 July 2019 onwards. They can get help on how to find and set up a new pension plan on the Pensions Regulator’s website: www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. Members with a deferred pension which has not yet started and members already receiving a pension are not affected by this announcement.

Plumbing Pensions Chief Executive, Kate Yates, said: “It is sad that we need to close the Plumbing Pensions Scheme after so many years of being able to offer good value, low-cost pensions to plumbers. Our aim has always been to run the Scheme in the most responsible way to ensure members receive all the benefits they are due in full. The Trustee and the Constituent Organisations that jointly decide the Scheme’s benefits have looked at all the options and consulted with employers. They believe that closing the Scheme from 30 June 2019 and not letting members build up any new benefits is the most responsible and practical way to protect members benefits for the future. We want to reassure members that the Scheme is in a very good financial position with enough money to pay all member benefits built up to now, and the decision to close the Scheme to future accrual helps safeguard that position.”

TAP IN WITH BRISTAN UK installers can now get up close and personal with Bristan as it launches its new community, exclusively for the plumbing trade. The Bristan On Tap installer community will support plumbers, installers and engineers with installation advice and training, plus offer the chance to be the first to trial new products.

Installers will benefit from being kept in the loop of industry news and developments.

Members can also expect a few perks along the way with prize draws and giveaways, as well as the opportunity to get involved in unique experiences, says the company.

Interested installers can sign up today for free, by visiting www.rdr.link/PG002

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 5

TRADESTALKING PODCAST LAUNCHED

INTERGAS IS CHARACTER-BUILDING Intergas is making a virtue of the increasing dominance of social media by creating five characters who will be appearing regularly on all platforms, delivering news and information as well as answering installer and consumer questions.

Stephen Zouch, Managing Director, Intergas, said: “We’re a small company with lots of great personalities who are passionate about what they do. We believe harnessing their characters will be the most effective way to engage with our customers. We believe by putting a face (or faces in our case) to the Intergas name we’ll be more approachable, our customers can get to know us and our products more easily and, we hope, like what they see.”

These five friendly faces have already been appearing on a social media screen near you, and each has their own specialism. ● ● ● ● ●

Stephen Zouch, UK Managing Director is ‘The Strategy Man’ Manny Puletti, UK Sales Director is ‘Mr Commercial’ David Stanley, UK Technical Operations Manager is ‘The Tech Guy’ Ralf Jansen, Worldwide Head of Communications is ‘The Dutch Connection’ Terri Taylor, Marketing Executive is ‘The Motivator’

In other news, on 31st May, Rheem acquired Intergas, through its group entity, Paloma Rheem Global, Inc. Rheem’s head office is in Atlanta and manufactures heating, cooling, water heating, pool/spa heating, commercial boilers and commercial refrigeration products.

Speaking about the acquisition, Stephen said: “We are delighted to be joining Rheem at this very exciting time for our brand’s development in the UK. Rheem understands our core business and its leadership is committed to long-term growth plans for Intergas.”

The Polypipe charity regatta is celebrating its 21st year in 2019. The yacht race returns to Portsmouth on Thursday 5th September. A fleet of 49 boats took to the Solent to participate in the 20th annual Polypipe Regatta. The regatta raised money for Polypipe’s charity partners Help for Heroes and the John Merricks Sailing Trust, with almost £10,000 raised during the course of the event.

Cameron McLellan, MD of Polypipe Building Products, said: “This event is the perfect chance for our customers and friends to get together and enjoy the festivities.” A choice of yachts is available for guests and the entry fee includes places on a yacht, a skipper, breakfast, afternoon tea, waterproofs and regatta entry.

For more information and to book your place, go to www.rdr.link/PG003

6 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The team behind the #TradesTalk Twitter chat has launched a podcast called TradesTalking… and the first two episodes are available now. The podcast is aimed at tradespeople in the UK and will cover a mix of relevant topics, from new construction products to accessing mental health support.

Each episode will include the following sections: ● INNOVATION – a look at a new

●

●

●

●

●

product or service that will help the trades work more effectively AMAZING TRADESPERSON – an interview with a tradesperson who goes above and beyond to help those in need PERSPECTIVES – a mental health section will signpost some of the help available for any trades who might need support MY 3 ESSENTIALS – one tradesperson tells the team three things they can’t live without TRADES’ SECRETS – talking to the friends and family of some of the #TradesTalk community to find out what they are really like away from social media LYRICAL GANGSTER – presents the trades reading poetry

The podcast is sponsored by Norbord and other supporters of the first two episodes include Big Wipes, Installer 2019 and Plumb and Plumber, a new YouTube series featuring installers Peter Booth and Andy Cam.

CHALLENGES FOR THE TRADES Multi-skilled trade professionals have topped the table as the most challenged trade in 2019, according to a survey from Armstead. More than half admit that getting new customers is harder now than it was five years ago, with a significant 59% claiming that social media has added more challenges to them than anything else in the past decade.

Results suggest that there is an increase in customers using social media to look at work online before booking (54%) and the rise of DIY (45%) causing fewer enquiries.

Alex Briggs, Senior Marketing Manager at Armstead, comments; “The most important thing to any trades professional is the quality of their work because it directly impacts their reputation. Whilst it’s easier for specialists to demonstrate the type of work they do, it’s a challenge for a multi-skilled professional who could be working on an end-to-end job installing a kitchen that requires knowledge from decorating to tiling, and carpentry to plumbing.�

The survey also highlighted the biggest concerns tradespeople had in 2019. The top five were‌ í˘ą í˘˛ í˘ł í˘´ í˘ľ

Customer payments (64%) Securing the next job (39%) Customer reviews (34%) Completing necessary paperwork (28%) Social media profile (22%)

NEWS IN BRIEF...

RIDGESPEAR TAKES ON THREE PEAKS A team from Ridgespear are set to take on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a medical charity following the untimely death of a colleague’s mother. The company is providing the transport and logistical support to enable the eight staff members to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden within a 24-hour period, with all money raised going to The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds research and supports sufferers.

WIHA CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY Wiha is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Based in the Black Forest, the company has grown from a small family firm to a worldwide manufacturer of hand tools in this time. In addition to screwdrivers, the company’s product portfolio also includes torque tools, L-keys, bits, hammers, pliers and tool concepts, as well as focused solutions for electricians.

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:

ing

@ajgplumb

@cjb_heating

@irbheating

@BoilerfitNW

@s.tplumbing&heating

@mk1plumb

ing18 @Morrishgp

Paul Gaskin

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

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

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

IN PROFILE

eQUAL

To the occasion Tony “Unequaled Heating” Dumble, the newly-crowned winner of the Heating Installer Awards 2019, speaks to PHPI about his working life, social media and being a FIFA superstar.

Tell us a bit about your background in the industry. What inspired you to work in heating and plumbing?

So in the year or so before leaving school, I had my heart set on working in IT! My grades didn’t work out and the dream fizzled out, then the time came to leave school and my dad told me I’d better get a job. So I followed in his footsteps and got a plumbing apprenticeship with a great local company and I never looked back!

NAME:

Tony Dumble

COMPANY NAME: St.

Unequaled Heating What makes up a typical day for you?

I wake up at 5.30am every day to beat the London traffic and get an “unequaled” parking spot (not sorry). I need an hour in the morning to compose myself and refresh my social media pages 7,000 times. I usually start work at 8am and finish by 3 or 4pm.

You’re really well known on social media, with more than 20,000 followers on Instagram. Has this had a positive impact on your work?

This has had a huge impact on my work. I’ve been posting online for over a decade, starting off with the forums. I gained a huge amount of knowledge this way, and also a lot of criticism… which is great as it’s set me up to be my own biggest critic.

Are there any downsides to being an industry celeb?

12 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

IN PROFILE

I’m just a guy who fits pipes and loves helping others. The downside, I’d say, is time. I have a young family and don’t have enough time to answer every message so unfortunately some get lost – but I think most are understanding enough to forgive this.

What prompted you to enter the Heating Installer Awards this year?

It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.

Honestly, I was over the moon being the regional winner. Anything else was always going to be a bonus.

What do you do outside of work?

Spend time with my little girl, and play a fair amount of late night FIFA on the easiest setting to make me feel good about myself.

It’s not uncommon for me to score 15 goals in a 10 minute match… no biggie.

Tony can be found on Insta, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, or GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG004

THE HEATING INSTALLER AWARDS 2019 Tony was announced as the national winner during on 8th May, impressing the judges and the public with flawless craftsmanship, smart problem-solving and high attention to detail. Tony was closely followed by the national runner-up, Grant Gundelfinger of Mayfly Group Ltd from Yorkshire.

Sponsored by Danfoss, Geberit, Glow-worm, Heating Installer of the Year Polypipe and Stelrad, the annual awards celebrate the runner-up Grant Gundlefinger (left) achievements and raise the credibility of plumbers and and winner, Tony Dumble (right) heating installers who deliver top quality work and excellent customer service on a daily basis, showcasing the superstars of the industry who often go unnoticed. In addition to industry-wide recognition, Tony scooped amazing prizes at both the national and regional stages of the competition, including an Apple watch, a Dash Cam and a trip to the Danfoss HQ in Denmark.

Tony said: “It has been a tough competition this year and I’m absolutely over the moon to have won. There is so much out there now, so much good quality work, so to be recognised for mine is fantastic. I’ve been chatting to some of my colleagues about the Danfoss trip and that’s a prize I’m definitely looking forward to!”

Grant Gundlefinger said: “I’m chuffed to have won for Yorkshire, I’m still blown away by that, so to now be runner-up in the UK is brilliant. It’s hard to express what it means. When you’re up against such professionals, it’s really an honour to get this recognition. To be announced as the runner-up really gives me the confidence to say yes, I belong.”

IN PROFILE

Happy

accident Hattie Hasan, plumber, Gas Engineer and founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers and the WIT Conference, speaks to Mari Tinker from Centrica about her journey as a gas engineer.

N

ow working as a British Gas Operational Excellence Coach in the field, Mari Tinker was a gas engineer for 12 years. Initially Mari hadn’t had great career advice, and soon realised that university wasn’t for her, so dropped out.

Noting several of her ‘boy mates’ were becoming electricians, she decided she’d have a look into this pathway, but didn’t receive any response. Hattie Hasan picks up the story from there…

HATTIE HASAN (HH): What happened next?

MARI TINKER (MT): My best friend’s boyfriend told me there were apprenticeships at Scottish Gas. I didn’t know what he did, but completed my application, not really expecting to get any further. I was surprised to be invited for an interview and went along with no expectations.

I did quite well because they’d seen quite a lot of people and apparently, had earmarked the guy who went in before me to get it. They thought they’d see me out of fairness and I just talked the ears off them and they thought they’d give me a go! I rocked up to college on the first day and still didn’t know what the role was! I thought it was plumbing, I didn’t know about being a gas engineer. They did fast-track apprenticeships back then so it was just a year; it was really intense, crazy.

HH: So you were an accidental gas engineer!

I like that. How did you feel about going into people’s houses in those early days?

14 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

MT: I felt dead nervous and anxious. I’d been taught in NAME: the safe Mari Tinker environment of COMPANY NAME: St. a college and Centrica had to go out and work things out for myself. It was really daunting.

I only ever had positive experiences from customers though. Customers saying: ‘Oh I didn’t know they had women engineers’, ‘It’s nice to see a female’, things like that – so from that point of view it was brilliant. I thrived on it. Some people might see that as negative, but for me it was ‘Oh yeah! This is what I do’.

HH: That still surprises me, that people don’t realise we exist. Most of the women plumbers we talk to tell us they have really positive responses from householders. It sounds like

IN PROFILE

you had great employer support as well, which isn’t what we always hear.

MT: After about seven years I started looking at what more I could do and went for a place with one of our academies in Leeds, but I didn’t get it and my confidence took a dip.

I was coached and after a couple of days I thought, wow, I could really do what he’s doing!

Hattie Hasan I waited a long time for a job to come up, got married, fell pregnant and literally three weeks later a job came up as an Excellence Coach.

The timing wasn’t great, but my coach and manager encouraged me to go for it and I got it! I really hadn’t expected to because I knew I’d have to go on maternity leave, but everyone was really supportive, even when I extended my maternity leave. I’ve been back about six months now and love my new role.

“I’m an advocate that woman should be in this sector.

It’s not about men versus women, it’s about if you’re right for it, you should be in the role.”

HH: Fantastic! What piqued my interest was that you had that dip in confidence. I think plenty of people in our industry will identify with that.

MT: It’s been massive in how I’ve grown in confidence; that it’s just about learning. Even in realising that maybe what I’d been doing wasn’t the right thing and having the confidence to challenge my peers. That was difficult for me, stepping out of my comfort zone, because I’m about high fives and congratulations, not difficult challenges about how things might not be right. To have those conversations that are uncomfortable is really challenging for me, but being able to do that has been massive

for my confidence.

Now I’m not so afraid to do something wrong; because although that isn’t great, I’ll be able to reflect on it and grow from it. It’s all credit to the support network I have around me. I know it’s not true for lots of women in this industry. I’m very lucky to have been so supported. I’ve completely exceeded my expectations of myself.

I’m an advocate that we should be in this sector. It’s not about men versus women, it’s about if you’re right for it, you should be in the role. Don’t shy away from it because you feel like you’ll be the only one.

Meet Mari and Hattie at WIT Conference on July 4th. For details and tickets, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG005

BUSINESS ADVICE

MAN OF PRINCIPLES PHPI speaks to Tommy Lee-Zmuda, a gas engineer who also has a passion for sharing his business experience with the industry.

“L

earning how to say no was one of the most important lessons I learnt in this industry,” explains Tommy Lee-Zmuda, founder of the Sheffield-based Hallamshire Energy boiler installation company. Continuing to work hard to look after his successful heating business – Tommy also runs workshops and maintains a highly active Facebook page to support others in the industry.

While his company is now profitable, this wasn’t always the case. “When I started out running my own business, I assumed that it was important to say yes to everything I could. My job load kept on increasing and, as many others probably have before, I took this for a good thing! Surely the busier you are, the more money you make, right?

“It wasn’t until I took a step back and assessed my financial situation that I realised I was slowly running into debt. It was quite a shock.”

After taking stock of his situation, Tommy decided to think hard about his priorities, and educated himself in successful business principles. “Learning what jobs to take, pricing yourself right, and marketing yourself as a specialist in specific areas have all been key to turning the business around,” he continues.

“Being steady and profitable is much more efficient than being overworked – you start to make mistakes, and most importantly, miss valuable time with your family and friends. I

Tommy believes there is a lack of education for the trades on running a business. While the practical side of the job comes naturally to many, it is a whole other skillset ensuring you are profitable. This is one reason why Tommy has set up his Facebook group, ‘The Boiler Business – Help and Support for the Plumbing and Heating Industry,’ which is designed for installers to ask business related questions. Members are invited to ask questions and post advice for others, and the community is extremely active and supportive.

Train to gain

decided to specialise as an installation business, which was always my most profitable area, and this is now how we’ve marketed ourselves and trained our employees. Customers know we only install and service those boilers, but we are then able to recommend other tradespeople in the area whom we have mutual connections with.

It helps establish trust with customers, and crucially, doesn’t lose you business in the long run.”

Not stopping there, Tommy also runs a series of training days for installers. “Having attended many such days myself, I realised how much other engineers would benefit from business related training days. So, I decided to write a training programme and now deliver the ‘The Boiler Business’ in Sheffield to heating engineers from across the UK. “Ideal boilers has also had us deliver at its Leeds and Hull training centres every month this year. So far we have delivered 13 days full training in 2019, and the feedback from attendees has been fantastic at all of the events.” The courses cover a variety of business topics, such as cash and time management, marketing, websites, social media, building teams and systems, and much more.

“Ultimately, it’s all about building the right business for you, your family and your customers,” concludes Tommy. “Sometimes, you need to give yourself some time to take a step back and reassess what is working, and what isn’t. It worked for me, at least!”

For business support and advice, search for ‘The Boiler Business’ on Facebook and join the discussion! You can also GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG006

to head straight there.

16 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

BUSINESS ADVICE

A

PA P ERLESS WORLD

Colin Yates, Chief Support Officer at WorkMobile, argues that plumbing and heating business owners should start to take the ‘paperless route’ within their operations.

A

dvances in mobile technology and the birth of cloud computing have made it possible for more and more businesses across almost every sector to embrace digital transformation and revolutionise the way they work.

Yet, despite the significant benefits of digitalisation, many within the plumbing and heating sector are still failing to adopt digital solutions. Our recent ‘Death of the Paper Trail’ report revealed that 67% of trade and utilities businesses are still heavily reliant on paper.

This is likely due to a combination of tradition, complacency, and a fear of the costs and complications that digital transformation might entail. However, with increasing numbers of businesses starting to recognise the rewards of embracing digital technology, others will need to start following suit, or risk falling behind their competition. So, for those who are still unsure whether their business should be going paperless or not, here are just three ways of why doing so could benefit both businesses and their customers:

18 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Enhance security One of the biggest risks of relying on paper is that crucial documents will be misplaced or irreparably damaged. This risk becomes even greater for sectors in which workers are not based in an office environment, as is the case for heating and plumbing engineers. This is because there’s likely to be a longer time lapse between a document being completed and it then being safely filed away.

Missing or incomplete paperwork could put customers in danger, as crucial warning signs for problems could be missed. It also leaves engineers vulnerable to complaints that they have broken the professional standards, such as those set by the CIPHE and other trade associations, which require them to safeguard the environment and public health and safety, and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes.

Fortunately, there are now tools available that make it possible to replicate forms and reports digitally, meaning that all paperwork can be completed by engineers in real-time via an app on a mobile device. The information in these documents can then be stored automatically on a central cloud-based platform, making it impossible for files to go missing or be saved incorrectly. It also helps

BUSINESS ADVICE

to ensure that confidential customer information is as secure as possible.

Improve efficiency Paper-based processes can be extremely time-consuming. Not only must all documents be completed by hand, they must then be returned to the office, where any essential information can be manually inputted into a computer database and the paper documents filed away into bulky – and possibly expensive – storage units.

With cloud-based digital solutions, all documents can be completed and filed without the need for the employees to physically return to the office, which improves productivity as it gives them more time to attend a greater number of jobs.

With reports automatically loaded onto the company portal, it also greatly reduces the administrative burdens placed on staff and leaves less room for human error.

Ensure reliability The most recent Which? Trusted Trader survey revealed that the most common

concern when hiring a tradesperson is that they won’t turn up at the agreed time.

Replacing paper-based workflow management processes with cloud-based solutions can help to eliminate many of the issues that can cause engineers to be late for appointments.

Cloud-based systems make it much easier to re-allocate existing jobs, or add new ones throughout the day, as job sheets don’t need to be physically handed over to staff. Instead, managers are able to schedule work and send information directly to employees’ mobile devices.

It’s also possible to receive updates and notifications during the lifecycle of a job. This makes it much easier to see when employees are running behind schedule, meaning a decision can then be made either to alert the next customer to the slight delay or to reassign the job to another member of the team.

With so many benefits, both for sole traders and larger operations, going paperless with the help of digital technology is worth serious consideration if you are looking to improve your operational processes.

About WorkMobile Manchester-based WorkMobile is an award winning mobile data capture service that replaces paper forms. Using the API, data captured may be integrated into back-office or ERP systems and further extended into a bespoke workflow solution that includes a variety of management information reporting options. The company was founded in 2001 as eSAY Solutions Ltd and rebranded as WorkMobile in 2011.

For more information, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG007

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

Drayton Drayton has launched a new online training academy as part of its installer loyalty scheme, the 9˚ Network. 9˚ Know How gives members exclusive access to product training, best practice installation advice, troubleshooting tips and more.

The first available training module is focused on Wiser, Drayton’s smart multi-zone heating system, and allows installers to achieve Wiser Approved status from the comfort of their own home. The 30-minute training module is delivered through a series of videos that are simple to follow.

These include a product overview, kit selection advice, commissioning and set up guides, and tips for helping customers get the most from their Wiser system. Once the videos have been watched, installers have to complete short multiple-choice tests to achieve their Wiser Approved status.

Other perks of being a 9° Network member include access to the discounted Drayton shop for limited special offers, five-year extended warranties, as well as listings on both the Drayton and Wiser consumer websites. Featuring on the ‘Find an installer’ section on both these websites will help generate leads to grow the installer’s business.

JTL has announced that the new four-year Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship will be introduced by the provider from September 2019. The apprenticeship will be available in selected JTL centres and via many of its college partners across England and Wales.

The new standard was produced as a result of the Trailblazer consultations. These saw feedback from across the industry requiring better qualified apprentices with a wider range of skills and deeper knowledge levels, leading to a level 3 qualification. It was felt that this would be more in line with the requirements of the industry, with four different routes available, that should see more apprentices qualifying in the important gas side of the business, than has previously been the case.

The current Level 2 and Level 3 Plumbing qualifications will continue to be available until July 2020, with many colleges offering all three qualification routes.

The new four year course enables apprentices to effectively combine several roles in the one apprenticeship.

The training received will include additional Maths and English and there will be tests at the end of each year of the course to confirm apprentices are making good progress. All apprentices will complete an independent End Point Assessment at the end of their course before the Level 3 apprenticeship can be completed successfully.

To register your interest in the new plumbing apprenticeships, email info@jtltraining.com or GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG009

To register as a member of the Drayton 9˚ Network and gain access to the online training academy, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG008

Firebird Firebird is offering engineers the opportunity to receive one-to-one training on the Firebird by elco low NOx burner, designed in conjunction with the company’s Envirogreen boiler range. In a series of events that are being held across the UK, installers will be able to work on actual burners and meet key personnel from the Firebird and elco technical teams. The events also include a technical presentation highlighting the benefits of Firebird’s Envirogreen range, which is followed by a complimentary three-course meal and the opportunity for further discussion. Designed specifically to meet restrictions placed on NOx emission levels, the Envirogreen range at 60mg/kWh exceeds the stringent 120mg/kWh limit introduced last year.

David Hall, UK Director of Firebird Products Ltd, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the success of these events and the thirst for knowledge from the heating industry. By having the opportunity to work on a Firebird by elco Low NOx burner, installers are seeing first-hand the numerous benefits this burner and the Envirogreen range has to offer.”

For further information, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG010

- Training with Marie How’s Marie Barrett’s training course going, we hear you ask? Let’s find out…

What’s your typical week looking like at the moment?

There are no typical weeks as our work is quite varied. The only thing that is the same is that I am at Sterling Training Assessment Centre every Friday. We could be doing anything from installing a new central heating system and boiler one week, to carrying out boiler services or Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) the next.

We attend training days quite regularly to keep up our CPD. Recently, I attended the Ideal training course in Reading and the Vaillant one in Cambridge. This month I will be attending the Alpha training course in Norwich.

Since we last spoke, is there anything new that you’ve learnt that’s been particularly surprising or challenging?

Since last month we have studied water heaters and cookers on the course. On site I have learnt the difference between a one pipe and two pipe system, and I also learnt how to chase out a wall to bury pipes – a nice dusty job! Also, on site I have been learning how to use a multimeter to investigate electrical faults and I realised that one fault can lead to another fault!

All the criteria we have gone through so far on the course is being revisited and we are taking our VOT (Verification of Training) tests every week, which are difficult but we are passing!

What’s the newest technology that you think is becoming increasingly popular amongst customers?

We have noticed an increased demand from customers to install smart controls, such as V Smart, Nest, Tado and Netatmo, which can all be operated via a smart device.

What are your thoughts on the social media community in the industry?

Twitter is an excellent social media platform for the industry. As a woman coming into a male dominated trade I have only ever received positive attitudes and encouragement. My followers are growing daily and if I need help there is always good advice to be gained. Gas App is a good tool for referencing also.

Social media has definitely helped me improve my confidence!

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GENERATION GAME Following the launch of the Vitodens 200-W series, we put the questions to Darren McMahon, Viessmann’s Marketing Director.

D

esigned for larger detached and semi-detached homes, Viessmann has launched the next-generation of its flagship domestic gas condensing boiler, the Vitodens 200-W. The series features three models:

● Easy to maintain, with around 50% fewer

spare parts ● Easy installation and commissioning – commissioning can be done via the integrated assistant within the touchscreen display, or by using the ViStart app on a smartphone or tablet

● Vitodens 200-W – a space-saving

wall-mounted unit ● Vitodens 222-F – compact unit with

integrated 100-litre stainless-steel cylinder ● Vitodens 242-F energy centre with

170-litre solar cylinder now or combination in future with Vitosol solar collectors The units all have thicker casings for added stability, with an ultra-flat front panel, and are smartly finished in a new Vitopearlwhite matt white powder coating.

Key features of the new series include: ● Height-adjustable colour touchscreen display for easy operation ● Integrated WLAN for convenience and safety – the homeowner can allow their engineer to monitor the system using the Vitoguide digital service centre ● Heating with environmental responsibility – the company’s MatriX Plus burner, which transfers heat via a stainless-steel radial heat exchanger, maximises reliability and efficiency ● Combustion control copes with fluctuating gas quality – the Lambda Pro Plus automatically detects and adjusts to the gas type.

TECHNICAL DATA

Hi Darren, congratulations on the new launch. What are the benefits the Vitodens 200-W range brings to installers?

The aspects of the new Vitodens 200-W range that we see as most appealing to installers are the reduction in spare parts, the Vitoguide digital service centre and the location of plug-in controls.

The Vitodens 200-W’s height-adjustable touchscreen controls are another unique feature of the new range. In consultation with the end-user, installers can position the controls either at the top or the bottom of the boiler cover so that they are closer to the eye line, for convenience and comfort.

Another advantage is that now, for the installer to connect the additional controls (weather compensation etc.), the plug-in connections are on the bottom of the boiler. This means installers do not have to open the cover and controls cover to access the circuit board.

How are you going about reducing the amount of spare parts?

We are making as many components as we can, such as the electrodes and burner, common across the range. Therefore, following

the introduction of the new Vitodens 200 range, as new models are launched, meaning the 050-W, 100-W and 111-W boilers, they will share most common Vitodens spare parts.

The reduction by 50% of spare parts will be of benefit not just to installers of the new Vitodens 200-W but to installers of any Vitodens boiler.

Merchants will only have to buy and carry one part or SKU to provide stock of that component for their Viessmann installers. For the installer, this will improve the availability of Viessmann parts at their local stockist, which is a win-win for everyone. Installers too can carry fewer components, freeing up space in their vans, cash in their pockets and giving them a greater degree of confidence that they can turn up to a home with a Viessmann boiler and have the parts with them to be able to service or maintain it. It’s adding reliability and reducing complexity all round.

Tell us more about the Vitoguide service…

With the Vitoguide digital service centre, we expect installers to genuinely appreciate its monitoring and indicative elements. A traffic light-style predictive maintenance system automatically identifies components that need replacing – electric components nearing the end of their life, for example – and notifies the installer so that the end-user can be contacted before the problem manifests itself.

The fault diagnostic provision also identifies the part that’s required, along with the part number, for added convenience. As long as the end-user has given the installer permission via the ViCare app, the installer has exclusive sight of the health of the boiler throughout its life.

For more information about the new Vitodens 200-W range, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG011

Output:

Standard utilization rate:

Modulation range:

Energy efficiency:

1.9 - 32 kW (Vitodens 200-W, 222-F) 1.9 - 19 kW (Vitodens 242-F)

98% (Hs)

1:17 (Vitodens 200-W, 222-F) 1:10 (Vitodens 242-F)

Category A

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 23

HEATING & RENEWABLES

TECH TIPS: HEATING CONTROLS Locating a room thermostat correctly

Resideo’s technical support team advises hundreds of homeowners and installers each day on everything from specifying the right Honeywell Home control, to installation best practice and fault finding. Andy Mansfield, Marketing Communications Manager, caught up with the team to find out some of the most frequently asked questions.

Where’s the best place to position a room thermostat?

Do not position a room thermostat:

✘ In a room with another major heat source, e.g. an open fire, gas fire or cooker

✘ In an unheated room ✘ In a room fitted with radiator thermostats ✘ In direct sunlight ✘ Behind furniture or curtains ✘ In a warm or cold draught ✘ Directly opposite or above a radiator, or other heat source (don’t forget that electrical aplliances emit considerable amounts of heat)

✘ In a corner of two walls or in a corner at the junction of the wall and ceiling

The performance of all room thermostats is affected by the air flow measured around them.

If it is poorly located, the air flow will not be representative of the rest of the room, and the temperature control will be adversely affected.

Avoid placing thermostats in a room with another major heat source such as an open fire, gas fire or cooker. Also make sure it isn’t fitted in an unheated room, in direct sunlight, or behind furniture or curtains. Don’t forget that electrical appliances can emit heat, so avoid fitting thermostats near TVs, for example. It is recommended that room thermostats are located in the heated area (zone) requiring control where it has a free flow of air around it on a wall at a height of about 1.2m.

24 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

For wireless thermostats, we recommend testing the signal strength prior to commencing any work to identify the best place to site the device. The room thermostat can be mounted on a wall or on the optional table stand, but the preferred height from the floor is at least 1.2m and it should not be mounted on a metal wall box. Ideally, there should also be a 30cm distance from any metal objects and at least 1m from any other piece of electrical equipment.

How does TPI (Time Proportional & Integral) work?

TPI enables the ‘smart’ firing of the boiler just long enough to achieve the set temperature and no longer, increasing energy efficiency in the process.

HEATING & RENEWABLES

GUEST

A TPI room thermostat works by continuously measuring the room temperature and calculating a difference between measured and target temperature.

When the difference is greater than 1.5°C (known as outside proportional band) it fires the boiler continuously.

When the room temperature gets within 1.5°C of the set point you have chosen on the room thermostat, the TPI software in the thermostat comes into action. It performs a series of calculations where it determines how long the boiler needs to be fired to reach and maintain the set temperature. The calculation is based on the previously learnt characteristics of the room in which the controller is placed and the current measured temperature.

Q

UESTION

Lee Fisher (@GreenAlbionLtd) asked: Has Resideo done any research as to how its current controls affect gas bills in existing housing stock?

We were involved in research commissioned by BEAMA, conducted at the University of Salford’s Energy House, which demonstrated that installing a TPI thermostat with a conventional heating system allows the boiler to stay in condensing mode for longer. Using such a thermostat, together with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), was shown to provide a 53% saving in energy costs; a further 13% reduction compared to a more conventional room thermostat.

You can find the full report by heading to www.rdr.link/PG012

What is ‘Optimisation’?

Can I wirelessly control a domestic hot water system that includes an unvented cylinder?

to measure the hot water temperature was through an insertion sensor as part of an aquastat that is hardwired into the hot water time switch or two channel programmer.

However, Resideo has an insertion sensor that can be wired into their wireless cylinder thermostat, offering the ability to install a wireless system and control the hot water temperature with a wireless time switch or two channel programmer.

Please note that these products must be installed along with the existing wired aquastat (that comes supplied with the cylinder). The wired aquastat needs to be retained to give high limit safety protection.

The insertion sensor can be installed alongside an RF2 pack for time and temperature control of room temperature and domestic hot water, or linked to an evohome zoning control system for additional, smart benefits.

Unvented cylinders rely on mains pressure to supply a balanced flow of hot water for showers and mixers. Previously, the only way

To contact the Resideo technical support team, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG013

Most UK heating systems waste energy by firing unnecessarily early for most of the year.

Homeowners set the times based on when they wake up, but then make a guess about when the boiler should fire. So, if you want to be warm at 7.30am, you may set your timer to come on at 6am. Yet, the time taken for your home to warm up varies considerably throughout the heating season.

Optimisation allows for energy savings, by varying the start-up time of the boiler, depending on the weather. It then learns how the house reacts, so that the calculation can be more accurate the next day. Optimum Start, Delayed Start and Optimum Stop are all methods of Optimisation.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 25

HEATING & RENEWABLES

AMBITIONS C

urrently around 10% of boiler installations go into the loft space, mainly due to UK houses getting smaller and families growing in size. We are all for converting the house to maximise its floor space, and getting things like boilers out the way is quite a common approach by some customers.

It may seem convenient for them, but there are number of problems that they should be aware of when opting for a boiler in the loft.

Here, we’ve put together some things to talk to your customer about if they are considering a loft installation.

Access Most lofts in the UK are accessible through a small hatch in the roof, with a permanent ladder that folds down. However, these can be quite fragile, particularly if the installer or service engineer has to carry a heavy bag of tools up with them.

To counteract this, ensure you check the ladder’s maximum weight if it has one and ask the customer to secure it firmly before you attempt to climb into the loft. It might seem like common sense to do so but these simple checks can prevent potential accidents. For example, a Worcester service engineer recently hurt himself when a loft ladder snapped in half as he was venturing into the loft.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, outlines what recommendations you can give to your customer to ensure a boiler installed in a loft space runs smoothly.

won’t be able to see the pressure gauge as regularly as one installed in a kitchen. This means they wouldn’t be able to spot any abnormalities caused by small microleaks in the system.

This can be avoided if the customer has an automatic filling link – such as the Greenstar Intelligent Filling System – but otherwise it is best to ensure they are aware that although the boiler is out of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind.

Flooring & Lighting

Frozen Condensate

Usually loft spaces are used for storage, which means that solid flooring may not have been considered. You should check with the customer that they have at least permanent floors from the loft hatch to where the boiler is installed. Not only does it mean you can get to the boiler safely and easily, but it also isn’t in their best interest to have a foot come through the ceiling…

The loft space also needs to be well-lit, particularly where the boiler is. It ensures that you can easily work on the boiler and limits the risk of mistakes due to poor visibility.

The loft is generally classed as outside air, so there is a higher chance of the condensate pipe freezing, particularly during the colder months. Advise your customer to ensure the boiler is well-insulated and fitted with a frost thermostat to ensure the boiler is energised when it is turned off at night.

System Pressure There may be advantages for the homeowner opting for a loft boiler, however being hidden away means they won’t be able to check on it in passing. For example, if it is a sealed system boiler – which most combis are – they

26 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Safety Finally, and most importantly, if the boiler genuinely looks like it is in an unsafe location, then you are obliged as a Gas Safe Registered engineer to say to the customer that you are unable to work on the boiler. The worst thing that could happen is you have to take time off work due to an accident that could have been avoided easily.

For more information from Worcester Bosch, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG014

HEATING & RENEWABLES

LYRICAL Sindar Singh, Product Line Director Valve Technology at Pegler, discusses the merits of wax versus liquid in TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) and how it impacts on the domestic heating sector.

The importance of TRVs Popular and easy to use, the humble TRV is just one of a range of heating controls that are available to regulate temperature within central heating systems. However, they are an extremely important part of a controlled heating system.

When correctly fitted and used, it allows users to regulate the heat on each radiator giving greater flexibility, reducing heat on rooms that are not occupied, therefore, maximising system efficiencies and comfort levels. To that end, one of the most pertinent questions facing the industry is the merits of the two forms of TRVs available. Wax or liquid? And specifically, the difference in performance that either element makes.

Which Element?

Both have been widely used for many years and the decision to use one over the other has been predominantly down to manufacturers’ preference. But as valve manufacturers continue to drive forward developmental technology, is one now outshining the other?

28 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The key operating essentials of a TRV is that it self regulates, adjusting the flow of water into the radiator depending on the setting. As the room temperature changes the element in the valve head expands, adjusting a pin in the valve to open or close – it is this element of the process where the wax or liquid can be found.

Whilst both offer automatic adjustment and can help to not only regulate temperature but save money and fuel, a shift in the thought process as to which is most efficient is becoming evident in the industry.

Whilst liquid was the more recent development and was thought to offer greater benefits, wax is proving to be more popular with installers who are keen to maximise efficiencies and fit ‘A’ rated products for customers. It is such considerations that have rekindled the demand for the wax option, with performance statistics and testing delivering better results than once thought.

The difference between wax and liquid Wax elements are much smaller than liquid, offering greater design freedom and

HEATING & RENEWABLES

delivering a superior surface area to volume ratio. It also has a highly thermally conductive copper flake in suspension, whereas liquid is just a clear liquid. In addition, the force – the element that drives the pin, spring and valve seat – generated by wax is greater than that of liquid, helping to prevent the valve sticking, a not uncommon problem with liquid operating TRVs. Furthermore, increased safety credentials are associated with wax – liquid is highly flammable and is solvent, whereas wax is a mineral and has anti flammable properties, an important consideration for homes.

What to consider when choosing a TRV It would be fair to say that many installers have a favourite TRV that they continue to specify due to the performance credentials and customer satisfaction that it has delivered. Yet, a change can be for the better, especially if the primary focus is energy efficiency.

To assist with this, it is important to ascertain the TELL (Thermostatic Energy

“Wax elements are much smaller than liquid, offering greater design freedom and delivering a superior surface area to volume ratio.”

Labelling) of the product and to ensure it is certified to EN215 – the performance certification attributed to TRVs and which must demonstrate an energy efficiency indicator of less than 0.5 to achieve ‘A’ grade rating.

Historically, the performance of a TRV using liquid or wax was judged solely on its response time. Invariably liquid was judged to be the more responsive of the two, however today’s comparisons on modern heating systems have, quite rightly, taken other variables into consideration to provide a much more accurate judgement. Variables that must be considered are; hysteresis,

response time, high temperature, differential pressure and accuracy – once all have been considered only then can a true assessment of the overall performance of a TRV be accurately determined.

Clearly, the TRV market continues to evolve as new products and new research emerges, challenging perceptions and providing options for installers and customers with modern heating demands. Now, it seems that taking into consideration all variables, wax is a clear winner and brings such a range of added benefits for consumers that surely this can be the only viable specification for today’s heating systems.

Pegler is perhaps one of the most renowned TRV manufacturers with its Terrier range of products specified across the globe.

And, with wax proven to have superior characteristics, over 9.5 million units have been sold throughout the EU.

For further information about Pegler’s range of TRV products GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG015

HEATING & RENEWABLES MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PG016

FERROLI Bluehelix Tech RRT From the family of Bluehelix domestic boilers, the Bluehelix Tech RRT is now available from Ferroli.

The combi and system boilers offer a range of new technical features including a patented stainless steel Thermobalance heat exchanger, which is shaped to ensure increased water flow and improve efficiency. This feature is said to make the boiler ideal for replacement installations that are more prone to producing sediment in the exchanger.

It is available in 24, 28 and 34kW outputs and the system model in 18, 24 and 34kW. The boiler is also said to be easy to install thanks to its three piece casing with removable side panels and if the boiler is required to run on LPG, no conversion kit is needed.

FERNOX F range To reduce time spent on site and minimise call backs, Fernox has reformulated its Cleaner F3, Protector F1 and Protector+ Filter Fluid products. The new formulations are said to have a much higher concentration of the main active ingredients, so a new 500ml bottle or 400ml Express canister within the ‘F’ range can now treat a 130-litre system – up from a 100-litre system previously – 16 radiators, and 250m2 of underfloor systems.

The Protector F1 products and Protector+ Filter Fluid feature improved pH buffering, meaning the occurrence of corrosion formation is significantly reduced in the system. The re-launched ‘F’ range of 500ml liquid and 400ml Express products have also undergone rigorous testing and the inhibitors have been certified by the NSF (BuildCert).

ALTECNIC Dirtmag Mini Expanding its dirt and air separation range, Altecnic has launched the Dirtmag Mini filter. The filter allows for flexible installation thanks to features such as the quick-fit system and interchangeable compression connections for horizontal, vertical or angled installation.

A self-cleaning function also allows installers to drain debris from the system without opening the filter body and the full-bore isolation valves aim to deliver ease of servicing. The Dirtmag Mini is compact in size, so is said to be ideal for under boiler installation. The product comes packaged as a single unit or as part of a compliance pack, which includes the FAST cleaner and maximum protection inhibitor aerosol canisters.

VIESSMANN Vitovalor PT2

FIREBIRD Envirofloor To coincide with the launch of its Envirofloor underfloor heating range, Firebird has produced a brochure which provides detailed product information and covers the basics of system design. Ideal for new build and refurbishment projects, a wet system is said to be the most efficient way to provide space heating.

Suitable for use with a wide range of hot water sources, an Envirofloor underfloor heating system can be installed in conjunction with an Enviroair air source heat pump. As air source heat pumps produce water at a lower temperature than a traditional boiler, the savings on energy and running costs are said to be considerable.

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.

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

INSTALLATION GUIDE

1

Mira Honesty ERD PHPI tracks the installation of a Mira Honesty ERD.

T 2

he Mira Honesty ERD is described as the ideal choice for any contemporary bathroom. Once installed, users can divert easily between the deluge head and hand shower for a personalised experience.

The Mira Magni-Flo combines to deliver up to three times more flow, even at low pressure; the Honesty also comes with a ‘fast-fix kit’ for ease of installation, providing added reassurance for installers.

How to fit the Mira Honesty ERD

3

Start by isolating the water supplies. Then, decide on a suitable position for the shower unit and fittings and determine the direction and route of the water supply pipes.

Once the supply pipes are installed, slide the plastic pipe guide provided over the pipes

4

and level using a spirit level (1).

Secure the pipe guide to the wall with tape to hold in position. Leave the guide in place and finish the wall.

Ensure that the recessed supply pipes protrude 25mm from the finished wall surface and are square to the wall.

Slide the wall brackets over the supply pipes, hold in position and mark the position of the fixing holes. Drill the holes, install the wall plugs and fix the brackets to the wall using the screws supplied (2).

Slide the olives over the pipes and install the connectors finger tight, then another ¼ to ½ turn (3). Turn on the water supply and flush the pipework.

Next, screw on the concealing plates, assemble the bar valve ensuring to install the manufacturers’ supplied sealing washers in

5

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 35

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

7

6

8 “The Mira Magni-Flo combines to deliver up to three times more flow, even at low pressure; the Honesty also comes with a ‘fast-fix kit’ for ease of installation.” each inlet and attach to the wall brackets using a suitable spanner, avoiding damage to the chrome finish (4).

Installing the fittings Take the middle bar and slide on the hose retaining ring and clamp bracket, then screw all three bars together (5).

Fit the wall bracket into the riser arm and loosely secure with the grub screw at the top.

Push the lower bar fully into the top of the shower valve and ensure that the bar is fully engaged with the seal, preventing incorrect positioning of the wall bracket (6).

Hold the riser bar assembly against the wall, checking it is vertical with a spirit level and use the wall bracket as a template to mark the fixing hole positions (7).

Remove the assembled bar and fixing bracket. Drill holes for the wall fixing bracket, fit the wall plugs and loosely screw the bracket to the wall (8).

Refit the bar into the shower valve and loosely fit the wall bracket concealing cover to the riser arm (9). Ensure the lower bar is correctly fitted into the shower valve and fully tighten the wall bracket to the wall and secure the riser arm with the grub screw using the hex key.

Tighten the grub screw at the rear of the shower valve to secure the riser bar and fit the plug. Finally, install the overhead deluge (10), slide the hose through the hose retaining ring and connect to both the shower valve and handset.

The Mira Honesty ERD mixer shower is now ready to use.

9

To find out more about the Mira Honesty ERD mixer shower, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG017

36 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

10

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

ACCESS ALL AREAS Hattie Hassan, founder of Stopcocks and the brains behind the Women Installers Together conference, recently worked on the installation of a wetroom using Impey’s wetroom system, consisting of a Waterguard tanking kit, an AquaDec EasyFit floor former and an AquaMat underfloor heating kit.

As well as recording her experience as a vlog, which can be viewed on the Impey YouTube channel (www.rdr.link/PG018), Hattie chatted to the company about the installation.

How did you find the overall experience of fitting the Impey AquaDec wetroom system?

Installation not pictured

I found the system really easy to use and install. I have fitted an Impey wetroom system before onto a solid floor, but this current installation was over joists. Handling the tray was easy. The materials are lightweight, so lifting the tray in and out of the space was no problem. Overall the instructions were clear and easy to follow. The only part where I felt it was not clear related to the adjusting of the waste ring. I had to read the instructions several times and watch a video.

Impey’s AquaDec EasyFit floor former features a rotating drain plate – did you feel this was a benefit?

This was the genius of the tray. Even with the rotating drain plate, I still came upon a problem where the tray waste couldn’t miss a joist. A combination of the rotating plate and moving the tray by 100mm meant I was able to overcome the problem without it impacting on the overall space or fall into waste. A fixed waste would’ve meant I would have had to significantly alter the wetroom design in order to accommodate the waste position.

How did you feel about Impey’s Waterguard tanking system?

I loved the waterguard tanking system. The measurement guides made it easy to navigate the various corners of the bathroom without too much waste and meant that I

could cut out complex shapes ‘off site’, and then bring them into the bathroom and know they would fit. I did the tiling as well. I was able to use the measurement guides to begin my tile layout, and get a nice ‘true’ tile line. I found the adhesion good. On a couple of occasions, I had to get rid of air bubbles, but I found I could lift the fleece to refit, as long as I hadn’t pressed it down finally. Once it was pressed down though, it stayed down.

Once it was down I felt confident that I had created a water-tight ‘room within a room’.

38 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Have you attended the Impey We Are Wetrooms training course (or any other wetroom installation training courses)?

No…. but I would love to, along with some of our other Stopcocks Women Plumbers!

Do you feel there is a noticeable rise in wetroom jobs?

Yes, cleaner, slicker lines and open spaces are becoming very fashionable and wetrooms fit this trend perfectly.

Have you noticed a trend for tilers turning to bathroom installation? Or vice versa?

Yes, the son of one of our plumbers trained as a tiler so he could be on hand for her, but now

they are really busy fitting disabled access bathrooms and conversions to shower rooms.

Lastly, do you have any other thoughts on the Impey wetroom system installation?

I know there are other manufacturers of wetroom systems, but I believe I have found the best. We actively sought the support of Impey Showers for our Women Installers Together conference because I am an avid fan of the wet room system, AquaDec EasyFit and Waterguard system. It’s a product and system that can be trusted to do exactly what it is supposed to do.

As part of a full Impey Wetroom System, the products Hattie used were: ● AquaDec EasyFit Floor Former ● Waterguard Wetroom Tanking Membrane Kit ● AquaMat Underfloor Heating System

Tickets are now available for the Women Installers Together conference, which is being held in London on 4th July 2019.

For more information GO TO www.rdr.link/PG019 Impey will be adding three extra dates to this year’s ‘We Are Wetrooms’ UK training tour. Now in its fourth year, the training tour continues to sell-out; as the demand for wetrooms across residential and commercial sectors grows exponentially. The ‘We Are Wetrooms’ tour is delivered by Impey’s knowledgeable training team and headed-up by experienced Technical Manager, Shaun Hunt. Much of the day is spent getting hands-on with Impey’s range of wetroom systems and learning about the practicalities of wetroom installation.

The three additional dates include: ● Newcastle – 11th September ● Cambridge – 16th October ● Manchester – 20th November GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG020

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

A PLACE IN THE

SUN Statistically the hottest place in Europe, Córdoba seems a fitting place for Conex Bänninger to house one of its primary manufacturing and production facilities. PHPI reports back and finds out why the company, now celebrating its 110th anniversary, believes press-fit jointing is the future.

H

ome to The Mezquita – a religious landmark that houses a Cathedral within a Mosque – and of the highest average summer temperatures in Spain and Europe, Córdoba certainly oozes typical Andalusian culture. Also situated within this heat (a little ironically, some may say) and just outside of the historic city walls, sits Conex Bänninger’s state-of-the-art production facilities.

Established in 1975 due to the plethora of copper mines found in the region, the factory has received significant investment since this time, with 85% of its processes now fully automated. This allows production of between 40-60 tonnes of raw material a day – a vast increase from where the business began 110 years ago.

The two halves of the Conex Bänninger story begin in Birmingham and Giessen respectively, finally coming together some 96 years after Carl Bänninger set up his iron foundry in Germany. The parallels between the two in that time, though are clear – with both being in the vanguard of product innovation. Since their merger under the IBP

Group umbrella in 1994, that approach has continued apace… even more so since IBP’s acquisition by IDD Group in 2011.

The list of product development firsts is considerable: copper-based >B< profile press fittings for heating and plumbing applications; copper iron fittings for high pressure ACR; >B< profile press fittings for ACR; and so it goes on. With 110 years of expertise and 22 billion fittings installed worldwide, it would be easy to focus on past triumphs – but this is very much a forward-looking company.

40 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

So, what’s next?

Most installers will be familiar with the Cuprofit range, but this has now been relaunched as >B< Sonic to bring it in line with other products in the manufacturer’s portfolio that carry the >B< marque.

The flame-free copper push-fit plumbing system, first introduced in 1998, is designed to offer significant time savings, while providing a secure, leak-proof joint. It is also demountable and re-usable. Technical advances have enabled the fittings to be modified and simplified, while maintaining the quality of fit.

The company has also extended its >B< MaxiPro product range, designed for air conditioning and refrigeration applications, as demand for the flame-free press system continues to grow.

The new fittings include three types of long coupler, copper flare joints available with

brass and stainless steel nuts, a range of copper flare washers in different sizes, and a suction line P-trap. A 100ml bottle of press fitting lubricant has also been added.

Richard Leigh, Group Deputy Technical Manager, said: “In every market that we have launched >B< MaxiPro, demand has been strong and continues to grow. Every week we are training more engineers who see the benefits of using this innovative product as a quicker-to-fit, reliable alternative to traditional brazing.”

Flame-free Speaking of the benefits to installers for turning to flame-free press fittings from more traditional soldering, Dan Wild, Business Unit Director for UK and Ireland, said: “While there are those who still consider press fittings as new, in reality the system has been around for a long time. Conex Bänninger first began development of copper alloy press fittings in the 1980s and we introduced the >B< Press range 20 years ago.

“It’s true that some installers who have grown up with brazing as the pipework jointing method continue to favour that system, but we find that once we demonstrate the advantages of flame-free press the overwhelming majority are converted.

“Those benefits, plus advances in the technology, have made it suitable for sectors other than heating and plumbing. Until relatively recently the higher pressures required in air conditioning and refrigeration meant brazing was the only option but that changed when we developed >B< MaxiPro, which can handle up to 48 bar, and it is making inroads into this market.

“Alongside the fact no hot works permit is needed, that it is safer than brazing and installers can work more easily in confined spaces, perhaps the biggest advantage of press is the certainty it offers when planning an installation. Once initial preparation is done, it takes just five seconds to complete a joint, and that is repeatable time and again. It means contractors can plan with greater confidence, whereas brazing is slower and harder to predict.

“An initial outlay on a press tool and jaws is required, but the cost is recovered relatively quickly because of the increase in productivity.”

To find out more about Conex Bänninger’s heritage and range of products, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG021

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PG022

SANIFLO Kinedo Kinespace PENTAIR JUNG PUMPEN Multi Drain UV300 and UV600 Cellars with several floors or underground garages are the preferred areas of application for the Multi Drain UV300 and UV600 sewage pumps from Pentair Jung Pumpen.

The new pump series is characterised by its large delivery head and variable installation options with emerged operation.

The Multi Drain series are submersible drainage pumps designed for faecal-free wastewater with solids up to 10mm. They are said to be ideal for removing rising groundwater from deep pits or pumping rainwater, collected in sumps, into subsequent structures. The Multi Drain pumps are designed for shopping centres, high-rise buildings, underground railway stations or other buildings with deep basements due to their high pump volume and high delivery head.

FIBO New designs

MIRA SHOWERS Mira Flight Level Specially designed to accommodate the entire family's needs, Mira Showers has launched a 25mm low-level shower tray, the Mira Flight Level. With multigenerational living on the rise, the company said it recognised the demand for an accessible solution that could provide an open and spacious showering space for a wetroom look.

The new tray is made from acrylic-capped resin stone, is scratch and chip resistant, and features BioCote technology to reduce bacteria and mould growth by up to 99.9%. The Flight Level's removable waste trap ensures chemical resistance and water tightness.

Nine designs have been added to Fibo UK’s existing range of panel designs and colours. This will include marble and natural stone effects as well as soft greens and neutrals along with four further panels – sea blues and greys – that were previously only sold in Europe.

The introduction of the new designs coincides with a refresh and rebranding of Fibo’s collections: Scandinavian Tile Effect, replacing Marcato, Contemporary Tile Effect, including previous Classic and Colour Splash ranges, as well as Signature and Timeless.

Designed to make fitting shower enclosures easier, Saniflo has introduced the Kinedo Kinespace range of shower cubicles. Available in four sizes, numerous configurations are possible including quadrant, recessed and corner options with pivot or sliding doors, whilst fixed panels also enable customisation.

At 2m high with 6 or 8mm glass, some Kinespace enclosures feature an optional central frosted panel on the glass.

Installation is also described as quick and easy due to the Kineclip which holds the shower door in place, enabling the installer to use both hands to screw the rest of the unit together. Sizes range from between 700 and 1200mm and for larger showers, an additional fixed panel can also be used.

PEGLER VSH FullFlow Ball Valve A full flow ball valve from Pegler will now be available in stainless steel, making it suitable for potable water applications. The VSH FullFlow Ball Valve, part of the VSH XPress system, features one system and one material, eliminating the risk of damaging galvanic corrosion and condensation.

The FullFlow range combines the valve and fitting into one product and, with no coatings to contaminate potable water, there are reportedly no issues regarding drinking water quality. The valve within a fitting is available in ½ to 2inch diameters, making it suitable for small commercial applications and each valve comes in three versions; swivel, press and threaded.

VEHICLES

With parking and reversing accounting for almost one in 10 van accidents, Peugeot is on a mission to end this with surround rear vision technology. PHPI reports back from the manufacturer’s Reverse Challenge, where representatives from three trades battled it out on a reverse obstacle course.

IN REVERSE W

ith nearly one in 10 van accidents occurring when reversing or parking, Peugeot recently invited six of the UK’s tradesmen to go head-to-head in a challenge to test new safety-boosting technology on the new Peugeot Partner van.

Plumbers, Electricians and Carpenters used the van’s Surround Rear Vision to navigate a specially designed obstacle course made up of building site materials in reverse.

Although drivers were timed as they navigated the course, the emphasis was on precision and not speed, as every mistake cost drivers an extra 20 seconds in penalties.

Dodging bricks, pallets and woodpiles, and executing difficult parking manoeuvres, the

44 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

electricians came out on top, after safely navigating the course in the quickest time of four minutes and 49 seconds after penalty deductions.

Safety first The Surround Rear Vision technology has been developed to increase all round visibility to reduce parking and reversing accidents. Using cameras to monitor the van’s surroundings, with a video feed displayed to the driver, the technology gives drivers a wider field of vision compared to standard side-mirrors.

Research from the Department for Transport shows reversing and parking remains an on-going issue for van drivers, with 1,152 parking and reversing accidents reported in 2017. These accounted for nearly 10% of all light good vehicle accidents for the year.

The time spent away from work is compounded by costly repairs. The Association for British Insurers previously estimated average vehicle repair costs in the UK have risen by more than a third since 2013, with the average repair bill following an accident at £2,137.

VEHICLES To see the David Peel, Managing Director also hits our insurance participants in of Peugeot UK, said: “Today was premiums. Scruffy looking action, go to about having a little fun with our vehicles also project a poor www.rdr.link/ all-new Partner van and its image to our customers – we PG023 technology, but also highlighting a want our vans to look as good as crucial safety innovation. the job we’re there to do.

“More than three vans a day are involved “The Surround Rear Vision system takes a in a parking or reversing accident, costing lot of the stress away when reversing, especially businesses time and money. Our Surround in our blind spots. With panel vans, we have Rear Vision technology will undoubtedly no rear view mirror to use, so technology like reduce that figure as drivers have a far better Surround Rear Vision is a huge benefit.” view of their surroundings.”

The new Partner van comes with four trim The Surround Rear Vision system features options: S, Grip, Professional and Asphalt. two cameras, one located at the base of the Surround Rear Vision comes as standard on passenger side door mirror and the other at Asphalt trim and is an optional feature across the top of the rear panel doors. Footage is the rest of the line-up. Standard equipment relayed to a digital screen that replaces the also includes Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, an conventional rear view mirror, giving drivers overhead storage shelf in the cab, DAB radio, the best possible exterior visibility from inside automatic headlights and Peugeot Connect the vehicle. AJ Cookson, from the winning SOS. Standard and Long body options are team of electricians (boo!), said: “A reversing available with payloads ranging from 667kg or parking prang can easily cause damage to to 1,050kg, depending on model. our vehicles and disruption to our businesses.

To find out more about the Peugeot This not only means we’re unable to use the Partner van, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG024 van for work while it is off road for repairs, but

THE RESULTS! Unfortunately, it was a bad day for the plumbers…

1) Electricians 4:49 2) Carpenters 5:04 3) Plumbers 6:16

VEHICLES

GET SMART, LOOK SMART Ben Rotheray, Head of Marketing & Development at Bott Smartvan, asks whether installers are getting the most out of their vans.

H

ow much time do you spend in your van? Probably quite a lot, it’s your biggest toolbox, your transport, your mobile office and the public face of your business! Yet, how much time do you spend thinking about how you use your van? At Bott Smartvan we’re on a mission to enable the trade to get more out of their vehicles and we want to share how investing in your van can reap strong dividends for your business.

Your biggest toolbox How much value are you carrying in your van? It all adds up; high end power tools, parts and consumables plus those go-to tools which you use all time. For many tradespeople there is a five-figure sum sitting in the back of their van. Keeping this tidy and organised is not easy. The challenge is to make the most out of every bit of space, while making sure you can find the tools and parts you need at a glance and still leave space for those bigger items.

Save time and money The savings of investing in a quality in-vehicle

storage system soon add up – fewer lost and damaged parts and less wasted time.

It’s easy to spend an hour a week hunting for tools and parts in your van or making unplanned trips to buy that key missing part needed to complete the job. In addition to the time wasted, there’s the cost; it’s easy to misplace £50 worth of parts in your van each month. If we assume a charge out cost of £60 an hour, then over a year you’re looking at about £3,000 to cover lost revenue and missing and damaged parts. Given that most users keep a van racking system for at least four years, the payback is huge.

Showroom for your business Your van reflects the ethos and attitude of your business – customers get this. If the van is well organised and tidy it makes sense that the work will follow the same pattern. It’s fair to say that when customers buy services from the trade they’re putting their trust in your expertise and experience. By clearly demonstrating your professional approach, they can be sure that they’re investing in the best and can be confident of excellent work.

46 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The Bott Smartvan Online Van Racking Design Tool

Your mobile office As well as being your workshop, your van needs to be your office, enabling you to conduct your business on the move and minimise wasted time and effort. With most tradespeople travelling hundreds of miles each week, many of you will spend as much time in your van as you do at home.

At Bott Smartvan, we have a range of accessories that make the front of your van an equally organised and tidy workplace.

How we can help We want the trade to get more out of their vans. To enable this, we’ve developed our no drill van racking which can be customised to your needs using our online design tool. The system aims to get the most out of your space, protect your tools and ensure you can find that key part quickly.

It’s also simple to fit and does not require any drilling of your van. We don’t stop at racking either, our comprehensive range of security and organisation products, along with other key accessories, help you get more out of your van.

To find out more about how Bott Smartvan can help you organise your vehicle, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG025

VEHICLES

FORT KNOX We get the lowdown on the recently enhanced Van Vault system from Drew Styles.

A

s part of its drive to tackle tool theft crime, Van Vault has launched a new product range. Last year saw around 280,000 tool theft crimes across the UK. With the average value of tools left in tradespeople’s vans costing £2,880, Van Vault understands the importance of helping protect tools and deter thieves with effective, secure, storage solutions.

With a break-in taking as little as 10 seconds, the new range has introduced key enhancements, which will be fundamental in making it much harder to steal valuable power tools and equipment.

Eight new products offering advanced protection, include the traditional box style containers and the easy to use drawer sliders.

The products have also been independently tested and certified by Sold Secure, an independent test house for security products owned by the Master Locksmith Association. All eight Van Vaults were subjected to six different levels of rigorous attack by trained professionals and were all found to be impenetrable, highlights the manufacturer. Van Vault is also the first vehicle storage product on the market to be accredited by Secured by Design – the UK’s Police approved standard.

All of the key areas of attack have been strengthened including a cross bar reinforced

Drew’s verdict

lid which is “next to impossible to prise open.”

A new VaultLock locking system has been introduced which sits deep within the body of the box shielded by a hardened steel plate, protecting from drilling, picking and cutting.

The products also now come with an anti-theft fixing kit to ensure they can be properly mounted to the vehicle floor.

Van Vault has also improved its storage space and functionality with the new range, introducing a wide mouth drop front to the storage containers. A recessed lock also protects the key from damage when left in the lock, and an easy-lift gas strut through the body of the box ensures a soft open and close lid action and maximises storage space.

“With the average value of tools left in tradespeople’s vans costing £2,880, Van Vault understands the importance of helping protect tools and deter thieves with effective, secure, storage solutions.”

48 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Well with vans always an easy target for thieves, the Van Vault Slim Slider is a great way to keep your tools safe. I’m fortunate that I can back my van up to a wall, so if someone does manage to get in it’s impossible to get into the draw.

The one thing I would say is, I’ve fitted the Slim Slider and it’s a heavy beast, so make sure someone’s on hand to help you install it.

There’s a great amount of space for keeping all your gear in. The only downside to this is it takes up a lot of space, but fortunately Van Vault does another version which is narrower, so you could have the same high level of security but with room to slide more items in next to it.

Having seen a few of these installed I decided to follow suit and use it as an excuse to put a false floor in which is something that is practical and I’ll admit it looks great but isn’t essential. It’s extremely solid and secure, so if someone does manage to get in it’ll be verging on impossible for them to get in without making enough noise to get your attention.

All in all, it’s definitely something worth considering if you want to take your security to the next level.

If this product was a song it would be...

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – Juggernaut!

To find out more about the Van Vault Slim Slider, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG026

# CORNER Kelly Newstead returns to take a look at the recent conversation regarding expanding your business.

T

he decision to expand your business and take on new staff can be both a daunting and exciting prospect.

With many reports suggesting that skills shortages are rife within the trade profession, as well as the increasing cost of employment, this task can become more of a challenge than expected. We take a look at a recent discussion by the #TradesTalk community to see how others tackle this.

First and foremost, the conversation looked at challenges and namely question one asked: “What barriers do you think there might be to taking on an employee for your business?” Cost implications were a major factor to hiring someone new, especially if that person turned out to be incorrect for the job. There were even some suggestions from participants stating that they could do with the extra help but the whole process surrounding employment laws, training and trusting an individual was just too daunting.

Next, #TradesTalk focused on asking for tips on how people can find the right person for them and their business, as it was clear this process was tricky.

Interestingly, some suggested that you can tell a lot about someone by looking at their tools, suggesting if they take care of them, it usually means they care about the job. A popular answer was also hiring someone on a trial basis to see how they fit in with the team, gauge their work ethic and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills/capability. This was something highlighted by Paul Fasham (@fash1985):

Next the question focused on the problems with being an employer as #TradesTalk asked: “We know some of you have expanded and then downsized again – what were some of the disadvantages of being an employer?” Again the answers concentrated on the cost aspect, especially when businesses are experiencing quieter periods, as well as concerns surrounding unreliability with employees. This was explained by AI Fitzjohn (AJFitzLtd):

Considering the difficulties then of hiring new staff, the conversation concluded by discussing the possibility of outsourcing some of the business to allow more free time.

A lot of responses suggested that they were quite sceptical about outsourcing their business and this was for various reasons, including expenses and trust.

In contrast, some pointed out that having access to a reliable network of trade professionals close by could help develop trust with customers, as work could be passed on in the safe knowledge that the job would be completed efficienctly. This was summed up nicely by M B Plumbing (@mbplumbers) who simply stated:

And this is definitely something we have seen happening throughout the #TradesTalk community and across social media as a whole. Quite often trade professionals connect with each other across these platforms to share advice and support others on a job when it’s needed.

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

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:

Register for free at: www.toolfair.info GET HANDS ON WITH ALL THE LATEST TOOLS G NEW PRODUCTS

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.

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

We turn up the heat on Ben Smailes and Becky Bates as they take a shine to the latest in flexibility and comfort from the Snickers Workwear summer collection.

Becky’s verdict Haze Mars SG80118 Shoes

HIGH SEASON Ben’s verdict

I

was attracted to the products because Snickers is a well-known brand, which is well recognised for quality and durability.

What I didn’t realise until I started testing these out on site, was the flexibility in the clothes that has been added, which makes them really comfortable on the job.

Haze Moon SG80119 Shoes These really are a great look, and I felt like I was wearing slippers, which was a bit unnerving to start with. I have quite narrow feet and found my feet moved around a bit whilst wearing them, but generally they were great and really comfortable.

6341 Stretch Trousers Not my normal choice of style. Usually I’d opt for a boot cut (a bit baggie), yet I found the slim fit very comfy when wearing them for a variety of tasks, from fixing a cold water main to building my new garden shed.

2708 Polo & 2502 T-shirt Pretty straightforward review this one – great colour, nice fit and comfy. They both also looked smart when meeting customers, so no complaints!

The idea of a steel toe cap shoe as a trainer has always appealed to me, but ones I’ve tried in the past I’ve found to look bulky and feel heavy. With these however, I was super impressed from the moment I put them on.

They look cool, stylish and feel comfortable, even after a long day.

My absolute favourite feature is the twist and go laces. An absolute time saver when going in and out of customers’ houses. I’ve also had a lot of comments from customers on how great they look and work.

I’ve worn the shoes for about a month now and they’ve been put through their paces.

Dusty bathroom rip outs, outside on rainy days and they still look great. One thing I have noticed in the past, other shoes have worn away around the toe cap from kneeling down a lot. I see no signs of this happening anytime soon with these shoes. I would absolutely recommend these shoes.

2580 T-Shirt 8004 Technology Fleece I really liked the colour and look of the top. I found it fitted well. The best thing about it is that you can wear it in all weathers. It kept me warm on the spring mornings, yet equally kept me cooler in the evenings without overheating.

Summary I would perhaps opt for holster pockets on the trousers, as these are really handy and I am used to having these pockets on the trousers. All in all, however, I am very impressed with the clothes range and the footwear. I would definitely recommend these products to others in the trade. The new line has really added to the brand and I’m looking forward to seeing more in the future.

52 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

It’s hard to say a lot about a T-Shirt but first thought was it looked smart and professional!

So much so that along with the fleece I’ve

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

8017 37.5 Fleece I love this fleece, and out of all the products this is my favourite. It’s a perfect fit, looks smart, professional and along with the T-Shirt I have kept as my outfit for when I go to look at jobs.

It’s comfortable, warm and durable.

The stitching & zip are strong, and the stretchability is great and makes the fleece non-restrictive when moving around. It has a zip pocket on the arm which is perfect for my phone and two good sized side pockets. I would highly recommend this fleece to ladies in the industry as it is a perfect fit.

kept these as my outfit for when I go and look at jobs.

It’s a nice fit and the material feels durable and not too thick (breathable). The stitching is strong and I am confident it would withstand a lot of wear. Another thing I like is there’s no label at the back of your neck! There’s nothing more irritating than an itchy label.

2880 Hoodie This is by far the coolest looking of the clothing. I especially like the Snickers logo to the front. I love how comfortable & cosy this hoodie feels, yet still tough. It’s a well-made jumper with strong stitching & zip.

I didn’t wear the hoodie whilst working, but found it perfect to throw on in the morning driving to work and then at the end of the day.

It made me look smart and professional when turning up to a job.

To find out more information about the workwear on offer from Snickers, simply GO TO

6143 Shorts I’ll be honest, I’ve never been one for wearing work shorts. I just think I look daft! That said, I gave the shorts a go on a lovely sunny day when I was working outside fitting a new soil stack. The material, although very light weight and breathable, has a tough feel. And the stitching is strong. I really like the stretchability of the shorts and didn’t feel restricted with movement. The built in belt is a great feature and makes the wasteband really comfortable – no digging in. The shorts have ample pockets with a good ratio of open and zip pockets.

No silly pockets where you think what on earth would I put in there! The pockets were also not tight, for instance when I had screws in my back pocket I didn’t struggle to get my hand into the pocket. Although I’m not a work shorts person, I must say I was very impressed with these and will continue to wear them – I’ve been converted!

www.rdr.link/PG027

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 53

HIKOKI

FOR THIS HIKOKI HACK, YOU WILL NEED:

HACK • 1 SHEET OF ¾-INCH PLYWOOD (QUALITY IS NOT AN ISSUE) • 1 LEAF BLOWER (GAS OR ELECTRIC) • 1 HEAVY-DUTY SHOWER CURTAIN • 2 ROLLS OF DUCT TAPE • A DOWEL • A SELECTION OF YOUR FAVOURITE TOOLS AND FASTENERS

OFF YOUR TROLLEY!

Fed up of lugging stuff around on site? How about building your own hover trolley to take the load off? Nick Chan at HiKOKI Power Tools shows you how.

1 Cut a 4 by 3ft rectangle from the plywood.

Position the extendible pan connector centrally at the back of the rectangle, trace around the nozzle and cut a hole to match so it will fit tightly.

1

the excess curtain and seal the edge, all the way around, with duct tape.

Make it airtight. Don't skimp.

3 On the underside of the plywood rectangle, screw a rectangle of spare wood in the centre to hold down the shower curtain. Cut a ring of six 2-inch holes in the curtain, all a couple of inches from the wood.

The air escaping from the shower curtain "pillow" will be the cushion that puts the hover in your craft.

3

2

2 Next make the skirt. Lay your shower curtain down flat and place the plywood rectangle on top. Fold the shower curtain up and around the edges of the plywood and use a staple gun to secure it all along the perimeter of the circle. Cut off

54 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Next, we need to build the structure for the handle for the trolley. I used what I had available; some leftover pallet wood from a deck chair build and some OSB. By screwing these together it gave me the familiar look of a heavy duty trolley. I then measured the dowel, cut it to length and screwed it between the two uprights. I made sure that the dowel could rotate as this will come in handy later.

4 We now need to secure the leaf blower and connect its nozzle to the extendible pan connector. With securing the leaf blower, again I used what I had at hand, so some wrist straps from old drills and some marker board brackets to apply some downward force to the blower. But you can use whatever you have available, including wildly wrapping duct tape round the blower.

4

5 Next youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to create a throttle. You could always mount the blower higher so you pull the trigger and push it at the same time, but whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fun in that!

Using an eyelet and some string, I tied a simple slip knot around the trigger, then fed it through the eyelet which is secured into one of the uprights. I then drilled a hole through the dowel handle, passed the string through it and secured the string with a few knots.

Now if you twist the dowel it should pull the trigger. It might be worth securing one side of the string with a strip of tape so it stays in the optimum position on the trigger.

5

6 Now you're ready to fire it up. When loading, try to keep the weight evenly distributed, so stack items (or people) centrally.

We gave this a test in our warehouse and managed to push over 200kg of nails with relative ease.

Remember, this is just a fun project and you should always follow manual handling regulations on your building site.

6

TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF THIS HIKOKI HACK, GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/PG028

Dinner with the President

MIND THE GAP I

recently had the honour of being a guest speaker at the CIPHE’s President’s Dinner, an opportunity made even more special by the presence of Tracey Richardson, President, and Dame Fiona Woolf, Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, who are both fantastic role models for women seeking to enter the plumbing and heating industry. Indeed, it was on the theme of entering the profession and embarking upon a career as a plumbing or heating engineer, that my speech was primarily focused upon.

The City & Guilds Group is dedicated to providing skills development opportunities, an objective which aligns closely with that of the

Kirstie Donnelly, MBE, Managing Director at the City & Guilds Group, recently delivered a keynote speech at the CIPHE annual President’s Dinner about why apprenticeship schemes are crucial for bridging the widening skills gap in the industry.

Institute’s. The fluctuating popularity of apprenticeships presents a threat, but is also an opportunity to address the skills gap that we face. Trades operating in this sector have traditionally and consistently applied the apprenticeship model to create a pipeline of skilled talent, which has helped to equip existing workforces with the right combination of competencies for today, and for the future.

As part of my speech I asked the audience to raise their hands, by way of showing who had started their career as an apprentice, to which the majority of the room responded positively.

In a room full of industry leaders, this really highlights the importance of apprenticeship schemes, and shows just how far you can go by choosing this career entry point.

The challenge of recruiting

Tracey and Kirstie

The City & Guilds Group recently conducted some research into the area of recruitment.

The results showed that 89% of UK employers are struggling to recruit staff that are

56 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

sufficiently skilled, with 63% believing that the skills gaps in their businesses are likely to get worse over the next three to five years.

Clearly, there is a need to develop home-grown talent, in order to bridge this growing problem. Apprenticeships are a massive part of the solution, given their potential to provide learners at all levels, in a hands-on and practical way.

They differ from the higher education route in this regard, which has long been lauded as the Holy Grail of achievement by successive governments. The need to emphasise an apprenticeship or technical route to employment has never been greater, not least because there has been research to suggest that by 2022, only 30% of jobs will require graduate-level academic qualifications.

The City & Guilds Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship Standard is an example of a recently launched scheme – which is actually one of the new trailblazer apprenticeships –

that recognises the engineering discipline required to pursue a career in this industry.

Ongoing learning Engineers are required to continually learn even after gaining qualifications, by keeping abreast of legislative and technological changes that affect their work. The fact that mistakes can have severe life-impacting consequences, such as through scalding incidents or Legionella cases, means that installers are obligated to strive for professionalism.

This is what makes the work of the CIPHE so important, especially in its promotion of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

By creating a platform which makes CPD as straightforward as possible, hosted on its website with tips and administrative support, the Institute continues to help its members upskill, with the ultimate aim of protecting the public and those most vulnerable in society.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Along with training in the knowledge, skills, and core behaviours for all aspects of plumbing and heating systems, apprentices are being equipped with skills for the future.â&#x20AC;?

Diligent members of the industry will appreciate how an organisation such as the CIPHE can support their development needs.

Apprenticeships are an integral building block of this process, as is the provision of clear progress routes from one level to the next, i.e. intermediate (L2) to advanced (L3).

Along with being trained in the knowledge, skills, and core behaviours for all aspects of plumbing and heating systems, apprentices are equipped with skills for the future. This

means that they will be at the forefront of responding to a changing industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; installing new and exciting environmental technologies like heat pumps, solar thermal systems, biomass boilers, and water recycling systems.

The skills gap is a challenge that needs addressing, and it is my belief that the primary way to do this is to focus on providing high-quality apprenticeships and encourage more young people to start their careers in this way. However, we can only create these high-quality routes by working together, which involves promoting the benefits to the education delivery side too. Everyone in the industry has a part to play and a responsibility to leave the sector in a better position than they inherited it in. That is how continual improvement will be delivered.

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

www.rdr.link/PG029

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]

IN STYLE Following the launch of Worcester Bosch’s new Lifestyle range, the company is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Greenstar 8000 Style boiler!

A

fter years of development and direct feedback from hundreds of installers, Worcester Bosch recently launched its Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range – a boiler specifically designed to offer installers more choice, depending on installation location and customer need.

The new top-of-the-range model, the Greenstar 8000 Style is described as the company’s most stylish boiler to date and comes in two distinctive high gloss colour options: black and white. It aims to redefine on aesthetic look and feel, changing how homeowners perceive a boiler to look and perform. For installers, it also looks to adapt how boilers are installed and maintained, with an array of features designed to save time on both.

WIN!

System. This feature ensures the boiler maintains optimum pressure, without the need to operate a filling link.

Improved efficiency The Style is available in combi, system and regular, from 30 up to 50kW – making it the most powerful wall-hung combi boiler on the market. It has been designed to improve fuel efficiency, user comfort and boiler longevity by preventing on/off cycling.

Innovating heating system Not only is the new boiler range built with more power, it is designed to be robust, lightweight and simple to fit.

The Greenstar 8000 Style is compatible with the latest intelligent and smart technology, which has full wireless connectivity with the Bosch EasyControl and is compatible with the Greenstar Intelligent Filling

Full colour control panel and touch buttons Crucially, the Style comes with a touchscreen display which unlocks a whole host of advanced features through simple navigation, full colour display and clear text descriptions.

Perfect for those who are tech-savvy and looking to actively monitor their household energy.

A Greenstar 8000 Style boiler!

premium-look internally – similar to what you would see with a modern car engine, says Worcester. It can also be removed with one screw, providing further access to key components and reduces noise levels when operating.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning a Greenstar 8000 Style boiler, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG030

and answer the following question.

Installer friendly The internal components of the new boiler can be easily accessed with only one screw to take off the front cover. The top and side panels are also removable, meaning installers can access the internals from all angles. The combustion chamber provides a neat,

Q: WHAT TYPE OF PET HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR WORCESTER BOSCH? A: DOG B: CAT C: FISH

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JULY/AUGUST 2019 59

xxxxxxxxxx

For more fantastic giveaways and competitions, be sure to GO TO www.rdr.link/PG031

1

VELOCITY PROGEAR ROGUE 5.0 BACKPACK Off the back of the success of the Rogue 6.0 Tech case XL, Velocity has released its Rogue 5.0 Backpack. The product has been designed to be the ultimate install-service backpack for professional tradesmen and women on the move, as the front and rear compartments have been designed for vertical tool storage.

Rogue 5.0 is said to enable trade professionals to store and access their tools effortlessly and the backpack also incorporates high-performance fabrics, magnetic buckle systems and YKK interlocking zips. Velocity is also giving away three Raptor Backpacks as a runner up prize!

3

DRAPER FIBREGLASS 3 STEP LADDER Draperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Fibreglass 3 step ladder is described as the perfect tool for any hands-on trades professional.

Fitted with deep ridged aluminium treads, it is manufactured to EN 131 professional standards and features non-slip rubber feet to provide stability and comfort when working on the job, with a maximum load of 150kg.

As part of the Draper Expert range, this ladder was designed with the professional in mind. The high strength lightweight frame, with a total weight of 6.1kg, allows the user to transport the ladder effortlessly, making it easier than ever to work on the go. It has an open height of 1,060mm (approx.) a spread of 881mm (approx.) and a closed length of 1,200mm (approx.).

TO BACK THIS COMPETITION, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG032

TO CLIMB THE LADDER OF SUCCESS, GO TO

www.rdr.link/PG033

3

HULTAFORS HAMMER SET Whatever type of hammering jobs you have to do, the Hultafors Tools range of Hammers promises to deliver all the power and precision needed. The set of three hammers from Hultafors includes a Bricklayers Hammer, a Carpenters' Hammer and a T-Block Hammer.

They are described as tools that can handle the toughest work, delivering the best possible levels of precision, performance and safety. The hammers are all ergonomically designed for ease of use and come with a special grip technology.

TO HAMMER HOME THE COMPETITION, GO TO www.rdr.link/PG034

…

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

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD?

JEROME WILLIAMS

NIGHT OWL

COMPANY NAME:

ORGANISED VAN OR MESSY VAN?

J WILLIAMS HEATING

TIDY VAN ALL DAY LONG.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN

COPPER OR PLASTIC?

INVOLVED IN HEATING AND

COPPER

PLUMBING?

PICK ONE . . .

ABOUT 15 YEARS. WORKED FOR MYSELF FOR NINE YEARS.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION

QUICKFIRE

NEW YORK

TEA OR COFFEE?

MEAL

TEA! I LOVE COFFEE TOO, BUT TEA AND

EVERYDAY MEAL SPAGHETTI

BISCUITS? FORGET ABOUT IT!

BOLOGNESE, BUT IF I COULD, I’D HAVE CARIBBEAN FOR SPECIAL

WINTER OR SUMMER?

OCCASIONS.

SUMMER. I LIKE TO FINISH WORK AND SOCIALISE WITH FRIENDS IN THE SUMMER. THERE’S SO

MOVIE

MUCH GOING ON IN BRIGHTON DURING THE

PROBABLY FORREST GUMP, DUE

SUMMER.

TO THE RANGE OF EMOTIONS IT TAKES YOU THROUGH.

TWITTER OR FACEBOOK? TWITTER. HAS ANYBODY EVER SAID FACEBOOK?

SUPERHERO TALENT THE ABILITY TO MAKE PEOPLE

SWEET OR SAVOURY?

HAPPY/LAUGH. LAUGHING IS

SAWEET!

UNDERRATED.

KETCHUP OR MAYO? MAYO BATH OR SHOWER? HMM, I DO LIKE A HOT SOAK IN THE BATH AFTER A LONG DAY, BUT WOULD HAVE TO SAY A STEAMING SHOWER. CITY BREAK OR BEACH HOLIDAY? CITY BREAK. DO I LOOK LIKE THE TYPE TO SUNTAN?!

CAR FERRARI LAFERRARI DINNER GUEST ALEX FERGUSON, THE MAN IS JUST A PHENOMENON. ACCENT I LIKE MOST ACCENTS, BUT IF I HAD TO PICK ONE IT WOULD BE IRISH I SUPPOSE. I’M

“Laughing is underrated.”

PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY THE WAY THAT COCKNEY LAD CLIVE O’MALLEY FAKES HIS.

NEW PRODUCTS MORE INFO

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

www.rdr.link/PG035

VELOCITY PROGEAR Rogue 5.0 Backpack Launching its range of tool storage solutions back in 2016 with its Raptor tool bag range, Velocity Progear has now extended its offering to include the premium Rogue tool bags range. In addition, off the back of the success of the Rogue 6.0 Tech case XL, Velocity has released the Rogue 5.0 Backpack.

The Rogue 5.0 Backpack's front and rear compartments have been designed for vertical tool storage for install-service applications. Rogue 5.0 incorporates high-performance fabrics, magnetic buckle systems along with YKK interlocking zips.

The company has also announced it will launch three further Rogue models on 19-20th September at the Toolfair Exhibition, Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

DASSY D-FLEX

DICKIES 2019-20 catalogue Featuring a new layout plus 17 new products, Dickies has unveiled its 2019-20 catalogue. The catalogue is over 300 pages long – the largest ever published by Dickies – and the new design aims to make it simple for tradespeople to use. For example, footwear products are split according to safety classifications, while other sections include hi-vis, trousers and shorts, and tops and outerwear, for quick reference.

New products include the Dickies GDT Premium Shorts, which are said to be lightweight and easy to coordinate with other items within the GDT Premium range and feature a Cordura pocket, plus wide belt loops and hip pockets.

The D-FLEX collection from DASSY professional workwear features 11 new items and reportedly offers durable garments that provide optimal freedom of movement.

Thanks to its main fabric with mechanical stretch, the 4-way stretch inserts in strategic areas and the Cordura Stretch at the knee, ensure the DASSY D-FLEX work trousers stretch and flex exactly where professionals need extra elasticity.

To reinforce the stretch zones, the company has also used Cordura Stretch fabric at the knee pockets and in the stretch inserts as well. The new topwear items, such as the T-shirt and polo, also feature high performance fabrics meaning they are antibacterial, quick drying and offer UV sun protection.

BOSCH PROFESSIONAL Rotary hammer Bosch Professional is extending its 18-volt product range and is launching the GBH 18V-26 D Professional – the powerful cordless rotary hammer with D-handle, offering KickBack control for improved user protection. The tool has an impact energy of 2.5 joules with a high impact rate of 4,350 beats per minute.

The brushless motor of this cordless rotary hammer contributes to the efficiency of the tool. When combined with a 5.0 Ah battery, the GBH 18V-26 D Professional can drill around 110 holes (8 by 40mm) in concrete. For particularly demanding drilling and chiselling applications, tradespeople can use the high-performance ProCORE18V battery.

HULTAFORS GROUP Hellberg safety Featuring in its brand portfolio for professional tradesmen and women, the Hultafors Group has added Hellberg Safety PPE products.

With over 50 years’ experience in the PPE industry, the Hellberg Safety specialist equipment includes hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions for personal protection on site. From face guards, helmets and passive hearing protection with up to three levels of protection from low to extreme noise, Hellberg also supplies secure electronic hearing protectors to suit different work environments.

SNICKERS Workwear catalogue

CONEX BÄNNINGER >B< MaxiPro As demand for the flame-free ACR press system reportedly continues to grow, Conex Bänninger has extended its >B< MaxiPro product range. The new fittings include three types of long coupler, copper flare joints available with brass and stainless steel nuts, a range of copper flare washers in different sizes, and a suction line P-trap. A 100ml bottle of press fitting lubricant has also been added.

The >B< MaxiPro was developed specifically for use in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. It is designed to be used up to a maximum operating pressure of 48 bar, with a maximum operating temperature range of -40 to 121°C. It has the benefit of a 3-point press, with one press each side of the bead and one compressing the O-ring, providing a permanent, leak-free joint.

Including the latest designs and fabric technology, Snickers Workwear has introduced its 200-page catalogue. The catalogue showcases the company’s range including; the AllroundWork, RUFFWork, LITEWork and FLEXIWork clothing, featuring trousers, jackets, tool vests, shirts, accessories and more – plus a range of EN-certified PPE working clothes.

Snickers’ range also features street-smart stretch fabrics for mobile comfort and a Layered Clothing System that ensures the wearer can choose clothes to suit the weather on site. This is also complemented by Snickers’ Profiling and Embroidery services.

TITON CME3 Q Plus Developed to meet the requirements of System 3 in accordance with Part F of the Building Regulations, Titon has added the CME3 Q Plus to its range of continuous mechanical extract units. Its compact profile allows it to be fitted in airing cupboards, storage cupboards or loft spaces and its round circular ports makes it ideal for refurbishment or replacement.

Suitable for use in dwellings with up to six wet rooms, the low noise unit has a large duty range of over 120 l/s (400m3/hr) at reasonable static pressure (100 Pa). Compatible with both 100 and 125mm diameter ducting, the CME3 Q Plus also utilises an electronically commutated (EC) motor to ensure high levels of energy efficiency.

VIEGA Easytop ball valves Designed for thick-walled steel tube systems, Viega has extended its Megapress range further with new Easytop ball valves. The valves are available in ½ to 2inch sizes and with both a standard EPDM sealing element and a Megapress S version, with an FKM sealing element suitable for higher temperature applications up to 140°C. The range of Viega Easytop system fittings includes products for use on copper, stainless-steel and plastic (multilayer) systems in a range of pipe sizes, including XL dimensions. The product portfolio also features adapters suitable for threaded and soldered connections.

MAINCOR Mechanical fittings Installers opting for connection fittings from Maincor can now take advantage of its mechanical fittings, which are said to reduce installation times.

Made from brass, Maincor compression fittings for joining Flextra Pipe and making building connections feature two bolts; one for opening the fitting, and one for tightening it on to the pipe.

Reportedly minimising the potential for human error and reducing fitting times, Maincor connectors from 32mm and above are made with a clamping sleeve.

Creating huge pressure to the joint, this solution is said to make it impossible for the pipe to slide out of the connector.

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX BMA ................................................................................. (page 43)

Pump Technology ......................................................... (page 31)

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

Robert Bosch ................................................................ (page 20)

Comap .............................................................................. (page 11)

The Electric Heating Company ................................. (page 15)

Continental Underfloor ................................................. (page 7)

Toolfair Exhibition ................................................ (pages 50, 51)

Co-op Insurance ........................................................... (page 19)

Toolstream ..................................................................... (page 47)

Electric Combi Boilers Company .............................. (page 31)

UK Underfloor Heating ................................................ (page 31)

Fibo .................................................................................. (page 34)

Vauxhall Motors ................................................... (pages 32, 33)

Firebird Products .......................................................... (Page 27)

Wavin ............................................................. (inside front cover)

Freezemaster ................................................................ (page 45)

Wilo ................................................................................. (page 22)

Gas Logic ....................................................................... (page 57)

Wirquin ............................................................................ (page 37)

Grant Engineering .......................................................... (page 8)

Wirquin ........................................................................... (page 39)

Kohler Mira ....................................................................... (page 2)

Wirquin ............................................................................ (page 41)

LG Electronics ................................................................. (page 4)

Wiseman ........................................................................ (page 29)

Nu-Heat ...................................................... (outside back cover)

Zircon Corporation ....................................................... (page 13)

Pegler .............................................................................. (page 37)

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

Visit phpionline.co.uk for even more content!

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

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

Plumbers and heating engineers can also follow all the latest updates on PHPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media feeds.

On each platform, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find exclusive #InstallOfFame and Horror Show archives, as well as giveaways and competitions!

BProfessionalPlumber A@phpi DPhpimagazine FPHPImagazine Vphpimag

in association with

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

SALT

FACT FILE Here are five facts that you may not know about Norway! ● Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world. Two of these, the Geiranger Fjord and the Nærøy fjord, feature on the Unesco World Heritage List ● The paper clip is a Norwegian invention ● In 2008, Norway knighted a king penguin called Nils Olav ● Norway introduced salmon sushi to the Japanese in the eighties ● In 2011, Norway went through a nationwide butter shortage, where smugglers would often get caught smuggling butter

NAME THAT FILM

Answer: Cloud Atlas

Norwegian Ayla Kirstine, dubbed horse woman, took the internet by storm recently with a video that went viral of her galloping around like a horse. The video depicts Ayla gracefully cantering around fields and even managing to leap over a picnic bench with incredible ease.

For Ayla though, this isn’t just horse play, as she has been perfecting her skills since she was just four years old. As a young girl, Ayla explains how she wanted to be a dog due to her love of the animal, but things took a different path from there. Soon she perfected and developed her unique skill of uncannily impersonating horses – mastering a variety of movements in the process. Under no illusion that some may think it falls foal (sorry) of more ‘standard’ hobbies, she says she tries not to listen to the critics and instead just does exactly what she wants.

She proudly displays her talents on social media, uploading a variety of videos where she can be seen trotting down country lanes, bolting over hurdles and leaping about a field with a dog. This is a hobby that certainly bucks the trend!

CALM

One solution is: Calm, Palm, Pale, Sale, Salt

HORSING AROUND

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