SUMMER 2015
NEWLY QUALIFIED INSTALLER
INSIDE...
INTERVIEWS WITH COLLEGE LEAVERS REGS UPDATES ROGUE CUSTOMERS BUYING YOUR FIRST VAN
WIN
RIDGID® LASER DISTANCE METER & VOKÈRA BACKPACK OF GOODIES
For the latest information on the design and installation of copper pipework, contact Copper Initiative
For your free technical literature pack, join the Copper Club at: www.copperplumbing.org.uk
CONTENTS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 01 SUMMER 2015
NEWLY QUALIFIED INSTALLER
INSIDE...
INTERVIEWS WITH COLLEGE LEAVERS REGS UPDATES ROGUE CUSTOMERS BUYING YOUR FIRST VAN
WIN
RIDGID® LASER DISTANCE METER & VOKÈRA BACKPACK OF GOODIES
EDITOR: RACHEL MACSWEENEY editor@sng-publishing.co.uk ADVERTISING: SUE CATT sue.catt@sng-publishing.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN: STUDIO 74 www.studio-74.co.uk PUBLISHER: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk PRINTERS Stephens & George, England GENERAL ENQUIRIES To subscribe to NQI Magazine call 0870 774 3049 or subscribe online at www.hip-magazine.co.uk DISCLAIMER ‘NQI Magazine’ is published by SNG Publishing Ltd. All content is copyright SNG Publishing Ltd 2015. Although SNG Publishing Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication, neither it nor any contributor can accept any legal responsibility whatsoever for consequences that may arise from errors or omissions or any opinions or advice given. This publication is not a substitute for professional advice on a specific transaction. Advertisements are accepted for publication in NQI Magazine only upon SNG Publishing Ltd standard terms of acceptance of advertising. All material published in NQI Magazine is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. No reproduction allowed without prior permission.
Welcome to the first issue of NQI – a magazine designed specifically for newly qualified plumbing and heating installers. Published four times a year, NQI provides a mix of news and features to support newly qualified installers after they leave college. Qualifications provide the theory and groundwork for a career, but there is no substitute for practical experience. In this first issue we talk to two installers – Chris Bennett and Charlie Lusty – who both left college three years ago about what they’re doing now, and what they’ve learnt since leaving. Both are looking to take further qualifications, and it brings home the message that there is always something new to learn. We’ve also taken a look at some of the less obvious things which might come in useful for anyone who is either starting their own business, or working for someone else. Learning how to spot rogue customers is perhaps something that comes with experience, but in our article on page 14 Rob James from Bridgend College offers some tips on how you can avoid the hassle of a dispute. Happy reading and if there’s anything you’d like to see us write about in NQI please get in touch – our next issue is due out at the end of September.
Rachel MacSweeney EDITOR © SNG Publishing Ltd, 2015
HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Editor’s Note Industry News New Product Reviews Puzzle Time Hall of Shame Tea Break Time
FEATURES 08 10 12 14 20
Case Study
Chris Bennett shares what he’s learnt since leaving college
Insurance
Trade Direct Insurance highlight the insurance options you should consider
Case Study
Charlie Lusty shares what he’s learnt since leaving college
Rogue Customers
Sadly they do exist! We offer some tips on the best way to deal with them
Buying Your First Van Things to consider when making that first big purchase
22
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01 04 16 36 38 44
PAGE 06
REGULARS
WIN
PAGE 20
SUMMER 2015 | CONTENTS
Regs Update BEAMA highlight new label requirements and WRAS explain how to check water fittings are compliant
26
Pricing up a Job
32 34 40
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Wirquin take you through installing their Macdee Motion Universal Dual Flush Siphon
Getting the Most from your Merchant Account
Helping you find the best places to buy materials, tools and appliances
PAGE 32
Handy tips for starting out on your own
Competent Person Schemes (CPS)
COMPETITIONS 06 30
WIN a RIDGID® micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter WIN a back pack of Vokèra goodies
PAGE 34
If you’re new out of college, you may be looking to join one of these schemes
04 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY NEWS
We’ve rounded up all the latest news items from your industry DRAYTON LAUNCHES 9° NETWORK INSTALLER CLUB Heating controls specialist Drayton has launched the 9° Network, an installer club that rewards loyalty with exclusivity. Drayton is looking for professional Drayton installers to join the network, and in return members will receive a wealth of benefits. BENEFITS OF THE 9° NETWORK INCLUDE: Professional installer status Extended product guarantees Exclusive training opportunities Priority technical support contact New product previews and trialling Access to web portal for exclusive content Free t-shirt and van sticker
SUMMER OFFERS! Summer means heating systems taking a well-earned rest and an opportunity for homeowners to get essential servicing done ready for autumn and winter. Plumb and Parts Center is helping installers get ready for the season, offering fantastic water treatment deals from major manufacturers Adey, Fernox and Sentinel. Plumb Center’s Head of Marketing, Julie McLean explains, “Installers and heating engineers already know they can be certain of quality advice and top brands at competitive prices, whenever they walk into one of our branches. This summer we’re bringing superb savings to our installers and heating engineers as they gear up for the busy servicing period ahead. Helping installers boost their bottom line, while cutting fuel bills for homeowners is a win-win.” Check out plumbcenter.co.uk
To find out more about the new Drayton 9° Network and to sign up to become a member, go to www.draytoncontrols.co.uk/9degrees/ or call 0845 130 5522.
ONLINE KNOWLEDGE FROM WAVIN Heating, plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin has launched its new online Knowledge Centre where company employees will share insider hints and tips, industry news and the latest product videos and updates. The online Knowledge Centre provides a perfect platform for Wavin to communicate directly with plumbers, engineers, ground workers and specifiers. Focusing on the Wavin brand and it’s two product brands, Hep2O, OSMA, as well as industry information, the blog will be supported by Wavin’s growing social media presence across Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Users can read a growing range of blog posts with titles including ‘Plastics or Copper?’, ‘OSMA Rainwater – Bringing faded guttering back to life’ and ‘How to install Hep2O – Best practice for a trouble free installation’. blog.wavin.co.uk
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company
INDUSTRY NEWS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 05
WORCESTER LAUNCHES HANDY HINTS GUIDE Leading manufacturer, Worcester, Bosch Group, has unveiled a new Handy Hints guide to provide installers with an additional tool to use as part of their handover process with homeowners. The launch follows research from Worcester which revealed 45 per cent of homeowners in the UK do not understand their heating and over two thirds admit not knowing how to use their controls.
WIN TICKETS TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP! Installers are in with a chance of winning VIP hospitality tickets to the Rugby World Cup final thanks to ADEY Professional Heating Solutions.
Aimed at bridging the knowledge gap amongst end-users, the guide explores everything they need to know about heating, including advice on radiators, servicing and top tips for saving energy and reducing running costs. An extensive frequently asked questions section also provides the end-user with a first port-of-call should they ever have any technical queries.
From 1 June until 30 September, installers purchasing either a 500ml bottle of MC1+ Protector or MC3+ Cleaner will need to keep their eyes peeled for five golden tokens hidden beneath the caps. Each token wins two VIP hospitality tickets to the final, or alternatively, tickets to the semi-finals or quarter-finals.
The guide can be ordered free of charge by calling 0330 123 9119 or emailing brochure-request@uk.bosch.com
IDEAL BRINGS TRAINING TO INSTALLERS Ideal Boilers is bringing its mobile unit to installers, making it even easier for them to take advantage of free training including information on the EU’s Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive which comes into force on 26th September. Compliance with the directive is a legal requirement for all installers. Ideal has training centres throughout the UK, but also has a mobile unit which it can take to customers’ premises. The mobile training centre is ideal for installers looking to update their knowledge or training in a small group where they can get hands-on with six boilers. For more information on training, visit idealboilers.com To book on a course email technical.training@idealboilers.com or phone 01482 498 432.
A further monthly prize draw will also take place from June to September, with a range of Rugby World Cup merchandise including an official ’20 Nations’ rugby shirt and ADEY products on offer.
Ideal Training
For more information and to register, visit adey.com/rwcpromotion
06 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | COMPETITIONS
W I N Up for grabs is a RIDGID® micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter, which provides simple, quick and accurate distance readings at the push of a button
When using this simple measurement tool, simply push the measurement button to turn on the ultra-sharp Class II lasers, point the device at the spot to be measured, and push the measurement button. The distance reading will appear on the easy-to-read LCD display. This rugged, compact, portable instrument enables professional tradesman to quickly determine run distances for bidding, distance of piping run, measuring trouble spots down the line, and quickly determine spacing for code compliance. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is send an email to editor@sng-publishing.co.uk and put ‘Ridgid Competition’ in the email title. We’ll pick a winner at random and notify the lucky person by email before the end of August.
REGISTER FOR HVP TODAY Make more informed decisions Find out about the latest regulation changes Keep up to date with new technology and products JUNE
2015
MAY 2015
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Just qualified? HVP is the magazine of choice for anyone working in the heating, ventilating and plumbing sectors. Register for FREE today at www.hvpmag.co.uk
08 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | CASE STUDY
WHAT I’VE E C N I S T N R LEA E G E L L O C G N I LEAV
ennett NAME: Chris B h West Kent COLLEGE: Nort l 2 NVQ STUDIED: Leve
“I learnt a lot of valuable skills from college.” NQI: Why did you choose to study your particular course? CB: When I left school I was working as a labourer and originally wanted to study bricklaying. But unfortunately there wasn’t much demand for the skill at that time, and so I switched to plumbing. I was a couple of years older than most of the people on our course. I chose North West Kent College as it was local to where I live, and also I was told by friends that the college was a good place to take the course and that the lecturers were very helpful, which they were! NQI: What was the most valuable thing you learnt from the course?
CB: I learnt a lot of valuable skills from college. Working as a team on tasks in the workshop and Health and Safety awareness which I use every day at work. Mainly though, the practical and technical skills that I need in plumbing, to take on tasks I do day in day out at work. Without the knowledge I’ve learnt from college, I wouldn’t be working in the plumbing industry which I enjoy a lot.
NQI: Where did you do your apprenticeship?
CB: I carried out my apprenticeship whilst working as self-employed for a friend who had a small plumbing company. I initially took on the job to be a helping hand, but soon realised that this was the route that I wanted to go down. I had an interview with the lecturers at college and then started on the course a few weeks after that. NQI: What are you doing now?
CB: I’m working full time for Martin Environmental Limited based in Rochester in Kent. They have between 20 -25 staff, with about 15 mechanical and electrical engineers. The work we undertake involves replacing heating systems
CASE STUDY | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 09
a lot of aspects of the plumbing industry for my requirements. The only additional education that I would have appreciated, would be to have gained my Gas Safe qualification as a follow on course to the plumbing. But I’m planning to do that shortly. NQI: Apart from the Gas Safe course are you planning any further learning?
and boilers, new heating and domestic services installations, and maintenance work in all types of buildings. NQI: What’s the most interesting job you’ve been involved with since you left college? CB: One of the most interesting jobs that I have been involved with was to replace the Main Boiler Room at Hampton Court Palace. The job lasted for several months, during this time we removed the existing boilers and pipework in the boiler room and replaced with new boilers and a new system to connect to existing pipework which runs to all corners of the palace. I feel very privileged to have worked there.
NQI: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt since leaving college? CB: College was great in terms of providing the theory, but there’s no substitute for on the job training and experience.
NQI: Do you keep in touch with anyone from college? CB: Two of my current work mates studied on the same course a couple of years before me, and our apprentice is now studying the same course. I bump into guys from college in plumbing wholesalers sometimes
and have a chat about the different types of jobs we’re doing. NQI: Is there anything you feel should have been taught on the course that wasn’t? CB: I feel that the course covered
Recent plumbing projects that Chris has worked on
CB: Not at the moment. I try to keep up to date with things via magazines, information in merchants and also a lot of the manufacturers offer product courses which are really useful for finding out about technological developments and best practice. Once I’ve finished the Gas Safe course, I also hope to move on to higher education in the future, possibly in mechanical engineering.
10 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | INSURANCE
DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT INSURANCE? Ed Longley from Trade Direct Insurance highlights which options you should consider for insurance. Congratulations! You’ve finished your training, and your thoughts may be turning to a celebration, a well-earned break, or quite probably starting your own business. Your own business brings with it lots of new opportunities, as well as a set of new considerations, including business insurance. However well trained and careful you are, mistakes can be made, injuries can be sustained and tools can be stolen. The impact of these on you and your business can be significant, including your ability to work. But what business insurance should you consider, and does it cost the earth? 08000 280 380 tradedirectinsurance.co.uk
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE:
Public Liability insurance is designed to pay the legal costs and any compensation payments that your company could be liable for should you or one of your employees cause damage to property, or injury to a person in connection with your business. A good Public Liability policy should allow you to tailor cover to meet individual needs, including adding cover for personal tools, stock and hired and owned plant etc.
PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY:
Professional Indemnity insurance is designed to cover legal costs and expenses that might be incurred if you find yourself the subject of legal action resulting from advice or guidance you have provided in your professional capacity.
EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE:
Employers’ Liability insurance is designed to pay your legal liabilities should your employees be killed, or injured while working for you in connection with your business, or contract a disease as a result of that work. If you have employees, this is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom.
Trade Direct Insurance has been insuring individuals and businesses in the tradesman and construction industry for over 30 years, and we know that the right insurance can help protect your business, while also potentially saving you money. Why not give us as ring or visit our mobile friendly website, where we have a set of handy guides that take the mystery out of business insurance.
Quality and innovation at the heart of our boilers. Stainless steel is, without doubt, the best material for primary heat exchangers in condensing boilers. One of the unique design features of all Vitodens boilers is the Inox-Radial heat exchanger made from high grade stainless steel. We are so confident in our heat exchanger that we guarantee it for 10 years against corrosion. Designed for long-term reliability, high performance and self-cleaning 100% corrosive resistance Exclusive to Viessmann For more information please see our website or email us at, info-uk@ viessmann.com www.viessmann.co.uk
10 Year Warranty Viessmann Limited • Telford • Telephone 01952 675000
on all stainless steel heat exchangers for gas condensing boilers up to 150 kW
Vitodens 200-W gas condensing boiler
12 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | CASE STUDY
WHAT I’VE E C N I S T N R LEA E G E L L O C G N I LEAV Lusty NAME: Charlie pshire ges, both in Ham lle o C t o h rs e ld eigh & A COLLEGE: Eastl Q l 2 & Level 3 NV STUDIED: Leve
CASE STUDY | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 13
Last time we caught up with Charlie was back in 2012 when he took part in the HIP! UK Apprentice of the Year competition. Three years on and he’s now working full time after taking further qualifications. NQI: Where did you study?
CL: I studied for my Level 2 NVQ at Aldershot College originally, and then after completing that I went to Eastleigh College as I wanted to carry on and do my Level 3 NVQ. As there were fewer applicants for the Level 3 course, everyone from our area was grouped together and we all attended Eastleigh. The facilities there are excellent – especially for doing the gas safe qualification which I’ve just completed as well. Before I took Level 2 I also completed the Level 1 basic introduction which was a full time course for one year. NQI: Where did you do your apprenticeship? CL: During both the Level 2 and Level 3 I was on Bloor Homes’ apprenticeship scheme. They’re one of the largest privately owned house-building groups in the UK, building over two thousand homes each year so it’s a massive operation. NQI: Where are you working now?
CL: Bloor Homes doesn’t directly employ their own plumbers full time, but during the time I’ve been on their apprenticeship I’ve been lucky to get to know many of the on-site contractors and I’m now working for one of them. So essentially it’s a further development of the apprenticeship, doing the same things. NQI: When we think of new build I guess a lot of people might think you’re working on the same type of houses every day. Is that the case? CL: Definitely not! I’m lucky in that I get to work on a really wide range of projects. A couple of years ago I worked on a development in Surrey which had 1,100 homes.
But I’ve also recently worked on one in Winkfield which only had seven houses all costing around £2m each. So it’s really varied. It can be anything involving hot and cold water, and we also put renewables in as well. One site I’ve just been working on only has air source heat pumps for space heating, and no boilers at all. NQI: Have you done any further qualifications since you left college or do you intend to? CL: Well I’ve just successfully completed my Gas Safe training whilst I was at Aldershot and am literally just waiting for my
registration card to arrive. I’ve also done my LPG training which is a bit more specialist, and am planning to get an oil qualification fairly soon. NQI: Outside of college how do you plan to keep up with the latest product developments and changes to legislation? CL: Trade magazines are probably one of the major sources of information, but I’ll still be doing some ongoing training so will keep up with things that way as well.
14 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | ROGUE CUSTOMERS
DEALING WITH ROGUE CUSTOMERS We’ve all heard about rogue traders, but what about rogue customers? Sadly they do exist, and installers should be aware that not everyone’s intentions are good. Although rogue customers are generally associated with bad or late payers, there are other ways that customers might misbehave.
Rob James from Bridgend College offers some good advice for newly qualified installers by saying ‘some customers will set you up to fail. From the beginning their intentions could be less than honourable.
Assess your surrounding Be careful and take note of your surroundings and if necessary take photos of the job before and after to document things. It’s easy enough to do with a mobile phone.’ For example, if you’re called out to service a boiler, make sure that the boiler lights and runs, even if you just do it for 30 seconds. If you start work without checking it first, and then can’t get it to light, the householder could claim that you’ve broken it. When in fact it might not have been working properly in the first place. The householder
could very nicely explain that they switched it off so it was cold for you to work on, but test it first before you start work to check it is in fact working. Preferably with the householder there if you can.
Ask permission If you have to move any of the householder’s possessions then
ROGUE CUSTOMERS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 15
either ask them to do it or take great care. Rob James highlights another potential situation which is where an installer might have to move a sofa away from a radiator in order to change it. Check that the carpet isn’t already damaged when you move the sofa or any other furniture. If it is, point it out immediately to the householder. If you don’t and they say that you caused the damage, it might not be worth claiming on your public liability insurance which could have an excess of £500. A new carpet could cost £300 and you would be out of pocket if you have to pay for it.
Clean hands are a must! Another thing to mention which might sound obvious is make sure your hands are clean! Rob remembers a job where the installer left dirty handprints on the wall in the hall. Unfortunately they didn’t clean off, and after a lot of ‘discussion’ between the installation company and the customer, the installer ended up repainting the hall, stairs and landing in his own time!
Testing pipework When you’re working on a gas job then the first thing you should always do is to put a test on the pipework before you do anything else.
“...it pays to be careful and document everything using photos and forms.” If there’s the slightest possibility of a gas leak on the system you need to discover that first before you start work. Otherwise there’s no way to discover whether you caused the leak or not, and if there is a leak then you can’t leave the property unless the leak is rectified.
Reporting faults Finally, if you discover during the course of the job that there is a fault or something wrong with the system, you have a duty of care to make the customer aware of it. Ideally put it in writing and get them to sign to say they have accepted your notification. Schemes like Gas Safe, OFTEC and HETAS all have procedures in place to help with this, with forms which you can fill in and leave with the householder. If in doubt, it’s best to cover yourself against any comeback. The overwhelming majority of customers are lovely people who wouldn’t dream of trying dodgy tricks, but to be on the safe side it pays to be careful and document everything using photos and forms.
TOP TIPS 01
Take photos before you start a job, and after too
02
Point out any existing damage or concerns to the householder before you start work
03
Make sure your hands are clean
04
When servicing a boiler check the appliance fires up before you start any work on it
05
Check gas pipework for leaks first
16 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | NEW PRODUCTS
NEW WATER TREATMENT LEAFLET FOR HOMEOWNERS Sentinel has developed a homeowner leaflet that illustrates in layman’s terms the significance of cleaning, protecting, and maintaining central heating and hot water systems with high quality water treatment. A handy tool for installers, Sentinel’s ‘Homeowner’s guide to a healthy heating system’ leaflet explains clearly the problems caused by untreated water, such as cold spots, noise, potential for breakdowns, and increased heating bills. The leaflet describes how the Sentinel System of clean, protect, and maintain is designed to prevent corrosion and limescale buildup, thus enabling the homeowner to benefit from maximum heating system efficiency, longevity, and performance. Facts on long-term cost savings, plus information on protecting boiler warranties by investing in best practice water treatment, also feature. Access the homeowner leaflet from the Sentinel CPM App, download it from their website or obtain a hard copy by calling the number below. 01928 704330 sentinelprotects.com
NEW SNICKERS WORKWEAR CATALOGUE OUT NOW The latest Snickers workwear catalogue is now available in print or as a digital edition. It features the world’s leading range of working clothes, the only one that will work hard on site all year round, whatever the working environment or weather condition. Whatever trade you’re in, there’s something for you in the Snickers range – Work Trousers, Work Jackets, Tool Vests Shirts, Underwear, Accessories and Tool Carriers. Complimented by Snickers Profiling and Embroidery services and the UK’s most extensive range of garment sizes, Snickers’ Workwear System delivers the ultimate solution to make every man and woman’s workday easier and safer. Don’t miss out, visit the website or call the helpline number to get your copy of the new catalogue. 01484 854788 snickersworkwear.com
An accent on training… We know our boilers are only as good as you – the installers who fit them. That’s why we put so much into our training and support programmes – so there’s more for you to take out. And when it comes compliance and new developments, like ErP, we help you stay on top of your game and ahead of the field.
Scan the QR code to go mobile with the NEW App for installers!
© 2015 Vokèra Ltd. All rights reserved.
With an expanding number of training centres across the UK and hundreds of courses every year, we make sure that you’re ready for anything.
Find out more at vokera.co.uk
Vokèra Affinity offers FREE Gas Safe notification, extended warranty activation and automated points claims. Register today at www.vokeraaffinity.co.uk
18 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | NEW PRODUCTS
VIESSMANN LAUNCHES NEW 050-W COMBI Viessmann is making reliable boilers, with high quality materials and parts, available to more UK customers with the launch of the Vitodens 050-W. The gas fired condensing combi boiler extends the Vitodens range and targets the average UK home and budget. The most affordable Viessmann available, the Vitodens 050-W’s highlights include its compact design and quiet operation. It is an ideal replacement for outdated boilers in flats, apartments and smaller homes. The Vitodens 050-W has been engineered to offer homeowners lower spare part costs by ensuring that components can be replaced individually. It is an advantage over other boilers on the market which may require a complete circuit board replacement for a single component fault for example. Maintenance is straightforward and therefore cost efficient because the service-relevant components are easily accessible from the front. 01952 675000 viessmann.co.uk
NEW HITACHI DRILL DELIVERS GREAT VALUE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE Hitachi Power Tools has launched the DV18DGL, an 18V combi drill, which comes with two 1.5Ah Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries, delivering professional performance at an affordable price. The drill has been designed with user comfort and convenience in mind. Weighing in at just 1.7kg with the battery attached, the drill delivers an impressive 55Nm of torque driven by a full metal gearbox that underlines the tools’ professional credentials. The DV18DGL also features an LED light for use where visibility is difficult and there’s a built-in bit holder for easy accessory storage. A spindle lock function makes changing drill bits fast and easy, and rotational speed is controlled with a variable speed switch. Supplied with the Hitachi UC18YKSL battery charger, the 1.5Ah Li-ion battery charges in just 40 minutes. The batteries have a clever slide design, which also makes them compatible with any of Hitachi Power Tools’ 18V cordless slide battery range. 01908 660663
hitachi-powertools.co.uk
NEW PRODUCTS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 19
SANIFLO SHOWER PUMPS Installing a shower in almost any space without gravity drainage is now possible thanks to a range of pumping solutions from Saniflo. Whether it is an en-suite in the loft or a shower room in the basement there are endless possibilities to create a showering haven. The proven Sanishower is capable of pumping a standard electric or gravity mixer shower and can be installed next to or underneath a shower tray – as long as there is maintenance access. It has an additional inlet which means it can also take the waste water from a wash basin too. A new ‘Flat’ version was launched recently to suit low-level shower trays of 80 mm and over. The new Sanifloor was launched to cater for the growing wetroom trend. Ideal for high flow applications it can both suck waste up from the gully and pump it away up to 3m vertically and 30m horizontally. 020 8842 003 saniflo.co.uk
HONEYWELL LAUNCHES TWO-ZONE SOLUTION Honeywell is continuing its mission to offer a complete range of smart heating control solutions, by unveiling an upgrade that will enable its entry level connected thermostat to cater for two heating zones. The wireless connected Honeywell Single Zone thermostat can now control two separate heating zones. Ideal as a zoned solution for medium sized homes, it provides a stepping stone between single thermostat homes, and larger homes served by multi-zoned options like Honeywell’s evohome. The upgrade will be welcome news for installers and contractors working in new build properties, where UK building regulations require homes of 150m2 or more to have a minimum of two heating zones. The Single Zone can be controlled manually or remotely using the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app via a smartphone or tablet. With the addition of another zone valve, a Single Zone system can easily be turned into an S Plan Plus system, and there is no need for an additional gateway. 08457 678999 honeywelluk.com
20 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | VAN REVIEW
BUYING YOUR
FIRST VAN If you’re doing any kind of plumbing or heating work then one things for sure – you’ve got to have a van. But which one to buy and how much should you spend? Choosing the right van for your business can take some time as there is a huge range of different sizes and brands out there to choose from. Reliability is key – it’s no good repeatedly phoning your customers saying that the van has broken down again. Not only will you be losing out on income, but you’ll also be spending money getting it repaired.
What size van? Think carefully about what you’ll be using the van for. How many people will be travelling in it on a regular basis? How much space will you need for transporting tools? Will you be able to transport all your materials? When starting a business many people make the mistake of buying a van that’s too small and then realise after a while that they can’t fit everything in. If you then have to go and buy a larger van this could end up costing more in the long run, or if you can’t then afford the larger van having a smaller van could hold your business back.
Weighing up the payload For carrying around lots of heavy materials choose a van
with a higher payload which is the maximum legal weight that a van can carry.
If you get caught carrying more than the legal payload it’s not only dangerous, but there are fixed fines and penalties. So it pays to get the size right.
New or used? Yes everyone would love a brand spanking new van, but costs will most likely be an issue for most start-up businesses. If you can afford a brand new vehicle then you’ll get a manufacturer’s guarantee and
VAN REVIEW | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 21
possibly servicing packages which will give you peace of mind during the first few years of ownership. Choosing a used van will mean a lower initial outlay, but many commercial vehicles can have high mileage and problems from heavy duty use. If possible research and find a reputable dealer to buy from.
“Reliability is key – it’s no good repeatedly phoning your customers saying that the van has broken down again.” Keeping your running costs down Buying versus leasing Buying a van will tie up capital, so you need to weigh up how much you want to spend on either a new or used van, and decide whether you can afford to have that money tied up in a vehicle. An alternative to buying a van outright is leasing one or contract hire. Leasing a van can have tax benefits as you’ll be able to write off some or all of the costs as a business expense. Things to consider when leasing are returning the vehicle in a decent condition at the end of the lease, and keeping within the agreed mileage otherwise there may be excess charges to pay. Companies like Mercedes-Benz Vans has seen a big increase in the amount of finance requested and approved to its customers, with one in three vans now funded via MercedesBenz Financial Services. Funding options are available for both new and used vans.
This is a difficult question to address, but make sure you buy a van that’s efficient to run. www.commercialfleet.org/tools/ van/running-costs/ offers free details on running costs on hundreds of vans along with list price, engine performance, payload, measurements and load volume. It also provides a guide to depreciation, as well as servicing and repair costs. Fuel costs will vary according to payload and driving style.
Shout about it! After you’ve bought your van don’t forget to get it branded. Your van is one of the most expensive things that you will buy so make it work for you. You’ll be advertising to potential customers whilst you’re driving around town or parked outside a customer’s house. There’s a choice of options from simple vinyl applications to all over vehicle wrapping. Costs for wrapping can be pricey but worth it. Don’t forget to remove the signage before you sell your van as it can damage the value and somebody could be driving around pretending to be you!
Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz | Vans pictured are the Sprinter and Vito
22 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | REGS UPDATE
G ET G EARE D U P FOR LABE LLI NG ments for labelling
require BEAMA outlines new d systems heating appliances an
New EU energy labelling requirements come into force from 26th September this year. All space heaters up to 70kW will come with an energy label showing the energy rating of the product on a scale from A++ down to G. This label will allow customers to compare the efficiency of gas and oil boilers against other appliances, for example a heat pump. The new regulation is part of the European Commission’s aim to improve appliance design and efficiency (the eco-design directive), whilst at the same time allowing customers to make informed choices about what will be the most environmentally friendly option (the energy labelling directive). Installers will be responsible for telling customers what the appliance energy rating is, and also for providing a further ‘package’ label showing the system efficiency when the space heater is combined with a temperature control or solar heating. The bespoke package label showing system efficiency must be produced even if the products are simply combined by an installer as part of an installation. Producing a package label should be fairly easy for temperature controls as simply adding the efficiency effect of the control to the stated efficiency of the space heater will give you the package efficiency. Manufacturers should supply a worksheet with the boiler documentation to guide you through this simple calculation. When solar heating is combined with a space heater then the calculations are a bit more complex, but again the calculations required will be detailed in the technical documentation that comes with the boiler. A package label can be generated by entering the final details of the calculated package efficiency into a form on the European Commission website. This will automatically produce a label that you can then print off and give to the customer, and no doubt more solutions including apps will soon be available to make this job easier. BEAMA, together with HHIC, have produced a website with useful information on the new labelling regulations.
energylabelling.org.uk
Some merchants never run out of excuses.
Some merchants never run out. The Graham Pledge means that we’re so confident in our Always Available range*, that if it’s out of stock we’ll give you a £10 voucher for your inconvenience. Visit grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk for more information. *Terms and conditions apply.
The Plumber’s Plumbers’ Merchant.
24 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | REGS UPDATE
T I F G N I T T I F R IS YOU ? E S O P R U P R O F r
wate u can check whether WRAS explains how yo gulations fittings comply with re You might think no-one would sell a plumbing fitting which was illegal to install, but sadly you’d be wrong. Under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014, it’s not illegal to sell such a fitting, but it’s the installer’s duty to ensure that water fittings do comply once fitted. So – if you’re specifying, purchasing or installing water fittings, how can you tell if they comply? One solution is to use Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) Approved Products. WRAS Product Approval is a cost-effective way of demonstrating compliance with the regulations, ensuring peace-of mind for them and their customers. Throughout the UK, regulations apply to all premises which receive a public water supply – this is everything conveying wholesome water inside the boundary of a property. This covers underground supply pipes, all water fittings, valves, heating systems and all waterusing appliances or equipment which convey or receive mains water. The regulations require water fittings to be “of an appropriate quality and standard” to ensure that their design and manufacture prevents waste or contamination of drinking water supplies. Problems arise if, for example, backflow prevention devices fail to work or a stop valve fails to fully isolate the supply. Inappropriate materials of construction within a water-using product can contaminate the water – for example by leaching metals or by giving the water an unpleasant taste, causing microbial growth and possibly leading to ill health. WRAS approved fittings are tested by independent laboratories and representatives of the water suppliers who enforce the regulations, assess and endorse those which comply. When you’re buying or installing products look for the WRAS Approved Product logo shown right. To provide installers with the necessary information to ensure regulations’ compliance for individual Approved Products, products listed in the WRAS Approvals Directory have Installation Requirements and Notes (IRNs). These installation conditions must be followed if the product is to comply with the legal requirements of the regulations. For further information, call 0333 207 9030 or visit the website.
wras.co.uk | watersafe.org.uk
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26 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | PRICING UP A JOB
PRICING UP A JOB
One of the essential skills you’ll need if you’re working for yourself is pricing up a job. It’s something that will probably develop over time and with experience, but here are a few tips to help when starting out. 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 where as an estimate may vary from the initial price.
What is a quotation? A quotation or quote is a promise to do work at an agreed 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 works and present a variation order for the customer to sign. Or if you have to do extra work in order to do a satisfactory job and you couldn’t have reasonably known that when you quoted,
then you may be able to invoice for more than the quote. But, it’s vital to flag this up to the customer as soon as you realise this.
What is an estimate? Unlike a quotation, an estimate is your best guess as to how much the work will cost. This means that you could end up charging more – or less - than the estimate. However, any extra charged must be reasonable as the householder may dispute it. If the customer has asked for a written quotation you will need to be very thorough with how you price the job. For long term contracts it’s advisable to ask for stage payments throughout the length of the contract, with dates and amounts laid out in the original quotation. When pricing works you
“...a quote is a firm price where as an estimate may vary from the initial price.” must be thorough with the list of materials, ensuring you include all items necessary to complete the job. Look at the job and list out all materials you think you will need. If it’s a big list make sure you get prices from two or three different merchants. Once you’ve got your prices don’t forget to allow a small amount to account for tiny essential items such as washers, screws, bolts and nuts. It’s worth spending that extra time making sure that your materials are priced right. Continued on page 28
Get ahead. Get online. With over 1.2 million views and 60 videos, our YouTube channel shows how installing our showers, enclosures and trays is quick, simple and hassle free.
To view our latest ‘step by step’ installation videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel visit: www.youtube.com/mirashowers
28 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | PRICING UP A JOB
look at a job beforehand, and if it’s a larger job you may want to allow for coming back and snagging. If a customer asks for a verbal price over the telephone be careful not to give firm prices before looking at the job, in reality you could only advise what similar types of jobs have cost in the past.
If a job takes longer than you thought all you’ve lost is your time, but if you’ve under-priced the materials it will come out of your pocket. You should also charge the customer list price for all materials. Any reductions you receive from the list price should be marked as profit margin. For the labour costings on the contract 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.
Bear in mind that if your business is fairly new you could price your services lower than your competitors, but don’t underprice or undersell yourself.
With experience you’ll learn how long most jobs will take and allow for any problems. When starting out guess 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 anytime you have been out to
TOP TIPS 01
02
03
04
05
Be clear whether you are providing a quote or estimate
Always make sure your materials are priced right
Advise the customer of extra charges if they ask for extra work
When calculating labour allow for time spent collecting materials
Pricing will get easier with experience
ADVERTORIAL | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 29
LOW MAINS WATER PRESSURE? STUART TURNER HAS THE SOLUTION
But what if you need extra? In larger, higher occupancy properties the demand for water may be greater, ‘Flomate mains boost extra’ offers the solution. This exciting new development combines all the features of the standard Flomate pump and can still be connected directly to the cold water mains supply, but combines this with the additional water storage provided by a 60, 80, 100, 200 or 300 litre capacity pressure vessel, providing water pressure boosting solutions for any size property.
Historically, pumps that comply with UK water regulations for direct mains connection were simply not available. This is no longer true. A pump may be fitted directly to the incoming mains water supply, as long as it is WRAS approved and designed to limit the water drawn to a maximum 12 litres/minute. ‘Flomate’ from Stuart Turner is that pump!
If you need a boost… Stuart Turners patented and WRAS approved Flomate pump provides a simple, cost effective solution to boost low mains water pressure without the need for a cold water break tank, making it ideal for properties where space is limited. Flomate will boost incoming mains water pressure by an additional 1.5 bar at 12 litres / minute in accordance with UK water regulations. If, however mains pressure increases, Flomate uses an extremely reliable flow regulator which ensures the resulting increase in water flow will bypass the pump head and be supplied to the property without being restricted to 12 litres / minute, unlike alternative mains boost pumps.
By supplementing the water pressure boosting performance of the Flomate pump with the supply from the pressurised water vessel, Flomate mains boost extra pumps provide a consistent flow of water and increased water pressure to a property, boosting multiple outlets simultaneously such as taps, baths and showers. Ensuring householders have the ability to store water at pressure to meet peak demand. The 60 and 80 litre versions will sit neatly within a standard 500mm kitchen base unit and deliver up to 16 litres / minute at 3.0 bar pressure. Whilst the 100, 200 and 300 litre versions are designed to sit within a standard 600mm larder style cupboard and depending on the chosen model, provide up to 30 litres / minute at 3.0 bar pressure, to multiple outlets within the property. The Flomate range is guaranteed for 3 years and provides a fully assembled and tested solution for any sized property, ensuring performance on demand.
stuart-turner.co.uk
30 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | COMPETITION
WIN A BACK PACK OF
VOKÈRA GOODIES! The lovely people at Vokèra are giving away one of their back packs filled with goodies including a pen, pencil, head torch, tape measure, USB flash drive and a power bank.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer correctly the question below...
Q. Vokèra has training facilities in... a. Birmingham, Glasgow, London Colney and Callan b. Bradford, Glasgow, London Colney and Callan c.
Bradford, Edinburgh, London Colney and Callan
d. Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Colney and Callan
Email the correct answer to
editor@sng-publishing.co.uk and we’ll enter your name into a prize draw to win the back pack. The competition closes on Monday 31st August so make sure you get your answer in before then!
ADVERTORIAL | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 31
VOKÈRA’S NEW INFORMATIVE COURSE, RUN BY THEIR TECHNICAL TRAINERS, COVERS: Radiator, system and pump considerations System design and constraints Fault-finding poorly performing systems Legislation Commissioning and Benchmark Basically, the wet side of a gas burning appliance
VOKÈRA TAKES IT BACK TO BASICS WIN! The multi-meter
All installers can benefit from an education boost, as David Iszchak, Technical Trainer at Vokèra explains…
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A BACK PACK FU LL OF VOKÈRA GOOD IES SE E OPPOSITE
At Vokèra we believe training is a fundamentally important part of how we can help make the installer’s life easier. It’s essential for those who wish to keep up to speed with the latest gas boiler, renewable and control products on the market as well as the installation procedures and best practice, which can help them save time and money on site.
about making the system more efficient and saving on costs. We’re confident that this new course will provide the perfect introduction for new starters in our industry and deliver real value. That, in essence, is the Vokèra training ethos.
Moving with the times Technology is constantly evolving and if installers stand still there is a real chance their knowledge and qualifications will become outdated. Improving installation and commissioning competencies on particular appliances will ensure they are equipped to deliver the best customer service and advice, for example, on boiler and flue location options together with information on ancillary energy saving controls which can reduce the homeowner’s fuel bills.
It is really important for those entering the industry to keep up to speed with their education. For newly qualified gas engineers coming from college, an apprenticeship or fast-track course, Vokèra, has recently launched an informative new course to help make that transition into the practical world of work.
Modern systems Modern boilers have been designed to be easily adaptable to many property types and can be installed without too much alteration or setting up by installers. However, it is important that installers have an understanding about what is happening throughout the whole heating system and are able to offer homeowners advice and solutions
Training facilities Vokèra has four training facilities in Bradford, Glasgow, London Colney and Callan, Co. Kilkenny as well as a number of satellite centres across the country. All the training courses on offer are run across the centres and one-to-one sessions can be arranged at all venues. Email training@vokera.co.uk or call 01727 744002 to register for any of the Vokèra courses. For news and updates, visit Vokèra at vokera.co.uk
MACDEE MOTION INSTALLATION
32 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | STEP-BY-STEP
The award-winning Macdee Motion universal dual flush siphon is innovatively designed for both new and existing lever operated cisterns. The siphon is quick and easy to install in situ in all known cisterns thanks to its adjustable height and compact bellhousing. The unique robust flapper system replaces the traditional polythene diaphragm to give the Motion a 10-year guarantee. The Motion has the fastest flush rate on the market as well as a wide choice of flush volume settings to regulate water consumption.
PREPARATION Turn the water supply off, remove the old siphon and follow these simple steps to install the Motion.
01
MEASURE THE WATER LEVEL Measure the height of the water level inside the cistern from the bottom of the cistern to the waterline indicated on the cistern body.
02
ADJUST THE MOTION Remove the lock clip and adjust the height of the Motion by using the dimensions shown on the leg to match the measured waterline.
03
ADJUST THE BELL HOUSING / FLUSH VOLUME To avoid excess residual water, adjust the bell housing to fit the cistern. Set the flush volume selector for the desired amount of flushed water.
STEP-BY-STEP | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 33
04
07
FIT THE MOTION TO THE CISTERN Place the rubber sealing washer on the threaded tail of the Motion and insert it through the cistern outlet. Place the backnut on the threaded tail and hand tighten. Use an adjustable spanner / grip to give it an extra quarter turn to secure.
05
TEST THE REDUCE FLUSH To test the reduced flush, press the cistern handle down and release.
08
ATTACH THE C-LINK Select the correct C-link (2 ½” or 4 3/8” (both supplied)) and fit to the Motion. Attach the adjustable arm to the c-link then on to the cistern lever. The handle should be set in the 2 o’clock position. Tighten the lever arm screw.
TEST THE FULL FLUSH Press the cistern handle down until the flush has finished then release.
06
TURN ON THE WATER SUPPLY Turn on the water supply. Check the installation is functional, water tight and that the internal overflow is 25mm above the water line.
For further information visit
wirquin.co.uk
34 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | TRADE ACCOUNTS
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR
MERCHANT ACCOUNT Whether you’re setting up in business or working for someone else, you need to know where the best place is to buy materials, tools and appliances. Heading into the world of business can be a daunting prospect for newly qualified installers, but luckily many merchants now offer a one-stop shop where you can buy virtually everything you need, with many other extras on offer like training schemes, advice and loyalty schemes.
Shop around It makes sense to compare prices from different merchants, especially if you’re pricing up a large job. If one merchant is out of stock, then you’ll need another supplier to fall back on. Traditionally, the only way for an installer to identify a replacement part was to
phone or take it to their merchant. But there are now easier ways to do things, and this is where technology really helps out. Smartphones, laptops and tablets make it easy to identify parts, check stock and order online 24/7. Which makes life simpler when you consider that merchants like Parts Center stock over two million domestic, commercial heating and catering gas and LPG parts.
Time is money When your elderly customer’s heating system has broken down in the depths of winter, you need to get hold of the right part quickly. Domestic customers can put you under pressure if they’re left
TRADE ACCOUNTS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 35
without heating, hot water or a working cooker. If you’ve promised to fix the boiler by the next day, you’ll need fast, reliable deliveries. And this is important when you’re trying to build a new business and a professional reputation. Word of mouth is one of the most popular ways that installers get new business, and if you’ve let someone down they will inevitably tell their friends and relations.
Plumbfix has recently extended it’s next day delivery service to include Sundays, which means they’ll deliver seven days a week. Plumb and Parts Center has invested in solutions like call centres, which are open seven days a week, and a next-day delivery service that’s available from branch and the National Distribution Centre. Plumb and Parts Center customers can place orders up to 8pm and receive the items next day. When ordering parts or equipment for a job it’s important for to know you can get the product you want, when you want, delivered where you want it.
Accounts and loyalty cards It’s not an account card as such, but Trade Point’s Cashplus Business Account is a pre-paid card which you can load with a balance to spend either yourself, or you can request additional cards for employees. If you’re setting up your first business and having trouble getting credit for a trade
“...many merchants now offer a one-stop shop where you can buy virtually everything you need... ”
account, then a pre-paid card offers an alternative for keeping track of purchases. For new businesses who either can’t or don’t want to set up a trade or credit account there’s a variety of other options on offer including Plumb and Parts Center who offer a cash account for new businesses with a 20% discount for their first online order. In addition installers can earn points through ‘Extra’, the Plumb and Parts Center loyalty scheme, which they can spend on products or training. Other loyalty schemes include Grahams Plumbers Club which offers benefits, deals and rewards when you purchase products through Graham.
WHAT’S ON OFFER? GET ACCOUNTS WITH MORE THAN ONE MERCHANT USE SMARTPHONES OR TABLETS TO ORDER 24/7 NEXT DAY DELIVERY, 7 DAYS A WEEK LOYALTY CARDS OFFER MONEY OFF ADVICE AND SUPPORT AT THE TRADE COUNTER
Further information visit: grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk plumbcenter.co.uk plumbfix.com
partscenter.co.uk trade-point.co.uk
36 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | PUZZLE TIME
JUST FOR FUN! See if you can find these words in amongst our wordsearch!
E
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COMING E U S S I NEXT The next issue of Newly Qualified Installer will include features on:
Renewable schemes Sole trader versus limited company Marketing Advertising
AUTUMN ISSUE 2015 DUE OUT LATE SEPTEMBER
We’ll also be looking at essentials like:
Banking Accounting Cashflow
All this, alongside our regular news, product features, competitions and interviews. Look out for your copy, or if you’re reading a mate’s, why not register for your own free copy at hip-magazine.co.uk
“This thing’s a right looker!” Max, the most excitable plu
mber in Hartlepool
PolyMax is an attractive range of plumbing fittings. Available in a full range of sizes, the fittings are slim, sleek and white, so they will look right at home. An ideal choice for surface-mounted installation, PolyMax is easy to use, easy to install and easy to get excited about. • Sleek, attractive white design is perfect for exposed use • Extremely secure: only removable with our handy release tool • Suitable for most hot and cold water supply and heating applications • Compatible with our sealed stiffener for added security
Maximum reliability. Minimum fuss.
PolyMax Find out more at www.polypipe.com/polymax
38 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | HALL OF SHAME
HALL OF
The vast majority of plumbers and installers do a great job, but as we all know there is a rogue element out there who either don’t care, or don’t know any better! Here are some of the worst offenders – we’re sure we’ve seen more than one example of the diagonal radiator going up (or is it down?) the stairs!
ed ese people want sure whether th s wa or at di ra We’re not quite e th de, or whether tsi ou rm be t wa us ep m to ke at loss Either way, the he originally inside. astronomical!
Shower cont rols for tall peop le!
X factor plumbing! The answer is no from the panel.
HALL OF SHAME | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 39
ce, but the iator is in an odd pla Yes we know the rad el mirror? lev low the y wh tion is more pressing ques
We’ve seen a few of thes e ingenious ‘stair radiato rs’. Diagona l ones on sa at your loca le l plumbers merchant.
Lovely pipework
. astbourne a café in E ad back. b a Spotted in d a h ve er must ha The install
Given th
at heat rise have a n s, these people ice warm should ceiling
Send us your pictures of any bad installations you find, and we’ll publish them in the next issue.
You can email us at editor@sng-publishing.co.uk A big thank you to our friends at Bad #Plumbing for supplying us with so many great photos. Pop along to their facebook page to have a look at more! /Badplumbing?fref=ts
40 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | COMPETENT PERSON SCHEMES
? T N E T E P M O C U ARE YO WHICH SCHEME IS BEST FOR ME?
PLUMBING & WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEMS
COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
TYPE OF WORK Gas Oil (including liquid biofuels)
Solid fuel (including biomass)
Connected to a heat-producing gas appliance
Connected to an oil-fired combustion appliance
Connected to a solid fuel appliance
Connected to an electric heat source
Wholesome and softened wholesome water supply
Non-wholesome water supply to a flushing toilet (not involving work on shared or underground drainage)
Toilets, sinks, washbasins, fixed baths, showers or bathrooms in dwellings (not involving work on shared or underground drainage)
PLEASE NOTE: If you’re doing any work on renewable technologies then you’ll also need to be registered with a Microgeneration
COMPETENT PERSON SCHEMES | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 41
If you’re just out of college you may be looking to join one of the competent person schemes (CPS). There are several different organisations which run schemes, but they all require minimum qualifications to join. The benefit of belonging to a competent person scheme is that you can self certify the category of work for which you are registered, and by doing so comply with building regulations. Most types of building work in the UK are covered by building regulations, which lay out standards of safety and efficiency. For example Part L of the building regulations covers minimum standards for heating. Membership of a competent person scheme is voluntary, except if you are working with gas in which case you must legally be registered with Gas Safe. If you are registered with any of the other schemes the advantage is you can self certify your own work instead of getting the local authority building control department to sign
off each job. This has big benefits in terms of time, efficiency and also the professional image that you’ll be able to project to your customers if you’re part of a government approved scheme. You’ll also be able to notify the work so that the customer will receive a certificate of compliance.
of an installation then you’ll also need to be Part P registered. Many of the schemes that offer plumbing and heating registration have Part P schemes which you can add to your registration. Alternatively use a Part P registered electrician for that part of the job to make sure your installation complies with building regulations. Choose a scheme which covers the type of work you do. Many of the schemes cover the same areas so there’s a good choice, but they may have different application processes, rules and fees. They will assess your work to check you meet the required competence levels before you’re approved, and then you’ll be inspected yearly for the first two years to make sure you continue to meet those.
Big Benefits of the Schemes Self certify your own work Save time and money A professional image for your customers Technical support and advice from the scheme Don’t forget that if you’re registered for plumbing or heating work and you’re doing electrical work as part
The choice of competent person schemes covering plumbing and heating are listed below. If you want to find out more, we’ve included contact details for each scheme on page 42.
Certification Scheme (MCS) if you want to take advantage of government grants available from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
42 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | CPS CONTACTS
CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE
COMPETENT PERSON SCHEMES aphc.co.uk info@aphc.co.uk 0121 711 5030
benchmark-cert.co.uk info@benchmark-cert.co.uk 02380 517 069
besca.org.uk info@besca.org.uk 0800 652 5533
blueflamecertification.com cps@blueflamecertification.com 0845 194 90 31
elecsa.co.uk enquiries@elecsa.co.uk 0333 321 8220
12 The Pavilions Cranmore Drive Solihull B90 4SB
International House George Curl Way Southampton Hampshire SO18 2RZ
Old Mansion House Eamont Bridge Penrith CA10 2BX
Chatterley Whitfield Ent. Centre Chatterley Whitfield Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST6 8UW
Mansfield Business Centre Ashfield Avenue Mansfield NG18 2AE
CPS CONTACTS | NQI SUMMER 2015 | 43
gassaferegister.co.uk enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk 0800 408 5577
hetas.co.uk info@hetas.co.uk 01684 278170
napit.org.uk info@napit.org.uk 0345 543 0330
niceic.com enquiries@niceic.com 0870 013 0382
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stroma.com/certification info@stroma.com 0845 621 11 11
PO Box 6804 Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 4NB
Severn House, Unit 5 Newtown Trading Estate Green Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 8HD
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44 | NQI SUMMER 2015 | PUZZLE CORNER
FAMOUS PLUMBERS
TEA BREAK
TIME
NQI July 2015
Apparently, Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber’s apprentice before getting into the music industry. Obviously that career went down the pan before he changed jobs!
Rachel MacSweeney
For the magazine
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ANCIENT HISTORY
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Did you know that the Egyptians used copper pipes for their plumbing? That was around 3000 years ago and we’re still using the same material today.
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Across Type of heating system which includes an ACROSS Did you know that expansion vessel The British Perforated Paper 2 of heating system which includes 4 Type of ballTypethat you Company marketed the first an expansion vessel in a toilet specially-designed “toiletmight find 4 Type of ball that you might find in paper” in 1880. Before thecistern a toilet cistern 6 aType of mixer invention of toilet paper, 6 Type ofshower mixer shower which helps which helpscontrol control variety of other implements temperature had been used for this temperature 10 Type of renewable energy from the sun purpose, including mussel 10 Type of renewable 11 Tensile strength relates to a material shells, sand and corncobs!energy from being what?sun the The Romans were slightly 13 Famous Italian cartoon plumber who 11 Tensile strength relates more conventional, to a material is super! being developing a special what? 14 Name of registration body for solid fuel and biomass cleaning instrument that 13 Famous Italian cartoon 15 Where do you normally find the cold was essentially a stick with plumber who is super! water tank in a house? a sponge on the end. 14 Name of registration body for solid fuel and biomass 15 Where do you normally
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Down You'll find these inside a boiler heat exchanger DOWN Type of high efficiency 1boiler You’ll find these inside a boiler heat exchanger Fitted in gutters to 3 Type of high efficiency boiler prevent blockages (2 5 Fitted in gutters to prevent blockages Words) (2 words) TRVs measure 7Radiator Radiator TRVs measure the temperature the temperature of what? of what? used 8Material Material used for plumbingfor pipework pipework 9plumbing Heating system which provides heating and sometimes hot water for Heating system which several properties provides heating and 11sometimes What type of line do you use water to level hot for guttering? several properties 12 Section of the building regulations which What type of line do you covers electrical installations (2 words) use to level guttering? Section of the building regulations which covers electrical installations (2
Answers (hope you didn’t peek before you finished!) ACROSS: 2. sealed, 4. float, 6. thermostatic, 10. solar, 11. stretched, 13. Mario, 14. HETAS, 15. loft DOWN: 1. baffles, 3. condensing, 5. leaf guard, 7. air, 8. copper, 9. district, 11. string, 12. Part P
TOILET TALK 2
Introducing the new
Greenstar i
Higher hot water outputs Low cost weather compensation option Further increased efficiency can be achieved with the installation of a simple optional weather sensor.
Available in outputs of 25kW and 30kW, giving higher hot water flow rates of 10.2 and 12.3 litres per minute.
Low energy modulating pump Ensures the Greenstar i complies with the ErP directive.
Eliminates condensate freezing A larger condensate siphon removes the need for an external trace heating device or the need to insulate external condensate pipework.
User friendly control panel Provides information on the boiler operation and allows flow and hot water temperature to be adjusted using simple up and down buttons.
A new look, new features and a new name for the UK’s best selling boiler, the Greenstar i Junior The Greenstar i boiler builds on the popular features of the market-leading Greenstar i Junior and i System while introducing a host of new features. For more information about the Greenstar i, visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/i
To find out more about delivering best in class system protection, call 01242 546717 or visit www.adey.com