SUMMER 2016
THE ONLY MAGAZINE FOR PLUMBING & HEATING STUDENTS
INSIDE...
WIN!
RIDGID速 MICRO CL-100 CROSS-LINE LASER
PLUMBERPARTS TO THE RESCUE BBC APPRENTICE WINNER JOSEPH VALENTE COMPETITION REVIEW LEVEL 2&3 EXERCISES
The new Vitodens 111-W dominates its class Now with touchscreen control, increased modulation and extended warranty options. new
User friendly control via dimmable backlit LCD touchscreen Improved modulation of 1:6 5 year comprehensive warranty as standard, option to increase up to 7 or 10 years
26 & 35 kW outputs 46 litre storage, equivalent to 150 litre unvented cylinder due to (CLS) Cylinder Loading System Super fast heat recovery in less than 7 minutes Integral DHW expansion vessel (no P&T valve) For more information please see our website www.viessmann.co.uk/vitodens111
10 Year Warranty
Viessmann Limited • Telford • Telephone 01952 675000
on all stainless steel heat exchangers for gas condensing boilers up to 150 kW
EDITOR’S NOTE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
01
SUMMER 2016
THE ONLY MAGAZINE FOR PLUMBING & HEATING STUDENTS
INSIDE...
WIN!
RIDGID® MICRO CL-100 CROSS-LINE LASER
PLUMBERPARTS TO THE RESCUE BBC APPRENTICE WINNER JOSEPH VALENTE COMPETITION REVIEW LEVEL 2&3 EXERCISES
EDITOR: BECKY MARTIN editor@sng-publishing.co.uk TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTOR: Phil Heritage ADVERTISING: SUE CATT sue.catt@sng-publishing.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN: STUDIO 74 www.studio-74.co.uk PUBLISHER: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk PRINTERS Stephens & George, England GENERAL ENQUIRIES To subscribe to HIP Magazine call 0870 774 3049 or subscribe online at www.hip-magazine.co.uk
DISCLAIMER HIP Magazine is published by SNG Publishing Ltd (SNG). All content and artwork is © SNG Publishing Ltd or its contributors and SNG is a trade mark of SNG Publishing Ltd. No part of HIP Magazine may be copied, transmitted or published in any form or by any means without prior permission. Although SNG has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it does not verify any claims or other information appearing in the advertisements contained in HIP Magazine. It therefore cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for consequences that may arise from the content or artwork contained in HIP Magazine, including any errors or omissions or any opinions or advice given therein. This publication and its content is not a substitute for professional advice on a particular matter. Advertisements are accepted for publication in HIP Magazine only upon SNG Publishing Ltd standard terms of advertising.
Welcome to the 2016 Summer issue of HIP Magazine! It has been an exciting few months here at HIP Magazine with the successful completion of this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition. For us, it is vital that we are helping the plumbers of the future and the calibre of apprentices that we’ve seen this year has been second to none. A huge thanks to everyone that has taken part – the support we have received from the colleges, students, sponsors and manufacturers has been magnificent and without all of you, the event would not have been as successful as it was. This year’s competition received a record number of entries, so the stakes were especially high! Have a look on page 10 to learn more about this year’s winner. You’ll also find amongst these pages Head Judge Tony’s Top Tips on the test, as he gives his expert feedback on how it all went. If you didn’t win or enter this year, it’s definitely worth considering for 2017! In this issue of HIP Magazine we bring you all the latest industry news and we have a special step-by-step guide on how to use Tectite, a must-know for anyone looking to the future in the plumbing industry. We’ve also brought some new features to this issue, exploring the latest phone apps useful for every modern plumber, and we have teamed up with our friend James from Plumberparts.co.uk, who answers some of your plumbing problems which have got you in a pickle. We hope you enjoy this issue, and don’t forget to visit our website to check your answers for the Level 2 and Level 3 exercises!
Becky Martin EDITOR © SNG Publishing Ltd, 2016
HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
/HIPPLUMBER
/HIPMAGAZINE
02 SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | CONTENTS
Identify the Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Parts Keeping the Dinner Warm G3 Hot Water Supply & Systems Test Your Knowledge with the Unvented Test Waste Pipe Dilemmas Renewables Quick Quiz
WIN
FEATURES 08 Swindon Superheroes
PAGE 06
SYLLABUS 44 46 48 50 52 56
Big industry names show their support for fire damaged Swindon College
10 HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year
Jack Miller from Hull College wins the coveted title for 2016
11 National Competition Review & Sponsors
A round-up of this year’s successful competition and news from all our 2016 sponsors
17 Get to Grips with Knipex Pliers
Knipex highlight the benefits of starting your career with good quality tools
18 The Final Countdown
HIP Magazine gets the low down from all six competition finalists
20 Judge Tony Tells It Like It Is
Head judge, Tony Kite, highlights some rookie errors to avoid during the competition
PAGE 10
22 Hot Stuff
Kingspan Environmental looks in detail at hot water cylinders
23 Wilo Small Circulating Pumps
High efficiency in action!
24 It All Racks Up
Rhino helps you survive the plumbing jungle
26 Ground Source Heat Pumps
8 essential things installers should know, as outlined by Kensa Heat Pumps
27 New Homes Means New Approach
Mitsubishi Electric highlight the benefits of their Ecodan range
28 Looking Good
PAGE 11
Snickers Workwear introduce their new range of urban fashion workwear
30 What's Hot & What's Not?
Feature Radiators bust the 'designer radiator' myth
31 New Radiator Selector Tool
Plumb Center launches an online tool to make selecting the correct radiator effortless
Stelrad look at why the humble radiator is not so humble any more
33 Viessmann Turn It Up
Find out how their revolutionary technology will transform the future of the boiler
34 Top Tips For Choosing A Shower Enclosure
Coram Showers give their expert advice
36 Why Underfloor Heating?
PAGE 24
32 Radiators Are Turning Up The Heat
Polypipe offer advice to help you choose the right system
37 Underfloor Heating
Ambiente give us the low down on why underfloor heating is so hot right now
38 Step-by-Step Guide
Pegler Yorkshire talk us through installing their Tectite flexible metal pipe
EAL offer advice to help you have a rewarding career in the industry
41 Naming & Shaming The Country's Worst Drainage Hotspots
Drainage specialists Lanes Group share their recent findings with us
42 Get the Most From Your Apprenticeship
PACE look at the roles of those involved in supporting apprentices
PAGE 30
40 Welcome To Generation Great
57 Five Reasons It’s A Great Idea To Hire An Apprentice
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, looks at the positive impact apprentices can have on a business
58 Road Ready
Mercedes offer advice on things to consider when purchasing a work van
Hip Magazine catches up with the winner of the BBC's The Apprentice
REGULARS
01 Editor’s Note 03 Plumberparts to the Rescue 04 Industry News
COMPETITION
54 App-rentice 62 Hall of Shame 64 Products & Services
06 WIN a RIDGID® 38758 micro CL-100 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser
PAGE 60
60 An Interview With Joseph Valente
PLUMBING ADVICE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
PLUMBERPARTS
03
TO THE RESCUE Here at HIP Magazine we are very excited to announce the debut of our brand spanking new feature with our mate James from Plumberparts.
“We have started installing a concealed valve shower and before we tile over the wall and lose access to the pipework we would like to check that we have used the correct connectors for plastic pipe. Are compression fittings with copper olives ok? Are brass compression fittings ok? (have read different things online). Thank you!”
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ol ater out of an immersion he an ” t r? ge fe u of yo n ca “How would any tips you k? Are there uc st ly al re ’s it
Savrina Carrizo
JAMES AT PLUMBERPARTS...
Jeff Griffin
e RTS... use it and ar PLUMBERPA e happy to JAMES AT ar d at an th h g rc to ter rin have a blow heat the ou Firstly, if you st way. Gently be and a pipe e er th m is m heat with a ha it k oc insured then sh , cr y! t, If no lp. After that on fits into. e hex can he th of the immersi de si r he sed on the ot wrench pres
“I am running some copper pipework unde floorboards. Do r the I need to clip th e pipe at each or at any joists joist to hold it in plac e or will the ha lagging be enou ir felt gh? I thought cl ipping would st pipe from rattlin op the g etc?”
Chris Matthew
s
Well, this is a clanger of a question! I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that there was flexible braided pipe in an area of a house that is not accessible. Plastic pipe for a pro plumber is borderline but passable. So here’s what you do. Take out the braided hose, use 1/4” male to 15mm compression insertion the shower valve directly onto your plastic. Make sure you use the inserts for the pipe to prevent collapse when tightening up the compression fitting. Also, get rid of the isolation valves…they could leak and be inaccessible anyway. Really sorry!
JAMES AT PL UMBERPARTS... Thanks for the question Chris! It’s best to clip pipes ever y seco your nd joist and lag them also. If the are close toge joists ther (400mm< then do ever y This will reduce three) clicking noises due to expansio contraction when n and in use and also make your syst efficient. Hope em that helps!
JAMES IS HERE TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR PLUMBING QUIBBLES AND QUERIES – WHETHER IT’S A PIPE PICKLE OR A BOILER BOTHER, JAMES IS YOUR MAN!
Do you have a plumbing question for James to answer? Then let us know! Email your question to editor@sng-publishing.co.uk for your chance to get your question printed in the next issue.
04
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | INDUSTRY NEWS
READ THE FULL STORY IN THE NEWS SECTION OF HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
NEW FIGHTER IN THE REDRING Redring, specialist in instantaneous water heating solutions, has launched its new brochure, which provides information on the company’s entire range of showering, water heating and washroom products. It includes entry-level Dash electric showers, the 3-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap and instant hand wash units, as well as the Powerstream range of unvented instantaneous water heaters and Redring’s RNIB-approved Selectronic care shower. Nick Mawby, Redring’s Water Heating Category Manager, commented: “The new brochure is a practical size to carry around and contains all the useful information needed to make an informed decision on the most suitable product for a job.”
BAXI’S 150TH BIRTHDAY
The new Space Saver bathroom brochure has just landed from Lecico Bathrooms and it is crammed with short projection products, to ensure that even the smallest room in the house can still be big on style. At the heart of the new Space Saving range is a brand new Close Coupled WC with a total projection of just 614mm. This new WC takes less space and complements a number of Lecico’s short projection basins, which all have less than 380mm projection. The brochure also includes compact bathroom furniture.
Boiler manufacturer Baxi is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, people are being invited to share happy memories of the company by emailing a message and photograph of themselves to mybaxistory@baxi.co.uk. Each story will be entered into a commemorative online book, to be hosted on the Baxi website, and each photograph will become part of a 150-shaped montage of images, to be completed by the end of 2016. Meanwhile, Baxi has been shortlisted in the Innovation (Product Sector) category of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Marketing Excellence Awards for its ErP marketing and communications strategy. It recognises how Baxi helped installers prepare for the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling (ErP) Directives, which became mandatory last September, after their research revealed that installers weren’t aware of the new legislation.
LECICO.CO.UK
BAXI.CO.UK
REDRING.CO.UK
LECICO LAUNCH THE SPACE SAVER COLLECTION
INDUSTRY NEWS | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
NEW WORCESTER LOYALTY PROGRAMME Worcester, Bosch Group has launched a brand new initiative aimed at loyal installers of its award-winning product range. The Greenstar Rewards promotion runs from 6th April to 31st December 2016 and offers installers the chance to collect points which can then be redeemed against a number of rewards ranging from Worcester branded clothing to Bosch professional power tools. Those eager to develop their skills can also use their points on selected training courses at its network of Training & Assessment Academies. To start collecting points, all installers have to do is sign up to Greenstar Rewards and then register either a Greenstar i, Greenstar Si Compact boiler or a Greenstore cylinder online via the new log in area of Worcester’s website. WORCESTER-BOSCH.CO.UK/GREENSTAR-REWARDS
HITACHI POWER TOOLS LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT CATALOGUE The new Hitachi Power Tools product catalogue features their entire range of power tools, including their range of mains-powered products, cordless tools and outdoor power equipment too. It’s the first time they have conveyed all of their power tools and outdoor power products into one definitive catalogue. The catalogue features the brand new, more advanced 18V 6.0Ah cordless range, including the DV18DBXL/JX Combi drill, with its class-leading torque and lightweight ergonomic design. The 6.0Ah 18V range also includes a Band Saw, Circular Saw, Grinder, Impact Driver, Impact Wrench, Multi Cutter and Drill Driver. HITACHI-POWERTOOLS.CO.UK
GAS ENGINEERS MOST TRUSTED TRADESPEOPLE Research carried out by the Gas Safe Register has revealed that gas engineers are the most trusted of all tradespeople. ADEY Professional Heating Solutions believes this represents a great opportunity for installers. These findings highlight that tradesmen entering a home with the weight of accreditation behind them are far more likely to carry out a professional job and give homeowners peace of mind. “As manufacturers, and indeed the industry as a whole, we should be looking to support this view and help equip installers with the best tools that will allow them to maintain this position of trust and the good reputation they will have worked hard to build,” says ADEY’s CEO John Vaughan.
SKY HIGH Smith’s Fan Convectors has launched the Caspian Skyline, a new ceiling fan convector, to join its commercial range. The latest addition to the Caspian range, Caspian Skyline CT60 fits into a suspended ceiling within a standard 600 mm x 600 mm ceiling tile, providing easy access for both installation and maintenance. It’s been developed using EC motor technology, meaning it’s very efficient, quiet to run and simple to maintain. SMITHS-ENV.COM
DRAYTON HITS THE ROAD Heating controls specialist Drayton is joining forces with Plumb and Parts Center as part of its Trade Talk roadshows – a brand new trade event. Trade Talk will give installers a chance to meet their local Plumb Center and Parts Center branch staff, attend interactive presentations by industry leading manufacturers and watch technical demonstrations. Drayton will be showcasing its latest launch, internet connected heating control – miGenie – and hosting product demonstrations for installers on the Trade Talk tour. REGISTER ONLINE AT MYPLUMBCENTER.CO.UK DRAYTONCONTROLS.CO.UK
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | COMPETITION
RIDGID CROSS-LINE LASER COMPETITION Here’s your chance to win your very own Ridgid 38758 Micro CL-100 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser complete with carry case, tripod and laser glasses.
You’ll see precisely why it’s a key companion for any plumber when you see all of the features it has:
Single knob operation, very easy to use Leveling and alignment jobs done at the blink of an eye Instant projection of super-bright vertical and horizontal lines Laser type: Class 2, 630 - 670 nm Millimeter accuracy: 2 mm / 10 m Extended interior range of 30 meters Self-leveling range of ± 6° Protection rating: IP54 Integrated 360° swivel base Packed in a rugged plastic carrying case
With an elevating tripod, laser enhancing glasses and a rugged plastic carry case, this is a chance not to be missed!
HOW TO ENTER... Don’t miss out – for your chance to win, simply send an email to
admin@sng-publishing.co.uk and put ‘Ridgid Laser’ as the email title. We’ll pick the lucky winner at random and notify them via email by 31st August.
HURRY!
Good luck!
COMPETIT ION CLOSES 31 AUG 2 016
08
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | DONATIONS
S E O R E H R E P U S N O D N I W S Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to give a shout-out to all of the following for their kind donations to Swindon College. The college recently suffered from a fire which resulted in some big losses to their Plumbing and Heating department, so these superheroes stepped in to the rescue and generously contributed their productsâ&#x20AC;Ś
Our new space saving range helps make the smallest room look big on style.
t: +44 (0)1234 24 40 30 ukinfo@lecico.co.uk
www.lecico.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | NATIONAL COMPETITION
After all of the excitement and tension of the grand final, we caught up with our successful HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year winner, Jack Miller from Hull College. Having left his bay believing that he had been unsuccessful – finishing in the nick of time – Jack was astounded to hear his name called as the winner. We managed to grab a moment with him amidst the excitement of his well-deserved victory… HIP: Who do you work for? JM: I work for APS Hull. HIP: What attracted you to a career in the plumbing and heating industry? JM: My uncle is a plumber and he’s done well out of the industry, so I grew up knowing it was a good trade to get into. I’ve always wanted to be a plumber. HIP: How did you manage to get an apprenticeship? JM: Through my college. HIP: Is this the first skills competition you have entered? JM: I did SkillPLUMB last year but this one is better, I enjoyed it better. HIP: What made you think about entering?
JM: My lecturer Barry asked me to do this. We had someone who took part last year so I had to keep it up for the college! HIP: How did you cope with completing the task in the given time? JM: I struggled and I only finished at the last minute. It was really difficult! HIP: How did you get on with the other contestants? JM: I spoke to them all quite a bit throughout the competition. We were all saying that we wouldn’t finish it! HIP: What did your lecturer think of your achievement? JM: He’s over the moon although I haven’t had a chance to speak to him properly yet because it’s been such a whirlwind since my name was announced. HIP: What do you think your boss will say? JM: He’ll be buzzing. HIP: Who are you going to call first to let them know you have won? JM: That will have to be my girlfriend. HIP: How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner? JM: When I’d finished and looked at the standard of the work that the other guys had done I just wrote myself off so I was relaxed after the event because I didn’t expect anything. So it was a real surprise when my name was called – it caught me completely off guard!
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
NATIONAL COMPETITION | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
W E I V E R N COMPETITIO
This year we were amazed by the level of talent we saw at the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year Competition – we knew they were good, but this year they knocked it out the park. So when it came to the Final which took place at the ADEY Professional Heating Solutions’ Training & Conference Centre in Cheltenham at the end of April, we knew it was going to be neck and neck.
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E HERE’S WHAT W R: EA Y IS LEARNT TH never fun 1 Blow torch burn is his glasses 2 Tony finally found excited 3 Lord Sugar was so even he nt eve about the it t ou ab Tweeted
vourite What’s youragaifan, Joseph? magazine
The finalists had ten hours spread over two days to complete the task which would reveal who would be this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year. With a humongous pile of prizes kindly donated by our fantastic sponsors and our swanky new red trophies up for grabs, they battled it out to the very end with the aim of being crowned the winner. Combined with a visit from The BBC’s The Apprentice winner Joseph Valente and a bit of friendly competition on ADEY’s MagnaClean Fastest Fitter challenge, the competition certainly set the bar for the next one.
all of 'Lookseatprizes!' o th
If you didn’t get a chance to enter, or would like to enter again, please do next year. We’d love to see you there!
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
11
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | NATIONAL COMPETITION
COMPETITION SPONSORS
12
PLATINUM SPONSOR
MAXIMISING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE Typically, boilers are responsible for 83% of household energy consumption and make up around 55% of what consumers spend in a year on energy bills. This is why taking simple steps, such as installing a magnetic filter and effective chemical water treatment to ensure the boiler’s efficiency and performance is maintained, are so crucial.
Sludge means slow and sluggish systems Black iron oxide sludge is recognised as the biggest threat to boiler and heating system performance. Left untreated, contamination will eventually lead to noisy boiler operation, radiator cold spots, low heat levels, slow operation, leaking valves, deteriorating performance and ultimately the breakdown of the system. Damaged plate heat exchanger
For example, if a new A-rated boiler is fitted to an existing system that hasn’t been cleaned and is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge as a result of natural corrosion, its efficiency will quickly be reduced by as much as 12-15%. This deterioration can take place in a matter of weeks.
Best practice ensures long term efficiency The widespread application of magnetic filtration technology alone could solve domestic energy efficiency issues and reduce carbon emissions. There are currently 5-6 million filters installed in total throughout Britain and according to the ONS figures for 2015, there are 27 million households in the UK, so the opportunity represented is considerable. Installing a MagnaClean filter, for example, which removes virtually all of the suspended black iron oxide sludge from the system, could save in the region of 225,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. That’s equivalent to removing 72,000 cars off the road.
However, the most effective way to ensure the long term efficiency of a boiler is to adopt the five-step ADEY Best Practice™ approach of clean, flush, maintain, protect and test which could extend the life of a household boiler beyond the average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Our MagnaClean filters have been independently proven to save up to 6% on household carbon emissions and energy bills year on year.
Our MagnaClean filters have been independently proven to save up to 6% on household carbon emissions and energy bills year on year.
Importance of water testing Water testing is important to ensure central heating systems are correctly dosed with the right amount of premium protector. It’s no longer seen as a ‘nice to have’ but essential when talking to homeowners about how they can ensure the protection of their boiler. In addition, with boiler manufacturers increasing the length of their product warranties and some lasting as long as ten years, an annual water test will help ensure they remain intact. ADEY’s water testing service offers a total solution for installers and their customers. Comprehensive tests are completed at our UKAS accredited R&D laboratory on a broad range of parameters to determine whether any ongoing corrosion or scale deposition is occurring. Visit adey.com
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | NATIONAL COMPETITION
COMPETITION SPONSORS
14
COPPER INITIATIVE
GOLD SPONSOR
FOR PLUMBING STUDENTS & LECTURERS Copper has long been the material of choice for plumbing engineers – for drinking water, hot and cold water, central heating, natural gas and solar thermal systems. The reliability, durability, versatility and good looks mean that copper reflects the professionalism of the installer. It is essential that each new generation of plumbers are equipped to design and install copper to high standards. With plenty of news and downloads, www.copperplumbing.org.uk is the best site for plumbing students to get hold of high quality educational information on copper for pipework services.
Everyone who registers for the COPPER CLUB receives a pack containing the technical manual ‘Installation Tips’, the book on flame-free jointing ‘Copper the Modern Solution’ and the CD ‘Copper Pipework Compendium’.
Resources Every student needs good information, to back up what is learnt in college. Copper Initiative provides technical information on new developments in the copper industry as well as on the more traditional installation techniques.
Skills competitions are a great way to demonstrate the abilities of young plumbers to the industry, and to the general public. Walls covered with rows of accurately positioned, beautifully jointed copper pipework gives confidence that the industry is in safe hands. Copper Initiative has been sponsoring plumbing competitions, including those organised by HIP Magazine, for many years. We know that to develop a successful career as a plumber, it is important to have the knowledge and practical skills to install copper. copperplumbing.org.uk
VAILLANT SUPPORTS THE NEXT GENERATION
SILVER SPONSOR
We are proud to be the Silver sponsor of this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year Award. Gregg Cole, Sales Director of Vaillant UK, explains why the company is supporting the next generation. There has never been a better time to join the heating industry; the construction sector is enjoying growth again and the skills shortage means that those with the aptitude to learn and get involved are very much in demand. A career in the industry calls for a dedication to lifelong learning, as the rate of technological advancement is rapid. Good problem solving skills, an understanding of science and math, and stamina for a physical job also don’t go amiss either. The rewards are immense though. The industry offers diverse career paths, good wages and the opportunity for individuals to run their own business. As every installer knows, when
moving from apprentice to a qualified Registered Gas Engineer, the learning doesn’t end there. Vaillant is committed to supporting installers at every stage of their career, helping new and experienced alike to refresh their knowledge, broaden their skills and keep up with best practice by offering a mix of e-learning and hands-on training. Vaillant’s Advance loyalty scheme allows installers to attend training sessions for free and regularly runs Advance tours at its Centres of Excellence, to bring the latest technologies and industry information to heating engineers. Advance scheme members can also benefit from the masterTEC
app, which provides everything a professional installer needs to get the job done using their mobile phone. Apprentice installers can access a vast knowledge base of technical information and documents, including product information, technical tables, and optimised user, installation and spare parts manuals. Using tools like this helps apprentices get a head start in their careers as professional installers. Vaillant is very much a forwardthinking organisation and pioneers the latest heating technologies to ensure the next generation of installers are supported with products that homeowners desire, making specification simpler. vaillant.co.uk | @vaillantuk
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
KNIPEX Quality – Made in Germany KNIPEX Cobra® Hightech Water Pump Pliers push the button for adjustment on the workpiece fine adjustment for optimum adaptation to different sizes of workpieces and a comfortable handle width self-locking on pipes and nuts: no slipping on the workpiece and low handforce required gripping surfaces with special hardened teeth, teeth hardness approx. 61 HRC: high wear resistance and stable gripping
KNIPEX Alligator® Water Pump Pliers
www.knipex.de
more output and comfort compared to conventional water pump pliers of the same length: 9-notch adjustment positioning for 30 % more gripping capacity good access to the workpiece due to slim size of head and joint area self-locking on pipes and nuts: no slipping on the workpiece and low handforce required robust construction, insensitive to dirt; particularly suitable for outdoor work
For more details about the Knipex range of tools, and for details of your nearest stockist please contact: Alex Garami 0777 543 74 69 a.garami@knipex.com
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | NATIONAL COMPETITION
COMPETITION SPONSORS
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BRONZE SPONSORS
PROUD TO SUPPORT THE TRADESPEOPLE OF THE FUTURE As the voice of authority in heating, plumbing and renewables, CORGI would like to congratulate all the deserving finalists of this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition. As you continue forward in the industry, our 40-year heritage can help give you a unique perspective on what homeowners are looking for and what you need to serve them effectively. That’s why we run an ever-expanding portfolio of licensed products and services, whilst maintaining our ethos of supporting gas safety by remaining a primary funder of the Gas Safety Trust. With 76% consumer brand recognition the CORGI badge inspires immediate trust and confidence from customers, giving you the continued assurance that you are the first choice for their plumbing and heating needs. To find out how you could benefit from membership, sign up to our newsletter, or to get a free consultation regarding which of our products are right for you, visit our website or call 0870 401 2200. You can also keep up to date on all our news by following @CorgiServices corgiservices.com
SPONSORS HIP UK HEATING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD
SPONSORS HIP UK HEATING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Having established its own successful apprentice programme in 2015 and with its focus on skills development and training, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant is proud to sponsor this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year awards.
We are extremely proud to be a sponsor of HIP Magazine’s UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, as Pegler Yorkshire is a manufacturer that passionately believes in championing future generations.
With 9 apprentices having successfully secured permanent positions within the company, Graham understands the importance of apprenticeships and the value they have to the individual, the employer and the wider industry. Ian Kenny, Marketing Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year 2016 award and be part of recognising the achievements of all those who enter.”
“Apprenticeship programmes are incredibly important, providing real opportunities for young people. The heating and plumbing sector in particular offers a wide range of roles in which apprentices can develop the skills required to thrive and be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk
We are extremely active in supporting manufacturing, engineering and plumbing based studies and spend a lot of time in schools and colleges offering guidance and advice. As a leading innovator in the development of new products for the plumbing industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that future plumbing professionals have the latest tools available to them to ensure they are meeting the requirements of the job, whether that is in relation to customer expectations or Government legislation. Being part of this fantastic competition means we are able to encourage more and more plumbing apprentices to love what they do, take pride in their work and always aim to achieve the highest standards: all crucial skills in ensuring the future progression of a great industry! Well done to all of this year’s participants! For further information about any of Pegler Yorkshire’s products call 01302 560560, visit our website or email brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk pegleryorkshire.co.uk
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
SPONSORED FEATURE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
GET TO GRIPS WITH KNIPEX PLIERS These days there has never been a better time to be an apprentice and as you spend more time working on-site the tools and equipment you choose will become even more important to you, explains Alex Garami, UK Sales Director of KNIPEX.
That’s especially true of your pliers so getting the choice right will help ensure you work comfortably and safely with tools you can rely on.
KNIPEX manufactures almost every type of plier a plumbing and heating engineer will ever need. In fact, two apprentices helped our founder Carl Gustav Putsch set up the company way back in 1882 and we’re still a family owned company to this day. Today, people use KNIPEX tools in over 100 countries around the world.
Extensive product range With a product range of around 1,000 different pliers, KNIPEX wants to offer high quality, reliable and long lasting hand tools for professional users, providing the exactly right tools for every application. With professional users like you in mind we seek to find innovative solutions that enable plumbing and heating engineers to get their work done more easily, more quickly, and very importantly, more safely.
pliers are substantially lighter than comparable pipe wrenches. They have enormous gripping capacity and are available in various lengths from 125mm to 560mm. They’re self-locking and will not slip on the pipe, nut or joint being worked on, meaning there is no timeconsuming trial and error to find the correct setup of the pliers. All versions of the Cobra can be directly adjusted on the piece you are working on – simply position the upper jaw on the item, push the button and slide the lower jaw closed. The reliable catching mechanism of the hinge bolt prevents unintentional shifting. The teeth on all Cobra models have a ground-breaking design and, like the snake which gave the range its name, they pitilessly grab the item being worked upon; they are also specially hardened during manufacture to approximately 61 HRC, so the firm grip is extremely long-lasting.
In addition, the anti-pinch mechanism on the handle prevents painful blood blisters, making them safer and more enjoyable to work with. The smaller length Cobra pliers are pocket-sized all-rounders with lengths of 125mm, 150mm and 180mm. The Cobra models with lengths of 250mm and 300mm have considerable gripping capacity while being easily manageable and the perfect size to offer excellent accessibility to the work piece. The larger Cobra 400mm and 560mm XL and XXL sizes offer gripping widths up to 4½”. To complete the KNIPEX Cobra range, the company has added the Cobra QuickSet (250mm and 300mm length). When the user opens the QuickSet completely and places the upper jaw on the workpiece, the lower handle can be pushed to adjust, making this very practical where space is tight. KNIPEX has also launched its Siphon and Connector pliers that are suitable for siphons, tube fittings and connectors up to 80mm diameter. These robust pliers feature 25 fine adjustment positions. We also manufacture these tools with exchangeable plastic jaws for use on more sensitive surfaces, such as plastic pipe fittings.
Cobra range The KNIPEX Cobra range of water pump
Visit knipex.com
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | NATIONAL COMPETITION
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Spectacles were lost, the air was full of solder fumes and concentration levels were so high that even the cakes were left neglected, but these six made it through to the very end. Whilst they were anxiously waiting to find out who would be crowned the winner we asked the finalists some quick-fire questions.
CHRISTOPHER MARRIS CITY COLLEGE NORWICH
HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? CM: I enjoy work that is hands-on and working in the plumbing industry is ideal for that. HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? CM: I sent out letters to about 80 companies without any luck. Then luckily I saw an advert in the local paper so I applied, had two interviews and got an apprenticeship working for K. Dossett Ltd. HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? CM: I won a local competition in Norwich so I thought I would try this one. HIP: How did you find the competition task? CM: I found it a fair test but could have done with 10/15 minutes longer.
ULTAN COONAN BEDFORD COLLEGE
HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? UC: It provides a good career. HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? UC: Through someone I knew. HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? UC: I was recommended by my college lecturer. HIP: How did you find the competition task? UC: Very challenging. HIP: What is your ambition for the future? UC: To carry on building my knowledge in plumbing and start my own business.
JAMES MACKENZIE
NEATH PORT TALBOT COLLEGE HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? JM: I find it interesting. Every job is different and getting satisfaction from seeing a happy customer is great. HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? JM: A friend of the family asked if I wanted to work for him. HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? JM: To get more experience and meet other people from the same background. HIP: How did you find the competition task? JM: I found it quite difficult. It seemed two days was not enough. HIP: What is your ambition for the future? JM: To become self-employed and to give someone the opportunities that I have had.
HIP: What is your ambition for the future? CM: I’d love to start my own business one day.
HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? UC: The standard of work carried out by so-called plumbers.
HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? CM: Lagging.
HIP: What did you have for breakfast? UC: A fry-up
HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? JM: Renewing waste pipe or clearing blockages.
HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? UC: Hotel California - Eagles
HIP: What did you have for breakfast? JM: A full cooked breakfast – egg and bacon with all the bells and whistles.
HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? UC: David Walliams, I find him pretty funny.
HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? JM: Hells Bells – AC/DC.
HIP: What did you have for breakfast? CM: English fry-up and toast with Nutella. HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? CM: One Dance – Drake. HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? CM: Bear Grylls so I wouldn’t die. HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? CM: The Island with Bear Grylls.
HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? UC: Peaky Blinders.
HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? JM: Celia (Founder of SNG Publishing) – she’s lovely. HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? JM: Moto GP.
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
NATIONAL COMPETITION | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A FINALIST IN THE HIP UK HEATING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION, YOU ASK? WELL, IT APPEARS TO BE A COMBINATION OF SKILL, DETERMINATION AND A FULL ENGLISH…
SCOTT FULLER COLEG Y CYMOEDD
HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? SF: I enjoy hands-on work and when I read through a few trades, plumbing was the one that caught my attention. I really like installing bathroom suites as I enjoy looking at the finished product and making customers happy. HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? SF: Through my college. HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? SF: I really like a challenge and looking at the previous competition photos, this was the one I wanted to enter. HIP: How did you find the competition task? SF: The task this year was a great challenge. It was all set out well and made us use our knowledge of the trade to get us through the task. HIP: What is your ambition for the future? SF: Once I have finished my qualifications I would like to own my own plumbing and heating company. HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? SF: There is nothing I dislike about the industry. Every day is a challenge which requires a lot of thinking. HIP: What did you have for breakfast? SF: A full English breakfast and a glass of orange juice. HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? SF: 7 Years – Lukas Graham HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? SF: It would be Tom Hanks as I love the film Castaway and he managed to get back home. HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? SF: The Big Bang Theory.
EWAN MCGREGOR
ALED DAVIES
CHICHESTER COLLEGE
COLEG LLANDRILLO
HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? EM: It’s an interesting industry that I think you can be proud of and it’s good work.
HIP: What is it about the plumbing and heating industry that makes you want to be a part of it? AD: I find it interesting and the variety of work is challenging.
HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? EM: Through the college.
HIP: How did you get an apprenticeship? AD: The father of a friend offered me the opportunity.
HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? EM: The college asked me to and I thought it would be a good thing to do. HIP: How did you find the competition task? EM: It was a lot to take in at first, but once it got going it wasn’t so bad. HIP: What is your ambition for the future? EM: To run my own plumbing and heating company. HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? EM: Anything to do with waste. HIP: What did you have for breakfast? EM: A full English. HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? EM: I’m in Love - Kygo HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? EM: Margot Robbie, she’s gorgeous. HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? EM: Call The Midwife.
HIP: Why did you enter the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? AD: To show my ability and the skills that I’ve learnt. I also wanted to set myself a challenge. HIP: How did you find the competition task? AD: Extremely challenging, especially compared to the regional heat. HIP: What is your ambition for the future? AD: To become a successful plumber and hopefully set up my own business in the future. HIP: What do you dislike most about the plumbing and heating industry? AD: The long hours and working in cold weather. HIP: What did you have for breakfast? AD: Yoghurt and fruit. HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment? AD: Eye of the Tiger - Survivor HIP: If you could be stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? AD: Paige Hathaway – why not! HIP: What’s your favourite TV show? AD: Geordie Shore
FOR ALL THE LATEST COMPETITION NEWS VISIT HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | COMPETITION TIPS
JUDGE TONY TELLS IT LIKE IT IS! When our super Head Judge Tony finally found his glasses he carefully scrutinised some of this year’s competitor’s work and he found some rookie errors…can you spot what’s wrong in each of these pictures?
THESE INACCURACIES WOULD HAVE COST YOU A LOT OF POINTS IN THE COMPETITION!
TK SAYS: “Water pump pliers have been used on brass fittings which should never be done. The second image shows how it should be done correctly, using an adjustable spanner.”
TK SAYS: “The drain tape hasn’t been removed, surplus solder has run out of the joint and the other end has a blob of solder hanging underneath the pipe.”
TK SAYS: “The radiator isn’t on the bracket and the bracket has been drilled on the wall numerous times, leaving marks.”
TK SAYS: “The wall shouldn’t be burnt. If this was someone’s wallpaper at home, it would be ruined.”
TK SAYS: “This person has soldered the drain tap without removing the rubber washer, so they’ve melted it.”
TK SAYS: “The pipe has rippled here where they’ve bent it – either the bending machine is too worn or the former is worn.”
COMPETITION TIPS | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
TK SAYS: “The floor should have been cleaned.”
TK SAYS: “There is surplus flux and solder on the floor, and the wall is scorched.”
TK SAYS: “The pipe at the bottom is touching the wall.”
TK SAYS: “They’ve put double off-set and soldered on the bend.”
TK SAYS: “There is surplus flux which hasn’t been cleaned off.”
TK SAYS: “The top of the joint hasn’t been soldered – if it was pressure-tested it would leak.”
JUDGE TONY’S TEN TOP TIPS Planning on entering next year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition? We say GO FOR IT! In the meantime, we’ve got some tips and tricks from Judge Tony to give you a head start…
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Make sure you bring all the tools as listed for the competition and you arrive on time
Measure twice, mark once
Remember all Health and Safety regulations, such as wearing safety footwear and kneepads
Use of a spirit-level is essential
Have confidence in your own work and ability – there’s no need to compare your work with anyone else’s
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When using power tools and soldering, wear safety goggles. You’ve only got one pair of eyes!
When soldering, use heat mats and make sure that the clean side of the heat mat is against the wall
Do not use water pump pliers on brass fittings – you should only use adjustable spanners
Be aware of the customer’s decoration by not having dirty hands and not using excessive pencil marks
Your working area must be kept clean and tidy at all times
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | SPONSORED FEATURE
HOT STUFF
Kingspan Environmental is the very first hot water cylinder sponsor of the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year Competition. This year, the competition incorporated a vented indirect hot water cylinder installation, testing the apprentices’ product and system knowledge as well as their pipework skills and safety awareness.
Stored hot water is a significant part of domestic plumbing applications, especially for larger households with multiple bathrooms and when demand for hot water is high. Installers should always encourage customers to consider hot water storage as part of an efficient, high–performing and economical plumbing system. Kingspan Range is a name long associated with hot water cylinders, firstly with traditional copper cylinders for use in open vented hot water systems and subsequently with stainless steel cylinders for unvented, high performance systems that provide mains pressure hot water. For over 80 years, the Kingspan Range family of products has been synonymous with manufacturing excellence and product innovation. Since its introduction in 2001, Range Tribune HE has led the way in unvented stainless steel cylinder technology, with slimline and pre-plumbed models as well as solar units used as part of renewable energy solutions. Most recently, the new Range Tribune Xe and Range Trinity 3c continue to set new standards in design innovation and engineering quality.
A copper cylinder would originally have been supplied unlagged. Heat loss performance has since become a benchmark of cylinder quality and a priority focus for design innovation.
A Range copper cylinder, suitable for open vented hot water systems, is now supplied with 35mm environmentally friendly external foam lagging. Designed to heat up quickly from a direct or indirect heat source, including solar power, all Range cylinders are known for excellent heat retention.
An external expansion vessel can be fitted adjacent to the cylinder, available in 12, 18 or 25 litre sizes. However, the latest Tribune Xe has an expansion chamber incorporated into the cylinder, removing the need for a separate unit and reducing installation time and space.
Range Tribune HE is used in unvented high pressure systems. Pre-plumbed cylinders are designed to significantly reduce installation time and increase the integrity of the complete system.
Range Tribune HE Solar cylinders are designed specifically for solar applications, featuring a purpose designed solar coil which allows the maximum heat transfer of solar energy into the stored water.
The pre-plumbed Range Tribune Xe has several new design features inside and out that improve thermal performance and efficiency. Increased insulation thickness to over 60mm has helped the cylinder to qualify as A-rated in the popular 120 and 180 litre sizes.
The newly designed integrated wiring centre on the pre-plumbed Tribune Xe improves overall efficiency and pre-wiring means an electrician is not required.
Repositioning of the hot water outlet on the side of the Tribune Xe cylinder allows better insulation at the top (the hottest water) and much better overall thermal performance – it’s also an easier installation.
CIRCULATOR PUMPS | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
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WILO SMALL CIRCULATING PUMPS Wilo, one of the leading pump manufacturers in the world, was pleased to be able to help HIP Magazine by supplying a number of its latest YONOS-Pico pumps for the exercises in the recent annual HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition. High efficiency small circulating pumps play a key role in all heating installations, whether as stand-alone pumps, integrated pumps in combi and system boilers or in underfloor heating and renewable heating systems. Modern small circulators are simpler than ever to install and offer huge savings compared to old uncontrolled pumps simply in terms of the lower energy requirements they have.
The latest small pumps use around 90% less energy than their older counterparts. There are still millions of old pumps working every day around the UK that would benefit hugely from being replaced with a brand new pump.
Even though new high efficiency pumps are significantly more expensive than their predecessors because of the technology they use, they can pay for themselves in around two years on average from the energy savings they bring and with an annual life span of up to fifteen years that’s a huge cost saving over the following thirteen years!
1. Fitting PICO after removing old pump. Its a simple job to install a Wilo small circulator.
ErP compliant All Wilo small circulators are ErP compliant and selecting a Wilo pump effectively future proofs the heating system you install it on.
There’s huge amounts of information on all things pumps and pumping at www.wilo.co.uk. It’s worth spending a while taking a closer look. There are also helpful aids to heating installers available on the website for free.
2. Installing PICO - tightening up.
Resources You can download the Wilo App from the App Store for free which gives you a lot of helpful information for day to day use. These are exciting times for the heating sector and very exciting times for new entrants into the industry. Wilo wishes all apprentices and newly qualified heating engineers and plumbers a happy and successful career in a really worthwhile profession. The company looks forward to being able to help you all in the years ahead!
Visit wilo.co.uk
FITTING & INSTALLATION
HIGH EFFICIENCY IN ACTION!
3. Installing PICO - connect using the Wilo connector. Simple - no tools required!
4. Installing Pico - showing the customer how it works.
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | SPECIAL REPORT
IT ALL RACKS UP TOUGH, RELIABLE & DURABLE:
KammBar™
Rhino know how to help you survive the plumbing jungle. Rhino products are a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle accessories that are built to last, including roof racks, roof bars, steps and accessories, and their latest evolution in roof bar design - KammBar™- is no exception. It can be fitted to all of Europe’s leading commercial vehicles and has been developed using the latest technologies in design and manufacturing.
The KammBar™ Inspired by the work of Professor Wunibald Kamm, Rhino has produced one of the most aerodynamic roof bar profiles to date. But the advanced aerodynamics don’t stop with the bar design: Rhino have also developed a new-shaped aerodynamic load stop to work in conjunction with the KammBar™. Two pairs of load stops are supplied with KammBar™ systems. The KammBar™ provides a great combination of strength and practicality – just what you need for a full day on the tools. Manufactured from anodised aluminium, its anti-corrosive finish prevents all of that nasty rusting and weathering. It is lightweight yet extremely strong, which is just the ticket because that aids fuel
efficiency and makes it capable of carrying up to 75kg per bar. With its aerodynamicshaped bar, load stops and pre-assembled legs, it is quick and easy to fit so that you can crack on with all of the plumbing jobs you’ve got waiting in your diary.
KammBar™
The Pipetube Rhino haven’t stopped there, however. They have also developed the PipeTube product that works perfectly with the KammBar™. This PipeTube incorporates strength, style and security to provide the best method of transporting copper pipe, conduit or similarly lengthy materials. The PipeTube has passed rigorous testing processes, as it is manufactured from powder coated aluminium. It combines a steel bulkhead for strength and a plastic nose cone to improve aerodynamic efficiency. It’s available in 2 and 3 metre lengths and is key lockable at both ends, so you can have that piece of mind. Mighty and reliable, it allows transportation of up to 50 x15mm copper tubes or similar materials.
Visit rhinoproducts.co.uk
KammBar™
Pipe Tube
CORGI
Insurance
CORGI Public Liability insurance Cover designed to grow as your business does
Comprehensive cover • £1M, £2M or £5M Public Liability cover • Up to £5,000 Tools cover available • £10M of Employers’ Liability if you have employees • £50,000 of Professional Indemnity available • £100,000 Financial Loss included • Covers domestic and commercial property work • A wide range of optional extensions available www.corgi-insurance.co.uk
0800 915 0486
CORGI Insurance Services is a trading name of Trade Direct Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
TD0069-1508
Corgi HIP Ad v0.2 Slide V2 Bleed.indd 1
14/08/2015 13:57
You want a wide range of pumps. You can trust Wilo.
The Wilo-Yonos PICO delivers great efficiency integrating proven technology, backed by a 5-Year Warranty. You can trust Wilo.
Integrated LED display Tool-free electrical Wilo-Connector Unique pump venting function Simple adjustment with pre-selectable speed stages For more information visit www.wilo.co.uk or call 01283 523000
Pioneering for You
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | RENEWABLE ENERGY
8 ESSENTIAL THINGS INSTALLERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS Right now, ground source heat pumps are where it’s at for installers. We asked Alison Harding and Darren Veal, Technical Support Engineers for Kensa Heat Pumps, the UK’s only dedicated ground source heat pump manufacturer, to offer an indispensable list of the essentials for any installer venturing into the field.
1. ENERGY SOURCES
2. APPLICATION
One of the first and most important things to remember about ground source heat pumps is that your heat source options are not limited to just the ground. You can utilise water sources too, including lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, aquifers and even the sea.
The flexible applications and heat sources of ground source heat pumps have opened up new emerging markets, including holiday parks, lodges, forest retreats, care homes, B&B’s, schools, hospitals - the list goes on!
5. LOCATION Not all heat pumps need to be located outdoors. Smaller ground source heat pumps, like Kensa’s Shoebox range, are designed to be installed inside the property, typically in a kitchen or airing cupboard.
6. CONTROLS ARE EASY Much like a boiler, you can use traditional controls with a heat pump. The controls that come with your underfloor heating can be easily integrated as well.
3. COSTS & SAVINGS
4. DISTRICT HEATING
For every 1kW of power to run a ground source heat pump, 3-4kW of heat are produced. This offers significant running cost savings to the system owner. Add to this the income from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), and ground source heat pumps offer a short payback with a guaranteed healthy profit. Ground source heat pumps are eligible under both the Domestic and Non Domestic Stream of the RHI.
District heating with ground source provides each home with its own ground source heat pump. The heat network is created by linking multiple properties to a communal ground array. This system overcomes the need for a central plant, the efficiency is not compromised by heat loss from distribution pipework, and there is no need to meter and apportion energy bills between dwellings - avoiding the need to comply with Heat Network (Metering & Billing) Regulations 2014.
7. SYSTEM DESIGN IS VITALLY IMPORTANT
8. HIGH TEMP DHW IS POSSIBLE
Lower flow temperatures make a difference to how big the radiators need to be, or how tight the pipework spacing should be in your underfloor system. Room by room heat losses have got to be done in order for your installation to qualify for MCS approval, so make use of them to size your emitters! You will almost certainly require a buffer tank, unless you can guarantee that 25% of the system volume is left uncontrolled (i.e. no zone valves or actuators). Your hot water cylinder needs to be specified to account for that lower flow temperature as well. Look at heat-pump-specific cylinders – make sure the coil size is appropriate and that the coil diameter and tapping sizes are appropriate.
Higher temperatures are achieved by using different types of refrigerant within the ground source heat pump compressor. High temperature heat pumps are increasingly common, and can provide flow temperatures high enough that you can do away with legionella prevention routines in the hot water cylinder. No more immersion heaters required!
For further technical assistance, visit Kensa’s comprehensive Knowledge Hub online at kensaheatpumps.com
RENEWABLE ENERGY | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
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NEW HOMES MEAN NEW APPROACH! Britain needs to build lots of new houses and all of these homes will need heating, which bodes well for all of you who are just about to take the world by a storm in the plumbing and heating industry. However, legislation is forcing housing developers to use products that reduce the energy required for space heating and this means that hot water is becoming the dominant load in new dwellings. High-efficiency water heaters are needed for new-build dwellings to help tackle CO2 emissions and reduce run costs, with air source heat pumps already recognised by the Government as an important part of that solution.
New homes built today differ from previous ones because a reduction in fabric U-values and thermal bridging has reduced the energy requirements for heating and also allows for smaller plant.
“What is needed is a new way of delivering energy efficient heating and hot water,” explains Jordan Jeewood, Ecodan Technical Expert for Mitsubishi Electric, which has engineered a new Ecodan air source heat pump to meet this need by providing exceptionally high efficiency in the production of hot water, along with renewable space heating for the home.
Renewable heating New homes are needed in both on and off-gas grid areas but the additional cost of delivering mains infrastructure to new
developments can also make heat pumps an attractive proposition for housebuilders within the grid. Other alternatives to gas such as ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers, LPG, oil, direct electric and coal may incur additional higher install costs, greater maintenance regimes, or may simply not meet targets for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Buildings account for 44 per cent of all UK CO2 emissions - more than industry or transport - and space heating and hot water account for almost 75 per cent of total energy consumed in homes.
A different approach The Ecodan QUHZ unit is MCS-Approved and straightforward to install, delivering water at 70°C to a packaged 200 litre thermal store. From this thermal store, mains water is heated directly up to 65°C via Mitsubishi Electric’s unique plate heat exchanger, meaning the homeowner receives hot water on demand. The Ecodan QUHZ uses CO2 as a refrigerant to ensure a large delta T between the flow and return temperatures to and from the outdoor unit. This delivers the high levels of efficiency that enable the system to meet the high hot water, low heating requirements of today’s new-build properties. In addition to high efficiency levels, with a Seasonal Co-efficient of Performance (SCOP)
THERMAL STORE SCHEMATIC
of 3 for hot water and 2.9 for heating, the Ecodan QUHZ poses no risk of legionella because it does not store hot water. At the same time, it is still able to provide a variable hot water capacity, with water heated directly as required. The system also includes automatic inbuilt energy monitoring, using the company’s MELCloud, internet-based system, which allows for full control and monitoring from anywhere in the world. The fundamental design, application and control of the Ecodan QUHZ is exactly the same as the rest of the range with advanced control logic within the thermal store allowing the system to deliver the high efficiency levels that the market has come to expect from the Ecodan brand. “This new addition to the range means that there is an Ecodan model suitable for both new-build and retro-fit homes in almost any situation,” explains Jordan. Visit ecodan.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | WORKWEAR
G N I K O O L ! D GOO
These garments have already made their mark in the USA with rappers and their road crews taking to the ‘urban, street-cred looks’ that are the hallmark of this latest addition to the Hultafors portfolio of brands for professional craftsmen and women. With a history that’s similar to Snickers, the Dunderdon brand was based on the vision of a carpenter called Per-Ivan Hagberg. He wanted to create working clothes for style-conscious craftsmen. Following the launch of the first product in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1997, Per-Ivan went on to create a full collection of clothing for professional tradesmen. Today the brand is sold globally and they have now been brought to the UK market for the first time. While some people might ask how well Dunderdon will sit alongside Snickers working clothes, it’s clear from the Dunderdon design and fabrics, that this brand provides a different product choice targeting a niche market, which Snickers would not normally reach. They are style-conscious young individuals. To find out more about the Hultafors brands visit hultaforsgroup.co.uk
Plumbers need good quality, comfortable, hard-wearing work clothes. Now you can look good too! Matti Viio lost his cool in 1975 because his work clothes simply weren’t good enough. So he went home and designed his own. Thus, Snickers Workwear was born – the brand that has come to revolutionise the meaning of modern workwear. Ever since, Snickers Workwear has been pioneering the development of advanced working clothes for professional craftsmen and women who have to be able to rely on their gear on site. Now they’re celebrating 40 years of innovation as probably the leading brand in the European workwear industry with sales in 26 countries. Snickers, along with brands such as Fisco, Dunderdon, Solid Gear and Toe Guard, all come under the Hultafors Group. To celebrate their 40th anniversary last year they launched the unique Next Generation Work Clothes and are now following that up with more brand and product launches in 2016.
David Clark, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group said that lots of research had been carried out to develop the new products. “These garments are based on a completely new design approach that utilises the very best in fabrics for comfort, looks and durability. This really makes them fit your body properly to provide amazing freedom of movement and working comfort.”
Urban fashion A new range of urban fashion workwear from their Dunderdon brand is being launched this year. The range, which includes garments made from robust denim, will suit every conceivable need and budget.
...Dunderdon targets... style-conscious young individuals.
Attics
Garages
Under the stairs
New work in all sorts of places
Saniflo works where convention doesn’t. Don’t rip up your plans if there’s no drain nearby. Draw on your imagination and think of the possibilities. Visit saniflo.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | RADIATORS & TOWEL RAILS
FEATURE RADIATORS KNOW WHAT’S HOT & WHAT’S NOT
Feature Radiators are hot on the fact that you will be not only learning your trade but also thinking about starting a successful career and earning a decent income. An easy way to earn extra money is to offer your customers an alternative to bog standard corrugated radiators. Customers are used to choosing whatever tiles or taps they want and radiators are now the same; they want more attractive models and are willing to pay for them. So by suggesting a feature radiator to match their new décor, you will have the opportunity to make some more money and they will be a happy customer with a beautiful home.
Get cold hard cash from hot products So you turn up at Mr and Mrs Jones' house. They want a new radiator for their living room. They aren’t aware of the choice now in radiator designs so you make the suggestion. Do they want to go modern or traditional? Colours? Before you know it, they want a radiator that costs £400 rather than £40. They love it and show it off to the neighbours and you are the professional, top end plumber that sorted it.
Think big! Feature Radiators were the first company to specialise in selling just radiators and they have a wide range of products including both traditional and contemporary designs in a wide range of materials, styles and finishes. Why would a customer want an ugly, corrugated steel radiator, when they can go for a stainless steel vertical radiator for their ultra-modern kitchen? Or a hand-painted, authentic cast iron radiator for their Victorian property? Feature Radiators has an excellent reputation. They have won numerous awards over the years and have the largest radiator showroom in the UK at their premises in West Yorkshire.
DID YOU KNOW? Feature Radiators have sold radiators for a huge range of projects including James Bond’s flat in SPECTRE and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s chateau in France!
Friends with benefits It’s beneficial to form a relationship with a radiator specialist rather than a merchant or bathroom retailer, as you can be sure to get expert advice from someone who really knows the products and offers the most
comprehensive range. Feature Radiators can help with heat output calculations and provide user-friendly installation instructions. Modern radiators are straight-forward to install but Feature Radiators offers a technical helpline for plumbers just in case.
Busting the “designer radiator” myth When designer radiators were first introduced, they looked good, but they often lacked in performance and this gave stylish radiators a negative reputation. However, this is no longer the case. Feature Radiators offers a huge range of models with heat outputs equivalent to, or even better, than standard rads. For example, their best-selling Ellipse radiator, 550mm high x 1003mm wide offers a whopping 2120 Watts / 7233 BTUs! This is more than many convector radiators of the same size. As well as the fantastic heat output, the Ellipse radiator comes in many sizes including tall options and is made up of oval shaped tubes in white, black or matt dark grey. Homeowners now expect style as well as performance, and you are the person to give it to them. So, from now on, don’t just think radiators, think Feature Radiators! For more information on Feature Radiators, visit featureradiators.co.uk or give them a ring on 01274 567789
RADIATORS & TOWEL RAILS | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE a
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company
PLUMB CENTER LAUNCHES
NEW RADIATOR SELECTOR TOOL This online tool makes selecting the right radiator for a project effortless, significantly reducing the time spent by installers calculating radiator specifications. The tool also gives them the ability to build an order list directly from the selector, reducing the risk of human error and time away from the job ordering and collecting stock. Available via Plumb Center’s website and launched in response to customer feedback, the new Radiator Selector and heat loss calculator tool guides the selection process on a room-by-room basis in four simple steps. In the first stage the installer selects the room type and BTU requirement. If the BTU is unknown, the built in heat loss calculator will determine the figure via a series of simple questions to determine the room’s hip half page_Layout 1 07/04/2016 Page 1Customer dimensions, location 11:51 and fabric.
feedback indicated that BTU function was not always the deciding factor in selecting a radiator so the tool includes a BTU override allowing the installer to prioritise other considerations such as aesthetics. Next, the user simply selects the radiator type required from a series of drop down menus before selecting the width and height required. The final stage allows the selections listed to be further filtered by brand, radiator type, BTU and price before saving the selection. All radiator types are covered by the tool and it makes ordering more straightforward thanks to the ability to add products straight to your
The first to offer a 15 year warranty on all flat fronted radiators
There’s a reason STELRAD is the UK’s number one radiator brand Actually, there are quite a few
Sterad offers the widest range of radiator styles & sizes in the UK & Ireland
Stelrad Compact is the UK’s best selling radiator
basket by a room-by-room basis and to save pick lists to revisit later. The system allows the installer to print their pick list, or even email product information direct to a customer. The Radiator Selector tool is available at plumbcenter.co.uk/info/radiator-selector-tool
Choose from a large range of colours to brighten up your home
Energy saving radiators that can save up to 10.5% on your heating bills
Stelrad is the number one choice for plumbers and installers
Stelrad leads the market in LST radiators
Find out more at Stelrad.com Leading the way
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | SPONSORED FEATURE
RADIATORS ARE TURNING UP THE HEAT The humble radiator is not so humble any more. Now it’s not just an emitter of heat: the radiator has become a part of the decor. Radiators featured from the Concord range
New build developers are getting more creative with their radiators as their customers’ expectations are inspired by makeover programmes on TV. The look of modern standard steel panel radiators has hugely improved and they’re now easier to install, but sometimes they’re just not what a modern home needs. Underfloor heating is being used slightly more often - on the ground floor of new build properties, for example - but radiators are still the option of choice for the majority of developers throughout their new homes.
Improved design Modern multi panel, multi fin radiators are better by design than their historic
counterparts, providing more heat from the same radiator footprint. They use better quality steel and the water channels in the radiators have been designed to use less water whilst maximising the amount of heat they emit.
New technology, like the award winning serial feed in Stelrad’s Radical radiator, which sees the front panel heat up first providing instant radiant heat into the room, followed by the back panel. This offers a saving of up to 10.5% energy saving on its own! This radiator is seeing huge interest as housebuilders and developers look for ways of delivering ever more energy efficient homes.
Combining aesthetics with function With new design radiators, it’s more than easy to link aesthetic appeal with functional performance. This trend started when people began to realise that if they could have good looking towel warmer radiators in the bathroom, then why could they not have good looking radiators all around the home? Designer radiators began to appear and now, whilst the majority of radiators incorporated
...radiators are becoming a real focal point of the décor. in new build homes are traditional steel panel radiators, developers are increasingly using designer radiators for master bedrooms, in kitchens and living rooms to differentiate their homes from their competitors. With the arrival of designer radiators and vertical radiators which have a smaller radiator footprint in the room, radiators are becoming a real focal point of the décor. And the latest trend is for coloured radiators which make a real style statement as well. Radiators are still key to heating systems in the UK and will remain so, as the options and designs evolve to make them important contributors to the overall look of a home. No more hiding them behind the sofa – they can be things of beauty and part of the furniture! For more information visit stelrad.com @Stelrad | /StelradRadiators
BOILERS | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
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VIESSMANN TURN IT UP As you know, WiFi thermostats have been available for a while, but that’s all they are: effectively just an on/off switch for the boiler. So Viessmann have managed to do one better.
Their WiFi enabled boilers allow the actual boiler itself to be fully controlled via an app, rather than giving the homeowner control over just the controller or thermostat. This allows the performance of the boiler to be monitored in a way that has never been done before. Should a fault arise with the boiler, engineers can be on the way round with the correct part, or if the fault can be fixed remotely this will also put an end to unnecessary late night callouts.
Internet-connectivity is achieved by connecting to the homeowners’ WiFi. By using Viessmann’s new, free Vicare app - for Apple and Android smartphones, as well as the iPod touch, iPad, and Android tablets - installers will be able to see a summary of the boiler’s performance, remind homeowners when a service is due, and receive instant fault alerts by text or email with a diagnosis of the problem and a spare parts display.
Revolutionary technology Viessmann are the very first boiler manufacturer to do this; it is a revolutionary way for a person to have easy control over their boiler. This exciting and important development will bring with it a host of benefits for both homeowners and installers. It will help installers increase customer loyalty and repeat business by responding promptly to automatic fault notifications, with the added convenience of remote performance monitoring and online service planning.
Unlike previous connectivity technology, this is the first to connect directly with a domestic boiler and the first to remotely provide installers with comprehensive diagnostics data.
Viessmann have transformed the future of the boiler world so watch this space! All new Viessmann Vitodens 100-W/111-W and 200-W/222-F/242-F gas condensing boilers, which go on sale in September, can be WiFi enabled. All 100 and 200 range models installed since 2007 can be WiFi enabled with a £60 control accessory, also on sale from September.
Viessmann have transformed the future of the boiler world so watch this space! Visit viessmann.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | SHOWERS
EXPERT ADVICE: TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SHOWER ENCLOSURE
When a customer asks for a product recommendation, a good installer needs to make the right choice for their clients’ needs, taking into account budget, style, functionality and most importantly, quality. From sleek, frameless designer options to entry-level alternatives, the choice of shower enclosures available can often seem overwhelming. How do you compare enclosure options to ensure that you select the best one for the job?
HERE ARE OUR TOP-TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SHOWER ENCLOSURE… 1 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Save yourself (and your customer) time and money by getting the job done quickly. Select a product that offers installer-friendly fitting options, for example part or pre-assembly. One enclosure option would be Coram’s Optima 'Quad', which is partly assembled and has a patented system designed specifically for ‘One Man Fit’ within an estimated super-fast installation time of just 45 minutes!
2 QUALITY IS IMPORTANT
As an installer, your reputation rests on both the quality of your workmanship and also on the products that you fit. Even the most proficient installer cannot provide a high-quality installation when working with low-quality products. Opt for a manufacturer who exhibits reliability. If your customer is price-conscious and expects top-quality on a budget, consider Coram’s GB range of enclosures, which is manufactured from high quality materials in their UK-based factory.
3 DETAILS MATTER
All products mentioned are manufactured by Coram. Visit: coram.co.uk for more information or to find your closest supplier. *When fitted with a Coram shower tray.
There are a huge variety of enclosures available in the UK and the details differ enormously. Be aware of manufacturer’s unique features - some make installation considerably easier!
WATCH OUT FOR: Pre-assembled or part-assembled options Standard size screws Products (particularly larger sizes of enclosure) that can be erected and fitted in-situ A good, well-written and illustrated instruction manual Lifetime guarantees
Seals that have been pre-cut to size Availability of parts and spares Customer care or advice helpline Next day delivery
Consider Coram’s Optima range of enclosures which offers pre-assembled wheels, pre-cut seals, and screws sized for a standard PZ2 screwdriver and is available (as most Coram products are) on next day delivery, with a lifetime guarantee*.
For speed, ease and reliability.
It must be Hep2O. Demounting made easy with the handy HepKey.â&#x201E;˘
Hep2O comes with the longest guarantee in the industry.
Secure joint recognition with In4sureâ&#x201E;˘ technology.
Comprehensive range of fittings to suit every job.
Anything else is just a fitting.
www.hep2o.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | UNDERFLOOR HEATING
WHY UNDERFLOOR HEATING? Polypipe Underfloor Heating comes with separate temperature controls for every room of the house, adding comfort while conserving energy. It also does away with hotspots and cold draughts that commonly come with radiators. What’s more, it’s virtually maintenance-free.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM IN THE FLOOR
BETWEEN THE JOISTS
OVER THE FLOOR
The Panel Floor System uses Polypipe’s unique red floor panels to ensure accurate installation and positioning. The lightweight plastic floor panels are laid directly onto the insulation. It’s quick and easy to cut to size making it possible to fit Polypipe Underfloor Heating into any shaped room. The panels form a simple grid to ensure the fastest possible pipe laying and also provide a precise guide for the pipe, ensuring that the minimum pipe bending radius is achieved. The piping is fitted into the floor panels and covered with screed before finally laying the floor covering on top. Polypipe also provides a Staple System and a Rail & Clip System that fit directly onto the insulation, offering a more traditional alternative to installing underfloor heating in solid or screeded floors.
Double Heat Spreader Plates (DHSP) offer a simple installation system for traditional joists and spacings, double heat spreader plates can also be used in ‘sprung’ flooring systems such as sports halls. This system uses aluminium double heat spreader plates to transmit the heat evenly across the finished floor surface. Fit From Above with Overlay™ Lite 15 can be used in a suspended floor application. It is particularly useful for enhanced performance over larger floor areas as an integrated insulated solution. Fit From Below (FFB) Double Heat Spreader Plates are suitable for use with traditional or composite joists. This system offers the ability to fit from below, even if the floor above has already been installed, making it perfect for cellars or where upper floor coverings are already in place. Modular Heating Panels are the ultimate quick and easy installation solution, use our pre-configured, insulated panels that include all the system components already integrated. The panels are supplied in sized panels which are simply fitted and connected together on-site. All suspended floor systems use our 15mm pipe systems and are fitted within the joists so do not add any build height to the floor.
For existing solid or timber deck floors - Polypipe’s unique Overlay™ underfloor heating range of low profile systems are installed over the existing floor. This makes them ideal for renovation and new build, whole house and single room projects. Overlay™ accommodates all types of project and floor coverings and the only choice, is that of which panel will be most appropriate for the installation. Both Overlay™ and Overlay™ Lite can be used for most projects, however the choice of system is determined by floor covering selection. It is possible to use a mixture of Overlay™ and Overlay™ Lite systems within the same project to accommodate different room requirements. The more structural nature of Overlay™ makes it ideal for direct tiling or application of floor finishes which need to be fixed or screwed to the panel. Overlay™ Lite is the ideal solution for laminate and engineered wood floors which should be laid directly over the system. Overlay™ Lite products are easy to install making it ideal for larger floor areas. Overlay™ Lite 15 is a slightly deeper profile, which can be used on top of a supporting floor. The system delivers the same responsive heat but is configured to be more suitable for larger, “whole house” projects.
Visit polypipeufh.com
UNDERFLOOR HEATING | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
UNDERFLOOR HEATING WHY UNDERFLOOR HEATING IS SO HOT RIGHT NOW... Underfloor Heating (UFH) has many benefits. Ambiente gives us the low-down on why it’s so hot right now: No unsightly radiators on walls mean all wall space is maximised for positioning furniture.
Heat Source
Efficiency It has been proven that UFH is more efficient due to the actual method of heating – by radiation, rather than convection. Traditional (convectional) systems work on the movement of air around the room, often resulting in the hottest part of the room being at ceiling level and the coolest at floor level – the opposite of UFH, which gently heats from the floor level upwards.
As UFH requires much lower flow temperatures than radiator systems; it can be coupled with ‘green’ heat sources such as air / groundsource heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
Control Flexibility
Safety An increasingly important aspect of any building is the safety of the occupants – UFH is the perfect heating solution from this point of view, in that there are no hot surfaces to potentially cause injury.
Ambiente offers a wide range of UFH systems to suit almost every floor build-up. Systems for both solid (screeded) and suspended (joisted) floors, as well as low-profile and other specialist solutions.
A key feature of UFH is the complete flexibility of control for different heating zones, maximising the overall efficiency of the system and only heating the areas you need, when you need them. There are also options to control the system from your smartphone, so no more returning to a cold house in the evening!
Interior Design As UFH is completely hidden from view, there is nothing to hinder interior design.
See our full range at ambienteufh.co.uk
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | STEP BY STEP
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE FUTURE OF PLUMBING ACCORDING TO PEGLER YORKSHIRE For most, a combination of copper and plastic products is the only suitable choice for domestic heating systems. Yet, these invariably come with a compromise whether that be cost, or durability. However, Pegler Yorkshire has developed the future of plumbing in the form of a flexible metal system that boasts the durability and performance of copper and the flexibility of plastic. Pegler Yorkshire, a leading manufacturer of products and systems for the plumbing and heating industry, has developed Tectite Flexible Metal, a system that combines flexible metal tubing with durable metal push-fit fittings. This ensures a simple and effective installation every time!
The aluminium provides the tube with a malleable quality, which means it can be bent and shaped by hand to allow for tight bends. The tube will not sag between joists or beneath appliances; it simply stays exactly where you put it. The PE-Xc inner lining enables the tube to be used on a variety of applications including underfloor heating, chilled water supply and central heating. The tube can even be connected directly to most boilers. It will also perform under high pressure and temperatures up to 95°C. The jointing is provided by the existing range of metal push fit fittings from Tectite. This technology offers swift, efficient, and flame free installation and is suitable for use on Flexible Metal Tube, Copper, PB and Pex; it is the only fitting you will need to carry!
TO SEE JUST HOW EASY THE FUTURE OF PLUMBING IS, CHECK OUT THIS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE OPPOSITE, WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE INSTALLATION PROCESS.
STEP BY STEP | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
1
1.1
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2
CUT
CUT
CALIBRATE
First, cut the Tectite tube using a good quality cutting tool with a sharp blade.
Ensure the cut is made at 90 degrees and the tube is clean and score free.
Insert the Tectite calibrator or the drill attachment, carrying out 5 revolutions. This provides a clean edge to the tube, chamfering both the internal and external edges.
2.2
3
4
CALIBRATE (DRILL)
INSERT
MEASURE
In addition, the process rounds the internal diameter of the tube, guaranteeing that the seal will work effectively and reduce insertion resistance.
After ensuring no swarf remains in the tube, place the TectSEAL 3-piece sleeve squarely into the calibrated tube end and gently insert up to the collar. The patented directional seals are pre-lubricated ensuring minimal resistance whilst providing exceptional sealing qualities.
Following insertion of the TectSEAL 3PS, a depth mark must be made to confirm the tube has been fully inserted into the fitting. The Tectite Calibration tool or T111 socket depth marker can also be used for accurate markings. Mark the tube with a line at the required depth, adding a ‘V’ to aid visibility upon full insertion.
5
6
CONNECT
CHECK
Gently push and rotate the pipe, inserting up to the depth mark made during the previous stage. In the image, the Tectite Ball Valve demounting collar is level with the base of the V with the line just visible. This will be the case with any Tectite Classic fitting or Tectite valve.
To ensure the joint is secure, pull the tube and fitting in opposing directions. The tube will continue to revolve within the fitting as a feature of the Tectite range. The joint is now ready to deal with pressures up to 10 bar at temperatures of up to 95°C.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND A DETAILED VIDEO OF HOW TO FIT A TECTITE FLEXIBLE METAL SYSTEM CAN BE FOUND AT
TECTITE .CO.UK
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | CAREER ADVICE
WELCOME TO GENERATION GREAT EAL is one of the sector’s leading Awarding Organisations, which prides itself on being closer to industry.
MY ADVICE TO YOU IS: 1
HAVE FAITH IN YOUR ABILITY AND KEEP CALM
Assess the days and weeks ahead in very much the same way as you would a central heating system – with composure and focus – drawing upon all the processes and techniques that you have learnt.
2 Part of the Semta Group, EAL ploughs back profits to projects to ensure that more people prosper with a rewarding career in industry, as EAL Managing Director Julia Chippendale proudly explains. Many of you are heading towards that momentous moment when after years of effort and commitment you will become a fully ‘qualified’ plumber. In doing just that you will epitomise everything that EAL stands for – Excellence, Achievement and Learning! EAL is the pre-eminent organisation overseeing awards. It may well be that you have exams and assessments on the horizon, which could prove pivotal to you gaining your apprenticeship and moving forward in your career. This is the crunch point when you need your wits about you and a cool head on your shoulders.
ABOVE ALL – DON’T PANIC – ALL YOUR WORKMATES ARE FEELING THE SAME PRESSURE, EVEN IF THEY MIGHT NOT SHOW IT
Set out a timetable for some intensive revision. Talk to your supervisors/teachers about the marking system and how to ensure you gain as many marks as possible. The people that have helped get you this far want you to do well. Take some time to ask their advice about how to score enough marks to get you to the required standard.
3
CONCENTRATE ON YOUR WEAKNESSES
No doubt there will be areas of your work that you know aren’t your strongest, these are weak spots that could cost you dear.
4
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE
A little extra effort now will help you ‘get over the line’, boost your earnings, make your friends and family proud and take you to the next level in your exciting and rewarding career. Think about how good it will feel to have qualified – and plan a proper celebration once the task is under your belt.
5
TAKE YOUR TIME
Always take time to review your work – and change your mind-set to try to think in the same way that an examiner / assessor would do. Is your work safe, correct and tidy? If not, be sure to make amends and present it properly. You don’t need me to tell you just how many opportunities there are out there for you as a qualified plumber. We as a nation need you – and thousands more like you - to keep us at the forefront of so many sectors. Do it for Britain – do it for EAL – and above all do it for yourself... Visit eal.org.uk
...WELCOME TO GENERATION GREAT
FEATURE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
NAMING & SHAMING THE HOTSPOTS THAT ARE THE WORST AT DRAINING Drainage specialist Lanes Group have conducted a study of 1,101 UK adults to sniff out which cities have the worst flushing habits. Birmingham did not come out smelling of roses as it was crowned the worst city, with a shocking 87% flushing items deemed unsuitable for drainage systems. Edinburgh came second from bottom, with 80% of respondents flushing inappropriate items. The study also showed the people of Edinburgh need to re-think their flossing habits, with more than a fifth (22%) having flushed dental floss, the highest percentage of any city in the UK. Other cities making the five worst drainage hotspots included London, where more than three quarters (78%) of people have put unfriendly items down their drains. This was closely followed by Leeds (75%) and Cardiff (73%). And the most drain-friendly city, you ask? That honorary title goes to Glasgow. Here are the biggest culprits being flushed when they shouldn’t be, and the percentage of UK adults who are to blame for them going down the drain: 1. WIPES – 34% 2. FAT, OIL AND GREASE – 22% 3. PAPER TOWELS – 20% 4. COTTON PADS, BALLS AND BUDS – 16% 5. SANITARY PRODUCTS – 14%
DID YOU KNOW? UK students waste the equivalent of more than two baths of water a day. According to a recent survey conducted by Lanes Group, the most significant wastage came from needlessly leaving taps running for an average of 15 minutes a day, wasting 90 litres per person, as well as spending nearly an hour and a half in the shower over a week. Meanwhile, unnecessary toilet flushes for items such as tissues or cotton buds waste 20 litres a day per person. That’s a lot of water!
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | ASSESSMENTS
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
(THE EASY WAY) After all of your training, you are the person who benefits from qualifying as an apprentice, so it is right that what you do is to the best of your ability.
Nobody else involved has as much to gain from you successfully completing your apprenticeship, nor as much to lose if it doesn’t work out. That said, there are loads of people who get something out of you passing so understand who they are and how they should be supporting you.
Get the BEST people on your team The assessor’s role in your apprenticeship is to make completing the onsite part of your portfolio as painless as possible. Your assessors should make sure it runs smoothly - at a pace you are happy with and to the national standard. Your portfolio evidences how you are working at the point at which you become qualified.
PACE ASSESSORS ARE: Trade-qualified to apprentice or advanced apprentice level in a vocational subject Always professional, honest, independent and able to act with integrity Friendly - excellent communicators Drivers Qualified to assess (This can be from training after employment as long as assessor qualification is achieved within 3 months of starting)
Because we demand a very high standard of our assessors we pay them very high rates. At PACE assessment we really believe that we should provide you with an expert in your trade who is there when you need them, contacts you regularly, is on your side and supports you to get the work done. So if you know somebody who you think could be a PACE assessor, get them to take a look at our website to see what it's all about. There are big changes taking place in the way apprentices are funded and the new qualifications known as ‘trailblazers’ are starting
to be implemented now. These changes will result in employers sending you to the training provider they feel best meets their needs. The onsite assessment as part of your apprenticeship will be included in this process. At PACE assessment, by providing you with professional assessment when and where you want it, everything is done in the most efficient way possible. You make PACE your first choice for onsite assessment, your employer does the same, and everyone is getting a better experience. Visit paceassessment.ac
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR ASSESSOR? BETWEEN 5 – 8 ONSITE ASSESSMENT VISITS SPREAD ACROSS THE LENGTH OF YOUR APPRENTICESHIP. EACH VISIT SHOULD INCLUDE:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
PLAN: Action plans prior to each assessment DO: Observation of your work practice REVIEW: Feedback following observation PLAN: Small list of actions connected to the visit SUPPORT: Anything you need to get it done!
It is likely assessors will gather photographs or videos during an observation and these should be passed to you and held in secure storage by your college. You should expect regular updates on progress to be made to your employer.
The Push-fit People
MADE
IN THE
UK
The statement â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Made in the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holds a certain gravitas. These simple words provide many with reassurance on quality, durability and reliability, however, many use this as a very loose term.
For over 50 years John Guest has been a UK manufacturer, with our push-fit pipe connectors and coils of tubing all manufactured at our UK headquarters in West London. Our products, made within our facility, meet the very highest British standards of quality and ensure we remain innovative, reliable and most of all honest with our customers.
speedfit.co.uk info@johnguest.com
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | EXERCISE
IDENTIFY THE PARTS C
ď&#x201A;Š
D
E
B A
G
F
Can you name every part of this unvented hot water cylinder in the table below?
K H
N
J
I P L R
M T
O Q S
Component or pipe name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
Join Greenstar Rewards and get star treatment. Fit a Greenstar Si Compact, Greenstar i or a Greenstore cylinder and you’ll receive points to redeem against Worcester workwear, Bosch power tools and selected training courses. It’s easy and the more you fit, the more you’ll earn. To sign up visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/greenstar-rewards Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.
GREENSTAR RE WA R D S
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | EXERCISE
KEEPING THE DINNER WARM
The photo on the left is a cooker burner, taken out and mounted for demonstration.
B
A
Q1. What component is labelled A? ANSWER:
Q2. What component is labelled B? ANSWER:
Q3. What component is this? ANSWER:
Q4. If the flame remains on low during initial light up and does not go to high flame, what is the most likely cause? ANSWER:
Q5. Every time the oven reaches temperature the burner flame extinguishes, what is the most likely fault? ANSWER:
Q6. When servicing a cooker you discover one of the hot plate burners is showing signs of incomplete combustion, would you...
a. b. c. d.
Inform the customer and tell them not to use that particular hot plate ring Inform the customer and with their permission, disconnect the appliance and issue an ID Inform the customer and with their permission, isolate the appliance and issue an AR Don’t worry about it, it’s not caused any harm before
ANSWER:
Q7. You have been asked to install an oven in a room of 8m3, there is a door to outside fitted in the same room, do you need ventilation?
a. Yes
b. No
ANSWER:
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING AND HEATING NEEDS A growing network of over 300 branches nationwide A core range you need to get the job done A reliable, flexible, delivery service Friendly, professional service from our specialist staff Clear competitive trade prices
SIGN BATHROOM DE
SERVICE AVAILABLE
www.cityplumbing.co.uk
NEED TO PLACE A LATE SPARES ORDER? 0844 892 2218
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HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | EXERCISE
G3 HOT WATER SUPPLY AND SYSTEMS SIZING OF COPPER DISCHARGES PIPE D2 FOR COMMON TEMPERATURE RELIEF VALVE OUTLET SIZES
Valve outlet size
Minimum size of discharge pipe D1
Minimum size of discharge pipe D2 from tundish
Maximum resistance allowed, expressed as a length of straight pipe (ie no elbows or bends)
Resistance created by each elbow or bend
G½
15mm
22mm 28mm 35mm
Up to 9m Up to 18m Up to 27m
0.8m 1.0m 1.4m
G¾
22mm
28mm 35mm 42mm
Up to 9m Up to 18m Up to 27m
1.0m 1.4m 1.7m
G1
28mm
35mm 42mm 54mm
Up to 9m Up to 18m Up to 27m
1.4m 1.7m 2.3m
TASK: The above table is based on copper tube. Answer the questions below based on the table above: Q1. The length of D2 pipework required from the G ½ outlet valve is 6m; there are 4 bends on the pipe, what size D2 pipe do you use?
Q2. You have been asked to check if the existing D2 pipe meets the G3 regulations. From the G1 valve outlet a 22mm pipe has
been installed to a tundish. From the tundish the pipe runs to outside and terminates pointing down 95mm from the ground and is protected with a guard. The D2 pipe is in 22mm is 4m long and has 5 bends. Explain your answer.
Q3. From a G ½ valve outlet a 28mm D2 pipe discharges outside, the pipe run is 6m in length and consists of 4 bends. Is this
installation acceptable?
Q4. Calculate the D2 pipe size required for an installation consisting of a G ½ pressure relief valve 12m of pipe with 4 bends.
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
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• gain the skills to deliver outstanding services in domestic plumbing, heating and gas utilsation • industry recognised qualifications from Gas Safe and CIPHE • ensure you meet the requirements for the plumbing and gas industry schemes.
EAL qualifications are high quality, more demanding and make students aim higher.
David Quinton, Head of Plumbing and Electrical, South Gloucester and Stroud College
EAL Awards
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CLOSER TO
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50
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | EXERCISE
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THE UNVENTED TEST Q1
Name the 3 building regulation unvented hot water are subject to?
1 2 3
Q2
When linking an unvented boiler to a heat sources, which fuel should not be used?
Ans.
Q6
The maximum length of pipe between the temperature/pressure relief and the tundish is...
a
Electricity
a
500mm
b
Gas
b
300mm
c
Oil
c
600mm
d
Solid fuel
d
700mm
Q3
When choosing or replacing an immersion heater for an unvented cylinder it must comply to BS EN 60335-2-73 and contain a...
a
Bi metallic strip
b
User thermostat and non-resetting thermal cut out
c
User thermostat and self-resetting thermal cut out
d
Night switch for economy 7
Q4
An unvented storage cylinder must never exceed what temperature...
a
60 degrees
b
85 degrees
c
100 degrees
d
95 degrees
Q5
The discharge pipe D1 should be...
Ans.
Ans.
Ans.
Q7
The vertical section of pipe below a tundish before any bend or elbow should be...
a
500mm
b
600mm
c
300mm
d
1000mm
Q8
D2 pipe should have a continuous fall of at least...
a
1 in 300
b
1 in 200
c
1 in 500
d
1 in 20
Q9
Where a single common discharge pipe serves more than one system it should be at least...
a
At least the same size as the temperature relief valve
a
The same size as the largest D2 pipe
b
One size larger than the temperature relief valve
b
One size larger than the largest D2 pipe
c
One size less than the temperature relief valve
c
You cannot have a common discharge pipe
d
The same size as D2 pipe
d
Two sizes larger than the largest discharge pipe
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
Ans.
Ans.
Ans.
Ans.
EXERCISE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
Q10
When connecting a discharge pipe to a soil stack, the branch must have...
a
An independent branch pipe to the soil stack
a
22mm
b
You can use the same branch pipe from another sanitary appliance
b
35mm
c
You can fit the D2 pipe to a washing machine stand pipe
c
15mm
d
Only metal pipes can be used
d
28mm
Ans.
Termination of the discharge pipe needs to be
Q11 considered to prevent risk to persons in the
Ans.
Q14
Q15
What is the recommended cold water pipe size for an unvented cylinder?
What is the recommended minimum flow rate required for an unvented cylinder?
Ans.
Ans.
vicinity; an appropriate discharge point would be... a
10 litres per minute
a
A trapped gully with the end of the pipe below a fixed grating and above the water seal
b
15 litres per minute
b
Downward facing low level discharge 100mm above ground with a wire cage or guard to prevent contact
c
20 litres per minute
c
A high level discharge into a metal hopper and metal down pipe.
d
25 litres per minute
d
All the above
Q16 To prevent scalding, the hot supply to a Q12 bath should be limited by a blending valve to a maximum temperature of; a
44 degrees
b
43 degrees
c
48 degrees
d
60 degrees
Ans.
What is the resistance created by a 22mm elbow on a discharge pipe D2 in metres?
a
0.5m
b
0.8m
c
1m
d
1.5m
Ans.
Water discharges continually from the
When commission is carried out be a person Q13 registered with a competent person scheme he must give notice within...
Q17 expansion relief valve every time the cylinder is heated. What could be the possible cause?
Ans. a
Faulty expansion relief valve
b
Faulty temperature relief valve
30 days
c
Faulty pressure reducing valve
3 months
d
Faulty expansion vessel
a
7 days
b
10 days
c d
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
Ans.
51
52
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | EXERCISE
WASTE PIPE DILEMMAS Use the basin image pictured left to answer the questions below.
ď&#x201A;Š
Q1. What is the maximum length of 32mm unventilated branch pipe you can install? ANSWER:
Q2. How many appliances can you connect to a 32mm branch pipe? ANSWER:
Q3. What is the minimum depth of trap seal on a wash hand basin connected to a primary ventilated stack? ANSWER:
Q4. What type of traps are installed on the wash hand basins above? ANSWER:
Q5. If a bath or shower waste is discharged directly into a gully, what measurement in millimetres can the trap seal be reduced too? ANSWER:
Q6. On a two store property what is the minimum distance the lowest branch can be from the invert of the drain.
a. 300mm c. 450mm
b. 500mm d. 1000mm
ANSWER:
Q7. The gradient on a 32mm pipe is 40mm per metre, what is the maximum distance you can install this pipe without ventilation.
a. 1.7m c. 0.7m
b. 1.1m d. 2m
ANSWER:
Q8. The minimum radius of the bend at the foot of the stack should be...
a. 200mm c. 150mm
b. 100mm d. 250mm
ANSWER:
Q9. Ventilating pipes within 3m of an openable window should terminate a minimum of how high above the window?
a. 600mm c. 900mm
b. 1000mm d. 300mm
ANSWER:
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
For the latest information on the design and installation of copper pipework, contact Copper Initiative
For your free technical literature pack, join the Copper Club at: www.copperplumbing.org.uk
54
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | APP REVIEW
APP-RENTICE
Rag and bone, ringer, handset, mobile, bleeper, cell…whatever you call your phone, it’s unlikely that you’re ever without it. So why not use it to go further as a plumber? We take a look at some of the latest apps that are available to make your plumb thumb app happy…
The Vokèra App provides a wide variety of timesaving, useful content straight to a mobile device with the added advantage of convenient integration with Vokèra’s popular Affinity Rewards programme for installers registered on the scheme. Working on iOS and Android platforms, the Vokèra App is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. The App provides installers with access to the Vokèra Product Catalogue, stockist locator, training and the special Affinity Member’s area, where they can quickly and efficiently register installed products. Rewards and points can also be viewed and installers can discover the latest promotions available.
The free Wilo Assistant app offers an interactive replacement guide for heating and secondary hot water pumps, an energy savings calculator to calculate the potential savings in terms of electricity costs and CO2 emissions when using an energy-saving Wilo high-efficiency pump and a short catalogue for Wilo glandless pumps. It also provides pump dimensioning according to the desired pump duty point specified, tips and tricks for the optimisation of heating systems and secondary hot water circulation systems and a torch. The "Wilo Assistant” app can be downloaded for free via the App Store.
The Ariston Net app allows users to remotely control their heating and hot water any time, from any location. Compatible with all Ariston’s current evo boilers, as well as a Sensys advanced thermostat, which comes with the unit, the Ariston Net app enables real time control. The app offers greater adjustment of the boiler due to its ability to set the desired temperature in real time, eliminating lengthy waits for the heating and hot water system to warm up. The Ariston Net app is available through the App Store and Google Play.
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56
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | QUICK QUIZ
! N U F R O F J UST RENEWABLES – True or False? Read through the following statements and tick either true or false. TRUE 1
Around 1000 watts per m2 are produced by the sun on the surface of the UK on a sunny summer’s day.
2
One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to power up to 300 homes.
3
Air-to-air heat pumps can provide all the hot water needed for a family home
4
Around 40 tonnes of woodchips would be needed each year to heat an average home using a wood-burning stove / boiler.
5
Solar photovoltaic panels can only generate electricity when the sun is shining.
6
The temperature of the earth, at around 2 metres deep, is around 5°C all year round.
7
Ground source heat pumps are ideal for use with underfloor heating.
8
CCHP stands for Combined Concentrated Heat and Power.
9
Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 for his ground-breaking experiments with solar power and photovoltaics.
10
Biomass boilers run on pellets made from sawdust. These pellets have a higher calorific value than wood.
FALSE
FEATURE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
FIVE REASONS IT’S A GREAT IDEA TO HIRE AN APPRENTICE The ninth National Apprenticeship Week took place in March this year and we were all over it here at HIP Magazine. It was a great opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. In 2015 businesses pledged 23,000 apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, but this year a whopping 30,084 new apprenticeships were pledged, which is incredible news. Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, shares five compelling business reasons why it would be daft NOT to take on an apprentice or trainee:
1. APPRENTICES DELIVER FOR EMPLOYERS LARGE & SMALL
4. FRESH PERSPECTIVES & DIGITAL SKILLS
Almost nine out of ten apprentice employers tell us that apprenticeships deliver.
Apprentices bring creativity, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to any organisation.
Currently apprenticeships are available in 1,500 job roles in more than 170 industries. There are now more than 75 higher and degree apprenticeships available, with more in development, including foundation degrees, HNDs and full honours degrees. Apprenticeships are the new work-based route into professions that have traditionally been the preserve of graduates.
In this fast-moving digital world, employers are finding that offering apprenticeships can fill a digital skills gap in their organisation, with digitally ‘savvy’ minds helping them stay on top of the digital trends that will benefit their business.
2. APPRENTICES INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY As well as developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce, apprenticeships can also boost an organisation’s productivity by an average of £214 per week, making them very good for business.
In addition, 89% of employers report that apprenticeships have helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.
3. EMPLOYERS CAN GROW THEIR OWN TALENT Apprenticeships offer employers a cost-effective way to grow their own talent, in line with their workforce needs. Seven in ten apprentices stay with the same employer after completing their training, with nearly a quarter (23%) of apprentices promoted within just 12 months of finishing their apprenticeship. Employers recognise the commercial benefit of apprentices, telling us that qualified apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications.
5. APPRENTICES ARE LEADING THE WAY Trailblazers are leading the way in developing new world class standards for apprenticeships in the UK.
Currently more than 1300 employers are collaborating to make the new standards the quality benchmark for apprenticeships. During the 2015 National Apprenticeship Week, 200 more businesses joined the Trailblazer programme. To find out more about apprenticeships, search on GOV.UK. To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2016, go to www.gov.uk/naw2016
FOLLOW @APPRENTICESHIPS, @TRAINEESHIPSGOV AND #NAW2016 FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, PICTURES AND VIDEOS
57
58
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | SPONSORED FEATURE
ROAD READY
The trades in the UK - especially the plumbing businesses - keep this country on its feet. Whether it is domestic or commercial work, the UK could not function without its plumbers. But, on the other hand, our plumbers could not function without the right equipment. From tools to clothing, plumbing and heating engineers know what it is that they need to get the job done. Whilst they might know all about pipes, they may not be as confident when it comes to vans, which is another vital tool for business.
Creating the right image A van is not just a mode of transport; a van is an office, and it is an advert. This means that the demands placed upon it are so much higher. A van needs to be reliable, robust, up for the job, comfortable, smart and convey the right image. A battered old, dented van doesn’t highlight that the plumber behind it takes pride in their work. At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we hear from our customers that the Star on the front of the grille gives off exactly the right image to their customers, and the fact that we can service our vans outside of ‘normal’ working hours means that busy tradespeople don’t need to miss out on work, as their van can be in our workshops at night.
...a van is an office, and it is an advert.
MobiloVan When out on the road, our customers also benefit from MobiloVan, a free call-out service across the UK and Europe, which comes as part of the 30-year free roadside assistance cover with every Mercedes-Benz Vans vehicle purchase, to ensure they remain mobile as quickly as possible.
Across the 150 MobiloVan roadside recovery vehicles covering the UK, there is an average response time of less than an hour, with more than 80% of vehicles fixed at the roadside.
This has a direct result on the amount of uptime that Mercedes-Benz Vans experience; reducing vehicle downtime is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz Vans – our customers don’t want to be left stranded en route to their next job – it can cost up to £500/day for a business’ vehicle to be ‘off the road’. It is down to manufacturers to work with this significant business community to best support them and their vehicle requirements however they can, whether it’s through New and Approved Used offerings, servicing and maintenance, finance offerings, advice on running their vehicle fleet, or aftersales care.
While plumbers can always turn to their friends and colleagues for advice, it is up to van manufacturers to utilise all of their expertise to help – not just on what size of vehicle, but with everything from emissions and alternative fuels, to legislation and driver’s rights. For example, the speed limits of panel vans on A-roads, B-roads and dual carriageways is always a question many van users don’t know. This is vital information that could make the difference between you being a legal road user, and being pulled over by the police for breaking the law.
Quality service Understanding the role of the van itself, and the restrictions surrounding that is therefore vital. This is why at MercedesBenz Vans we like to make owning, running and driving a van as simple and straightforward to use as we possibly can.
NEW PLUMBING & HEATING STUDENT SCHEME
COMING SOON www.grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk
IN COLLABORATION WITH
60
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | INTERVIEW
W E I V R E T AN IN WITH...
E T N E L A V H P E S O J
From one winning apprentice to another, our special guest at the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year Competition Final was the BBC’s The Apprentice winner Joseph Valente. Joseph is more than aware of what it’s like to be a plumbing and heating apprentice and he has set up a successful business within the industry, so we couldn’t wait to have a chat with him. We found out what makes a winner’s breakfast and how much he really sees Lord Sugar… HIP: How important do you think competitions like this are for apprentices? JV: I think they’re very important, 100%. They give students an achievement to aspire too and it means their talent can be recognised early on in the industry.
HIP: Where did you go to college and when did you graduate? JV: I went to Peterborough College and I finished my training there in 2008. HIP: How long after you left college did you set up your own business? JV: I set up Impra Gas in 2012, four years after I left college when I was 22 years of age. In the time between I did a full-time gas course at Rotherham MET UK and I worked in London fitting gas meters until I was 21. HIP: How positive has your own experience of apprenticeships been?
JV: They’re such a great platform to build a career on and it’s great that you can earn while you learn. They give you the opportunity to mix with both customers and experienced industry individuals. What I would say though is that their drawback is that they don’t pay enough. People can’t live off the money and I think that drags people’s visions of apprenticeships down. But then it does show the resilience of people who stick at it. HIP: After the success of last year when you won The Apprentice, if you could pick one crucial bit of advice for other apprentices, what would it be and why?
INTERVIEW | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
61
JV: Work your butt off – hard work is the core ingredient so you should use your time to the maximum. You don’t want to continually be just a tool-passer or the person going to the van all of the time.
HIP: How has your life changed since winning The Apprentice? JV: My life has changed massively and it has opened up a whole new world to me. It’s given Impra Gas exposure and people come to me rather than me having to come to them – I can now pick and choose.
HIP: What is it like working with Sir Alan Sugar? How often do you see him? JV: We see each other once a month. He offers advice but that is primarily what he is there for. He’s there if you need him.
Apprenticeships are such a great platform to build a career on and it’s great that you can earn while you learn.
HIP: How did your company Impra Gas begin? JV: I always knew it would be big when I started it in 2012 after I read Lord Sugar’s autobiography. I quit my job and took out a £15K loan…I knew from that day. HIP: What has been the most difficult thing about setting up your own business? JV: Learning that you need to prepare to sacrifice who you are for what you might become: your life will be taken over. It’s a long haul.
HIP: What is the best thing about having your own business? JV: You call the shots, you are your own boss, and you are the master of your own destiny. HIP: How do you think the competitors are doing? JV: Really well – their pipework is really neat and they’ve soldered well.
HIP: How important do you think new technology is in the plumbing and heating industry, such as smart technology? JV: It’s the future, having a home that takes the mundane task away that you do without realising. You’ll rock up to your house and everything will be done. Smart homes just save time.
HIP: On an average day, what kind of time do you wake up and what do you have for breakfast? JV: I usually wake up at 5.45am and I have a juice shake for breakfast – one banana, two oranges, half a pint of milk, a sachet of porridge, one Berocca tablet and one multivitamin and iron tablet. HIP: What’s your favourite song at the moment?
HIP: How important do you think it is that manufacturers support colleges? Are there any products that you used in college that you now swear by? JV: It’s key because they’re showing apprentices the next available industry product. Installers become loyal to their favourite products and will continue to install what they are used to, or what they learned on. For me, Vaillant are a great example of that. I’ve always used Vaillant since the days of my apprenticeship and I’ve stuck with them.
JV: Blonde – Craig David. HIP: Do you have a favourite motto or saying? JV: I have two – 1. Don’t wait for opportunity – create it 2. Remember the words ‘one day you will die’ and let that strike fear from your mind and empower you to achieve all that you can be. HIP: If you were stuck on a desert island with one celebrity, who would it be and why? JV: Karen Brady….I miss her!
62
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HALL OF SHAME
HALL OF
shower The most confused
ever...upside-down
and inside-out
Hole in the w
all!
This one flue out of
the window This pipe has gone for a run around
r's a high-fl
This radiato
yer
HALL OF SHAME | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | HIP MAGAZINE
Here’s some shocking examples of what not to do! Whilst the vast majority of plumbers and heating installers do a great job, there are a few offenders out there who either don’t care or don’t know any better. We teamed up with our mate James from Plumberparts to showcase some of the biggest plumbing tragedies around.
Oh, what a feeling! When we're from the ceiling....
dripping
Who knew a pipe could twerk! ed?
s a person ne
bows doe How many el
Peephole or pipehole?
Wasting away
Hanging out
If you’ve come across a dodgy installation, send your pictures to us and they could be featured on this page!
You can email us at editor@sng-publishing.co.uk A big thank you to James at Plumberparts for supplying us with so many great photos. Pop along to his website, Facebook or Twitter to see what else he’s been up to! www.plumberparts.co.uk | @plumberparts | /plumberparts/?fref=ts
63
64
HIP MAGAZINE | SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | PRODUCTS & SERVICES
If you would like the professional plumbers of the future to know about your products or services, why not advertise in this section? It’s cost effective and your brand will reach around 11,500 plumbing students throughout the UK.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Call 0870 774 3049 for details. NEW OFTEC REGISTRATION WEBSITE GOES LIVE
SNICKERS KNEEPADS
OFTEC has launched a new website www.joinoftec.com to make it even easier for technicians to sign up and enjoy the many benefits of its leading competent person registration scheme which now includes Part P electrical, solid fuel and renewables, as well as oil. The site offers all the information on OFTEC’s expanded range of registration services, plus an online form to make joining as simple as possible. OFTEC has also announced a new range of logos so businesses can emphasize the heating technologies covered by their registration. The logos feature the familiar OFTEC triangle with text that specifies the technology covered.
Snickers Kneepads are specially designed to provide the most effective and top quality protection by moulding around your knees. This way, they not only provide maximum comfort on rough, damp ground, but more importantly ward off any knee problems and long term injuries. Ergonomically designed to suit a wide range of on-site working environments, every Kneepad has been made so that they are comfortable to wear. This way, they are suitable if you are floor laying, working in a tough environment, or just in need of all-round knee protection.
joinoftec.com
SNICKERS ‘NEXT GENERATION’ ALLROUND WORK TROUSERS The new Snickers ALLROUND WorkTrousers have a new, contemporary design packed with innovative features that focus on fit, comfort and freedom of movement using hardwearing fabrics for long lasting protection. They have superior knee protection, builtin leg ventilation and a stretch gusset for extra freedom of movement. Made from a hardwearing nylon ‘Dobby Pro’ fabric with Cordura reinforcements, they not only have a host of handy pockets, but they also boast extra features, like an advanced side-panel design that gives superior weight distribution when carrying tools and fixings. Snickersworkwear.co.uk
snickersworkwear.co.uk
NEW ADDITION TO THE DANFOSS TRV FAMILY The RTW bi-directional, flow selectable TRV with built-in sensor, combines Danfoss' market-beating reliability and functionality with a competitive price, offering a truly cost-effective TRV for general domestic heating installations. The RTW benefits from Danfoss' flow selectable bi-directional design, which means it can be installed horizontally or vertically, in flow or return. This flexibility provides an innovative solution to the age-old problem of 'waterhammer'. If any system noise occurs after fitting, it can be stopped, by simply 'revolving' the barrell to reverse the flow direction, reducing costly callbacks. Quick and easy installation is also part of the RTW's cutting-edge design - the sensor can be mounted in minutes using a standard spanner. heating.danfoss.co.uk
SMITH’S SPACE SAVER SS80 GOES DUTCH & SWEDISH
GREAT NEW BOOK FOR PLUMBING STUDENTS
A new slim-line version of the Smith’s Space Saver was launched last year the SS80 - making it the only plinth heater in Europe that fits IKEA-style 80mm plinth heights. The Space Saver SS80 fits much narrower plinths found in kitchen designs popular in Scandinavia and Germany. The Smith’s Space Saver installs discreetly into the dead space under fitted units and is now supplied as standard with a stainless steel grille. It is suitable for heating rooms up to 24m3 and uses an extremely low water content when compared with a radiator. The SS80 is now available nationally from all good merchants and online stockists.
An informative, easy-to-use book entitled ‘A Career in Plumbing’ has been released for plumbing and heating students. Inside are tips on how to make your way into the trade. Author Carol Cannavan has worked as a journalist and editor in the plumbing and heating industry for eighteen years. She explains the qualifications that are needed and how to gain entry into the industry, with examples of assessment questions and interview tips. There are also recommendations on writing a credible CV and at the back of the book you will find a comprehensive list of contacts, which will be helpful now and in the future.
smiths-env.com
amazon.co.uk/A-Career-Plumbing-Carol-Cannavan/dp/1518688128
COUNT ON ARISTON NET FOR TOTAL HEATING CONTROL
RINNAI’S INFINITY HDC1600I/E LOW NOX
The Ariston Net app allows a person to control Ariston’s heating and hot water products from any location. Settings can be accessed and altered remotely via a tablet or smartphone, thanks to a simple user interface featuring a home screen split into a red area for heating functions and a blue one for domestic hot water. This same screen allows a boiler’s status to be changed between summer, winter and holiday modes – as well as switched off entirely. Weekly programming is a key feature of the app, as well as energy recommendations, management tips, and immediate notification of any system errors.
Rinnai’s Infinity HDC1600i/e Low NOx gasfired continuous flow water heater delivers commercial qualities of hot water - up to 37 litres per minute on demand, to any site and application. It is capable of delivering in excess 2000 litres per hour and has efficiencies of up to 107%. The HDC1600i/e Low NOx is an ondemand style hot water heating unit, suitable for natural gas or LPG, and it has no storage cylinder. This means that there is no needless waste of energy from constantly reheating a stored body of water for when there is demand, so energy is only used on a Rinnai unit when there is demand.
ariston.com/uk/ariston-net
rinnaiuk.com
Email press releases to editor@sng-publishing.co.uk if you would like your product or service featured in this section
Get ahead. Get online. With over 1.2 million views and 60 videos, our YouTube channel shows how installing our showers, enclosures and trays is quick, simple and hassle free.
To view our latest â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;step by stepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; installation videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel visit: www.youtube.com/mirashowers
WIN & EARN IN 3 EASY STEPS 600 POINTS
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UPS2 15-50/60
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Introducing the Grundfos WIN & EARN reward scheme. Collect points for pump purchases using the codes inside the stickers located on the outside of the selected product boxes – and save them up to redeem them for Amazon vouchers. Each colour sticker represents a different number of points – see all the products included and the points per pump overleaf. PLUS! For each code you log, you will be given entry into the monthly prize draw for the chance to WIN an Apple iPad Air 2 tablet. Download the Grundfos Installer Companion App for Apple or Android to log your WIN & EARN reward codes and start WINNING now! Find our more at: www.grundfos.co.uk/win