HIP Handbook 2022/23

MANAGING EDITOR: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk

EVENT MANAGER: SAMANTHA COLE samantha.cole@sng-publishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR: ZOË TANNER zoe.tanner@sng-publishing.co.uk

PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Welcome to your course companion!

Congratulations on making a great career choice!

At HIP, we are here to support you throughout your journey at college. The HIP Handbook has been designed to help you widen your knowledge of the industry, covering many topics that you will come across in your course, and in the workplace.

If you fancy putting your skills to the test, why not enter the HIP Learner of the Year competition. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills, build confidence and stand out from the crowd!

DISCLAIMER

HIP is published by SNG Publishing Ltd (SNG). All content and artwork is © SNG Publishing Ltd or its contributors and SNG and HIP are trademarks of SNG Publishing Ltd. No part of HIP 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. It therefore cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for consequences that may arise from the content or artwork contained in HIP, 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 only upon SNG Publishing Ltd’s standard terms of advertising.

Make sure you follow us on our social media channels and remember to enter all our competitionsthey are always free to enter and there are some great prizes to be won! Here's to a great start to the year!

Celia Matthews

Cover

credit:

THE HIP LEARNER OF THE YEAR IS BACK FOR 2023!

We’re delighted to announce that the HIP Learner of the Year competition is back and better than ever! If you haven’t entered, then what are you waiting for?

The competition gives plumbing and heating engineering students the chance to be recognised for their hard work and skills. It’s a great opportunity to put your skills to the test and build self confidence. If you need confidence then put your name forward!

The HIP Team will be travelling across six regions of England and Wales in search of the best up-and-coming industry talent. Level 2 and 3 plumbing and heating engineering students from colleges nationwide will compete in a live practical installation for the chance to win this coveted award.

LEARNER OF THE YEAR

“It’s a great opportunity to put your skills to the test and build self confidence”

Each regional winner, and the highest overall runner-up, will go on to compete in the Grand Final, taking place on 19th & 20th April 2023, at the Worcester Bosch HQ.

Alongside the prestige for both the winning student and winning college, there are fantastic prizes up for grabs, with every competitor receiving a certificate for taking part. The prizes have been donated by competition sponsors including Platinum sponsor Worcester Bosch, Gold sponsor Wolseley and Tool sponsor Milwaukee, in addition to our other fantastic sponsors: Pegler, Wilo, Kingspan, WaterSafe, Triton Showers, Saniflo, Stelrad and Wednesbury Copper Tube.

The competition will be judged by Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

SCAN HERE for more information about the competition and to check out last year’s test paper, head to:

Paul Soper, Director of Sales, Worcester Bosch said: “The HIP Learner of the Year competition is really important to us as a brand. We recognise the future talent coming through into the industry, it’s really important that we help them and assist them in adapting to the changes.

“We have a large volume in the UK of experienced heating installers and we have over the years not brought into our industry as many apprentices and new talent, so I can only express to everybody out there to get more involved to bring more newer people into the industry to help make sure that we are well protected for the future.”

Ruben Duggan, from Coleg Y Cymoedd, the 2022 Learner of the Year said: “The competition has helped build confidence in myself and confidence in my work. My job is usually quite relaxed, so I learned to work under pressure. It surprised me how well I dealt with it – the time management and knowing when to speed up and when to slow down. Plus, it’s a massive thing to put on your CV. I think it will impress any of the big manufacturers and it’s given me confidence so it’s a big, big win! You

“You don't know your strengths and weaknesses until they're tested”

RUBEN DUGGAN

SOCIAL MEDIA

28,000 FOLLOWERS

HIP Magazine’s social media is the best way to get your work featured and seen by some of the industry’s leading brands and professionals.

Do you have a bit of graft that you think everyone needs to see? Maybe it’s that new install that’s a cut above the rest, or perhaps you’ve fitted a cylinder for the first time and want the world to know?

WHATEVER IT IS, GET IN TOUCH!

To be featured across HIP Magazine’s social space, simply tag us in a photo or video of your work and let us do the rest. And if tagging isn’t your thing, our DMs are always open!

If you’re lucky, your work might also get selected for exclusive competitions and giveaways that we curate with some of the

biggest names in the plumbing and heating industry. Whether it’s tool sets, training sessions or new gear to help you in your career, we’ve got you covered.

To stay in the know and to avoid missing out on everything we have to offer, search HIP Magazine across all platforms and give us a follow.

INDUSTRY CONTACTS

ADEY

T: 01242 546 700 I E: info@adey.com

ADEY, award winning pioneer of the MagnaClean® magnetic filter, offers heating engineers everything they need to protect domestic and commercial heating systems from the damaging effects of poor water quality. From testing and cleaning to protection and maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

@ADEYInnovation

@ADEY_pro @adey_pro www.linkedin.com/company/adeyinnovation

Alpha

T: 0344 871 8760 I E: info@alpha-innovation.co.uk

Founded on the principles of advanced manufacturing and innovative engineering, Alpha offers heating and hot water solutions to suit practically every property type or household size; from its wide range of high efficiency gas boilers to air source heat pumps and hybrids.

@alphahi @alphahi

@alphaheatinginnovation

@alpha-heating-innovation

Altecnic

T: 01785218200 I E: sales@altecnic.co.uk

Altecnic is the UK’s leading supplier and manufacturer of quality heating and plumbing products for both domestic and commercial markets. We have industry leading expertise and new product development, supported by dedicated technical and customer service teams.

@altecnicltd @Altecnic www.linkedin.com/company/altecnic www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zKf7odsBBhsMWV0l4erug

BAXI

T: 0330 6780917 I E: info@baxi.co.uk

Baxi has been manufacturing in the UK since 1866 and provides reliable, energy efficient products, backed by industry leading customer support, hands-on training by experienced professionals and nationwide availability of Baxi genuine parts.

@baxiuk

@baxiboilers

@baxiboilers www.youtube.com/baxiboilersUK

Bosch Pro

T: 0344 736 0109 I E: Bosch.ServiceCentre@uk.bosch.com

Bosch Professional engineer power tools, measuring tools and accessories to the highest standards, designed to meet -the toughest jobs in the trade and make professionals more efficient every day on site.

@boschprouk @boschprouk

Copper Sustainability Partnership

E: enquiries@cuspuk.com

Born from the ambition to challenge the plastics greenwash within construction and plumbing, CuSP champions environmental thinking, insight sharing and collaboration across industries to encourage the use of copper as a more sustainable choice.

@ cusp-uk @ cuspuk

Fernox

T: 0330 100 7750 I E: sales@fernox.com

Fernox is the leading manufacturer of water treatment chemicals, central heating system filters, plumbing consumables and diagnostic testing services. Fernox has pioneered the development of energy efficient products both for traditional and renewable technology in domestic and commercial applications.

@FernoxWaterTreatment

@fernox64

Geberit

T: 01926 516800 I E: enquiries@geberit.co.uk

At Geberit, we use our passion for design and technology to deliver contemporary, high quality solutions that transform efficiency, increase safety and enhance living and working environments. As a European market leader in sanitary technology we apply our vast know-how and over 150 years of experience to everything we do.

@Geberit.co.uk @GeberitUKL www.linkedin.com/showcase/geberit-uk/

GROHE

T: 0871 200 3414

Grohe has launched a brand-new loyalty programme, GROHE+, designed with the installer in mind. Providing installers with the support they need to run their business as smoothly as possible and make it future-ready.

@groheUK@grohe_global @grohe_uk

@GroheUK

Grundfos Pumps Ltd

T: 01525 850000 I E: grundfos-uk@sales.grundfos.com

Grundfos Pumps is a UK leader in the supply of energy efficient pumps for a wide range of applications around the home. This includes a great line-up of domestic circulator pumps that will meet all your demands.

@grundfos

@grundfos@grundfos

@grundfos

HANSGROHE

T: +44 (0) 1372 472 001

Founded in 1901, Hansgrohe stands for innovative solutions for bathrooms and kitchens that combine intelligent functionality with outstanding design and quality.

@HansgroheUK @hansgroheUK @Hansgrohe_uk

Ideal Industries EMEA

T: 01925 444 446 I E: Eur.sales@idealindustries.com

Founded in 1916, IDEAL is the world’s largest wire connector manufacturer and supplies quality products for fast, easy and safe installation including connectors, lubricants, fish tapes, benders, cutters, strippers, lockout/tagout devices, test & measurement, datacom tools, accessories and testers.

Search Ideal Industries EMEA

Kingspan Water & Energy

T: 0345 260 0258 I F: 0345 260 0259

Technical Helpline: 0345 812 0007 I Customer Service: 0345 260 7260

Across all the Kingspan Water & Energy businesses we’re pioneering new technologies to preserve and protect water & energy for future generations. This ideology is especially clear in our hot water cylinders business, where we’re committed to delivering high quality, energy efficient cylinders in both traditional Albion copper and our modern Ultrasteel unvented cylinders ranges.

Mitsubishi

T: 01707 278666 I E: Heating@meuk.mee.com

The Ecodan air source heat pump from Mitsubishi Electric is the renewable, low carbon alternative to traditional high carbon heating systems. This reliable, renewable heating technology delivers highly efficient sustainable space heating and hot water all year round.

@MitsubishiElectricHeatingUK @ecodanheating

Neoperl UK

Mitsubishi Electric Heating UK

T: 01684 564869 I E: info@neoperl.co.uk

Neoperl is the world’s leading manufacturer of flow regulators and aerators that can be found in most showers, taps and boilers. Many of their products can also be retro-fitted providing great water saving solutions for the home.

www.linkedin.com/company/neoperl-uk/NeoperlGroup@neoperl_UK

Polypipe Building Products

T: 01709 770000 I E: residential@polypipe.com

The UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic piping systems for the residential market, including above ground drainage products, plastic plumbing fittings and pipes and underfloor heating solutions. Stocked in plumbers’ and builders’ merchants nationally.

@PolypipeTrade

@PolypipeTrade

@polypipetrade Polypipe Tradewww.linkedin.com/showcase/polypipetrade

Ridge Tool UK

T: 0808 238 9869

RIDGID®, a leading manufacturer of tools and equipment, markets its products in over 140 countries. The company offers more than 300 types of tools serving the rental, plumbing, HVAC/R, utility, industrial, electrical, petroleum, institutional, commercial and hardware markets.

RJW Engineering

T: 01384 442852 I E: RJWEng@btinternet.com

Established in 1989, RJW has brought new innovative products to the plumbing industry. The only NHBC approved fitting for the PRV on boilers, the PIPE COWL. The only permanent fix to a holed pipe without cutting the pipe, the CLICK FIX. The only answer stopping dust sheets moving on stairs, the Safety Stair Rods. Also in the Guinness World Records for the largest copper pipe fitting in the world.

RWC

T: 01895 449233

RWC and its family of brands develop safe, sustainable and efficient solutions through a range of engineered and innovative products. Its JG Speedfit, Reliance Valves and SharkBite brands offer a complete range of pipes, valves and fittings. They’re designed to seamlessly integrate, from boiler to point of use, within the modern built environment.

@JGSpeedfit

Saniflo Ltd

T: 020 8842 0033 I E: sales@saniflo.co.uk

Saniflo is the market leader in the production and sale of macerators, pumps and lifting stations for domestic and commercial use. They also have the Kinedo showering range which includes cubicles, trays and enclosures.

@SanifloSupport

Viessmann

(UK) Ltd

Viessmann, a family business, has been at the leading edge of heating technology for over a century. Viessmann has developed a portfolio of products and digital services to provide sustainable climate solutions encompassing heating, cooling and air quality.

@ViessmannUK

www.linkedin.com/company/viessmann/ ViessmannUK1917

Water Regs UK

T: 01495 983 010 I E: info@waterregsuk.co.uk

Water Regs UK gives advice on the Water Fittings Regulations and Scottish Byelaws, on behalf of UK water companies. Plumbers and other water fittings professionals can join our free Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme, run on behalf of 14 UK water companies. Water Regs UK also publishes The Water Regulations Guide.

@WaterRegsUK

Wavin

T: 0844 856 5165 I E: info@hep2o.co.uk

Hep²O is part of the Wavin Group and offers a complete range of push-fit plumbing and underfloor heating systems. Wavin is the leading supplier of water management, plumbing and drainage systems for the building and construction markets. Other Wavin brands include Hepworth, OSMA and Tigris K1.

@hep2o @hep2o Wavin UK

Wilo UK

T: 01283 523000 I E: sales.uk@wilo.com

Wilo is a significant driving force in the pumps sector in the UK, providing pumps and pump systems for heating, cooling and airconditioning technology as well as water supply and sewage disposal.

@WiloUK @WiloUK

@WiloUK @WiloUK@WiloUK

Wolseley

T: 01926 705000

With over 400 Plumb and Parts branches across the country, Wolseley is the UK’s largest trade specialist in high-quality plumbing and bathroom products. We stock the biggest names and most trusted brands. We are also the UK's largest spare parts trade specialist for domestic as well as commercial customers in plumbing, heating, and refrigeration.

@wolseleyplumbparts

@wolseleyuk @wolseleyuk

GENERAL PLUMBING INFORMATION

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

SPONSORED BY

TOP 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

From planning pipework to managing water pressure, through to compliance and safety, there’s a lot that plumbing and heating installers must know to keep water supplies clean, futureproof and fit for use and consumption.

Here are five key things that ensure you adhere to the regulations and best practices in plumbing and heating.

> 1. CORRECT SIZING OF PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES

One of the most important components of any plumbing and heating system is the pressure reducing valve (PRV). This valve ensures that water coming into the home is at a safe and comfortable pressure for usage.

To pick the correct PRV, it is always important to consider four key factors:

The type of building

The required flow rate

The required outlet pressure range

The flow velocity

For domestic properties, a general rule of thumb is to size the valve to fit the mains water pipe entering the property, and Reliance Valves’ 312 Compact Series is a highly suitable PRV for these applications.

> 2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TMV2 AND TMV3

Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are valves that you will encounter almost every day in plumbing and heating and are crucial to allowing hot water systems to run at high enough temperatures to kill Legionella bacteria, while also preventing scalding at the outlet.

There are two certifications of TMV available - TMV2 and TMV3.

TMV2 certified valves should be used in domestic, commercial and public buildings, as outlined in Part G of the Building Regulations and the TMV2 Scheme.

In healthcare settings, on the other hand, a risk assessment should be carried out and TMV3 certified valves must be specified accordingly. A valve must be installed to every water outlet identified in the risk assessment.

Richard Bateman, Product Marketing Manager at RWC, discusses five key things that all plumbing and heating installers should know to keep water supplies safe and stable.

> 3. BACKFLOW – UNDERSTANDING THE RISK AND RELEVANT VALVES

Backflow prevention is another area of plumbing and heating that installers must know like the back of their hand. You must remember to check the Fluid Category, as defined by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulation, of each application before deciding on the suitable backflow prevention device.

Check valves and backflow prevention solutions can come in a range of sizes, materials, and types. At RWC, we have a complete range of valves suitable for any application and finish desired, with handy features such as built-in isolation to help with maintenance and servicing.

> 4. CHOOSING PIPE MATERIALS

When installing pipes in residential spaces, there are different pipe materials available with each having their own benefits and uses.

These include copper pipe, PEX pipe, polybutylene pipe (e.g. JG Layflat pipe), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) pipe, flexi hoses, and pipe-in-pipe solutions.

It’s important to use the right pipe material for the application, as doing so will help you speed up jobs, while making the installation easier.

> 5. SAVE SPACE WITH COMBINATION FITTINGS

You’ll quickly learn that space is at a premium in plumbing and heating. Especially with second-fix applications like under the sink or in tight spaces like utility rooms, there isn’t much to work with, and so you must be clever with the way you plan pipework.

RWC’s innovative range of second-fix fittings from JG Speedfit helps you get around this. For instance, you can get an Appliance

Tee from JG Speedfit that not just connects to appliances but also has built-in isolation for maintenance and servicing. You can also get a JG Speedfit Double Check Service Valve, a 2-in-1 product that provides backflow prevention and isolation.

> HELPING YOU TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN PLUMBING AND HEATING

At RWC we’re committed to helping installers, especially those who are just setting out on their careers in this industry. Our technical team is always on hand to support with installation advice and best practice to guide you through projects.

For more about RWC and our family of brands - JG Speedfit, Reliance Valves and SharkBite, please visit www.rwc.com

VALVES & CONTROLS

A valve is a device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of water by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.

> CIRCULATING PUMP

The device which generates the flow of water around the heating circuit.

> AUTOMATIC AIR VENT

A device which releases air trapped within a water system, automatically.

The air vent is usually fitted at the highest point of the heating system.

> AUTOMATIC BYPASS VALVE

A valve which ensures a minimum flow rate through the boiler if all zone valves or TRVs are closed.

> PRESSURE SAFETY VALVE (PSV)

This is a safety device fitted to relieve excessive pressure within a heating system or boiler. Once excess pressure has been relieved, it will close itself automatically.

> LOCKSHIELD VALVE

A Lockshield Valve is fitted at the return side of a radiator and is used to balance the system when it is first installed. It is usually covered with a cap.

> RADIATOR VENT

A device that releases air from within a radiator.

> THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE (TMV)

A TMV blends cold water with hot water to ensure constant, safe shower and bath outlet temperatures, preventing scalding.

> REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE VALVE (RPZ)

The RPZ Valve is a device which prevents backflow, protecting against the contamination of mains cold water supply. RPZ valves are widely used in the UK.

ROOM THERMOSTAT

A Room Thermostat switches the heating system on and off as required. It works by sensing and responding to the air temperature.

It switches on the heating when the air temperature falls below the thermostat setting, and switches it off once this set temperature has been reached.

> PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE (PRV)

Precisely controls and regulates water flow and pressure for safe operating conditions.

> THERMOSTATIC RADIATOR VALVE (TRV)

A valve fitted to one end of a radiator that automatically opens and closes as necessary to achieve the pre-set room air temperature.

> WIRELESS PROGRAMMABLE ROOM THERMOSTAT

The Wireless Programmable Thermostat is designed to provide wireless time and temperature control to heating or cooling systems in domestic and light commercial buildings.

> TENANT VALVES

A space saving and compact all-in-one water monitoring unit, that consists of a ball type isolating valve, pressure reducing valve, double check valve, test point and a connection point for RWC single jet water meter.

PIPE DISCHARGE DIMENSIONS

APPLIANCE

DIAMETER OF TRAP (MM) DEPTH OF SEAL (MM OR WATER / EQUIVALENT)

PIPE CLIP SPACINGS

FIXING

Family connections made faster

EASIFIT TMV NICKEL PLATED BALL VALVE FOR WATER AUTOMATIC AIR VENT 312 COMPACT PRV

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Safety at work should always come first, and employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

These rules apply if you’re self employed as well, so you’ll probably need to use some type of personal protective equipment (PPE) in your job. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

TOP TIPS

1Choose products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you

Choose equipment that suits the user – consider the size, fit and weight of the PPE. If the users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it

If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used together, e.g. wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks

Never allow exemptions from wearing PPE for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes’

HAZARDS & TYPES OF PPE

> EYES

Hazards: Chemical or metal splash, projectiles, dust, gases and vapours, radiation.

Options: Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors.

> HEAD & NECK

Hazards: Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery, chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature.

Options: Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters’ helmets.

> EARS

Hazards: Noise – a combination of sound level and duration of exposure, very high-level sounds are a hazard even with short duration.

Options: Earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert / canal caps.

> HANDS & ARMS

Hazards: Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water.

Options: Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm.

> FEET & LEGS

Hazards: Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, vehicles.

Options: Safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration-resistant, mid-sole wellington boots and specific footwear, e.g. foundry boots and chainsaw boots.

> LUNGS

Hazards: Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours.

Options: Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) including respirators, facepieces and breathing apparatus. If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication ‘Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide.’

> WHOLE BODY

Hazards: Heat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.

Options: Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons, chemical suits.

> FURTHER INFORMATION

For general information on health and safety at work, and FREE leaflets you can download.

> hse.gov.uk

There are plenty of health and safety training courses available around the country. Find the one nearest you.

> learndirect.co.uk

NOTCHING & DRILLING

When drilling or notching structural timbers it is crucial that the holes / notches are made in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the structure.

Rules for joist depth up to 250mm. For deeper joists assume D = 250mm

Notches should be in

It is essential that structural members are not weakened by indiscriminate notching and boring. In this respect both the size and positioning must be in accordance with fig 1 (above).

> NOTCHES SHOULD BE CUT AS FOLLOWS...

They should be cut no deeper than 1/8 of the depth of the joist. They should not be cut closer to the support than 0.07 times the span, nor further away than 0.25 (1/4) of the span.

Span (L)

> REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTCHING TRADITIONAL JOISTS

Drilled holes should be no greater in diameter than ¼ of the depth of the joist. They should be drilled on a neutral axis and should not be less than 3 diameters apart, measured from centre to centre. Drilled holes should be located in the area between 0.25 and 0.4 times the span of the joist from the support. See fig. 2 (right).

x L

x L

Holes should be located in this zone and drilled at the neutral axis

Depth of joist (D)

Maximum diameter of a hole = 0.25 x D

Not less than 3 diameters apart centre to centre

Neutral axis of joist

FIGURE 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING HOLES THROUGH TRADITIONAL JOISTS

> ENGINEERING JOISTS

Buildings that incorporate timber ‘I’ joists (Engineering Joists) allow for more flexible drilling of holes for pipe work. ‘I’ joists incorporate 38mm knockouts (dependant upon the manufacturer), and also allow for larger holes to be drilled through the joists.

The same rules apply when drilling through ‘I’ joists as for drilling traditional joists where horizontal measurements between holes are concerned.

However, as the strength of ‘I’ joists is in the flange (see fig. 3), these joists are not suitable for notching, as notching the flange will damage the structure of the joist which will have a detrimental effect on its strength. The size and positioning of holes drilled through ‘I’ Joists must be in accordance with fig. 3 (right).

Not less than 3 diameters apart centre to centre Flange

38mm diameter knockouts are incorporated in TJI joists at approx 300mm centres

Web

Flange

Additional holes can be cut but leave minimum 3mm of web at top and bottom

FIGURE 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING HOLES THROUGH ENGINEERING (‘I’) JOISTS

PIPEWORK

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

SPONSORED BY

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

WHY HEAT PUMP REFRIGERANTS MATTER

There are essential reasons for understanding more about the fluid flowing through the tubes of heat pump systems. Hugh Jones, Product Manager at Viessmann UK, explains why.

“A heat pump’s refrigerant is its life-blood”

> HEAT PUMPS

A heat pump’s refrigerant is its life-blood. What passes through the system’s veins affects its performance, environmental friendliness, running costs and legal compliance. Here are the big reasons why it’s vital to know which refrigerants should be used.

Vitocal 150-A Heat Pump, Outdoor Unit

> THEY TRANSPORT THE HEAT

Refrigerant is the medium that transports the heat pump system’s energy from its source (ground or air) via the heat pump into the heating system. In theory, this medium can be any liquid with the right blend of thermodynamic properties. Commonly used refrigerants include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrocarbons (HCs), ammonia and carbon dioxide. But hold on a minute – those aren’t liquids, they’re gases!

Here’s the trick: the refrigerant is held at low pressure. Low enough to hold it in liquid form at temperatures just below the air or ground temperature. When passing through a heat exchanger the air or ground heat is enough then to change this liquid to a gas. The refrigerant gas is then compressed to high temperature; condensed to release its heat to the house heating system, and finally expanded to bring it back to a low pressure liquid to start the cycle all over again.

> THEY ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY RATED

Unfortunately, refrigerants in heat pump systems may leak slowly into the atmosphere over the years. The environmental damage this can do is variable, because hundreds of different types of refrigerants exist, with different compositions.

For this reason, refrigerants were each given an ozone depletion level potential (ODP) rating. The lower the ODP, the less likely it is to harm the earth’s ozone layer. In the last ten years, only refrigerants with a zero ODP rating have been permissible. However, refrigerants with higher ODP ratings – typically found in heating and cooling equipment installed before the zero ruling – could still be in circulation.

Today, refrigerants are rated in a new way to assess the damage they will cause if released into the atmosphere. This is their global warming potential (GWP). The GWP number is arrived at by comparing every gas to carbon dioxide, which has a rating of 1.

Now here’s the surprising part. Almost every heat pump manufacturer uses one of two HFC blends, known as R410A and R32 – and although R32’s GWP is 675, R410A’s GWP is 2088!

> THEIR PERMITTED GWP IS FALLING

Unsurprisingly, legislators have imposed GWP phase-out targets in all gases (refrigerants) used in heat pumps, air-conditioning and refrigeration. The aim is to reduce the CO2 equivalent of all gases in use to 21% of their 2015 level by 2030.

Manufacturers have to meet these targets, on average, over their whole product portfolio. This is encouraging them to re-think some technologies, so that heating and cooling equipment – including heat pumps – can be made to work well with more environmentallyfriendly refrigerants.

> THEY NOW USE PROPANE

A good example of this re-think is the way that Viessmann has designed its latest heat pumps to use R290 refrigerant. R290 is propane: one of the most climate-friendly and costeffective refrigerants available. So climate-friendly, in fact, that its GWP is lower than 1!

Redesigning heat pumps around propane has also brought improvements in energy efficiency and running costs. The coefficient of performance (COP) – that is, the ratio of heat output to electricity input – of Viessmann’s latest-generation monobloc air source heat pumps, the wall-mounted Vitocal 150-A and floor-standing Vitocal 151-A, is 4.9 to 5.0. That’s the kind of efficiency that, not so long ago, engineers could only dream of. And if the refrigerant has to be replaced due to leakage (more likely after 10 years), two to three kilograms of propane-based R290 will cost only about £28 to £42, less than onequarter the price of R410A.

SCAN HERE

For more information about

Viessmann’s heat pumps.

NEW VIESSMANN HEAT PUMPS FOR THE EASY REPLACEMENT OF BOILERS

Modernisation is made fast and simple with the latestgeneration Vitocal domestic air source heat pumps.

Vitocal 150-A Heat Pump, Indoor Unit

Vitocal 151-A Heat Pump, Indoor Unit

> NEW GENERATION

Viessmann has launched two newgeneration monobloc air source heat pumps, the Vitocal 150-A and Vitocal 151-A, which are ideal for replacing boilers and are exceptionally easy to install. Each is available with outputs of 10, 13 and 16kW.

Both the wall-mounted Vitocal 150-A and floor-standing Vitocal 151-A with integral 190-litre DHW cylinder, have maximum flow temperature of 70°C. Meaning that in some cases for the Vitocal 150-A, the existing hot water cylinder can be retained, depending on e.g. its coil size. If the existing cylinder is not suitable, then the Vitocal 151-A with integral cylinder is a perfect replacement.

Both integrate previously separate system elements in the indoor unit (IDU), saving 90 minutes installation time and 60% space in the home, compared to other heat pumps, due to the innovative OptiPerform; buffer tank, expansion vessel and overflow valve –components which usually have to be installed and connected separately –are now integrated in the IDU.

For future-proofing and very low global warming potential (GWP), they use R290 (propane) refrigerant, one of the most climate-friendly and costeffective, with GWP of less than 1!

BATHROOMS

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BY

SELECTING WATER SAVING PRODUCTS

When it comes to refurbishment of an existing bathroom or the design of a brand-new bathroom, we are often faced with a myriad of tasks, not only to meet the needs of our customers but we also need to consider the environment.

> PRODUCT SELECTION

Thankfully, home-owners are becoming increasingly concerned about saving the planet, so one way we can help is by selecting environmentally friendly bathroom products, with low water consumption and less hot water wastage. This can reduce customers’ utility bills and fall in line with government guidelines.

Many bathroom manufacturers are creating new innovative technologies which are specifically designed to reduce water usage whilst maintaining great performance. By selecting these types of products, you can save up to 60% of water compared with traditional bathroom products.

“73% of household water is consumed in the bathroom”

Vernis. Experience hansgrohe quality at an attractive price

The new hansgrohe Vernis assortment consists of 2 designs that fit every bathroom, every lifestyle, and every taste. Vernis Blend has a modern and elegant design while Vernis Shape comes in a geometric form creating a striking bathroom ambience. pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

Please scan the QR code to view the Installer Range brochure.

> OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Water is at the core of sustainable development, is critical for human survival and is an irreplaceable resource. Today more than 1.7 billion people live in river basins where depletion through use exceeds natural recharge, a trend that will see two-thirds of the world’s population living in water-stress countries by 2025.

There is still the same amount of water on the planet. There are however more people to share this with which is what water shortage is actually about and why we need to use water responsibly.

Water and energy waste are two of the

greatest problems facing today’s society, on average the consumption of water is 136L per inhabitant per day with only 1.5L being for drinking. 10% of the world’s water consumption is used in domestic living, and around 73% of household water is consumed in the bathroom.

> SAVING WATER IS EASY

Those who economise with water can help to reduce the impact on the environment – as well as their wallet. Saving water is easy. Even making small changes to our everyday habits can help. For example, if you turn the tap off whilst brushing your teeth, you can save up to 18L of water each time.

“Water and energy waste are two of the greatest problems facing today’s society”

> WATER SAVING PRODUCTS

There are many switches that can be made when designing and installing a bathroom that can have a huge impact on the amount of water that is used. Below are some suggestions that you can pass on to your customers but also do yourself!

▸ The Eco Double Flush Toilet The 6-3L version will save up to 47% more water and the 4.5-3L version will save up to 56%.

▸ CoolStart Taps

When using Hansgrohe's CoolStart technology, only cold water flows when the handle is in the centre position. This saves energy as warm water is only added when the handle is turned to the left.

▸ Air Power

Water is mixed with air which creates larger, heavier water droplets maintaining a great showering performance whilst reducing the amount of water used. This mixture of air and water is also available in taps.

▸ Thermostatic Showers

They reduce temperature fluctuations resulting in less energy being used and creating a better shower experience.

▸

LED Technology

If you are installing backlit wall lights and mirrors in the bathroom, use LED lighting as it consumes up to 80% less energy.

Recognised as "a champion of the value of water", Hansgrohe has been integrating sustainability holistically into its business, where it has been developing products which save both water and energy.

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Find out what you can save by using the Hansgrohe water savings calculator:

UNIQUE DESIGNS FOR UNIQUE CUSTOMERS

Bathroom design is all about personal style and thanks to hansgrohe's FinishPlus, it is even easier for your customers to create their individual dream bathroom.

> EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

> UNIQUE DESIGNS

With five distinctive finishes to choose from, FinishPlus enables a variety of design options that enhance the bathroom style. If a customer is looking to create contrast within the bathroom, then Matt Black or Matt White will be sure to enhance the shaping of the brassware. Or, if the desired effect is for a sophisticated metallic shine, try the elegance of Polished Gold, Brushed Black or Brushed Bronze.

When installing any FinishPlus product, customers are guaranteed to enjoy all the quality features they have come to expect from Hansgrohe. All FinishPlus surfaces offer exceptional robustness, durability and scratch resistance.

> STOCK AVAILABILITY

FinishPlus products are now available on short lead times. Saving both money and time, this gives installers peace of mind when working to tight timelines and schedules.

Many of these products are also available as EcoSmart alternatives, which means they not only save water, but they also save energy and therefore cost less to run. for more information and to download the FinishPlus brochure visit:

SCAN HERE

“Hansgrohe also offers a five-year guarantee on its products and a 15-year spare parts availability”

BOILERS

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IN SAFE HANDS

When it comes to choosing the right boiler, customers can find themselves in unfamiliar territory and will want to put their trust in you. To help you reassure your customers, here are Alpha’s top tips.

> A GOOD PLACE TO START

It is important to have a good understanding of the three main types of gas boiler, so you can clearly explain to your customer which type will be most suitable for their needs.

TOP TIPS

COMBINATION BOILERS

OR ‘COMBIS’ - these are the most popular boilers for small-medium sized properties with average hot water demands. They do not require a bulky water tank or hot water cylinder and they heat up water from the mains on demand. This means that energy is not wasted by heating water that may not be used – great for helping customers to minimise their fuel bill and carbon footprint.

CONVENTIONAL BOILERS

(also called regular, heat-only or traditional boilers) – ideal for retro-fit and refurbishment projects where a traditional heating and hot water system is already in place, these boilers provide central heating and stored hot water via a cylinder. They are a ‘go-to’ choice for large homes that have a high demand for hot water or multiple bathrooms.

This type of boiler can be run on a low pressure open vented heating system which may suit older properties where existing pipework cannot cope with conversion to a sealed pressurised system.

3SYSTEM BOILERS –unlike conventional boilers, system

boilers do not require a central heating feed and expansion system which eliminates the need to have bulky tanks in the roof space. Instead, they incorporate an expansion vessel along with a circulation pump and valves. By having such components built-in, system boilers are more straightforward to install than conventional boilers. Designed for households with multi-bathroom and high hot water demands, they are ideal, as hot water in the storage cylinder is constantly topped up ensuring hot water is always available.

E-TEC

“Replacing an older boiler could help customers save money on their energy bill”

> THE KEY TO KILOWATTS

A common question that customers ask is, “what size boiler do I need?” Of course, the first thing to advise is that boiler size relates to its ‘output rating’, and not the physical size of the unit. Ratings are measured in kilowatts or ‘kW’ and they refer to how much power a boiler can provide to a heating and hot water system. The amount of power needed is dependent on property size and to help put this into context for customers, here is a good rule of thumb using the Alpha E-Tec combi boiler range as an example:

• 24-28kW – single bathroom

• 30-35kW - bathroom and en-suite

• 35+kW - two-bathroom property

It is also important not to purchase an oversized boiler as it may be too powerful and lead to performance issues and wasted energy. Similarly, one that is too small may not heat a home properly.

> WHEN TO UPGRADE?

Customers can be advised that boilers, if regularly serviced, will typically last up to 15 years. Tell-tale signs that they need replacing will include:

• Energy bill increases

• Topping up the boiler pressure more often

• Replacement parts are harder to find

• Boiler and radiators become noisier

• Radiators take longer to heat up

> ALL-ROUND ADVANTAGES

Replacing an older boiler with a modern gas-condensing boiler could help customers save money on their energy bill. With heating bills accounting for approximately 60% of household spend on energy and with prices continuing to climb, having a modern, efficient boiler could make a big difference. In addition, they make homes safer and reduce emissions.

For further information about Alpha, visit www.alpha-innovation.co.uk

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HEAT PUMPS

As the necessity for renewable technology grows due to rising energy costs and Government targets for reducing carbon emissions, installers need to be able to offer more energy-efficient heating solutions.

Heat pumps take low-temperature heat from sources such as outdoor air and increase it in an energy-efficient way

This heat is then transferred to water circulating around radiators or underfloor heating systems; the heat pump also provides hot water to a cylinder for showers and taps

There are different types of heat pump, but ‘air-source’ is most commonly used in the UK

> ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS

As a complete heating solutions provider, Alpha is developing electric heat pumps and educating consumers on what to expect from them and on how differently they work to gas boilers.

Heat pump systems operate at lower temperatures than gas boilers so, to work effectively, properties need to be well insulated and old radiators should be replaced with larger, more efficient models

Outdoor heat pump units measure approximately 1m x 1m x 350mm deep

Having outside space is an advantage but units can also be fitted onto walls or balconies

A single unit on domestic premises doesn’t generally require planning permission

Being electrically-powered, it’s possible to combine heat pumps with solar panels

Unlike fossil fuel boilers, heat pumps produce zero carbon emissions at source

Householders don’t always have to choose between having a heat pump or boiler as hybrid systems are possible.

CIRCULATOR PUMPS

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Tired of complex

LET'S MAKE BETTER HEATING STSTEMS – TOGETHER

Get the right solution and support for any challenge.

> RELIABLE HEATING SYSTEMS

When it comes to domestic heating, reliability is everything. Reliable heating systems ensure that the comfort of the home remains intact, but efficient pumps also go a long way to provide this. Pumps are responsible for 10% of the total electricity in the world, simply due to the fact that many of them run inefficiently. With a high-efficiency solution, however, you will not only bring savings to your customers, you will also reduce their environmental footprint.

GRUNDFOS FOR INSTALLERS

Grundfos for Installers is a one-stop-shop for installers and heating engineers that offers ready access to a range of useful pump related materials.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s plumbing professionals, this portal offers access to the best tools and information from the Grundfos world to support you in your daily work.

On top of all these great elements, being part of the Grundfos for Installers club can also offer you some surprising added extras, that are aimed at helping you to maximise your business potential with both on and offline support suggestions and ideas. These practical guides are available as animations and will help you to stand out from other similar organisations.

> LEARNING TOOLS

Launched in 2016, it is under constant development and today it now offers a range of features and information to make sure it continues to meet your needs, such as a range of digital tools, information on new products as well as access to the ever popular Grundfos ECADEMY learning platform that supports a wide range of product and industry related topics, all delivered in bite sized modules.

This internet-based learning tool assists in improving knowledge on pumps, their applications and the theory behind them and is available 24/7. Its aim is to help keep pump professionals up-to-date on a range of industry related topics that includes pump theory, circulator basics, shower pumps as well as product specific modules, all of which have been specifically developed to assist industry professionals.

The Grundfos for Installers hub is ready to help you to fulfil a wide range of tasks as well as providing you with 24/7 assistance and some great hints and tips, all of which can be accessed from your computer tablet or smartphone.

Next time you’re unsure about something pump related, come and pay us a visit on www.grundfos.co.uk/gfi because we’re on your side.

COMPLIANCE

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PICKING APART PART L

The new changes to Part L Building Regulations are a lot to digest, so here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know!

> FLOW TEMPERATURES

> FABRIC FIRST APPROACH

A ‘fabric first approach’ means that methods are put in place to maximise the performance of the components that make up the building fabric, such as insulation and glazing.

A target of 31% decrease in carbon emissions has been set because of this approach, as the Government hopes to meet the target of a 75-80% decrease by 2025 in the ‘Future Homes Standard’.

> HEAT LOSS CALCULATIONS

When installing a replacement boiler, heat loss calculations will now be required for every room in a dwelling, rather than just for the dwelling itself. This is to ensure the heat source is not oversized.

An installer will need to calculate heat loss for all heating system types, including oil, gas and renewable systems.

Examples of appropriate sizing can be found in CIPHE’s Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide by scanning the QR code below:

Low carbon heating systems must have a maximum flow temperature of 55 degrees, compared to the previous standard of 80 degrees.

If this is not possible for an existing installation, the new requirements state that the space heating system should be designed to allow the lowest possible flow temperature to be used.

Grow your knowledge with the Altecnic Academy

> GAS BOILERS

Minimum energy efficiency for heating systems has been set as part of the new requirements, with 92% ErP for gas boilers and a SCOP of 3.0 for heat pumps.

SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) is a new average measurement that shows how effective the heat pump is on an annual basis.

High efficiency condensing gas boilers will meet the minimum requirements for Part L, but only when combined with secondary energy efficiency levels such as:

• Solar PV panels

•

•

heating

heat recovery

• Flue gas heat recovery

> CONTINUATION OF THE BOILER PLUS SCHEME

The ‘Boiler Plus’ requirements were set out in 2018 and remain the same. These state that a gas combination boiler (whether installed in a new or existing system) must include one of the following:

• Weather compensation

• Load compensation

• Flue gas heat recovery

• Smart controls with automation and optimisation functions

“Every room will require thermostatic room controls”

Valve

> HEATING CONTROLS

Every room will require thermostatic room controls. These can consist of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), thermostats, programmers, boiler interlocks, cylinder thermostats or independent HW time controls, and must be able to be used separately.

With most heating systems having radiators already installed, adding TRVs in each room is the least obtrusive way to meet this requirement. By ensuring that each room is maintained at a comfortable temperature, any overheating and energy wastage is avoided.

> WATER TREATMENT

Mandatory water treatment for every heating system, is now recognised by reference to BS 7593: 2019. This outlines the best practices for the preparation of the primary wet central heating systems. Each system should be designed to allow for efficient cleaning and flushing and for the addition of water treatment chemicals.

By aligning with this British Standard, the new requirements for Part L ensure that potential problems are highlighted, and measures are put in place to maintain efficiency.

> BALANCING IS BEST PRACTICE

Heating systems are intended to deliver the proper rate of heat transfer precisely when and where it’s needed within a building. Without proper balancing and adjustments, that goal is almost never achieved, causing a lack of comfort and wasted energy from incorrect room air temperatures.

To overcome this, and to ensure the system remains compliant to the new Part L regulations, it should be best practice to balance a system. This can be done using balancing devices, with the designer of any system calculating the flow rate required to each terminal unit and selecting the type and size of the balancing valve to control the flow based on the type of pumping system utilised (constant speed or variable speed).

Water quality test kit

If you need any further support with the new Part L regulations, please email: technical@altecnic.co.uk.

“It should be best practice to balance a system”

Dynamical TRV

THE ENERGY SAVING SUPERHERO?

With energy bills on the rise, it is important for homeowners to install components to their systems that save energy and reduce costs. The Altecnic Ecocal® TRV range provides this solution.

> WHAT MAKES THE ECOCAL® TRV THE ‘ENERGY SAVING SUPERHERO’?

The Ecocal® TRV range are TELL (Thermostatic Efficiency Labelling) rated ‘I’, meaning that they fulfil the minimum requirements which are in line with EN 215 (influence of water temperature, hysteresis, response time and influence of differential pressure). This helps to reassure consumers that by installing an Ecocal® TRV, they are going to be making their heating system more efficient than if they installed a standard radiator valve.

Available in 15mm, 10mm and 8mm versions, these TRVs have been manufactured for both retrofit and new installations, specially designed with a serrated sliding tailpiece to prevent alterations to pipe work during installation.

The models have a reversible body for either vertical or horizontal fit and are suitable for on flow or return pipe work, providing the installer with ultimate flexibility. Thanks to their positive off position, they even allow for radiators to be removed without needing to be drained.

So, the Ecocal® range of TRVs provide both energy savings for the consumer and make installation and maintenance easier! We think that that is pretty heroic!

For further information visit: www.altecnic.co.uk

CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY

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CONCEALED TECHNOLOGY

With the size of new homes shrinking, the challenge of designing and installing a bathroom is now more important than ever. Despite smaller spaces, consumers are also demanding more from their bathrooms and seeking not only a functional space but one that is tranquil and promotes wellbeing.

An increased consideration for hygiene, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, will also now become one of the leading factors in how bathrooms are designed.

The latest advancements in concealed technology can help us tackle these design considerations to enable us to achieve clever bathroom designs that optimise space, hygiene and ambience whilst delivering a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

There are a number of ways concealed technology can help you offer your customers beautiful bathrooms that work within the modern-day household.

MASTERPIECE OF TECHNOLOGY

GROHE RAPIDO SMARTBOX SYSTEM

With its universal solutions, our GROHE Rapido SmartBox System is the answer for everything. Never before has a rough-in from GROHE offered so many different options and so much flexibility and freedom. And with the GROHE Rapido Smartbox System you can install the box now and decide on a trim in the future. grohe.co.uk

WALL-HUNG TOILETS AND BASINS

Concealed WC frames enable the installation of wall-hung toilets and are fast becoming the most popular option for new build and complete bathroom refurbishment projects due to their space-saving and hygiene benefits:

> SPACE SAVING

Combining a wall-hung pan with a concealed installation frame really helps you maximise all available space.

> HYGIENE

With the cistern concealed and pan lifted off the floor, cleaning is easy with no awkward corners for bacteria and germs to lurk.

> NOISE REDUCTION

The noise from the toilet flush is decreased when using an installation frame as the cistern is behind the wall. This makes it a great option for en-suites and family bathrooms alike.

> AMBIENCE

To complement the look of a wall-hung WC, you can also use a concealed basin installation frame. Wall-mounting your basin or basin furniture optimises space whilst hiding the water and waste supplies, creating a more minimalist look.

> CHOICE

There are a wide range of concealed WC frames, from different heights to multiple water fixing points and affixing options. The customer can add the finishing touch with choice of flush plate and ceramic!

“The most up-and-coming trend for bathroom design is the shift towards concealed showering”

STYLISH, MINIMALIST SHOWERS

Perhaps the most up-and-coming trend for bathroom design is the shift towards concealed showering and moving away from traditional systems with bulky, exposed pipework.

> GREATER CUSTOMER CHOICE

Innovations such as first fix concealed roughin boxes like the GROHE Rapido Smartbox can facilitate three different water outlets (handshower, headshower and bath filler), giving consumers more choice than ever when it comes to designing their dream shower. The GROHE Rapido Smartbox can be paired with more than 220 different shower trimsets so customers will be sure to find a design, set up and finish that meets their taste and needs.

Concealed showers not only take up less space but also offer more options when it comes to shower design and layout which can be a huge benefit when installing in small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms. With a concealed rough-in box, you could even have the headshower on one wall of the enclosure and the trimset on an opposing wall – the options are endless!

> WHY CONCEALED BATHROOM PRODUCTS?

Concealed technology for the bathroom is a trend we believe is here to stay, and one that will continue to grow in popularity in UK bathrooms. Want to know more about concealed bathroom products? Here are two of our most frequently asked questions:

Q1: Aren’t concealed products harder to install?

A1: While they can sometimes look daunting, the truth is that concealed products can actually be easier and faster to fit. They often have height adjustable feet, four inlet connections for the water as well as adjustable wall brackets.

Q2: Is it more difficult to service and maintain concealed products?

A2: The majority of concealed WC installation systems can be serviced from the space behind the flush button, meaning you don’t need to think about making an access panel for future servicing and maintenance. GROHE concealed showers can also be fitted with service stops behind the trimset meaning the shower can be isolated without shutting down the water supply to the whole room or house. This allows simple servicing and maintenance of thermostats, cartridges and diverters.

For more information about Grohe, visit www.grohe.co.uk

GROHE RAPID SLX

GROHE Rapid SLX is a concealed product hidden behind the wall that offers state-of-the-art plumbing solutions for the bathroom.

Its universal concealed support frame with flushing cistern is designed for use with rimless toilets, a growing trend in the market, and smart shower toilets.

> FUTURE-PROOFING DESIGN

The generous opening behind the ceramic provides easy access to the water and power connections, helping to reduce both cost and time of additional upgrades later down the line.

> KEY FEATURES

The integrated flow manager makes it easy to adjust the flow of the flush on rimless toilets to avoid unwanted splashing or overflowing. This can be done in a matter of a few seconds via the flush plate opening when installing a new toilet without the hassle of having to re-tile or demount the valves.

The integrated electric socket and water connections enable a quick retrofit installation of a shower toilet should the designer or customer wish to upgrade to this in the future.

The GROHE Whisper technology of the dual-flush cistern significantly reduces noise of the flush to ensure the bathroom remains a private, personal space.

GROHE’s slim flush plates provide a sleek, sophisticated finish to any project.

Whatever the future holds in store for bathroom design, the Rapid SLX is designed to make life easier and smarter – for designers, installers and end consumers – and to ensure vision isn’t held back by technology.“The integrated electric socket and water connections enable a quick retrofit installation”

For more information visit: www.grohe.co.uk

DRAINAGE

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DRAINAGE

CHOOSE YOUR PIPE AND FITTINGS

Boxed away in cupboards and beneath floors and plasterboard, it’s something the homeowner isn’t really aware of unless something goes wrong. But even though it’s hidden, the hard-working drainage system is a key part of a well-functioning home and it deserves some real consideration when it comes to installation and maintenance.

> WHAT DOES A WASTE SYSTEM DO?

Generally speaking, a house’s waste drainage system will cover its sinks, baths and showers, and household appliances including the dishwasher and washing machine. So if it were to fail, the resulting leakage would have multiple consequences –from flooding the immediate space with foul water, to knocking a household essential out of action whilst the problem is resolved.

There are multiple options for household waste and you can choose the system that best works for you and your project.

POLYPROPYLENE PUSH-FIT SYSTEMS: Offer fast, secure and demountable joints. They are also much easier to install in spaces which are hard to access and manoeuver in.

SOLVENT WELD ABS SYSTEMS: Offer permanent jointing and are particularly suited to areas where the system is exposed, such as where the system exits through an external wall or will be in a public area.

UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION SYSTEMS:

Can be used to join push-fit systems to solvent weld systems. This system can also be used to join onto legacy copper or lead piping. This is particularly useful when updating a section of a waste system or working on houses where multiple systems are already in place.

> WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A HOUSEHOLD WASTE SYSTEM?

It’s best to view a household’s waste drainage as an interconnected system, made up of waste pipe, fittings and traps.

The world of residential drainage is mostly a hidden one.

“…the hard-working drainage system is a key part of a well-functioning home…”

> CHOOSE YOUR TRAP

The choice of trap is down to finding the right product for the right installation. Each trap is designed to do a specific job in a specific place and it’s your job to play matchmaker. For example, a bottle trap is typically installed under a basin but manufacturers with comprehensive product ranges can offer you a standard bottle trap, one with an adjustable telescopic connection, one with an anti-syphon addition, or one with both.

Then there are the appliance traps, with specific products for washing machines or dishwashers. There are hard-working multi-tasking kits which can provide waste drainage for sinks with multiple bowls. And there are new low level traps designed to sit neatly beneath shower trays and baths and solutions for wet rooms. There are even self-sealing valves which don’t rely on water levels to achieve an air tight seal – meaning you won’t run the risk of bad smells entering the building in low or no flow situations.

Look for a manufacturer that offers a wide range of traps so you get the right product every time.

> WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WASTE SYSTEM

▸ STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION

Choose a system which holds all of the relevant standards and certifications. Look for BBA Approvals and British Standards Institute (BSI) Kitemarks.

Kitemarks are a trusted symbol of safe, reliable products. They are only awarded to companies which complete an initial quality assessment and undergo ongoing independent auditing to ensure products always meet the highest possible standards.

Look for a manufacturer that offers all three types of waste pipe and fittings, in a choice of diameters and colours.

If you’re based in the north of the UK, you’re far more likely to work on houses featuring push-fit systems, but in the south you’re more likely to encounter solvent weld systems.

▸ INSTALLATION BENEFITS

Look for products which offer added benefits for you, the plumber, for example features which make installation easier or more secure.

▸ HOMEOWNER BENEFITS

Wherever possible, look for products which offer added benefits for the homeowner too. This positions you as a professional with pride in choosing the best product for the job. This could be a low level bath trap to make the most of that tub the homeowner’s been eyeing up, or it could be a waste trap which prevents bad smells rising in to the property.

▸ ONGOING MAINTENANCE

Look for products which offer you the confidence to fit and forget, which need little to no ongoing maintenance and have a long life expectancy.

> OVER AND ABOVE

Finally, a real mark of quality is a product which offers all of the above and that little something more. Polypipe Building Products' WP46 bottle trap is a Help for Heroes endorsed product, meaning 79p from the sale of every trap is donated to the charity. Every year, over 14,000 servicemen and women return to Civvy Street, with one in four forging a new career in construction. The funds will be used to support Help for Heroes initiatives, working with men and women living with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

“Look for products which offer added benefits for you, the plumber”

OVER AND ABOVE, IT HAS TO BE POLYPIPE

The system is made up of seven new and improved waste traps and a new multi-layer waste pipe and enhanced fittings range.

> WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Developed with the plumber in mind, the new traps feature finned seals, and improved threaded nuts for superb product integrity. The traps also include Polypipe Building Products' Fit-Rite technology. The Fit-Rite insertion aid helps guide the pipe into place, giving you the assurance that you’ve made a secure joint when you’re fitting in fiddly and hard-to-reach locations. Unlike other products, the Fit-Rite insertion aid is easily removable so when it’s not required, there’s no need for you to break out the stanley knife and cut it free. That means no more jagged edges that can potentially harm the pipe during installation. What’s more, our traps are stocked in plumbers’ merchants nationally, so you can find them when you need them. All of which gives you the confidence to fit and forget Polypipe waste products, and move on to your next job.

> WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUR CUSTOMER?

As an additional benefit for homeowners, we’ve added Biocote to our waste system. By killing up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses, Biocote significantly

minimises the build-up of bio-film. This reduces unpleasant odours and blockages for the homeowner.

This antimicrobial protection will remain active for the lifetime of the product, giving plumbers and homeowners added peace of mind.

> OVER AND ABOVE

Feel good when buying Polypipe Building Products as 79p from the sale of each WP46 bottle trap goes straight to Help for Heroes.

Polypipe Building Products' waste systems are the ONLY range on the market to incorporate antimicrobial technology, reducing odours and blockages through combatting the build-up of bio-film.

Polypipe Building Products' are the ONLY traps on the market to hold a BSI Kitemark

For more information visit polypipe.com

Polypipe Building Products' innovative waste system offers great features and benefits for plumbers and homeowners alike.

ENERGY SAVINGS

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HERE

HELPING YOUR CUSTOMERS REDUCE ENERGY BILLS

Just like a car needs clean oil to run at its best, central heating needs clean water. Dirty water in our boilers can cause a damaging problem – sludge, which can result in higher energy usage. Most homeowners don’t know about this, so here are some facts to help you talk to them about it.

> SLUDGE CAN REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HEAT RADIATORS GIVE OUT BY 47%

Dirty water in heating systems contains magnetite – also known as sludge – made up of tiny magnetic particles. Sludge settles at the bottom of radiators and blocks the heat coming through properly. Homeowners find cold spots on their radiators and think there’s a problem with the radiator itself, not realising it’s actually a problem with the water inside. They tend to turn the heating up instead to try to get the room to a comfortable temperature.

> SLUDGE CAN INCREASE ENERGY BILLS BY 7% A YEAR

When sludge blocks the heat coming through the system, the house is colder, so your customers are turning their heating up. They use more energy to get the right temperature – costing much more in heating bills. Getting sludge dealt with has been shown to save people 7% a year on their energy bills**.

> SLUDGE IS INCREASING THE DOMESTIC CARBON FOOTPRINT

A central heating system contaminated by sludge has to work harder to pump water around, making you use more energy to make the room feel warm enough. A sludge-free system will use less energy and reduce your carbon emissions by up to 7%*

“If you follow ADEY Best Practice®, radiator heat output can increase by up to 47%*”

Sludge can build up quickly in untreated heating systems, clogging up components and eventually causing the boiler to break down. In fact, out of the 3.2 million boilers that break down in the UK each year, 1.9 million are due to sludge.*

> MOST UK HEATING PROTECTED AGAINST SLUDGE

Most UK heating systems don’t have a magnetic filter connected, so there’s nothing to capture suspended sludge particles before they settle in the components and start to cause a problem. It is an additional cost to the homeowner, but the long term benefits of a clean and protected system far outweigh the initial cost.

ADEY MagnaCleanse® Rapid Flush can remove virtually all the magnetite through its cleaning process. The fast and effective, yet gentle, flushing process makes it ideal for all systems.

ADEY MagnaClean® filters help to protect the system by capturing the suspended sludge as it passes through.

> SLUDGE CAUSES 60% OF ANNUAL BOILER BREAKDOWNS IN THE UK

“A sludge-free heating system helps radiators gain up to 47% more heat”

HOW DO I TALK ABOUT SLUDGE WITH MY CUSTOMERS?

Sometimes having a conversation about water treatment in the home is challenging because it’s something homeowners don’t know about. So it’s important to show them the value of it throughout their journey with you. It helps them to understand what the return on their investment is in real terms, and makes them more likely to say yes to your quote.

TOP TIPS

Include some information and literature about the damaging effects of sludge on your website. ADEY ProClub® members have access to dedicated homeowner leaflets to help you start the conversation.

Add a video link to quotes where water treatment is recommended. There is an animated video on the ADEY® YouTube channel that helps explain in simple terms what sludge can do to their heating system.

Use a ProCheck® digital water test to show homeowners the cleanliness of their system water. This helps put the sludge problem into perspective for their own system. You can also use it to show them the job you’ve done is top notch afterwards.

By following ADEY Best Practice® you can help your customers save money on their gas bills, reduce carbon emissions and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

**Against a corrosion filled system. Cost calculated at October 2022 gas prices

*Independent research by ADEY

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND MORE WITH ADEY PROCLUB®

It’s easy to talk about water treatment in the home and grow your business when you have access to quality resources, and exclusive discounts.

ADEY ProClub® is a loyalty club that’s totally FREE to join, and you get access to loads of great benefits.

> HOW DOES IT WORK?

Registering ADEY product warranties not only protects your customers’ investment, but also earns you prizes. For every warranty registered on selected MagnaClean filters, you can collect points to claim on a range of rewards.

> CLAIM REWARDS

Use your points to claim some fantastic prizes like:

Branded workwear and merchandise

ADEY in-home demo kit

High street vouchers

Personalised literature on Installer Hub, your dedicated marketing toolkit

> WIN MORE BUSINESS

ProClub members also get a 20% discount on adeyspares.co.uk, and exclusive discounts with key partners that we think will help you be more competitive in the marketplace.

Members also get exclusive news, hints and tips in the monthly email newsletter, The Pulse. You don’t want to miss it!

SCAN HERE

It’s totally free to join, just scan the QR code or download the ADEY ProClub app today to get started.

FLEXIBLE PLUMBING

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

BY

PLASTIC PUSH-FIT

THE MODERN SOLUTION TO HOT & COLD WATER SUPPLY

Plastic push-fit plumbing systems for hot and cold water services were developed by Hep²O here in the UK during the late 1970s.

Subsequent years have seen them steadily increase in popularity amongst professional plumbers and installers – largely as a result of a growth in awareness of the obvious benefits they offer.

Plastic plumbing technology started to be taken seriously in the 1990s when availability became more widespread. A significant boost resulted from the uptake in underfloor heating systems which mainly utilise plastic pipework. Another important development in explaining the increased interest in plastic piping was the huge take-up of manufactured joists and I-beams for intermediate floors. In fact, it has been suggested that when it comes to fitting pipework through an I-beam floor, using plastic is around 15 times faster than using rigid metal!

> THE PRINCIPLE OF PUSH-FIT FITTINGS

A number of different manufacturers’ systems are now available but they all share a similar operating principle: The pipe is cut to length with an appropriate pipe cutter and a pipe sleeve is inserted into the pipe end. This is an essential part of the technology as it keeps

the pipe end rigid and circular. The pipe is then pushed into the fitting, passing through a metal grab-ring and an O-ring. The grab-ring secures the pipe and prevents it ‘blowing out’ under pressure and the O-ring provides the leak-proof seal – and of course modern plastic fittings are equally effective when joining either copper or plastic pipe.

Subsequent demounting is achieved by releasing the grab-ring and withdrawing the pipe.

Hep2O Polybutylene pipe comes off the coil straight. (Pictured here with less flexible PEX pipe)

Supporting plumbers of the futureSUPPORT

A series of E-learning courses, online calculation tools, How-to videos and installation guides are some of the many ways Hep2O can provide support for students and apprentices. Plus, with a rating of 9 out of 10 for quality and a 50-year guarantee, it’s no wonder installers can feel confident of doing a great job every time with Hep2O. For added assurance, Hep2O also features In4Sure™ secure jointing technology for a perfect push-fit. It’s compatible with copper and the coiled pipe stays flat, which makes every job quick and easy, but don’t take our word for it, try it yourself and request your free test pack now from:

Plastic push-fit systems are now commonly specified by RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) plumbers across a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. In fact they are so successful that 90% of all new houses constructed in recent years use plastic systems throughout their entire hot and cold water supply and central heating systems.

LOWER COST IN USE

The reason for the growth in popularity of plastic systems lies in the impressive list of benefits they offer over the more traditional rigid systems:

Plastic pipe is very flexible and can be ‘cabled’ in a similar way to electrical wiring, thus cutting down on the number of joints required

Fewer joints means less risk from leaks

Jointing is quicker which means installation time is dramatically reduced

More and more plumbers are recognising that the benefits of plastic push-fit systems lie not in a direct price comparison of components, but in the speed of installation.

There is no risk of fire because no open flame is used during installation and no Hot Permit to Work is required

are easily demountable

connections are made by handno tools are required

tools means much easier to install in confined spaces

Plastic systems are quick to install, whether it’s a complex cabling system or a simple appliance connection.

plastic push-fit systems can also be connected to copper pipework.

> EASIER INSTALLATION

Recent research asked 1,059 experienced plumbers to estimate the time required to replace all the plumbing in an average bathroom with copper and then a second estimate using only plastic. The result is a six-hour (28%) time saving in favour of plastic. Therefore a normal 40-hour week for a bathroom installer using copper would reduce to 29 hours using plastic.

Providing basic manufacturers’ rules are followed, plastic push-fit fittings are the easiest, quickest and most cost effective of all plumbing fittings to use.

The only tool required to make joints is a specialist cutter for plastic pipe or a pipe slice for copper pipe. A hacksaw should never be used as any burrs on the pipe ends may damage the O-ring inside the fitting. They are also just as easy to demount – while different manufacturers have different demounting methods, they all share a common simplicity.

Plastic push-fit fittings are equally effective whether jointing plastic or copper pipe

1,059 plumbers estimated that an average bathroom would take six hours less to renovate if plastic fittings were used instead of copper.

With the appropriate pipe sleeve arrangement, plastic push-fit fittings can be used on copper or plastic pipe but not on chrome plated pipe as the chrome surface is too hard. To join chrome plated pipes, compression joints should be used.

> NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The most significant development in plastic push-fit technology in recent years is Hep²O’s ‘Next Generation’ range of fittings, which features a number of new developments:

The new fittings are slimmer in size and have a much sleeker and more stylish design, which means they now look a lot neater and less intrusive when placed in visible locations.

Clearly, push-fit technology is continuing to move forward, largely driven by the same company that was so heavily involved in its original development back in the late 1970s.

For enquiries or to place an order contact 0844 856 5152, email info@hep2o.co.uk or visit hep2o.co.uk

PLUMBING

FOR PROFESSIONAL USERS

Hep²O is the UK’s premier flexible push-fit plastic plumbing system for domestic hot and cold water supply, including potable water and central heating.

The

system is

for professional users and is

the most widely specified system in use here in the UK.

Unlike other similar types of coiled plastic pipe, Hep²O pipe utilises ‘straight coil’ technology, which means the pipe does not return to its coiled state when uncoiled from the SmartPackTM dispensers.

Instead, it remains straight but with no loss of flexibility, which makes it much easier to handle and ‘cable’ into position.

> THE SYSTEM

The system comprises flexible plastic ‘straight coil’ polybutylene pipework connected to fittings that incorporate an integral push-fit mechanism, making jointing quick and simple.

The result is a lot fewer joints and a significantly faster, safer and more cost-effective installation when compared to rigid plumbing pipe systems, such as copper.

For a series of ‘how to’ installation videos, scan this QR code.

HOT WATER CYLINDERS

SPONSORED BY

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

WHEN TO USE A CYLINDER

That’s the crucial question you can ask yourself when working with your customers on adaptations, retrofits and extensions to their home. If the answer is ‘no’, it’s an opportunity for you to upgrade your customer to an unvented hot water cylinder.

Combi boilers can be just the job for smaller homes with only one bathroom, but they’re often left lagging when using more than one hot water outlet at the same time.

If your customer is adding a bathroom,

building an extension for a new utility room or a workshop with hot water, it could be time to consider adding an element of stored hot water to the system. It’s no good installing the most luxurious en-suite shower or beautiful new bathroom if your customer is left disappointed because the bath takes forever to fill or the shower becomes a trickle as soon as someone turns on the kitchen sink tap.

That’s where hot water cylinders are the best product for the job. Whether it’s in a home with one bathroom and an en-suite, or in a multiple-occupancy home with four or five bathrooms, they can handle hot water being used simultaneously in multiple places throughout the home.

Is this hot water system capable of meeting the demands it could face?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOT WATER CYLINDER

> CYLINDER SELECTION GUIDE FOR INSTALLERS

There are four key steps in choosing the right hot water cylinder to meet the needs of your customer and their household hot water usage. Following this simple guide will help you select the best type and size of cylinder for their needs.

Although this guide is aimed at professionally qualified installers, it can also be used in class as an introduction to help apprentices understand what is involved in choosing the right cylinder.

STEP 1:

IDENTIFY THE CYLINDER TYPE NEEDED FOR THE SYSTEM – VENTED OR UNVENTED?

> VENTED CYLINDERS

Vented cylinders were the traditional way to supply hot water in most British homes between the 1940s and 1990s. A vented cylinder gets its cold-water feed from a header tank, usually located in the loft. It then uses gravity to feed the cylinder with its water supply, as opposed to being fed directly by the cold mains.

Relatively speaking, vented cylinders offer poor performance in terms of water pressure. If you’re looking to replace an old vented cylinder that has failed, a like-for-like replacement with another vented cylinder will provide the easiest and cheapest way of getting the hot water back up and running quickly and with the least disruption.

> UNVENTED CYLINDERS

Unvented cylinders use the mains cold-water supply and not a cold tank in the loft. This allows them to provide high flow rates and mains pressure hot water (regulated to 3bar) for the fast filling of baths and powerful showers.

Unvented cylinders are ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms or where the home has both a kitchen and utility room, as they can support multiple hot water outlets at the same time. Modern unvented cylinders are very well insulated for minimum heat loss and come in a protective casing to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

> THERMAL STORES

When you’re assessing a home’s current hot water system, you may also come across a thermal store. Before unvented cylinders were developed, if you wanted mains pressure hot water, you would need a thermal store.

As the name suggests, a thermal store enables water to be stored at a very high temperature and uses that stored water to heat the mains pressure cold water. This is passed through the cylinder’s heat exchanger – essentially working in reverse to a traditional cylinder – with the heat exchanger taking heat out of the cylinder instead of putting it in.

Thermal stores integrate well into systems with multiple heat sources and where the heat source is unregulated, for example a solid fuel wood burner.

STEP 2: SPECIFY THE CYLINDER DEPENDING ON ITS HEAT SOURCE

Once you’ve decided whether the house needs a vented or unvented cylinder or a thermal store, the next step is to confirm the heat source and what that means for the type of cylinder you need.

> IMMERSION HEATER USING ELECTRICITY

When the only option for the property is to heat the cylinder electrically through an immersion heater, you need to select a ‘direct’ cylinder.

> GAS OR OIL BOILER

When your customer has a conventional boiler as a heat source, you need to select an ‘indirect’ cylinder.

> RENEWABLE ENERGY – SOLAR THERMAL OR HEAT PUMP

When the property has rentable heat sources available, you need to select either a ‘solar indirect’ or ‘heat pump’ cylinder. Solar indirect cylinders feature two heat exchanger coils –one for connecting to the solar heat source and the other for connecting to a conventional boiler for when insufficient solar energy is available.

> SOLID FUEL, AGA OR OTHER UNREGULATED HEAT SOURCE

When dealing with any unregulated heat source or when there are multiple heat sources available, a thermal store will usually provide the best solution.

STEP 3:

WHAT SIZE CYLINDER DO YOU NEED?

When choosing the cylinder capacity for your customer’s home, you should always look to future-proof the installation by considering any likely change in their hot water needs. For example, if you know they have a growing family, or intend to add an additional en-suite bathroom.

For those not familiar with hot water storage, it is important to remember it is usually held at about 60°C, but is intended to be mixed with cold water down to a usable temperature. A bath using 100 litres of hot water at 40°C actually only equates to 60 litres at 60°C. A shower can use 18 litres of hot water per minute at 40°C, which is only 11 litres at 60°C.

The following average consumption levels of hot water (40°C) per person per day can be used as a guide:

Low consumption = 20-30 litres

Average consumption = 30-50 litres

High consumption = 50-70 litres

Old British Standards recommend the following, but do not fully consider the number of users:

STEP 4:

OTHER KEY INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to the type of cylinder and its capacity, installers also need to consider any physical restrictions that may apply. Examples include the amount of available space in the airing cupboard, any narrow loft hatches you need to get the cylinder through and installation time.

> SLIMLINE CYLINDERS

Slimline cylinders allow you to get through narrow loft hatches or fit the cylinder in a tight airing cupboard. You will be compromising on the cylinder’s energy efficiency slightly, as tall cylinders such as these lose more heat than shorter, fatter cylinders.

> HORIZONTAL CYLINDERS

A horizontal cylinder allows you to maintain cylinder capacity in situations where height restrictions apply. But be aware that horizontal cylinders are marginally less energy efficient, with slightly higher heat loss.

> BUBBLE-TOP CYLINDERS

All unvented cylinders, being a sealed system, need some form of thermal expansion control. Cylinders using internal thermal expansion control (bubble-top cylinders) can eliminate the need for an external expansion vessel, saving space and providing an average of 14% more hot water output. Bubble-top cylinders are quicker and easier to install and offer slightly improved system reliability.

> PRE-PLUMB CYLINDERS

With a large proportion of the plumbing work already done at the factory, a pre-plumb cylinder can cut on-site installation time by around 70%. On installations using multiple cylinders, pre-plumb cylinders help ensure consistency from one installation to the next.

MACERATORS

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

BY

The macerator was introduced into the UK by Saniflo over 42 years ago. The range has since grown from a single product to over 40 pumps and lifting stations, each designed to discharge waste from situations where gravity can't. Whether it is a domestic or commercial space, a outbuilding, garage, loft or basement, there is always a solution from Saniflo.

> PUMPS

MACERATORS & LIFTING STATIONS TERMINOLOGY

> MACERATOR

Macerator is a pump featuring a cutting blade that grinds up solid waste into a pulp for discharge through small bore pipework to a drain pipe. Macerators generally fit to the back of a toilet pan or behind a wall panel and, dependant on model, can take waste from either a single WC or a combination of WC, basin, bidet and shower depending on the nature of the installation.

Units that pump grey wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, showers, washing machines, wine coolers, ice machines etc, through small bore pipework.

> LIFTING STATION

Lifting stations are pumps that are used when waste needs to travel upwards – i.e. lifted away. They can be used for grey or black waste and can be specified with either macerator blades or a vortex system. Lifting stations can be floor standing or underground.

Caveat: Terminology can vary by manufacturer. Always check the product description and specification when deciding which product to use.

Sanitop Up

Sanicubic 2 Pro

Sanivite +

Or, maybe under the stairs?

Can we put a cloakroom in the loft?

Or what about the garage?

And all within our budget? YES.

There’s never a no, with Sanifl o. Our huge range of products mean you can breathe life into any space, even ones without nearby drainage. For more positive solutions and inspiration, visit sanifl o.co.uk

And a utility in the outbuilding?

> DID YOU KNOW?

1According to UK Building Regulations, Part G4, macerators may only be used in a dwelling where there is access to a gravity discharging toilet. This is in case there is a power failure to the building, as the macerators will not work and the regulations say that a toilet must still be available.

2Due to back-flow issues, the UK Water Byelaws dictate that if you have a complete bathroom that needs pumping, including a bath, shower, toilet and wash basin, the bath must be pumped separately using a grey water pump and the toilet, wash basin and shower must be connected separately to a macerator.

WHEN GRAVITY ISN'T AN OPTION

Macerators, pumps and lifting stations are used when the nearest soil stack, drain, water treatment plant or septic tank cannot be reached by gravity. Sometimes access to the mains drains is simply too difficult, complicated or costly and a pump provides the most efficient solution. In general gravity drainage requires black water waste pipes that are a minimum of 100mm diameter installed on a 1 in 40 fall; allowing solids unrestricted flow to a manhole.

If this criterion cannot be met, a pumped solution can enable waste to be discharged through small diameter pipework installed vertically and horizontally to lift waste up and along to the nearest soil stack, drain or waste treatment plant. Today there is a huge choice of products on the market so that every job – whether in a domestic or commercial setting – can be matched to the most effective solution.

“There are pumps available for single WCs through to products with multiple connections”

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MACERATORS

Q: Are macerators, pumps and lifting stations noisy?

A: No louder than a toilet flushing. Noise emissions vary from one installation to another depending on the surroundings – size/shape of room, floor coverings etc. Correct installation will minimise unnecessary noise. For example:

Ensure no direct contact between macerator and wall

Place anti-vibration pads under the tank

Mount the piping at intervals

If required place a further layer of sound insulation between the macerator and the floor and/or wall.

Q: Are macerators IP rated?

A: Ingress Protection ratings are used to explain levels of sealing effectiveness against dust, dirt and moisture. Domestic macerators are rated IP44 which means they have adequate protection in damp, steamy conditions. Larger macerators, pumps and lifting stations are rated to IP67 offering protection against temporary immersion in water. IP68 is given to units that are installed in areas such as cool, damp basements and designed to withstand continuous submersion in water.

Q: Is water temperature important when specifying a macerator?

A: This is application-dependant. If a macerator is simply attached to a toilet or to a combination of toilet, basin and shower, the ability to handle higher water

temperatures is not important. Waste water temperature is unlikely to exceed 35°C for any period longer than a few seconds. Most macerators have a working waste water temperature of 35°C.

If you’re using a pump with a washing machine or dishwasher, then the waste water temperature requirements can be higher. Remember that water has normally been cooled before it leaves a washing machine and enters the pump. In a café or restaurant, even hotter water will be required sporadically to discharge dirty, soapy or greasy water.

Q: How does a macerator get rid of solid waste?

A: A macerator pump uses a blade to reduce waste to a liquid form and then discharges it via small-bore pipework to a soil stack or sewer. Domestic pumps tend to feature a two-bladed cutter. A commercial lifting station features a more durable cutter blade system. The option of a Vortex system eliminates the need to macerate by creating a circular churning motion to reduce and suck up the waste.

Q: How far away can a macerator pump to?

A: For each job, it is important to work out how far away the mains drain or sewer is from the macerator installation point before selecting the appropriate macerator. Manufacturer’s technical literature will have full information on maximum vertical and horizontal pumping distances for every product. The figure required is the combination of both.

ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL

With the widest range of products on the market, Saniflo has been a leading name in the UK plumbing sector since the introduction of its first product back in 1979.

> RANGE OF PRODUCTS

As original inventor of the macerator, Saniflo has been at the forefront of enabling spaces to be converted to bathrooms, kitchens, washrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms for over 60 years. During this time the range has grown from a pump for a single WC to a range of over 40 models with the largest providing whole building solutions.

In domestic properties Saniflo units facilitate conversions of attics, lofts, basements, garages, extensions, garden rooms and even boats. Larger pumps can take waste from

whole buildings including houses of multiple occupation and flats.

Saniflo commercial products are hard at work in multiple sectors of the economy from the leisure sector, to construction, industry and hospitality.

Saniwall Pro Up

Sanislim

The latest developments in Saniflo’s commercial product range include the introduction of the largest floor-standing lifting station – the Sanicubic 2VX – and the Sanifos range, which is designed to be sited outside and underground.

> THE SANICUBIC 2VX

Is available in single and three-phase versions and features a vortex pump. It is ideal for commercial premises and has an alarm plus two easily removable motors for servicing.

> SANIFOS RANGE

Offers the option of a macerator or a vortex system and is used where drainage is too low for a sewer or surface-mounted pumping station. Both single and three phase options are available and these units can be used to pump residential and industrial waste.

For more information visit www.saniflo.co.uk

SOLOLIFT2 – SEE THE BENEFITS OF INNOVATION

External pressure switch, outside the tank and isolating all moving wastewater.

Lift out motor for easy access servicing.

Hardened steel cutter, based on industrial technology for maximum durability.

Adaptable connections, ensuring maximum flexibility and easy replacement of other models and brands.

Practical, accessible service drain, so the appliance does not need removing to drain the tank.

Reliable welded tank, eliminates the risk of leakage if a system blockage occurs.

Designed to directly address traditional installation, reliability and service issues, the Grundfos SOLOLIFT2 range takes macerator innovation to a new level. For more information, please visit www.grundfos.co.uk

MERCHANTS

SPONSORED BY SCAN HERESCAN HERE

HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS DO MORE

Choosing the right merchant can be a nerve-racking experience, especially for those new to the industry. Here are the key benefits of choosing a reputable plumbers’ merchant:

1PRODUCT ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Wolseley’s Plumb Parts trade counters have served customers throughout the generations and many of our younger customers who use us today, do so through recommendation. Our unique position as a key supplier of all mainstream manufacturers along with our specialist trained branch staff, who are ideally placed to provide guidance and advice on products and installations, means that for many of our customers we are an extension of the office and their knowledge, we play a much more integral role in our customers businesses and our aim is simple, to help customers run more profitable businesses.

“Staff are ideally placed to provide guidance and advice”

JOIN THE WOLSELEY COMMUNITY

Whether you’re thinking of starting a career with us or becoming a valued customer, we’re here to help. Wolseley. Ready when you are.

For more information about our careers, products and services, visit: corporate.wolseley.co.uk or scan the QR code.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY, AT THE RIGHT PRICE

Product availability is one of the main reasons why customers do business with merchants. At Wolseley Plumb Parts, we constantly analyse the requirements at a national, regional, and local level, to get the stock profile of each branch right, ensuring our customers always find the product they need and with our website fully stocked, we are never far away.

AVOID RISKY NON-GENUINE PARTS

Not only do merchants offer the chance to purchase all necessary products under one roof, but by using a merchant, installers can also ensure that they are only purchasing genuine parts from reputable manufacturers. It is not always easy to tell a non-genuine product, especially when purchasing online. While it can be tempting to consider a lowcost alternative from an unfamiliar supplier, the use of non-genuine parts can present a serious risk, not only to the customer’s safety but also to an installer’s reputation.

The best way to ensure the quality of the products is to use only reputable merchants, who stock directly from manufacturers.

“While it can be tempting to consider a low-cost alternative from an unfamiliar supplier, the use of non-genuine parts can present a serious risk”

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

For installers, time spent travelling to get the parts and materials they need is time that can’t be spent on the job earning them money. That’s why choosing a merchant that offers services that suit the way you want to shop is key, from same day delivery, click and collect within 60 mins and delivery tracking, a good merchant will provide all these services and deliver direct to site or to a customer’s home if required, saving the installer valuable time collecting the products from store.

PRODUCT TRAINING

Merchants can be especially valuable to an installer with regards to their product knowledge and are happy to provide support, expertise and advice to installers. Wolseley Plumb Parts works in partnership with its suppliers to ensure its staff are trained across all product ranges. It is also vital that installers keep up to speed with current legislation, technological advancements, and best practice. For installers looking for assistance in any of these areas, a merchant is an ideal place to start. Free manufacturer courses and product training are also available for installers to keep their knowledge up to date. As well as product ranges, training can also cover current trends and market drivers such as renewable technology and smart controls.

DIGITAL SUPPORT TOOLS

Finding new and better ways to do business is a challenge for installers. That’s why choosing a merchant that has a strong digital offering can make the difference between managing your business on the go, or at the end of a long workday. Wolseley’s Digital development has been a key investment area over the last 5 years, and we now have sector leading support tools, such as Manage My Account Online, My Most Ordered, Order Status and Quote creation, which can all help installers save time and hassle by working more efficiently, having the right information when you need it and reducing manual processes, in turn, helping installers offer better services levels to their customers.

ONSITE SHOWROOMS

Where merchants have onsite showrooms, installers can make use of these facilities to introduce their customers to the products on offer. With full in-house bathroom design services and 3D CAD drawings available to installers, customers can envisage their bathroom plan easily, making your business look very professional.

> SUMMARY

For new installers, it is important to remember the advantages of using a specialist merchant, from support and advice, to ensuring work completed is compliant and products are fit for purpose, merchants offer a unique and valuable resource to the industry.

Our promise is to be your No.1 choice by offering all the products, parts, and specialist services needed, whilst helping you run profitable & sustainable businesses of the future. For more information, visit www.wolseley.co.uk

“In our Plumb Parts trade counters, we have introduced a team of Digital Experts, to offer support to installers on how to make best use of these digital services”

NET ZERO

WHAT IS NET ZERO AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE UK?

It’s clear, there is a climate emergency, and the world faces a major challenge. There is global warming, and this must be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Global action is required, and the UK government has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

> ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

To do this, many aspects of our daily lives and the infrastructure of our country must change. Currently, heating our homes accounts for around 13% of the country’s total carbon emissions and over 85% of homes rely on natural gas to power their boilers. A low carbon solution is needed. In recent years, a lot of major research and development has found that air source heat pumps provide a viable and suitable option.

> BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME

To help homeowners adopt these low carbon heating solutions, the government recently launched the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Under the new scheme, homeowners in England and Wales who use a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer are entitled to claim £5,000 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump.

“The UK government has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050”

TO

HELPING YOU TO DELIVER NET-ZERO

Partner with Mitsubishi Electric and upskill your knowledge of heat pumps technology. Flexible online and hands-on training available for students and apprentices.

Find out more about our online and hands-on Ecodan training courses at

WHAT IS AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP AND HOW DOES IT HELP?

An air source heat pump is a renewable heat source, meaning it doesn’t rely on fossil fuels to operate and produces far fewer carbon emissions. This heat pump technology is readily available today and is suitable for most homes as a replacement for domestic gas and oil boilers.

> HEAT PUMPS

Your refrigerator uses the same technology as heat pumps, removing heat from the food inside your fridge and ejecting it to keep the food cold. A heat pump reverses this process and extracts heat energy from the outside air, ground or water and moves that heat into your home. In the case of an air source heat pump, for example, this process works even in freezing temperatures as low as -20ºC.

> CONTINUOUS HEAT

This extracted heat energy is then used to charge the hot water cylinder, which provides the home with a continuous supply of hot water for the radiators, underfloor heating system and hot water taps.

> RENEWABLE ENERGY

To get the best results from an air source heat pump and to achieve the comfort you want, it’s important to ensure that the home is first well insulated and check with an accredited installer if the radiators are correctly sized. The result is a consistently warm ambient temperature throughout the home, hot water, lower energy bills and all from a renewable energy source.

WHY UPSKILL TO RENEWABLES TODAY?

As the UK transitions away from oil and gas boilers to renewable alternatives to help us reach the target of becoming Net Zero by 2050, it’s important that there are accredited installers trained to fit heat pumps.

> GET ACCREDITED!

It’s expected that over 50,200 heating engineers will be needed by 2030 to meet the growing demand for heat pumps. That means there’s never been a better time to upskill, get accredited to install heat pumps.

install heat pumps under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as only MCS certified installers can claim through the scheme.

> ONLINE COURSES

At Mitsubishi Electric, we’re committed to supporting engineers along the way, which is why this year we launched our Upskill To Ecodan campaign. With three online courses that will get you fully up to speed with the Ecodan air source heat pump, from installation and commissioning through to troubleshooting.

> MCS QUALIFICATION

One of the most important steps in becoming a heat pump installer is to obtain your Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) qualification. This will demonstrate to homeowners that you have the skills and knowledge to carry out installations that meet the high industry-standard. It’s also important to get the accreditation if you’re looking to

For further information visit: les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

GET TO KNOW ECODAN

The award-winning Ecodan air source heat pump from Mitsubishi Electric has been a homeowner’s favourite since it was launched in 2008, with various models available to suit different customers’ needs, including the Ultra Quiet model.

> EFFICIENT HEATING

> FAN ASSISTED RADIATORS

The pre-plumbed Ecodan cylinder is designed to integrate with the outdoor unit and optimises performance; with its advanced heat exchanger plate technology resulting in faster than average heat up times. The heating system can be further enhanced by installing i-Life2 Slim Fan Assisted Radiators, which are designed to work seamlessly with the Ecodan to enhance the efficiency of the system and minimise energy consumption.

The Ecodan Monobloc unit sits outside the home, and requires only electricity and water connections to work. It will do this reliably all year round, even in subzero temperatures as low as -20oC. Plus, with an energy rating of A+++, homeowners can also be confident that Ecodan is helping to keep their heating running as efficiently as possible.

> FULL APP CONTROL

When it comes to controlling the system, MELCloud is the easy-to-use app that allows homeowners to control their heating and hot water from their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, when using the MELCloud app, homeowners can benefit from MELConsole, a dedicated support service that enables the Technical Helpdesk to gain remote access to full monitoring and fault diagnostics.

Ecodan R32 Ultra Quiet PUZ Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump

PLUMBING TOOLS

SPONSORED BY

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

THE VIDEO INSPECTION OF SMALL DRAIN LINES

SERVICE RIGHT ON THE SPOT WITH THE VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM

Even routine jobs may conceal unpredictable issues which extend work times for the plumber and pose an inconvenience for their customers.

A blockage, for example, indicates a probable pipe breakage of which the full-blown effects become evident once the obstruction has been removed. The significance of such warning signs can be assessed with the aid of the video inspection camera system.

> WHEN IS VIDEO INSPECTION A GOOD IDEA?

When re-laying the drains of a home, using this equipment on the pipes and storing the video recorded enables you to prove, in the event of a complaint, that the job was done properly. This is useful, especially when the drains are installed prior

Inconvenience can be reduced even further by combining the camera with a locator.

This locator will pinpoint the exact location where the pipe needs repair, avoiding unnecessary additional construction works or even accidental damage to the piping.

> THE PRODUCT

The photographs over the page illustrate the use of the RIDGID® SeeSnake® microDrain™ Inspection System, which is a portable pipe inspection diagnostic reel and camera with a 20m push cable, combined with a hand-held RIDGID (www.RIDGID.com) micro CA-350x Digital Inspection Camera monitor with a 3.5 inch colour LCD screen. The product range includes different versions of reels, depending mainly on the push cable length and camera diameter. The pushrod inner drum is removable and interchangeable and is compatible with all other SeeSnake, microReel or nanoReel models.

There is no risk of rust or accidental breaks as there are no weld lines.

knows that

that

is

good as his

with and

RIDGID

–

So

Drain lines from 32 to 100 millimetres can be easily inspected with the SeeSnake microDrain inspection system. The camera can pass multiple turns and 90-degree bends from 40 millimetres upwards with no need to dismantle them. The RIDGID Navitrack Scout® locator is able to trace the pipeline and precisely detect the signal of a sondes (transmitter) to see where assessment or service is needed inside the pipe.

The SeeSnake HQ software, which comes with the SeeSnake equipment and which can be updated free of charge, enables data to be monitored and managed right on the work site by connecting the equipment to a PC. Reports, which can include confidential remarks – not visible to the customer, can then be exported to a CD or USB memory stick. The 235MB internal memory can store over 4,000 photographs. Images and videos can be stored on the included 8GB SD card that comes with the micro CA-350x camera or transferred via Wifi or Bluetooth in real time.

> ADVICE FOR THE PLUMBER

Before using the equipment, make sure the customer has not attempted to remove obstructions with hydrochloric acid. Any residues of this substance inside pipes might seriously damage the video inspection system. If hydrochloric acid has been used, remove the blockage with a pipe cleaning hose, run water through the pipe and then perform the video inspection: this procedure enables you to check the obstruction’s causes and the condition of the pipes.

Also make sure that the camera diameter is compatible with that of the pipe to be inspected. For example, if the minimum siphon diameter is 40 millimetres, the camera will be able to enter a pipe of even 32 millimetres, but it will get stuck from the first turn. To prevent damage to the drain lines and the equipment, first find out the minimum and maximum diameters and then use the appropriate reel. Also refer to the operator’s manual to comply with all the parameters described for a well done job.

USING THE

1The RIDGID micro CA-350x Inspection Camera and its case (image 1 on page 112).

The push cable of the SeeSnake microDrain reel, shown in the photo, is 20 metres long. It can inspect drains from 32 to 100mm in diameter (image 2 on page 112).

The monitor’s menu can be used to rotate the image into the best position for the inspection job.

Using the arrow keys, the image can be enlarged as required for optimal viewing.

In the most complex situations, the Navitrack Scout locator helps to identify the exact point where the camera is located.

MECHANICAL UNBLOCKING

Here are the reasons why you should consider using mechanical instead of chemical drain unblocking.

> CONSIDER YOUR TIME

Low-cost liquid drain cleaners could unclog your customer’s drains, but it is most likely a temporary solution. The investment cost of a hand or mechanical tool may seem high at first, but it will do the job on the first try, saving you time having to re-visit customers with ongoing blockages.

> CONSIDER NATURE

Chemical drain cleaners get poured and washed into the sewer system, which travels into our local waterways. Sadly, this damages plant and animal habitats. Hand and mechanical drain cleaners have no negative impact on nature.

> CONSIDER YOUR HEALTH

Chemical drain cleaners can cause serious burns. If ingested, liquid drain cleaners can be fatal. When used according to the manual, hand and mechanical drain cleaners are a much safer alternative.

> CONSIDER PIPE DAMAGE

With regular use or when used with compromised pipes, liquid drain cleaners could create holes or seriously damage the pipes. A hand or mechanical tool, however, will clean and de-clog pipes without damaging them.

For more information visit: www.ridgid.eu/gb/en/drain-cleaning

> THE SOLUTION

RIDGID manufactures a diverse range of Drain Cleaning equipment to tackle these annoying obstructions.

HAND SPINNERS OR POWERCLEAR

For residentialuse, these can retrieve objects from the sink or shower drain if they’re not too far down.

FLEXSHAFT Designed to penetrate and break up heavy build-ups of wet wipes blockages and many other types of softmaterial, like soap, hair and grease build-ups.

K-40 AND K-45 SINK MACHINES

The professional choice for tackling those residential blockages from the sink or shower drains. They offer different cable and tool options to tackle a wide range of blockages.

POWER TOOLS

SPONSORED BY

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

WHAT IS A BRUSHLESS MOTOR AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY TOOL?

Brushless motors are prominent in power tools on the market today and this is the case for Bosch Professional’s innovative BITURBO Brushless range. As the name suggests, it uses a brushless motor, but what is a brushless motor? How does it work? And why should you make the jump to using one?

> TRADITIONAL DC BRUSHED MOTORS

For a power tool to function, a motor is designed to convert electrical power into mechanical motion. Traditional direct current (DC) motors contain carbon brushes which are in permanent contact with other components within the motor in order to function. However, the drawback is these brushes generate friction and heat. This results in a loss in energy efficiency, reduced power and wear over time. Naturally, this results in the need for maintenance or even replacements.

> BRUSHLESS MOTORS

Brushless motors do not require the use of carbon brushes. Therefore, there is no friction within the motor. This means that they require less maintenance and provide more power. Tools can run longer per charge and can have up to twice the lifespan of a traditional DC motor. In the case of Bosch Professional’s BITURBO Brushless range, motors are designed to boost power even further by using larger, high-powered motors that utilise higher-strength neodymium magnets and larger fans to maximise airflow.

OUR BEST PERFORMING 18V COMBI.

If you’re looking for a powerful cordless Combi Drill that delivers a harmony of strength and control, look no further than the Bosch Professional GSB 18V-150 C.

With a maximum torque of 150Nm, it performs solidly for any screwing, drilling, or impact drilling task that it may face in a number of materials including wood, metal, and masonry. But it’s not just powerful, this cordless combi has a few clever tricks up its sleeve. Its ingenious Electronic Angle Detection ensures that long screws are always kept at the right angle, and for tasks that require hole saws, switchable KickBack Control reduces the risk of a sudden rotational torque reaction. To top this off, a metal chuck and gearbox help to ensure impressive reliability and robustness when it matters most.

So where does all this power come from? The GSB 18V-150 C is part of Bosch Professional’s BITURBO Brushless range; a range known for its revolutionary performance. This groundbreaking technology is made up of two key components, a brushless motor and the ProCORE18V battery system.

The brushless motor reduces the friction of moving parts within the tool’s motor, this not only extends the life of the tool but also increases power output. This feature is then powered by ProCORE18V batteries, Bosch’s most innovative 18V battery platform yet.

These impressive batteries combined with a brushless motor make BITURBO Brushless, the impressive and powerful technology that drives tools like the GSB 18V-150 C to the next level. A Combi Drill truly sets a new standard in performance.

Find out more info here:

> SHOULD YOU BE USING BRUSHLESS TOOLS?

There are still plenty of tools on the market that use traditional DC motors and quite a few of these would be an asset to your toolkit – especially at a lower cost. However, if you find yourself working on more demanding tasks, brushless tools are more than ready for the challenge.

Spending more money on a tool is well worth it, especially when there is less need for maintenance or replacement over time. Brushless technology is fast becoming standard in the market and there are now plenty of entry-level tools that offer similar levels of power and performance when compared to their heavy-duty counterparts. The Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Combi Drill is a great example of this. With a strong metal chuck and a brushless motor, this combi generates a powerful 55 Nm of torque and the machine is suitable for working in multiple materials including wood, metal, and brick.

> BITURBO BRUSHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Bosch Professional has developed an innovative solution for demanding jobs onsite with their range of BITURBO Brushless tools, designed to provide extreme power when it’s most needed. They achieve this by combining two key elements: a high-performance brushless motor and the high-powered Bosch ProCORE18V Professional Battery System. These two parts have been engineered to work perfectly together and maximise each other’s performance.

The high-performance brushless motor makes full use of Bosch’s ProCORE18V battery system. Designed to drive and maintain the higher currents needed for power-hungry applications, these advanced batteries feature Bosch’s COOLPACK 2.0 technology. This uses intelligent heat management for greater power and runtime, while extending battery life by preventing damage from overheating.

This combination of a powerful motor and long-lasting batteries enables tools to work to their full potential, this means BITURBO Brushless technology can match the performance of their equivalent corded tools.

Find out more: www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/biturbo/

The Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Combi Drill

> CORDED POWER WITH JUST ONE 18V BATTERY BITURBO Brushless tools, like all Bosch Professional products, are built to a high quality for professionals who take pride in their work and their equipment. Their extreme power is packaged in lightweight designs for easy handling, and their high specifications typically include electronic safety and control systems. Most feature onboard interactive displays and offer the option of Bosch connectivity, allowing functions such as remote adjustment and data transmission.

Find out more online by scanning the QR code.

CHANGING

SHOWER PUMPS

SPONSORED BY

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

YOU DON’T NEED TO TRAVEL

WHY SHOWER PUMPS?

> NEWEST FAMILY MEMBERS

The more recent additions to the range of shower booster and universal head shower booster pump ranges from Grundfos continue to receive excellent reviews. The feedback for these continuously rated pumps has indicated that the shower pump’s design, that minimises the turbulence within the pump head, is a welcome feature. The introduction of an improved impeller design means that these units will overcome air pocket issues, plus all variants are fitted with quality shaft seals and supplied with high quality braided connection hoses and filter washers, as standard.

In terms of the options available, the SSR2 and STR2 are positive head pumps for boosting water pressure – typically used in shower application. They are ideal when the plumbing route has multiple ends or elbows. The SSR2 and STR2 Universal options are positive and negative head shower booster pumps for boosting pressure where the outlet is at the same height as, or is above, the water storage tank.

> A RIGHT SHOWER

One thing is certain – our love affair with showers shows no sign of dissipating and with an aging population, we cannot see this situation changing, so showers are here to stay. By working with a reputable shower pump manufacturer such as Grundfos, you can be assured that any shower pumps that you install will be fit for purpose and will continue to deliver – taking the pressure off you.

Help is always at hand to help you to make the right decision about which pump to choose. Remember for general information on the range of Grundfos products check out our main site. If you just want help exclusively with shower pumps visit us at www.grundfos.co.uk/showerpumps

SSR2

SUSTAINABILITY IN PLUMBING

SPONSORED BY

HERESCAN HERE

COPPER: AN EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL

Did you know that copper is one of the most versatile materials on the planet? Throughout history, this metal has played a key part in innovation, bringing about new opportunities and change and continues to do so today, playing a vital part in creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

> INSIDE THE HOME

Copper has long been used within homes and is the professional plumber’s choice. You’ll find it running through the walls, supplying water from the boiler to the bathroom and kitchen, and supporting modern air source heat pumps and solar panels.

This hardworking multitasker is the perfect material for powering up and making sustainable heating and water provision more efficient, saving consumers money and reducing their carbon footprint.

> OUTSIDE OF THE HOME

Copper makes society work and is essential in cars and public transport, powering our train lines, batteries, and buildings and ensuring the efficient transport of people and goods. Copper also powers and heats our office spaces, and its durability makes sure offices and public buildings are fit and ready for the future.

> IN OUR HOSPITALS

Hospitals also benefit from using copper, as it's one of the only materials trusted to supply medical grade gases, such as oxygen, with no leakages or contamination.

Copper’s antimicrobial properties also help to protect patients’ health. Studies show that it can reduce infection rates by 58%, and medical environments benefit from medical grade copper to prevent contamination and bacterial growth.

> IN INNOVATIONS

Being infinitely recycled without any loss in performance or properties, copper continues to be an everyday essential and the preferred material for innovations, as it can withstand large variations in temperature and pressure.

Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is anticipated to more than meet the demand to achieve a low carbon, green energy future.

COPPER: PLUMBING IN HARMONY WITH OUR PLANET

The copper industry has a full scrap collection and circular recycling infrastructure, which meets 50% of European copper demand and 30% of demand globally. In fact, 65% of all copper that has ever been mined is still in circulation or available to use today. Soon, UK copper pipes will be manufactured using 100% recycled materials.

> THE PROPERTY

The journey of a copper pipe starts at the property. Old copper pipes at the end of their use, or in need of a refresh, are removed and ready to be recycled. Scrap copper pipe provides a useful source of income for plumbers when returned to the local scrap merchant.

> SCRAP MERCHANT

The scrap copper provided by the plumber arrives at the scrap merchant and is sold to manufacturers to be made into new copper tube, or other copper products, such as wiring, roofing, or in electronics.

> MANUFACTURING PLANT

The copper is then melted down and rid of any impurities gained from previous use at the manufacturing plant. The metal is stretched into new copper pipe ready to meet the requirements of various specifications and uses, before being packaged and sent as available stock.

> BUILDERS’ MERCHANT

Unlike plastic, copper is infinitely recyclable, and the recycling process uses 85% less energy than mining the raw material. As copper’s properties and quality do not deteriorate during the recycling process, it is an exceptionally sustainable product. Let’s take a closer look at the circular economy of copper pipes.

At the builders’ merchants, the shiny and new copper pipe is ready to be sold to plumbers and tradespeople to be installed and used for a multitude of purposes.

> THE INSTALLATION

The copper pipe has arrived on site and is ready to be installed in sustainable installations, for generations to come.

WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF PLUMBING?

The construction industry and the operators within it – including plumbers – make up one of the UK’s biggest consumers of new materials, and approximately 23% of the UK’s overall plastic consumption. As an industry it’s also responsible for 61% of the nation’s overall waste.

It is critical we take steps to limit preventable waste and protect natural resources, using materials that can be recycled and used in harmony with the planet.

> PLASTIC, BUT AT WHAT COST?

Because plastic is cheaper to produce and easy to install, there’s no surprise the plumbing industry has become extremely reliant on plastic.

Compared to metals such as copper, plastic has a much shorter lifespan, deteriorating over time, and despite the many different polymers used, they all pose the same environmental problem, they’re not recyclable.

Of the 8.3bn. tonnes of virgin plastic produced worldwide, only 9% have ever been recycled.

The recycling process for plastic is complicated, expensive, and energy intensive,

leaving the producer with a lower quality product than they started off with, meaning that recycling has a detrimental effect on the quality of the new product. This is why plastic recycling is largely theoretical, as it fails to produce a recycled product as good as a new one.

> MAKING THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

Why reinvent the wheel when a perfectly viable sustainable solution is already available?

Infinitely recyclable, copper has long been the material of choice when it comes to supplying water, heat and gas to buildings - a tradition that spans centuries.

With the planet speeding toward environmental crisis, is the true cost of using plastic worth it, when we have viable, sustainable alternatives?

“Infinitely recyclable, copper has long been the material of choice”

COPPER’S ROLE IN THE HEAT PUMP REVOLUTION

> THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

Installing a heat pump is a great sustainable choice, and copper guarantees end to end sustainability of such a system. Copper is not only infinitely recyclable, identical in its first and millionth use, but is a superior conductor of heat and maintains the temperature generated throughout the system from pump to tap.

> TEMPERATURE

Copper is also a safe material to install with domestic heat pumps. Its high melting point of over 1,000 degrees Celsius means it doesn’t burn or give off harmful compounds in a fire. This ability means it can withstand large variations of temperature and pressure, without expansion or contraction issues.

> WATER SAFETY

Heat pumps are key to heating homes without emitting carbon into the atmosphere and will be critical in the transition to limiting CO2 emissions and decarbonising the housing sector.

Since the Government’s announcement of its heat pump grant last year, offering households up to £5,000 to install a heat pump, more people have started considering their benefits and taking steps to incorporate them into their homes.

It is vital new installers know the benefits of pairing a heat pump with copper pipe, as this powerful combination ensures maximum compatibility, efficiency and longevity of the new heating installation.

Copper is also favourable when water safety is concerned. Heat pumps in a home operate at a lower temperature than gas boilers. This means stored water may only be heated to around 50 degrees Celsius, and pose a slightly increased risk of Legionella. Copper is antibacterial and antimicrobial and can withstand thermal shock to effectively kill waterborne bacteria such as Legionella Pneumophila.

For more information visit cuspuk.com

This generation of newly qualified plumbers will be pivotal in supporting the transition to more sustainable heating and hot water solutions. Although the options are many, domestic heat pumps are considered one of the most efficient means of heating a home and are giving conventional gas boilers a run for their money.

ANDY CAM’S 5 TOP TIPS FOR USING COPPER PIPE

Pipe bending – As a new plumber, money can be a bit tight, but one of my biggest tips is to not scrimp on your pipe bender. Invest in a good one, I have had mine for over 25 years, and it is still going strong and well worth the initial outlay.

Cutting pipes - When I first started out you had to cut your copper pipes with a hacksaw and a file, now it’s much quicker and easier. Get yourself a great adjustable pipe cutter, there are some really good pipe slicers and deburring tools out there that are worth investing in.

Cleaning –Maintenance of your equipment is key so don’t forget to clean your kit regularly. To freshen up my pipe formers and guides I use wire wool which also stops them from rippling your pipework. To finish off I always give my tools a little squirt of lubricant oil.

Pipe joining - There are many ways to join copper pipes. If you’re soldering, always use a good, clean flux, low to medium heat, and feed the solder in from the back of the fitting to make your joints look really neat. To give them a great shine I finish with a damp cloth and a bit of wire wool.

Press fittingsDespite many years in the plumbing game, I’ve only recently got into using press fittings. I find this much easier and quicker to use and the lack of hot works makes it safer too, as you’re not inhaling fumes from the solder. This also means cheaper public liabilities insurance.

Owner of CosyWarm Central Heating and Plumbing and social media icon Andy Cam, shares his five top tips for becoming a copper installation pro.

“Like I have always said: It’s done proper in copper - and that’s why I love plumbing”

TRAINING

SCAN HERESCAN HERE

SPONSORED BY

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

As the heating industry works to decarbonise, Ian Trott, Training Manager at Baxi, highlights the importance of continuous learning and development as heating and hot water solutions develop.

> THE EARLY STAGES

The heating industry is at the early stages of its biggest challenge yet. As a result of the UK Government’s legally binding target to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the entire industry must come together to help decarbonise our building stock. Adding to the urgency of this process, the UK Government has also adopted a further highly ambitious interim climate change target into law, to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

The fact that heating currently accounts for 23% of UK carbon emissions has placed an onus on manufacturers and heating engineers to implement the renewable technologies that will help to achieve these targets. Naturally, as the prominence of alternative technologies to boilers grows, so too does the need for installers to use training as a means of readying themselves for the low carbon revolution.

So what exactly are the core principles of each emerging technology?

“Smart controls and digitally-connected components offer a strong potential growth area for installers”

HEAT PUMPS

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) provide an extremely efficient method of generating heat.

“The Heat Pump Association (HPA) estimates there will need to be 33,700 heat pump installers

Using an electrically driven compressor and fan, ASHPs use the latent heat in ambient air to boil off refrigerant that is superheated by the compressor. This is then transferred via a plate heat exchanger into a wet heating system. ASHPs can easily achieve a seasonal efficiency of 400% or more.

> NEW SET OF SKILLS

The make-up and installation requirements of a heat pump are very different to those of a boiler, which bring with them the requirement for a new set of skills from heating engineers.

Engineers who work on these types of installations will require Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation in order for resulting installations to qualify for Government grants and currently only around 2,000 engineers are qualified to do this. To reach the Government’s ambitious 600,000

heat pump installations a year by 2028, the Heat Pump Association (HPA) estimates there will need to be 33,700 heat pump installers, which demonstrates the scale of the potential opportunity on offer to those who commit to securing their MCS accreditation.

To aid this process, Baxi is working with industry bodies to make heat pumps a more prominent part of our training courses, so everyone has the opportunity to embrace the technology moving forward.

> HEAT NETWORKS

Working from a central energy source like a large boiler, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit or a large heat pump, heat networks deliver hot water between multiple residential and commercial through pipes underground. This costeffective way of heating can reduce the carbon impact of multiple properties at once by centralising the source of emissions, which, with a heat pump, hydrogen fuelled boiler or CHP in the future, can be reduced to zero.

Heat Interface Units (HIUs) use the heat produced by the energy centre and then convert it into usable heat for each property. They are essential gasless, flueless boilers, and so will need to be installed, maintained and repaired in the same way. As heat networks become more common, it is likely that domestic heating engineers will need to have the skills to install HIUs as well as boilers.

> HYDROGEN

Said to be the least disruptive low carbon alternative, hydrogen is an energy source that could be distributed through the existing gas network. Hydrogen boilers, which are similar to their firmly established natural gas counterparts, are being tested at a number of demonstration sites that field test the units in real-world conditions.

For gas engineers both existing and in training, when this technology begins to be rolled out, the training is likely to consist of hydrogen specific modules as part of the wider gas engineering course. More will be confirmed for the technology after the research and development continues and the Government firms up plans for local and national roll out.

Scan the QR code for more information.

“Training is likely to consist of hydrogen specific modules as part of the wider gas engineering course”

TAKE THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO TRAINING WITH BAXI

> TRAINING WITH BAXI

Particularly as we move into a low-carbon future and new technologies emerge to go towards lowering emissions, the knowledge of heating engineers will need to be broader than ever.

To support with this, Baxi is committed to providing all manner of training and development opportunities for installers as we journey together towards Net Zero. Part of this will be taking a holistic approach to learning, where in-person, hands-on training is supported with online training such as video tutorials and webinars.

For heating apprentices, Baxi’s YouTube channel for instance has informative videos on all manner of subjects from in-depth walk throughs of products and top skills tips, to Q&As around future technologies like heat pumps.

Why not take a look and start on your journey to becoming the heating installer of the future –join Baxi on the journey to Net Zero emissions!

To keep up to date with all the latest exciting Baxi video content, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/baxiboilersUK and follow us on social media, www.instagram.com/baxiboilers/

Whether you are the most experienced heating engineer or you have just started your apprenticeship, learning and development is an ongoing process that will remain important throughout your career.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

HERE

BY

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

BASIC PRINCIPLES & BENEFITS

> ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMFORT

Underfloor Heating (UFH) using piped warm water is a modern and energy-efficient option for heating homes and other buildings. UFH also delivers comfortable warmth for occupants, as well as other practical benefits.

> HEATING PRINCIPLES

With UFH, the floor is gently heated by piped warm water (or alternatively by electric cable) and the heating energy is emitted from the floor by natural radiation. This heat is absorbed by other surfaces in the room which then also emit warmth.

uneven warmth and higher temperatures at ceiling height compared with floor level.

As radiators intrude on the usable space within a room, there is a general desire to keep them as compact as possible. As a consequence of this, the piped water has to be hotter than for UFH in order to achieve the same level of comfort for the occupants.

> HEAT SOURCES

Plumbed UFH uses piped warmed water from any primary heat source. This may be from a conventional domestic boiler that is also supplying domestic hot water. In some situations, the boiler may be supplying heated water for radiators as well as for UFH.

Alternative sources of warmed water may be heat pumps or solar water heating. UFH is especially suited for such renewable heat sources because it requires water at lower temperatures than traditional heating techniques.

The result is an all-round, more even warmth than is typically achieved by other space heating techniques. Radiators, for example, use room air to transfer the heat, mostly by convection. This reliance on the convection of air to heat the room results in

Calc Welcome

> MAIN ADVANTAGES OF UFH

Underfloor heating offers many benefits to the homeowner.

▸

Lower water temperatures required for UFH mean better energy efficiency with fuel bills up to 20% lower

More even room temperature ensures all round comfortable warmth

Silent running – no expansion creaking or water flow noise

Unhindered room layout - because there are no wall-mounted radiators

Healthier environment - because less dust is circulating in the air

Decreased irritants - as the warm floor inhibits the breeding of dust mites and fungi

Greater safety - because there are no exposed hot surfaces

Low maintenance - no radiators to redecorate or renew, or to be ‘dropped’ to allow room redecoration.

> THE THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Plumbed UFH comprises three key elements that work together to deliver the required heating performance and effect:

1. Floor products incorporating UFH pipe: to create the pipework circuits within the floor that will emit heat. Many floor products help to hold the pipe at the correct spacing to ensure even distribution of heat across the floor surface above.

2. Manifold: to provide flow and return circulation of warm water at the correct temperature and flow rate to ensure an even, comfortable temperature across the whole floor surface.

3. Controls: to monitor water and air temperature and signal the heat source. In effect, the nerve centre of the installed system.

The careful selection of each of these is critical to the efficient operational performance of the entire installation. Let’s look at these in more detail.

1 > FLOOR PRODUCTS

The choice of floor product is influenced by several factors:

Whether the floor is being newly constructed or already exists

Its type of construction: solid / screeded or dry / timber

The size and shape of the space to be heated

The type of floor finish that will be installed over the UFH.

A solution to suit any combination of these factors can be found within the Hep²O underfloor heating product range.

2 > MANIFOLDS

A manifold is required wherever UFH is to be installed to serve two or more plumbed circuits from the same primary heat source. When UFH is being connected to a high temperature heat source which also controls hot water or other heat emitters, a mixing unit is connected to the manifold to mix the water to the required temperature for the system.

The Hep²O underfloor heating range includes manifold solutions that can be tailored to each situation. The composite manifold can be sized to serve the exact number of individual UFH circuits up to a maximum of 14 circuits. Single circuit installations which require water temperature control will be connected to their heat source via a mixing unit, but will not require a full manifold.

3 > CONTROLS

As with any type of heating, UFH operation requires time and temperature control. The choice of controls will initially be based on these key factors:

▸ Whether wired or wireless installation is practical or preferred

▸ Requirement for programmed or nonprogrammed operation

▸ Number of individual circuits – and whether these are to be controlled separately or linked.

In addition, special operational features and functions may be included to enhance convenience (e.g. remote operation) or operational safeguards for householders (e.g. frost settings, child / interface lock). Many controls are now web enabled and can be controlled by apps.

Hep²O underfloor heating controls provide a comprehensive choice of solutions tailored to the specific needs of each installation –and the preferences of the householders.

> FLOOR FINISHES

All UFH installations are overlaid with a final floor finish. This may be: carpet; resilient vinyl; linoleum (or equivalent); stone; ceramics; timber or laminate. As with different types of floor construction, the thermal resistance of each floor finish option varies.

This can affect heat output. Allowance should be made for the thermal resistance of the floor finish, in combination with that of the floor construction, to ensure this will not prevent efficient heating performance.

> TYPICAL LAYOUTS

When laying out the pipe there are several patterns that can be used. This will depend on the size and shape of the room and installer preference.

There are two typical patterns for laying UFH pipe:

1. Spiral: this follows room shape in a spiral to the middle and is then reversed out. This pattern is possible with two Hep²O underfloor heating systems – Staples and System Plates.

2. Serpentine: pipe is laid in parallel runs up and down room length, with loop turns at each end. For systems that use pre-drilled channels e.g. Hep²O low build system, this is the pattern which is used.

> ADVICE, TOOLS AND GUIDANCE

Most manufacturers will offer advice and online tools to help you select the correct system, calculate the heat losses, determine what products are required for the job, and give advice on installation. Hep²O has an online calculator which will help you work out what you need for a specific project and give you a list of materials you can take in to your merchant. It also has a range of product and installation guides with detailed guidance on each system. These can all be found at hep2oufh.co.uk

SPIRAL LAYOUT SERPENTINE LAYOUT

MAKING UNDERFLOOR HEATING SIMPLE

More and more homeowners are seeing the advantages of installing underfloor heating in their properties.

Whether it’s an extension, conservatory or a retro fit to an existing room, UFH means more wall space, greater comfort and controllability and often cheaper heating bills. It also adds a touch of luxury at an affordable price. To help you make the most of the opportunities, Hep²O underfloor heating offers a range of systems for both screeded and dry floor constructions. The range includes staple systems and system plates which allow easy spacing of pipes, and a range of panel products so you can choose the right product for your project. Hep²O also has a range of single room packs which contain everything you need for projects up to 24m².

Hep²O UFH has a range of thermostats and controls, ranging from simpleto-use wired and wireless options, to the latest web-enabled, app-based systems, so you can meet the needs of any client.

As a leading plumbing brand in the UK you can be sure that the products will perform, and all system components have been quality tested to the highest standards and come complete with manufacturer’s guarantees.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fitting UFH is much easier than many installers realise. Hep²O provides a range of literature, online tools, videos and step-by-step guides to make installation simple. You can find all this information at hep2oufh.co.uk

Hep²O underfloor heating is fully compatible with Hep²O plumbing products and is widely available from plumbers’ and builders’ merchants nationwide.

For more information visit wavin.co.uk or follow @Hep2O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“Hep 0 underfloor heating offers a range of systems for both screeded and dry floor constructions”

WALL-HUNG TOILETS

SCAN HERE

BY

GOING WALL-HUNG: THE BENEFITS

The average size of a home in the UK today is now smaller than ever, leaving installers with a growing challenge of coming up with practical, stylish and affordable bathroom solutions. Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit, makes the case for wallhung sanitaryware, looking at how a wall-hung toilet can transform even the smallest of bathroom spaces.

> NEW BUILD HOMES

Homeowners today are contending with ever-shrinking spaces, with today’s new build properties typically smaller than 30 years ago and the average size of a bathroom now stands at just 4.4 square metres. In fact, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) estimates that the average size of a onebedroom new build home is just 46 square metres – that’s the same size as a tube carriage!

Installers are increasingly having to come up with bathrooms that are stylish yet overcome these space constraints – in short, a practical, flexible and attractive space.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

GEBERIT DUOFIX FRAME

WALL- HUNG TOILETS

Elegant and easy to clean

The comprehensive prewall system with self-supporting elements for wall-hung sanitaryware geberit.co.uk

> CONCEALED CISTERNS

Wall-hung sanitaryware can provide the solutions. By concealing the cistern behind a stud wall, a wall-hung toilet reduces the outward projection of the furniture. And, where space is paramount, opting for wallhung ceramics can make a real differencethe ability to conceal the cistern and lift the toilet’s footprint off the floor can make even the smallest of bathrooms instantly appear bigger.

> SPACE-SAVING FLEXIBILITY

Bathrooms are valuable spaces, yet all too often require the most versatile solutions. Opting for a wall-hung system can bring real flexibility to a project, with the frames enabling toilets to be easily installed in more awkward spaces, such as under a window, in a narrow wall duct or under a sloping ceiling.

Cleverly concealed fixings and the inclusion and position of water inlets also make life easier for installers - and with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, there is no need for additional studding.

Maintenance is also made safe and simple with these systems. A concealed cistern will allow full access to the cistern internals through removal of the flush plate or removable shelf.

> REDUCED SANITARY SOUND

Opting for a wall-hung toilet is a sure-fire way to reduce sanitary sound in any bathroom. Raising the toilet from the ground prevents noise travelling directly from the toilet pan to the floor.

Some frame systems will, for example, include integrated rubber tipped push rods to reduce noise from the flush plate when pressed for flushing, a polythene jacket insulating the cistern, circlips on threaded rods to eliminate movement and sound absorbing seals on drainage brackets.

“We’re predicting real growth for wall-hung toilets and sanitaryware in the UK market”

LABC Warranty – Britain Housing Size Data

> DESIGN-LED

Wall-hung furniture can offer your customers the opportunity to upsell finishing touches to a project with the option of adding stylish flush plate finishes such as textured rustic wood or slate designs to shades that blend harmoniously into the desired colour scheme.

If wall-hung isn’t possible for the task at hand, you can talk instead to your customers about the importance of saving even a few centimetres in such a small space. Back-to-wall toilets with concealed cisterns are another effective and stylish way to streamline the space. By hiding the cistern in the wall or furniture, it can offer a simple, yet effective, solution for smaller spaces.

> THE BOTTOM LINE

When we consider the ever-present issue of shrinking space in today’s home, the opportunity to offer advice and upsell with innovative systems is a win-win for the installer and customer – as well as the perfect opportunity to grow your reputation by acting as a bathroom advisor as well as installer. visit www.geberit.co.uk For more information

SPACE-SAVING AND STYLISH SOLUTIONS FROM GEBERIT

When it comes to planning a space-saving and stylish bathroom design, Geberit’s range of wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets offer homeowners a stylish solution suitable for any bathroom space.

> GOING WALL-HUNG

When it comes to designing a bathroom where space is at a premium, the most effective solution is to opt for wall-mounted furniture and ceramics which create the illusion of ‘floating’ above the floor.

Quick and affordable pre-wall frame systems, such as Geberit Duofix, work with Geberit’s range of wall-hung toilets to open up even the smallest bathroom by concealing the toilet’s cistern and lifting the footprint off the floor. Cleverly concealed fixings and the inclusion and position of water inlets, meanwhile, mean a simpler installation and, with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, there is no need for additional studding.

> BACK-TO-WALL

Geberit’s range of back-towall toilets are also perfect for creating a streamlined, stand-out bathroomregardless of space. With the cistern hidden in the furniture or behind the wall, Geberit’s back-to-wall ceramic range also boasts a host of other features, such as soft closing seats, water saving flush and Rimfree pan for easy cleaning.

> CHOOSE GEBERIT

Geberit’s range of toilets, Duofix frames, concealed cisterns and flush plates – get everything you need from the one trusted supplier.

For more information on Geberit visit www.geberit.co.uk

WATER REGULATIONS

SPONSORED BY

HERE

INFORMATION & TECHNICAL ADVICE

Once you’ve completed your training and put away your textbooks, you’ll never need to get them out again, right? Well, maybe... but remember that as the installer, you’re the one who must ensure that your work complies with the Water Fittings Regulations, or Water Fittings Byelaws if you are working in Scotland.

> GUIDANCE ON REGULATIONS

Maybe even more useful is technical guidance and other advice developed with water companies, which can be found in the dedicated ‘Guidance’ section of the website. You may have a copy of the Water Regulations Guide, but there is extra up to date advice which isn’t printed in the Guide.

> ADVICE

If you can’t find the answer on Water Regs UK website you can contact your local water company (or water undertaker as they are referred to in the regulations). You can find their contact details on our website waterregsuk.co.uk/water-company/

If your work doesn’t comply, you risk prosecution for a criminal offence and the water company can require alterations to make your work comply. So - because no-one knows everything - sooner or later you’ll have questions about some part of the Water Fittings Regulations. Where can you look for answers?

> WATER REGS UK

One place to try is Water Regs UK (www.waterregsuk.co.uk), who have advice and guidance on all kinds of topics whether installing or maintaining fittings.

Although you may know about the regulations, your customers might benefit from leaflets explaining what the regulations are, or what work needs to be notified to a water supplier.

> WHAT ARE THE WATER FITTINGS REGULATIONS?

The water fittings regulations, or byelaws in Scotland, hereafter referred to as regulations, are national requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. Their purpose is to prevent misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water and, most importantly, to prevent contamination of drinking water.

> WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE

The Guide is in its 3rd Edition recently updated include the latest changes to the regulations/byelaws that apply across the UK. The guide has many clearly illustrated drawings in full colour and comes with practical regulatory guidance. Discounts are available for students – find out more.

Scan the QR code:

> WATER INDUSTRY APPROVED PLUMBERS SCHEMEEDUCATION SECTOR

New sector specially developed for students and lecturers. Members get free plumbers training manual to help learn about the regulations - find out more. Scan the QR code:

WHAT'S NEW DID YOU KNOW?

Water can be dangerous; no-one wants their drinking water to be unsafe. Backflow prevention is one of the most important aspects of the regulations. In addition to point of use backflow protection, zone and or whole-site protection may also be required.

You can watch a video about backflow on the Water Regs UK website or YouTube channel here:

> WATER REGS UK INFORMATION

Find out more about:

Commissioning plumbing systems and about fluxes

Where you mustn’t use lead solders

Pipe identification

Prevention of the risk of backflow in the design of bathrooms

Information booklets and more are available on our website that are free to download.

> THERE IS A TOOL FOR THAT Want to know if your lagging is sufficient?

Water Regs UK have developed online tools available free on our website, both of which are based on British Standards.

So you can check pipe insulation you plan to use is suitable for the purpose.

To help you calculate the size of a Type AB air gap. The tool is an easy-to-use design aid for designers and installers.

Remember these are just tools and you may need to confirm suitability with your local water company.

Contact Water Regs UK Ltd. at Unit 13, Willow Road, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Crumlin, Gwent, NP11 4EG. Alternatively call 0333 207 9030, email info@waterregsuk.co.uk or visit waterregsuk.co.uk

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

You might think no-one would knowingly sell a plumbing fitting which was illegal to install...but sadly, you’d be wrong.

> HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A PRODUCT IS OF A SUITABLE QUALITY AND STANDARD

To help prevent waste and contamination of mains water supplies, it is a legal requirement for water fittings and water using appliances to be of an appropriate quality and standard for installation (Regulation/Byelaw 4(1) (a)). Meaning they must conform to either an appropriate British Standard (or its equivalent) or a specification approved by the regulator. All installers should install, and advise their customers to only buy and use, compliant products.

> CHOICE OF MATERIALS & FITTINGS

There are approval schemes who aim to provide confidence that water fittings are properly tested and conform to the regulations. Always check the packaging or manufacturers’ instructions for declarations that they have been tested and conform – if in doubt don’t be afraid to ask. There is further information on conformity in the “Regulation 4(1)(a) Compliance Guidance” published by Water Regs UK.

Scan the QR code

DID YOU KNOW?

Under the Water Fittings Regulations, it’s not illegal to sell you a fitting which doesn’t comply, but you could commit an offence by installing it. The installer has the legal duty to ensure that water fittings they install meet the requirements of the regulations.

> NON-METALLIC MATERIALS

Any non-metallic components in water fittings, including pipework in contact with drinking water must conform to BS 6920 (or its equivalent). This is to ensure that it does not contaminate the water or have a detrimental effect on the water passing through it.

Materials of the same type can perform differently if they have a different formulation (however slight) or made using a different manufacturing process. This is why all materials need to undergo BS 6920 testing. Some tests check whether it changes the taste, odour or colour of the water; whether it promotes the growth of microbes. Other tests include checking if it leaches substances that are of concern to public health or toxic metals such as lead.

Temperature effects material behaviour, e.g. may be stable when cold but release toxic substances when warmed. It’s important that hot water materials are tested at operating temperatures.

“Always check for declarations of conformity”

Join

The next step for qualified, approved drinking water contractors

© Piers Baker | Doodle Whiteboard

WHAT IS WATERSAFE?

WaterSafe is the UK register of approved drinking water contractors. It provides an online directory of qualified, professional plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists trained to work safely with customers’ drinking water.

WaterSafe is supported by all the UK water companies, installer associations, as well as the drinking water inspectorates, Citizens Advice and the Department of Health.

Being a WaterSafe-approved contractor shows potential customers you have specific training in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations or Scottish Byelaws, which are designed to maintain safe and wholesome water supplies and avoid the risk of contamination.

> WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING FOR YOUNG PLUMBERS?

By joining the national accreditation scheme for approved drinking water contractors

more customers

from

their customers to

local water company

for

from promotion and a stamp of approval for your business – members can display WaterSafe branding on their vehicles, stationery,

and

media

access to the latest Water Regulations and Byelaws information – to keep you up-to-date with changes

able to issue a Certificate of Compliance – to give customers confidence, reassurance and legal protection

reassurance to customers looking for a qualified, competent drinking water contractor.

> HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER OF WATERSAFE?

To join WaterSafe, you firstly need to complete your training and gain a water fittings regulations certificate. Once qualified, you can join one of the following six Approved Contractors Schemes in the UK. Some of these schemes are free to join, while others require you to pay a membership fee for which you get extra benefits. Once signed up, you can join WaterSafe at no extra cost.

The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) operates across England and Wales

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) operates across the UK

The Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) operates across Northern Ireland and Scotland

Anglian Water (Aplus scheme) and Severn Trent Water (WaterMark Scheme) operate in the areas supplied by these water companies

The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS) covers the remaining water company areas in England and Wales.

For more information visit watersafe.org.uk/howtojoin

> PLUMBER SECTOR MEMBERSHIP

To join, you need a recognised plumbing qualification (minimum of NVQ Level 2 or equivalent), a water fittings regulations certificate, public liability insurance and employers’ liability cover if needed. On joining, you’ll get free vehicle stickers and your scheme will provide updates on the regulations.

“Being a member of WaterSafe sets me apart from other engineers around me and shows my potential customers that I am qualified, have credibility and am an approved plumber. It shows that they can trust me to do things correctly when it comes to water issues.”

WaterSafe-approved plumbers have the authority to self-certify to water companies for certain types of plumbing work (e.g. extending or altering systems in existing buildings and ascending spray/flexible hose bidets) – avoiding delays, reducing paperwork and making you more attractive to your customers.

“Being a member of WaterSafe means a lot to me, as it shows that we are approved and trained in the water regulations so we can keep the water infrastructure safe for all.”

AARON FOLAN, WaterSafeapproved water supply pipe installer

DAMON BLAKEMORE, WaterSafeapproved plumber

WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE

INFORMATION ON NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED PLUMBING WORK

The following guidance is based on information taken from our publications including the Water Regulations Guide.

> WHO HAS TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS?

Owners and occupiers of premises and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings have the legal duty to ensure that the systems satisfy the regulations. Architects, building developers and plumbers must follow the regulations on behalf of future owners or occupiers. Advanced notice must be given for most proposed installations to obtain consent for the work from your water company. It is a criminal offence to contravene the regulations and offenders may face prosecution.

> WHERE DO THEY APPLY?

All plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using equipment in all types of premises supplied or to be supplied from the public water supply, even if it is just a backup supply, come under the regulations. The regulations apply from the point where the water enters the property’s underground supply pipe. Premises without a public water supply connection are not governed by these regulations.

> PREVENTION OF CONTAMINATION BY BACKFLOW

Backflow occurs when water flows opposite to the intended normal direction of flow. Where water or water-using equipment is used with fluids or materials which could contaminate the water, there must be adequate protection to stop backflow of potentially contaminated water into other parts of the system, especially drinking water outlets. The regulations define fluid risk categories according to the contaminants which are present. They also specify the appropriate type of devices or arrangements which must be fitted to protect against backflow, which may be limited to where or how they may be used

> FLUID CATEGORIES OF RISK

Fluid Categories are used to determine the level of risk posed to public health in the event of contamination by substances that could potential backflow into the water supply.

The Regulations have 5 categories of risk.

> KEY: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH CATEGORY

Fluid Category 1: Wholesome Drinking Water supplied by the local water company.

Fluid Category 2: Wholesome water that has had an Aesthetic Change in its temperature, taste, odour or appearance.

Fluid Category 3:

A fluid that contains chemical additives or common disinfectants. Slight Health Hazzard.

Fluid Category 4:

A fluid that contains chemicals such as insecticides or pesticides. Significant Health Risk.

Fluid Category 5:

It is important that every plumber knows the risk to the water supply that each fitting or appliance represents, so they can fit the correct backflow prevention device. Remember a double check valve does not protect against a Fluid Category 5 Risk. If you are in any doubt talk to your local water company as they will ultimately determine the risk category.

> TEST YOURSELF –DO YOU KNOW THE POTENTIAL FLUID CATEGORY OF RISK?

Write the number of the fluid category risk in the circles.

A fluid that contains butchery or animal or human waste. Serious or fatal Health Risk.

Full fluid category definitions and examples can be found in Schedule 1 of the regulations and byelaws

> ADVANCED NOTIFICATION

In most cases, before installation work starts, the installer, owner or occupier must obtain the water company's consent by giving notification of the details of the proposed plumbing work. Proposed work which must be notified is summarised in the following list.

The installation of a water fitting in connection with:

1. The erection of a building or other structure, not being a pond or swimming pool

2. The extension or alteration of a water system on any premises other than a house

3. A material change of use of any premises

4. The installation of:

4a. A bath having a capacity, as measured to the centre line of the overflow, of more than 230 litres

4b. A bidet with an ascending spray or flexible hose

4c. A shower unit of a type specified by the Regulator (none are currently specified)

4d. A pump or booster drawing more than 12 litres per minute, connected directly or indirectly to a supply pipe

4e. A unit which incorporates reverse osmosis

4f. A water treatment unit which produces a wastewater discharge or which requires the use of water for regeneration or cleaning

4g. A reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly or other mechanical device for protection against a fluid which is in Fluid Category 4 or 5

4h. A garden watering system unless designed to be operated by hand

4i. Any water system laid outside a building either less than 750mm or more than 1350mm below ground level

4j. The construction of a pond or swimming pool over 10,000 litres capacity, designed to be replenished automatically with water supplied by a public water company.

DID YOU KNOW?

Diagrams showing notifiable RPZ valve (4g above) operating

Failing RPZ

> NOTIFICATION IN SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

For Scotland and Northern Ireland the following are also needed with the above:

i. Grey water, recycled water, reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting systems

ii. Water systems for firefighting, including domestic sprinklers

iii. A flexible shower hose or other flexible outlet for use in conjunction with a WC

iv. A ‘shower toilet’ or ‘bidet-toilet’ where either as part of the WC itself or as an addition or adaptation of it, a stream of water is provided from below the spillover level of the WC pan for personal cleansing.

In Scotland, there is a specific requirement for notification of any system incorporating a private water supply.

> DETAILS TO BE NOTIFIED

For installations to be supplied with water from the public water supply, the following information must be sent to your local water company:

The name and address of the person giving notice and, if different, the name and address of the person to whom the consent should be sent

A description of the proposed work or any significant change of use of premises

The location of the premises and their use or intended use. A plan of those parts of the premises which relate to the proposed work and a diagram showing the pipework and fittings to be installed

If an Approved Contractor will be carrying out the work, their name and address.

> GRANTING CONSENT

There is no charge by your water company for dealing with notifications or granting consent. Work on installations must not start until consent has been given. If consent is granted conditionally, these conditions must be satisfied. If no response is received within ten working days of the water supplier receiving a valid notification, consent is deemed to have been granted. This does not alter the obligation upon the installer, owner or occupier to ensure that the regulations are fully met.

Did you know that by notifying the local water company, it could save you time and prevent unforeseen expense?

Apart from the legal requirement the notification process is also advantageous to plumbers because –

It can highlight potential areas of non-compliance, before it has been installed. It is better to know beforehand if extra water fittings like backflow prevention devices or storage cisterns are required this will enable you to inform the customer in your quote

Making alterations at the end of the job causes unforeseen cost, work and risks contract penalty clauses

Prevent delays to the connection being made or the supply possibly being disconnected

Prevent possible legal action that can have a negative impact on you and your company.

> APPROVED CONTRACTORS

An approved contractor, often called an approved plumber, will certify that their installation work complies with the regulations. In the event that certified work contravenes the regulations, the owner or occupier can use the certificate as a legal defence against prosecution.

> WATERSAFE

All of the approved plumber schemes operated by water companies are part of WaterSafe. WaterSafe is an online national register and search facility that enables customers to locate an approved contractor in their areawww.watersafe.org.uk

Most UK water companies either operate their own approved contractor scheme or support the national Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS), whose members have demonstrated their experience of plumbing work plus knowledge of the Regulations and have liability insurance cover.

Approved Contractors installing notification items 2, 4b, iii or iv (previous page 164/5), do not have be notified before starting work. Please note the installation of RPZ valves (4g) must be notified under the terms and conditions of Approved Contractor Schemes. However, on completion in addition to supplying a certificate to the person who asked for the work to be done, a copy of the compliance certificate must also be sent to the water company.

> WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE REGULATIONS & FURTHER ADVICE? For England and Wales, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and their Schedules SI 1999/1148, is available via:

Defra's Guidance Document relating to the Schedules to the regulations is assessable from the government's Nation Archives website.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 is available from Scottish Water via:

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, SR 2009/255 is available from Northern Ireland Water via:

“There is no charge by your water supplier for dealing with notifications or granting consent”

DEAD LEGS, SERVICING VALVES & REGULATION INFORMATION

The following information is a small selection of guidance that can be found in Government’s (Defra) and Water Regs UK guidance.

> REDUNDANT FITTINGS

“Any draw-off fitting that is permanently removed from the installation should have the branch pipe serving the fitting disconnected at its source.”

By leaving redundant pipework connected to the plumbing system you increase the risk of contaminating the water. Stagnant water may promote the growth of micro-organisms, especially where it is in a warm area. Any redundant pipework should be completely disconnected and removed from the system, ideally removing the tee piece.

There may be occasions where it is not practical to remove a tee piece, in this

instance the redundant pipe should be cut as short as possible and capped off, ideally no longer than twice the length of the pipe diameter. See dead leg section on the next page for full details.

If you are installing branch pipes to facilitate future connections, don’t connect them until they are ready to be used. Install the pipework but seal both ends to prevent anything getting inside. Once the pipework is ready to be used, cut your tee piece in and connect the pipework, remembering to thoroughly flush it, and if necessary disinfect it, before making the final connection.

> PROVISION OF SERVICING VALVES

FLOAT VALVES AND APPLIANCES

“Inlets to all float-operated valves, cisterns, clothes washing machines, dishwashing machines, water heaters, water softeners and other similar appliances should be provided with a servicing valve to facilitate maintenance.”

> LOCATION

“Servicing valves should be fitted as close as is reasonably practical to float operated valves or other inlet devices of an appliance.”

> TYPES OF SERVICING VALVES

“Servicing valves may be of the screwdown or spherical type.”

Servicing valves should be installed adjacent to the appliance they are serving, making sure they are readily accessible. Usually servicing valves are the screwdriver operated type, but screw down stop valves may be acceptable. You can use hose union taps for isolating appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers!

There is no requirement to fit servicing valves to taps, but it is certainly good practice to do so. It makes life easier should you need to replace a tap at a later date, and less water will be wasted as you won’t have to drain the whole system.

> GUIDANCE & ADVICE

Water companies have a legal duty to ensure that the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws are complied with in their appointed area of supply.

To facilitate compliance with, and support consistency in the application of these Regulations, water suppliers, assisted by Water Regs UK, have produced publications and other advice. Please note this is guidance only and is subject to change.

Check out the Guidance section of the Water Regs UK website for up-to-date information and advicewaterregsuk.co.uk/ guidance

> DEAD LEGS

Where water is allowed to stagnate, there is a risk of causing contamination. Minimising this risk can be achieved by:

For pipework supplying fittings which are used infrequently i.e. fire supplies or water reuse systems with a backup supply, appropriate backflow protection should be installed in accordance with the local water undertaker’s requirements.

Only use fittings which, by design, do not have areas where the water can stagnate or does not properly flow through it.

Completely removing redundant pipe work, where possible.

Diagram R15.9a Illustration of the principle of a zone of backflow risk

> DESIGNING PLUMBING SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENT USE

The turnover of water within a plumbing system is important to ensure that, when opening a tap cold water is below 20°C and hot water is delivered at a minimum of 50°C within 30 seconds. Factors such as size of storage, length of pipe runs can impact this, causing waste of water and energy as the user needs to run the tap longer to either get a cold glass of water, or be warm enough to wash or bathe in.

Some terminal fittings may need to limit the temperature of the water to 43°C for safety, such as in public buildings, schools, communal showers – however the water still needs to be delivered to the fitting at the correct temperature.

Water that is allowed to stagnate can create conditions for bacterial growth and poor water quality within the system. The Regulations/Byelaws place requirements to prevent these by stating cisterns should be adequately sized and arranged to prevent stagnation and that cold water must not be warmed above 25°C and be wholesome when delivered.

When altering existing systems or installing water efficient appliances and taps, careful consideration needs to be given to the points above. As changes can alter the systems characteristics and cause unintended low turnover or stagnation.

> INSTALLATION OF EXPANSION VESSELS

Water stagnation and particulate accumulation can have detrimental effects upon water quality. This could lead to the formation of biofilms and/or the accumulation of particulates. Therefore, it is recommended that any fitting on a wholesome water system which accommodates expansion or pressure surges, such as expansion vessels, pressure accumulators and surge arrestors, be installed so as to avoid localised low turnover (stagnation).

Factors which can affect this is the orientation of the vessel such as being on its side; how far the vessel is away from the main run of pipework; is there turnover within the vessel such as fully flowing in and out; is the

vessel correctly sized, too big is just as much of a problem as being too small.

> LEAD – PIPES AND SOLDER

The use of lead on wholesome water systems has been prohibited for over 30 years because of the risk to health. It is shocking that cases of it being used in plumbing systems are still being found. Simple checks can be made on installations to detect the use of lead solder. Where found it must be removed which may mean whole system replacement – an expensive mistake to correct.

Whilst lead solder can be used on systems not supplying wholesome water, the best approach is not to have it in your toolbox and remove any chance of using it in error.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are case studies that you can read on our website. These provide real-life examples of the ways in which compliance with the regulations/byelaws protects public health and safeguards public water supplies. They also illustrate what can happen when they are not complied with, such as illustrated in the case study for lead solder.

Following an inspection by a water company, soldered joints on a small section of pipework was found to contain lead solder. The solder on these joints had the same dull grey appearance as those seen on the central heating system. A ‘Lead Check Swab’ test kit was used to confirm the inspector’s suspicions after it turned pink. To read more about this case check out the story by scanning the QR code.

> BEFORE YOU GO …

A recent Water Regs UK study of UK plumbers and installers found that more than half agree that continued training is necessary to ensure good practice. Regularly testing your knowledge is a great way to know if you need any refresher training.

▸

Why not sign up for our newsletter at https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/news/ newsletter/

▸

Follow us on Twitter (@WaterRegsUK) and take our quiz.

Call Water Regs UK on 0333 207 9030 to buy your copy of the complete guide or go online at www.waterregsuk.co.uk for further information.

WATER SAVING

SPONSORED BY

REDUCE THE FLOW TO SAVE WATER

We now have the technology to easily reduce the flow of water in valve showers and taps without compromising the experience. Many showers and taps have a higher flow rate than required and we are simply throwing clean water down the drain.

> WATER USE FACTS

Water is a precious resource under growing pressure as we build more homes and experience the increasing effects of climate change. It’s also a fact that each person in the UK uses on average 141 litres of water every day, the highest across all European countries. That equates to 9.7 billion litres used daily and needing to be replaced, a huge task for our water authorities.

The importance of saving water is well documented, but what about the energy used to heat it? This also has an impact on cost and increased carbon emissions.

Around 20% of the cost of energy used in the home is for heating water for showers, baths and hot water taps. So, any device that can reduce our water usage, with no compromise on performance, must be considered because, the less water we use, the less energy we use and the more money we save.

“The less water we use, the less energy we use”

Drinking water is our planet's most vital resource.

Neoperl products are often found in use wherever water flows.

shape the water stream, regulate its flow rate, filter it, protect it and distribute it to help conserve water resources.

TAILOR SHOWERING TO SAVE WATER

> WATER FLOW

It’s estimated that 34% of all water used in the home is through showering and bathing and here is where the fitting of a flow regulator can help. These small devices can be retrofitted, to convert an existing shower quickly and easily, simply by inserting it upstream of the shower outlet, to reduce and regulate the water flow.

A standard European shower will produce around 18 litres of water a minute and yet an equally comfortable shower is possible from a shower head delivering around 12 litres of water. If one considers a 7-minute shower a day that’s 42 litres of water saved by one person per shower.

> HOW IT WORKS

A flow regulator device has an integral dynamic control ring (DCR) at its core. As water flows through it and as the pressure fluctuates the DCR deforms into the core of the flow regulator, either reducing or increasing the size of the orifice, to enable a stable and constant flow, independent of pressure. To retro fit a flow regulator is an easy job for a plumber, they simply need to obtain the right advice as to which regulator to fit to retain adequate performance and to purchase a simple tool to fit it.

See our installations on YouTube Search Neoperl Group

Typical Neoperl flow regulator

> OFFER A ‘WATER SAVING AUDIT’

Why not offer your customers a ‘Water Saving Audit’ whilst in their home or on their business premises? It’s a great service to offer them and may result in additional business for you:

Offer to do an audit on the water flow for all taps, showers, urinals

Assess flow rates and propose changes to reduce flow for relevant appliances

Assess whether flow regulators and/or aerators can be installed in any taps and showers

Suggest urinal controls or waterless urinals, efficient flush toilets and automatic sensor taps

Check out how to install Neoperl products at: www.youtube.com/user/NeoperlGroup

For more information visit: neoperl.com

> REDUCING TAP FLOW IS EASY

Tailor the flow rate for each tap you fit for your customer. If a tap is only used for washing hands or cleaning teeth reduce its water flow, it takes minutes to do, saving water, energy and reducing fuel bills.

> KITCHEN TAP THAT SAVES WATER

It’s always been a little harder to encourage water saving in the kitchen, understandably as we all want to be able to quickly fill our pans or kitchen sinks. However, the new Mini Ecobooster is an aerator for the kitchen tap that can be switched from water-saving eco-mode for general use and boosted to a fuller flow in an instant. It’s a flow device that can be easily retrofitted to most kitchen taps, protrudes slightly from the tap and can be switched easily into boost mode by pulling the sleeve upwards. After closing the tap, it always switches back into the default water saving mode.

Flow rate on tap as purchased

When fitted with a Pressure Compensating Aerator (PCA)

REDUCING TAP FLOW IS EASY!

Encourage your customers to save water by fitting a PCA aerator onto their existing tap.

> STEP 01

Using a special tool, available from Neoperl, loosen the existing aerator housing at the end of the tap.

04

Insert into the existing or new circular chrome housing unit.

> STEP 02

Once loose, remove the housing by gently unscrewing with fingers.

> STEP 05

Ensure the washer is placed on top to prevent leakage.

Check out how: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NFttMz3iUt0 or follow these simple steps below.

> STEP 03

Take the new Pressure Compensating Aerator. These are colour coded to help identify the flow rate and stream pattern of the model (aerated or laminar).

> STEP 06

Screw the housing back into the tap, tighten with the tool.

WATER TREATMENT

WHAT PART L MEANS FOR WATER TREATMENTEXPLAINED

Changes to Building Regulations Approved

Document Part L, which came into force on the 15th June 2022, included a number of updates that relate to the commissioning and maintenance of central heating systems. Here, Richard Crisp, Head of Chemistry at Fernox, provides a quick overview.

> WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Building regulations were established to ensure that any new buildings and major renovations are safe, healthy and high performing. Approved Documents range from A to S, covering areas such as fire safety, ventilation and electrical safety.

> WHAT DOES PART L COVER?

Approved Document Part L covers the Conservation of Fuel and Power and is concerned with the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. First established in 1985, the Approved Document has had several updates, driven by pressures both nationally and internationally for countries to reduce their CO2 emissions.

> WHAT DO HEATING INSTALLERS NEED TO KNOW?

system installation,

must now be

in accordance with

7593:2019.

maximum flow temperature for new and replacement heating systems has been reduced to 55°C and for heat pump applications 45°C, increasing the risk of microbiological fouling.

hard water areas which exceed 200ppm, provision must be made to reduce the rate of limescale formation as well as limiting its harmful effects on energy efficiency.

FIVE STEPS TO PART L COMPLIANCE

A system must be chemically cleaned if it is heavily contaminated, a new radiator / extra pipework is added, or a new boiler is installed. Using a recognised cleaning method like powerflushing is recommended to ensure the best results.

Once a system is cleaned an in-line filter must be installed to provide continued protection and maintain efficiency.

To protect against corrosion, scale and microbial fouling for low temperature heating systems, installers should dose the system with the correct quantity of chemical water treatment products.

Servicing of in-line filters is recommended as part of the re-commissioning process, ideally as part of the annual boiler service, to remove any sludge or debris that has been captured.

To ensure full system protection, inhibitor levels should be checked throughout its life cycle, with an annual water test of inhibitor levels and system cleanliness - and the re-dosing of inhibitor, or a full system water test, every five years.

> POWERFLUSHING

To accelerate the Powerflushing process, use a high performance, pH neutral - but strongcleaner like Fernox Power Cleaner F8 to remove contaminants quickly, even in heavily sludged central heating systems.

Opt for sealed, lidless filters such as the Fernox TF1 Sigma Filter, for a reliable, watertight solution that is easy to clean and service. A sealed design means that there is no need to replace ‘O’ rings when emptying the unit at the annual boiler service, so it’s hassle free.

> ANNUAL CHECKS

For those annual checks, handy dip test kits like the Fernox Express Inhibitor Test will instantly reveal whether the system water has the correct levels of inhibitor present. If a full laboratory analysis is required at the five-year mark, check a sample with a Fernox Water Quality Test, which you send to the lab for analysis. Get your results fast – and permanently stored –using the Fernox Water Test App.

> GOOD QUALITY INHIBITOR

Remember – a good quality inhibitor like Protector F1 prevents corrosion and limescale formation, for long-term protection from all angles.

Use a biocide to prevent and control bacterial and microbiological contamination in low temperature systems. For example, Fernox Biocide F7 should be used in conjunction with Fernox Protector F1 to offer full system protection and maintain energy levels.

SCAN HERE for more information.

THE FUTURE IS SEALED

Fernox has pioneered a number of industry firsts – including the TF1 Sigma Filter, the first sealed, composite plastic filter available with either slip socket or valved connections.

> EASY INSTALLATION

>THE TF1 SIGMA FILTER

The TF1 Sigma Filter is a precisionengineered, sealed unit with no removable lid, so it is reliable, watertight, easy to clean and service. The sealed design means that there is no need to replace ‘O’ rings when emptying the unit at annual boiler service (in accordance with BS 7593:2019 regulations and manufacturer’s instructions), so there is minimal hassle for the installer - and no ongoing maintenance or parts costs for the homeowner.

It can be installed horizontally, vertically or in any orientation in both flow directions and can be positioned at an angle up to 45° - making it ideal for installing in small, tight or awkward to reach areas.

Users can choose from 22mm and 28mm versions with either high-quality valves or slip-socket connections. All valves can be operated easily by hand and they provide a secure connection to the system and a robust service point for dosing via the drain valve.

> GREAT EFFICIENCY

This high-performance filter also uses Fernox’s unique Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology and magnetic filtration to remove non-magnetic as well as magnetic debris fast and efficiently from the system.

10 YEAR WARRANTY

Made from glass fibre reinforced polymer plastic, this strong unit has a market leading warranty of

TF1

Filter

SCAN HERE to find out more about the TF1 Sigma Filter.

WIRING CONNECTORS

SPONSORED BY

HERE

OUT WITH THE OLD!

Switching from terminals to push in and lever wire connectors could make your job easier!

While electrical installation work makes up only 10-15% of the average project for a heating engineer, it can represent a much larger proportion of the headaches. Fiddly and time-consuming electrical terminations can slow the installation down and any that have not been completed as required can be hard to identify, causing further delays or snagging issues.

“IDEAL wire connectors – for a fast, easy and safe installation”

> REDUCE CALL BACKS

Electrical cable terminations are traditionally done using a terminal strip. They’re not difficult to use, but even the simplest of traditional techniques can be improved upon and, in this case, the use of lever or push in connectors can save time, make the job easier, and help heating engineers achieve a more consistent and compliant installation. Consistent quality not only reduces the risk of snagging and call backs; it could also enhance the success rate of bids for repeat work.

THE KEY BENEFIT

There are a host of benefits for using push in and lever wire connectors over traditional connectors. Below are a list of some of those benefits to help you achieve a more efficient connection:

> AVOID ARCING OR LOOSE SCREWS

When using traditional terminal strips the screws can work loose over time, causing arcing in the connector. This then presents a potential fire risk and is just one of the reasons why push in and lever connectors are being more widely used instead of terminal blocks in numerous applications.

> STANDARDS COMPLIANCY

The 18th Edition requires that traditional terminal strip connections should be accessible for annual inspections in compliance with BS EN 60670-22 which makes it difficult to select a suitable location for terminal strip connections, leading to noncompliance for many projects.

> MAINTENANCE-FREE

Lever and push in connectors are classified as maintenance-free when used in conjunction with an approved enclosure box, so can be part of a compliant installation anywhere within the property.

For further information, visit: www.idealind.com

SpliceLine® In-Line Wire Connector, Model 42 Orange

> CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENCLOSURE

A traditional junction box with screw terminals has always needed to be installed in an accessible location as over time terminals will need to be checked. If an appropriate location could not be found, access panels were needed. Choosing an enclosure which has been tested to and complies with BS 5733 maintenance free accessory standard like the IDEAL In-Sure® Box makes it possible to save money on materials and keep the enclosure installation process as quick and simple as possible.

> REDUCED LABOUR COSTS

A barrier to change when it comes to switching from terminal strips to lever or push in connectors is perceptions of cost. While the unit price of connectors may be slightly more than terminal strips, the time savings they offer easily offset the minimal additional costs. Connectors not only help to keep the job within programme, but also reduces labour costs over the length of the project.

> PEACE OF MIND

What’s more, making the switch provides peace of mind because use of connectors removes any inconsistency associated with the tightening of terminal strip screws, thereby building value into the cost of the connectors by reducing the need for quality assurance checks or call backs.

> CONSISTENT CONNECTIONS

Secondly, using connectors rather than terminal strips ensures every connection is consistent because there is no variation in the tightening of the fixing screw that fastens the cable in place. Ideal Industries’ wire connectors even include a stripping guide on the side to aid consistently accurate stripping of the cable prior to connection, along with a CPC port for relevant testing.

> REMOVED MARGIN FOR ERROR

This standardised approach to making the connections ensures lever and push in connectors deliver a fit-and-forget solution, as well as driving speed of installation. While speed and consistency of terminal strip installations grows with experience, connectors remove any margin for error, even for inexperienced installers who are still training.

2 Port Push In Wire Connectors

CONNECTOR

METRIC CONVERSION TABLE

WOLSELEY CAREERS

Ever thought of a merchant as a career path?

> A GROWING BUSINESS

Wherever you live in the UK, there’s a Wolseley team near to you. And, because we’re growing our business every day, we need more and more people to join us – as a specialist merchant we are always on the lookout for people with a passion for heating and plumbing, it’s what we live and breathe and we are super passionate about it!

With Support Centres in Warwick and Ripon, three distribution centres, and around 560 branches, our operation is huge. It involves one of the country’s largest fleets of specialist commercial vehicles and is backed by cutting-edge warehousing and customerfocused supply chain.

> CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT WOLSELEY

Through Wolseley’s award-winning Talent Guild, the business takes an approach to identify, support and develop employees.

With everything from apprenticeships to Talent Boosters development programmes, right through to more technical qualifications and higher education programmes, Wolseley has it covered.

> APPRENTICESHIPS

Wolseley offers fantastic opportunities to take on new challenges and achieve a nationally recognised qualification which is known as a modern apprenticeship. The business provides early career opportunities by recruiting apprentices into different roles as well as providing similar apprenticeship opportunities to its existing employees, whether that’s continuing your learning with us or starting a new pathway we have lots of opportunities to grow your knowledge & build a career path.

> INTERNAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

Wolseley’s Talent Booster career development programmes support employees to build confidence and expertise in their roles, providing a career pathway to maximise and develop their potential whilst boosting their knowledge and skills.

Wolseley is always on the lookout for talent to join its business to help its customers succeed, whether you’re in a branch, one of its distribution centres or support centres.

SCAN HERE to learn more about how Wolseley brings people into its business.

“Wolseley is always on the lookout for talent to join its business”

STARTING A BUSINESS

So, you’ve completed your apprenticeship and you’re thinking of starting your own business?

Before you start a plumbing business, there are lots of things to think about but you aren’t on your own - there is help available for young people with business ideas.

You might be in a position to finance your business yourself, but at some stage you might need a loan or a grant to help get things up and running.

Luckily, there are a number of schemes set up to help. The exact schemes open to you will depend on a number of factors, including your age and where you live.

> START UP LOANS

There is loads of advice and information on the gov.uk website, including how to apply for a Start Up Loan. These are unsecured personal loans of between £500 and £25,000 that are backed by the government (the average loan amount is £7,200).

You’ll be offered free support and guidance to write a business plan for your application, and if successful you’ll get 12 months of free mentoring.

> HOW TO APPLY

To apply for a Start Up Loan you must:

Live in the UK

Be 18 or over

Have, or plan to start, a UK-based business that’s been fully trading for less than 24 months.

You can repay a Start Up Loan over one to five years and you’ll be charged a fixed interest rate of 6%.

For more info visit: startuploans.co.uk

> THE PRINCE’S TRUST ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

Prince’s Trust has helped more than

people start their

through its Enterprise

which is broken down into

Building your business with the help of a mentor and the chance to apply for funding (loans up to £5,000 offered by the Start Up Loans Company).

Before you launch your business, you’ll also get to present your business plan to the Prince’s Trust’s Business Launch Group, get feedback and more financial support if you need it.

For more info visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk

> ADVICE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

There are government-run helplines offering free advice and support around the UK, including the Business Support Helpline in England, Business Gateway in Scotland, the Business Wales Helpline and Invest Northern Ireland

There is a searchable list of schemes offering financial support and advice at gov.uk/business-finance-support

Most banks have access to a business manager, who may be able to advise on local training, support and funding sources. Your local council or chamber of commerce might also be a good place to find out what help is available locally.

“There is a lot of help available for young people”

GETTING YOUR WEBSITE RIGHT

Word of mouth is still a vital way of getting new business, but increasingly people will head straight to Google when they need a plumber.

Did you know, nearly four in five (79 percent) consumers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (BrightLocal, 2020).

This is three percentage points more than the previous year – an indication that increasingly more people are starting to trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth.

That’s why it’s important to have a website that works for you. When people in your local area search online for a plumber, you want it to be your name they find.

Start by building a basic website - at the start of your business, you want to keep your costs down as much as possible so we'd suggest using Wix.com or a similar online platform which are either free or fairly inexpensive.

“When people in your local area search online for a plumber, you want it to be your name they find”

If you’re keeping it simple, stick to three pages for your website – a homepage, a services page listing everything you offer, and a contact page.

> HOMEPAGE

This has to grab people’s attention but avoid being tacky. Describe what you do and use images that reflect your business.

> SERVICES PAGE

List every service you offer as part of your business, including those that may seem obvious or mundane to you, like installing washing machines and dishwashers or replacing taps. Think about what people will type into Google when looking for a plumber.

> CONTACT PAGE

Include your full business address, contact numbers, an email address and links to your social media accounts. Make it easy for people to get in touch with you.

You could also add an ‘about’ page, so people can find out more about you. And if you can put in more time, it might be beneficial to create individual pages for the different services you offer. For example, a ‘boiler’ section on your website could contain separate pages for installations, repairs, servicing and emergency call-outs.

Other things you can do to boost your website:

Create a Google Business Listing (go to google.com/business)

Encourage your customers to leave reviews

Register with business listings websites like Yell, Gumtree or Checkatrade.

MAKING THE MOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media can be brilliant for promoting your business – and the different platforms each have their own strengths.

> FACEBOOK

Although you may not use Facebook, many of your customers will so it’s a great place to promote your business. Create a personal account and set up a separate one for your business. This should have links to your website and any other social media accounts you have linked to your company. Post photos of installations you’ve carried out and make your comments friendly and chatty. Update it as often as possible.

> INSTAGRAM

As of January 2020, there are nearly 1 billion monthly active users on Instagram. 1 Billion is a big number, and it positions Instagram behind Facebook (2.8 billion) but ahead of most other social network sites, including Twitter (which has a “reachable” audience of 353 million). Make sure you have an Instagram account to showcase your best work and impress those potential customers.

Social media is about creating a conversation, so share other people’s relevant content and try to respond as soon as possible to people who post on your page or send you messages.

Social media works both ways. If you provide a great service, you’ll reap the benefits. Personal recommendations are priceless. However, if you upset a customer, it could damage your reputation for a long time, especially if you lose your cool online.

> TWITTER

Twitter is great for starting and joining in conversations. Build up your followers by ‘following’ and engaging with other people and retweeting messages. The plumbing Twitter community is full of people sharing images of their work and learning from each other. Links automatically condense in your Tweet, so it’s easy to add your website to your message.

> YOUTUBE

YouTube is a great platform for picking up hints and tips from other plumbers, manufacturers and merchants – and there are some great personalities to follow. Consider starting your own channel, it's completely free and it's a great way to share ideas.

> LINKEDIN

Create a company page for your business, again include your website and any other social media accounts you have. You will find an option to add contacts to your page. You’ll find that your list will grow as other people see your page and want to link with you. Customers will have the opportunity to recommend you to others.

Wolseley UK

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Your local Wolseley Plumb & Parts branch is an ideal place to get all the advice you need, when it comes to providing the best experience for you & your customers. Here are some tips from Wolseley’s experienced team for those just starting out.

> OPEN A TRADE ACCOUNT

It is important to open a trade account with a specialist merchant as these can provide you with an array of benefits from 30 days to pay, preferential terms on the products you buy and regular special offers, reward and loyalty schemes as well as an array of services to help you run your business.

> GET YOUR PPE RIGHT

It is essential to ensure that you are equipped with the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Goggles, ear defenders, safety gloves and respiratory protective equipment should be included in your day-to-day PPE kit.

> REGISTER AN ACCOUNT

ONLINE

Your time is precious, so why not let online tools do the legwork for you? You can self service much of what you need online these days, whether you’re onsite, in the office, at home or in the van. You can check live stock availability on thousands of products at any branch nationwide or even send your orders straight to invoicing or accounting with integrated software.

> TRAIN TO GAIN

Newly qualified installers will undoubtedly be bombarded with potential training courses from manufacturers and organisations; merchants can advise on the most valuable courses, and many will run free events in local branches for installers to attend.

> BEWARE OF CHEAP IMITATIONS

When it comes to boiler parts, don’t be fooled with cheap spares. In all likelihood they won’t be genuine, and you could encounter problems with long-term performance as well as endangering your customer, any warranties from the original equipment manufacturer and ultimately your reputation.

SCAN HERE for further guidance on legislation, product news as well as how-to videos and guides visit.

HANDLING FINANCES

Balancing the books may not be the reason you became a plumber, but looking after the financial side of things is an important part of running your own business.

> GOODS ON CREDIT

If you are just starting out you will need to set up a credit account with a plumbing merchant. They will make an assessment on how much credit they are willing to offer you.

At first they may want you to pay upfront for goods, until you become established. After that, you will usually be given 30 days to pay for the goods you have ordered.

Be prompt with your payments and in time, your credit rating will rise.

> ACCOUNTS

Make sure you keep an accurate account of all earnings and expenditure. You don’t want to find yourself in trouble with the tax man.

> PRICING UP A JOB

The ability to price up a job is something that will probably develop over time and with experience, but here are a few tips to help when you’re starting out.

“Make a thorough list of the materials you'll need to complete the job. For big jobs get prices from different merchants”

▸

> TOP TIPS FOR PRICING UP

▸

When pricing work for customers, the first thing to establish is whether the customer requires a quote or an estimate. Remember a quote is a firm price, while an estimate is your best guess and may vary from the initial price.

▸

If you provide a quotation you should not invoice the customer for anything extra unless they have asked you to do extra work. If the customer asks for extra work to be carried out during the installation you should re-price the work and present a variation order for the customer to sign.

Sometimes you will have to do extra work you couldn’t have reasonably known about when you quoted. You may be able to add this to the invoice but you should let the customer know as soon as possible.

▸

Make a thorough list of the materials you’ll need to complete the job. If it’s a big list, get prices from two or three different merchants. It’s worth spending that extra time making sure that your materials are priced right.

▸

If a job takes longer than you thought all you’ve lost is your time, but if you’ve underpriced the materials it will come out of your pocket. Charge the customer list price for all materials. Any reductions you receive from the list price should be marked as profit margin.

▸

For labour costings, allow time for travelling to and from jobs, and also for the time you’ll spend collecting materials. Work out an hourly rate and how long you think the job will take. If you’re not sure how much to charge customers per hour, you could call other plumbing companies in your area to learn their hourly rates.

With experience, you’ll learn how long most jobs will take and allow for any problems. When starting out, predict how long an individual job will take and write it down, then compare it with how long the job actually took. It will help to price jobs more accurately.

Also allow for any time you have been out to look at a job beforehand, and if it’s a larger job you may want to allow for coming back and snagging.

INSURANCE

NEGLIGENCE

into

ENDORSEMENTS

BROKER

BONUS

certain

due to a

require

QUOTATION

HOLDER

CONTINGENT INSURANCE

ALL RISK COVER

REINSTATEMENT

RENEWAL

INDEMNITY

STATEMENT OF FACT

THIRD PARTY

(the

UNDERLYING INSURANCE

HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK

A big part of your job will be maintaining the correct Health and Safety procedures every working day. It is crucial you are aware of the hazards that exist wherever you are working and that you take the necessary precautions so you are prepared in case the worst happens.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974 legislation should be followed to ensure your own safety and that of anyone you work with, and you are legally obliged to follow its rules and regulations.

> KEY HASAWA RESPONSIBILITES

As a plumber working on domestic premises, the health, safety and welfare of the occupant becomes your responsibility because it is your place of work.

You have a responsibility to both yourself and to others to keep the workplace hazard-free.

While your employer has a duty to ensure that the safety equipment provided is kept in good condition, you still need to maintain your own safety as they cannot cater for human error or negligence.

> HERE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS A PLUMBER MIGHT FACE:

> WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Working in attics and at internal and external high points on buildings puts you at risk of falling. Make sure the surface you’re putting the majority of your weight on is secure and has been inspected where this is relevant. Never stand on a surface unless you’re 100% sure it is safe.

> EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Lead, asbestos, raw sewage and mould are just some of the hazardous substances you are at risk of being exposed to as a plumber. These can cause serious illnesses such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A, B or C.

Make sure you apply barrier cream before starting a job, wash your hands whenever you take a break and always wear the correct PPE (gloves, eye protection etc). Clean your equipment properly after use and maintain good ventilation where you are working at all times.

The COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations must be adhered to at all times. Substances that fall under COSHH will often be labelled as dangerous (i.e. toxic, very toxic, harmful, irritant or corrosive) and control measures must be applied when handling such substances. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions of use.

> EXPOSURE TO NOISE

Tools and machinery can create more decibels of sound than the human ear can safely be exposed to, so use ear plugs or ear defenders at all times when working in a noisy environment, as part of your PPE.

> INJURY FROM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Always make sure to maintain any tools and equipment that you use and cut away from your face and body when using sharp objects. If the task at hand requires a lot of concentration or if you are in an awkward position whilst performing the task, take frequent breaks to eliminate the chance of error and adjust your position regularly to avoid cramping and muscle injury.

> BURNS

Don’t underestimate the damage that can be caused by hot water and steam. If you are scalded, flood the burn with plenty of cold water immediately and do not remove anything that may be sticking to the burn – this may cause further damage and introduce infection. Always call 999/112 for emergency help.

> SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

If you suspect someone has a broken bone, keep them still until the injured part is secured and supported. If the person is in immediate danger, then of course they should be moved away from the hazard – but do not put yourself at risk and always call emergency services immediately.

DID YOU KNOW?

The load generally accepted as the maximum for a fit person to lift is 20kg

If you would like more information, here are some websites which may be useful to you.

hse.gov.uk/coshh

hse.gov.uk/legislation

www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/ what-we-do

BEING A PRO

Even in the age of Google and social media, one of the best ways to gain customers is through word of mouth. Being professional is a simple way to impress your customers and earn that all-important recommendation. These are our top tips:

> TURN UP ON TIME

1Being punctual shows that you’re reliable. Showing up late is not going to endear you to a customer who has potentially waited in all morning for you to arrive. If you’re stuck in traffic or running late through no fault of your own, call ahead to let your customer know you’ve been delayed.

> LOOK AFTER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY

2Show your respect for people’s property by taking off your shoes when you enter their home. If you need to wear shoes for the job, wear shoe covers. And remember to put down dust covers wherever you work and use heat mats when necessary.

> LOOK THE PART

3Dressing smartly suggests professionalism from the outset. A polo shirt with your company logo on it is much better than a tatty old T-shirt.

> MANNERS COST NOTHING

4Something as simple as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can make a real difference to how a customer sees you. Listen to your customer and be sympathetic to their concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem to you.

> TAKE EXTRA CARE WITH VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS

5You may need to be more patient with elderly customers, for example.