P&he Journal Mar/Apr17

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CIPHE’S NEW MEMBER BENEFITS

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CIPHE’S NEW CONSUMER CAMPAIGN – HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

March/April 2017

CPD

− venting external drainage systems with active carbon filters

For plumbing & heating engineering professionals

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techtalk – is your underfloor heating design “floored”?

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07/02/2017 12:47:10

CONTENTS

CIPHE 04 08 09 12 19 24 25

Message from the CEO CIPHE Apprentice Awards 2017 NEW − CIPHE member benefits CIPHE National President NEW – the CIPHE consumer compliance health check Welcoming our new members New Engineering Council members

REGULARS 09

CIPHE’S NEW MEMBER BENEFITS

19

CIPHE’S NEW CONSUMER CAMPAIGN – HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

March/April 2017

CPD

− venting external drainage systems with active carbon filters

20

For plumbing & heating engineering professionals

06 11 14 16 26 27

techtalk – is your underfloor heating design “floored”?

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28 30

News and AGM notice smarttalk – insurance COVER STORY – techtalk – underfloor heating NEW – the CIPHE wheel of knowledge Training Matters – misgivings about Apprenticeship Levy CIPHE External Affairs – change on the horizon for heat and energy efficiency CIPHE Industrial Associates – putting training and customer service first Branch news What’s new

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18 FEATURES 10 13 15 18 20 28 29

Environment and sustainability – are we really committed to going green?

Brexit – how it could affect plumbing and heating business How to ensure optimum performance in push-fit systems Making full use of your plumbers’ merchant CPD − venting external drainage systems with active carbon filters Obituaries The only insurance partner recommended by CIPHE saves members’ money CIPHE consumer campaign Turn to page 19 to read about how you can help shape the CIPHE ‘consumer compliance health check’ CIPHE technical advice The email address for any technical advice is technical@ciphe.org.uk

ciphe.org.uk PUBLISHER: Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) 64 Station Lane Hornchurch Essex RM12 6NB T: +44 (0) 1708 472791

PUBLISHING EDITOR: Juliet Loiselle

SUBSCRIPTIONS: p&he is free to members of

Warners Group Publications

the CIPHE. Non-members – £115.00 per year

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(six issues). Overseas – £115.00 by surface mail

EDITOR: Nicky Rogers Warners Group Publications T: 01778 391128 E: nickyr@warnersgroup.co.uk MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGER: James Knight

plumbing and heating professionals, specifiers, manufacturers, engineers and consultants.

DESIGN: Amanda Clare COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Colin Archer, Barbara Field, Paul Harmer, Juliet Loiselle,

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of the CIPHE. The membership is made up of

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www.linkedin.com/ groups?home= &gid=7467910

READERSHIP: There are around 7,200 members

college lecturers, plumbing designers,

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@CIPHE

or £170.00 by airmail.

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PRODUCTION: Sue Ward

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Please make sure we have your up-to-date email address. Send your details, including your membership number, to admin@ciphe.org.uk

© 2017 The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering.

Rights of translation and reproduction are reserved.

Copyright notice No article may be reproduced in full or part without the written permission of the editor. In some instances, there may be a reproduction fee.

Disclaimer Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement does not necessarily imply that the Institute is in agreement with the views expressed or represents endorsement of products, materials or techniques, nor does the Institute accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

Jo McCarthy, Allan McIntosh, Nicky Rogers, Richard Soper, Robert Stockley, Catherine Swain, Kevin Wellman, Paul Williams

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02/03/2017 12:10

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

CIPHE FORGES AHEAD IN 2017

Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO kevinw@ciphe.org.uk

The CIPHE continues its mission to champion the efforts of plumbing and heating engineers across the UK.

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he ‘Proud to be a Professional’ campaign, launched last year, has been a great success and with the support of leading editors across our industry, it will continue this year.

Technical activities seem to be increasing day by day and are attracting immense support from members, Industrial Associates and stakeholders within the plumbing and heating industry. Following the successful ‘techtalk live’ and ‘techtalk the apprentice’ series, we now have ‘smarttalk’; which focuses on the vital soft skills that plumbing and heating engineers require. The Technical Strategy Group held its inaugural meeting and has identified a number of Technical Working Groups that will be established during 2017.

INSURANCE We have received extremely positive feedback from members regarding the range of insurance services introduced at the beginning of this year and especially regarding the savings that they achieve. The Insurance provision is arranged through the CIPHE’s trading company PHPL which receives a small commission to cover administration and promotion costs. The scheme will be advantageous to members who are involved in running plumbing and heating businesses.

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If you wish to receive a quotation please note the following: • To enquire online refer to the website: www.uibdirect.co.uk or • Email: ciphe@uib.co.uk • For business insurance call 0330 159 6211 and quote CIPHE • For van insurance call 0330 159 6211 and quote CIPHEV. During the past eighteen months, there has been considerable engagement with Industrial Associates (IA) and the quarterly IA Development Group meetings are normally over-subscribed. As a Chartered Institute, we are particularly keen to highlight how leading manufacturing brands and merchants can help shape the future of the plumbing, bathroom and heating industries.

MEMBERSHIP UPGRADES The Institute has had a substantial increase in membership enquiries over recent months, from both individuals and companies who are employing plumbing and heating professionals at home and abroad. This has continued in 2017 with many new member applications and requests for membership upgrade. It is a great time to announce the appointment of Tim Sainty, Membership Director, who commenced employment on Monday 13th February. Throughout the year, CIPHE will be participating in leading exhibitions, if you are attending any of them please take time to call in to see the team.

SUPPORTING APPRENTICES CIPHE continues its support for the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Trailblazer).

The Apprenticeship Standard needed to be re-submitted to Government (Apprenticeships are now the responsibility of the Department for Education) to allow recognition of the supporting qualification.

In the original Apprenticeship Standard this was not required. The Assessment Plan was submitted at the same time; however, this was returned with several relatively minor amendments needed. The most important piece of work was to produce a worked up external quality assurance model, to meet the employer group’s demands of effective QA arrangements.

The Employer Group was disbanded in December and a Plumbing and Domestic Heating Apprenticeship Board has succeeded it. The Board is made up of employers who will represent a cross-section of industry to look after employers’ interests and oversee the implementation and external quality assurance arrangements.

I offer my thanks as ever to those who support the CIPHE through your membership and all those who volunteer their invaluable time in pursuit of our charitable and educational objectives.

MORE INFORMATION For more information about our insurance services, turn to page 29.

March/April 2017

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07/02/2017 12:53:45 01/02/2017 10:41

NEWS

TheNEWS

CIPHE/PLUMB CENTER SURVEY WINNER

The CIPHE and Plumb Center ran a survey recently about Christmas working habits. Everyone who completed the survey was entered into a draw to win a goody bag worth over £100 provided by Plumb Center. The goody bag included a Milwaukee 28pc CIPHE member, Martin Daines, Shockwave kit, a pair of Rocut 42TC professional pipe collecting his prize at the Hemel shears, an olive splitter, a long-reach screwdriver set, a Hempstead branch of Plumb Center Plasticut 15mm tube cutter and monobloc tap spanner set, a Regin Premier rechargeable 360 degree inspection lamp, a CK Magma 3-in-1 tote bag, a Kasp Security van lock and a CarPlan winter essentials kit. Congratulations go to winning CIPHE member, Martin Daines!

LADYBIRD BOOK ON CLIMATE CHANGE A new Ladybird book on the challenges and possible solutions to climate change was published in January.

The book is part of a series for adults written in the style of the well-known children’s books that aim to explain clearly complicated subjects.The 52-page guide has been co-authored by HRH Prince Charles, former Friends of the Earth Director,Tony Juniper and climate scientist Emily Shuckburgh.

Ladybird has recently found renewed success with a range of humorous books for adults. A publishing director for Penguin, which produces Ladybird books said that they were thinking about a new series for adults after the success of the spoof books, but wanted factual books by experts on science, history and arts subjects. The latest

series involves experts explaining complex subjects in simple form.

Julia Evans, Chief Executive, BSRIA The book comprises a ‘bite-sized understanding’ of the topic and has been read and reviewed by ‘figures’ within the environmental community.

Other books in the series are ‘Quantum Mechanics’ by Jim al-Khalili and ‘Evolution’ by Steve Jones.

Julia Evans, Chief Executive, BSRIA, said: “If this new Ladybird book on climate change gets everyone reading, learning and talking about this crucial subject – this is exciting news. It is clear that, as an industry, we need to take action on climate change, so the book should go some way in achieving this.”

ALL THAT’S HAPPENING IN THE PLUMBING & HEATING WORLD

NEW CHAIR AT ENGINEERING COUNCIL Professor Chris Atkin CEng FRAes will be the next Chairman of the Engineering Council. He will take over from the current Chairman, Rear Admiral Nigel Guild CB CEng FIET FIMarEST MIMA FREng, at the organisation’s AGM in June 2017.

Rear Admiral Guild, who has led the Engineering Council for the last six years and been a Board Member since 2005, says: “The collaborative approach of the engineering profession is one to be celebrated and I am certain that Chris will be a very successful Chairman to take the Engineering Council forward to regulate, serve and promote the engineering profession for the benefit of society.”

Professor Atkin, who is Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at City, University of London, joined the Engineering Council’s Board ofTrustees in 2015 and previously sat on the organisation’s Regulation Standards Committee. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and has undertaken a number of roles for the Institution, including as its current President until May 2017.

Professor Chris Atkin

HPA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR NEW RHI SCHEME REFORMS The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has broadly welcomed the Government’s intended reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme this Spring.

Mike Nankivell, President of the HPA, said: “Considering there was a genuine risk to the continuance of the RHI scheme due to Brexit, Government changes and the state of the economy, this has to be seen as a largely positive outcome.

“We are pleased to see that mandatory heat metering will not be introduced and

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feel the three papers we presented to DECC/BEIS outlining reasons why this should not be introduced and what could replace the proposal had a very large impact. The tariff increase for ASHP (10.02p/kWh) will help to counterbalance the new total gross heat demand limit of 20,000, with the result that any application under 26,700kWh, from Spring onwards, will be better off under the new scheme. The larger heat demand limit of 30,000kWh for GSHP will assist to offset the more modest rise in the tariff to 19.55p/kWh.”

Announcing the reforms, the Minister for Energy, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, made some supportive comments regarding heat pumps, for example, “Certainly the UK, where winter temperatures are mild by the standards of most northern latitudes, seems well placed to make use of the (heat pump) technology. Heat pumps can also improve people’s quality of life.”

Details of the RHI reforms can be found on the HPA website: www.heatpumps.org

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 10:23

NEWS

CIPHE 2017 AGM

The 2017 Annual General Meeting of CIPHE will commence at 11.00 am on Friday 30th June and will be held at United Insurance Brokers, 69 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN All members are welcome to attend, however only fully paid up voting members can vote.

SCREWFIX OPENS ITS 500TH STORE

Screwfix has opened its 500th UK store at Lumina Park, Enfield, north London, marking a major milestone in the retailer’s expansion of its store network.

Since opening its first store in Yeovil in 2005, Screwfix has grown significantly and has opened one store per week for the past six years meaning 90 percent of the UK population is within a 20 minute drive of a store.

Since starting life as the Woodscrew Supply Company in 1979, Screwfix has always strived to deliver convenience, value and the wide product range required by its busy trade customers and serious DIYers. Its store network is visited by 2.9m customers a year and Screwfix.com by million unique visitors each week.

Screwfix offers other services for convenience such as its 24/7 UK contact centre, extended opening hours at its stores and next day deliveries seven days a week.

Its Click & Collect service enables customers to pick-up their goods in as little as one minute after ordering online or over the phone.

PUMPS MEAN POINTS CIPHE Industrial Associate, Salamander Pumps, has a new incentive scheme, which rewards installers who choose pumps from its range of brass, shower-specific, wholehouse and mains boosting pumps.

It forms part of Salamander’s ‘Added Benefits’ campaign, which launched in January and is designed to cement its position as the ‘plumber’s partner’ and a manufacturer which listens to feedback and puts the installer at the heart of everything it does.

Installers who sign up to the incentive scheme will receive a number of points depending on which pump model is bought, with every point going towards vouchers that can be spent online or at high street stores. Installers can also double their points when they buy from selected participating merchants.

Those who sign up online at www.salamanderaddedbenefits.co.uk by 17th April will receive 10 free points and can double their points for all pumps registered in that time period.

PLUMBERS NETWORK

Chris Vallance, Sales and Marketing Director at Salamander Pumps

Salamander’s Plumbers Network gives installers access to sales leads and its PumpWise telephone support team, who offer advice on the right choice of pump and answer technical queries.

Chris Vallance, Sales and Marketing Director at Salamander Pumps explains the ethos behind Added Benefits: “Installers are at the heart of our business, and this is our way of saying thank you to them for continuing to choose our products, and to keep choosing them.

“Our loyalty scheme was developed on the back of feedback from installers about what influences their buying choices, from incentives through to levels of technical support.

“We have made the points rewards system simple and straightforward to collect and redeem, so installers can choose their own reward from the list of retailers taking part. All they need to do is complete the quick and easy online sign up to start collecting their points. It’s as simple as that, and with as little as two purchases, they could qualify for a voucher.

“We see it as a great way to reward and engage with installers, and to provide them with the high levels of customer support to help them keep their own customers happy and grow their business.”

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CIPHE APPRENTICE AWARDS

CIPHE APPRENTICE AWARDS 2017 The UK plumbing and heating industry has a lot to offer young people in terms of excellent career prospects, ongoing training and continuing professional development (CPD).

H

owever, the industry is still struggling to reach out and communicate this message to the next generation. So there is clearly more to be done to help school leavers and college students see plumbing and heating apprenticeships as a first class choice.

To raise awareness of what the industry has to offer, the CIPHE is committed to putting the spotlight back on plumbing and heating apprenticeships. Not only as a valuable access route to training but also to full time employment once completed, which is something that university and other paid for education routes have a hard time competing with. As a result, we will be proudly organising and hosting our very own 2017 Apprentice Awards.

PROFESSIONALISM Taking place at the House of Commons on 24th November 2017, the Apprentice Awards will champion professionalism and best practice at apprentice level. The prestigious event will also celebrate the incredible difference heating and plumbing engineers can make to people’s lives, from the very moment they enter the industry.

The Apprentice Awards will also serve as an opportunity to acknowledge three different areas of expertise including: • The ‘Heating’ award category, which is sponsored by the Heating and Hot water Industry Council (HHIC) • The ‘Plumbing’ award category, which is sponsored by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) • The ‘Vulnerability’ award category, which is sponsored by the CIPHE All three categories are open to apprentices to enter and winners will receive a commemorative trophy and £500 each. The judging process of all the awards will be carried out by members of the CIPHE Education and Training Group and will be

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structured to review the workmanship, examination attainment and consumer interface skills of apprentices through customer feedback.

INDUSTRY FUTURE Richard Soper, Director of International Development for the CIPHE, said: “Apprenticeships hold the key to shaping the future of the heating and plumbing industry. The launch of our unique awards initiative will help raise the profile of apprenticeships.

“Alongside the Apprentice Awards, the prestigious House of Commons event will provide the CIPHE with the ideal platform to outline the ethos of the Institute, with a particular emphasis on supporting the consumer and protecting the vulnerable. It will also be a fantastic opportunity for the CIPHE executive management team, leading manufacturers and Industrial Associate members to all come together under one roof.”

ENTRY CRITERIA The Apprentice Awards are not exclusive to apprentices that are members of the CIPHE and consequently, Trainee (student) membership will not be part of the criteria for submissions. It is important to note that to be eligible for consideration for the CIPHE Apprentice Awards, an apprentice must be working with an employer whilst studying on a bona fide qualification that will lead to an NVQ/SVQ in Plumbing/Heating Engineering, (not working towards a Technical Certificate without an employer). There is no age barrier or any other such restrictions.

Closing date for entries is 31st July 2017, so for more information about how to get involved and enter this year’s awards, please contact Marie McCaffrey at the CIPHE on +44(0)1708 463 104 or email your interest to mariem@ciphe.org.uk .

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 10:34

CIPHE MEMBER BENEFITS

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS The CIPHE supports professional members through association with the best technical expertise in the industry. If that wasn't enough, there are great benefits on products and services that you use every day, which will help you to recover the cost of your membership fee.

T

homas Dudley Ltd has been manufacturing in the West Midlands since 1920. The market-leading Dudley range of bathroom products has been trusted by the trade for over 40 years and are the products of choice for installers across the UK.

Dudley’s innovative products are simple to install and service and spares are readily available to maximise the working life and minimise costs of every application.

Dudley’s successful ProFit+ reward scheme for plumbers offers great incentives for using Dudley products. The

membership service involves building points, offline and online to installers.

Stickers from product packs can be collected and exchanged for rewards including branded workwear and high street vouchers as well as Dudley products.

An added bonus for CIPHE members who sign up to Dudley’s ProFit+ scheme will not only obtain 50 free points when they register, but will also have access to a range of exclusive offers.

Other member benefits include live demonstrations to video tutorials, training on new existing products such as Dudley’s cisterns and flushing technology. Free training materials and samples can be supplied to further develop and train members. The Dudley demonstration vehicle is on the road for first-hand sales support.

Dudley offers more to CIPHE members For more information on Thomas Dudley Ltd please visit www.dudleybathroomproducts.co.uk

LIKE BEING REWARDED?

T

he PY Installer Club is a new loyalty scheme that rewards registered installers for purchasing Pegler Yorkshire’s plumbing and heating products.

Here at Pegler Yorkshire we want to ensure that our customers are rewarded for their loyalty, so here’s what Pegler Yorkshire will do for you! Once you have downloaded our app, registered your account and purchased any of our products you are ready to go. As an Installer Club member you will have access to special promotions, cashback rewards, dedicated technical advice and you will also get the opportunity to win trial products.

It doesn’t stop there. As CIPHE members, we want to reward you further, we will give you 1000 points when you first register, then each

time you claim back £50, we will reward you with a further 1000 points.

It’s easy. On the Redeem Points screen on the app you will see your current points total, which will tell you whether you have enough points to start redeeming – you need at least 5,000 points. If you qualify, simply hit the Request call back button and we will ring you to arrange everything.

Register today, and start claiming your rewards!

For more information on Pegler Yorkshire please visit www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

Phill Jackson, Marketing & Business Development Director at Pegler Yorkshire

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27/02/2017 10:37

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

IS THE GRASS LOOKING GREENER FOR RENEWABLES? Martin Orrill, voluntary member of the CIPHE’s External Affairs Marketing Group and former Head of Energy, Technology and Innovation for British Gas, discusses the current and future state of the renewable technologies market.

F

ollowing the failure of the Green Deal and the Government’s decision to not pursue carbon Martin Orrill, voluntary member of the neutral targets for all CIPHE’s External new homes by 2016, Affairs Marketing Group and with no new legislation or targets yet in place – the future of green policy in the UK is uncertain.

However, is the state of our renewables plan (or lack of it) purely as a result of legislative failures, or do we need to start asking whether, as a nation, we are really committed to going green?

Around 80 percent of all UK properties were built pre-1960 and therefore, lack the building design finesse to be ultra-efficient.

Much of our ageing housing stock was built with solid walls making cavity wall insulation impossible, but homeowners can insulate via other means and install renewables. While the upfront cost might seem high, the long-term savings and comfort of occupants is worth it.

Installing renewable energy sources for home heating is a viable option in comparison to the costs associated with retrofitting home insulation, but more needs to be done to spread this message.

For the UK’s new build sector, there is huge potential to create highly energy-efficient homes. However, despite being considerably more efficient, the new build market is not a reliable growth area for renewables as the UK only builds around 130,000 homes a year. Although the Government has aimed to increase this to

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200,000, it comes at the cost of putting the zero carbon homes policy on hold.

CONTINENTAL COUNTERPARTS The future of heating and hot water in the UK has a very different outlook compared to other countries that are embracing renewable technology. In Germany, gas prices can be up to twice that of the UK, so this encourages industry and consumers to build and demand renewables and efficient houses. Buildings in Germany are designed to accommodate renewables, often factoring in enough space to house the equipment required.

Heat pumps, which are powered by electricity, have played an important role for a number of years. This is particularly true for countries that can access a vast amount of nuclear electricity. However, in the UK, electricity is generally derived from either coal or gas which renders green heating systems as counter-intuitive to the norm.

Additionally, with over 85 percent of our homes on the grid, most consumers have little incentive to disconnect their property.

A GREEN FUTURE? While we know that gas boilers are efficient and reliable, what isn’t so definite is just how stable gas prices will remain.

Therefore, homeowners should at least consider installing heating systems that will reduce the reliance on a traditional gas-powered boiler.

With resources of fossil fuels declining, there is no question that renewables will come to the fore in the future of heating

homes in the UK. There are suggestions that in the next 15 years, we will no longer be using gas in our homes. Whether this will become a reality is yet to be seen, but the truth is that while the possibility is there, we need to take a proactive approach to renewables uptake. The success of any new green initiative will also rely on installers not being burdened with bureaucracy that will be detrimental to their businesses and it must be easy for consumers to recognise the benefits.

The Government has created a ‘boom and bust’ market for renewables with a range of complex and bureaucratic incentive schemes. I am happy to see many of these come to an end as I believe they damage markets if the incentives schemes are poorly designed. It is difficult to imagine – given the experience of the latest Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal in Northern Ireland – that any government would have the courage to launch a new renewables incentive scheme in the current environment.

Making renewables in the home work without incentives is possible and there is a plethora of new technologies on the horizon which give me encouragement for the future. One example of this is home battery storage technology which can control PV, heat pumps and electric vehicles in a ‘connected home’ environment; putting the customer in control.

Trying to keep the conversation on renewables alive is the only way we as an industry, can help to secure the green future we all know is important to safeguard future generations from the impact of harmful emissions and increasing energy prices.

March/April 2017

02/03/2017 16:15

with Peter PeterAdkins Adkins with Solicitor, Emms GilmoreLiberson LibersonSolicitors Solicitors icitors Solicitor, Emms Gilmore icitors

smarttalk-ciphe.org.uk

Are you lose properly Don’t yourinsured? cool with the consumer!

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Theto decision made period only applies goods.off It also period only applies to goods.

It also. then is too often on the basis of which applies to ‘the provision of services’ applies to ‘the provision of services’ isThis the includes cheapest. plumbing, Businesses don’t look at. building This includes plumbing, building the print. Many businesses don’t andsmall electrical works. even properworks. advice on the risks andtake electrical Consumers have 14 daysWhat frommay the they need to insure against.

Consumers have an 14 order days from date by the seem athey goodplaced deal very often results date they placedby anmail order by or at internet, order inphone, inadequate cover when you come phone, internet, by mail order to make a claim.

You maywith evenyou. be or at their home, to cancel their home, to cancel with you. paying for cover you don’t need. It is If they cancel within this period, always worth dealing with a period, properly If they cancel within they have a right to athis refund of qualifi ed broker specialising in your they have a right to a refund of monies paid. area of business, monies paid. one who can give knowledgeable advice and guidance As the business supplying the As the supplying based onbusiness experience. service, you are required tothe provide service you are required the customer with detailstoofprovide your the customer with details your Good business sense business including address,ofphone business including address, phone Insurance for any business is designed numbers, their cancellation rights tonumbers, deal with life’s expected (and rights cancellation and how totheir cancel. unexpected) and how toproblems cancel. and to keep your If you dorunning. not, then theinsurances cooling off business Some you If you do not, thenbyto the cooling off are required to have law, others are period is extended 14 days from period extended togood 14isdays from taken outisthe for reasons of business the day information supplied. the day the information is supplied. prudency. Apart from the obvious need Well worded terms of business and toWell insure your tools andofvehicles andand worded business orderpremises, forms areifterms an absolute must here. your you employ anyone order forms are an absolute you need to have Employersrepair Liability What about emergency must here. cover in You place.are Public Liabilityby is another work? contacted a What about emergency obvious area where cover is repair needed, homeowner by telephone to carry work?

Youcontractors are contacted by a many main require out urgent work to stop flooding, homeowner by telephone to carry sub-contractors to have minimum sort out faulty heating or clear a levels of cover.work Legaltocosts cover is also a out urgent stop flooding, drain. The work is carried out sensible option.

Aheating good broker will ahelp sort out faulty or clear within the 14 day period.

The repair you look at other insurances covering drain.having The work is completed, carried out the work been such items as14 business interruptionrepair and within the day period. consumer may then try to The cancel professional indemnity. work having been the contract.

Whatcompleted, do you do? the consumer may then to cancel theinwork isn’ttry urgent but the IfMaybe you work a partnership or with the contract.

What do you do? co-directors you may also want to consumer wants it started within Maybe the isn’tcalled urgent but the consider whatwork is often ‘Key-Man’ the 14 days? consumerThis wants it started within insurance. provides insurance 14 days? tothe provide funds where a business

partner can no longer work due to death or illness, and would enable you to purchase their share of the business as well as providing a cash buffer whilst finding new help. Health cover is often seen as a luxury but can you afford to be out of the business waiting for an operation on the NHS? Underinsured?

It is not just the scope of the insurance cover, the detailed terms and level of cover also need careful consideration. You need to have cover for an appropriate amount. What is your stock actually worth? What about your premises?

They may may want want you you to to fit fit in in with with They other tradesmen, or have the work other tradesmen, or have the work finished before a deadline they finished before a deadline they have? Or Or perhaps perhaps another another job job have? cancels and you arrange with the cancels and you arrange with the customer to start work earlier than customer to start work earlier than you expected? you expected?

What do do you you do? do? Ideally Ideally you you wait wait What until the 14 days period has expired until the 14 days period has expired but that that isis often often impractical. impractical. but

In all all of of these these cases cases you you should should In ensure that before you start work, ensure that before you start work, the consumer has been given all the the the consumer has been given all relevant information about your relevant information about your business, and and notice notice of of their their rights rights business, to cancel and signed authority to to cancel and signed authority to carry out the work within the 14 carry out the work within the days period.

14 days period.

How? Start by reviewing reviewing your your order order How? Start by forms urgently. forms urgently.

If you underinsure, you may still be able to make a claim, but too often we have seen clients only receiving a small proportion of the sums they expected (and paid premiums for). Very often these sums fall far short of what they need to resolve the problem. This can have a catastrophic effect on your business – and does nothing for your stress levels.

Lastly, don’t hide anything from your insurers, if you fail to disclose relevant information to an insurer, they may void your insurance policy leaving you with no cover at all.

The consumer consumer should should sign sign an an order order The form confirming the work to be form confirming the work to be carried out out and and the the price. price. The The form form carried should also contain your terms and should also contain your terms and conditions and give the details of conditions and give the details of cancellation rights. rights. cancellation they need need the the work work carrying carrying out out IfIf they urgently, then signing the form will urgently, then signing the form will confirm they have been given the confirm they have been given the notice, and, and, despite despite that, that, they they want want notice, you to start work. you to start work.

This will will make make itit far far easier easier to to deal deal This with attempted cancellation and with attempted cancellation and you should normally recover the full full you should normally recover the amount agreed for emergency amount agreed for emergency works, or or otherwise otherwise aa sum sum works, dependent upon how much of of the the dependent upon how much works were carried out before works were carried out before cancellation. cancellation.

Peter Adkins Adkins isis aa Solicitor Solicitor with with Emms Emms Gilmore Gilmore Liberson Liberson Solicitors Solicitors based based in in Peter Birmingham.

Peter has been involved with the CIPHE for many years and Birmingham. Peter has been involved with the CIPHE for many years and regularly advises advises CIPHE CIPHE members members of of all all types types of of legal legal issues. issues. He He can can be be regularly contacted at padkins@egl-law.com 0121 314 0000 contacted at padkins@egl-law.com 0121 314 0000

Proud to be a Professional with knowledgefrom fromsmarttalk smarttalk with knowledge

TM TM

November/December March/April 2017 2016

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S DIARY

Paul Williams

Paul Williams, CIPHE National President, gives an insight into his CIPHE duties.

I

n December, I had the pleasure of presenting Fernox with their Approved Training Centre plaque. While there, I had a tour of their premises in Woking, Surrey and was particularly interested to see their testing and development areas where they demonstrated their new TF1 Omega filter and its installation.

Later in the month, I attended the Suffolk Branch dinner to present member, Mickey Hunt, with the Silver Award for Service to the CIPHE.

FATS, OILS AND GREASE For a plumber, the time leading up to Christmas and during the festive period is normally very busy and yes, I was called out by my customers between Christmas and the New Year for problems ranging from boiler breakdowns to blocked drains.

On the subject of blocked drains there is a need for installers to educate our customers to stop using waste disposal units for every bit of food waste and also, that there are some units that will need extra water for their use.

Members and guests at the Suffolk Branch dinner Pouring fat, oils and grease (FOGs) down kitchen sinks is a very big issue. FOGs quickly cool when poured away, so they congeal on sewer walls, restricting the amount of sewage the system can process. The result is that raw sewage overflows into rivers, the sea or, even worse, into our homes.

Fat build up - please keep your customers informed about the problems this causes

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The UK water industry estimates that there are 150,000 sewer blockages caused

by FOGs being poured down the sink. These blockages can result in sewage discharges from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) at many popular beaches all around the UK.

CIPHE National President, Paul Williams with Ernie McDonald, Managing Director at Fernox

March/April 2017

28/02/2017 11:23

OPINION

HOW BREXIT MAY AFFECT PLUMBING AND HEATING BUSINESSES Government ministers and business leaders are continuing to discuss the various developments that will result from the UK voting to leave the European Union (EU), with little firm detail emerging.

T

here are some pointers that are worth watching that have implications for heating and plumbing businesses.

How these impact will depend on the structure of each business, of course, although any movement on equipment prices will be something that affects the sector on a fairly universal basis.

ADJUSTMENT TO ESTABLISHED SUPPLY CHAIN METHODS At first glance, it would appear that those suppliers with manufacturing capacity in the UK should be least affected and not reliant on any trade deals.

However, the majority of the large manufacturers supplying the heating and plumbing sector have foreign owners.

Although they have dedicated UK facilities and workforces, these are essentially a division of their companies' overall operational capacity.

We can assume with some confidence that the UK market will continue to be an important one for boiler manufacturers all the time it accounts for well over a million new boilers every year.

PRICE OF EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS What remains to be seen, is how Brexit will affect plumbing and heating business on prices of raw materials and equipment sourced from outside the UK. This will also be a factor for manufacturers and distributors of pumps, pipes, fittings, valves, radiators and all the other components used by the plumbing and heating sector.

Depending on how Brexit develops, there is a real possibility that the 'made in Britain' label could take on significantly more relevance, especially if it favourably impacts on prices.

LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT The other side of the coin, of course, is that suppliers may prefer to keep their manufacturing capacity within the EU. With the recent announcement that the major banks are considering downsizing their UK operations following the Brexit vote, with other sectors also considering the future of their UK facilities, this could see heating and plumbing equipment manufacturers deciding to upgrade their EU operations to supply the UK market.

Changes to manufacturing operations should not impact heating and plumbing businesses too drastically, but the situation needs to be monitored and will no doubt be an area of focus within organisations such as the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) www.centralheating.co.uk .

WORKERS Another ongoing area of concern is how Brexit will affect the movement of workers.

Although this will be of little concern to the smaller 'father and son' type businesses, larger companies have found it easier to recruit skilled heating and plumbing engineers from areas such as Eastern Europe in recent years.

Those companies finding it difficult to recruit skilled labour will have another option next year, however, with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy

(https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/apprenticeship-funding-frommay-2017), which will provide support for smaller companies taking on trainees. With Brexit unlikely to be completed for some time, heating and plumbing businesses have sufficient time to engage with the Levy to ensure they have workers in place with the necessary skill levels.

Looking further ahead, the UK Government will have to decide on how closely it aligns legislation to the EU market.

It would seem unwise to deviate too far from this in the short-term, as the UK heating and plumbing sector has invested considerable amounts of time and money to comply, but the situation should be closely monitored to identify any significant further developments.

Although there is little confirmed detail to consider at present, the current pointers indicate that the UK's heating and plumbing sector needs to examine how Brexit will affect heating and plumbing business on prices, equipment supply and labour initially, while continuing to monitor further developments in the future.

COMMUSOFT Commusoft job management software helps plumbers, heating and gas engineers, electricians and oil technicians to help manage customers.

This blog first appeared on the Commusoft website, visit www.commusoft.co.uk to sign up for more.

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with with with Paul Paul Paul Harmer Harmer Harmer with Paul Harmer Technical Technical Technical Director, Director, Director, CIPHE CIPHE CIPHE Technical Director, CIPHE

TT/B/007 TT/B/007 TT/B/007 TT/B/007

Is your Underfloor Underfloor Heating Heating Design Design “Floored�?

IsIsyour underfl oor heating design “fl“Floored�? oored�?

Isyour your Underfloor Heating Design “Floored�?

The overall heat output ofbya many flby oor heating In the UK over the last decade, wedecade, have heating heating heating system system system is effected isisiseffected effected bymany many In the InIn Inthe UK the over UK UK over the over the last thelast decade, last decade, weseen we we heating system effected by many the UK over the last decade, we parameters, parameters, parameters, more more more commonly: commonly: commonly: pipe pipe pipe have have have seen seen seen an increase an an increase increase in the in in the use the use of use of of system is eff ected by many parameters, more an increase in the use of underfl oor heating parameters, more commonly: pipe have seen an increase in the use of spacing, spacing, spacing, pipe pipe diameter, pipe diameter, diameter, water water water flow flow rate, flowrate, rate, underfloor underfloor heating heating heating (UFH), (UFH), (UFH), however, however, however, the the the commonly: spacing, pipe diameter, water flow rate, pipe spacing, pipe diameter, water underfloor heating (UFH), however, the (UFH),underfloor however, the actual performance water water water temperature, temperature, temperature, floor floor floor covering covering covering actual actual actual performance performance performance of the of of the heat the heat emitter heat emitter emitter water temperature, floor covering actual performance of the heat emitter fl ow rate, water temperature, temperature of the heat emitter is often overlooked or resistance resistance resistance andand the andthe thermal thethermal properties properties offloor ofof of is often isisisoften often overlooked overlooked overlooked or unknown ororunknown unknown at the atatthe the diff resistance and the thermal properties often overlooked unknown the erence between the flthermal owproperties and return, unknown at the design stage. or The design ofatan the the heat the heat conducting heat conducting conducting layers. layers. layers. design design design stage. stage. stage. the heat conducting layers. design stage. covering resistance and the thermal properties underfloor heating system is not just a case of addition Inheat Inaddition addition to this, toto tothis, the this, the fluid thefluid mechanics fluidmechanics mechanics TheThe design Thedesign design of an ofof of underfloor an anunderfloor underfloor heating heating heating ofIn In addition this, the fluid mechanics The design an underfloor heating the conducting layers. drawing lines on paper, it actually involves a ofIn both of of both both the the air the above air air above above the the finished the finished finished floor floor floor system system system is not isisisnot just notjust ajust just case aaacase of case drawing ofof ofdrawing drawing of both the air above the finished floor system not case drawing addition to this, the fluid mechanics of lot of lines engineering science. covering covering andand the andthe flow theflow within flowwithin within the the pipe, thepipe, pipe, lines lines on paper, on onpaper, paper, it actually itititactually actually involves involves involves a lotaaalot lot covering covering and the flow within the pipe, lines on paper, actually involves lot ŠŠ Š CIPHE CIPHE CIPHE both the air above the finished floor covering Š CIPHE cancan significantly cansignificantly significantly effect effect effect andand vary andvary the varythe the of engineering ofof ofengineering engineering science. science. science. can significantly effect and vary the engineering science. and the flow within the pipe, can significantly ‘Theory alone is useless’ overall overall overall result. result. result.

It is Itworth worth pointing pointing pointing outout out overall result.

ItItisisisworth worth pointing out Figure Figure 1: UFH 1:1: 1: UFH encased UFHencased encased in 50mm inin in50mm 50mm eff ect and vary result.

Itthese is worth Figure Figure UFH encased 50mm that that due that due to due the toto tothe the complexity theoverall complexity complexity of these ofof of these that due the complexity these flowing flowing flowing screed screed screed flowing screed ‘Theory ‘Theory ‘Theory alone alone alone is useless’ is is useless’ useless’ out that due to the ‘Theory alone is useless’ pointing calculations, calculations, calculations, it is itbeyond beyond thecomplexity the scope thescope scope of ofof of calculations, ititisisisbeyond beyond the scope of ‘Practical alone is dangerous’ these calculations, thisthis article. this article. article. it is beyond the scope of this article. article. ‘Practical ‘Practical ‘Practical alone alone alone is dangerous’ isis isdangerous’ dangerous’ this Once Once Once a system aaasystem system hashas been hasbeen been tested tested tested or oror or ‘Practical alone dangerous’ Once system has been tested Once a system hasthe been tested or simulated, simulated, simulated, simulated, thenthen then the following thefollowing following formula formula formula simulated, then the following formula UFH systems were traditionally installed in then the formula stated in stated stated stated infollowing BS inin in EN BS BS 1264 EN EN 1264 1264 partpart 2part part is 2used used toBStoEN to UFHUFH systems UFHsystems systems were were were traditionally traditionally traditionally stated BS EN 1264 22isisisused used to UFH systems were traditionally new build properties within a 75mm thick 1264 Part 2 is used to create heat output create create create heat heat output heat output output tables tables tables at varying at at varying varying installed installed installed in new inin innew build newbuild build properties properties properties within within within create heat output tables at varying installed new build properties within sand and screed, or more commonly water water water temperatures; temperatures; temperatures; at varying water temperatures; a 75mm acement 75mm thick thick thick sand sand sand and and cement andcement cement screed, screed, screed, tables water temperatures; aa75mm 75mm thick sand and cement screed, a 50mm thick anhydrite fl owing screed.

As or more oror ormore more commonly commonly commonly a 50mm aaa50mm 50mm thick thick thick more commonly 50mm thick Q =QkH Q===kH . (MWT kH. (MWT (MWT - ti)- -t-it)tii)) Q kH .. (MWT UFH became more popular, the market started anhydrite anhydrite anhydrite flowing flowing flowing screed. screed. screed.

As UFH As AsUFH UFH anhydrite flowing screed.

As UFH q = KH . (∆ đ?›?H) n to develop new systems to bethe used within became became became more more more popular, popular, popular, the market the market market 2 2 22 became more popular, the market Q QQ = Q Surface = ==Surface Surface heat heat output heat output output (W/m(W/m )(W/m ) )) Surface heat output (W/m Specifi c thermal output 2 2 22 started started to develop toto todevelop develop new new systems newsystems systems to be toto tobe be qkH kH= /K) /K) /K) = kHOverall = ==Overall Overall heatheat transfer heat transfer transfer coefficient coefficient coefficient (Wm(Wm (Wm retrofistarted t applications (older houses). started develop new systems be /K) kH Overall heat transfer coefficient (Wm o MWT = MWT Mean = ==Mean water Mean water temperature water temperature (oC) (oC) C) Š CIPHE ŠŠ Š CIPHE CIPHE = Equivalent heattemperature transmission coefficient used used within within within retrofit retrofit retrofit applications applications (older KMWT MWT Mean water temperature ((oC) CIPHE used within retrofit applications (older H Theseused typical new retrofi tapplications systems may(older be(older o t t = t Internal = ==Internal Internal air temperature airair air temperature temperature (oC) )(oC) C) ) )) Internal ((oC) houses). houses). houses). houses). ∆iđ?›?H i=tii Temperature difftemperature erence between the mean categorised as either a ‘floating floor’ or a Figure Figure Figure 2: Typical 2:2: 2: Typical Typical foiled foiled foiled andand grooved andgrooved grooved Figure Typical foiled and grooved These These These typical newnew retrofit new retrofit retrofit systems systems cancan can These typical new retrofit systems can ‘suspended fltypical oor’typical system, with ansystems increasing water temperature and the air above insulation insulation insulation panel panel panel withwith awith with plywood a aplywood a plywood plywood insulation panel be categorised be be categorised categorised as either as as either either a “floating a a “floating “floating be low categorised as either a “floating An =increase An An increase increase in both inin inboth both the the kH the value kH kHvalue value intermediate intermediate intermediate layerlayer and layerand carpet andcarpet carpet (floating (floating (floating floor) floor) floor) emphasis on profile systems.

An increase both the kH value intermediate layer and carpet (floating floor) exponent floor� floor� floor� or aoror “suspended oraaa“suspended “suspended floor�, floor�, floor�, withwith an withan an N(overall floor� “suspended floor�, with an (overall (overall heat heat transfer heat transfer transfer coefficient) coefficient) coefficient) and and and (overall heat transfer coefficient) and Theincreasing market as aemphasis whole hasonconcentrated too increasing increasing emphasis emphasis low on onlow profile lowprofile profile increasing emphasis on low profile the the overall theoverall overall mean mean mean water water water temperature temperature temperature the overall water heavily onsystems. designing systems that only deal The greater the mean KH value andtemperature the systems. systems. systems.

(MWT), (MWT), (MWT), increases increases increases the the heat theheat output heatoutput output on the on onthe the (MWT), increases the heat output on the with theThe practical application of the product, temperature diff erence, the greater the heat The market Themarket market as aas whole asaaawhole whole hashas concenhasconcenconcenThe market as whole has concenfloorfloor floor surface. surface. surface.

TheThe kH The value kH kHvalue value is different isisisdifferent different floor surface.

The kH value different 2 for example, floortoo to heavily ceiling restrictions . The KH offor theeach flfor oor surface in W/m trated trated trated too heavily too heavily onheight designing on ondesigning designing systems systems systemsoutput trated too heavily on designing systems however however however for each each type type of type UFH ofof ofUFH floor UFHfloor floor however for each type UFH floor value is diff erent however for each withinthat existing properties, rather than the actual that only thatonly deal onlydeal with dealwith the with the practical the practical practical that only deal with the practical construction, construction, construction, andand isand and the isisisthe result theresult result of ofof oftype of construction, the result fldetailed oortesting. construction and is the result of application application application of the ofoutput ofthe product, theproduct, product, foremitting example, for forexample, example,UFH performance and heat of the application of the product, for example, detailed detailed detailed testing. testing. testing. floor floor floor tohas ceiling toto toceiling ceiling height height restrictions restrictions within within withindetailed testing. floor ceiling height restrictions within surface.

This led toheight a lot ofrestrictions confusion for both TheThe Chartered The Chartered Chartered Institute Institute Institute of Plumbing of of Plumbing Plumbing The Chartered Institute of Plumbing existing existing existing properties, properties, properties, rather rather rather thanthan than the the the existing properties, rather than the The Chartered Institute of believes Plumbing the plumber and the consumer. and and Heating and Heating Heating Engineering Engineering Engineering believes believes thatthat that and Heating Engineering believes that actual actual actual performance performance performance andand heat andheat output heatoutput output of ofof actual performance and heat output Heating Engineering believes that there there there needs needs needs to be toto to abe review beaaareview review of the ofof ofthe BS the EN BS BSEN EN Š CIPHE A common mistake made by designers, is of and ŠŠ Š CIPHE CIPHE there needs be review the BS EN CIPHE the the emitting theemitting emitting surface. surface. surface.

ThisThis has Thishas led hasled toled led atoto toaaa there emitting surface. has needs toand be and athe review of the BS EN 1264 1264 1264 standard standard standard and the way theway the way the industry the industry industry 1264 standard and the way the industry designingthe a system without anThis intermediate lot of lot lot confusion ofof ofconfusion confusion for both for forboth both the the plumber theplumber plumber 1264 lot confusion for both the plumber is currently isisis currently currently designing designing designing systems. systems. standard and thesystems. way the industry is Figure currently designing systems.

Figure Figure 3: Typical 3:3: 3:Typical Typical screed-board screed-board screed-board panel panel panel withwith with Figure Typical screed-board panel with layer, and for and example, a 10mm plywood layer the andthe consumer. theconsumer. consumer. and the consumer. carpet carpet on top on ontop oftop top anofof intermediate ofanan anintermediate intermediate layerlayer layer currently designing systems. carpet on intermediate layer It has It It has become has become become common common common practice practice for for for carpet It has become commonpractice practice for between a grooved dry screed board and A common AAAcommon common mistake mistake mistake made made made by designby bydesigndesign- UFH (floating (floating floor) floor) floor) common mistake made by design(floating floor) systems UFH systems systems to be toto to installed be beinstalled installed without without without anyany any(floating It UFH has become known that some UFH UFH systems be installed without any a carpet.

By adding this structural layer, ers,ers, is ers, designing isisisdesigning designing a system aaasystem system without without without an an an correct ers, designing system without an correct correct heat heat output heat output output datadata to data support toto tosupport support the the To support To support the future education of the systems have been installed without anythe correct heat output data support the To Tosupport support the the future the future future education education education of the ofof of the the To support the future education the it reduces the risk of point issues, intermediate intermediate intermediate layer, layer, layer, for load example, for forexample, example, a aaa intermediate layer, for example, designs designs designs andand some andsome some marketing marketing marketing material material material industry, the CIPHE are carrying out designs and some marketing material correct heat output data to support the industry, industry, industry, the the CIPHE the CIPHE CIPHE are are carrying are carrying carrying out out a out a industry, the CIPHE are carrying out aaa 10mm 10mm 10mm plywood plywood plywood layer layer layer between between between a aaa however, it inevitably reduces the heat 10mm plywood layer between cancan be can misleading. be bemisleading. misleading.by marketing materialresearch can be misleading. research project in conjunction with our designs, supplemented research project project project in conjunction inin in conjunction conjunction withwith our with our our research project conjunction with our grooved grooved dry dry screed dryscreed screed board board board andand aand and carpet. aaacarpet. carpet. grooved dry screed board carpet. output ofgrooved the fl oor.

Industrial Associates into the thermal It iscan Itcritical iscritical critical though though though thatthat athat that valid aaavalid valid andand and Industrial Industrial Associates Associates Associates intointo the into the thermal the thermal thermal ItItisis critical though valid and that be misleading.

Industrial Associates into the thermal Industry Industry Industry relies relies relies heavily heavily heavily upon upon the BS the EN BS BSEN ENaccurate Industry relies heavily upon theupon BS ENthe 1264 Industry relies heavily upon the BS EN output systems.

Please contact accurate set of set set heat ofof ofheat output heat output output data is data isisis output output of systems. ofof ofsystems. systems.

Please Please Please contact contact contact set heat output data output systems.

Please contact It accurate isaccurate critical though that adata valid and 1264 1264 PartPart 2for Part standard 222standard standard for calculating for forcalculating calculating the the the known 1264 Part standard for calculating the Part 21264 standard calculating the thermal known known before before before designing designing designing or installing or or installing installing Paul Harmer at paulh@ciphe.org.uk for Paul Paul Harmer Harmer Harmer at paulh@ciphe.org.uk at at paulh@ciphe.org.uk paulh@ciphe.org.uk for for for known before designing or installing Paul Harmer at paulh@ciphe.org.uk for set of heat output data is known thermal thermal output output output of awhich of heated ofaaaheated heated floor, floor, floor, which which which accurate output of heated floor, which output ofthermal athermal heated floor, sets out both the the complete thecomplete complete UFHUFH system.

UFHsystem. system. further information. further further information. information. information. the complete UFH system. further information. setssets out setsout both outboth both a manual aaamanual manual calculation calculation calculation andand and before designing or installing the complete sets out both manual calculation and a manual calculation and a procedure for By contrast, By Bycontrast, contrast, a correct aaacorrect correct set of set set UFH ofof ofUFH heat UFHheat heat By contrast, correct set UFH heat a procedure aaaprocedure procedure for carrying for forcarrying carrying outout live outlive tests. livetests. tests. UFH system. procedure for carrying out live tests. output output output data data is data useless is is useless useless without without without knowing knowing knowing carrying out live tests. output data is useless without knowing By contrast, a correct set of UFH heat output DueDue to Due the toto tothe amount theamount amount of variables ofof ofvariables variables the variables the the true thetrue heat trueheat loss heatloss of loss the ofof ofthe building thebuilding building for for for the true heat loss the building for Due to theDue amount ofamount variables present data is useless without knowing the true heat present present present within within within a UFH aaaUFH system, UFHsystem, system, the the the present within UFH system, the which which which the the system the system system is to is be is to to installed. be be installed. installed. which the system is to be installed. withinmanual a UFH system, the manual calculation loss of the building for which the system is manual manual calculation calculation calculation for type for fortype B type systems BBBsystems systems Therefore, manual calculation for type systems Therefore, Therefore, if the ifififthe information theinformation information provided provided provided Therefore, the information provided for type Bbecomes systems becomes inconsistent, becomes becomes inconsistent, inconsistent, inconsistent, therefore, therefore, therefore, other other other to installed. ifdesign the information becomes inconsistent, therefore, other at be the atat at the very thevery start veryTherefore, start of start aof design ofaaadesign is incorrect, isisisincorrect, incorrect, the very start of design incorrect, therefore, other more accurate methods have more more more accurate accurate accurate methods methods methods have have have been been been provided at the start of aroom design is loss more accurate methods have been for example for forexample example thevery the room theroom room by room by by room heatheat loss heat loss for example the room by room heat loss Proud Proud Proud to to be tobe abe Professional aaProfessional Professional adopted, adopted, for example for forexample example detailed detailed detailed CFD and CFDand and incorrect, been adopted, example detailed CFDCFD and adopted, for example detailed CFD and for example the room by room heat data, data, data, thenthen then the the whole thewhole whole design design design willwill not willnot be notbe be data, then the whole design will not be TM TMTM TM Conjugative Conjugative Conjugative heat heat transfer heat transfer transfer simulations. simulations. simulations. transfer using simulations. conjugateConjugative heat transferheat simulations the loss data, the whole design will not be fitwith fit for fit fitpurpose. for forthen purpose. purpose. fit for purpose. with with knowledge knowledge knowledge from from from techtalk techtalk techtalk with knowledge from TheThe overall Themethod. overall overall heatheat output heatoutput output of aof floor ofaaafloor floor The overall heat output of floor finite element for purpose.

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02/03/2017 14:57

TECHNICAL

LORD OF THE ‘O’ RINGS Nigel Sanger, Technical Manager at JG Speedfit

Nigel Sanger, Technical Manager at JG Speedfit, explains how ‘O’ rings ensure optimum performance in push-fit plumbing systems and how installers can select a reliable, high quality product.

D

omestic pipes are often exposed to extreme conditions, including environmental, chemical and temperature changes. Moreover, the variable properties of water, present numerous challenges when designing plumbing systems.

Adverse weather conditions are a key reason behind pipe failure. Water expands when it freezes, forming a plug within the pipe and as this process continues, the expanding ice plug raises the pressure within the remaining pipework, causing it to burst.

Heating up water will cause it to expand, increasing pressure within the system.

Worth noting also is that liquid has a higher boiling point as pressure rises. A sealed heating system typically runs at around 2 bar, subsequently raising the boiling point to around 120OC.

While plastic offers excellent thermal resistance, ‘O’ rings must also withstand the forces resulting from expansion and raised pressure within the pipework. Used to create a seal within the pipe connection, they prevent any risk of leakage from the

water inside, ensuring the smooth running of plumbing systems.

Ensuring the right choice of ‘O’ ring material provides a more reliable product, less prone to wear and tear.

STRENGTH AND PRESSURES A range of tests are used to determine whether ‘O’ rings are fit for purpose. A reliable indicator of the strength of an ‘O’ ring is its maximum intended internal operating pressure. EPDM rubber ‘O’ rings used by JG Speedfit typically operate at 12 bar, while tests have found they can operate up to 60 bar.

Most ‘O’ ring failures occur during installation, with the main reasons for failure cited as poor installation or understanding of the product. When a badly scored pipe is inserted into the fitting, this causes system failure and leakages. The scoring damage creates a miniature trench underneath the ‘O’ ring, forming recesses where water can collect.

‘O’ rings used in Push-fit fittings may experience high insertion forces, thus

preventing pipes from sitting comfortably within the fitting. The JG Speedfit Twist and Lock fitting has been designed to minimise insertion force, while the Twist and Lock technology ensures the security of the connection.

The reliability of ‘O’ rings can be assured if they’re sourced in the UK from a leading manufacturer, particularly one with WRAS material approval.

The quality of ‘O’ rings is becoming increasingly important for installers. Not only can they enhance the overall finish, they offer end-users reassurance and protection against harsh operating conditions.

JG Speedfit is a CIPHE Industrial Associate.

For more information visit www.speedfit.co.uk

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with Paul Harmer Technical Director, CIPHE

The CIPHE “Wheel of Knowledge” Since joining the CIPHE as Technical Director, I have been concentrating on how the Institute can meet its obligation of education to ensure the safety and health of the public.

As the world is moving so quickly today, the way we deliver education also needs to adapt to this increasing fast pace.

Why is this important? Plumbing and heating engineers have a very busy schedule and seldom sacrifice a day's income to carry out classroom based training.

We believe we need to help leap this hurdle that plumbers face by bringing the classroom to their lounge and vans.

The CIPHE has been actively engaging with industry to develop a wide variety of technical and business learning resources for our members.

This article will discuss in more detail what each product involves and how it forms part of the CIPHE ‘Wheel of Knowledge’.

First and foremost the CIPHE is at the core of the industry acting as the authoritative body that both delivers and co-ordinates industry standards and education.

The plumbing and heating industry requires a leader that helps support the plumbing and heating engineer whilst protecting the consumer.

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Figure 1: The “Wheel of Knowledge” infographic

However the CIPHE is not achieving this alone.

You can see in our infographic Figure 1 that we collaborate closely with our Members, Industrial Associates and Approved Training Centres, and of course keep up our dialogue with the consumer.

In conjunction with the four key categories surrounding the CIPHE at the core of the ‘Wheel of Knowledge’ - Yes we can!

Over the last six months we have been carrying out a wide variety of ‘techtalk live’ videos and publications on different subjects, such as, ‘a realistic approach to saving carbon’ with

the Worcester Bosch Group, ‘best practice wet room installation’ for vulnerable people with the AKW Group, and Legionnella and scalding prevention with RWC Worldwide and Altecnic. with Paul Harmer Technical Director, CIPHE

TT/B/007

Is your Underfloor Heating Design “Floored”?

In the UK over the last decade, we have seen an increase in the use of underfloor heating (UFH), however, the actual performance of the heat emitter is often overlooked or unknown at the design stage.

The design of an underfloor heating system is not just a case of drawing lines on paper, it actually involves a lot of engineering science.

‘Theory alone is useless’ ‘Practical alone is dangerous’ UFH systems were traditionally installed in new build properties within a 75mm thick sand and cement screed, or more commonly a 50mm thick anhydrite flowing screed. As UFH became more popular, the market started to develop new systems to be used within retrofit applications (older houses).

These typical new retrofit systems can be categorised as either a “floating floor” or a “suspended floor”, with an increasing emphasis on low profile systems.

The market as a whole has concentrated too heavily on designing systems that only deal with the practical application of the product, for example, floor to ceiling height restrictions within existing properties, rather than the actual performance and heat output of the emitting surface. This has led to a lot of confusion for both the plumber and the consumer.

A common mistake made by designers, is designing a system without an intermediate layer, for example, a 10mm plywood layer between a grooved dry screed board and a carpet.

Industry relies heavily upon the BS EN 1264 Part 2 standard for calculating the thermal output of a heated floor, which sets out both a manual calculation and a procedure for carrying out live tests.

Due to the amount of variables present within a UFH system, the manual calculation for type B systems becomes inconsistent, therefore, other more accurate methods have been adopted, for example detailed CFD and Conjugative heat transfer simulations.

The overall heat output of a floor

heating system is effected by many parameters, more commonly; pipe spacing, pipe diameter, water flow rate, water temperature, floor covering resistance and the thermal properties of the heat conducting layers.

In addition to this, the fluid mechanics of both the air above the finished floor covering and the flow within the pipe, can significantly effect and vary the overall result. It is worth pointing out that due to the complexity of these calculations, it is beyond the scope of this article.

Once a system has been tested or simulated, then the following formula stated in BS EN 1264 part 2 is used to create heat output tables at varying water temperatures;

© CIPHE Figure 1: UFH encased in 50mm flowing screed

Q = kH . (MWT - ti) Q = Surface heat output (W/m2) kH = Overall heat transfer coefficient (Wm2/K) MWT = Mean water temperature (oC) = Internal air temperature (oC) ti = Floor surface temperature (oC) ts

An increase in both the kH value (overall heat transfer coefficient), and the overall mean water temperature (MWT), increases the heat output on the floor surface. The kH value is different however for each type of UFH floor construction, and is the result of detailed testing.

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering believes that there needs to be a review of the BS EN 1264 standard and the way the industry is currently designing systems.

It has become common practice for UFH systems to be installed without any correct heat output data to support the designs, and some marketing material can be misleading.

It is critical though that a valid and accurate set of heat output data is known before designing or installing the complete UFH system.

By contrast, a correct set of UFH heat output data is useless without knowing the true heat loss of the building for which the system is to be installed.

Therefore, if the information provided at the very start of a design is incorrect, for example the room by room heat loss data, then the whole design will not be fit for purpose.

© CIPHE Figure 2: Typical foiled insulation panel with engineered wood floor (floating floor)

© CIPHE Figure 3: Typical screed-board panel with carpet on top of an intermediate layer (floating floor)

To support the future education of the industry, the CIPHE are developing a unique suite of training courses for 2017. For more information on this article please contact Paul Harmer at paulh@ciphe.org.uk

Proud to be a Professional with knowledge from techtalk

TM

March/April 2017

02/03/2017 12:10

Getting to know the “Wheel of Knowledge�

Design Guides Insight Guides Technical Working Groups

At the centre of the CIPHE Wheel of Knowledge is the Institute. Our commitment is to communicate and collaborate with our Members, our Approved Training Centres, and our Industrial Associates to improve and enhance the safety and health of the public.

By acting as the authoritative educational body for the plumbing and heating industry, we endeavour to both educate and uphold professionalism amongst our members.

To communicate in a clear and structured way the CIPHE has developed a range of branded channels to support the Continuing Professional Development of everyone in the industry.

To provide technical knowledge to support professionals in their day-to-day work, we have developed techtalk and techteach.

Both products offer documents, videos and webinars online which you can access wherever you are, even to check a technical issue arising when you are working.

Design Guides focus on knowledge which can directly support specific aspects of your work.

Insight Guides offer technical background and research data to underpin the information contained in our other documents, videos and webinars.

Technical Working Groups come together from across the industry to work on specific projects in support of the CIPHE Strategic Plan.

A - Water Safety

In our work to maintain and raise standards across the industry we know that there is also a call for awareness about topics which keep you smart in the way you work.

Smarttalk and smartteach are provided to support you with guidance and knowledge on these matters.

G - Legal: law and regulations H - Marketing: sales and marketing I - Accounts: finance and accountancy The three Smart icons indicate information the CIPHE offers with smarttalk and smartteach documents, videos and webinars.

B - Heating C- Controls D - Water Services: hot and cold water services E - Drainage: above and below ground drainage F - Renewables To structure the wealth of knowledge the CIPHE gathers within Design Guides, Insight Guides, and the techtalk and techteach brands, we use icons to signal categories under these six familiar technical headings.

The six key areas were agreed at the CIPHE inaugural Technical Strategy Group meeting in December 2016.

Last but not least, please keep in mind that this is a two-way process.

Always feel welcome to bring us your experience and knowledge.

Proud to be a Professional

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02/03/2017 14:30

MERCHANTS

GET THE MOST FROM

Ian Kenny, Marketing Director at Graham Plumbers’ Merchant

YOUR MERCHANT For plumbing and heating installers, the trust and reliability that comes from using the right merchant can make a huge difference to your daily business.

H

ere, Ian Kenny, Marketing Director at Graham Plumbers’ Merchant, explains why utilising the full service offering from a modern merchant can help to ensure a high standard of finish on every job – and add value along the way.

When it comes to being a successful plumbers’ merchant, product range, availability and accessibility, consistent pricing and excellent service and support have to be maintained at all times. This also has to be achieved and maintained against the backdrop of a fast moving and everchanging industry.

With a long and rich heritage, Graham continues to be a trusted partner for busy installers. This is underpinned by our promise: guaranteeing customers unbeatable product quality, rapid speed of response and the most knowledgeable staff − keeping up to date with the latest product developments and regulative changes.

TRACKING TRENDS For example, changes to legislation and a distinct shift in focus towards improving energy efficiency has meant that the type of products we have on shelf have changed, and diversified. The resurging interest in renewable solutions has meant expanding our product catalogue, while training our staff to communicate this information with customers, who can in turn use this to sell these solutions to their own clients. As such, we continue to track trends and market drivers – both locally and nationally.

Furthermore, through regular surveys, we contact over 20,000 customers every year,

to gain vital feedback on our service and to learn more about requirements and areas of concern for installers. This helps us to keep our offering under constant review and to monitor local stock profiling for each branch network to suit the specific demand in each area – without compromising availability. As such, we continue to offer the Graham Pledge, ensuring that if any product is ordered from our ‘Always Available in my Branch’ range and it is not in stock, we offer a £10 voucher that can be redeemed against future purchases.

SPECIALIST TEAMS While range and availability remain fundamental, offering a more holistic service can really add value. For example, bathroom installations can be lucrative − but also very time consuming when customers are not sure what they want. Working with Graham, installers can send their customers to see specialist teams at our bathroom showrooms, who can provide detailed support for all projects no matter what size or budget. Teams will use 3D design to help find a solution and design that meets their requirements – whether it is a large family bathroom or a space saving solution for an en-suite. This leaves busy installers free to get on with more work – until the project is ready to go.

In addition, our commitment to service and support extends to our digital offering.

Electronic versions of all trade brochures are available on our website, while our Etrade Counter means users can order over 60,000 products online. In today’s market, this proves hugely effective as customers expect to be able to deal with a trade business in much the same way they would a B2C company. Particularly for the younger generation of plumbers – the ability to access what you need online is simply second nature. This is why all of Graham’s online presence is now accessible on mobile devices, not just desktops.

REWARDS FOR APPRENTICES Finally, we recognise the importance of offering apprentices as well as newly qualified

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installers the correct level of guidance.

Therefore, we introduced the Turning Pro reward scheme, which is designed specifically for students and apprentices making purchases from Graham − offering great perks and tailored to the spending habits of a trainee or newly-qualified installer. Turning Pro members can also benefit from free introductory and manufacturer courses at the Saint-Gobain Greenworks academy, covering a wide variety of sustainable building and renewable energy products.

CUSTOMER LOYALTY As a registered customer, this also presents the opportunity to join The Plumbers’ Club.

Aimed exclusively at trade customers, this popular loyalty scheme offers a wide range of exclusive benefits and rewards specifically tailored to each customer – including exclusive commercial benefits and deals as well as some fantastic personal rewards.

For new – as well as experienced plumbers – it is important to remember the advantages of using a specialist merchant for industry-leading products as well as the support and knowledge to help ensure work completed is compliant, products are fit for purpose and installers are able to work efficiently and effectively.

By choosing Graham, installers benefit from having a partner that offers a wide range of products, valuable expertise, and rewards absolutely tailored to the customer.

Graham Plumbers’ Merchant is a CIPHE Industrial Associate.

For more information visit www.grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 11:26

CONSUMER CAMPAIGN

THE CIPHE

CONSUMER COMPLIANCE HEALTH CHECK IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT To help protect consumers against failing plumbing and heating systems, the CIPHE is developing a consumer compliance health check.

H

elping engineers and installers to safeguard the performance, safety and efficiency of all plumbing and heating systems inside and outside the home is vital.

Unfortunately though, maintenance is often forgotten about or ignored by consumers who then become vulnerable when a system fails. So the CIPHE’s consumer compliance health check, will help the industry to introduce a ‘whole home maintenance (MOT) solution’ for homeowners.

To do this, Kevin Wellman, Richard Soper and Paul Harmer, amongst other leading members of the CIPHE, will be gathering the views and opinions of the industry, including CIPHE members, educators and associates, for their views. The checklist will encompass: water safety, heating, controls, hot and cold water services, above and below ground drainage and renewables.

Here, Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE, discusses each of these areas:

instructions to ensure that the appliance and heating system complies with the required regulations and in most cases, also validates the warranty. After this, it is the job of the installer to communicate the benefits of a regular heating check-up; not only to maintain the warranty, but in the long run, to save the consumer time and money.”

WATER SAFETY

“Maintaining efficient hot and cold water systems prevents unwanted heat gains into potable cold water and checking the pipe insulation is sufficient, ensures that water systems do not freeze in cold weather.

“Making sure that homeowners are aware of the location and accessibility of the stopcock is another important point to raise. You can check the functionality and help the consumer to maintain it by turning

“Regularly checking the safety of water systems is important to ensure that the correct temperature is maintained, it is contamination free, safe and runs as efficiently as possible. Without checking, there is no way of knowing what issues may be lurking, so engineers must work with the consumer to outline the risks, which could lead to a system failure or worse, an outbreak of Legionella.”

CONTROLS “Encouraging the installation and/or upkeep of home heating controls has been an ongoing priority for the CIPHE and its members for some time now. Not only to stop consumers spending over the odds on energy bills but to improve energy efficiencies by limiting the carbon dioxide that our energy produces. Regular checks will ensure that all controls are working efficiently and in some cases, can be updated to offer the best energy-saving and monitoring options.”

HOT AND COLD WATER SERVICES

it every so often so it doesn’t become seized and potentially unusable.”

ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE “All systems need regular maintenance to ensure that the pipework remains intact and the installation is correct and holding up as it should. Things to check include the correct sizing and installation of the pipework and that the right termination of waste pipe is present.”

RENEWABLES “Households that have renewable energy heat sources should also have regular maintenance checks of their systems.

“Communicating the benefits of renewable energy in general also needs to remain a part of the conversation with consumers, especially in areas where there is a higher than normal proportion of off-grid properties. Although the Green Deal failed, measures to reduce our carbon footprint through renewable technology, where appropriate, is still supported by the CIPHE.” These are just a few of the considerations when carrying out maintenance checks with consumers. To help inform the best and most comprehensive list possible, we need you to discuss best practice and help the CIPHE to develop these resources. To help start the conversation, the CIPHE will be discussing this across the country at a number of events and industry roundtables.

HEATING

GET INVOLVED

“When first fitted, all heating appliances are issued with a commissioning certificate in agreement with Approved Document L of the Building Regulations. At this point, installers use the benchmark checklist that is included within the installation

To get involved in the creation of the consumer compliance health check please let us have your views as soon as possible.

Contact: Kevin Wellman at kevinw@ciphe.org.uk Richard Soper at richardsoperciphe@gmail.com or Paul Harmer at paulh@ciphe.org.uk

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27/02/2017 11:28

CPD

VENTING EXTERNAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS WITH ACTIVE CARBON FILTERS An active carbon filter for drainage is a two-way vent that uses active carbon as a filter to absorb the sewer gases (primarily hydrogen sulphide H2S and methane CH4) which come out of a drainage vent.

D

ue to the common design of active carbon filters for drainage systems, they are restrictive vents, and therefore limited in application to prevent self or induced siphonage of traps’ seals resultant from transient pressures in the drainage system. As such, they do not replace the need for open vents or Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) for venting drainage systems on their own.

The filters can be used in combination with AAVs to provide the open vent requirement on the drainage system; the AAV will provide the fast air requirement of the drainage system and the filter will provide the filtered relief to the slow positive pressure rise out of the drainage vent stack.

The active carbon filters work as an inlet and an outlet and typically have an airflow of five litres per second in both directions at 250Pa (25mm Wg).

Being a two-way vent, the filter must be installed outside the building – just as for an open vent. Over time, the active carbon may become saturated and harmful sewer gases can pass through the filter and into the surrounding air. The filter cartridges typically have a life of over two years before needing replacement. High-use systems, or a pumped system, can reduce the life of the active carbon due to saturation. Typically on a domestic septic tank, the cartridge is replaced when the tank is emptied of sludge, or there is an increase of sewer smells around the vent. When used for other applications it is recommended that the replacement of the cartridge is placed on a maintenance schedule.

WIND EFFECT Wind affects water trap seals and can cause traps within the building to self-siphon – this usually occurs when wind gusts are over 35 km/h. When the wind blows over the stack outlet, the air pressure in the pipe is lowered. This is due to the Bernoulli’s principle (“as the speed of the moving fluid (air) increases, the pressure within the fluid (air) decreases”). The lowered pressure in the pipe creates suction (negative transients) throughout the above ground drainage system. Wind gusts cause the trap seals (typically closest to the open vent) to oscillate and can lead the trap to self-siphon.

We have all seen this occur when it is windy outside and have witnessed the water trap seals move! If the gust causes significant pressure (around +/- 400Pa (400mm Wg)) the water traps seals can be depleted.

If a building is regularly affected by wind effect, then an active carbon filter combined

with an AAV can be used to cap the stack, therefore protecting the system from the wind effect.

RECIRCULATION OF SEWER GASES BACK INTO THE BUILDING Part H of the Building Regulations requires that the open vents must be installed to external air at least 900mm above any opening into a building within three metres – this could be windows, air handling units and roof terraces.

Problems occur when the vents are located too close to the opening, but an active carbon filter combined with AAVs could be used to solve these issues.

WHY WATER TRAP SEALS NEED PROTECTING Water trap seals are the only barrier between the drainage system and the

SEPTIC TANK

Maxi-Vent Toilet WC Basin

Mini-Vent Kitchen Sink W/M

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Ground

FALSE CEILING

Mini-Vent FWG

PROBLEM SOLVING

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Bath Tub

FWG

MAXI-FILTRA

Active carbon filters are a good solution for solving issues with smelly vent pipes, either on a conventional system or septic tanks. They generally offer an immediate, easy fix solution, being fitted with a push-fit connector.

False ceiling

CO Septic tank

Cartridge and aluminium cover

Sample installation 1

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 11:43

CPD Filter with AAV SEPTIC TANK FALSE Maxi-Vent CEILING Toilet WC

Basin

Bath Tub

Carbon filter

FWG FALSE CEILING

Mini-Vent Sample installation 2

Sample installation 2

W/M

MAXI-FILTRA

living space. Typically these have a water seal between 50mm and 75mm, but when subjected to pressures in the system of +/- 400Pa (40mm Wg) the traps can be subjected to siphonage. This removes the barrier and allows potentially harmful sewer gases to enter the living space.

SEWER TREATMENT PLANTS AND SEPTIC TANKS Active carbon filters are an ideal solution to vent the low level outlets on septic tanks.

This prevents the need to vent the tanks back though the building, or away from areas around the tank.

As waste discharges in the tank it also draws air. When the tank starts to become full, the capacity of the tank to deal with the waste and the air becomes reduced. This can lead to slow discharges from appliances in the same way as experienced with a conventional system when there is a blockage downstream – the air has to go somewhere!

Kitchen Sink Mini-Vent

Providing a vent at the outlet of the tank provides a path for the air to leave the tank so that waste flow into the tank is normal.

The issue occurs with where to place this vent. As smells and sewer gases will come out of the tank, if the vent is at low level then the smells can disturb people close by.

By placing the open vent with a longer pipe distance (10 metres) the open vent is less efficient, as the gasses from the tank may head back into the building drainage system and if there is a depleted trap seal the gas will enter the building. Using an active carbon filter prevents this from happening as it provides a path for the air out of the tank at the outlet at low level, as well as filtering the unpleasant and potentially harmful, sewer gases.

MAINTENANCE AND EASE OF INSTALLATION No specialist installation is required for this type of filter. They are commonly installed with

a push-fit connector only and often have a cap which simply lifts off to enable easy access for filter cartridge replacement. In installations with high odour saturation, the carbon filter should be replaced more regularly than the recommended two years, i.e. before or when odour becomes noticeable.

The filters are commonly supplied with one carbon filter and a connector which fits standard UK pipe. An aluminium cover should ideally also be provided, which provides extra protection for the filter when it is installed outside in the open air – added insulation against extreme temperatures (-20°C to +60°C) and protection from animal/birds and the environment, i.e. inclement weather and the sun's ultra-violet rays.

Studor Ltd is a CIPHE Industrial Associate.

For more information visit www.studor.net

Water seal diagram

Defective water trap seal: RISKS HEALTH

Perfectly functional water trap seal: PROTECTS HEALTH

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27/02/2017 11:44

With our technical support, you can be face to face with an expert in seconds.

This year we are celebrating 30 years of unrivalled technical support. Our team of 40+ technical advisors take immense pride in delivering you world class technical support that is second to none in the industry – striving to answer your calls in seconds while providing the best advice possible.

0330 123 3366

You can contact us in the following ways: technical-advice@uk.bosch.com

@WorcesterBosch

To find out more visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/techsupport

p22_phemar17.indd 1

07/02/2017 12:52:58

CPD

IT’S REALLY QUITE SIMPLE QUESTIONS 1.

What are the primary gases that an active carbon filter should vent on a drainage system?

2.

CIPHE members are expected to complete 30 hours of CPD each year. Completion of these assessments can count towards this requirement and CPD.

Can an active carbon filter be used to vent a primary open vent?

(For example, on a typical house vent.)

3.

What is required to be used with an active carbon filter to vent a primary vent?

4.

What is the typical airflow of an active carbon filter at 250Pa?

To participate, simply return this assessment using any method you wish, such as fax, scan, email, photocopy, etc, (attach an additional A4 sheet if necessary).

Your name:

5.

Can active carbon filters be installed inside the building?

__________________________________ __________________________________

6.

What is the typical speed of wind gusting that could affect water trap seals?

CIPHE membership number:

7.

What is the requirement in Building Regulation Part H for an open vent when installed

__________________________________

near an opening to a building?

Email: ___________________________

8.

__________________________________

Why is there a requirement to protect water trap seals?

__________________________________

9.

In a septic tank system, what effect can be seen when the air cannot leave the tank when it becomes full?

Return to: CIPHE, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB Fax to: + 44 (0) 1708 448987 Email: info@ciphe.org.uk or please visit the members only area of the CIPHE website.

10. What is the typical life of a cartridge before it needs to be replaced?

www.ciphe.org.uk/cpd CPD certificates are awarded annually.

What’s in it for you?

As part of our work to improve your Journal, the CIPHE Communications Group wants to know how you view our CPDs. Email us with your comments to: kevinw@ciphe.org.uK

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WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

We are very proud to welcome all the new members who have recently joined the CIPHE.

B

ecause all our members are vetted before being accepted into the CIPHE, the public can be confident that the person entering their premises has the necessary skills and commitment to high standards. In addition, employers can be confident of the integrity of prospective employees.

Individuals have different reasons for applying for membership, but what they all have in common is a commitment to on-going training and professionalism at all times.

OUR NEW MEMBERS Richard Allen Christopher Bailey Ka Ming Chan Chan Wa Cheung Ngai Chun Cheung Wing Chun Cho Neil Cook James Harris Yuk Lam Hon Kin Wah Beaver Hui Foon Kong Ju Hsin Lai Kwong Tat Lai Ming Yip Lau Dale Senior James Robert Stevenson Lui Sze Wing Lok Tang Yung Man Louis Wong

OUR NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER Fei Wong

OUR NEW TRAINEE MEMBERS James Adamson Hose Alexis Daniel Amponsah Charlie Austin Sean Andrew Ballard

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Freddie Barham George Bigby Charlie Booth Mohit Borde Tejac Brown Louie Buckinham Jacek Bulhakowski Oliver Bunker Laurence Cart Daniel Carter Robbie Charrington Patrick Childs Matthew Clent Holly Couper Luke Cowey Dylan Cowling Matthew Cranfield Josh Dean Conor English Sam Epps Thomas Fowler Sean Fraser Nicole French Jack Gamlen Ellis Gill Stacey Gardner Aadam Gasni Reece Godfrey Connor Grey-Harwood Josh Halls

Ross Harding Marcus Hart Lewis Hawkins Jack Hayes Luke Anthony Herbert Aaron Housen Kornel Janiszek Ewan Johnson Artbes Jupa Nerais Karklys Marc Mearns Tedros Medhanie Ahmed Minhas Cameron Mitchell Joshua Mott Tinaro Mwedzi Gianni Neale Owen Nguyen Van Son Nguyen Van Trung Nguyen Samuel Olusoga Daniel Pimble Daniel Pratt Joshua Rawlings Charlie Rudge Sachin Savani Callum Shaw Aaran Silverthorne Tyler John Skuse Joshua Stagg Afolabi Sunmonu George Stavrou Daniel Tanton Bernardas Tarvydas Charlie Thompson Granit Tmava Josh Trowbridge Louis Wagstaffe Jacob Williams Craig Young

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 11:52

WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE The Engineering Council is the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession. The CIPHE is licensed to provide Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) registration.

T

he following members have met the internationally recognised standards of professional competence and are now registered with the Engineering Council.

Stephen Ward FCIPHE Stephen Jones FCIPHE

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR DESIGNATORY LETTERS If you are an Associate, Member or Fellow of the CIPHE, you are entitled to use designatory letters after your name.

If you are a Registered Plumber or Registered Heating Engineer, you are entitled to use designatory letters after your name.

If you are registered with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer, you are entitled to use designatory letters after your name.

BUT WHICH COMES FIRST AND IN WHICH ORDER? Engineering Council designatory letters should be used after letters denoting decorations or degrees and before letters indicating CIPHE membership. Alternatively, registration title can be written in full at the end.

For example: J D Smith OBE MEng CEng MCIPHE J D Smith OBE BSc IEng FCIPHE J D Smith OBE EngTech MCIPHE Or J D Smith OBE MCIPHE Engineering Technician For registered Plumbers or Registered Heating Professionals, the designatory letters RP and RHP come at the end.

For example: J D Smith OBE EngTech MCIPHE RP Or J D Smith EngTech FCIPHE RHP

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TRAINING MATTERS

TRAINING MATTERS ALL THAT MATTERS IN THE TRAINING WORLD

LEVY BRINGS WOES TO EDUCATION As we count down to the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy on 6th April, misgivings about the scheme rumble on.

Jenni Preston

I

n the January/February 2017 issue of the p&he Journal, I mentioned that the Devolved Assemblies of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland were voicing opposition over apprenticeship funding.

Well now it appears that small, council run schools could be pushed to breaking point by the Levy’s introduction.

Schools run by local authorities will have to pay the Levy, even if their wage bill is under the £3m threshold. School employees are employed by the local authority, they therefore contribute to the overall council wage bill. In the case of small schools – who may already be struggling financially – an additional contribution totalling 0.5 percent of the wage bill could be disastrous.

However, academy and faith schools will be exempt from the Levy if their wage bill is under £3m, as staff in these types of institutions are employed directly by the school and not the local authority.

This clearly doesn’t seem fair. If small schools cannot afford to teach to an appropriate standard due to financial burdens, how will the UK ever build a world-class education system? Furthermore, is it morally right that the Apprenticeship Levy should fund further education by taking funding from smaller schools?

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As the deadline draws nearer, the arguments thunder on. The reality is that it will be incredibly hard to bring in a system that keeps everyone happy. With the big launch close, we can only sit back and keep our fingers crossed that the Levy will mark a defining moment in apprenticeships, for all the right reasons (and not the bad).

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL DEBATE As Mrs May plans to overturn Labour’s 20-year-old ban on grammar schools, it seems that the shake up of the education system is only just beginning. Although the PM has said that it will not be a return to the ‘winners and losers’ ethos of the 11+ system, it is fair to say that the grammar school is still seen by some as an ‘elitist’ institution.

The Government has said that the new form of grammar school will need to embrace measures that give a nod to equality, such as quotas for children from low-income homes, but with outspoken head teachers branding the plans as ‘toxic’, the policy remains controversial for many.

So what has this got to do with plumbing and heating training? Quite a lot actually. The reintroduction of grammar schools raises some fundamental questions: • Will we see vocational qualifications devalued as academic qualifications once again rise to the fore?

• Will a growing number of ‘elitist’ schools mean a decline in colleges with an emphasis on vocational qualifications?

• Will the work done to place value on apprenticeships be reversed?

If the proposed return is limited to a small number of schools, it may only have a minimal impact – independent schools have been running all this time after all. With the new Chief Inspector of Schools describing the reintroduction of grammar schools as a ‘distraction’ it seems that this might be a comeback which may not go so smoothly.

TOO STRESSED TO LEARN A national survey of young people has found that 37 percent feel stressed about how to cope at work or school. 50 percent feel that the pressures of getting a job are greater than a year ago and 36 percent don’t feel in control of their job prospects.

The Prince’s Trust Macquarie Youth Index also warns that 28 percent of young people don’t feel in control of their lives, and alarmingly, 16 percent think their life will amount to nothing, no matter how hard they try.

So the next time you see an apprentice talk about ‘being stressed’ don’t dismiss it, these worries really do run deeper than you think.

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 11:57

CIPHE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

CIPHE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATES

CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON FOR HEAT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

PUTTING TRAINING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST

Roger Webb, Director of External Affairs for the CIPHE, discusses the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) ‘Heat in Buildings’ consultation.

Paul Massey, Chairman of the Institute’s Industrial Associates (IA) Development Group, outlines some of the key benefits CIPHE members can expect when it comes to training and how the cohesive relationship between industry, installers and consumers is continuing to develop in 2017.

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he consultation, which suggests an increase in minimum boiler efficiency and mandatory status of controls is, in my opinion, a very pragmatic approach to improving efficiency and reducing energy usage.

While renewables have been a key focus Roger Webb, for securing the future of sustainable CIPHE Director of External Affairs energy, unfortunately this is not practical for every household. Therefore, it makes sense to delve deeper and look at how we can now increase efficiency.

With heating and hot water still demanding the biggest usage of energy and with costs on the rise, it is very encouraging to see that the Government has identified a practical way to drive heating performance up and energy bills down. This consultation is exactly what industry bodies, such as the HHIC have been pushing for, so it’s very much something that the industry initially inspired and now supports; a pivotal step in keeping heat and energy high on the agenda.

T Paul Massey, Chairman of the Industrial Associates Development Group

he CIPHE, along with its industry supporters and educators, is working tirelessly to protect the needs of the end-user by supporting installers to be the best professionals they can be. This goal, to deliver the best solutions and service for customers, is the driving force behind our training and the development of

innovative resources.

There are now over 40 Approved Training Centres (ATCs) to help members (and non-members) of the Institute deliver the best solutions and service for customers with a ‘getting it right first time objective’. While ATCs continue to thrive, the need to develop training that can be brought direct to the installer has also been recognised by the CIPHE. As a result, in 2017, virtual learning will play an important role in helping our members to develop their skills flexibly through the innovative approach led by Technical Director, Paul Harmer and his team.

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF INSTALLERS The proposed changes outline a strong emphasis on heating controls, which in turn, will mean that the installer will play a crucial role if they come into effect. A lot of what made the change to condensing boilers in 2005, was that the installer embraced the shockwave and made it happen – and I think that is what we are going to witness with these proposed regulations too. A key responsibility for the installer will be to ensure that the right controls are integrated. With heating controls still somewhat of a mystery to a lot of consumers, installers will also need to be involved in educating the homeowner on how they work and to get the best out of them.

The CIPHE and its Industrial Associate members will communicate what the changes mean and will support the installer to ensure that they possess the necessary skills to carry out their roles and responsibilities. The key thing is that installers understand any new regulations and are properly trained to undertake them.

VIRTUAL LEARNING Launching soon, our virtual learning will provide training and education programmes to the homes of members who can log on to access many topical themes. This will be a great way for installers to upskill around their own schedule without having to take prolonged periods of time away from their job, something we know can sometimes prevent members from undertaking relevant training due to loss of earnings.

While education and investment into training resources is important, the backbone that supports apprentices and installers to learn and grow skills, our relationships with partnering industry bodies like the BMA, HHIC, BMF and consumer associations, will continue into 2017. This all forms part of our plan to have cohesive relationships between plumbing and heating manufacturers, consumer bodies, insurers and the installer. This is an exciting time for the CIPHE and its members as we embark on this journey of growth.

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27/02/2017 12:03

BRANCH NEWS

Branch NEWS NORFOLK

SUFFOLK

SUFFOLK BRANCH CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE REPORT

The Suffolk Branch Christmas dinner dance was attended by more than 74 guests who enjoyed a great evening. Guest of honour was National President, Paul Williams and we also welcomed Norfolk Branch Chairman, Bernard Tuttle.

Micky Hunt received a Silver Award for his services to the Suffolk Branch and a gift was presented to the Branch Deputy Chairman and Micky Hunt Treasurer, Jack Baker, in appreciation of all the work he puts in to organising the event.

Sponsors this year were Main Boilers, Heat Group Supplies, TWS, City Plumbing (Lowestoft) and Forsdyke Pratt.

The next PD evening will be on 7th March, (presenter to be announced).

At the Suffolk Branch Christmas dinner dance

NORFOLK BRANCH TECHNICAL EVENT

Our September technical event was held at the Norwich Gas Centre where Trevor Fisher from the Centre, together with Kevin Ansell and Ray Score from InterGas, presented an overview of David Roome of Stuart Turner the Intergas range of boilers followed by a technical hands-on where members were able to diagnose some common fault codes as well as part replacement and servicing methods.

Our November technical event was hosted by David Roome of Stuart Turner who gave a presentation of their range of water boosting pumps.

AGM The branch AGM will be held on 22nd March at 7.15pm, at the White Horse Inn, Trowse, Norwich, supported by Graf UK. After official business has been completed, Graf UK will host the technical evening by giving a talk about their rainwater harvesting and wastewater systems.

Ray Score troubleshooting a boiler

Kevin Ansell and Ray Score

OBITUARIES

Norman Tweedie 1933 − 2016 In 1947 at the age of 14, Norman started work at his father's firm, John Tweedie & Sons, plumbers in Galashiels. In 1960 Norman took over the running of the company and interrupted only by his National Service, this continued until 1983.

In 1983 Norman formed Norman P Tweedie Plumbing, a company he ran until his retirement in 1997. He joined the Registered Plumbers Association and the Institute of Plumbing in 1961, serving as Branch Chairman, Branch Secretary, Regional Chairman and Executive Council Member. Norman was appointed to the Executive Council in 1991, serving until June 1995. He was also a member of SNIPEF, where his interest in the historical aspects of the plumbing industry was well known.

In 1998 Norman received an Exceptional Service Award for services to loP Scotland and in 2000 at the Institute AGM, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship "in recognition of his commitment to the plumbing industry in Scotland and in particular to the Institute at local regional and national level for over 40 years. For his dedication in the furtherance of the aims and objectives of the Institute as a member of its Council, Regional Chairman, Branch Chairman and Secretary. Also for his initiative in developing the concept of loP Scotland and for his outstanding contribution to the work of the Institute".

In March 2002, Norman received his Master Plumber’s Certificate and in 2006, was presented with the Freedom of the City of London.

Norman will be missed and our thoughts are with his wife, Gladys, and children Carol, Paul and Mark.

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Rob Kempster 1950 – 2016 (Hertfordshire Branch) Rob was the Treasurer of the CIPHE Hertfordshire Branch from 2002 to 2003, and was a frequent demonstrator of lead working at the Chiltern Open Air Museum and the Singleton Open Air Museum.

In addition to his passion for plumbing, Rob was a keen motorcyclist, photographer and computer user. He continued plumbing until at the age of 50 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He joined the CIPHE in 1992 and was a strong supporter of the Hertfordshire Branch.

March/April 2017

27/02/2017 12:04

CIPHE MEMBER BENEFIT

United Insurance Brokers Ltd.

A FRESH, STRESS FREE, MODERN APPROACH TO YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS UIB is proud to be the only recommended insurance broker for the CIPHE.

E

stablished over 30 years ago, United Insurance Brokers Ltd (UIB), which is headquartered in London, is one of the largest privately-owned, independent, national and international Lloyd’s insurance and reinsurance brokers.

UIB specialises in the plumbing and heating industry within the UK, but is also the world’s seventh largest reinsurance broker and one of the top five aviation brokers within the London market.

UIB employees are all UK based, although as a multicultural, multilingual global broker, they have access to worldwide offices which embrace 30 nationalities. UIB prides itself in communicating with its clients in their preferred language.

BEST DEALS The major shareholders in UIB are actively engaged in the day-to-day activity of the company, thus ensuring a complete commitment of the highest levels to our clients and their risk requirements.

Christopher Bates, Associate Director – UK Division, said: “Our size gives us the strength and capability to drive the best deals for our clients.

“In the constantly evolving global insurance marketplace, UIB is renowned for obtaining competitive terms and broad levels of coverage across all major business

lines, from markets locally and worldwide.

“We maintain the highest standards of innovation, flexibility and professionalism to deliver effective risk solutions backed by the personal service for which UIB has established an unrivalled reputation.

Our promise is to provide competitive premiums, with market-leading policy wordings, underpinned with outstanding customer service.”

GET IN TOUCH UIB can be accessed by whichever way you prefer to communicate: • The online quote facility at www.uibdirect.co.uk • By telephone on 0330 159 6211 • By email at ciphe@uib.co.uk or • Face-to-face if you prefer.

Online customers are supported by added functionality such as ‘Live chat’ and ‘Click to call’, but you will have the option to come off line at any time and seek advice or sales support.

You also have the option to pay premiums in full or in instalments.

UIB’s UK representatives are available on the phone from Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and on a Saturday from 9am until 2pm (or 24 / 7 online).

SPEED, EFFICIENCY AND COURTESY If something goes wrong, our trusted claims staff will work for you to ensure any claim is handled with speed, efficiency and courtesy.

Regardless of size or complexity of your business, UIB can help each and every CIPHE member with their insurance demands and needs, from a sole trader to a company employing over 500 staff.

As the sole recommended insurance broker, you can be confident that your insurance needs will be looked after.

As well as competitive Public Liability insurance, UIB can also help with insurance for tools, vans, breakdown, motor fleet, employers’ liability and much more.

Contact us today at www.uibdirect.co.uk Call 0330 159 6211 or Email ciphe@uib.co.uk Don’t forget to use the promotional code ‘CIPHE’ for business insurance or 'CIPHEV'

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07/02/2017 14:34

WHAT'S NEW

What’s NEW This guide features the latest product launches and the most recent applications of plumbing and heating technology.

To advertise your product or project please contact Theresa Geeson on 01778 392046 or email theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk

WORLD’S FIRST GAS HEAT PUMP FOR DOMESTIC USE IS AVAILABLE IN UK ESS (Environmental Site Supplies) has launched the world’s first gas heat pump for domestic and small commercial use. The Robur K18 is an 18kW mini gas-powered heat pump that offers temperatures up to 65°C for heating and 70°C for domestic hot water. The K18 is aimed at larger properties and is ideal for small commercial installations. A hybrid version, with an integrated boiler, offers a 37kW output and is available early in 2017. The Robur K18 is a high efficiency boiler replacement that provides energy and carbon savings of 38 percent against a modern condensing boiler.

020 8641 2346

info@roburheatpumps.co.uk www.roburheatpumps.co.uk

POLYPIPE’S NEW VENTILATION TRAINING FACILITIES

NEW EHS, REGULATORY AND REACh OFFICER FOR FERNOX

Polypipe’s Professional Development Centre has been extended to include domestic ventilation. Based at Polypipe Ventilation’s head office in Kirk Sandall, Doncaster, the new Centre provides training courses for installers looking to ensure they have the key skills needed to undertake and commission a successful domestic ventilation system and for distributors who require an overview of the systems and accessories available.

Training options include the formal industryrecognised BPEC accredited two-day training programme for domestic ventilation installers, which incorporates theoretical training and practical exercises, through to specific product training carried out by Polypipe Ventilation’s Technical

With more than 11 years’ experience in regulatory affairs, Dr Jason Vuong has been appointed as Environment Health and Safety (EHS), Regulatory and REACh Officer at Fernox. With a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and a PhD in Corrosion and Protection of Metals, Jason will be tasked with ensuring compliance with all regulations by managing the regulatory area of chemical management and products. Speaking of his new position, Jason said: “Leading innovation within the water treatment sector, Fernox has its own in-house R&D facilities.

This clearly indicates the level of research and development that is put into its products from concept through to launch.”

Manager Jon Hill.

03443 715523

www.polypipe.com/ventilation

www.fernox.com

ULTRA-STRONG WET ROOM FORMER UNVEILED

SWEET SMELL OF EXTERNAL VENT PIPES

Using the latest design techniques and exceptionally high grade materials, AKW’s ultra-strong TuffForm wet room formers now support up to 60 stone in weight, which means they can accommodate a user with a wheelchair and two carers. TuffForm formers create a level access solution for wet rooms and their single piece construction offers remarkable strength.

The trimmable formers, which include a lifetime guarantee, are suitable for wooden and solid floors with unlimited weight bearing on the latter. Available in nine sizes – the widest range in the market – TuffForm formers feature an offset waste position to avoid joists and pipework, plus preformed fixing holes and a choice of gravity wastes.

The Maxi-Filtra is the innovative solution to eliminate noxious smells from external vent pipes. Manufactured by Studor, expert in drainage ventilation, it is ideal for a wide range of applications including septic tanks, grease separators, rain water tanks, STPs, lifting equipment and building drainage open vents etc. It can be installed quickly both vertically or horizontally, using the push-fit connector provided.

The integral two-way activated carbon filter is easily replaceable when required by simply removing the cap of the Maxi-Filtra. As air moves in both directions the Maxi-Filtra eliminates all smells without compromising the operation of the drainage system.

0844 809 44 59

www.bystudor.com/maxi-filtra

www.akw-ltd.co.uk

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS YOUR INSTITUTE NEEDS YOU! The CIPHE appreciates the sterling work done on behalf of the Institute by its volunteers. If you would like to take an active role in one or more of its working groups and committees, we would love to hear from you.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider becoming a CIPHE Membership Ambassador – helping to promote the professional Chartered status and the many benefits and services CIPHE membership can provide.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the requirements further with you.

Please contact Marie McCaffrey for details of our current voluntary positions.

Marie McCaffrey, Membership Manager DIRECT LINE TEL: 01708 463104 EMAIL: mariem@ciphe.org.uk

COMBINATION BOILERS-FAULT FINDING & REPAIR John Reginald, author of the highly successful Central Heating - Fault Finding & Repair, has now released Combination Boilers - Fault Finding & Repair. The 150-page, A4 spiral-bound book with laminated front and back cover, is written in an easy-toread, easy-to-understand format, which takes the reader through the background and operation of each major component within combination boilers past and present.

The comprehensive fault-finding logic guides provide professional solutions allowing you to repair and service combi boilers with a greater understanding and with more confidence.

Priced at £26.00, incl. P&P. To order your copy visit any leading online retailer, highstreet bookshop or order from the publisher at: www.combiboilerrepair.co.uk

CENTRAL HEATING-FAULT FINDING & REPAIR From simple to more complex faults, author John Reginald, takes the reader on a journey through central heating and domestic hot water sysytems. The manual’s aim is to instil a better understanding of the systems to achieve professional solutions to professional standards.

Central Heating-Fault Finding & Repair consists of logical stepby-step guides that take the reader through the fault finding and repair process.

The fault logic guides are easy to read and indicate which section of the manual deals with the background and repair of that fault.

Priced at £26.00, incl. P&P. To order your copy visit any leading online retailer, highstreet bookshop or order from the publisher at: www.centralheatingrepair.co.uk

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27/02/2017 12:07

17 & 18 May 2017 Alexandra Palace, London

Showcasing new technologies and best practice for over 23 years THE BEST PLACE TO FIND:  The largest dedicated installer series in the UK  Over 100 exhibitors from both the domestic & commercial sectors  Free seminars & training  Latest products & innovations  Expert installation advice  Show offers and discounts

BOOK YOUR

PLACE TODAY! www.phexshow.co.uk Some of the leading manufacturers involved:

54264 PHEX+ A4 Advert.indd 1

13/02/2017 08:55