February 2021 by PHAM News

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FEBRUARY 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 1

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Call to prioritise professional tradespeople for the Covid jab Charlie Mullins, the outspoken chairman of Pimlico Plumbers, argues that giving tradespeople the vaccine should be considered a vital step in preventing the further spread of Covid-˚ˢ Pimlico Plumbers founder and chairman Charlie Mullins OBE has called on the government to add professions that rely on workers entering homes and business premises to the Covid-˚ˢ vaccine priority list. ̵Nā ÖũėŽāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞŋŭā āĿťķŋƘāù in essential services, which come

£˚˞˙ training reward for recognised courses A hundred training rewards, each worth £˚˞˙ each, are available to plumbing and heating companies, thanks to APHC (Training) Ltd, a registered educational charity and sister company to the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors.

into contact with people in their households or places of work, should follow teachers and the emergency services in receiving a vaccine after the elderly, vulnerable and healthcare workers. ̵¦ũÖùāŭťāŋťķā ťũŋƑĢùĢłė ŭāũƑĢóāŭ such as emergency heating and plumbing repairs have continued

to work throughout the pandemic, which involves, even with social distancing and hygiene measures, the potential to come into contact with people in their homes. Pimlico has completed more than ˚˙˙̇˙˙˙ jobs since the start of the first national lockdown without incident and also introduced lateral flow testing for its workforce as part of additional safety measures. !ĞÖũķĢā mŽķķĢłŭ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Rĕ ŶĞā ÖĢĿ is to stop the spread of this ruthless killer-virus, then vaccinating vital occupations and trades who have contact with the most people has to be as much of a complete no-brainer as prioritising the elderly and vulnerable. ̦Rł ĕÖóŶ̇ ėāŶŶĢłė ŶĞā ıÖð ĢłŶŋ people who must continue to move around a lot and come into contact

with others is another very good way of protecting the vulnerable. The less chance an at-risk person has of coming into contact with an infected person, the safer they are.” While acknowledging that the elderly and other vulnerable members of society should be first in line for the vaccine, Mullins argues that it’s important to ensure that staff and customers are as safe as they can be. ̦RŶ̪ŭ łŋŶ āłŋŽėĞ Ŷŋ ŋłķƘ concentrate on those most likely to suffer severe symptoms or even die from Covid, while ignoring those whose essential work takes them into contact with large numbers of people and households. That means certain occupations should also be included sooner rather than later, irrespective of individual ƒŋũĴāũ̪ Öėā ŋũ ĿāùĢóÖķ ĞĢŭŶŋũƘ̵̧̍

APHC (Training) administers the reward scheme every year to help safeguard the long-term professional development of the industry by incentivising plumbing and heating engineers to refresh their knowledge and gain new skills. The £˚˞˙ reward can be used for a certificated course with a recognised training provider such as APHC, BPEC, City & Guilds and all UKAS-approved ACS providers. One challenge for many businesses has been the need to access training and assessment in a safe, Covid-secure environment.

To meet this head on, APHC has worked closely with BPEC to ensure that training and assessment can be delivered remotely. Using Microsoft Teams, delegates can undertake training via a PC or laptop and can then take an online assessment using a blend of long answer and multiple-choice questions and visual exercises. The ˛˙˛˚ ťũŋėũÖĿĿā ŋĕ̵óŋŽũŭāŭ includes Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment & Disinfection, Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented), and Sanitary and Above Ground Drainage.

The £˚˞˙̵ ŶũÖĢłĢłė̵ ũāƒÖũù Ģŭ available to all plumbing and heating companies in England and ÂÖķāŭ̵ũāėÖũùķāŭŭ ŋĕ ƒĞāŶĞāũ ŶĞāƘ Öũā̵ ĿāĿðāũŭ̵ ŋĕ N!̵̍ Rł ŋũùāũ to receive the reward companies Öũā ũāŨŽĢũāù̵ Ŷŋ ŭāłù Ö óŋťƘ ŋĕ the training course invoice, along with the successful course completion certificate, to APHC who will then pay for the cost of the course, up to £˚˞˙, straight into the employer’s business bank account. Further information on the Training Reward can be found at www.aphc.co.uk/training-reward

Inside this issue Energy Matters Guide to Future Homes Standard See page ˚˝

Training Update See page ˚ˡ

COMPETITION WIN Makita tools accessories! See page ˝˚

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Inside this issue 3 FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 1

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

A place in the queue It is perhaps inevitable that the introduction of a vaccine programme to halt the spread of Covid-˚ˢ would spark a debate ÖðŋŽŶ ƒĞŋ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā Ʃ ũŭŶ Ģł ķĢłā Ŷŋ ėāŶ ŶĞā ıÖð Öłù ƒĞŋ óÖł āƗťāóŶ to be at the back of the queue. While there is widespread agreement that the most vulnerable members of society are in more urgent need of protection, there is less concord when it óŋĿāŭ Ŷŋ ùāóĢùĢłė ƒĞŋ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ťũĢŋũĢŶĢŭāù ÖĿŋłėŭŶ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ Öėā groups, front line workers and service providers. There are also other moral dilemmas to consider. Should some companies be allowed to pay to have their workforce vaccinated? And should the richer parts of the world feel obliged to donate some of their vaccine supplies to poorer nations? All tricky life and death decisions that cannot be taken lightly. Accusations of self-interest are hard to avoid when a company calls for its employees to be vaccinated, but the logic behind such ÖũėŽĿāłŶŭ Öũā āŨŽÖķķƘ ĞÖũù Ŷŋ ùāłƘ̍ Rĕ ŶĞā ŋðıāóŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā āƗāũóĢŭā Ģŭ to protect customers and the public at large, then surely it makes sense to ensure that those who are likely to be working in homes are not going to be posing a threat to their health. Pimlico Plumbers is one company that has been very vocal about the need Ŷŋ ĿĢłĢĿĢŭā ŶĞā ũĢŭĴŭ Ŷŋ ĢŶŭ ŭŶÖƦ Öłù óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Öłù ƒÖŭ ŨŽĢóĴ Ŷŋ introduce a Covid testing programme for its ˝˞˙-strong workforce. Company chairman Charlie Mullins has now called on the government to add tradespeople to the vaccine priority list (see this month’s cover story). While there might be more political points to be won by embracing the cause of teachers, healthcare workers and emergency service providers, it makes a lot of sense to widen the net to provide as much protection as possible for anyone who is likely to come into contact with the public on a regular basis.

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

News Review

Electric van is top prize in Baxi installer promotion After a challenging 2020, Baxi is giving installers an extra boost this year with the chance of driving away a brand new electric van. Keen to put 2020 in the rear-view mirror, the boiler manufacturer will be giving one lucky installer the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a shiny new Nissan E-NV200 Visia Electric Van, to thank them for their hard work as they get back out on the road to keep heating Britain. As well as the van, Baxi will also be giving installers an extra boost with the opportunity to win one of 500 prizes, from £10 Costa Coffee vouchers to £ 0 Halfords vouchers. All installers need to do to be in with a chance of bagging a prize is sign up to Baxi Works before 4 April and register at least one boiler. Every boiler registered during the campaign will also submit an entry, so the more registrations, the more chances of winning. Existing Baxi Works members can enter the prize draw by submitting a testimonial using the

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suggestions box on the dashboard of their Baxi Works account. Dave Cook, residential sales director – UK & Ireland at Baxi, says: “After a difficult 2020, we wanted to give installers a boost of positivity. Throughout the pandemic heating engineers have continued to supply vital heating services, keeping the country going at a time when people are more reliant than ever on their heating system at home. “It’s been a rocky start to 2021, so we are keen to show our support for installers who continue to work hard to keep heating Britain, and help them make the year ahead a success. We look forward to spreading a bit of positivity, and best of luck to all those entering!” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/01

Scheme to train heat pump installers With the aim of helping installers to prepare to meet rising demand for heat pump systems, NIBE Energy Systems has launched NIBE Pro – a scheme that will help cover the cost of training and enable heating installers to become C Certified. The company estimates that around 20,000 heat pump installers will need to be trained over the next few years if the government is to reach its target of 600,000 heat pumps per year by 202 , and NIBE Pro has been launched to help support those installers who want to rise to the challenge. Under the scheme, training costs will be fully redeemable with vouchers which will enable installers to gain an industry recognised mark of quality without any long-term expense. NIBE Pro Installers will also be able to advance upwards though the scheme as time goes on to unlock additional support and rewards. The three-tier installer scheme consists of NIBE Pro, Pro Partner, and Pro Exclusive.

Neil Hope, head of installer development at NIBE Energy Systems, comments: “Demand for heat pumps is set to keep on rising and time is of the essence for heating installers not wanting to get left behind. NIBE Pro has been launched to help installers build upon their skills and unlock a plethora of benefits, including digital and online support, redeemable rewards, dedicated business support, and technical expertise from NIBE engineers.”

Chance to earn double points with Ideal A double points promotion has been launched by Ideal Heating to help installers get off to a strong start in 2021. Between now and the end of March, every Ideal Heating Max boiler registered with the company’s loyalty scheme will earn double the usual number of points, offering the chance to earn up to £110 in Connect points. Ideal Heating’s new range of Halo programmable room

thermostats is also part of the promotion for the first time. Easy to install, with a short ‘plug, pair and play’ sequence, Halo enables homeowners to control their heating to fit around their lifestyle, including the option to control it on the move. Installer Connect members can redeem their points against a wide range of rewards, from tools and gadgets to high street

Risk of Covid complacency A warning has been issued by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) that the construction sector risks being shut down by the government if contractors fail to follow safety measures in the face of rising Covid19 transmission rates. Firms need to ensure they are following Site Operating Procedures (SOP), introduce testing and, in London, support the reduction of overcrowding on the tube. “It is crucial that we break the cycle of transmission in this particularly hazardous phase of the pandemic,” says BESA’s CEO David Frise. “The government is solidly behind keeping construction and its related professions working, but we must do everything we can to keep the general public safe if we want to continue enjoying that support.” The Association is urging employers to take advantage of new

4.indd 1

Covid-19 testing facilities and to revise their safety procedures in light of updated guidance. The Association is also advising its members to carry out widespread ‘asymptomatic testing’ because one in three of those infected display no symptoms. “The industry has demonstrated that it can operate safely and responsibly, but there is absolutely no room for complacency,” says Frise. “The country is in the worst phase of the pandemic and we need to manage our way through the next few weeks very carefully. “Construction professions, including building engineering services, are making a crucial contribution to the economic and social well-being of the country, but in order for that work to continue we have to keep everyone safe. It will only take a few ‘rogue’ sites to spoil things for everyone.”

MD Phil Hurley adds: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the heating industry. The government has recognised the key role heat pumps have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from UK homes, and NIBE is committed to helping installers to adapt to the inevitable change that waits ahead. We look forward to supporting them on their NIBE Pro journeys and providing them with the skills they need.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/02

vouchers and gifts, or they can be converted into cash. Jo Shepherd, chief marketing officer at Ideal Heating, says: “This is our way of encouraging installers to proactively bring in business at the start of the year – so they can enjoy maximum rewards in return. By incentivising installers to stock our products, we’re helping them deliver the best possible outcomes for their customers, which will help drive recommendations and repeat custom in the months to come.” Installers have until 1st March to earn double points on eligible products.

New online hot water check list Part of Group Atlantic, ACV UK is looking to raise its profile in the commercial heating market with a new identity which reflects the company’s expertise and engineering know-how. The ACV brand was first established in Belgium nearly 100 years ago and the UK business, based in Dalgety Bay in Scotland, was formed in 1991 to supply and support the ACV range of tank-in-tank heating and hot water products. Darren Finley, executive officer commercial products – Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI, looks after the UK subsidiary and comments: “We think that ACV UK has been one of the industry’s best kept secrets. The tank-in-tank design delivers exceptional hot water performance to provide increased e ciencies and a hygienic system. This new identity reflects the talents and engineering know-how that goes into their products and service.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/0

An online questionnaire has been developed by the Hot Water Association to help both consumers and installers select the right hot water system for a household’s needs. The ‘hot water check’ questionnaire has been created to give consumers and installers logical and sensible advice on the type of hot water system they will need based upon their household usage. eoff Egginton, WA chair, comments: “We know that many homeowners have come to accept that both a bath and en suite shower can’t run simultaneously. They are unaware that if they had a hot water cylinder then they could have both. Hot water storage solutions allow for someone to take a hot shower, whilst someone else runs a fast filling bath no-one has to wait, or have a cold shower. So whether it be upgrading a hot water cylinder, or installing a new system altogether, it is important to consider household need.” The online homeowner ‘hot water check’ questionnaire is designed to complement the HWA cylinder sizing calculator for installers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/04

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

News Review Updated guides on condensate

Report shows shower market to recover in time The latest Shower Market Trends Report from MTW Research reveals ŶĞÖŶ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ĢĿťÖóŶ ŋĕ !ŋƑĢù-˚ˢ on the shower market will exceed ͎˛˛ million in lost sales, strong demand will provide an ͎ˡ˞ million sales boost by ˛˙˛˝. The report forecasts that shower market sales will return to pre!ŋƑĢù ķāƑāķŭ Ģł ˛˙˛˛. The analysis suggests that growth this year will be underpinned by pent up demand from the ˜˙̟˞˙ age group, while demand is set to be further strengthened by the ˞˙+ age group post-vaccination. óóŋũùĢłė Ŷŋ m¦Â̇ ŶĞā ŭĞŋƒāũ mixing valve market will exceed

pre-!ŋƑĢù ŭÖķāŭ łāƗŶ ƘāÖũ̇ ƒĢŶĞ trade sources forecasting healthy volume and value growth in the ĿāùĢŽĿ ŶāũĿ̍ !ŋłóāÖķāù ƑÖķƑāŭ and digital shower trends continue to support value growth, whilst volume demand is set to return rapidly for bar-mixers and exposed shower valves. Shower tray trends are also positive for ˛˙˛˚̇ with sales set to exceed pre!ŋƑĢù ŭÖķāŭ ŨŽĢóĴķƘ̵̍ m¦Â ĕŋũāóÖŭŶŭ double digit growth over the next four years for this market, following a £˞ ĿĢķķĢŋł ùāóķĢłā ùŽā Ŷŋ !ŋƑĢù-˚ˢ. To order a copy of the MTW Research report, use the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˙˟

Prize comes with each pack ÂŋķŭāķāƘ ķŽĿð Öłù ÖũŶŭ ĞÖŭ ŶāÖĿāù Žť ƒĢŶĞ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ Ŷŋ ŋĕĕāũ ŋƑāũ £˚˙˙̇˙˙˙ worth of prizes in a new scratch card competition. Installers are ėŽÖũÖłŶāāù Ŷŋ ƒĢł ƒĢŶĞ āƑāũƘ ťŽũóĞÖŭā ŋĕ Ö ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ ŋĢķāũ ÖóĴ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ĿāũóĞÖłŶ̍ ƑÖũĢāŶƘ ŋĕ ťũĢơāŭ Öũā Žť ĕŋũ ėũÖðŭ̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ťťķā ƒÖŶóĞāŭ̇ ā-bikes and John Lewis vouchers as well as ƒŋũĴƒāÖũ̇ ÁĢũėĢł āƗťāũĢāłóāŭ Öłù ĕũāā boilers for a year. The scratchcards are available in branches between now and the āłù ŋĕ ťũĢķ̍ Dŋũ Ŀŋũā ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł̇ Žŭā ŶĞā reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˙ˠ

łāƒ ŽťùÖŶāù ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ ėŽĢùā to condensate discharge pipe installation has been issued by the NāÖŶĢłė Öłù NŋŶƒÖŶāũ RłùŽŭŶũƘ !ŋŽłóĢķ ̛NNR!̜̇ ĕŋķķŋƒĢłė Ö warning from the Met Office of an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost almost anywhere across the UK. N N R ! Ģ ŭ Ö ķ ŭ ŋ ũ ā Ģ ŭ ŭ Ž Ģ ł ė its information booklet for householders, which can be used by the engineer to explain the risks Öłù ŶĞā ũāĿāùĢÖķ ÖóŶĢŋł ũāŨŽĢũāù ĕŋũ installations which are at risk, and also what action customers can take should their condensate pipe freeze. ŶāƒÖũŶ !ķāĿāłŶŭ̇ NNR! ùĢũāóŶŋũ̇

PLUMBERS IN THE NEWS

comments: “In extreme weather conditions, external pipework carrying water is at risk of freezing, particularly when there is a high ƒĢłù óĞĢķķ ĕÖóŶŋũ̍ ŭ Ö ũāŭŽķŶ̇ ƒā ĞÖƑā updated current industry guidance which assists engineers with both installation and assessment of current condensate discharge pipes, which they can and should review during any visit to the appliance, such as a service or repair.” Download the latest version of the installer guide here: ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˙˞

Installer Hero NāũŶĕŋũùŭĞĢũā-based installer Daniel Watkins (pictured) has been named ̨RłŭŶÖķķāũ Nāũŋ̪ ĕŋķķŋƒĢłė !ŋłāƗ Bänninger’s search for the UK’s most selfless plumbing and heating professionals. Daniel, who runs D ÂÖŶĴĢłŭ ķŽĿðĢłė ͽ NāÖŶĢłė Ģł ŋŶŶāũŭ Bar, was chosen by darts legend Bobby George as the overall winner for ‘going the extra mile’ in support of key workers during the pandemic.

Brand new look Essco, a specialist in the design and supply ŋĕ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ĕŋũ ŶĞā NÁ ! sector, has unveiled a new company ðũÖłùĢłė̍ RŶ ũāƪ āóŶŭ ŶĞā óũāÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā łāƒ ‘Essco Group’, which includes four ùĢƑĢŭĢŋłŭ̆ 1ŭŭóŋ 1łāũėƘ̇ 1ŭŭóŋ NƘùũŋłĢóŭ̇ 1ŭŭóŋ z1ṁ Öłù 1ŭŭóŋ ũŋóāŭŭ ÁÖķƑāŭ̍ mÖłÖėĢłė ùĢũāóŶŋũ ĢóĞÖũù ŶÖĿĿāũŭ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦ ėũāÖŶ ùāÖķ ŋĕ óÖũā Öłù attention has been given to the development of the new look. It was important to retain the core strengths of the existing business, whilst aligning the brand with our new mission statement. We’re striving to ŶÖĴā 1ŭŭóŋ ĕŽũŶĞāũ̇ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ĿĢŭŭĢŋł Ŷŋ ùāķĢƑāũ ŶĞā ðāŭŶ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ products and systems to the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and process industries, whilst inspiring our team to provide solutions that address the climate crisis.”

ͻ York-based plumber Jonathan Bell delivered his wife Sarah’s baby on the bathroom floor of their home last month after she went into rapid labour. The couple had called for an ambulance, but the baby had its own schedule and rushed into this world before medics could arrive. Jonathan acted as midwife with instructions from a ˢˢˢ operator and delivered a healthy baby girl named Sophia. ͻ Burnley plumber James Anderson has made international headlines after CNN reported how his nonťũŋƩ Ŷ ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ̇ '1 N1 ̇ ĞÖŭ helped over ˛˙˙˙ vulnerable people deal with plumbing and heating issues during the pandemic – all free of charge. Founded in ˛˙˚ˠ̇ '1 N1 ĞÖŭ helped over ˚˙̇˙˙˙ families through free emergency repair services. “We basically deliver a lifeline to anybody ƒĞŋ Ģŭ āķùāũķƘ̇ ùĢŭÖðķāù Öłù ƑŽķłāũÖðķā ŋĕ ÖłƘ Öėā̧̇ ŭÖĢù James to CNN. ͻ Paul Peters, a plumber from ĢėðŽũŶĞ̇ ŭŽāù māũŭƘŭĢùā Police - and won - after being unlawfully arrested. Nā was collared when his client reported £˚˙̇˙˙˙ had been stolen from her home, but investigations showed that the client hadn’t seen the money for months before realising it was gone. Merseyside Police acknowledged that Paul had no involvement whatsoever with the alleged theft and was ordered to pay ͎ˡ˙˙˙ in damages and £˚˟̇˙˙˙ legal costs after a judge at Liverpool !ŋŽłŶƘ !ŋŽũŶ ũŽķāù Ģł mũ Peters’ favour.

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

News Review Demand for plumbing services in ˛˙˛˙

BMA call to drive down domestic water use Household water efficiency measures should be included in the upcoming government spending plans along with greater investment in Trading Standards, says the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). In a prebudget submission, the association has set out the bathroom sector’s priorities and detailed a number of ways public spending can be used to help drive down domestic water use. RŶ ŭťāóĢƩóÖķķƘ óÖķķŭ ĕŋũ Ö pÖŶĢŋłÖķ āŶũŋƩŶ ŶũÖŶāėƘ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ƒÖŶāũ efficient bathroom fittings are installed in every home in the óŋŽłŶũƘ Ģł ŶĞā łāƗŶ Ŷƒŋ ùāóÖùāŭ̍ m óĞĢāĕ āƗāóŽŶĢƑā̇ ¦ŋĿ Reynolds, says: “Water scarcity is a crucial issue for the UK, as climate change and population growth are predicted to create a structural deficit in water resources by ˛˙˞˙. Government has a strategic goal to reduce our average water use from ˚˝˜ to ˚˚˙ litres per day, but this requires action in every home in the country, as well as behavioural change. “This is important to bathroom

Plumbers were the most in-demand trade in ˛˙˛˙, according to a new survey from Rated People and Vanarama. The survey asked ˚˙˙˙ UK adults about ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā̇ Ŷŋ Ʃłù ŋŽŶ ƒĞŋ ƒāũā ŶĞā ðŽŭĢāŭŶ̇ ƒĞƘ ŶĞāƘ ƒāũā łāāùāù̇ Öłù ƒĞāŶĞāũ ŶĞā ķŋóĴùŋƒł ÖƦāóŶāù consumer attitudes. Almost two-thirds of respondents (6˝%) said that they’d called out for a tradesperson during ˛˙˛˙, with ˞˛% saying that more time around the house during lockdown had made them more aware of issues that łāāùāù ƩƗĢłė̍ It turns out that people needed the most help with their plumbing and electrics, likely due to these both being used much more than usual due to the rise in working from home. ¦Ğā ŭŽũƑāƘ̪ŭ ĴāƘ ƩłùĢłėŭ ŭĞŋƒāù ŶĞÖŶ ťķŽĿðāũŭ (˛˜%) were the most in-demand tradespeople in ˛˙˛˙, followed by electricians (˚˚%) A fifth of respondents spent more than ͎˚˙˙˙ on tradespeople during ˛˙˛˙ for work in gardens manufacturers, as a secure supply of water is needed for our products to be functional and we already have the water fittings that can help make a difference. We are calling on public policy makers to address water saving on a national scale with a national ũāŶũŋƩŶ ŭŶũÖŶāėƘ̧̍ The bathroom sector is also calling for an uplift in funding for local trading standards teams to support their work aimed at reducing risks to consumers and removing unsafe products from the UK market. Between ˛˙˚˙ and ˛˙˚ˡ local trading standards departments budgets were cut by up to ˟˙%.

Subscription winners We recently ran a competition on Facebook offering installers a óĞÖłóā Ŷŋ ƒĢł ŋłā ŋĕ ƩƑā błĢťāƗ !ŋðũÖ Ç ťķĢāũŭ̍ ķķ āłŶũÖłŶŭ ĞÖù Ŷŋ do was sign up to a free subscription of PHAM News for their names to be entered into the competition. There were lots of entrants, but ŋłķƘ ƩƑā óŋŽķù ƒÖķĴ ÖƒÖƘ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ťũĢơā̍ !ŋłėũÖŶŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ ėŋ ŋŽŶ Ŷŋ ŶĞā following winners: • Jonathan Love of Zoom Plumbing & Heating Services in Hornchurch • Matt Todd of Todd’s Plumbing & Heating in Hull • Chris Spencer, a heating contractor from Midlothian • Paul Bolt of PNB Gas Services in Prestatyn • Nathan Platt, a plumber from Holbeach, Lincolnshire

Google data shows the tech stars New research from Homedit.com has revealed the public’s most wanted technologies for a smart bathroom. The āƗťāũŶŭ ÖŶ ŶĞā ĞŋĿā design website used Google search data to pinpoint the most appealing features and what people would be likely to purchase. The Google data showed that LED mirrors were by far the most searched for type of bathroom technology, with average monthly searches for all related key phrases amounting to ˠ˜̇˝˙˙. Coming in second place was a bathroom TV, which had ˛˛̇˟˟˙ searches. In third was a Whirlpool bath, with ˛˛̇˟˟˙ related keywords googled on average per month, followed by a Japanese toilet, googled ˚ˡ̇ˠˡ˙ times per month in the UK. The rapid spread of Covid-˚ˢ has led to an increased awareness of maintaining personal hygiene. In the UK alone, automatic soap dispensers generated ˚˞̇˚˞˙ searches every month for all related key phrases.

(˚˜%), kitchens (˚˛%) and bathrooms (˚˛%). ˛˙% of respondents admitted causing a DIY issue that ũāŭŽķŶāù Ģł ŶĞāĿ óÖķķĢłė Ö ŶũÖùāŭťāũŭŋł Ŷŋ ĕĢƗ ĢŶ̍ And 68% said that they were comfortable with tradespeople in their home during lockdown.

Boilers in demand New data from Boiler Guide has shown an increase of ˝˜% in customer enquiries for new boilers, suggesting gas boilers remain the preferred heating choice for UK homeowners. Despite the effects of the pandemic and the announcement of the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’, a Boiler Guide customer survey revealed that ˠ˝% of generated enquiries resulted in the purchase of a new boiler. The Market Harborough-based company supplies sales leads to heating professionals for boilers and renewable heating solutions, including heat pumps and solar systems. Overall, enquiries are up ˛ˡ% compared to the previous year, marking a record ƘāÖũ ĕŋũ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̵̍ Founder of Boiler Guide, David Holmes, óŋĿĿāłŶŭ̆ ̦Âā ĞÖƑā ŭāāł ĞŽėā ėũŋƒŶĞ Ģł ŶũÖƧó Ŷŋ our website during ˛˙˛˙. During the lockdowns, homeowners have increased their online activity looking to make improvements around the home and this can be seen in the number of customers updating their heating. With people stuck indoors and without the option of holidays, it’s clear to see that many of us are investing more in our homes.” The upward trend looks set to continue throughout ˛˙˛˚̇ with January ˛˙˛˚ āłŨŽĢũƘ ƩėŽũāŭ up a further ˝ˡ% compared to the same period last year. ̵ ̦¦Ğā ũāŭŽķŶŭ ŭťāÖĴ ĕŋũ ŶĞāĿŭāķƑāŭ Öłù ĢŶ Ģŭ encouraging to see that heating engineers have the opportunity to grow their businesses in such ùĢƧóŽķŶ óĢũóŽĿŭŶÖłóāŭ̧̇ Öùùŭ NŋķĿāŭ̍

PHAM FEB21 CONTINAL:Layout 1 19/01/2021 11:59 Page 1

Talent Show

To celebrate the launch of Plumb App Uk, we begin a new series of images sent in by users of the app specially devoted to plumbing, showcasing the work of the top talent in the ﬁeld.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

People on the Move

Bristan roup has announced the appointment of Martin Mongan as CE . artin, who left his role as D at ansgrohe in 2019 to join ix Interiors, has also held senior roles at both Kohler ira and Jacuzzi. e succeeds former CE Darius Padler who left the business at the end of last year.

Northern Ireland-based Duct Products has named Stuart Mawhinney as managing director, following the retirement of Des Collins, who co-founded the company in 19 7. tuart brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as sales director for the company for more than 15 years. The firm was acquired by Elta roup in 2011.

anaging director of NIBE Energy ystems, Phil Hurley, has been appointed chairman of the eat Pump Association. Phil, who replaces Graham Wright, had been vice-chairman since April 2019 and will work alongside Max Halliwell of itsubishi Electric, who now takes the role of new vice-chairman.

Domestic water pump manufacturer, alamander Pumps, has appointed Rhys Higgins as its new business development manager for the North West and idlands. Based in Nottingham, Rhys’s new role will see him focus on developing new and existing trading accounts, growing product sales, and increasing brand knowledge and recognition within the plumbing industry.

Pump specialist Wilo has appointed Jason Cox as national business development manager for service. Jason will be responsible for the sale of service products and the development of business relationships, with a focus on supporting new and existing customers in identifying and delivering energy upgrade projects.

Ken Cronin is to become the new chief executive of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association UKIFDA . e has worked across a number of energy sectors including nuclear, renewables, and oil and gas, and will be joining from UK , the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, where he was chief executive for over seven years.

olborn, a provider of commercial air conditioning and E services, has appointed Andy Micklethwait as a director of olborn Building ervices. Previously the firm’s general manager, Andy has undertaken a review of the business, recommending and implementing changes to improve e ciency and operational effectiveness.

as Flex ystems F has made three new appointments: Andy Carpenter pictured , Miles Errington and Dan Gilmore. Andy will be joining as sales director, while iles and Dan will be joining as technical sales managers. All three are tasked with promoting and growing F C T into the UK market.

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Merchant & Distributor News 11 ŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā ŭĞŋƒũŋŋĿ !ũāùĢŶ ĕŋũ ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā Responding to customer concerns about staying in control of their finances, Toolstation has introduced a new Trade Credit account for trade customers. Designed to allow customers to buy now and pay later and get the tools and supplies they need for larger ıŋðŭ̇ ŶĞā ¦ũÖùā !ũāùĢŶ ÖóóŋŽłŶ ŋƦāũŭ up to ˟˙ days interest-free credit, flexible credit limits, and online account management. James Mackenzie, MD of Toolstation, says: “We are committed to providing our customers with the tools they need to get the job done, but more than that, improving their overall experience. Introducing the Trade Credit account, requested by so many of our customers, will provide added support and convenience, particularly as some may face increased challenges.” In a recent survey of its customers, almost half of tradespeople admitted to being worried about the impact of the ťÖłùāĿĢó̇ Öłù ŋłā Ģł ƩƑā ŭÖĢù ŶĞÖŶ they were concerned about cash ƪŋƒ ùĢƧóŽķŶĢāŭ̍

South-West independent builders’ merchant Bradford Building Supplies has opened a new branch in Glastonbury which features a specialist Sustainable Home Centre. Created in collaboration with Renewable Equipment Solutions (RES), a Somerset provider of sustainable energyefficient heating and ventilation solutions, the centre will provide a ŭĞŋƒóÖŭā ĕŋũ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ̇ ŭŋķÖũ ťÖłāķŭ Öłù Žłùāũƪŋŋũ heating. The centre will also provide training for installers across the region and host CPD courses for architects to keep up to speed with the latest in low carbon technologies.

złķĢłā ŋŽŶķāŶ ĕũŋĿ FũÖĞÖĿ łāƒ ŋłķĢłā ā ÖƘ ŭĞŋť ĞÖŭ ðāāł ķÖŽłóĞāù ðƘ FũÖĞÖĿ ƒĞĢóĞ ŋƦāũŭ Žť to a ˞˙% discount on many products, including bathroom and heating products, tools, materials and smart home devices. With free delivery and a ˜˙-day returns policy, users can browse all of the products currently stocked on the Graham Outlet page, with more items added daily. Products can be paid for by card or PayPal and, if ordered before ˚˛pm on a weekday, will be dispatched on the same day.

pāƒ ƪāāŶ ùāķĢƑāũŭ ŶĞā ėŋŋùŭ ĕŋũ !ĢŶƘ ķŽĿðĢłė łāƒ ƪāāŶ ŋĕ ˞˚ bespoke Luton vans with striking new livery is helping City Plumbing to ensure that products are delivered on time to customers around the country. The new vans, supplied by West Midlands based Bevan Group, feature high bodies with low ƪŋŋũŭ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ˛̍˝m rear apertures needed for loading and unloading pre-plumbed hot water cylinders, which cannot be laid down or tilted

during transportation. They are powered by fuel-āƧóĢāłŶ ˛̍˚ litre engines and have been supplied with heavy-duty Mercedes Sprinter chassis cabs that meet Euro VI emissions regulations. “We depreciate our vehicles over seven years, so we need a body that can withstand rigorous use over that entire lifespan,” explains !ĢŶƘ̪ŭ ƪāāŶ ŋťāũÖŶĢŋłŭ ĢłŶāũĕÖóā manager Craig Kenyon.

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Your Views

This month’s £100 letter

The Tweet Spot ...

Share your views and you could win £100 for writing the star letter

Recent tweets that caught our attention

Big obstacles on the carbon neutral path Being just an ordinary chap with a reasonable brain, I am at a loss to understand just how this country is going to move to a carbon neutral energy situation. The fact is that the electrical grid is constantly failing in many parts of the country. Lord knows just where all that new power requirement is coming from and just how is it to be distributed to the point of use. Virtually every building in the country would need a full upgrade to its internal electrical systems. I fail to see how vehicle charging points can be installed in millions of buildings such as terraced houses with no frontage. Can you imagine the security and safety problems with cables stretched across pavements to cars? Perhaps the idea is to stop the average person from owning a car. The idea that supermarkets, etc will be the place to charge your vehicle is just plain nonsense. Leaving aside industrial/commercial buildings, will the average homeowner have their gas cooker, fire and boiler ripped out and all new supplied free of charge, including upsizing of radiators for low temp water? What about the heat pump ? Most existing buildings could not

for installing illegal supplier has no comebacks? I read with interest Bob Chambers letter in the last issue entitled ‘Taps and Fittings which break the Law’ and would like to add my thoughts as a working plumber of some years. I wholly agree that flapper and drop valves are the main cause of water wastage. The major problem is that when they fail, they allow water to continuously flow and the user to continue using them without getting them fixed. When siphons failed they required action, and with the development of the two part siphon there is no longer a need to take the toilet apart. Why are single part siphons allowed to be sold? The problem is further exacerbated by the fact it is di cult to spot when a flush valve is letting by because they no longer cause a nuisance – I have even missed it in my own house. Plus, if you follow the manufacturers instructions, you are not to place a toilet block in the cistern. If the water was coloured, it would be more obvious. Another problem is the reduced flush. I have no problem with a litre flush, but the really isn’t enough to remove all the e uent, so people need to flush twice. o, instead of using 9 litres, they are now using 12! This is especially true on close couple toilets. The hidden low level cistern appears to work the best, but of course 99% of these tend to be drop valves. Valves letting by are of little worry to the water companies because water meters mean they are getting paid. It is now my first question to a customer, are you on a water meter? Why are there so many different fill and flush valves We can’t carry spare parts for all, so why not have a standard base fitting that fits all.

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accommodate a ground source system and many will not have room for an air source model, and these are not very e cient. Should hydrogen prove to be the answer, what are the chances that existing boilers can be upgraded? Will existing supply equipment be suitable? What will be the cost? The other big question is just who is going to carry out all this work? The industry is short of skilled people right now. I believe that those folk who have come up with this whole business have not got a clue about the complexity of the task. That aside, what is the point of this tiny little island rushing to cause all this chaos when countries like China, India, Russia, and America are still building coal using plant and do not give a damn for the environment. Just say we are going to change everything, then let’s get a sensible plan together and prepare a workforce and programme to do the works in a sensible workmanlike manner – not run into this present race to disaster. Brian Penny Carmarthenshire

There have been various articles over the past few years about the risk of not having enough water in the future. If it is a real danger, then we should be doing something about it now. Drop valves fitted today may well still be in use in 20 years time, so shouldn’t we be banning them now? I am tired of each article pushing the responsibility back on to the plumbers. Stop allowing wasteful products to be sold. When I worked on some new flats a few years ago I had to get the water consumption rate down to 110 litres maximum per person, and preferably under 100. This was achieved with flow restrictors to the shower, basin and kitchen taps, 6/4 litre cisterns and an A+++ washing machine, all at some expense. Another day I am in an existing dwelling fitting a power shower that uses 15 litres a minute. If we are serious about conserving water, then everything has to be aligned – new and old.

Seeking solutions

So how to sort the problem? The only solution I see is that water should be sold in a two tier price structure. You have one price for your average consumption, say 110 litres a day, then a much higher price for any usage above that. Those that waste water, don’t get the valves fixed, have the luxury of a power shower, then pay a premium for the extra, say 4x more than essential use. It can’t be di cult for water companies to work it out over a quarter or, with smart meters, monthly. Only by hitting people in the pocket will the idea that people will only buy water e cient products start to happen. Maybe it is time the Water Regulations were updated to give maximum flow rates for each outlet – 8 litres a minute for showers and bath taps, 4 litres for basin & kitchen taps. Though I suspect the boiler manufacturers may have to improve the operations for these lower flow rates. Another option is that before you sell or rent a property it must have a water e ciency rating and comply with

the existing water regulations. This would involve training people and an additional cost like an EPC. Government or WRAS needs to have to approve all items sold for plumbing. They need to be legal to fit, unlike pull-out kitchen taps, and not waste water in a failure situation, unlike flush valves. Reduce the number of different parts used, standardise the valve so one valve fits all. As a working plumber I am fed up having to explain that a tap or fitting the customer has bought cannot legally be fitted. Why, if I do, am I liable to a fine of £2500 and the homeowner can be prosecuted and fined for installing illegal fittings, but the supplier has no comebacks? The Water Regulations are government regulations and as such are a statutory instrument, so contravention is a criminal offence. If prosecuted and convicted, the plumber will have a criminal record. How did we get in a position where it is legal to sell a retractable kitchen or boiling water tap but illegal to fit I do feel that I am a lonely voice shouting against the wind. Our associations and institutes do not seem to be trying to protect us or, if they are, we never hear about it. If we are serious about reducing water consumption, then give us working plumbers some support. These things will have to be addressed, and soon, as whatever we fit today may well still be in use in 2040.

Mr W. Wiltshire BSc Eng, MCIPHE Via email

Let us know what you think... The editor welcomes letters from readers on all aspects of the industry. Letters can be sent by email or post but must have a return name, phone number and address. Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Gadgets & Tools 13 Bluetooth beanie keeps tunes in your head Keep your head warm while also listening to all of your favourite tunes with this snug and stylish beanie hat. Made by Fulllight Tech, the beanie lets you listen to music or take calls without worrying about cables, or buds uncomfortably poking your ears, or leaving your head cold in poor weather. It’s perfect for working on site, or for any kind of outdoor activity, like running or walking the dog. Bluetooth-enabled, it’s compatible with most mobiles. The ˛˞˙mAh ķĢŶĞĢŽĿ Ģŋł ðÖŶŶāũƘ Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ Öŭ ĿŽóĞ Öŭ ˚˟ to ˛˙ hours of use ðāŶƒāāł óĞÖũėāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŭťāÖĴāũŭ ķŋóÖŶāù ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā ðāÖłĢā ŋƦ āũ Ö volume output of ˚˚˙dB. Controls are located in the brown patch on the side of the hat so you can adjust the volume or accept a call. The beanie itself is made with double-knitting to provide even more warmth, while the electronics in the hat can be removed before washing. Recharging can be completed via the micro USB included. Available on Amazon. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˚˙

Endless possibilities with Starlock A new range of Starlock accessory kits are now available from Fein to complement its recently launched MultiMaster ˜˙˙̇ ˞˙˙ and ˠ˙˙ series. With the new Starlock accessories, the new mŽķŶĢmÖŭŶāũ ũÖłėā ŋƦ āũŭ ˚˙˙˙ blade possibilities, including sawing, sanding,

ťŋķĢŭĞĢłė̇ óŽŶŶĢłė̇ Ʃ ķĢłė̇ scraping and cleaning, for lots ŋĕ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ťũŋıāóŶŭ ĕũŋĿ ƒŋŋù̇ ĿāŶÖķ̇ Öłù ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ Ŷŋ ƪ ŋŋũĢłė̇ ŶĢķāŭ̇ ėũŋŽŶ Öłù ũāłŋƑÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ̵ “Thanks to the multitude of possibilities MultiMaster łŋƒ ŋƦ āũŭ̇ óŋĿťķāŶĢłė Ö ıŋð

ŨŽĢóĴķƘ Öłù ťũŋƩ óĢāłŶķƘ ĞÖŭ never been easier,” says Raphael ŽùŋķťĞ̇ DāĢł m'̍ ̵ “Whether it’s a large-scale project or a quick job, we have no doubt that having the ability to complete ˚˙˙˙ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ŶƘťāŭ ŋĕ tasks with these machines will ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶķƘ ĢłóũāÖŭā āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù ťũŋƩ ŶÖðĢķĢŶƘ ĕŋũ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̧̍ The new accessory kits are available in a range of combinations and can be matched according to application and material. ͻ phamnews. co.uk/˛˛˚̓˚˚

Bits bore through better The Spectre range of screws, hole saws, and screwdriver bits has ðāāł ùāƑāķŋťāù Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā Öłù ƑÖķŽā Ŷŋ ŶũÖùā Žŭāũŭ̍ Included in the range are the Advanced Multi-Purpose Wood óũāƒŭ ƒĞĢóĞ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ĕũŋĿ Ö ŽĢóĴ ŶÖũŶ ¦Ƙťā ˚ˠ slash point, a sawtooth to prevent splitting, and a reamer to prevent jacking. The Spectre range of screwdriver bits includes nut drivers, bit holders, and bit sets covering Pozi, Torx and Philips in ˛˞mm and ˞˙mm lengths. The screwdriver bits are manufactured from two stage hardened steel for high strength and durability. Hole saws are also a key part of the range, ideal for drilling in pipework installations. To make life even easier, and to keep screws safe, Spectre has launched a ‘Site Organiser’. This is a tough, six-compartment case with metal handle and catches, and it comes with a wide selection of screws. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˚˛

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Energy Matters

Government sets out new building standards In response to the consultation on the Future Homes Standard, the government has announced a series of ambitious new targets for a green building revolution that will see all new builds constructed to be highly energy e cient and with low-carbon heating. Here, we take a look at the details of the plan.

he introduction of the Future Homes Standard is designed to achieve a considerable improvement in energy e ciency of new homes. In the government’s response to the consultation on proposed changes to the Building Regulations (parts L and F), it sets out targets to ensure that from 2025, new homes built to the Future Homes Standard will have carbon dioxide emissions 75- 0% lower than those built to current regulations, and will be ‘zero carbon ready’.

Heat pump future A low carbon heating system will be integral to the specification of the Future Homes Standard, and the government anticipates that heat pumps will become the primary heating technology for new homes. This means that new homes will not be built with fossil fuel heating, such as a natural gas boiler, from 2025. To ensure industry is ready to meet the new standards on time, new homes will be expected to produce 1% lower carbon emissions by June 2022. The effect of building zerocarbon ready’ homes means no further energy e ciency retrofit work will be necessary to enable them to become zero-carbon as

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BY NUMBERS

2025 year when the Future Homes Standard will be implemented

75% from 2025, new homes will have to be built emitting at least 75% less carbon than those built to current regulations

31% reduction in carbon emissions that new homes produce by June 2022

0 ‘zero-carbon ready’ homes are ones that will require no energy stringent future standards

the electricity grid continues to decarbonise. These homes will be future-proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy e ciency.

New normal Low carbon homes are expected to become the norm because it is significantly cheaper and easier to install energy e ciency and low carbon heating measures when homes are built, rather than retrofitting them afterwards. This will require a significant uplift to the fabric standards of homes and ensuring the availability of the supply chains and technology options for low carbon heat. Existing homes will also be subject to higher standards. Property owners who undertake an extension will find they need to incorporate works that make homes warmer and reduce bills. There will be a requirement for replacements and repairs to be more energy e cient, including building services such as heat pumps and cooling systems.

A fabric-first approach will be at the heart of new build homes, and a package of performance metrics will apply, including the Fabric Energy E ciency tandard. By delivering carbon reductions through the fabric and building

services in a home, the Future Homes Standard will ensure new homes have a smaller carbon footprint than before. Government plans also include measures to tackle ventilation and indoor air quality monitoring in buildings like o ces and gyms, and overheating in residential buildings. There will be transitional arrangements in place to provide all developers with certainty about the standards they are building to. These will last for one year and apply to individual homes, rather than an entire development. A full technical specification for the Future Homes Standard will be consulted on in 202 , with an introduction of the necessary legislation in 2024, ahead of implementation in 2025.

Industry response The government’s consultation response has been generally welcomed by the heating industry. Mark Wilkins, training and technologies director at Vaillant, says he is especially pleased to see the transitional arrangement requiring new homes to produce 1% less CO2 prior to the implementation of the Future Homes Standard in 2025. “Although the existing housing stock is diverse and will therefore require different types of low

carbon solutions, there is no better time to build zero-carbon ready homes. Future proofing all homes with low carbon, low temperature heating systems sets the foundations for savings, but there needs to be a heat source agnostic approach.” Kensa Group CEO, Simon Lomax, adds: “Although we would always ask the government to be prompter and more ambitious, we generally support the response which makes clear that heat pumps are expected to become the default heating choice in new build dwellings from 2025.” Speaking for the CIPHE, CEO Kevin Wellman comments: “The CIPHE welcomes the drive for energy e cient buildings and the path to net zero carbon emissions. It is vital that the industry makes their views heard on the path to net zero. Installers are at the forefront of environmental change and need to be involved in the process. “The CIPHE is urging all those with an interest in higher performance targets for nondomestic buildings to take part in the Future Buildings Standard consultation, before it closes on 1 th April.” Readers wishing to contribute to the Future Buildings Standard consultation can do so using the link below. phamnews.co.uk/221/1

01/02/2021 14:16

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Energy Matters Barriers to green homes success reen home upgrades are being held back by the lack of a clear long-term plan from the government, new research from the Federation of aster Builders F B has found. When tradespeople were asked to identify the biggest barrier to installing more energy e ciency measures, in line with the UK government’s target to get as many homes as possible to EPC rating C’ by 20 5, they said: • A lack of a clear pipeline of work – 26% of respondents • A lack of available finance for consumers – 19% • A lack of consumer awareness of the benefits of e ciency measures – 17% • A lack of capacity and skills in the construction workforce – 16% • Don’t know – 15% • None of these – 6% At the beginning of this year, the F B also found that just three of 250 builders who have expressed an interest in the reen omes rant scheme have so far completed the necessary registration and training. Brian Berry, F B chief executive, comments: “Without a long-term plan

How to join the energy revolution In the first of a new regular column, Neil ope from NIBE Energy ystems highlights how heating and plumbing installers can gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to become C Certified heat pump installers.

for making our homes greener and more energy e cient, we won’t be able to tackle fuel poverty, end preventable winter deaths, or meet the UK’s climate change targets. A long term plan, in the form of a National Retrofit trategy, would address these concerns. “It is also essential that the government funds and makes available the necessary training courses for builders so that they can get accredited to deliver green home upgrades, and to a quality standard.”

Comparative carbon emissions Independent advisors on domestic heating costs, Sutherland Tables, has launched a new service that provides comparative figures for the C emissions produced by home heating systems throughout the UK and Ireland www.homeheatingcarbonemissions. com . The new ome eating Carbon Emissions Table highlights the emissions produced by domestic heating systems for most common fuels across a range of standard house types and fuels, including electricity, natural gas, P , oil, wood pellets and heat pumps both ground and air source . Produced in easy-to-understand tables and graphs, the objective is to allow consumers, fuel suppliers and heating system manufacturers to make informed decisions on the road to decarbonising home heating. “With the ongoing drive towards carbon zero, understanding where we currently stand in terms of C emissions is essential as the first step towards carbon neutrality,” says ouise Friel from utherland Tables. “ nly then can we devise a plan to reduce emissions and take steps towards a fully carbon neutral lifestyle.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/14

New app for heat network users A new smart energy app and portal that gives heat network customers greater control of their energy consumption and spend has been launched by Vital Energi, helping service operators at one pilot project to reduce debt by 12.5% in under six months. Named lass, the software gives heat network users the ability to better manage their energy and allows users to top-up or pay their bills at any time. Additionally, heat network operators can access energy consumption and financial data via a dedicated portal that allows them to better serve customers and optimise network performance. Housing associations, local authorities, developers and other service managers can view data across multiple sites as well as individual properties. This can help identify and proactively support residents by providing energy saving and payment advice to reduce debt and ensure bills are paid on time. perators and service managers will be able to send payment reminder alerts and notifications to residents through the app to help aid their financial management. Ian Whitelock, chief executive o cer at Vital Energi, says: “ lass integrates our comprehensive district heating expertise and understanding into one user-friendly platform. We’ve already received strong initial feedback from our pilot projects and we’re confident that the app’s functionality is significantly greater than any similar tool in the market.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/15

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Planning for the Future

ight across the economy, changes are being made to place energy e ciency at the heart of products and operations in a bid to keep up with the green transition. The heating industry is no exception. chemes like the reen omes rant are boosting demand for low carbon heating, fossil fuel heating systems are set to be phased out in new homes from 2025, and a new target from the government means that 600,000 heat pumps will need to be installed per year by 202 . But what does this all mean for the UK’s 120,000 heating installers? It means that being a competent gas or oil heating installer will no longer be enough. Those wanting to stay ahead of the curve will now need to acquire new skills and expertise at the earliest opportunity. NIBE Pro has been launched to help installers on that very journey, allowing them to build upon their skills and gain an industry recognised mark of quality in preparation for the large-scale roll out of heat pumps.

Work to be done With just 27,000 heat pumps installed in homes in 201 , there is a significant amount of work to be done across the next decade, and the energy revolution has high demands. If that sounds a little daunting, you’ve got the right idea. Its execution depends on heating installers being ready and able to install low carbon, affordable and renewable heating options into new and existing homes. But with the introduction of NIBE Pro to help guide and assist the workforce, it isn’t an impossible challenge. The fundamentals of heating are the same irrespective of whether the technology is a gas boiler or heat pump, meaning that trained installers simply need to build on the skills they already possess. This can all be done through NIBE Pro, which has been designed to guide and assist installers as they adapt to the inevitable change. Heating and plumbing installers can kickstart their journey to becoming a NIBE Pro by completing our recognised training course package, covering both air source and ground source heat pumps, in addition to C compliance. Installers will then be guided through the C and Trust ark certification process, becoming an C Certified heat pump installer, securing their status as a NIBE Pro and unlocking a plethora of benefits.

Neil Hope

Head of installer development at NIBE NIBE Pro installers will be able to fully redeem training costs through the NIBE Pro Vouchers scheme, meaning that an industry-recognised mark of quality can be obtained without any long term expense. ther benefits of NIBE Pro include dedicated business support, redeemable rewards, digital and online support, and technical expertise from NIBE engineers. Installers will also be able to advance through the scheme to unlock further benefits, such as extended warranty and additional support, as time goes on.

Critical time With heating installers across the country already experiencing the rise in demand for heat pumps following the introduction of the reen omes rant scheme, NIBE Pro comes at a critical moment. The up-front cost and lack of understanding of greener heating options has long stood in the way of the low carbon heating revolution, but with the financial incentives now on offer this is on an upward rise. omeowners and tenants are looking to heating installers for advice around how they can save money on their energy bills by taking up the vouchers on offer, and this will only increase once the Clean eat rant comes into play from 2022; this will replace the Renewable Heat Incentive and offer upfront financial support of up to £4000 to households and small businesses that integrate heat pumps. Installers need to act fast to ensure that they have the answers their customers are looking for. NIBE Pro has been launched to help provide those answers.

Start your journey today by visiting: www.nibe.co.uk

29/01/2021 15:14

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Business Matters ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The Bigger Little Book of Business Last year saw Vaillant adapt its face-to-face Business Clinics and training sessions to an online format and launch a series of topical and technical podcasts. Now Advance members can take advantage of the new Bigger Little Book of Business, dedicated to strengthening installer businesses.

vailable exclusively to Vaillant Advance members, the second edition of this business support guide has been designed as a go-to tool for practical support. Featuring expert advice from The Sales Resolution, APHC, and The Boiler Business, the topics covered expand on the previously available Business Clinic content to include advice on building income resilience, ways of diversifying your business into new areas and low carbon technologies, and also support for installers wanting to explore Vaillant’s ‘Why Wait?’ strategy. When it comes to marketing your business, knowing where to start can often be a stumbling block, so this guide also offers advice on how to segment your market, successfully use digital media and, importantly, be realistic with what you are trying to achieve – whether that’s maximising every customer lead or offering standout service in a busy marketplace.

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The Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) has written to the government demanding the withdrawal of proposed Reverse Charge VAT legislation. The policy – due to come into force on 1st arch will change how cash flows through the supply chain, as subcontractors

will no longer charge VAT, which currently they can hold on to until it is time to pay it to RC. Instead, only the firm at the top of the supply chain will charge VAT to the end client, which will then be paid to RC. Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, says: “Introduction of Reverse Charge VAT now would be seriously detrimental to the economic recovery of the sector. The changes will particularly impact SMEs that provide both services and materials. This is because they will have to pay VAT on the materials they purchase which can be costly, but will not be paid the VAT by their customers. Instead, they will need to wait until their next VAT return to recover the VAT, which will detrimentally affect their cash flow, and that for a significant number of companies will be unsustainable.” SNIPEF has joined with other trade bodies to argue that their member companies are already subject to independent scrutiny which limits fraudulent behaviour, and the introduction of Reverse Charge VAT unfairly penalises those that pay their VAT and comply with their obligations.

Technology toolbox adds value

Learning on-the-go

The latest addition has been designed to sit neatly alongside the comprehensive set of Business Clinic Webinars and The Podcast series that offer installers easy access to expert business and technical know-how as and when time is available. Lasting one hour each, the webinars are still open to view online and cover a host of issues that are essential not only as part of working in the heating sector but to installers themselves, such as mental health, business resilience, productivity, marketing, and diversifying skills. Equally, Vaillant’s exclusive podcast series is also designed to be convenient and easy to listen to. Experts from different fields share unique insights into topical themes, such as workplace wellbeing, to hearing advice from installers who have taken the plunge and branched out into low carbon solutions, including heat pumps. For those wanting to delve deeper, a miniseries of technical podcasts will shortly

Call to quash new tax legislation

be available which look closely at heating controls and water quality issues. Alice Woolley, marketing director at Vaillant, says: “To say the last 12 months have been challenging is an understatement. Yet, throughout it we have remained committed to supporting installers with the flexible business support they need, when they need it. The launch of the Bigger Little Book of Business is a great way to continue our support.”

Vaillant business support To access all Advance business support tools and be notified hen ne tools co e online, or to do nload a cop of the Bigger Little Book of Business, visit www.vaillant-advance.co.uk

ADEY, the water treatment specialist, has launched a new Business Tools package for its ProClub members, giving them the chance to offer value-added services. The first two tools available will offer the ability to add Service Plans and add a Quoting Tool to member websites. The Service Plan feature from Tradehelp enables installers to offer easy customer sign-up, complete terms and conditions, and direct debit management, so installers don’t need to worry about the time consuming creation of T&Cs or added admin. It means installers

can offer plans at their own monthly price, so they can improve customer loyalty and generate income all year round. The new Quoting Tool feature from Truequote allows installers to add a customised quote builder to their website. Not only does the tool enable users to provide homeowners with a professional quote,

it also offers the benefit of notifying the installer when new, high quality leads arise for quick and easy follow-up. These specially created business support options will mean that installers don’t need to spend time and money developing their own platforms or engaging with partners to be able to offer additional services, as ADEY Business Tools will do this for them. ADEY says that using these tools will mean installers look more professional to both new and existing customers, and make them better able to compete in the marketplace. Ultimately, this can unlock the potential for growth and maximise the potential of every job. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/16

Trying new communication methods Trades businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19 by changing the way they communicate with their customers, according to new research from Yell Business. The study revealed that 76% of SMEs had added a new service because of the pandemic. The numbers rise to 90% in the case of tradespeople. Those new services include taking online bookings (41%), doing online video consultations (40%), and introducing contactless payment systems (27%). Nearly half (46%) of tradespeople who introduced a new service said that it was crucial for their business to survive, and 5% stated they plan on continuing the service post-Covid. The research also identified how the global pandemic has accelerated changes in the ways businesses are communicating with their customers. A massive 9 % of tradespeople have introduced new ways of communicating in 2020, with instant

messaging platforms coming to the fore. 26% of tradespeople have started using Facebook to communicate with customers as a result of Covid, and just over one in five 21%) has started using WhatsApp. 20% of trades have started using Twitter, followed closely by Instagram at 15 .

29/01/2021 15:16

Join the energy revolution and become a certified e t pump installer

ith the transition towards low carbon technologies now underway, renewable heating systems are inevitably part of the future. By 2025, new build properties will no longer be heated with gas boilers and the UK government has recently announced, as part of its Ten Point Plan, a target of 600,000 heat pump installations per annum by 202 . As heat pumps are clearly set to play a key role in the decarbonisation of heat in the UK, getting to grips with heat pump technology as soon as possible will ensure that you and your customers are involved in the journey to Net Zero and are aware of the benefits heat pumps have to offer. NIBE Pro is an installer partnership scheme designed to guide and assist you and your team towards making this change. By providing a streamlined, personalised route for plumbing and heating installers to become an C Certified heat pump installer, NIBE Pro gives you an industry recognised mark of quality, giving your customers confidence and enabling them to apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive and Green Homes Grant. Training costs towards becoming a NIBE Pro are fully redeemable through the NIBE Pro voucher scheme.

Full support Joining NIBE Pro not only sets you apart from the competition by working with one of the largest names in renewable climate solutions but also provides vital business, technical and digital support for your business.

Start your NIBE Pro journey today! Visit www.nibe.co.uk Or call us on 0330 311 2201

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29/01/2021 15:00

PHAM FEB21:Layout 1 01/02/2021 13:33 Page 18

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Training Update

Help to become an MCS installer Building services training provider GTEC, in partnership with the Microgeneration !āũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł óĞāĿā ̛m! ̜̇ ĞÖŭ won an almost £˚m bid to help existing tradespeople access discounted training in heat pumps and solar thermal. The scheme will help to meet the demand presented by the Fũāāł NŋĿāŭ FũÖłŶ ̛FNF̜ ̞ ŶĞā government’s scheme to improve ŶĞā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋĕ b housing stock. The Renewable Heat Installer ¦ũÖĢłĢłė ͽ ŽťťŋũŶ óĞāĿā ̛ NR¦ ̜ is a whole package of support designed Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ƩłÖłóĢÖķ ĢłóāłŶĢƑā Öłù ĿÖĴā the process of becoming a GHG installer as easy as possible. Help ranges from accessing vouchers which will cover up to ˠ˙% of the cost of training and the various óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ ũāŨŽĢũāù̇ Ŷŋ ƩłùĢłė ŭŽĢŶÖðķā training providers and overcoming the

practical barriers, to help individuals and small businesses become MCS and Trustmark registered. Awarding organisations BPEC and LCL Awards will provide a number of training ķŋóÖŶĢŋłŭ ÖŶ ŶĞāĢũ óāłŶũāŭ ŶĞũŋŽėĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā b to support the rollout of the heavily funded courses. Installers wanting get involved can register their interest using the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˚̓˚ˠ

Get direct access to the experts

The online learning and development provisions from Ideal Heating has been enhanced with the addition of an on-demand service. It is part of the company’s Expert Academy digital training platform that lets installers access a series of free online courses, delivered in a virtual classroom by an accredited trainer. The on-demand element means installers can also access a range of handy video content, tips and guides, anytime, anywhere – including when troubleshooting on the job.

Over the course of this year, the ambition is to increase the number of available courses and assessments on the platform, and to extend the training on offer to cover Ideal’s sister brands: Keston by Ideal Heating,

Hamworthy Heating, and ACV. A ‘Basics in Electrics for Gas Engineers’ course will launch soon, covering topics including general safety and fault-finding. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˚ˡ

Seminar explains the synergy To help installers better understand the ways a correctly specified hot water cylinder can help an air source heat pump operate more efficiently, Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders has launched a RIBA-approved seminar. Available online, the seminar explores the variation in the method of operation between different air source heat pumps and how the balance between storage capacity, demand and heat input is key when selecting a hot water storage cylinder. Commenting on the recent RIBA approval, David Hall, sales director of Telford Copper & Stainless Steel Cylinders, says: “As air source heat pumps have a key role to play in achieving net-zero, the critical role hot water storage plays with this type of heating and hot water system has never been more important.” Seminars can be booked by using the booking facility available via the reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˛˙

Every session will be interactive, so questions can be asked and answered there and then. With the one-to-one service, installers will have live access to one of the company’s specialists to discuss product, repair or service queries and to share knowledge. To select and book a free training course, installers should contact their Intergas sales manager or book direct through LiveChat on the Intergas website. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˚ˢ

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lc to our s St Por es o ud o p en lio en ts

Responding to current Covid restrictions, Intergas has developed an online, live resource that will give installers a direct line to all of the company’s key training product and technical specialists. Called ‘Intergas Live’, the service features live training sessions held every weekday afternoon, and individual one-to-one discussions every weekday morning. The live service will be run by training manager Mike Hook.

Switch on to on-demand courses

Complete look at towel rails Now available from Stelrad Radiators is the latest CIBSE and RIBA approved CPD courses covering the subject of towel rail radiators. This course will help attendees understand the history and background behind the evolution of the central heating system and the use of tubular radiators. It will cover how a modern radiator and a tubular radiator work through both radiant and convected heat, and enable them to understand the different radiator types available. It will explain the different processes involved when painting or chrome plating a tubular radiator. And finally, it will help them to identify when and how to install tubular radiators. “By introducing this new CPD course we’re responding to requests from specifiers, architects and designers who want to know more about towel rail radiators and offering a comprehensive response covering every aspect of their history, design and use,” says Stelrad’s head of marketing, Chris Harvey. To find out more about this CPD, email marketing@stelrad.com or visit the website using the reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˛˚

PHAM FEB21 NAVIEN v2:Layout 1 20/01/2021 09:45 Page 2

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Product Spotlight

Good design can prevent WCs from wasting water

 Viega’s newest pre-wall

the other, making it di cult to know which part to press. This is a particular problem where the user is unfamiliar with the system, such as in public places and hotels. These form over function’ designs mean that users will often activate a full flush when a lower volume was su cient. It can also mean the short flush button is accidentally pressed, requiring the WC to be flushed again, and so wasting water. Also, if the flush action is not positive’, users may then activate it again believing it has not worked properly. ood dual action flush plate designs will have two buttons that are easy to discern, can be pressed individually and provide an indication of which is for each of the flush volumes. For example, many of our flush plates include two clearly separated buttons that are sized differently so users can instinctively tell which to press, even when using it for the first time. For flush plates that do not utilise buttons, such as our Visign for More 201 model that has a rotating action, there should be markings on the plate which clearly show how to select the desired flush.

Recent reports suggest that millions of litres of water are being wasted every day due to failing WC cisterns and confusing flush buttons. Here, Glen Peters from Viega discusses the key issues surrounding the quality of materials and manufacture for WCs and how good design inherently improves water saving

s a limited resource, making the best use of water is essential. Over the years product innovations in WCs have reduced water usage, and good dual flush options have contributed significantly to this by allowing lower water volumes to be used where appropriate. For example, our newest pre-wall system, Prevista, allows adjustment of the dual flush volumes to suit the application, with the full flush ranging from just .5 litres up to 7.5 litres and the partial flush from 2 to 4 litres. However, there are two main concerns when it comes to water being lost from low quality WCs: products failing or not performing as intended, and confusing designs that mean people unintentionally use more water than needed. The loss of water is costing customers money, especially where homes are connected to a water meter. Recent reports suggest that where WC components have failed and begun leaking, it may double a household’s daily water usage. This is also a significant issue for public buildings and hospitality venues.

Quality matters While there is nothing inherently wasteful about the design of the flushing drop valve’ found in most WCs, their position below the waterline in the cistern means that they must seal effectively to prevent water escaping. There are several factors that can contribute to the system not working as intended. This includes sub-standard valves

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Glen Peters

Technical support manager at Viega

 Modern concealed WC cisterns should be designed to allow easy maintenance access to both the

CUT TO THE CHASE  Two main reasons for water waste are poor WC design and confusing flush echanis s  Drop valve flushing units ust seal effectively to prevent water from escaping  Even WCs will require a small amount of maintenance to ensure they continue to work correctly  Confusing design of dual action flush plates eans users a activate the long flush hen a short one would do  Well designed flush plates ill have lower activation pressures, making them easier to use by children and the elderly

that do not re-seat correctly after use, and seals that leak or fail after a relatively short period of time. Poor manufacturing techniques can also lead to defects that will cause water to be wasted. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at the chosen product to ensure it has been designed and manufactured to a high standard and undergone rigorous testing. As an example, our Prevista cistern is manufactured as a single part using a blow moulding technique. This ensures maximum leaktightness and reliability by removing the need to join individual elements. Also, each cistern is checked for leaks and its operation tested before it leaves the factory. Furthermore, it is important for customers to understand

that bathroom fittings, including all WCs, require a small amount of maintenance throughout the life of the system to ensure it continues working correctly. This includes inspecting the filling and drain valves as well as removing any debris that may have inadvertently entered the cistern during installation. This can be made simpler with systems that provide easy access to the key components and allow the valves to be removed effortlessly for maintenance.

The design of the flush activation mechanism is also important in limiting water usage. Unfortunately, there are many flush buttons and plates that are designed in such a way that users cannot be sure how to activate the required flush – either full or partial. For example, the design may feature two button areas, one within

In addition to saving water, good quality flush plates also improve the user experience. Well designed and engineered products have lower activation pressures making them easier to operate for everyone, including children and older people, as well as those with disabilities. A growing number of both domestic and commercial customers are looking to make more environmentally conscious choices. Therefore, although good quality systems will not be the cheapest on the market, explaining the benefits will convince many to make the investment. This includes the user benefits and water saving advantages, alongside the long term cost savings that choosing a longer lasting system will provide. The waste of a valuable resources such as water is a serious issue, and dual flush WCs have a role in reducing its use. However, as with almost any product installed in a home, public building or commercial premises, it is important to select a system that has been well designed, manufactured to a high standard and thoroughly tested. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/24

28/01/2021 16:33

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

For customers who want the extraordinary Manufacturers are bringing ever-greater creative design to radiators, meaning customers can find whatever they need for their tastes and demands. Richard Eaton from Bathrooms to Love by PJH looks at the options.

oday’s style savvy consumer wants so much more than simple functionality from their radiators and towel rails. They want designs that make a statement or blend seamlessly into the overall look of their home. This product evolution has created the ‘designer radiator’, now more popular than ever and more affordable too, offering a good sales opportunity for the heating installer. Manufacturers have responded well to this growing demand with more styles, colours and use of materials now available, and more importantly this vast design choice comes without compromising that all-important heat output too. Many new styles can be converted to run from gas central heating, electric or even dual fuel, for greater installation flexibility.

What’s hot

Making no apologies for the deliberate pun, knowing ‘what’s hot’ in heating can be a route to another sales opportunity for plumbers who are talking to customers willing to spend on a new designer radiator – perhaps for more rooms in the house than just the bathroom. This point is important as gone are the days of styles just for the bathroom – now there are many on-trend radiator designs that are so versatile and aesthetic, they can find a place in almost any room in the home. Whilst the original ladder rail style is still popular, it has evolved into many designerinspired shapes and structures finished in plenty of on-trend colours, such as anthracite, and not forgetting chrome. Take for example the new Giro tubular ‘Designer S’ model recently added to our

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Richard Eaton

Product manager at Bathrooms to Love by PJH

Radiators and heated towel rails established as key designer products for interior makeovers and will only grow in demand

CUT TO THE CHASE  Knowing the trends in the industry can create sales opportunities  The wide variety of shapes and sizes means there is a radiator for almost every scenario  Technology means radiators can be made to smaller proportions while delivering the desired heat output  Radiators can serve multiple needs, like ones with built in mirrors

The Portra, a stunning vertical design with integral mirror

The Modal, pictured here in anthracite, frees up wall space

The Giro tubular ‘Designer S’ is a new twist on the classic ladder design

Bathrooms to Love collection – perfect for warming towels with a high heat output ( 522 BTU) and eye-catching looks. Equally so, the new Quadrata is a designer curved square ladder rail, with a super stylish structure for contemporary bathroom spaces. An anthracite finish is ideal for use in monochromatic or industrialinspired interiors.

contemporary styles, with sleek minimalist designs now far more widely available, and finding a place across the entire home. Slimline designs, such as our Modal, pictured above in fashionable anthracite, measures just 09mm in width, but at 1 00mm in height with 244 BTU, is great at liberating small or awkward areas, such as corners and alcoves where the idea of fitting a radiator would not have been practical historically.

than su cient 2901 BTU heat output, and with a magnetic robe hook also available as an accessory, it can make a statement in any bathroom.

Endless choice

The sheer variety of shapes and sizes is also more apparent, with both vertical and horizontal orientations now available, which allow the consumer to make full use of available space and room style. There are even high heat output designer radiators that have been specifically designed for smaller spaces or where the room layout may have typically limited choice. Perhaps the biggest innovation in radiator design has been the manufacturers’ ability to maintain impressive heat outputs in ever smaller or slimmer formats. This development, in particular, has helped create many more

Wow factor

To many consumers it is the spa-like bathroom feel that most wish to recreate in the home, and the many new contemporary radiator and towel rail styles allow this, providing that ‘wow-factor’ feature that both draws the eye as well as providing luxurious warmth and multifunctionality. Our newly launched Portra radiator, for example, is a stunning vertical design with the added feature of an integral mirror and a modest 1 00 x 600mm size. Available in white or anthracite, with a more

Period style

Traditional styling is just as popular as ever and our Eterno2 radiator is a good example of such period styling. However, while it may look back a little in time, its performance is very much contemporary, with an impressive heat output (up to 177 BTU), as well as an integral towel rail for extra practicality.

Eye on the ball

Radiators and heated towel rails are now firmly established as key designer products for interior makeovers and will only grow in demand as manufacturers continue to roll out ever more exciting designer styles in different materials, finished in ever more innovative colours and finishes. Keeping an eye on what is available now and what styles are trending can be a great opportunity for all installers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/25

29/01/2021 12:00

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Compliance with quality standards dd c fide ce

to compensate for this gap in performance, not to mention call out charges or replacement radiators to repair the problem. This will then cause a blow to your reputation, potential repeat visits, and loss of future business, as the product will not operate as intended, even if installed correctly. Correct and fully compliant testing provides installers the confidence to specify the perfect radiator for the job, with Delta T50 ratings, ensuring you can properly calculate the BTU heat output required for the customers home.

It is crucial that only fully certified radiators are purchased and installed, because turning a blind eye could result in extra cost to end users and damage the installer’s reputation. Andy Phillips from upplies4Heat discusses the ways to identify high quality products.

Hallmarks of quality

eputation is crucial to the success of an installer business. It is the foundation that can secure new customers, thanks to positive word of mouth, as well as generate repeat business with loyal customers as a result of your good work. When it comes to radiators, those in the trade should be aware of radiator products in the market that, inadvertently or otherwise, quote misleading product performance figures. This could lead to the specification of a subpar radiator, and result in negative consequences for both you and your customer. For your customer, the radiator will not perform as expected, leaving them cold and frustrated. This can in turn have a negative impact on the perception of your work, with customers wrongly assuming your installation is to blame for the issues. Not only could this mean losing their future business, but also business with any others they choose to pass their feedback to. Therefore, installers cannot afford to ignore the importance of only specifying products that comply with all current regulations, from transparent and trustworthy manufacturers.

Compliance issues

Delta T50 is the standard measure used to calculate radiator heat outputs for UK home heating systems. Introduced in 201 , it is a legal requirement for radiator products to be tested based on this calculation, and therefore manufacturers should all declare their radiator heating performance BTU figures tested using B EN442 protocols and based on Delta T50. Without the correct figures, the radiator cannot be correctly sized – and unfortunately, despite the law, this can still happen. Whether intentionally or an accidental oversight, some manufacturers and suppliers may publish incorrect heat performance ratings with their products. This then creates the initial problem laid out previously – a radiator that cannot meet room requirements will be inadvertently specified, costing customers more money in the long run as they turn up their thermostats and put extra pressure on the boiler

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The Beaufort vertical 70mm

With the above to consider, look for key indicators that demonstrate manufacturer reliability and therefore ensure you are purchasing fully certified and compliant products that work as expected. anufacturers should be able to support their BTU claims and provide their Delta T50 figures, as well as prove that their radiators are certified to B EN442 as required by law. A manufacturer that has ARC membership is a positive way to verify that you have selected a fully compliant product. The anufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors ARC is an industry body that works closely with its members to ensure compliance is met, and uses approved laboratories to certify products in accordance with UK standards. A trusted manufacturer will also be able to provide a Declaration of Performance DoP upon request, confirming the testing standards and the accuracy of the data provided.

Reliability built in

Andy Phillips

Sales director at Supplies4Heat

CUT TO THE CHASE  Beware of misleading product perfor ance figures, which could result in poor heat output  Delta T50 is the standard measure used to calculate radiator heat outputs  Manufacturers should declare their radiator heating perfor ance figures tested to BS EN442 protocols

The Paxton horizontal radiator made from aluminium

We here at upplies4 eat are part of IR AP, the Italian manufacturer of a wide range of designer radiator products, including vertical radiators and flat panel options. IR AP is also a member of ARC. All products are fully certified and tested in RAD AC laboratories in Europe to Delta T50, providing confidence that these will perform as per the data and heat output figures on the DoP. Finally, a reliable manufacturer will include a clear statement in their brochure that their radiators are produced and measured according to the Delta T50 European tandard EN442. eading manufacturers may also provide useful online BTU heat calculators to help installers specify the right product – and heat output – for the requirements of the space. Even the best installer will not be able to make an uncertified radiator with misleading figures heat as desired – and this can come at great cost. Ensure a radiator will perform as expected for your customers by working only with trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers who are fully compliant with current laws and standards. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/26

 Look for manufacturers who are members of MARC – Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors  Take advantage of the online heat calculators to ensure the right product is specified

Faraday Type 21 single convector

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Creating the perfect match The changing nature of heating systems is prompting radiator manufacturers to develop models that are fit for the future. ere, Chris arvey from telrad looks at radiator designs that are ready for low temperature systems.

ver the past couple of decades there has been a race for more e cient heating systems, seeing the arrival first of combi boilers and then of condensing, modulating boilers, the development of far better heating controls, energy e cient pumps, and a wider range of more effective radiators. The development of lower temperature heating systems using renewable heating – such heat pumps – has given us another challenge, but it’s one we have risen to and are able to respond to effectively. owever, the key point to remember is that radiators are all compatible with all heating systems – traditional and renewable– when sized correctly. We here at Stelrad have developed models that meet specific requirements, including a whole range of special application products – such as increased robustness, or additional rust resistance in areas of high humidity. We also offer

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Chris Harvey

Head of marketing at Stelrad



the largest range of low surface temperature T radiators. For renewable heating systems that operate at low temperatures, we have enlarged our K radiator series, which features three panels and three fins on a radiator footprint that is scarcely larger than a traditional K2 design – but which offers an additional 50% metal surface area. We have also developed a wider range of vertical radiators, adding a huge number of new designs and sizes to provide the larger radiators needed for use with renewable heating options. Vertical radiators with a much reduced horizontal footprint slot into smaller wall areas in a room, in nooks and crannies, to provide the levels of heat required without taking up large wall areas that could cause confrontation with furniture in the rooms.

in a property – even making automatic calculations for the type of construction materials, and the number and size of windows and doors in a room, to ensure that every radiator selected delivers on comfort. It’s a thought-through plan to ensure that the radiators that virtually every specifier and installer in the UK have come to rely on will continue to deliver heating comfort. There are always challenges in the day-to-day work we do, but by thinking ahead, preparing for the changes we see coming

and talking to the people we work with about what they need, we have been able to provide a comprehensive solution that will see low temperature heating systems delivering the heat and hot water that people require. We have the products and we have the support activities in the form of training and CPDs that cover every aspect of the move forward into the new approach to heating that will undoubtedly be with us more quickly than many of us realise. But one thing you can be sure of is that the relationship you have with telrad will ensure that we are all fit for the future’. ◼ /221/27

uch thought has gone into the latest radiator developments and it’s all to ensure that the radiators available from telrad are fit for the future’ – able to continue providing the levels of heat required in homes in the UK to keep everyone comfortable. To help installers, we have created the leading heat loss calculator and radiator sizing tool, allowing heating professionals to correctly size the radiators in every room The Compact K has three

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers Vertical models at ÖƦŋũùÖðķā prices The CenterRad range from ÂŋķŭāķāƘ ĞÖŭ ðāāł āƗťÖłùāù Ŷŋ include new vertical models. The Streyt range includes ƪÖŶ ŶŽðŽķÖũ ƑāũŭĢŋłŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öķķŋƒ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ÖƦŋũùÖðķā̇ ŭŶƘķĢŭĞ̇ Öłù āƧóĢāłŶ ŋťŶĢŋłŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ˚˟ new radiators, the Streyt range is available in either anthracite or white and comes with a choice of double and single panels and in sizes ranging from ˚ˡ˙˙ Ɨ ˛ˡˡmm to ˚ˡ˙˙ Ɨ ˞ˠˡmm. Richard Harvey, commercial director of plumbing and heating at Wolseley, says: ̦¦Ğāũā Ģŭ Ö ũāÖķ ùāĿÖłù ĕŋũ ƑāũŶĢóÖķ̇ ƪÖŶ Öłù ŭŶƘķĢŭĞ ŶŽðŽķÖũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ̇ ĞŋƒāƑāũ ťũĢóāŭ for many options mean some homeowners are left priced out of the market and forced to opt for something more traditional. Our new CenterRad Streyt range allows installers to ĿÖĴā ŭŶƘķā Ŀŋũā ÖƦŋũùÖðķā ĕŋũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Öłù ėĢƑāŭ ŶĞāĿ ŶĞā ÖðĢķĢŶƘ Ŷŋ Öùù ŶĞā ťāũĕāóŶ ƩłĢŭĞ Ŷŋ Ö ũŋŋĿ̧̍ Manufactured by Purmo Group, the Streyt range is available for a limited time with a free premium TRV and lockshield valve. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˛ˡ

āÖĿŭ ŋƦāũ Žť ŽłŽŭŽÖķ ŭŶƘķā With its fast response time, the Beams Mono-EL from Vasco combines all the advantages of electric heating comfort with an unusual design. The Mono comprises ŋłā ŋũ Ŀŋũā ƑāũŶĢóÖķ ťũŋƩķāŭ ̛˚˞˙mm) and is ideal for those after a minimalist look. The radiator delivers ˢ˞˙Â ťāũ ťũŋƩķā ƒĞĢóĞ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ƩŶŶāù ƒĢŶĞ ÖùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ Ʃłŭ Ŷŋ increase the heat output. There’s also a cover panel at the back, in the same colour as the front, which houses the electrical resistance. As a result, the radiator can be set to deliver full output with the option of automatically regulating the surface temperature according to need. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˛ˢ

!ŽŭŶŋĿĢŭāù óÖŭŶ Ģũŋł ŋťŶĢŋłŭ As a specialist in cast iron radiator ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũĢłė̇ ÖķÖùĢł ÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ óÖł ŋƦāũ classic designs that are available in a choice of style and colours. The radiators are Öķķ̵ĞÖłù ðŽĢķŶ ðƘ āƗťāũŶ óũÖĕŶŭťāŋťķā ƒĢŶĞ over ˛˙ ƘāÖũŭ ŋĕ āƗťāũŶĢŭā̍ ¦Ğā ƩũĿ ĞÖŭ Öł āƗŶāłŭĢƑā ŭŶŋóĴĞŋķùĢłė̇

and most radiators can be built, painted, tested and dispatched within seven days from Paladin’s base in Lincolnshire. Pictured is the French-ĢłŭťĢũāù zƗĕŋũù model. This ornate, antique cast iron radiator boasts a smooth, sweeping, scalloped top detail with an elaborate interwoven design at the feet. All cast iron designs can be delivered painted in a choice of Farrow & Ball colours, or Paladin óÖł ÖťťķƘ Ö ŭťāóĢÖķ ƩłĢŭĞ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ŶĞā ÖłŶĢŨŽāù ťÖĢłŶ āƦāóŶ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ technique uses a contrasting antiquing wash so that the details are given an authentic aged look. There is also a colour matching service, with the facility to match almost every colour available. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜˙

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Seeing the green light With more homeowners looking to invest in green technology, it’s a good time to talk about the various options available – but don’t forget to think ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ̇ ŭÖƘŭ ÖƦāŶ bÖķāłùāũ̇ ùĢũāóŶŋũ ŋĕ ĢŶÖóŭ dĢĿĢŶāù̍

ith many residents spending more time than ever before at home, now is the time for homeowners to put thought and investment in green heating technology. The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), where homes producing their own energy via biomass boilers, solar water heating and certain heat pumps can claim payments, and the government’s Green Homes Grant, which subsidises āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋũ ķŋƒ carbon heating improvements made by homeowners up to £˚˙̇˙˙˙, will both continue until the end of March next year. Homeowners are able to claim against both schemes for an eligible renewable

heating installation, and the ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ ĞÖŭ óŋłƩũĿāù installers can continue to work in people’s homes during national lockdown. Additional consideration should also be invested in the front end of the domestic heating system – the radiator network – and how this may also need to be updated to make the most of green heating technology. While biomass boilers can largely perform on a par with fossil fuels equivalents, where the recommended output temperature for radiator water is ˠ˞°C, the maximum water temperature achieved by a thermal solar heating system may not exceed ˟˙°C. Similarly, air source heat ťŽĿťŭ ƒĢķķ āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ ĞāÖŶ ƒÖŶāũ in the range of ˞˞°C, and ground source heat pumps will heat to

around ˟˞΅!̇ ðāĕŋũā āƧóĢāłóĢāŭ will be compromised. To avoid using a high amount of grid electricity to supplement the thermal solar and heat pump capacities, it is worth considering the method of releasing heat into the home. A larger surface area will release more heat energy over time. By installing radiators with larger surface areas with your green heating system, the ambient temperature in the home can still be increased at the same rate as that achieved by a smaller device heated to ˠ˞°C.

Triple chance The Triple design of our Compact radiators means that they are well suited to work with renewable technologies. They are perfect to use with an air source heat pump or solar heating system because the

S Ultraheat’s Compact Triple Panel radiator is available in a wide choice of sizes and outputs

bigger surface area of these large radiators creates a high overall heat output, heating the ŭťÖóā āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ āƑāł ƒĞāł ŶĞā ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ŋĕ ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ ƪŋƒĢłė into the radiator is a bit lower. The Ultraheat Triple Range features ˢ˝ size variants, between ˜˙˙-˛ˠ˙˙mm in height and ˛˙˙-ˢ˙˙mm in length. The largest volumetric variant in the range, ˟˙˙ x ˛˛˙˙mm, produces Ö ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ ˚ˢ̇˝˚ˢ BTU output at T˞˙°C.

But the choice of radiator, in height and length, does not need to be visibly increased. To make a comparison, a single compact size ˞˙˙ x ˞˙˙mm produces ˚˝˜˚ BTU output at T˞˙°C. The triple compact equivalent, ˚˟˙mm wide, produces ˜ˡ˛˝ BTU output at T˞˙°C; the heat output is almost tripled, while the depth of the radiator into the space is only increased by 110mm. This allows a homeowner to maximise the heat output while still preserving the amount of available wall space in each room. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˚̓˜˚

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers 27 Classic column design from Italy

Cast iron radiators made to last

Built to take the knocks

Available from Apollo Radiators, the Gloucester based distributor of European designer radiators and towel rails, is the Roma range of raw steel column radiators. Stocked in a raw metal clear ķÖóŨŽāũ ƩłĢŭĞ ƒĢŶĞ Ö Ŷƒŋ ùÖƘ ùāķĢƑāũƘ Ŷŋ ÖłƘƒĞāũā in the UK, it is also available with ˝ˢ bespoke colours which can be delivered within ˚˙ working days. The Italian designer column radiators are said to be appropriate for both modern and period settings, and come in vertical, horizontal and low level options. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜˛

The latest addition to the Heavy Duty radiator family from Stelrad is the Heavy Duty Deco. Designed to withstand high impact, the robust version of the popular Deco design comes with a ˜̍˛mm combined thickness tough outer steel fascia to provide additional protection in commercial environments. The new range consists of radiators in two heights – ˝˞˙ and ˟˙˙mm, and in K˚ and K˛ formats, all available in lengths between ˝˙˙mm and ˛˙˙˙mm. Heat outputs range from ˢ˚˞ BTU/h right up to ˚˙̇ˢ˛ˡ BTU/h for the largest model in the range. “We’re anticipating a similar level of success to that we’ve achieved with the Heavy Duty Planar,” says Stelrad’s head of marketing Chris NÖũƑāƘ̍ ̦¦Ğā ƩũŭŶ NāÖƑƘ 'ŽŶƘ ŋťŶĢŋł ƒā ŭŽťťķĢāù ƒÖŭ Ŷŋ ĿāāŶ ŶĞā ùāĿÖłùĢłė āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ ŋĕ Ö ĿÖĢķ ŭŋũŶĢłė ŋƧóā̇ ðŽŶ ŭĢłóā ŶĞāł ƒā ĞÖƑā ŭāāł ŶĞāŭā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ ŭťāóĢƩāù ĕŋũ ťŽðķĢó ðŽĢķùĢłėŭ̇ ŭóĞŋŋķŭ̇ ĞŋŭťĢŶÖķŭ̇ care homes, and a wide range of industrial premises – proving that there’s a place for radiators in most working environments.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜˜

!ķÖĢĿĢłė Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ŶĞā ķÖũėāŭŶ ũÖłėā ŋĕ ŶũÖùĢŶĢŋłÖķ radiators in the UK, Carron Radiators uses longestablished foundry methods and techniques to authentically reproduce a wide choice of cast iron radiator designs. Finished by hand at the company’s Lincolnshire workshop, all models are available with matching traditional thermostatic and manual radiator valves, plus decorative āłù óÖťŭ Öłù ťĢťā ŭĞũŋŽùŭ̍ !Öũũŋł Öķŭŋ ŋƦāũŭ a bespoke painting service, with paint colours matched to any RAL, British Standard or branded paint colour. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜˝

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Keeping up to speed with the latest trends With more people working from home, many homeowners are looking to minimise their energy bills and make better use of space. A modern radiator can play a key part in any home improvement project and there are many styles to choose from – Richard Harvey from Wolseley looks at what’s hot.

Finishes and colours

ccording to the 2020 Renovation Nation Report from Money.co.uk, UK homeowners spent £55 billion during lockdown in a bid to improve their properties. One such improvement was the upgrade of heating systems, including refitting radiators to meet their energy e ciency expectations or making use of space saving solutions.

Going vertical Vertical radiators are a great way to save space, and their smaller width means homeowners can push furniture against the walls and create a larger central space. Traditionally, large windows on exterior walls have limited space so homeowners have tended to prefer horizontal radiators, but vertical styles now enable radiators to be fitted either side of the window, or indeed in other ‘dead’ space in the room. At Wolseley we have recently launched several vertical decorative radiators to extend our existing CenterRad range. Comprising flat tubular designer radiators, the 16 new CenterRad Streyt designs are available in single and double panels, in white and anthracite, and in a range of sizes.

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Richard Harvey

Commercial director at Wolseley

Vertical radiators are a great way to save space, and their smaller width means homeowners can push furniture against the walls and create a larger central space

When it comes to finishes and colours, installers should familiarise themselves with what’s popular with homeowners currently. In the bathroom, chrome towel rails are still a firm favourite. Perfect for implementing an authentic feel with the convenience of modern technology, homeowners can also upgrade to a chrome dual fuel towel rail, connected to the central heating system and powered by electricity. There is also, however, a trend towards coloured towel warmers that co-ordinate with modern bathroom colours, such as anthracite in grey bathrooms and latte in taupe bathrooms. Elsewhere in the home, anthracite finishes are also hugely popular. Although they are more charcoal than black, the finish allows homeowners to achieve a more colour coordinated look that is more attractive than a standard white panel radiator. With more homeowners moving away from the standard white panel radiator, the anthracite style is available across many styles of radiator, making it available for both traditional and contemporary looks.

The new CenterRad Streyt

16 space-saving vertical radiators

shades of blue and green. All of which are available in radiators and towel warmers available from Wolseley Plumb and Parts.

anthracite

Classic style At present, copper is a highly fashionable choice for interior fixtures and fittings, as the neutral finish adds a sophisticated and contemporary touch. Whether it’s polished brass, brushed brass or polished copper, warm metallic finishes combine fashion and functionality and provide an attractive contrast against the ever-popular darker

We are also seeing the renaissance of the vintage-style cast iron radiators. The style is becoming a regular feature of contemporary interiors in period homes where space is limited. Many are available to co-ordinate with the premium paint brand, Farrow and Ball, for a fully coordinated look. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/ 5

Electric option in demand

will switch off, preventing energy wastage and associated costs.

The Electric Heating Company is reporting a significant increase in demand for its electric boilers and radiators. These include the company’s established DSR Electric Combination Radiator range, supplied in standard sizes, various RAL colours, and the option of space saving tall radiators and conservatory models. The radiators have been designed to look like conventional wet system radiators and provide the same controllability. The surface of each model incorporates a high-fin design which boasts six times the normal radiator surface area. The overall effect is a balance

WiFi ready

of convection and radiant heat for added end-user comfort.

Energy saving It is estimated that the radiators will only use approximately 20-25 minutes of electricity per hour, dependent on the building fabric, outside temperature and user requirements. For extra energy savings, they have been designed to modulate and maintain a constant room temperature, resulting in lower energy use and more affordable running costs. Built in Germany using the latest technology, the DSR Electric Combination Radiators are LOT20 Compliant and use the latest

technology to have an in-built ‘Open Window’ feature which does not need window contacts. This feature will detect if there is

a significant temperature drop in the surrounding area within a short period of time. If such a drop is detected, the DSR radiator

The radiators have also been designed to be WiFi ready, allowing users to communicate with the product via their computer, tablet or mobile. Users simply need to purchase the optional Gateway and download the easy-to-use EHC Smart App (freely available on Android and Apple) which provides complete control of the time, temperature and programming of the radiators, either individually or collectively at the same time. Users can also access the electricity power limiter, electricity monitor and radiator priority settings. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/ 6

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Products in Action 29 MVHR system improves air quality for new apartments

Heat pumps in demand 1óŋùÖł NÑ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ŭŽťťķĢāù ðƘ mĢŶŭŽðĢŭĞĢ 1ķāóŶũĢó Ŷŋ ¦ŽķķŋóĞ NŋĿāŭ̇ ŋłā ŋĕ óŋŶķÖłù̪ŭ ķāÖùĢłė ĞŋŽŭāðŽĢķùāũŭ̇ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė Ŷŋ Ö łāƒ ĞŋŽŭĢłė ùāƑāķŋťĿāłŶ Ģł !ÖũũðũĢùėā̍ ¦Ğā ÂŋŋùķÖłù ĞŋŽŭĢłė ùāƑāķŋťĿāłŶ óŋĿťũĢŭāŭ ˛˝ łāƒķƘ ðŽĢķŶ ĞŋĿāŭ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ÖùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ ĞŋĿāŭ ðāĢłė ðŽĢķŶ Žłùāũ ĞÖŭā ¦ƒŋ ŋĕ ŶĞā ťũŋıāóŶ̍ 1ÖóĞ ťũŋťāũŶƘ óŋĿāŭ óŋĿťķāŶā ƒĢŶĞ mĢŶŭŽðĢŭĞĢ̪ŭ 1óŋùÖł NÑ Öŭ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ¦ŽķķŋóĞ NŋĿāŭ óŋĿĿĢŶĿāłŶ Ŷŋ āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķķƘ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ĕŋũ ĢŶŭ ĞŋĿāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ĿĢƗ ŋĕ ðŋŶĞ ŭŋóĢÖķ Öłù ťũĢƑÖŶā ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ ƒĢķķ ĞÖƑā Öķķ ŶĞā ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŭāũƑĢóāŭ ŶĞāƘ łāāù ùāķĢƑāũāù ðƘ ŶĞā ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ̍ ̦Âā ũāėŽķÖũķƘ ķŋŋĴ ÖŶ ƒĞÖŶ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Öũā ÖŭĴĢłė ĕŋũ Öłù̇ Ģł ÖùùĢŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ĞŋĿāðŽƘāũŭ ėũÖƑĢŶÖŶĢłė Ŀŋũā ŶŋƒÖũùŭ āùėā ŋĕ Ŷŋƒł ŋũ ũŽũÖķ ķŋóÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ƒā ĞÖƑā ŭāāł ėũŋƒĢłė ĢłŶāũāŭŶ Ģł ũāłāƒÖðķā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ̧̇ āƗťķÖĢłŭ bĢāũÖł FũÖĞÖĿ̇ ¦ŽķķŋóĞ NŋĿāŭ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ùĢũāóŶŋũ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚/˟˙

A new apartment complex in Bracknell, Berkshire, is ðāłāƩŶĢłė ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā N Ç̟Ö māóĞÖłĢóÖķ ÁāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł ƒĢŶĞ NāÖŶ āóŋƑāũƘ ̛mÁN ̜ ŭƘŭŶāĿ ĕũŋĿ 'ŋĿŽŭ̍ ¦Ğā pŋ̍˚ ¦ĞÖĿāŭ ÁÖķķāƘ ùāƑāķŋťĿāłŶ ƒĢķķ ŭāā ŶĞā ðŽĢķùĢłė óŋłƑāũŶāù ĕũŋĿ ŋƧóāŭ Ŷŋ ˚˜˙ ŭĢłėķā ðāùũŋŋĿ ÖťÖũŶĿāłŶŭ ķÖĢù ŋŽŶ Ģł Ŷƒŋ ƒĢłėŭ ƒĢŶĞ ƪŋŋũ̟to̟óāĢķĢłė

ƒĢłùŋƒŭ̍ 'ŋĿŽŭ ĞÖŭ Öķŭŋ ŭŽťťķĢāù ŶĞā ùŽóŶĢłė ƒĞĢóĞ łāāùŭ Ŷŋ ũŽł ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŶĞā ðŽĢķùĢłė ĕÖöÖùā Öłù ĿÖŶóĞ ŶĞā ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł ėũĢķķāŭ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ŶāũũÖóŋŶŶÖ ŶĢķāŭ ÖķũāÖùƘ Ģł ťķÖóā̍

Ƙ ÖóóŽũÖŶāķƘ ĿāÖŭŽũĢłė ÖĢũ ĞŽĿĢùĢŶƘ̇ ŶĞā N Ç̟Ö āłÖðķāŭ ŋóóŽťÖłŶŭ Ŷŋ ĞÖƑā ùĢũāóŶ óŋłŶũŋķ ŋƑāũ ŶĞā ĞŽĿĢùĢŶƘ ķāƑāķŭ Ŷŋ ŭŽĢŶ ťāũŭŋłÖķ óŋĿĕŋũŶ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚/˟˚

Smart control for period home ¦Ğā ĢłłŋƑÖŶĢƑā 1ÖŭƘŶũŋł ŭĿÖũŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿ ĕũŋĿ ŶĢāðāķ 1ķŶũŋł ĞÖŭ ðāāł ĢłŭŶÖķķāù Ģł Ö ťāũĢŋù ťũŋťāũŶƘ Ģł pŋũŶĞ ÈŋũĴŭĞĢũā̍ ÂĢŶĞ internal walls that are ˛ ĕāāŶ ŶĞĢóĴ Ģł ťķÖóāŭ̇ ŶĞā ðŽĢķùĢłė̪ŭ ĞāũĢŶÖėā ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ťũāŭāłŶāù Ö łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ óĞÖķķāłėāŭ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ŶāÖĿ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ťũŋƑĢùĢłė ŭŽƧóĢāłŶ ŭĢėłÖķ ŭŶũāłėŶĞ ðāŶƒāāł ŶĞā óāłŶũÖķ ŽłĢŶ Öłù ũŋŋĿ ŭāłŭŋũŭ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ƒÖŭ ŋƑāũóŋĿā ðƘ ĢłŶāėũÖŶĢłė ŶĢāðāķ 1ķŶũŋł̪ŭ ŭĢėłÖķ ðŋŋŭŶāũŭ ŶĞũŋŽėĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā ťũŋťāũŶƘ ƒĞĢóĞ ĿāÖłŶ ŶĞÖŶ āÖóĞ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ ũāóāĢƑāù ŶĞā łāóāŭŭÖũƘ ŭĢėłÖķ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞāƘ Öũā ťāũĿÖłāłŶķƘ óŋłłāóŶāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā ĿÖĢł ŽłĢŶ̍ ¦Ğā ŭƘŭŶāĿ Öķķŋƒŭ Žŭāũŭ Ŷŋ ÖķŶāũ ŭāŶŶĢłėŭ ƑĢÖ Ö ŭĿÖũŶťĞŋłā ŋũ ŶÖðķāŶ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢóÖķķƘ ĿÖłÖėā ĞāÖŶ ķāƑāķŭ Ģł ũŋŋĿŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā łŋŶ Žŭāù ũāėŽķÖũķƘ̇ ŶĞāũāðƘ ťũāƑāłŶĢłė ùÖĿť ĕũŋĿ ĕŋũĿĢłė ̞ ŭŋĿāŶĞĢłė ŶĞÖŶ óÖł ðā Ö ðĢė ĢŭŭŽā Ģł ŋķùāũ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˟˛

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How to make a leak-free connection every time Following the government’s new build strategy, ˚ˡ˙̇˙˙˙ ÖƦ ŋũùÖðķā ĞŋĿāŭ Öũā ŭāŶ Ŷŋ be built in the UK between now and ˛˙˛˟. Nigel Sanger from RWC UK discusses how leak-proof plumbing products like MDPE push-Ʃ Ŷ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öũā āŭŭāłŶĢÖķ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ťũŋıāóŶŭ Öũā Ŀŋũā āƧ óĢāłŶ Öłù ťũŋðķāĿ ĕũāā̍

n the wake of the UK Government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ strategy and as the economy is slowly recovering from the global pandemic of ˛˙˛˙, it is no secret that construction has been catapulted into overdrive. ŭ ĞŋŽŭā ðŽĢķùĢłė ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶķƘ increases, the danger is that it is at the expense of quality installation and construction. Building leak-proof homes helps prevent unexpected plumbingrelated problems and homes from ŭŽƦ āũĢłė ƒÖŶāũ ùÖĿÖėā̇ ƒĞĢķā saving consumers’ money and conserving water. WaterSafe is already committed to this cause and highlights that “about a quarter of leaks are found in the underground pipes which connect properties to water mains.”

Öũā ŭťāóĢƩ óÖķķƘ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ óŋťā with a rough underground life. Push-Ʃ Ŷ m' 1 Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ óÖł ŭťāāù up installation of the mains water supply into a house, alongside future-ťũŋŋƩ łė ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ ĕŋũ years to come.

Made to last

Nigel Sanger Divisional director technical support at RWC UK

Going underground Installing underground pipes can be tricky and frustrating, as ŶĞāƘ Öũā ÖŭŭāĿðķāù Ģł Ö óŋłƩ łāù workspace and muddy conditions. RłóŋũũāóŶķƘ Ʃ ŶŶāù ŽłùāũėũŋŽłù pipes can cause catastrophic āƦ āóŶŭ ĿŋłŶĞŭ ùŋƒł ŶĞā ķĢłā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ includes huge costs to customers and the environment, as thousands of gallons of water could potentially end up being wasted through leaks, as well as time and money to installers and developers to rectify the problem. ¦ƒŋ ŋĕ ŶĞā ðĢėėāŭŶ ĢŭŭŽāŭ Ģł plumbing underground pipework can be that trenches are muddy, reducing visibility, and abrasive contaminants like stones or other debris could easily damage the Ʃ ŶŶĢłė ŋũ ťĢťāƒŋũĴ̍ ÂĞāł ƒāÖŶĞāũ conditions are poor, visibility can ðā ķŋƒ Ŷŋŋ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ĿÖĴāŭ ĢŶ ùĢƧ óŽķŶ for installers to determine if a secure, water-tight seal has been ĿÖùā̇ ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ Ģĕ ŽŭĢłė Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ with compression connections. !ŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋł Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ óÖł Öķŭŋ become loose over time, which then causes leaks that are hard to rectify. ¦ŋ āłŭŽũā Ö ŭŋķĢù ĕŋŽłùÖŶĢŋł within the building process, reliable and robust products must be used with underground pipework. MDPE (medium-density ťŋķƘāŶĞƘķāłā̜ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ŭŋĿāŶĢĿāŭ Ĵłŋƒł Öŭ ̨ðķÖóĴ Öłù ðķŽā̪ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇

Push-Ʃ Ŷ m' 1 Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ ĕũŋĿ `F ťāāùƩ Ŷ ĞÖƑā Ö ðŽĢķŶ-in seal to ťũŋƑĢùā Ö ũāķĢÖðķā̇ ķāÖĴ-ťũŋŋĕ óŋłłāóŶĢŋł ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā łāāù ĕŋũ any specialist tools

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ About a quarter of leaks are found in underground pipes connected to water mains Đ 'SQTVIWWMSR Ƽ XXMRKW GER become loose over time, causing leaks that are hard to rectify Đ ,IEZ] HYX] 1(4) Ƽ XXMRKW have been designed to cope with being installed underground Đ 4YWL Ƽ X Ƽ XXMRKW QEOI MX IEW] to make a water-tight connection in awkward spaces with poor visibility

Built with a strong and heavyùŽŶƘ ĿÖŶāũĢÖķ̇ m' 1 Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ķĢĴā ŶĞŋŭā Ģł ŶĞā `F ťāāùƩ Ŷ ũÖłėā̇ ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶķƘ ũāùŽóā ŶĞā ũĢŭĴ ŋĕ ĕŽŶŽũā ĢŭŭŽāŭ̍ ¦Ğāŭā Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ ĞÖƑā Ö built-in seal, and the connection is made by simply pushing the pipe ĢłŶŋ ĢŶ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ùĢĿĢłĢŭĞāŭ ŶĞā óĞÖłóā of exposing the interior of the pipework to contamination. ¦ŋ óŋłłāóŶ Ö óŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋł Ŷāā̇ however, you will need three nuts, three seals, and three inserts, which must be assembled onto the pipe piece by piece. Connecting these components in muddy trenches can take time, whereas push-Ʃ Ŷ technology makes these jobs a lot easier, faster and more reliable. łķĢĴā óŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋłŭ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ the MDPE push-Ʃ Ŷ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öķŭŋ don’t need to be rotated once laid into the ground to create a secure connection. dĢĴā ŋŶĞāũ `F ťāāùƩ Ŷ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̇ łŋ specialist tools are required, making them extremely quick and easy to Ʃ Ŷ Ģł ŶĢėĞŶ Öłù ÖƒĴƒÖũù ŭťÖóāŭ ƒĢŶĞ ťŋŋũ ƑĢŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ̍ ¦Ğā Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öũā ĕŽķķƘ demountable, by removing the collet cover and pushing down on the óŋķķāŶ ĢŶŭāķĕ̍ ¦Ğā ŭŶÖĢłķāŭŭ ŭŶāāķ ėũÖð ũĢłė ŋƦ āũŭ Ö ƒāÖŶĞāũ ũāŭĢŭŶÖłŶ ŭāÖķ̇ and the one-year guarantee gives additional piece of mind.

Time savers With a directive from the UK Government to build faster, build greener and build better houses, installers and contractors need to ensure the products they are using will be reliable, quick, and easy to install. Push-Ʃ Ŷ m' 1 Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ ensure you can create a reliable and leak-proof connection every time, while helping to conserve water for years to come. Our technical teams are on hand if you need assistance with installing underground pipework and can help you select the right products and provide best practice advice. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˚̓˜ˠ

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Getting to grips with changes to RPZ tests ¦Ğā ŶũÖłŭĢŶĢŋł ťāũĢŋù ĕŋũ ŶĞā ķÖŶāŭŶ ÖťťũŋƑāù ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ĿāŶĞŋù ĕŋũ ũāùŽóāù ťũāŭŭŽũā ơŋłā ̛ Ñ̜ ƑÖķƑāŭ óÖĿā Ŷŋ Öł āłù ķÖŭŶ ĿŋłŶĞ̇ ŭŋ łŋƒ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ łāāù Ŷŋ ðā ƒŋũĴĢłė Ŷŋ ŶĞā łāƒ ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ̍ ÖŽķ mĢķķÖũù ĕũŋĿ Â ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶŭ ƒĞÖŶ ŶĞā óĞÖłėāŭ ĿāÖł Ŷŋ Ñ ŶāŭŶāũŭ̍

Ƙťā ðÖóĴƪ ŋƒ ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł ùāƑĢóāŭ Öũā Ŀŋũā óŋĿĿŋłķƘ Ĵłŋƒł Öŭ āùŽóāù ũāŭŭŽũā Ñŋłā ̛ Ñ̜ ƑÖķƑāŭ Öłù ŶĞāƘ ťķÖƘ Öł ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ ũŋķā Ģł ťũŋŶāóŶĢłė ťāŋťķā ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ũĢŭĴ ŋĕ óŋłŶÖĿĢłÖŶĢŋł ĕũŋĿ ťķŽĿðĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ łķĢĴā ŭŋĿā ðÖóĴƪ ŋƒ ťũāƑāłŶĢŋł ÖũũÖłėāĿāłŶŭ̇ Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ Öũā łŋŶ Ö óÖŭā ŋĕ Ʃ Ŷ Öłù ĕŋũėāŶ ̟ ĢłŭŶāÖù ŶĞāƘ ĿŽŭŶ ðā ŶāŭŶāù ÖłłŽÖķķƘ ðƘ Öł ÖťťũŋƑāù ŶāŭŶāũ Ŷŋ ŭĞŋƒ ŶĞāƘ Öũā ƒŋũĴĢłė̍ ŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ˠŶĞ `ÖłŽÖũƘ ˛˙˛˚̇ RŭŭŽā ˚ ŋĕ ŶĞā ťťũŋƑāù RłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł māŶĞŋù ̛ Rm̜ ĕŋũ Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ ĞÖŭ ðāāł ƒĢŶĞùũÖƒł Öłù Ģŭ łŋ ķŋłėāũ ũāóŋėłĢŭāù ðƘ ƒÖŶāũ óŋĿťÖłĢāŭ ƒĞŋ āłĕŋũóā ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ Öłù ðƘāķÖƒŭ̍ ¦Ğā Ñ Rm ŭāŶŭ ŋŽŶ ŶĞā ÂÖŶāũ ŽťťķƘ RłùŽŭŶũƘ̪ŭ ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̇ óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė Öłù ŋł̟ŭĢŶā óŋĿťķĢÖłóā ŶāŭŶĢłė ŋĕ ŶĞā Ñ ƑÖķƑā̇ ðŽŶ ƒĞÖŶ óĞÖłėāŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ĿÖùā Ŷŋ ŶĞā Rm Öłù ƒĞÖŶ ùŋāŭ ŶĞĢŭ ĿāÖł ĕŋũ Ñ ŶāŭŶāũŭ̎

Round-up of the changes DŋķķŋƒĢłė Ö óŋĿťũāĞāłŭĢƑā ũāƑĢāƒ ðƘ ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̇ Â óŋłƩ ũĿāù ŶĞā óĞÖłėāŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā Rm ĕŋũ ¦Ƙťā ùāƑĢóāŭ Ģł ˛˙˛˙̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ũāŭŽķŶāù Ģł Ö ˚˛̟ĿŋłŶĞ ŶũÖłŭĢŶĢŋł ťāũĢŋù ƒĞĢóĞ ĞÖŭ łŋƒ āłùāù̍ ¦Ğā ŶũÖłŭĢŶĢŋł ťāũĢŋù ƒÖŭ ťŽŶ Ģł ťķÖóā Ŷŋ Öķķŋƒ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öłù Žŭāũŭ Ŷŋ ðāóŋĿā ĕÖĿĢķĢÖũ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ŽťùÖŶāù ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ Öłù Ŷŋ ėĢƑā ÖùāŨŽÖŶā ŶĢĿā ĕŋũ Ñ ŶāŭŶāũŭ Ŷŋ Öóóāŭŭ ŶĞā łāóāŭŭÖũƘ ŶũÖĢłĢłė̍ ¦Ğā Rm ĞÖŭ ðāāł ŽťùÖŶāù Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė Öłù ŶāŭŶĢłė Ģŭ óÖũũĢāù ŋŽŶ óŋłŭĢŭŶāłŶķƘ Ŷŋ Ö ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ŭŶÖłùÖũù̍ ¦Ğā ŽťùÖŶāù Rm ùāŶÖĢķŭ ŶĞā ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ ĕŋũ óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė Öłù óŋĿťķĢÖłóā ŶāŭŶĢłė Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ĢĿťũŋƑĢłė ŶĞā ƒÖƘ āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ Ģŭ óÖķĢðũÖŶāù Öłù Ğŋƒ ŶāŭŶŭ Öũā ũāťŋũŶāù̍

ũŋťāũ łŋŶĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł ŋŶĞ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł Öłù ÖķŶāũÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ ĿŽŭŶ ðā łŋŶĢƩ āù Ŷŋ ŶĞā ķŋóÖķ ƒÖŶāũ óŋĿťÖłƘ Öłù ÖùĞāũā Ŷŋ ŶĞā ÂÖŶāũ RłùŽŭŶũƘ ťťũŋƑāù RłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł māŶĞŋù ̛RŭŭŽā ˛ ŋĕ Rm ˙ˡ̟˙˚̜̍ RŶ̪ŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ Ŷŋ łŋŶā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā łŋŶĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ ĞÖƑā łŋŶ óĞÖłėāù Öłù óŋłŶĢłŽā Ŷŋ ðā Öł ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ āķāĿāłŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā Rm̍ ÂĢŶĞ Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ ŋĕŶāł ðāĢłė āƗťāłŭĢƑā̇ ŶĞĢŭ ťũŋóāŭŭ āłŭŽũāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł Ģŭ Ģł ťķÖóā ĕŋũ ŶĞā ťũŋťŋŭāù ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋł ðāĕŋũā ťŽũóĞÖŭā̍ ł ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ łŋŶĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶ Ģŭ ŶĞā óŋłŭāłŶ łŋŶĢóā ĢŭŭŽāù ðƘ ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ óŋĿťÖłƘ̇ Öŭ ŶĞĢŭ óŋłŶÖĢłŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł Öłù óŋłùĢŶĢŋłŭ ƒĞĢóĞ łāāù Ŷŋ ðā ĕŋķķŋƒāù óķŋŭāķƘ̍

Regular testing Rł óŋłŶũÖŭŶ̇ ŶĞāũā ĞÖƑā ðāāł ĿĢłŋũ óĞÖłėāŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ̍ Dŋũ āƗÖĿťķā̇ ÖłƘ Ñ

Paul Millard Technical manager at the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)

ƑÖķƑāŭ ƒĞĢóĞ ƒāũā ÖķũāÖùƘ ķÖƒĕŽķķƘ ĢłŭŶÖķķāù ƒĢķķ ŭŶĢķķ ðā ƑÖķĢù̇ ðŽŶ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ łāāù Ŷŋ óŋłŶĢłŽā Ŷŋ Žłùāũėŋ ũāėŽķÖũ ŶāŭŶŭ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞāƘ ũāĿÖĢł óŋĿťķĢÖłŶ̍ łŋŶĞāũ āƗÖĿťķā ŋĕ ŶĞā óĞÖłėāŭ Ģŭ ŶĞÖŶ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĢķķ łŋƒ łāāù Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ƑÖķƑā óÖł ðā āÖŭĢķƘ Öóóāŭŭāù ĕŋũ ŶāŭŶĢłė̍ māÖŭŽũāù ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ƪ ŋŋũ Ŷŋ ŶĞā Ŷŋť ŋĕ ŶĞā ƑÖķƑā̇ ŶĞā ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ ĞāĢėĞŶ ŋĕ Öł Ñ ƑÖķƑā Ģŭ ˚̍˞Ŀ̍ ¦Ğāũā Öķŭŋ ĿŽŭŶ ðā óķāÖũÖłóā ŽłùāũłāÖŶĞ ŶĞā ƑÖķƑā Ŷŋ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢł ÖĢũ ėÖť ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł ̛ÖŶ ķāÖŭŶ ˙̍˜Ŀ̜ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ũāķĢāĕ ťŋũŶ̍

Keeping compliant Rł ÖùùĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā ŽťùÖŶāù Rm łŋƒ ĢłóķŽùāŭ ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł ŋł óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė Öłù óŋĿťķĢÖłóā ŶāŭŶĢłė̍ RŶ Ģŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ Ŷŋ łŋŶā ŶĞÖŶ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞāŭā ŶāũĿŭ Öũā łāƒ̇ ŶĞā ťĞƘŭĢóÖķ ŶāŭŶĢłė ũāĿÖĢłŭ ŶĞā ŭÖĿā̍ łƘ óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė ŋũ ŶāŭŶĢłė ĿŽŭŶ ŋłķƘ ðā óŋĿťķāŶāù ðƘ Ö óŋĿťāŶāłŶ ťāũŭŋł̇ ĕŋũ āƗÖĿťķā Ö ŶũÖĢłāù Öłù ũāóŋėłĢŭāù Ñ ÁÖķƑā ¦āŭŶāũ̇ ÖĕŶāũ ĢŶ ĞÖŭ ðāāł ĢłŭŶÖķķāù̍ ÂĞÖŶ̪ŭ Ŀŋũā̇ óķāÖũāũ āƗťķÖłÖŶĢŋł ĞÖŭ ðāāł ťũŋƑĢùāù ĕŋũ ŶĞā ũŋķāŭ Öłù ũāŭťŋłŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ ĕŋũ ĿÖłÖėĢłė Ñ ƑÖķƑāŭ̇ Ģł ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũ ƒĢŶĞ ũāėÖũùŭ Ŷŋ ũāťŋũŶĢłė Öłù ƒĞÖŶ ŭĞŋŽķù ĞÖťťāł Ģĕ ŶĞā Ñ ƑÖķƑā ĕÖĢķŭ ŶĞā óŋĿťķĢÖłóā ŶāŭŶĢłė̍

TRAINING GUIDANCE Any RPZ testers who did not take the conversion training to familiarise themselves with the changes to the AIM ahead of 7th January 2021 are no longer recognised by water companies. These testers will now need to sit a full training course based on Issue 2 of the AIM through a recognised training provider. Get further details on training by using the link below.

ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜ˡ

PHAM FEB21 JG SPEEDFIT:Layout 1 19/01/2021 12:29 Page 1

PHAM FEB21:Layout 1 29/01/2021 16:38 Page 34

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Pipes, Fittings & Valves 1ÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ƩŶ ðŽŶŶāũƪƘ ƑÖķƑāŭ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ũāùŽóā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ŶĢĿā

ŶũāłėŶĞ ðŽĢķŶ ĢłŶŋ ŶĞā ķÖƘāũŭ The VSH MultiPress system from Pegler incorporates a number of new features as part of both its design and molecular construction that set it apart from other plastic piping systems. VSH MultiPress pipe has an aluminium layer with additional inner and outer layers of polyethylene (PE-X), and the way these layers are linked ùāķĢƑāũŭ āłĞÖłóāù ũāŭĢŭŶÖłóā to loads generated by internal pressure and high temperature. The aluminium means there Ģŭ ĿĢłĢĿŽĿ ķĢłāÖũ āƗťÖłŭĢŋł̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ùāķĢƑāũ Ö performance comparable with

copper, while the smooth ŭŽũĕÖóā ťũāƑāłŶŭ ŶĞā build-up of scale and other debris. The VSH MultiPress system ĢłóŋũťŋũÖŶāŭ ðāłāƩŶŭ ĕŋũ Ö ƑÖũĢāŶƘ ŋĕ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ in domestic and light commercial plumbing projects including sanitary, heating and Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ RŶŭ ĞāÖŶ-free nature ensures that no hot works are needed, while the thermal memory of the pipe can reduce ŶĞā łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ łāāùāù̍ The system, which includes a range of colour-coded press ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ĕũŋĿ ˚˟̟˟˜mm, also ŋƦāũŭ Ö ̨ķāÖĴ ðāĕŋũā ťũāŭŭ̪ feature, in addition to the insertion depth control window. ¦Ğā ƩŶŶĢłėŭ óÖł ðā ťũāŭŭāù ƒĢŶĞ ðŋŶĞ Öłù ¦N ťũŋƩķā ıÖƒŭ Öłù Öķŭŋ ŋƦāũ ŋťŶĢĿÖķ ťŋŭĢŶĢŋłĢłė of the press jaws for a fast and secure pressing. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˜ˢ

Mechanical pipe-joining system manufacturer, Victaulic, has launched its Series ˚˛˝ Installation- āÖùƘ ðŽŶŶāũƪƘ ƑÖķƑā̇ a solution for HVAC applications. ¦Ğā łāƒ ðŽŶŶāũƪƘ ƑÖķƑā Ģŭ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Ö ĞŋŭŶ ŋĕ ðāłāƩŶŭ̍ RŶ āłÖðķāŭ ˜˟˙Ƭ positioning for optimum ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̇ Öłù Ģŭ ùāŭĢėłāù ĕŋũ Ö ùāķĢðāũÖŶāķƘ ķŋƒ ťũŋƩķā Ģł ŶāũĿŭ ŋĕ weight and size.

Made with a stainless steel ùĢŭĴ̇ ŶĞā łāƒ ƑÖķƑā Ģŭ ĕŋũ Žŭā on stainless steel or carbon steel pipes. Incorporating ðŋŶĞ ŶĞā ƑÖķƑā and coupling functions into one product design, the customer can make additional ŭÖƑĢłėŭ ðƘ āĿťķŋƘĢłė one product where ťũāƑĢŋŽŭķƘ ŶĞũāā ĿÖƘ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ũāŨŽĢũāù̍ ÁĢóŶÖŽķĢó āłƑĢŭÖėāŭ ŶĞā łāƒ ƑÖķƑā Ŷŋ ƩŶ HVAC applications, as well as wider use in general industry. The new model complements the recently released Series E˚˛˞ Installation-Ready ðŽŶŶāũƪƘ ƑÖķƑā̇ which was brought to market last year. The ùĢƦāũāłóā ðāŶƒāāł

the Series E˚˛˞ and the new Series ˚˛˝ ƑÖķƑā Ģŭ that the latter is to be used ŋł ŶĞā zF ėũŋŋƑā ťũŋƩķā ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā former uses the StrengThin ˚˙˙ ėũŋŋƑā ĕŋũ ŶĞĢł ƒÖķķ stainless steel pipe. DJ Wolbert, product manager at Victaulic, óŋĿĿāłŶŭ̆ ̦DķÖłėāù ƒÖĕāũ ƑÖķƑāŭ ĞÖƑā ÖķƒÖƘŭ ðāāł Ö ŭŋŽũ ťŋĢłŶ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̒ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ ùŋ ŶĞāƘ ĞÖƑā a lengthy installation process with the star-pattern tightening of ŶĞā ðŋķŶŭ Öłù łŽŶŭ̇ ŶĞāƘ Öķŭŋ ĞÖƑā a higher risk of misalignment and a cumbersome maintenance ťũŋóāŭŭ̍ Âā ðāķĢāƑā Öł Installation- āÖùƘ ƑÖķƑā ťũāŭāłŶŭ Ö óŋĿťķāŶāķƘ ŽłĢŨŽā ŋƦāũ Öłù ÖķķāƑĢÖŶāŭ āƗĢŭŶĢłė ťũŋðķāĿŭ̇ Öŭ Öķķ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ĞÖƑā Ŷŋ ùŋ Ģŭ ťŽŭĞ ŶĞā ƑÖķƑā ŋł ėũŋŋƑāù ťĢťā ŋũ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ and tighten two bolts and nuts to complete the installation.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˝˙

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

The key to success in the hotel sector The past year has been devastating to the hotel industry, but with the prospect of a recovery in spring, many are looking to the future with new optimism. Neville Small, key accounts director at Baxi Heating, says that the resurgence of the hotel sector presents opportunities for installers, too.

ovid-19 has affected every industry sector – and the hotel industry has been among the hardest hit. But with green shoots of hope finally emerging for some easing of restrictions in the spring, savvy hotels are planning refurbishments to prepare for a rapid bounce back. What does this mean for installers? Well, guest satisfaction is a primary concern for hotel owners and the heating system has a key part to play in achieving the required high comfort levels. Whether it’s generating a warm environment, or supplying abundant hot showers, or providing su cient hot water for the kitchens, it’s important that the system performs as intended.

Given the high demand for heating and hot water, these services typically account for one of the largest overheads in hotels. o, at a time when profitability will be under even greater

Neville Small

Key accounts director at Baxi Heating

scrutiny, it makes perfect sense to upgrade any old or ine cient equipment to more energy e cient products – especially ones that deliver rapid payback and future savings. All of which means that there is a window of commercial opportunity for installers and contractors as hotels start to prepare for a more prosperous future.

Hotels present unique challenges when it comes to heating and hot water facilities. This is because demand is seasonal, varying throughout the year and dependent on occupancy rates. The goal must therefore be to ensure optimum service as economically as possible, both when occupancy rates are low and when demand is at its peak. Here are a few pointers to bear in mind. Separate out the heating and hot water: In a traditional heating system, condensing boilers will often be specified to meet the requirements for space heating and hot water. However, a more appropriate and effective option for hotels might be to install a dedicated direct-fired condensing water heater to satisfy the hot water demand. This will remove the need to run the boilers to heat water during the warmer months and will maximise the e ciency of both the services. Your chosen manufacturer will be able to assist with sizing tools and advice. Design: If switching from non-condensing to condensing

boilers, it’s essential to consider fundamental design factors like radiator circuit temperatures and weather compensation control at the start. This will allow the boiler to operate in condensing mode where it achieves its higher e ciency levels. Water quality: It’s also advisable to test the water quality – especially when working with older systems – as heating and hot water systems perform better, more safely and more reliably with good quality water circulating in them. Controls: The control strategy is another aspect that needs early consideration. We recommend including time, optimisation, full temperature, zoning and weather compensation controls, all of which will help with seasonality. Modulation: When selecting boilers, opting for models with a wide modulation ratio will boost e ciency further, as they are able to match changing demand more accurately. This in turn will reduce constant on/off cycling and increase boiler longevity. Whole life costs: Finally, the

CASE STUDY JOB SHEET EQUIPMENT MAKE AND MODEL

Potterton Commercial Sirius three 130kW boiler Andrews Water Heaters MAXXﬂo 120/200 unit INSTALLATION COMPANY

DJP Heating JOB LOCATION

Cross Keys Hotel Kelso, Scotland The award-winning Cross Keys Hotel has provided a warm and friendly welcome to visitors since the 1 th century. When guests check in, their every comfort – from hot showers in all 26 bedrooms to excellent dining in the hotel’s Saddler’s Restaurant – is a priority for hotel director Grant Ballantyne. So when the heating system began to fail, Grant brought in project contractor Darren Paxton of DJP Heating to resolve the situation. E ciency and reliability were the key requirements. Added to this was the need to complete the

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works within the hotel’s annual two-week shutdown to minimise downtime and disruption. As Darren was familiar with the Baxi Heating product portfolio, he arranged a site visit from its sales team to advise on the most appropriate heating and hot water solution to meet the hotel’s requirements. The Baxi Heating team recommended separating out the space heating and hot water to optimise e ciency and reduce running costs. This approach also improves reliability, says Darren: “The old boiler was the sole heat

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generator, so if it went down, the hotel was left without heating and hot water.” The decision was taken to install a high e ciency, low N x Potterton Commercial Sirius three 1 0kW floor standing boiler to provide energy e cient heating throughout the premises. With a wide modulation ratio of 9:1, the stainless steel boiler is able to match heat load accurately, for improved e ciency and boiler longevity, and reduced running costs. It also comes with a five-year warranty. An Andrews Water Heaters

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condensing A flo 120/200 unit was selected to satisfy the demand for hot water. This water heater is perfectly suited for use in hotels where the demand for hot water peaks at particular times of the day. Thanks to its high 9 % gross e ciency and fast recovery rate, energy usage, emissions and running costs are all kept to a minimum. Installation was straightforward, with the compact units positioned easily within the basement plant room. “The hardest part was stripping out the old boiler!” says Darren.

aim should be to optimise the performance of the equipment throughout its lifecycle. This means considering ease of future maintenance, servicing and part replacement from the outset. It’s also worth identifying manufacturers who offer service kits, as these handy packages will contain all the genuine parts required for a time-saving, first-time fix, while ensuring full compliance with an existing warranty.

Each hotel building will have its own unique requirements. But whether you’re moving into light commercial applications or are an old-hand, make use of the specialist product and technical knowledge that experienced manufacturers will provide. At Baxi Heating, we look forward to supporting you throughout your projects, from initial site visits to after sales support, to help you and your customers achieve the most cost effective and e cient solution every time. ◼ /221/41

Commissioning was then carried out by Baxi Heating’s engineers. “Despite the tight schedule, the project couldn’t have gone better,” Darren adds. “Even delivery was more straightforward due to using one supplier!” “We’re very pleased with how the work has gone,” says Grant Ballantyne. “Darren and his team completed the work in the small window of opportunity we had during the hotel’s annual two-week closure. The layout of the new equipment and the associated pipework is immaculate, and we’re delighted that the heating and hot water system has been working well ever since. “We depend on heating and hot water to keep our guests happy,” Grant continues. “But the service also accounts for a large percentage of our operating costs, so it made sense for us to upgrade to more energye cient equipment. Now we’re looking forward to trouble-free heating and hot water provision and the prospect of reduced bills in the future!”

29/01/2021 17:06

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Light Commercial Heating BY NUMBERS

60ºC temperature to achieve in a system

55ºC to cite when calculating the commercial setting

72%

Specifying ASHPs for commercial systems 5K

amount emissions can be reduced in the UK’s warmer climate zones when calculating 82

The higher working flow temperatures required by commercial applications can present challenges when specifying air source heat pumps. imon Bennett from Adveco considers the ways these challenges can be overcome.

ue to their relative ease of installation and ability to draw and transfer thermal energy from air, under the right circumstances air source heat pumps A P represent an e cient way to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of a building. owever, with A Ps offering greater e ciencies in lowtemperature systems, the hightemperature demands of domestic hot water D W for light commercial applications can be a challenge. Achieving 60 C in a calorifier is a basic requirement for a commercial D W system, but means the working flow temperature from an A P alone would need to be at least 5 C. As well as struggling to achieve these temperatures year-round in the UK, the coe cient of performance C P drops considerably, countering the value of deploying A Ps. A working flow of 55 C is certainly attainable from current generation heat pumps, but we are also likely to increase the size of a system. When connected to a traditional indirect water heater, the lower flow temperatures generated by an A P lead to around a 50 drop in energy transferred, since A Ps will typically have 5 K temperature differential 55 C flow vs 50°C stored compared to 20 K Delta 0 C flow vs 0 C stored of

36.indd 1

gas-fired boilers. Deploying A Ps for D W therefore requires a different approach if we want to avoid operating at less than full capacity. Rather than using a calorifier, an A P system would be better suited by employing a plate heat exchanger P E with lowtemperature hot water T W and D W buffers. By using a P E, with its larger heat transfer area, the system capacity is no longer limited by the size of the coil, and using a T W buffer as a neutral/ mixing point means flow through the P E can be reduced, reducing pump and pipework sizes.

Complexity

While the temperature differential across the P E will increase compared to the heat source, it will normalise once mixed in the buffer tank. Using this design principle, it is now possible to transfer all the energy that the heat pump can produce as part of a hybrid approach that uses the A P as preheat and combines it with either gas-fired or electric immersion top up. Commercial D W applications using heat pumps are going to be complex and, when compared to gas-fired alternatives, are going to have higher up-front costs. ffsetting additional capital investment though are new e ciencies and sustainability that reduce C emissions.

(55

50ºC stored)

have made the

Simon Bennett

Senior applications engineer at Adveco

projects more viable in recent years

When analysing the value of an A P in terms of reducing C , the carbon intensity figures from AP10 should be used. Electricity can be evaluated as being like-forlike with natural gas - once the operational e ciency has been factored in. The advantage of A Ps is that their performance is greater than 100 as they extract additional energy from outside the building’s metered systems. This gives significant carbon savings but, when describing the e ciency of an A P, working flow water temperatures of 5 C are often cited. It needs to be recognised that this temperature is not going to be hot enough to safely provide commercial D W. For this reason, it is recommended to calculate emissions at a working water temperature from the A P of 55 C. This is then hot enough to provide realistic levels of preheat for a commercial D W system.

Temperature zones

Attention also needs to be given to the Ecodesign established European temperature zones when assessing the suitability of a heat pump to serve a building’s heating load. For most of the UK the relevant defined temperature zone is average’, where the annual reference temperature for the A P’s easonal Coe cient of Performance, or C P, is 10 C. For some southern and western UK regions, the warmer’ Ecodesign temperature zone can be applied for modelling, where the lowest the reference temperature will only fall to 2 C. These differing temperature regions can have a significant impact on the C P therefore it is important to ensure the values entered into an assessment are both relevant and accurate for the installation. Incidentally, the C P of an A P is a far better overall gauge of the year-round e ciency as opposed to C P. While C P figures are often cited in technical literature, you must remember that these represent very specific climatic conditions that may only occur for a moment in time. As an example, the Adveco 70 A P is designed with UK temperature variance in mind, capable of operating between -20 C and 5 C. At a reference temperature of 10 C, the heat pump operates with a C P of 2. 4 and it can still easily generate working water temperatures of up to 55 C and will reduce C emissions by almost . Under the warmer climate zone’s conditions, emissions can be reduced by over 72% when calculating with a C P of . 2. Whilst not a new technology, advancements have made the application of A Ps for commercial D W projects more viable in recent years. Commercial projects do however come with added complexity, meaning heat pumps alone are not yet a silver bullet’ response to a sustainable future. phamnews.co.uk/221/42

29/01/2021 14:25

PHAM FEB21 FIREBIRD:Layout 1 29/01/2021 10:49 Page 1

PHAM FEB21:Layout 1 29/01/2021 16:43 Page 38

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Light Commercial Heating

Reliable hot water for gyms and sports clubs

Heat pump delivers ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ āƧóĢāłóƘ

Said to be an ideal solution for sports club owners and ėƘĿ ĿÖłÖėāũŭ̇ ŶĞā ÁāķĢŭ Evo from Ariston features an ultra-slim (˛ˠcm deep) design and fast reheat ŶĢĿāŭ ̛ŭĞŋƒāũ ũāÖùƘ Ģł ˞˙ minutes). With a choice of ˝˞ or ˡ˙ litre models, ŶĞā ŽłĢŶŭ ðāłāƩŶ ĕũŋĿ ŶƒĢł ŶÖłĴ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Öłù are claimed to deliver up to ˚˟% more hot water ÖƑÖĢķÖðĢķĢŶƘ óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ Öł āŨŽĢƑÖķāłŶ óÖťÖóĢŶƘ standard electric water heater. ¦ŋ āłĞÖłóā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ Öłù āÖŭā ŋĕ use, an ‘Eco Evo’ function ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢóÖķķƘ ķāÖũłŭ usage habits, while an anti-legionella function ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢóÖķķƘ ĢłóũāÖŭāŭ the water temperature up to ˟˞°C once a month. Also available is a Velis Evo WiFi model which links to the Aqua Ariston Net app to enable the ĿŋłĢŶŋũĢłė ŋĕ āłāũėƘ óŋłŭŽĿťŶĢŋł ĕũŋĿ Ö ķÖťŶŋť ŋũ ŭĿÖũŶťĞŋłā̍ RŶ ĞÖŭ Öł āÖŭƘ-to-óŋłƩėŽũā̇ ŭĿÖũŶ ̨ðķŽā tech’ touchscreen, and is supplied with an unvented kit, as well as a ˞-ƘāÖũ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ̪ŭ ƒÖũũÖłŶƘ Öŭ standard. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˝˜

'āŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ Ğāķť ðŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ ĢłóũāÖŭā ŶĞā āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ťũŋùŽóŶĢŋł ƒĞĢķā ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶķƘ ũāùŽóĢłė ŶĞāĢũ óÖũðŋł ĕŋŋŶťũĢłŶ̵̇ŶĞā ˝˙kW Ecodan QAHV high temperature air source heat pump from Mitsubishi Electric runs on CO2 (Rˠ˝˝) to deliver hot water from ˞˞ to ˢ˙°C. ̵¦Ğā NÁ Ģŭ ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ Žŭā Ģł Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ŭÖłĢŶÖũƘ ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ŭŽóĞ as hotels, leisure centres, hospitals, schools and ũāŭŶÖŽũÖłŶŭ̍ ũŋƑĢùĢłė ĞĢėĞ āƧóĢāłóƘ ÖŶ ĞĢėĞ ƪŋƒ temperatures, it uses a patented twisted and spiral gas cooler to āłĞÖłóā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ̍ ¦Ğũāā óŋłłāóŶāù refrigerant pipes are wound around a twisted water pipe which maximizes heat ŶũÖłŭĕāũ̍ ¦Ğā continuous spiral grooves in the twisted pipe accelerates the ŶŽũðŽķāłóā āƦāóŶ of water and also helps to reduce pressure loss within the heat exchanger, which further contributes to āłĞÖłóāù āƧóĢāłóƘ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˚̓˝˞

Easy to install and maintain ¦Ğā łāƒ FÖŭ ˜˛˙/6˛˙ Ace from Remeha is claimed to be the perfect heat source for heat interface units, ķŋƒ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ Öłù ĞƘðũĢù installations. It features a low water content heat exchanger which Öķķŋƒŭ ĕŋũ ķŋƒ Ŷŋ ơāũŋ ƪŋƒ ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł̇ āłÖðķĢłė ĢŶ Ŷŋ ũāŭťŋłù ũÖťĢùķƘ Ŷŋ increasing or decreasing changes in load and reduce running costs. For ease of installation and maintenance, an intuitive controller ensures rapid access to an extended range of parameters and helps to ĿÖƗĢĿĢŭā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ̍ !ŋłłāóŶĢƑĢŶƘ ĞÖŭ Öķŭŋ ðāāł optimised with a new Modbus

ėÖŶāƒÖƘ ŋťŶĢŋł āłÖðķĢłė ũāĿŋŶā connection to a Building mÖłÖėāĿāłŶ ƘŭŶāĿ Öłù ŋťŶĢŋłÖķ ķŽāŶŋŋŶĞ ĕŽłóŶĢŋłÖķĢŶƘ̍ Lightweight and narrow enough Ŷŋ ƩŶ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ Ö ŭŶÖłùÖũù ùŋŋũƒÖƘ ŋũ ķĢĕŶ̇ ŶĞā ƪŋŋũ-ŭŶÖłùĢłė FÖŭ ˜˛˙/˟˛˙ Ace is backward compatible with āĿāĞÖ̪ŭ FÖŭ ˜˚˙̓˟˚˙ Eco Pro and has been designed with both new and old building plant rooms in ĿĢłù̍ ¦Ğā ðŋĢķāũŭ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ģł ƩƑā Ŷŋ ˚˙ section models, from ˛ˡ˞ to ˚˜˙˙kW, and come with a seven-ƘāÖũ ƒÖũũÖłŶƘ Öłù ĕũāā commissioning. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˚̓˝˝

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Product News 39 Slimmed down cyli der fit ri ti

ee i ter

Five new slimline hot water cylinders ranging in size from 150 litres up to 00 litres are now available from rant UK. These new models join the MonoWave igh Performance cylinder range, providing installers with e cient hot water storage solutions when space is at a premium. Designed to work with traditional heating appliances as well as renewable technologies, the new MonoWave Slimline cylinders partner effectively with rant’s oil-fired boiler and air source heat pump ranges. The slimline cylinders are stainless steel, as are all of rant’s cylinders, and combine durability with e ciency in compact units. The slimline models are available in five sizes 150ltr, 170ltr, 200ltr, 250ltr and 00ltr)

and each has a diameter of just 510mm, making them ideal options for installations where space limitations might be an issue. The tappings are labelled and colour-coded, which helps make the installation easier and more installer friendly. Furthermore, all the slimline cylinders also feature a kW fitted immersion, have

ed de i

a single coil and are unvented, indirect models. Kevin Ellis, rant UK’s renewables sales manager, says: “An e cient cylinder can greatly improve the performance of the overall heating system, so these slimline models provide our customers with a solution even when space is restricted.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/46

i i ti t e re ire e t r expansion vessels

it tic e

Aiming to meet the needs of a wider range of residential property types, Domus Ventilation has launched its next generation, improved performance HRXE Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units. HRXE-HERA and HRXE-AURA high performance MVHR systems combine supply and extract ventilation in one system. They e ciently recover the heat typically lost in waste, stale air and use it to temper the fresh air drawn into the building via a heat exchanger. The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy e cient dwellings. They also provide even greater e ciency through advanced heat exchange proficiency and the lowest pecific Fan Power FP of any of Doums’ V R units. Furthermore, the new range now comes with an improved warranty of five years, with the first year covering parts and labour.

39.indd 1

ONLINE HRXE-HERA is suited to use in smaller properties of up to two/three bedrooms, with the HRXE-AURA extending the range to larger homes of up to four/five bedrooms. All units feature 100% thermal (summer) bypass which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/49

Large properties that require continual generation of hot water will benefit from Pump World’s new all-in-one mains boosting package solutions – Systempro 10.1 and Systempro 12.1. Both include stainless steel rapid recovery cylinders that use high-gain coils or plate-heat exchangers in place of standard primary coils. This, says the company, will allow the quantities of generated hot water to go far beyond the capacity of standard coil-type unvented cylinders. For example, when connected to a 40kW boiler, a standard 00 litre system can generate over 1700 litres of hot water, enough for 15 generous baths or 0 showers. These packages are designed to reduce the time spent on mains boosting sourcing and specification by providing an all-inone package bespoke to the end user’s requirements. Every Systempro includes a booster set, hot water cylinder, break tank, heating circulator, and water treatment solution, as standard. Systempro designs can then be amended to each property’s individual requirements, ensuring optimum performance. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/47

servicing if required. Buzz and Craze are thermostatic and include technology that shrouds the hot water feed inside the valve with a layer of cold water, to keep the bar itself safe to touch. The Buzz contrasts a large, round shower head with a more streamlined body, while the Craze offers a contemporary design with a striking rectangular shower head. The shower heads have a ball joint connection for adjusting the angle of spray. Other features include dual outlets - a large, drenching rain head and a separate handset - and integrated, two-way 1 0º diverter valve. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/48

Two new models have joined Bristan’s bar shower range. The Buzz and Craze (pictured) were created with user and installer inspired upgrades and have a host of new features, including the isolation wall fixing kit, Wallmount 12. The fixing kit features built-in isolation for easy fitting and has been engineered to enable frontof-wall isolation, meaning the connectors can be installed first, and the bar shower itself doesn’t have to be fitted until a later stage, protecting it from potential damage. When ready, the shower valve simply attaches to the connectors. The kit also allows for front-of-wall

e ti ti t e e i d

t e

For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/221/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

Manufactured from high specification duplex stainless steel, ledhill’s Platinum range is designed to eliminate the requirement for an external expansion vessel, providing the perfect solution to restricted space and enabling quicker installation. These new cylinders are well insulated using high density CFC free Envirofoam insulation to achieve very low levels of heat loss, maximising energy e ciency for customers. The range is available in direct and indirect patterns, and in sizes from 120 litres up to 00 litres indirect, and 120 litres up to 210 litres direct. In addition, all Platinum unvented cylinders come with a 25 year warranty with on-site support, promising peace of mind. Other features include: • 90 degree elbow for quicker installation igh specification duplex stainless steel Floating ba e • Lift up temperature and pressure relief valve for easier drain down • kW incoloy immersion heaters for use as primary or back-up heat source • Corrugated StainlessLite Supercoil for faster recovery times • Aligned tapping positions for ease of installation ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/50

01/02/2021 10:27

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Product News Whole house ventilation solution Aimed at new build residential projects, the Monsoon Energysaver MON-MEV DC Multi Room Unit is a mechanical extract ventilation solution for small developers and self-builders. As part of the Energysaver range, it is recognised on SAP PCDB, helping developers with DER requirements. The e cient system also offers quiet performance at 1 dB(A), making

Laser your contact info directly onto controls Heating controls manufacturer ESi has introduced a new valueadded benefit for trade customers. Installers can request that the E i heating controls they order from their merchant can be laser printed on the front outside cover of the controls with their company name and logo and also inside the controls cover with contact details so the homeowner can quickly contact the company. UK sales director Tristan James says: “It will save installers having to use peel-off labels or other means to ensure the homeowner has access to their heating company. It’s also ideal for housing associations and private landlords with multiple homes to ensure that tenants can contact landlords or maintenance if the heating system fails.” To take advantage of the offer, simply request this additional service when ordering 20 controls or more from the merchant. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/51

Waste products that stand the test of time New from Hunter Plastics is a range of solvent waste AB solutions, offering strong impact resistance and high tensile strength. The range is available in three colours (black, grey and white) and in three sizes ( 2, 40 and 50mm). The products can be easily cut on site, without the need for specialist tools. unter Plastic’s cott Clark says: “The new collection is manufactured from ABS, an extremely cost effective and versatile plastic, which makes installation far easier than before. What’s more, as always, by specifying one of our systems, installers will be able to take advantage of our industry-leading technical services team.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/54

Catch and collect fat, oil, and grease Designed for use in the hospitality sector, the SanigreaseT24 , SanigreaseT and SanigreaseS grease traps from aniflo are an effective way of reducing F (fat, oil and grease) related problems by preventing their discharge in the first place. The SanigreaseT24 is designed for mobile use. This small, lightweight (4kg) unit can be installed under one sink and is said to be ideal for food trucks. SanigreaseT (pictured) sits on raised feet and is designed for cafes and restaurants serving up to 100 meals per service and which have one to four sinks. SanigreaseT features drain valves for quick and easy maintenance. SanigreaseS is available with ventilation and drainage pipe and an optional alarm, and can fit through an internal door (77 mm wide). It is primarily

40.indd 1

designed use in large professional kitchens, in hotels, hospitals, canteens and other mass catering venues that require larger grease traps with a sludge trap for recovering heavy materials. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/55

it attractive to homeowners. With multiple install options, the new Multi Room Unit is suitable for wall, ceiling or loft

mounting installation, with an integral digital display allowing the installer to select appropriate speed to meet demand, making the unit easy to install, commission and control. A compact unit, it is fitted with four extract 125mm diameter spigots. The product delivers continuous extract of stale air from separate areas around the home, or for commercial applications where a multipoint extractor system is needed. ffering airflows of 11 litres/sec, the unit is available with three speeds, offering flexibility to suit each individual project. Plus, the unit can be used with a PIR controller and wired remote timer. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/52

Building blocks to better bathrooms With inspiration from geometrical styling, Nuie Bathrooms has unveiled Blocks, its new modular furniture range. The contemporary furniture collection features a tile-like pattern of blocks’ of varying square and rectangular sizes on the drawer and door frontages. The collection is available in three satin finishes – white, grey and blue enabling stockists to offer the choice of a colourway to coordinate with most bathroom styles. Available in a comprehensive range of unit sizes, cabinets include both wall hung and floor standing options, and are supplied rigid for easy installation. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/5

Electric shower is BEAB care certified Accessibility solutions specialist AKW has launched an easy-to-use smart electric shower. The AKW SmartCare Lever is BEAB CARE certified and has all the contemporary styling of the existing SmartCare range, but also comes with a lever handle. Designed with visual impairments, and dexterity and mobility issues in mind, this product can be quickly and seamlessly retrofitted, without any re-tiling required. A large, centrally located lever contains a prominent ‘on-off’ switch and the lever can be easily grasped and turned to control the shower’s temperature. For those with visual impairments the shower has audible temperature control clicks, large red and blue temperature symbols and a large back-lit power button. It also has a matt finish to reduce glare for those with dementia. Thermostatically controlled to avoid scalding, the unit has rounded surfaces and edges for additional safety and comes with an easy to adjust shower head and 2m anti-kink smooth hose to make showering even easier. The AKW SmartCare Lever shower has eight electrical and water entry points, dual power blocks for left or right-hand wiring, and cable and pipework compatibility. It can be retrofitted on the majority of original shower footprints and comes with a five-year warranty. Available as .5 or 9.5kW options, the shower also has the option of wireless connectivity to all AKW DigiPump shower waste pumps. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/56

01/02/2021 11:23

COMPETITION

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Product News Winter workwear just for women Workwear brand Dickies is introducing a new Performance Workwear collection for tradeswomen, featuring products designed to provide all-day warmth, comfort and unrestricted movement. The collection includes the Dickies Women’s Performance Jacket, a stylish work jacket designed to withstand even the most extreme elements. Well insulated, as well as waterproof and breathable, the jacket comes with an attached contoured hood. Also launching this winter is the Dickies Women’s Softshell Jacket, which features a water repellent finish and a drawcord adjustable hood for extra protection in rain or poor weather conditions. Both jacket styles benefit from practical details such as multiple pockets and reflective detailing to ensure the wearer stands out in low light conditions. New trouser styles include the Dickies Women’s Universal Flex Trousers – a version of the brand’s Universal Flex Trouser designed specifically for women. The trouser also benefits from Cordura reinforcement in high wear areas. “We know there’s a lack of suitable workwear options for tradeswomen and we’re keen to do our part to address this,” says James Whitaker ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/57

Compact toilet syphon saves water Described as the most compact toilet syphon on the market, the Dudley Turbo Edge from Tyde is guaranteed to fit into any lever-operated cistern, being 40% smaller than its predecessor. A light touch activation makes it easy to operate by both the very young and the elderly. The Turbo Edge is height adjustable to fit all cistern sizes and offers a 6/7/9 litre volume adjustment, guaranteeing optimum flush performance. The Turbo Edge can be retrofitted on all

existing Turbo downlegs. Paul Weddle, Tyde’s business unit director, says: “We aimed to design a syphon that would provide plumbers, installers and designers with a versatile, easy-to-fit and easy-to-service solution that would be able to be installed even in the tightest of spaces. I am delighted to say that the Turbo Edge exceeds all those requirements and more.” According to the company, flushing syphons offer robust, leak-free water saving performance that cannot be matched by push button activated flush and flapper valves. UK water companies have found that a leaking toilet, often caused by a leaking flush valve, will waste up to 215 litres of water, adding up to £200 in excess water charges per toilet per year to the homeowner. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/58

Dynamic thermostatic radiator valve With the launch of the RadCon dynamic thermostatic radiator valve, Frese says it can now offer installers and specifiers a complete product solution, with the same benefits found in its other pressure independent valves. The RadCon simplifies radiator systems in several ways. As with all of Frese’s products, it is said to be easy to commission due to the automatic balancing in the system. It is simply a question of presetting the required flow in litres/hour – no need to calculate KV values. If the valves are installed in a system where the differential pressure does not exceed 70 kPa, there is no need for further regulating

41.indd 1

LIGHTEN THE LOAD We've teamed up with MAKITA UK to offer three lucky winners a range of tools accessories PLUS a prize for three runners-up!

TOOLING AROUND To mark the launch of Makita UK's new and improved collection of belts and pouches to its extensive range of accessories, we're giving PHAM readers a chance to win some of the most popular items. The newly designed range makes it even easier for installers to safely and easily store and transport their tools and accessories. The collection includes belts, braces, pouches, holders, bags, cases, and even lunch bags and insulated flasks, and offers users the durability and reliability needed for everyday use.

GET ORGANISED

Ultimate Padded Braces

With over 40 products in the range, Makita has a solution to suit every task. The pouches and holsters are available in a range of designs, depending on the intended use. Each has the benefit of AntiSlip Technology, which is used on all friction points and pocket edges, to tightly grip tools, stopping them from sliding around and keeping them securely in place to help prevent accidental falls.

FIRST PRIZE: One winner will get Makita's Ultimate Heavy Weight Belt Set, pictured right, offering 40 various tool holders and pockets, and the Ultimate Padded Braces, pictured above, which distributes the weight between the waist and shoulders to reduce hip and lower back pain.

1 SECOND PRIZE: 1 THIRD PRIZE: 3 RUNNERS-UP PRIZES:

Ultimate Heavy Weight Belt Set

Roll-Top All Weather Duffle Bag Quick Release Belt & Belt Loop and Drill Holster L/R Handed Lunch Bag

HOW TO ENTER valves, which minimises investment and maintenance. The valve itself is also easy to maintain in case of clogging since the internals can be replaced. The valve ensures high comfort for the user due to high precision temperature control. This is achieved by the PIV’s ability to prevent flow fluctuations in the radiator. There are three radiator valves available in the range, which means they allow for installation in all types of piping – a straight valve, an angle valve and a reverse angle valve. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/221/59

For a chance to win a one of the prizes in this competition, just answer the following question:

How many products are in Makita's new range? A. Over 20

B. Over 30

C. Over 40

Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘Makita competition’ in the subject line. Please make sure you include the following:

* Your name * Your company’s name * Contact telephone number All correct answers received before the closing date of 1st March 2021 will be entered into the prize * Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from MAKITA draw. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

www.makitauk.com 31/01/2021 16:21

Pham Dir training Info FEB21:Layout 1 29/01/2021 08:12 Page 42

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021

Directory Radiators

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SALES • HIRE • EXPORT +44 (0)1992 451629 www.kingsboilerhire.com

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The Copper King

Controls

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Water Heaters

Heating Controls Next day delivery available on 100s of controls

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Equipment Purchased

WE BUY ANY

BOILER AND HEATING PARTS

Cash waiting for job lots of new boiler and heating parts Genuine parts in good condition and manufacturer’s original packaging

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• Excess Stock • Retirement Sale • Closing Down Sale • Slow Moving Parts • Pristine Van Stock Text or WhatsApp on 07958 665075 joblotboilerparts.co.uk

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Plumbpal Products

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Pham Dir training Info FEB21:Layout 1 01/02/2021 11:16 Page 43

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2021