HP&R Magazine

SEPTEMBER/

OCTOBER 2025

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2025

Editor’s Note

THE TEAM

EDITOR

JENNIE WARD

T: 07971 968611

E: jennie@mappedout.media

PUBLISHING JAKE ROXBOROUGH

DIRECTOR T: 07482 181 961

E: jake@mappedout.media

DESIGN & LAURA KING

MARKETING T: 07891 626 272

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

GEORGIA HENDERSON

E: accounts@mappedout.media

Welcome to the very first issue of HP&R Magazine – a

brand new magazine dedicated to installers, heating

engineers and tradespeople across the heating,

plumbing and renewables industry. We’ve created

HP&R magazine to bring you a resource that’s useful,

easy to read, and worth keeping in the van for when

you’ve got five minutes to spare.

Inside you’ll find a mixture of everything that

matters most to your day-to-day: Heating, Plumbing,

Renewables and Tools. We’ll keep you up to speed on

the latest kit, share advice from people who’ve been

there and done it, and bring you tips that can save you

time and hassle on the job. Think of it as a handy extra

tool in your box – one that’s all about making your

working life a bit easier.

PUBLISHED

BY

MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England

No. 15185328

Registered Office:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

We also want to give a huge thanks to The IPG for

supporting us. Like us, they believe in bringing

installers real support, top tips and practical know-how.

You’ll be able to pick up your issue of HP&R magazine

every other month right from the trade counters of

independent merchant branches across the country.

This is just the beginning, and we want you to be part

of it. Got an idea, a story from site, or a bit of wisdom

to share? Drop us a line at jennie@mappedout.media

– we’d love to hear from you. The more voices we have,

the better this magazine will be, and we want HP&R to

reflect the real challenges, conversations and successes

of the trade.

All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form, without the

consent of the publisher – Mapped Out

Media Limited. While every effort is

made to ensure accuracy, the publishers

do not accept liability for errors –

printed or others – appearing within

this publication (and website). The

views expressed by contributors are

not necessarily those of the editor or

publisher.

So grab a brew, take a well-earned break, and have

a flick through these pages. We hope you’ll find

something that makes you think, something that

helps you, and maybe even something that makes you

smile. Welcome to HP&R magazine – your new trade

companion.

Editor

September/October 2025

3

03_HPR1025.indd 5 29/09/2025 16:36

32

24

38

28

CONTENTS

06.

12.

14.

18.

20.

22.

News

The IPG News

New Products

elementalSHOW Preview

New Promotions

The IPG Merchant Focus

26.

28.

30.

32.

34.

38.

Autumn restart made easy: top tips for seasonal

servicing

Unlocking efficiency

Radiating style

The importance of central heating water quality

Flying the flag for independent businesses

The benefits of good design

HEATING

PLUMBING

24.

The role of underfloor heating in a new era of

building regs

40.

Colour me beautiful

04_HPR1025.indd 2 26/09/2025 11:55

56

46

50 60

42.

Upskilling the bathroom sector

56.

Getting heat pump sizing right first time

44.

46.

Inside the thermostatic mixing valve

Pointy Plumber: Snug and sorted!

58.

Fitting the future: How installers can lead the

heat pump transition

48.

50.

The advantages of press-fit solutions

Best practice to prevent pipe freezing

RENEWABLES

60.

62.

Cutting it fine

TOOLS

Are you ready for Making Tax Digital?

52.

Exploring the barriers to heat decarbonisation

in care homes

64.

Tools Products

54.

Confidence booster!

66.

Bridging the gap with dot & dab walls

04_HPR1025.indd 3 26/09/2025 11:55

News \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES

Homeowners ‘unprepared’ for boiler breakdowns

Three quarters (75%) of homeowners

with an older heating system are not

prepared in the event they should need

to replace their boiler, new research

from Which? has revealed, with a quarter

(27%) taking a ‘wait until it breaks’

approach.

While 60% of homeowners surveyed

have their boiler serviced once a year,

seven per cent say they never have their

boiler serviced and a further 31% do so

less than once a year. This leaves them in

the dark about their boiler’s performance,

increasing the likelihood of unexpected

failures.

The Which? study draws on two

surveys: one of households with an

older heating system, and a second of

households who have replaced their

boiler in the last two years. Results from

the surveys demonstrate that failing to

plan doubles the chances of needing an

emergency replacement (39% v 19%)

and often leads to more stressful, highpressure

situations for both consumers

and installers trying to manage a

surge in urgent winter callouts. It also

means consumers may not have time to

consider all their options for replacing

their boiler, including low-carbon

alternatives.

Although 17% of homeowners

reported their heating systems weren’t

working well, over half (53%) haven’t

made any preparations to replace

it, despite the fact that these older

systems are more prone to breakdowns,

particularly as we head towards the

winter months.

Those surveyed who did not prepare

for their boiler replacement were also

twice as likely to struggle to find an

installer (15% v 8%).

While most homeowners surveyed

said they would opt for a like-for-like

gas boiler replacement (76%), around

15% were considering a heat pump.

The findings highlighted that the

earlier homeowners receive information

about heating options, the more

likely they are to consider low-carbon

alternatives such as heat pumps.

This creates a clear opportunity for

government and businesses to engage

with people when they are actively

thinking about home heating, and to

provide clear, high-quality advice.

Only 22% of those homeowners with

older heating systems have taken steps

to plan for a future heating system

replacement, increasing the likelihood

of them having to make a more stressful,

rushed decision. For installers, it

means a spike of last-minute call outs

– especially in winter – causing diaries

to become stretched and indicating a

missed opportunity to connect with

consumers and inform them of other

home heating options.

Jenny King, Head of Home Energy at

Which?, said: “Our research shows that

too many households are unwittingly

leaving themselves vulnerable to

boiler breakdowns, often resulting in

emergency call outs to installers during

the coldest and busiest time of the year.

“This creates unnecessary stress

for consumers and extra pressure for

traders. By starting the conversation

earlier, installers can help to ease

this pressure, build stronger customer

relationships and take a lead in helping

households explore new low-carbon

heating options.”

Parents reluctant to encourage children to join a trade, says FMB

Less than half of UK adults (47%)

would encourage their child to pursue

a career in the trades, according to

a new survey by the Federation of

Master Builders (FMB).

This is despite FMB member firms

averaging an annual turnover of over

£1 million, highlighting the huge earning

potential that a career in construction

can unlock.

Younger generations – particularly

those aged 16–21 – were the least

supportive, with the majority saying they

would not recommend a building career

to their children/potential children.

Those aged 26–44 were the most

positive, suggesting that once people

experience working life – and the

realities of debt, insecure jobs, and high

costs – they recognise the value of a

skilled trade.

At the same time, industry demand

has never been higher. The Construction

Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates

that 61,000 new workers are needed

every year to meet the government’s

target of 1.5 million new homes by 2030

– meaning today’s school leavers and

young adults have an unprecedented

opportunity to build successful

businesses in the trades.

Chris Carr, National President of the

FMB, said: “It’s striking that the parents

or potential parents most recently

out of education themselves are the

least likely to back a trade career – but

those in their late twenties, thirties

and forties, who have experienced the

reality of student debt and insecure

jobs, are the most supportive. That

tells us we’ve got a serious perception

gap to close when it comes to the

opportunities available in construction.

“Construction offers young people

a stable, rewarding and well-paid

career path without the burden of

student loans. It’s also a brilliant path

for those that are entrepreneurial, as

you can establish your own businesses

and turnover a significant sum – with

FMB members averaging £1m and

they range from sole traders to much

needed housebuilders.”

6 September/October 2025

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Boilers donated to

colleges as

students return

Baxi has pledged its continued

support for the next generation of

heating engineers by donating boilers

to two colleges ahead of this year’s

apprenticeship intake.

The heating and hot water

specialist donated boilers to

Birmingham Metropolitan (BMet)

College as part of an ongoing

partnership with the college.

The new boilers will be used by

current apprentices studying for

their Gas Engineering Operative

Level 3 apprenticeship. A similar

donation was also made to Barnet

& Southgate College, where a total

of 18 apprentices, including eight

from Baxi, will undertake vocational

training and qualification this year.

Baxi has also announced a fouryear

principal sponsorship agreement

with World Skills UK, which is funded

by the BDR Thermea Foundation, the

owner of Baxi’s parent company BDR

Thermea Group. The Foundation has

also announced an expanded threeyear

STEM education partnership

with not-for-profit organisation

Primary Engineer, which will see

the Primary Engineer Construction

Programme connect over 3,000

pupils close to Baxi’s manufacturing

facilities with Baxi engineers. The

engineers will help pupils from 60

primary schools to develop skills and

curiosity around engineering.

Could you be named one of

Britain’s Best Plumbers?

A brand-new awards scheme designed

to celebrate excellence in plumbing has

officially opened for entries.

The Plumber Awards will recognise

and unite those who are consistently

pushing boundaries and delivering topclass

services across the UK.

In its inaugural year, at least 11

regional awards will be available for

the UK’s best plumbers to win. Bringing

home the title of Best Plumber in

the region has the potential to give

plumbers a huge reputational boost that

could transform their business. Everyone

shortlisted will also be welcomed

into a tight-knit community of top-tier

plumbers.

Plumbers across the UK are being

encouraged to enter now. Entry is online

via the awards’ website. All plumbers

will be asked to provide details of their

training and qualifications, how they

go above and beyond for customers,

and examples of their work. This allows

judges to understand how each plumber

works, what’s important to them and

how they stay on top of ever-changing

legislation. All projects involving a

domestic property can be entered,

and judges welcome images and any

supporting evidence that plumbers may

have to enhance their entry.

Entries are open now and close on 31

January, 2026. To be eligible, plumbers

must be 18 years old or over and hold an

NVQ 2 or 3 in England, Wales and NI, or

an SNVQ3 in Scotland as a minimum.

The national winner will enjoy

exclusive prizes from big-name

brands. The Plumber Awards are

being sponsored by Polypipe Building

Products, CT1, and Powered Now, and are

partnered with the CIPHE.

The winner will be crowned on stage

at InstallerSHOW 2026, held at the NEC

in Birmingham in June 2026.

More details on how to enter are

online at www.plumberawards.co.uk.

New Experience Centre unveiled at Fernox

Fernox has officially opened its new

Experience Centre at the Ernie McDonald

Training Academy, based in Woking,

Surrey. The Academy is designed to

give heating engineers, installers and

apprentices hands-on access to the latest

water treatment technologies.

The centre, launched this week at

Fernox headquarters, offers interactive

demonstrations of water treatment,

filtration, and heating system efficiency.

Visitors can explore live rigs that show

the effects of poor system maintenance,

and handle working models of filters,

heat pumps, and dosing products.

The space also features a

manufacturing showcase that gives

visitors an insight into how Fernox

products are developed and tested.

General Manager Charel Marais

said the centre will “give installers the

opportunity to gain experience with

our products and solutions, and really

see how these products work”. He said

the training would “build confidence”

and help inspire the next generation of

engineers. The facility complements the

academy’s training mission by combining

classroom learning with real-world

product interaction.

Named in honour of respected

industry figure Ernie McDonald, the

Academy will host training days,

customer visits, and apprentice

programmes, as well as welcoming

students from local schools.


06-10 HPR Oct News 8 29/09/2025 10:50

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ News


Charter aims to

drive up hot water

standards

Rogue trader jailed for

29 months for fraud

A Shrewsbury-based rogue trader has

been sentenced to 29 months in jail for

offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, following

an investigation by Shropshire Council’s

trading standards team.

Robert J Bethell, trading as RJB

Plumbing, pleaded guilty at a hearing

earlier this year. During sentencing at

Shrewsbury Crown Court on 9 September,

2025, the court heard that between 1

May 2020 and 21 March 2022, Bethell

carried on a plumbing business for a

fraudulent purpose, receiving more than

£18,000 for materials and services that

were never provided to the consumers.

Bank records obtained during the

investigation revealed that Bethell

disguised his ownership of £18,130

obtained from consumers by channelling

payments to him into his partner’s bank

account. Analysis indicated that money

paid in good faith by consumers was

instead used to fund online gambling

instead of purchasing materials for

contracted works. Bethell made repeated

false statements that he had ordered

materials and then made excuses as to

why he couldn’t complete the work.

The court heard that nine different

consumers had been the victim of

Bethell’s fraud, some of whom were

elderly or disabled. This was despite

Bethell having been issued with advice

and guidance from Trading Standards

in January 2020. In sentencing, His

Honour Judge Lowe said the offences

were far too serious for anything but an

immediate custodial sentence.

Grant Tunnadine, team manager for

Shropshire Council’s trading standards

service, said: “It is pleasing to see that

the Court has recognised the seriousness

of the crimes committed by Robert

Bethell and I hope that the custodial

sentence imposed in this case will deter

other traders from undertaking such

illegal activities in the future.”

The Hot Water Association’s (HWA)

Charter Scheme is designed to give

installers and consumers complete

confidence that hot water storage

products and their associated

components meet the highest

standards of quality, safety and

compliance.

The HWA Charter establishes a

Code of Practice that all members

must follow. Members are subject to

regular independent audits to ensure

ongoing compliance.

Under the Scheme, HWA Charter

Members commit to:

• Supplying products that are fit

for purpose, clearly and honestly

described.

• Meeting or exceeding UK building

regulations, water regulations and

relevant standards.

• Providing clear installation,

commissioning, use and disposal

instructions.

• Offering effective pre- and postsales

technical support.

• Supplying customers with

transparent and comprehensive

warranty details.

The Charter is focused on hot

water storage equipment and

ancillary products such as controls

and pre-plumbed components,

ensuring consistency and clarity for

manufacturers, installers and endusers

alike.

MP visits Triton during anniversary celebrations

Triton Showers has welcomed Nuneaton

MP Jodie Gosling to its headquarters to

mark its 50 th anniversary year.

Founded in Nuneaton in 1975,

Triton now employs around 300 people,

including apprentices and individuals

taking part in the company’s Learn and

Earn Apprenticeship at Triton (LEAPT)

programme, which helps develop the

next generation of manufacturing talent.

“It was a pleasure to visit Triton

Showers and see first-hand the pride

and innovation driving this local success

story,” said MP Jodie Gosling. “With the

government’s focus on decarbonising

homes, it’s fantastic to see leadership

from a company here in Nuneaton, not

just in sustainability but in investing in

people and the local economy.”

The visit also celebrated Triton’s

prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise

2024 – the highest official UK award for

British businesses – in recognition of the

company’s outstanding achievements in

sustainability.

David Tutton, Managing Director at

Triton Showers, said: “We have always

taken great pride in being part of

the Nuneaton community and, as we

celebrate our 50 th anniversary year, it was

fantastic to welcome Jodie Gosling MP to

our headquarters to showcase how we’re

driving innovation and supporting local

jobs.”


9

06-10 HPR Oct News 9 29/09/2025 10:50



Customers ‘becoming less friendly’ to trades, research says

The relationship between tradespeople

and the public is becoming more less

personal and more transactional, the

latest research from NICEIC shows.

These findings come at a time when

mental health is a serious concern, with

four out of five tradespeople (82%)

reportedly experiencing stress and

anxiety because of their work.

NICEIC asked the public about a

range of kind and polite gestures and

found only 63% of people would offer a

tradesperson a cup of tea. Older people,

aged 55 or over, are much more likely to

make this gesture (81%) than younger

people, with only 45% of people aged

25-34 saying they would do the same.

Almost half of people (46%) wouldn’t

let a tradesperson use their toilet.

Respondents aged 55+ are the most

likely to do so (71%), but only 34% of

25-34-year-olds would.

Regionally, 72% of those in the south

east and east of England would offer

tradespeople a cup of tea (72%). This is

10% percent higher than the national

average.

The research also highlights that

young people prefer to steer clear of

casual conversation with tradespeople.

Only 33% of people aged 16-24 and

39% of people aged 25-34 would initiate

a chat, whereas 63% of the over 55s

would.

Paul Collins, Technical Director

at NICEIC, said: “There’s a clear

generational divide in how people

interact with tradespeople. This could

mean friendly gestures become a thing

of the past.”

Danny Mouskovias, Learning and

Wellbeing Manager at NICEIC, added:

“Tradespeople often work alone for long

periods of time, which can be isolating.

Seemingly small gestures, like making a

cup of tea or engaging in conversation,

can have a significant impact. It also

helps to break the ice for both parties,

creating a more amicable and relaxed

environment to get the job done.”

The findings also suggest a level of

mistrust exists among homeowners and

renters towards tradespeople.

Around 16% of respondents said

they have or would watch tradespeople

closely while they worked, a behaviour

most common among those aged

25-34 (26%), but far less so for those

aged 55+ (only 3%). Additionally,

some homeowners choose to monitor

tradespeople using security cameras,

a response most common among

25-34-year-olds (25%) and least likely

among those aged 55+ (3%).

KNIPEX raises £1,000 for Band of Builders charity

Tickets are now available for the World

Plumbing Conference 2026, which takes

place alongside InstallerSHOW at the

NEC Birmingham on 23-25 June 2026.

The 14 th World Plumbing Conference

will bring together global plumbing

leaders, innovators, and industry experts,

with the theme “Worldwide Problems

– Global Solutions”. The event is hosted

by the World Plumbing Council and

the Chartered Institute of Plumbing &

Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

Earlybird registration is available

until 31 Dec priced at £350+VAT

for a full three-day delegate ticket.

Concessions apply for members of CIPHE

and for UK group bookings of 10+.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a

schedule of live content across all three

days, a Gala Dinner, lunch, networking

KNIPEX UK team members have raised over £1,000 for

construction charity Band of Builders through a series of

sponsored walks – including a group walk that brought the

team together for a shared goal and picnic-style pit stop.

The initiative aimed for colleagues to collectively reach an

overall target of 450 miles (the distance from the UK office to

KNIPEX’s head office in Germany).

“Our main event was the group walk, which gave us a

chance to come together as a team,” said Marketing Executive

Laura Broadbent. “But a lot of the effort happened in people’s

own time. Whether it was a lunchtime loop near the office, a

longer weekend walk with the dog or time spent walking while

on holiday, everyone found a way to contribute – and we’re

proud of what we raised.”

Band of Builders supports tradespeople and their families

who are battling illness, injury, or financial hardship and

has become a crucial support network for the construction

community.

Registration open for World Plumbing Conference

events, and the chance to visit over 850

exhibitors at InstallerSHOW.

Kevin Wellman, CIPHE’s Chief

Executive Officer, said: “The World

Plumbing Conference in 2026 will be

the first time that the event is held in

England since 1990, and we’re bringing

the wow factor. We have some top-level

speakers booked in already, and there

are many more to come.”


06-10 HPR Oct News 10 29/09/2025 10:51

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Stronger Together:

How The IPG

Champions

Relationships

and Community

At The IPG, supporting our members isn’t just about

providing buying power, marketing and digital support; it’s

about building a community where independent plumbing

stores and bathroom showrooms thrive together.

Our mission is based

on the belief that

independence is

powerful, but strong

connections make us

unstoppable.

This comes to life through

initiatives like Trade Local Day

and our biennial conference, both

designed to celebrate, connect

and empower the independent

businesses at the heart of our

membership.

Celebrating Independence with

Trade Local Day

Trade Local Day is one of the

most anticipated events in the

calendar, a day dedicated entirely

to showcasing the expertise,

passion and community spirit of

independent plumbing stores and

bathroom showrooms that are

part of The IPG. This nationwide

celebration unites like-minded

businesses and their customers,

reinforcing the vital role that

independents play in their local

communities.

The feedback from members

who took part this year says it

all. Many described the day as

“very successful,” highlighting how

rewarding it was to “give something

back to their customers” through

exclusive offers and giveaways.

Supplier partners shared this

positivity, with several members

noting that suppliers were “happy

to assist in any way” and that “the

support was great.” These shared

successes underline a powerful

truth: when IPG members and

suppliers come together with

a shared mindset, great things

happen.

Looking Ahead: The IPG Conference

2025

Building on this spirit of working

together, The IPG will bring

members and suppliers together

once again, this time on an

even bigger stage. Our biennial

conference returns in November

2025 at the stunning Tivoli Marina

Vilamoura Algarve Resort in

southern Portugal. The two-day

event is designed to strengthen

relationships, share insights

and spark new opportunities for

growth between our members and

suppliers.

The exclusive line-up of speakers

reflects the depth and breadth of

expertise within our community.

BY CREATING

SPACES WHERE

INDEPENDENT

BUSINESSES CAN

LEARN FROM ONE

ANOTHER, CONNECT

WITH SUPPLIERS

AND STAY AHEAD OF

INDUSTRY TRENDS,

WE’RE HELPING

THEM NOT JUST

SURVIVE BUT THRIVE

IN AN EVOLVING

MARKETPLACE.

12


12_HPR1025.indd 22 29/09/2025 10:48

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ IPG News

Brand ambassador and this

year’s conference host, Mark

Millar, will explore how working

with independent businesses

transformed his career and why

their passion and generosity

continue to inspire him. Lee

Wilcox, CEO and Co-Founder of

On The Tools, will deliver a fastpaced

session on understanding

tradespeople, revealing what

drives their loyalty, how they

choose where to buy and what

influences their decisions.

Meanwhile, Jason Clark, CIPHE

President, a Master Plumber,

Engineering Technician and

Fellow of the CIPHE, will

lead an inspiring session on

raising standards, building

community and the importance

of professionalism within our

industry, supported by real-world

case studies and member stories.

Building Connections, Sharing

Success

The conference is all about

connecting. Attendees can look

forward to interactive sessions

as well as opportunities to

exchange ideas, celebrate

successes and learn from those

who do it best. New partnerships

will be formed, valuable insights

shared and a stronger, more

connected community will

emerge.

This focus on shared growth

and mutual support reflects

everything The IPG stands

for. By creating spaces where

independent businesses can

learn from one another, connect

with suppliers and stay ahead

of industry trends, we’re helping

them not just survive but thrive

in an evolving marketplace.

Stronger Together

From the energy of Trade

Local Day to the opportunities

awaiting at our 2025 conference,

The IPG continues to champion

independent businesses with a

stronger-together mindset.

Through initiatives that

connect, inspire and empower,

we’re proud to stand beside our

members, not just as a support

network, but as a community

built on shared values, strong

relationships and a passion for

excellence.

September/October 2025 13

12_HPR1025.indd 23 29/09/2025 10:48

New Products

Gain CPD points with

CIPHE-approved training

Fernox has recently received CIPHE CPD approval for its

online training course, which offers insights into the

importance of chemical water treatment and filter

technology. The course provides a comprehensive overview

of Fernox’s product range, explaining how it addresses

common system challenges and highlighting the key

regulations installers must follow.

The course delivers information in short, Q&A style

sections, with explainer videos included throughout. The

content explores why chemical water treatment is needed

and why cleaning, inhibiting and filter technology are all

crucial to system efficiency and longevity. It also highlights

the mandatory requirements under Building Regulations

Part L and how to comply through the approach of: Clean,

Guard, Protect, Maintain and Test.

Participants can test their knowledge with a short quiz

and download a certificate of completion at the end of the

course.

www.fernox.com/training/uk

Inventive Creations unveils new customer portal

IPG supplier Inventive Creations, known for its Uniblade and Shower

Seal ranges, has launched a new customer purchasing portal

designed to make ordering simpler and more efficient for the trade.

The portal provides customers with detailed product listings

offering full specifications of all its products, as well as images,

pricing and size information. Customers can add items to their basket

throughout the working week, with selections securely stored until

orders can be finalised – offering installers the flexibility to replace

stock on their own schedules.

The products available through the portal include cartridges,

wastes, washers, tap reviver kits, and a wide variety of shower

accessories such as hoses, slide rails, heads, and curtains. Essential

trade items including Pipe Inserts, Flexi Seals, aerators, AAVs, and

fixings are also featured.

Rick Lorenzo, Managing Director of Inventive Creations, said:

“We’re delighted to be offering our customers the ability to order

our products online, with all the ease they’re used to from platforms

such as Amazon. This investment will make it easier for them to restock

when it suits them, as well as giving them a single place where

they can view all the specifications of our

products whenever they need it.”

Representatives are currently visiting all IPG member

branches to get them logged in to the portal.

TM

Speed, ease and Security

and

...All a given with Buteline plumbing & heating solutions.

> Quick installation: Cut, Insert, Clamp = COMPLETE!

> Secure slimline one-piece fittings with no O-rings,

grab rings or inserts.

> Versatile PB-1 Barrier Pipe does all:

Hot & cold plumbing, central heating,

Bute-Heatline UFH!

Contact us...

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www.buteline.co.uk

HP&R 14_HPR1025.indd Magazine advert 20 QTR page 79x210.indd 1 04/09/2025 29/09/2025 10:06

13:57

10-year

warranty

Unique lateral water flow

system so your feet are

not in stagnent water

Biolex

material

Cuttable

tray

Easy

installation

3 colours

Crafted for comfort,

designed for luxury

– Your perfect

shower tray awaits

Transform your shower space with our brand new

stylish and elegant Kinediva shower tray range

The Kinedo collection of shower trays offers a range of surfaces, colours, sizes and

cuttable options to suit every bathroom. The Kinediva is added to our range of

luxurious cuttable trays, bringing fresh new colours and a new sleek designer look.

The Kinedo team works with you; from site visits, installation training, technical

assistance and first-class aftercare.

kinedo.co.uk

New Products

Second generation controls

get Wiser

Drayton’s Wiser 2nd Generation system combines

the benefits of smart heating with a range of

new smart home devices to create an all-in-one

solution for home automation.

Products that can now be incorporated into the

Wiser system include a smoke alarm, window and

door sensor, water leakage sensor, temperature

and humidity sensor, motion sensor, plus lighting

dimmer, shades control and power micromodules.

As well as offering added convenience through

the management of these devices via the Wiser

Home app, new sensors provide homeowners with

peace of mind that their home is well protected

from potential risks such as fires or floods.

The Window/Door Sensor, for example, detects

the status of windows and doors and sends this

information to the Wiser Home app, providing

notifications if the status changes when the user

is away from home. This information can also

trigger automations or ‘Moments’, for example

turning off the heating if a window is open in

order to save wasted energy.

The app also provides quick access to favourite

devices for more convenient monitoring and

adjustment and access to favourite modes for

quicker activation. Plus, homeowners can get

personalised tips and advice about how to reduce

their energy use.

www.draytoncontrols.co.uk

Roca adds to Ohtake bathroom collection

Roca has expanded its Ohtake Collection with three new

pieces by Brazilian architect Rodrigo Ohtake. The two

sculptural basins and a compact, Japanese-inspired

bathtub offer a fluid, elegant style inspired by nature.

The two new countertop basins are made from Roca’s

Fineceramic material, which can be formed into thinwalled

and light structures that are nonetheless

incredibly strong.

The new Stonex bath offers a compact footprint and

integrated seat for a luxurious experience that suits

the space-conscious British home. Optional accessories

made from sustainable soy resin – including a sleek side

shelf and multifunctional step-stool – enhance both

practicality and eco credentials.

uk.roca.com

Saniflo launches Clear

Water pump range

Saniflo has unveiled

its Clear Water range,

extending its expertise

beyond wastewater

into clean water

management. The line-up includes jet pumps, multistage

pumps, domestic boosters, submersibles, and

underground lifting stations – delivering flow rates

up to 15m³/hour and heads up to 54m.

From rainwater harvesting and garden irrigation to

basement drainage and boosting household supply,

the range provides a solution for every application.

Saniboost domestic boosters feature integrated

buffer tanks for smooth, quiet operation, while the

Sanisub submersibles and Sanifos lifting stations

tackle more demanding environments.

Designed with sustainability in mind, Clear Water

products promote water reuse and reduce reliance on

mains supply.

www.sfasaniflo.co.uk


16_HPR1025.indd 20 29/09/2025 14:31

The perfect fit for tall bathrooms

Multipanel has expanded its waterproof bathroom wall panels to

include a new 2.7m panel height, designed to meet the growing

demand for full-height solutions in properties with taller ceilings.

The new 2.7m panels make it easier to achieve a seamless,

grout-free finish from floor to ceiling – without the need for

horizontal joins or trims. The added height offers a cleaner

aesthetic while saving time on installation and improving

waterproofing integrity.

The 2.7m panels are available in 598mm and 1,200mm widths

and feature the Hydrolock tongue-and-groove system for a flush,

discreet join.

The new format is available across Multipanel’s core collections,

including Tile and Pure.

www.multipanel.co.uk

16_HPR1025.indd 21 29/09/2025 11:17

Exhibition Preview \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

The elemental approach

to decarbonisation

ELEMENTALLONDON, AN EXHIBITION AIMED AT

DECARBONISING HEAT IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, IS

COMING TO EXCEL LONDON IN NOVEMBER.

On 19 and 20 November 2025, a new

event focusing on the decarbonisation

of heat in our built environment

will open its doors at Excel London.

elementalLONDON is being positioned

as a response to long-standing

industry demand for an exhibition

shaped by, and for, those driving

building performance through design,

technology and policy.

The event’s organisers, Nineteen

Group, are well-known for running

large-scale trade exhibitions including

InstallerSHOW. elementalLONDON aims

to help professionals working across

the built environment learn how they

can reduce energy usage, decarbonise

systems and choose smarter, more

efficient solutions for the buildings they

create and maintain.

Lively debates and interactive sessions

Rather than having one main stage

and a series of exhibitor-led seminars,

elementalLONDON will include five

curated theatres, each with its own

thematic focus and audience. Two of

these will be delivered in collaboration

18


18_HPR1025.indd 12 29/09/2025 11:30

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Exhibition Preview

with the Chartered Institution of

Building Services Engineers (CIBSE),

through a strategic partnership

that sees CIBSE’s Build2Perform

event integrated directly into

elementalLONDON.

This will offer a blend of

perspectives, from real-world policy

challenges and housing retrofits to

the intricacies of achieving net zero

in large commercial buildings. CIBSE

will curate its own theatres – The

Synergy and Influence Theatres

– focusing on regulation, safety,

building systems performance, and

collaboration across the building

lifecycle.

The main stage of

elementalLONDON – the elemental

Arena – will feature lively debates

and interactive sessions on all the

biggest issues affecting those tasked

with advancing the efficiency of

buildings. Speakers will include

government ministers, academics,

industry leaders and inspiring

voices from all sectors of the built

environment.

The Housing Hub will host

discussions on making the UK’s

homes more efficient, covering both

newbuild and retrofit, with essential

information for councils, housing

associations, housebuilders and

developers. Topics to be discussed

include:

• Decarbonising home heating

• Retrofitting hard-to-treat

homes

• Approaching the Future

Homes Standard

• Accessing funding for

efficient social housing.

Meanwhile, the Climate Solutions

Theatre will tackle the major

issues facing those working with

heating and cooling commercial

and public buildings, such as the

policy landscape, industry trends,

and activity ‘on the ground’.

Hot topics will include the

decarbonisation of HVAC,

the challenge of the

new Building Safety Act,

Indoor Air Quality, and

refrigerants.

of the link between air quality and

occupant health, and the event

aims to explore that connection

in both technical and policy terms.

Other sessions will examine

retrofit strategies, the application

of new building standards, and

routes to compliance with future

legislation. Speakers on both days

will include senior consultants,

housing providers, local authorities

and commercial asset managers,

alongside manufacturers and system

suppliers.

The home of physical

demonstrations

Alongside theatres and seminars,

the show floor will again feature

the physical demonstration ‘Haus’

first seen at InstallerSHOW in June –

albeit with new updates to suit the

elemental audience. Originally built

in collaboration with more than

130 product suppliers, The Haus

will be reconfigured to highlight

those systems most relevant to

high-volume and high-efficiency

developments. Passive design

principles, advanced HVAC, indoor

air quality sensors and smart water

management will all be represented.

The structure offers visitors a way

to see technologies in situ, to gain

a clearer sense of how different

elements can integrate in practice.

Visitor registration is now

open, with attendance free

for those working in relevant

industry sectors. Exhibitors are

also being encouraged to bring

working technologies and live

demonstrations to the show, rather

than static stands.

Register for your free ticket at

elementallondon.show

Decarbonisation

and air quality

One area getting

particular focus is indoor

environmental quality,

especially in mass housing

and commercial office spaces.

There is an ever-growing awareness


18_HPR1025.indd 13 29/09/2025 11:30

New Promotions \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

New promotions

Uncapped cashback for boiler registrations

Baxi has unveiled a new uncapped cashback offer, with £300 available to

installers for every three Baxi 600 or 800 boilers installed and registered

on Baxi Works.

Running until 5 January 2026, the promotion applies to all models in the Baxi

600 and 800 ranges. Baxi Works members who install and register three qualifying

boilers will receive £300; six boilers will net them £600, nine will earn £900, and

so on, with no limit on earnings during the promo period.

The Baxi 600 and 800 ranges are designed to suit a wide range of property and

heating requirements. Compact and easy to install, the boilers feature brass and

stainless-steel components for long-term durability and carry seven and 10-year

parts and labour warranties respectively for added peace of mind.

Both ranges feature dynamic range rating to optimise boiler modulation and are compatible with smart controls

such as Baxi’s uSense2, with weather compensation available via Baxi In Flue Outdoor Sensors (IFOS).

Rob Pearse, Residential Solutions Director at Baxi, said: “We want to reward the hard work of our installer base

while making it straightforward to grab a bit more hard-earned cash.

“This is our way of thanking them and letting them know that we’ve always got our installers in mind, from the

design of our boilers, to our world-class training, to the prizes we give away.”

www.baxi.co.uk/cashback25

Win a trip to Stuttgart with Worcester Bosch

Installers who fit Worcester Bosch products have the chance

to win a place on an exclusive trip to Stuttgart. The PowerUp

Supercharged promotion – which runs until the end of April

2026 – will give participating installers the chance to be one of

100 lucky installers selected for the trip in October 2026.

Installers can earn a place by registering their interest and

hitting individual targets, with Worcester offering extra rewards

during the promotional period. All loyalty members can earn

up to £1,500 by installing more gas boilers, oil boilers and heat

pumps (excluding the Greenstar 1000 range) based on the

same period in 2024-2025.

For the rewards, installers can choose loyalty points, Amazon Gift Cards or Love2Shop e-Gift Cards when

achieving the following milestones:

• Install 1 extra = £75








To activate the promotion, visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/professional

20


20_HPR1025.indd 26 25/09/2025 13:09

CLASSIC

CONFIDENCE

The Dudley range is ideal

for use with most wall-hung

sanitaryware & is a proven

solution for an installation

behind the wall.

Vantage®

Concealed Cistern

Illusion A

Adjustable Wall-Hung

Sanitaryware Frame

Wave S3

Intelligent Infra-red

flush plate

FEATURES

~ Height adjustable Illusion A

frame provides unrivalled

installation flexibility

Pushfit Flushbend

~ Compact Vantage® cistern

dimensions, fits neatly

in to furniture units as

small as 500[w] x 200[d]

x 800mm[h]

~ Infra-red Wave S3 plate

available in geometric

[square] corner and soft

[radius] corner formats

~ Hygienic touch-free operation

provides water saving full and

reduced flush

www.thomasdudley.co.uk

Specify_Build_Frames.indd 1 05/08/2025 15:10:55

Heating \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Meet IPG Member:

G&M Plumbing and Heating

Championing independence and exceptional service in

Colchester for over 20 years

At The IPG, we’re proud to

champion our members

who embody the values of

independence, expertise

and community spirit.

Many of our member businesses

capture that spirit, including G&M

Plumbing and Heating Ltd, a

Colchester-based independent that

has grown from a small trade counter

into a thriving destination for both

trade and retail customers.

Business Built on Experience and

Trust

Founded more than two decades

ago, G&M began life as a modest

trade counter. Today, it’s much more

than that – a retail store, expansive

bathroom showroom and specialist

hub for everything from plumbing and

heating supplies to stylish modular

bedroom furniture. Its journey

is a testament to the resilience

and adaptability of independent

22


22_HPR1025.indd 14 29/09/2025 11:35

businesses.

Following the takeover in April

2023 by Chris and Lee, G&M has

continued to grow from strength to

strength. With 36 years of combined

industry experience, the pair have

brought fresh ideas and a renewed

focus on customer service.

“Great products on their own

aren’t always enough to secure

customer loyalty – outstanding

service is,” says Chris. “We take pride

in supporting our local community

with quality products at affordable

prices.”

Tailored Service Every Step of the

Way

At the heart of G&M’s success is

a deep commitment to customer

care and expert advice. The team

works closely with homeowners,

tradespeople and DIYers alike,

ensuring every customer receives

the support they need – whether

they’re undertaking a simple repair

or planning a complete bathroom

transformation.

“We understand that choosing the

right bathroom can feel daunting,”

explains Lee. “That’s why our

talented team is always available to

guide customers through the process.

No matter the budget or size of

the project, we offer a fully tailored

design service and provide a free,

competitive quote once you’re happy

with the plan.”

G&M also collaborates with

a trusted network of installers,

ensuring a seamless experience from

design to installation. With extensive

stock available for immediate

collection or direct site delivery,

customers know they can rely on

G&M to deliver on time and on

budget.

Trade Local Day: Celebrating the

Power of Independents

One of the highlights of G&M’s

calendar this year was their

participation in Trade Local Day, a

nationwide campaign created by

The IPG to celebrate and champion

independent plumbing stores and

bathroom showrooms who are part

of our group. Now in its second year,

the initiative is designed to put our

independent members firmly in the

spotlight, showcasing their specialist

knowledge, personal service and

vital role in local communities.

“Events like this give us the

chance to highlight why independent

businesses matter,” says Nick from

G&M. “Being part of a national

campaign strengthens the message

that independents are worth

listening to.”

To mark the day, G&M teamed up

with other independent businesses

on their trading estate to create

a vibrant community event. With

games, competitions, extended

opening hours and supplier visits,

the day offered something for

everyone. It even resulted in new

trade accounts and a noticeable

increase in retail footfall – proof

of the campaign’s power to

connect businesses with their local

community.

Looking Ahead with The IPG

G&M has been a proud member

of The IPG since 2018, sharing our

belief that independent businesses

deserve a stronger voice. Their story is

one of growth, resilience and unwavering

commitment to customer service – qualities

that make them a key business in their local

community.

With their expertise, passion and forwardthinking

approach, G&M Plumbing and

Heating is well-positioned to continue

supporting Colchester’s homes and

tradespeople for many years to come.

Visit G&M Plumbing and Heating on

London Road, Copford, CO6 1LG – open to both

trade and public.


23

22_HPR1025.indd 15 29/09/2025 11:35


The role of

underfloor

heating in a

new era of

building regs

Dean Asher discusses how underfloor heating

can help meet evolving standards in an era of

new regulation.

As the UK edges

closer to the

implementation of

the Future Homes

Standard (FHS),

there is mounting pressure to

deliver a new generation of

homes. Besides meeting the

changing needs of occupants,

homes will also have to

become significantly more

energy efficient and actively

support the UK’s bid to hit

net zero by 2050 by reducing

reliance on fossil fuels.

This shift demands

innovation across both

building design and heating

technology, with traditional

methods, such as radiators

paired with gas boilers, no

longer viable in the longer

term. Instead, new homes

will require systems that can

integrate seamlessly with

low-carbon heat sources

and operate at maximum

efficiency.

For the underfloor

heating (UFH) sector, this

presents both a challenge

and an opportunity. On the

one hand, UFH systems

are well-matched to lowtemperature

sources of heat

like heat pumps. But on the

other, tighter regulations

will increase scrutiny on

its performance and wider

compliance.

Aligning innovation

and regulation

Since its initial reference

in 2019, the FHS calls for a

fundamental re-evaluation

of how contemporary living

spaces both generate and

consume heat – and UFH will

have a key role to play.

Besides providing comfort

underfoot, UFH can be a great

addition to newbuild homes

by maximising efficiency.

Unlike conventional

radiators, UFH distributes

heat evenly across an entire

floor area, operating at much

lower flow temperatures –

typically between 35°C and

45°C compared with 70°C for

radiators. This makes UFH

inherently more compatible

with low-carbon technologies

such as air-source and

ground-source heat pumps.

Smart solutions for the next

generation of homes

By operating at lower

temperatures, UFH reduces

energy demand, in turn

lowering CO 2

emissions.

Combined with advanced

controls that allow for

zoning – the ability to heat

different areas of a home

independently – many

modern systems also give

homeowners precise control

over their environment,

guaranteeing heat spreads

to the right areas at the right

times.

Many of Polypipe Building

Products’ UFH solutions,

for example, are equipped

with smart technology

that allows the systems

to be managed remotely

using apps and energy

management platforms. This

not only provides smarter,

more convenient solutions

for homeowners, but also

ensures these systems work

intelligently with varying

demands – including shifting

occupant patterns or weather

conditions.

As well as supporting

homeowners and end-users,

many of today’s UFH solutions

have been designed to make

installation quick and easy.

Polypipe Building Products’

Overlay UFH system removes

the need to excavate any

existing flooring, for example,

and is suitable for installation

underneath multiple floor

coverings including ceramics,

solid wood and carpet.

Solutions that can meet

the demands facing all

key industry stakeholders

– including installers,

homeowners and occupants

– will be critical in delivering

heating systems that meet

the pressures facing the

sector.

With the Future Homes

Standard set to reshape

housing regulations, UFH

is a core component of

sustainable heating and

housing design. By embracing

UFH, you can combine the

demands of regulatory

compliance and long-term

energy efficiency, while also

delivering greater comfort

and value.

www.polypipeufh.com

Dean Asher is Head of Technical

Sales at Polypipe Building

Products.

24


24_HPR1025.indd 10 25/09/2025 13:10


Here, Calum Clark explores the most common

UFH problems, and how to diagnose and fix them

quickly and easily.

As the cooler

weather sets

in across the

UK, underfloor

heating (UFH)

systems are switched back

on and can reveal issues that

have developed during the

summer months. For heating

engineers, this can bring a

surge of service calls.

Before heading

out, Ambiente always

recommends a pre-visit

triage where installers ask

the homeowner a few quick

questions, including whether

the issue is affecting just one

room or the whole system, if

there are any unusual noises

like gurgling or buzzing,

whether the thermostat

batteries are running low, and

asking them to send a photo

to show the current system

pressure. This can save time

upon arrival and may even

avoid the visit if the issue

can be fixed over the phone.

If you do need to visit the

customer, the first on-site

job is to carry out a series

of simple checks that save

significant time and often

indicate the source of the

problem.

Flow and mechanical issues

A buzzing but non-vibrating

pump is a common sign of a

stuck impeller. In such cases,

use a safe manual freeing

method to restore operation.

Sticking actuators or zone

valves should be inspected

by pressing the pin beneath

the actuator and applying

silicone spray or gentle

pressure to free movement.

Manifold leaks are another

risk, especially after long

idle periods, so always check

compression fittings and

O-rings.

Air, water and pressure

Where there are cold loops

or gurgling sounds, trapped

Autumn restart m

tips for season

air is usually the main culprit and

you need to purge the manifold

ensuring every loop is clear. Boiler

lockouts can be triggered by low

system pressure, particularly

below 1 bar, so top up the system

carefully with the filling loop.

Where cold spots are visible on

thermal imaging, often indicating

sludge or poor balancing, adjusting

flow meters or scheduling a

chemical flush can help restore

efficiency.

Controls and sensors

When fault-finding, the wider

system must be taken into

consideration, too. While low

batteries can cause wireless

thermostat faults, always carry

out wireless signal checks and

floor probe readings to ensure

everything is working correctly.

Also check wiring centres to

ensure all zones are correctly

calling for heat and that the

programming matches the

homeowner’s schedule.

Ensuring long-term efficiency

Scheduling an annual service

is critical to maintaining

system efficiency, and always

check system pressures

(typically between 1-2 bar),

bleed trapped air, and flush if

26


26_HPR1025.indd 22 29/09/2025 11:38

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Heating

water discolouration is present. When pressure testing,

ensure 6 bar is maintained and monitor carefully for

leaks. We also recommend asking homeowners to run

the UFH system briefly during the summer months,

even if heating demand is low, to prevent pump seizure.

Balancing is a crucial step because an unbalanced

system may cause hot and cold spots, or over/under

heating in some zones. Adjust the manifold flow

meters to match each circuit’s length and heat load

requirements.

Core stock to keep in the van

Having some core products in stock is crucial, whether

during installation or to enable prompt repairs. One

‘hero’ solution is a self-balancing actuator, which

removes the need for balancing and remedies the issue

of hot and cold spots.

Using AI to provide the room just the flow it needs

at the right time, products like AmbiEgo can help

solve problems with an old system of if you lack prior

knowledge of the original design. This handy bit of kit

can take over, assess, and find a solution for the final

(as-built) scenario and is a ‘must-have’ for engineers

keen to resolve issues once and for all during call outs.

And, it’s always helpful to have spare pumps on the van,

specifically those set for UFH straight out of the box,

such as the CircoMax 3.

ambienteufh.co.uk

Calum Clark is Product Support Specialist at Ambiente.

t made easy: top

onal servicing

SCHEDULING AN ANNUAL

SERVICE IS CRITICAL TO

MAINTAINING SYSTEM

EFFICIENCY, AND ALWAYS CHECK

SYSTEM PRESSURES

(TYPICALLY BETWEEN 1-2 BAR),

BLEED TRAPPED AIR, AND

FLUSH IF WATER

DISCOLOURATION IS PRESENT.


27

26_HPR1025.indd 23 25/09/2025 13:21


Unlocking efficiency

Craig Dolan shares specialist guidance in the performance and practical

applications of DHWHPs.

A

domestic hot water heat pump (DHWHP)

consists of a ducted system that supplies

fresh air to a small refrigeration circuit

mounted on top of a water cylinder.

These are highly efficient solutions

that generate domestic hot water (DHW) using

low-carbon renewable energy. The compact unit,

which can be installed inside the property, has

a familiar appearance and footprint similar to a

standard hot water cylinder. Most solutions have no

separate outdoor components and require minimal

maintenance and servicing.

With a DHWHP providing the hot water demand to

a dwelling, the much smaller, seasonal space heating

requirements can then be provided via a suitable

electrical-based system, such as a panel heater

or smart thermal storage heater – both solutions

currently benefiting from the decarbonisation of the

electricity grid. These technologies are easy to install,

removing the requirement for additional on-site

skills often associated with renewable technology.

PART L COMPLIANT HEAT PUMP

SOLUTIONS ARE BECOMING

INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT IN

RESIDENTIAL NEWBUILDS.

How efficient is a DHWHP?

The integrated heat pump within the Dimplex

Edel HWHP unit, for example, draws energy from a

ducted external air supply, converting it into heat

to offer high performance and energy savings. With

a coefficient of performance (CoP) of up to 3.36,

for every kW of electricity a DHWHP consumes it

generates up to 3.36kW of heat to deliver hot water

for domestic use. By comparison, a modern gas boiler

has, on average, a maximum CoP of 0.94, or around

0.70 to 0.85 for hot water.

This means that a HWHP can deliver the property’s

hot water requirements primarily via renewable

sources. If the bill payer selects a 100% renewable

electricity tariff, then all hot water requirements can

be met using a mix of local and national renewably

generated energy. In retrofit projects, this might be

a fossil fuel boiler or a space heating heat pump. In

smaller newbuilds or electrically heated homes, it

could be delivered using electric radiators or high heat

retention storage heaters.

What are the other key benefits?

Part L compliant heat pump solutions are becoming

increasingly important in residential newbuilds, with

technologies available for many different property

types. From DHWHPs for compact or constrained

projects, through to monobloc and split systems for

whole-home solutions, a full range of options can

deliver efficiency and compliance.

Another major benefit of DHWHPs is their

straightforward installation, enabling easy integration

into a home’s existing system. This is particularly

valuable for retrofit projects, where solutions can be

tailored to overcome space or structural limitations.

When it comes to homeowner handover and usage,

DHWHP solutions provide simple, integrated controls

that make it easy to set up programmes for comfort

and efficiency. The Edel from Dimplex goes even

further, with built-in hot water management that

ensures reliable comfort and peace of mind for the

household. With the added benefit of remote control

via smartphone apps, Edel can also form part of a

smart, connected whole-home heating and hot water

system.

Are DHWHPs easy to install?

Most DHWHPs are designed as simple, self-contained

solutions that are installed in the same way as a

standard unvented hot water cylinder, without the

need for specialist on-site expertise.

The key additional consideration is ensuring a

clear flow of air to the heat pump. By positioning the

unit near an external wall, ducting

becomes straightforward

and efficient, with just

two ducts added to

manage airflow

alongside the

familiar cylinder

installation

process.

dimplex.co.uk

Craig Dolan is

Senior Product

Manager at

Dimplex.

28


28_HPR1025.indd 6 23/09/2025 15:04

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Advertisement Feature

Rinnai system offers

infinite continuous flow

hot water on demand

Rinnai’s Infinity A Series range of

continuous flow hot water systems

are suitable for all UK domestic and

residential sites.

Rinnai’s Infinity A Series range

includes ErP A-rated continuous flow

gas-fired hot water heating units &

systems designed for the UK domestic

market. They offer high efficiencies

and low running costs combined

with on-demand, consistent water

temperatures, seven days a week.

The units are being specified and

installed in a wide range of domestic

properties from studios to highend

houses thanks to their ease of

installation, energy and cost-saving

benefits. Competitively priced, the

units offer technological innovations

at a similar cost to lower specification

models.

Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water

heater, for example, eliminates the

problem of sudden changes in water

temperature resulting in cold showers

or scalding hot baths. If somebody is

showering at 42°C and a tap is turned

on elsewhere in the property, the

temperature does not vary, and there

is no chance of either user running

out of hot water.

The Rinnai 17i interior model

measures 675 x 370 x 139mm and

weighs 18kg. The room-sealed unit

has a temperature range of 35°C to

60°C with direct electronic ignition.

Gas consumption ranges between

4.7kW-6.5kW for natural gas and

4.9kW-36.8kW for propane. Hot water

delivery flow is an impressive 16 litre

max flow.

Where an external installation

is required, the Rinnai 17e external

multipoint water heater offers

greater flexibility at the design stage

and is a viable solution where flue runs are

problematic or internal space is not available.

Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres/

min/hr at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for

multiple applications and can be specified for

use with natural gas or propane.

It also has full frost protection and is

available with a range of ancillary items,

including pipe cover box and security cage

where necessary.

For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i

interior unit weighs 2kg less at 16kg and

consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of natural gas and

has an 11-litre maximum flow.

www.rinnaiuk.com

Need an

alternative to the

Nest® Learning

Thermostat?

Find out more

Choose the

Honeywell Home

T6R Smart

Thermostat

resideo.com/t6r

Nest is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Resideo Technologies Inc. is not endorsed by nor affiliated with Google LLC.

*The terms of the Resideo 5 Year Warranty Policy apply, visit resideo.com/warranty

© 2025 Resideo Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. The Honeywell Home trademark is used under license from Honeywell International Inc.

This product is manufactured by Resideo Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates.

October 2025 29

29_HPR1025.indd 7 25/09/2025 13:07


Radiating style

Richard Lister discusses

how designer radiators

can be used to help

achieve attractive and

inspiring interiors, and

why selecting the right

product can make a

radiator a statement, not

merely an afterthought.

Radiators have been a

feature of domestic

spaces since the mid-

19 th century and, during

that time, have played a

pivotal role in bringing heat into

people’s homes. Until fairly recently

they were mostly considered to be

functional elements, designed and

manufactured to maximise heat

transfer. However, in the modern

day, radiator design has advanced

and there are now an array of

styles and colours available.

Style

Choosing a radiator with a style or

configuration that complements

your customer’s home is a great

way to enhance a space. For

example, if you are renovating an

old house, cast iron and column

radiators are a way to add a period

touch that references the building’s

heritage. Alternatively, if the home

has a sleek, contemporary style, a

flat fronted design may be most

suitable – as its clean lines will

mirror those of your house.

The choice between a floormounted

and wall-mounted

radiator can also help to create

a more traditional or more

contemporary feel – depending

on the style you want to create.

Floor-mounted radiators are often

associated with classic designs,

more like the early cast iron

Victorian radiators. On the other

hand, wall-mounted products have

a more modern look, which can

complement a minimalist aesthetic.

The shape and position of

the radiator is also something

to consider. Vertical radiators,

for example, are well suited to

hallways or kitchens where wall

space may be limited. A radiator

mounted in this orientation can

also help make a space look

30


30_HPR1025.indd 24 29/09/2025 11:41


more spacious than it is.

This is particularly effective

with column radiators, as

the vertical lines help to

emphasise the height of

the space and draw the eye

upwards.

It is even possible to

make the most of awkwardly

shaped areas in a property by

installing a curved radiator,

such as the Ancona Curved

offered by The Radiator

Company. These can be

placed in hard to use alcoves

or bay windows.

Colour

The colour of a radiator can

also have a significant impact

on the room you place it in.

Making a statement with a

strong colour is a great way

to create a memorable space

that reflects the homeowner’s

personality. For example,

selecting a dark, rich shade

such as Blue Black evokes

a luxurious and timeless

feel, bringing sophistication

into any interior. Finishes in

Brass and Copper achieve

the same effect, adding

a premium touch that is

particularly striking when

paired with matching fittings

in bathrooms and kitchens. By

contrast, vibrant colours such

as Ruby Red or Zinc Yellow

create a bold contemporary

statement, injecting energy

and acting as a focal point

within the room.

Alternatively, a colour

that blends in with the wall

behind it can create a sleek

and seamless finish. However,

this is only an option if you

select a manufacturer that

is able to offer a wide range

of colours from the factory

– as it is always advisable to

specify the colour rather than

leaving it to be painted after

installation and potentially

voiding the warranty. For

example, The Radiator

Company can provide 188

BY THINKING ABOUT THE STYLE,

PLACEMENT AND COLOUR OF A

RADIATOR, YOU CAN CREATE A

DESIGN ELEMENT THAT

ENHANCES THE FINISH OF YOUR

CUSTOMERS’ PROPERTY

RAL colours for many of

its products, as well as 32

special finishes. This provides

installers and homeowners

a greater opportunity for

customisation.

Consequently, it has never

been easier for installers

to choose a radiator that

perfectly matches their home

décor style. By thinking

about the style, placement

and colour of a radiator, you

can create a design element

that enhances the finish of

your customers’ property and

doesn’t detract from it.

www.theradiatorcompany.

co.uk

Richard Lister is from The Radiator

Company.


31

30_HPR1025.indd 25 29/09/2025 11:41


The importance of

central heating

water quality

Richard Crisp examines the

importance of water

quality testing and the

tools installers can use to

ensure the correct

concentration of inhibitor

in a central heating system.

The consequences

of an inadequately

protected system

are widely

understood. When

untreated water interacts

with the metal components

in a central heating system,

it can cause corrosion and

may lead to an accumulation

of sludge and other debris.

This impacts efficiency and

increases the risk of boiler

failure, with the system

struggling to maintain

performance, consuming

more energy and leading to

higher energy bills.

BS 7593:2019, the

British Standard code of

practice for the preparation,

commissioning and

maintenance of domestic

heating and cooling water

systems, highlights that

dosing the central heating

system with a high-quality

corrosion inhibitor, otherwise

known as a protector,

is essential. This is also

supported by the Benchmark

Commissioning Checklist,

which requires installers to

confirm the type and brand

of cleaning and inhibitor

product used for flushing and

inhibiting a system at the

time of commissioning.

These requirements have

formed part of Part L of

the Building Regulations in

England since June 2022,

which includes measures

to keep systems working

efficiently and to reduce CO 2

emissions. As a result, every

domestic heating system

installation, repair and

service must be undertaken

in accordance with BS

7593:2019.

Adding an inhibitor

Introducing a highperformance

inhibitor to

the system prevents the

accumulation of sludge and

limescale by chemically

protecting the metal surfaces

within the system. However,

it should not be considered a

‘fill and forget’ solution, as it

is crucial to ensure that the

correct levels of inhibitor are

maintained throughout the

life of a system.

That’s why BS 7593:2019

requires regular testing of the

system’s water. This means

carrying out on-site checks

at least once a year, along

with laboratory testing, or

redosing, every five years. This

confirms the correct level of

corrosion and scale inhibitor

in the system. It also assesses

its overall cleanliness –

helping installers maintain

compliance and protect longterm

performance.

On-site testing

To check inhibitor levels in a

heating systems every year,

quick test-strip methods

are available which provide

installers with immediate

results. By just dipping the

test strip into the system’s

water, installers can quickly

check if re-dosing is needed

by observing the colour

shown on the dipped strip.

Simply compare the colour

of the strip to the colour

chart on the bottle to identify

the level. Products like the

Fernox Express Inhibitor

Test can also be used in

conjunction with the Fernox

Water Test App, which saves

the results and produces a

lab-style report certificate.

When to laboratory test

A system must be re-dosed

every five years or undergo a

full laboratory analysis, with

additional dosing as needed.

Sampling kits are available

to help installers collect

water samples for accurate

laboratory testing.

There are now

smartphone-driven laboratory

test services on the market

with some manufacturers,

such as Fernox, providing a

system diagnostic check of

multiple key water quality

criteria. This method also

provides recommendations, if

needed, on how to treat the

system and restore efficiency.

By following the testing

guidance outlined in BS

7593:2019, as well as the

Benchmark Commissioning

Checklist, installers can

ensure every system they

work on is protected. Regular

testing and maintainence not

only safeguards efficiency but

also reduces callbacks, giving

customers confidence their

system will perform reliably

and helping installers build

longlasting trust.

www.fernox.com

Richard Crisp is Head of Chemistry

& External Affairs at Fernox.

32


32_HPR1025.indd 14 29/09/2025 12:53

ATTHEHEART

OFEVERYHOME

Everythingyouneedforresidentialplumbing,heating& drainage.

GetaFREEconsultationforyournextproject

TOGETHERWECREATESUSTAINABLELIVING

polypipe.com/our-solutions


Flying the flag for

independent businesses

HP&R magazine interviewed Mark

Millar, Brand Ambassador for The

IPG and known to millions for his

years on DIY SOS, to find out why

he is so passionate about

supporting independent

merchants and tradespeople.

34


34_HPR1025.indd 14 26/09/2025 16:06


Mark Millar’s voice is

instantly recognisable

to millions of TV

viewers. Best known

for his 17 years on the

BBC’s DIY SOS and more recently

as presenter of Channel 5’s Dream

Kitchens and Bathrooms and Build

Your Dream Home in the Country,

Mark is a joiner by trade, a business

owner, and a passionate champion of

independent enterprises.

That passion is what led him, in

2024, to take on the role of brand

ambassador for The IPG – the buying

group representing independent

plumbing, heating, and bathroom

suppliers across the UK. For Mark,

the partnership feels like a natural

fit. “I’ve always had a huge passion

for any independent business,

whether it’s farmers, plumbing,

or high street shops,” he explains.

“When I started my building

business in Bristol, I went to an

independent plumbers’ merchant

for advice on a really complicated

loft conversion. They gave me the

information I needed, supplied all

the parts at a great price, and from

that day on, I knew independents

were the people I wanted to deal

with.”

It’s a relationship that has stood

the test of time. “Thirty-six years

later, I still shop in that same

independent plumbing supplier,”

Mark smiles. “The guy who served

me on day one is still there. They

know me by name, they know my

company, and visiting them is about

more than just buying materials –

it’s become part of my working week.

Shopping independent means being

surrounded by friends and people

who’ll help you solve problems.

That’s invaluable.”

A career built on community

Mark’s own journey into the

industry began in Ireland, where

he undertook a four-year joinery

apprenticeship before moving to

England. He settled in Bristol and

built up his own business, focusing

on extensions and loft conversions,

before expanding into high-end

kitchen and bathroom design.

His career took an unexpected

turn when the BBC invited him to

join DIY SOS.

“One show was all it took,” he

recalls. “I completely fell in love with

it. I saw tradespeople giving up their

time and materials to help someone

they didn’t even know. Plumbers,

joiners, plasterers – all just being

loving, caring human beings. Most of

them were from small, independent

businesses, and behind them were

independent merchants stepping

up to the mark. It showed me the

industry in a completely different

light – people working from their

hearts, not just their wallets.”

That sense of heart and

community is what he sees reflected

in The IPG today. “It’s the only

company I’ve worked with where

you feel genuinely part of it – right

down from the Founder,” says Mark.

“They’ve taken on the challenge

of standing up to the big boys, and

they’re bringing back that high street

connection between the merchant

and the customer. For me, that’s

priceless.”

Why independents matter

Mark believes independent

merchants can offer concrete

advantages for their customers

and the industry as a whole. “With

independents you get competitive

prices, expert knowledge, and

through membership of The IPG a

much wider range of brands than

people realise. But you also get

the relationships – the laughter,

the banter, the cup of tea at the

counter. It might sound small, but it

makes a massive difference. A happy

tradesperson walks out of that

store, drives to a customer’s house,

and turns up in a good mood. That

carries right through the job.”

He’s also quick to point out

the practical business benefits.

“Members of The IPG get a huge

helping hand. They can show they’re

part of a bigger network, and that

gives customers confidence. It all

helps – from how you present your

showroom, to the brands you stock,

to how you talk to customers.”

Right now, the UK government

has set an ambitious target: building

1.5 million homes by the end of the

decade. Mark believes independent

businesses are key to making

that happen. “This is the time for

independents to step up and shout:

we can give you the same deals,

with a more personal relationship,

and we can help get these houses

built. The work doesn’t have to go to

the big boys. We’ve got to keep the

high street alive.”

He’s adamant that small

WITH INDEPENDENTS YOU GET COMPETITIVE

PRICES, EXPERT KNOWLEDGE, AND THROUGH

MEMBERSHIP OF THE IPG A MUCH WIDER

RANGE OF BRANDS THAN PEOPLE REALISE.

and regional housebuilders in

particular should be turning to

their local suppliers. “They can

buy at competitive prices, and

independents can deliver what they

need. If we shout loudly enough,

through as many voices as possible,

the business will come – for

independents and their customers

alike. And that’s something to be

proud of.”

A message of pride and positivity

Mark’s enthusiasm for the industry

and for local, independent

businesses is infectious. Whether

he’s talking about the camaraderie

of a Trade Local Day – complete with

barbecues, laughter, and everyone

knowing each other’s names – or

recalling the joy of watching

tradespeople being supported by

suppliers, his message is consistent:

independents matter.

“Local enterprise is the

cornerstone of our society,” he says

simply. “Every day is a school day in

this industry, and the best lessons

I’ve learned have come from the

people behind those independent

counters. They’ve helped me,

they’ve supported me, and they

continue to keep our trade – and our

communities – alive.”


35

34_HPR1025.indd 15 26/09/2025 16:06

New Products \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Heating Products

DAIKIN LAUNCHES NEW CASHBACK APP

Daikin has launched Cashiku, a brand-new cashback app

that takes over from its previous Aclub scheme. Cashiku is

designed to reward and support installers that purchase and

fit Daikin systems through their preferred wholesalers.

The app enables installers to earn cash for every Split system

and for every Sky Air System unit they purchase, with instant

rewards delivered directly to a user’s bank account.

Ethan Blackwood, Mass Distribution Company Manager at

Daikin, said: “We’ve listened closely to our partners and installers,

and the Cashiku app is a method of supporting Daikin’s valued

installers who purchase through our distribution network. It’s

simple, transparent, and puts money straight back into their hands

for every eligible system they install.”

The app allows Daikin to reward directly those installers which are purchasing from the valued Distribution

partners, complementing and reinforcing those relationships. Cashiku, which can be downloaded via the Apple App

store and Google Play, also creates a new communication channel between Daikin and the installer community.

www.daikin.co.uk/cashiku

CLEAN, PROTECT AND GUARD WITH THE

SIGMA MINI INSTALLER PACK

Fernox has launched its TF1 Sigma Mini Installer Pack,

giving installers everything they need to clean, protect

and guard a central heating system in line with BS

7593:2019. Featuring the TF1 Sigma Mini filter, the

pack is designed for smaller volume systems with

restricted space around the boiler, including social

housing and newbuild properties.

The pack also contains Fernox Cleaner F3 and Fernox

Protector F1 265ml to clean and protect up to 100L/12

radiators/190m 2 of underfloor heating. The pack also

contains a Fernox Express Inhibitor Test Pack, making it simple to achieve the correct concentration of inhibitor.

The TF1 Sigma Mini is a solution for systems with limited space around the boiler, as it only requires a 106mm

pipework footprint. Available in 22mm and ¾” versions, the filter is backed by a 10-year warranty and has been

engineered to protect the boiler from the damaging effects of circulating corrosion debris using a powerful

neodymium magnet. To make servicing simple, the TF1 Sigma Mini filter features a drain port that allows for quick

and controlled cleaning or draining without the need to disassemble the filter. It also acts as a useful dosing point for

chemical water treatments.

Mike Skivington, Sales Director at Fernox, said: “We are committed to supporting heating engineers by simplifying

the installation process wherever possible. The TF1 Sigma Mini Installer Pack provides everything professionals need

in one convenient package, saving them valuable time on the job.”

www.fernox.com


36_HPR1025.indd 26 29/09/2025 17:16

The UK’s most influential

installer event expands

into the US

Exhibit at InstallerSHOW

New York in March 2026

Co-located with New York Build, InstallerSHOW New York will bring

together 5,000 decision makers, influencers and professionals from

the HVACR industry. No matter your size, we have a place for you at

InstallerSHOW New York. Get in touch with us today to request the

floorplan and find out more.

Scan the QR code to find out

more about exhibiting or visit

www.installershownyc.com


The benefits of

GOOD DESIGN

CHRIS STAMMERS ADVISES WHY GOOD HYDRONIC UNDERFLOOR

HEATING DESIGN IS CRUCIAL AND EXPLORES THE BENEFITS AN

ACCURATELY PLANNED SYSTEM CAN DELIVER.

A

well-designed underfloor heating

(UFH) system delivers on every

level, from efficiency to thermal

comfort and design freedom. In

contrast, one that is installed

without any design or calculations carries

many risks. As the pipework is usually

inaccessible post-installation, issues such

as cold spots and high running costs are

challenging to solve once the system is fitted,

so getting it right the first time is essential.

UFH has become a reliable solution for

installers seeking to provide homeowners

38


38_HPR1025.indd 12 25/09/2025 13:28


in all building sizes with the

ideal balance of control over heat

emitters, efficiency and comfort.

Today’s installers are tasked

with delivering all of these benefits

while adhering to the latest lowtemperature

updates to Part L of the

Building Regulations. This update

requires newly built homes and

even certain extended or majorly

renovated properties to adhere to a

flow temperature of no more than

55°C.

Taking every detail into account

Gathering details of key aspects of

each room will allow for accurate

heat loss calculations. Heat is lost

through every surface, including

floors, windows, roofs, and walls, and

each aspect will differ from room to

room, so specific data is needed for

HAVING A PLAN TO

WORK FROM NOT

ONLY ENSURES A

POSITIVE RESULT

BUT ALSO ALLOWS

FOR A SMOOTHER

INSTALLATION PROCESS.

each space.

Then, additional site data is

added to the design, such as the

current or future heat source, subfloor

construction, and proposed

floor coverings, including whether

any floor probes are required to

protect any heat-sensitive coverings

or to future-proof the system.

Once these calculations have

taken place and the site conditions

are mapped out, it then clarifies

how much heat each room loses

and confirms the heat level the

UFH system in that individual space

requires, as well as the best way to

meet this need while also achieving

the highest possible efficiency.

Ease of installation

Having a plan to work from not

only ensures a positive result

but also allows for a smoother

installation process. A reputable

supplier that provides a CAD

system design service will be

able to provide drawings for the

pipework installation, including

pipe spacing measurements to

achieve the desired heat output, and

future-proofing to ensure system

compatibility for a renewable heat

source in the years ahead. It will also

detail the most suitable manifold

locations.

Calculating the materials needed

for the installation ahead of time

also reduces the amount of waste

material, keeping costs as low as

possible and giving installers a

genuine competitive advantage.

In addition, installers can rest

assured that, when working with a

specialist supplier, they have access

to technical support at every stage,

whether it’s confirming aspects of

the pipe layout, commissioning

or seeking additional support for

homeowners when handing over the

system.

Keeping it under control

A fundamental part of any UFH

design is the controls, which ensure

the property and zones within it

are always at the right temperature

at the right time. This, in turn,

helps homeowners save money

by avoiding energy wastage. Plus,

zoning the system is not only an

excellent way to achieve all of the

above, but it’s also now a regulatory

requirement for all newbuilds

and some extension or renovation

projects.

Working with the customer

to consider how each room

will be used brings controls

specification and integration into

the overall design, with choices

ranging from simple dial-based

electric UFH thermostats to intuitive,

wireless thermostats that can ‘learn’

the most efficient programmes to

achieve complete, energy saving

comfort for the occupants. Controls

are the only component of the

system that the end user will

interact with, so this vital finishing

touch to the system design should

be effortless to operate and manage.

beama.org.uk

Chris Stammers is Underfloor Heating

Portfolio Manager for the BEAMA trade

association.


38_HPR1025.indd 13 25/09/2025 13:28

Plumbing \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Colour me

beautiful

As the trend for colour in the bathroom continues to

make its mark, Katy Olsen explores how installers can

use it to leave a lasting impression in every project.

Bathroom trends

come and go, but

we believe the

trend for colourful

bathrooms,

which has certainly gained

momentum over the last

few years, has real longevity.

Providing a stark contrast to

the neutral, minimal schemes

that previously featured

in many commercial and

residential bathrooms, a new

generation of designs are

embracing a varied colour

palette, which is being

used to create characterful,

personalised interiors.

In recent years the

psychological effect of

colour has been more

widely recognised, and it

is increasingly being used

to create relaxing and

invigorating bathroom

environments that are a

pleasure to use and spend

time in.

This is true across both

domestic and commercial

spaces. In the hospitality

sector, particularly in

hotels, guests are looking

for luxurious experiences

in wellness-focussed

spaces. Here, chrome taps

and showers, which have

long reigned supreme,

are increasingly being

replaced by a wide variety of

brassware finishes.

Strong and stylish

For a long time, some

installers shied away from

coloured brassware as their

powder-coated finish often

wasn’t durable enough to

withstand

frequent

use.

Scratching,

fading and damage

caused by cleaning and

general, everyday usage made

them less viable options,

particularly in high-traffic

environments.

However, advances in

technology have really

opened the door to colour

when it comes to bathroom

brassware and the new

generation of finishes are

designed to prioritise style

as well as durability and easy

maintenance.

BAGNODESIGN, for

example, has a number of

brassware ranges available in

high-strength coatings from

Physical Vapour

Deposition (PVD)

and electroplated,

to the new Armour

coating, which

creates ultradurable

finishes

that are resistant

to fingerprints,

tarnishing, corrosion

and wear.

Metallics of the

moment

One of the many

reasons that

PVD coatings are

popular is that they

result in a much

more hardwearing,

flawless finish that

won’t fade over

time. PVD finishes

can elevate any

space and also go

hand

in hand with

the spa bathroom concept.

We’re seeing more demand

for warm-toned PVD finishes

such as our Soft Burgundy

and Oyster, which blend with

other materials such as stone

and timber to create spainspired

design schemes.

Armour technology

BAGNODESIGN’s durable

new Armour Coating has

been used to create our

latest brassware ranges. The

Toko Flavours comes in six

unique, colourful finishes that

include Lip Gloss, Blueberry

and Mandarin, while the

new Studio 316 collection

seamlessly blends Nordic

minimalism with exceptional

craftmanship.

An advanced finish that

was originally developed for

heavy-duty products used in

the military, aerospace and

automative industries, the

Armour finish has been tested

in both lab and real-world

conditions to ensure the

highest level of resistance

to corrosion and chemicals,

making the products coated

with it suitable for both

outdoor and indoor use.

www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

Katy Olsen is Brand Manager at

BAGNODESIGN, part of the Sanipex

Group.

40


40_HPR1025.indd 10 29/09/2025 12:55

Product

Reg.-No.

D TS202&TS206

10706-20201113

Energy

www.tell-online.eu

Proud to be a leading British Brand

HP&R Layouts.indd 7 29/09/2025 10:59


Upskilling the

bathroom sector

Elliott Fairlie introduces Multipanel University – a free platform

offering online training for bathroom installers

The bathroom industry

continues to face a

growing shortage of

skilled installers, with

delays and extended

lead times creating challenges for

both consumers and contractors.

In response to this industry-wide

issue, Multipanel has developed

a solution aimed at supporting

professional development and

raising installation standards

across the board.

Multipanel University is a

free, digital training platform

designed to help installers

strengthen their knowledge and

confidence when working with

Multipanel’s bathroom wall panels.

With the growing popularity

of wall panelling systems in

modern bathroom design, the

programme offers an accessible

way for installers to upskill and

stay competitive in an evolving

marketplace.

Although Multipanel wall panels

are engineered for straightforward

installation through features like

the company’s patented Hydrolock

tongue and groove system, the

training programme offers clear

advantages for both seasoned

professionals and those new to the

product range. The course delivers

step-by-step video demonstrations

42


42_HPR1024.indd 18 29/09/2025 12:58

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Plumbing

the installation module provides

guidance on cutting panels and

fitting them in typical locations such

as showers, bath areas, windows, and

doors.

A maintenance module also offers

useful insights for installers looking

to advise clients on keeping wall

panels in optimal condition. This is

followed by a dedicated section on

the Hydrolock system, as well as a

refresher on the core features and

benefits that distinguish Multipanel

from other solutions on the market.

PARTICIPANTS GAIN A

DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

OF MULTIPANEL’S EXISTING

AND NEWLY LAUNCHED

PRODUCTS, WHICH HELPS

TO REDUCE ON-SITE

ERRORS AND SPEEDS UP

PROJECT TIMELINES.

and detailed guidance to ensure

efficient, accurate installations.

Participants gain a deeper

understanding of Multipanel’s

existing and newly launched

products, which helps to reduce

on-site errors and speeds up project

timelines. As a result, customer

satisfaction is likely to increase due

to improved outcomes and fewer

delays.

Designed with flexibility in mind,

the course is available entirely

online and can be completed at

a time and pace that suits each

individual installer, allowing them

to fit the course around their own

workload. This format removes

common barriers to training, such

as needing to take time away from

work, and encourages broader

participation from across the trade.

Multipanel’s goal is to provide tools

that enable more professionals

to access quality training without

compromising their day-to-day

operations.

Modular advice

The course itself is divided into eight

modules, each covering a key aspect

of the installation process. After a

general introduction, the content

moves into pre-installation planning,

tool preparation, panel measuring,

and sizing techniques. From there,

Upon completion of the training,

participants take a short quiz

to confirm their understanding.

Successful candidates receive a

downloadable certificate along with

a digital badge that can be displayed

on their business website or social

media profiles. Installers also have

the option to apply for inclusion in

the ‘Find an Installer’ directory on the

Multipanel website, helping generate

new customer leads and business

opportunities.

By offering this no-cost

training programme, Multipanel is

demonstrating a strong commitment

to supporting the bathroom industry

and empowering professionals

to take advantage of the growing

demand for wall panelling. The

Multipanel University initiative is

part of a wider effort to improve

installation outcomes, elevate

industry standards, and contribute to

the development of a more skilled

and confident workforce.

www.multipanelu.co.uk

Elliott Fairlie is Product & Marketing

Director at Multipanel


42_HPR1024.indd 19 29/09/2025 14:33


Inside the

THERMOSTATIC

MIXING VALVE

Ed Morris delves into the inner

workings of a crucial component

in plumbing systems – the

thermostatic mixing valve.

While it may seem small

and inconspicuous,

thermostatic mixing

valves (TMVs) play

a significant role

in maintaining safety, comfort, and

efficiency in plumbing systems. A TMV

blends cold water with hot water

and maintains this at a set constant

outlet temperature to ensure safe and

comfortable hand washing, shower and

bath water temperatures, reducing the

risk of scalding.

The controlling element of the TMV

is a temperature sensor that is fully

immersed in the mixed water outlet port.

This expands or contracts to maintain

the correct proportion of hot and cold

water entering the valve.

Ball valve isolation and strainer:

A TMV typically includes ball valve

isolators on the hot and cold water

inlets. These allow for easy maintenance

and servicing by enabling the TMV to

be isolated from the rest of the system.

When closed, they stop the flow of water

into the TMV, ensuring safe access for

maintenance or repair work.

Before water enters the TMV, it passes

through a strainer. The strainer removes

any debris or particles present in the

water, preventing them from potentially

damaging internal components and

ensuring longevity. Strainers must be

cleaned during servicing to prevent

potential blockages from a build-up of

debris.

Check valves: Inside the TMV there

are check valves on both the hot and

cold water inlets. These allow water to

flow in only one direction, preventing

backflow and maintaining the integrity

of the hot and cold water supplies.

Ensuring water flows only from

the inlets towards the mixing

chamber helps to prevent

cross-contamination

between hot and cold

water lines.

Flow conveyor:

The flow conveyor

is responsible for

mixing the hot and

cold water streams to

achieve the desired

outlet temperature. It consists of a

chamber where the hot and cold water

streams mix together. The size of the

flow conveyor and the ratio of hot to

cold water flow determine the outlet

temperature of the TMV.

Thermostat: At the heart of the TMV

lies the thermostat, a temperaturesensitive

element that regulates the

flow of hot and cold water to maintain

a constant outlet temperature. The

thermostat reacts to changes in the

outlet temperature by adjusting the

position of the valve within the flow

conveyor. If the outlet temperature rises

above the set point, the thermostat will

adjust the valve to allow more cold

water into the mix, effectively lowering

the temperature. Conversely, if the outlet

temperature drops below the set point,

the thermostat will increase the flow of

hot water to raise the temperature.

As plumbing standards continue to

evolve and safety regulations become

increasingly stringent, the importance of

TMVs cannot be overstated. Whether in

residential homes, healthcare facilities,

or commercial buildings, the inclusion of

TMVs in plumbing systems exemplifies

a commitment to safety, comfort, and

efficiency.

www.altecnic.co.uk

Ed Morris is Technical Manager at Altecnic

44


44_HPR1025.indd 6 29/09/2025 14:36

Lofty

ambitions

Over 60

years

experience

Tight fitting

toilets

40+

range

Basement

bliss

Up to 5

years

warranty

When space

matters...

Go with the Saniflo

Loos into lofts, dishwashers downstairs,

bathrooms in basements – they’re all

impossibly easy with Saniflo.

Our macerators and pumps open up more

opportunities and help you make the most

of every space.

sfasaniflo.co.uk

Untitled-1 1 29/09/2025 15:04


Snug and SORTED

When Pointy Plumber faced a boiler swap in a tight spot, FS5

and PipeSnug helped him deliver a quick, clean and Part L

compliant finish without the usual mortar mess.

Known for his no-nonsense

installs and hands-on

product reviews, Pointy

Plumber has built a

reputation online for finding

solutions that really make a difference

on site. So, when he recently faced a

tricky combi boiler replacement, he put

Talon’s FS5 and PipeSnug to the test.

The property’s rear extension and

boundary fence boxed in the flue exit,

leaving little room to manoeuvre.

Traditional methods like mortar or

silicone would have meant mess, delays

and frustration. On top of that, the

boiler’s condensate pipe also needed

upgrading.

Talon’s FlueSnug 5” (FS5) is designed

specifically for boiler replacements,

eliminating the need for awkward

patching or extra drilling. Where mortar

often cracks, stains or crumbles over

time, FS5 provides a neat, consistent

finish that meets Part L of the Building

Regulations without any of the hassle. It

works with all 100mm boiler flues, fitting

directly into a 152mm core-drilled hole

and tackles the long-standing issue of

aligning the new flue with the existing

core when undertaking a boiler swap.

By slotting directly into the existing

core hole, FS5 removes the need for

expanding foam, silicone or mortar

altogether. It maintains the integrity

of the building fabric, reduces thermal

bridging and ensures a compliant seal,

all while saving valuable time on site.

“Let’s be honest, even if you do a

neat job with cement, it still looks like

cement,” says Pointy. “FS5 gives a sharp,

consistent finish every time.”

The job also called for a condensate

upgrade, where PipeSnug proved equally

useful. Designed for 32mm waste pipes,

its quick-fit collar delivered a sealed,

professional finish in seconds.

“The 32mm PipeSnug was perfect for

the new condensate outlet,” says Pointy.

“I cored it fresh and fitted it in seconds.

Done. Looks neat, seals properly, no mess

to clean up.”

As with FS5, PipeSnug is fully Part

L compliant, sealing penetrations to

prevent air leakage and heat loss.

For installers, that means meeting

regulations without slowing down or

adding extra steps.

For Pointy, the biggest win was

the combination of speed and

professionalism. Despite the tight access,

both the flue and condensate outlet

were installed cleanly and efficiently,

with no mess left behind.

“You’re working harder for a worse

result if you’re still cementing flues,” he

explains. “FS5 and PipeSnug just make

sense. They’re faster, cleaner and help

your work stand out – in a good way.”

TALON’S FLUESNUG 5” IS

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY

FOR BOILER REPLACEMENTS,

ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR

AWKWARD PATCHING OR EXTRA

DRILLING

46


46_HPR1025.indd 8 25/09/2025 13:33


INSTALLATION TIPS

1

2

STEP 1

STEP 2

Drill a 152mm hole or use a previously drilled

hole to receive the FS5 and flue. It is designed

to sit snugly in the existing 5” hole left by

the original boiler flue so there is no need for

additional drilling or widening.

FlueSnug comes in black or white and can

be used inside and out – just push it in. The

integrated fins on the FS5 help guide and grip

the fitting into place, ensuring a tight and

stable fix. It takes seconds and once it is secure

you can pull the flue through.

3

4

TS,

OR

EXTRA

STEP 3

Fit the horizontal flue. No making good or

pointing is required. Should there be a need to

inspect or reposition the flue, the FS5 is easily

removed without damaging the surrounding

brickwork. This flexibility is especially

important in retrofit situations or when boiler

replacements don’t align perfectly with old flue

angles.

STEP 4

FlueSnug gives a neat finish and efficiently

seals the hole in the wall. No unsightly silicone

or cracked mortar, just a flush seal that satisfies

both client and compliance officer.


47

46_HPR1025.indd 9 25/09/2025 13:33


The advantages of

press-fit solutions

Andy Burton delves deeper into the benefits of press fit

solutions for plumbing systems.

A

key challenge in the

industry is the growing

shortage of heating and

plumbing engineers,

driving demand for timesaving

technologies that support best

practice installations. This trend is

accelerating the shift towards press

fit solutions, whether it is copper,

multilayer pipe or stainless steel.

As a press tool is used to crimp

the fitting securely and safely onto

the pipe, the need for heat-based

methods, such as soldering, is removed.

This also eliminates the necessity for

installations to be tested for fire risks,

the need to purchase torches, flux, wire

wool and other accessories, and the

potential for scorching or heat marks,

resulting in a neater appearance and a

safer working environment on site.

Reliable, user friendly and

cost effective

Press fittings are known for their

robust design. Unlike manual

jointing using soldering, press guns are

calibrated to provide assured,

mechanically produced joint

The new Direct Drive

Press Tool from

Instantor

consistency. In addition, the Instantor

Press System comes with an extensive

50-year warranty, for example,

providing long-term fit and forget

reliability and assurance.

Press fit solutions are installed

using press tools, which are designed

to be easy to operate, with features

such as rotating jaws, LED lights,

ergonomic grips and clear displays.

By minimising labour time and the

potential for callbacks arising from

poorly finished joints, press fit

solutions are also very cost effective.

Instantor provides heating and

plumbing engineers with press

fittings, pipes and tools that are

designed as flame-free, quick and

reliable solutions for plumbing

projects on any scale. This includes

the Instantor Press System (an all-inone

solution combining press fittings

and multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe),

Instantor Copper Press, R Press fittings

for air conditioning and refrigeration

applications and Stainless Steel

Press. The installer simply crimps the

fitting securely on to the pipe in a

couple of seconds, saving up to 35%

in time compared to more traditional

methods.

instantor.co.uk

Andy Burton is Head of Marketing at

Instantor

Instantor has enhanced

its product offering

with the launch of an

Insulated Multilayer

(Pex-Al-Pex) Pipe

48


48_HPR1025.indd 16 29/09/2025 13:05

Installation systems

designed to save time

Roca has introduced its new Duplo One and Duplo S WC

installation systems and flush plates. Here, Mark Winfield

explains that these new systems are both easy to fit and will

save installers precious time.

The key difference is that

Duplo S Installation Systems

feature a twin cable flushing

mechanism. The Duplo S

flushing technology features

two encapsulated cables,

ensuring a tangle-free,

reliable mechanism and a

smoother flush action. The

push-and-lock system allows

for an effortless, secure

setup, with the frames made

by a Roca-owned German

specialist.

UK bathroom walls are

often uneven and tricky to

work with. To help with this,

Roca’s Duplo S installation

frames include adjustable

wall brackets for a flush-towall

finish and rotating foot

plates that allow for flexible

positioning. They also offer

up to 200mm of height

adjustment and a new brake

system, making it easier to

fine-tune during installation.

The latest Duplo One and

Duplo S frames now come

with an EU-to-UK adapter

and self-adhesive templates

to simplify pipework

alignment, with all elements

prepared in the factory and

ready to be connected.

In addition, a key

improvement on the new

Duplo One collection is that

the frames feature lockable

rods, which improve the

reliability and durability of

the flush plate mechanism.

Both ranges offer flexible

installation options. The

Duplo S standard frame has a

minimum installation depth

of just 135mm, making it a

slim, space-saving solution

for a variety of bathroom

layouts.

Both Duplo systems

include under-window

models suitable for smaller

bathrooms or awkward

spaces. In addition, both

systems have cistern-only

versions for back-to-wall

WCs. The range also offers

compact-depth frames and

freestanding options for solid

floors.

uk.roca.com

Mark Winfield is Head of Product

Management at Roca UK.

Equinox

Low Pressure Problems? Sorted.

Reliable Pressure. Every Shower, Every Time.

QUIET

RUNNING

ACCESSORIES

INCLUDED

3YEAR

WARRANTY

tucsonpumps.com


49

49_HPR1025.indd 11 29/09/2025 15:00


Best practice to

prevent pipe freezing

Lee Parsons explains how installers can prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Frozen pipe callouts are an

annual certainty for installers,

but the good news is that

much of the disruption is

preventable. With the right

advice and the right tools, they can help

households avoid problems before they

start, while ensuring they themselves

are equipped to deal with emergencies

efficiently and professionally.

UK homes are particularly vulnerable

to pipe freezing because of our variable

climate and the way many older

properties were built. Pipes run through

lofts, garages, outbuildings and external

walls, and are often poorly insulated or

even left exposed. When temperatures

dip below zero, water inside those pipes

can solidify, expand and block the flow.

Left unchecked, the pressure build-up

may rupture the pipe, unleashing a flood

as soon as the thaw arrives.

For homeowners, the consequences

can be severe; damaged plasterwork,

ruined flooring, disrupted heating and

costly insurance claims.

For installers, it often means frantic

calls during the coldest months, long

hours and emergency repair work that

could have been avoided with a little

foresight.

Many homeowners don’t give their

plumbing a second thought until

something goes wrong, which makes

installer advice crucial. Encouraging

insulation around vulnerable pipework,

sealing draughts, keeping a low

background level of heating in winter, or

using smart controls to maintain steady

temperatures can all dramatically reduce

the risk. Outdoor taps, loft tanks and

exposed runs are the areas most often

overlooked, yet they are also the most

likely to freeze.

MANY HOMEOWNERS

DON’T GIVE THEIR

PLUMBING A SECOND

THOUGHT UNTIL

SOMETHING GOES

WRONG

Prevention, however, can only go so

far. Traditionally, the default response

50


50_HPR1025.indd 8 25/09/2025 15:00


has been to drain down the system. But

anyone who has battled a stubborn stopcock,

sluggish tank, or the risk of airlocks knows

how quickly that ‘straightforward’ option can

turn into a long and messy operation. Draining

down is disruptive for the homeowner and

time-consuming for the installer. In older or

more fragile systems, the change in pressure

may even cause new problems.

Freezing solutions

This is where professional-grade pipe freezing

solutions prove their worth. By forming a solid

ice plug inside the pipe, installers can isolate

a section of the system in minutes, carry out a

repair, and restore service, all without draining

a drop more than necessary.

Modern freeze kits are far removed from

the unreliable tools of decades past. Arctic

Hayes’ pipe freeze kits for example, can create

a secure freeze on a 15mm copper pipe in

just a few minutes, producing an ice plug that

holds pressures of up to 10-bar. That enables

installers to work confidently, while saving

hours compared with draining down the entire

system.

For those who have never tried

freezing before, the process is refreshingly

straightforward. Preparation is key: cleaning

and drying the pipe, stopping water movement

where possible and allowing the correct freeze

time all help ensure success. With those basics

in place, today’s kits take the uncertainty out

of the process, backed by clear step-by-step

instructions and video demonstrations.

Once an installer has frozen a pipe on a

couple of jobs, it quickly becomes a go-to

method not only for emergencies but for

planned maintenance too. The ability to

isolate a small section of pipework in minutes

transforms the way engineers work, giving

them greater flexibility and control.

As we head towards another winter,

installers are once again at the sharp end of

frozen pipe prevention. Advising homeowners

on insulation and heating habits remains the

first line of defence, but when problems do

arise, having access to freezing technology

ensures repairs can be completed efficiently,

cleanly and with confidence.

www.arctic-hayes.com/

Catalogue/Pipe-Freezing

Lee Parsons is Managing Director

of Arctic Hayes


51

50_HPR1025.indd 9 25/09/2025 15:00


Exploring the barriers to

heat decarbonisation

A recent roundtable

hosted by Baxi discussed

the challenges and

opportunities

surrounding the

decarbonisation of heat

in care homes.

HP&R reports.

This summer,

Baxi carried out a survey

of over 400 care home

managers to understand

their attitudes towards

decarbonising heat. The subsequent

report analysed the implications

of the findings and included Baxi’s

policy recommendations.

The UK’s population of over

85s is set to double between now

and 2050, leading to increased

demand for care services. Around

94% of the care home managers

surveyed expect to have a budget

for decarbonisation. However, the

research highlighted a number

of barriers the sector needs to

overcome in order to deliver its

decarbonisation ambitions across

the approximately 17,000 UK care

homes:

• Access to funding

• The need for technical

advice and guidance on

funding

• Procurement and installation

• Cost and affordability

• The spark gap between

electricity and gas prices

• Ongoing running costs.

The roundtable was hosted

by Jeff House, Baxi’s Director of

External Affairs and Policy. It also

gave a panel of industry experts the

chance to share their perspectives.

Taking part were Paul Chambers,

Deputy Director of the Public Sector

Decarbonisation Scheme at the

Department for Energy Security

and Net Zero (DESNZ); Nik Smith,

Managing Director of specialist

renewable energy contractor, Oakes

Energy Services; Richard Hilson,

Principal Consultant, Health and

Sustainability, at technology and

data consultancy, Talan; and Andy

Green, Head of Technical Solutions

at Baxi.

The discussion began with a

recap of Baxi’s research, which

revealed the opportunity for

retrofit, with the majority of survey

respondents operating buildings

less than 10 years old. This, plus

the fact that 42% of care homes

rely on fossil-fuel based heating,

was said to present an opportunity

for the sector to consider heating

system upgrades. These would help

to significantly reduce a home or

estate’s carbon emissions.

Concerns raised by panellists

echoed the report’s findings. Among

the prominent barriers discussed

by the group was the spark gap,

with the UK’s high electricity costs

offering little incentive to upgrade

care home systems.

Legacy challenges from

poorly installed and operated

heat pumps were also

highlighted, prompting

the proposal of a standard

for the commercial sector

that would be key to

improving design and

installation practices. This,

plus quick wins like pipework

lagging and switching to

a low-temperature heating

system, could help operators

achieve energy efficiency and

decarbonisation.

The panel also discussed the

heating system upgrade of a

hypothetical 60-bed care home.

While the upgrade of a boiler

to a fully electric heat pump

system would be a significant

carbon saver, the absence of

more attractive electricity

tariffs and higher operational

costs were reported as major

obstacles. A hybrid heat pump

system delivering 60% of the

heating output and a boiler

contributing the remaining 40%

was a potential option that

would provide significant carbon

savings while maintaining

running cost neutrality.

The report’s full findings can

be downloaded at www.baxi.

co.uk/commercial


52_HPR1025.indd 16 29/09/2025 13:10

OIL & GAS INSTALLERS

GET A FULLY FUNDED

HEAT PUMP FOR YOUR HOME*

Build your confidence and experience with air

source heat pumps by fitting a Grant Aerona

R290 into your home with Start With Grant.

Fully funded Aerona heat pump & Installation Pack*

Design support

Extended Guarantee*

MCS certified installation

SCAN TO GET STARTED

PLUS, GET

£1500

towards installation

costs after MCS sign off

(Subject to Terms & Conditions)

*T&Cs Apply, subject to eligibility

TOGETHER WE HEAT BETTER

GRANTUK.COM

Renewables \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Confidence

booster!

Anna Wakefield explains how the new ‘Start

With Grant’ initiative aims to build confidence

among heating engineers through real-life

experience.

Q. Is it true that installers can

get a fully funded heat pump

for their home?

Yes! Fossil-fuel boiler

installers in England and

Wales who have not yet fitted,

serviced or maintained heat

pumps can apply for the ‘Start

With Grant’ scheme. It uses

the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

(BUS) funding to support

installers with fitting a Grant

air-source heat pump in their

own home. This helps them

build first-hand experience

and practical knowledge

of low-carbon technology,

including the nuances of

setup and controls.

Fitting a heat pump in

their own home means they

can live with the day-to-day

benefits of the technology

such as comfort, efficiency

and reliability. They will then

be better able to describe

to customers how the unit

performs throughout the year

and answer any common

concerns by sharing personal

experience.

Q: What’s included in the

package?

Each installer receives a

Grant Aerona 290 air source

heat pump (up to 12kW), a

hot water cylinder (up to 210

litres), a 50-litre volumiser,

Grant smart controller, and

the installation kit. It will all

be delivered directly to the

installer’s home. Radiators

and standard plumbing/

heating equipment are not

provided. We also provide

full Grant heat pump product

training, support with system

design, technical assistance,

an on-site commissioning

visit and MCS sign off

through our MCS partner

Heat Pump Go.

Q: How is this scheme funded,

and what about installation

costs?

Grant UK provides free-ofcharge

training, design and

the commissioning visit. The

Grant heat pump, associated

components and MCS sign

off is fully funded through

the £7,500 BUS grant, which

will be applied for and

claimed through Heat Pump

Go. Following completion

and MCS sign-off, we also

provide the installer with a

£1,500 contribution towards

installation costs, which

is transferred from the

remaining balance of the BUS.

Terms and Conditions and

eligibility criteria apply for

both the Start with Grant

scheme and BUS grant

application. Unfortunately,

Start With Grant is not

available in Scotland at the

moment due to the difference

in funding structure through

Home Energy Scotland.

Q: What are the benefits for

installers?

Installers going through

Start With Grant will be

enrolled as a member of

Grant’s G1 Scheme, giving

them a seven-year heat pump

guarantee for their own

system, and for any future

heat pump installations. If

the installer has the required

pre-requisites (level 2/3

Plumbing & Heating, WRAS

and G3 Unvented Hot Water

qualifications) they’ll also

be able to offer fully MCS

accredited Grant heat pump

installations to customers

through Heat Pump Go.

Start With Grant is helping

installers to understand

heat pump technology from

the inside out so we hope

that the scheme will help in

removing a major obstacle

to wider adoption. This

initiative is about creating

long-term momentum in the

heating sector, equipping

installers with the knowledge

and insight they need to

confidently and correctly work

with heat pumps in the years

to come.

www.grantuk.com/

professional

Anna Wakefield is Head of Internal

Sales and Marketing at Grant UK.

54


54_HPR1025.indd 10 29/09/2025 13:14

Renewables \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Getting heat pump

sizing right

ALPHA OFFERS ADVICE ON HOW TO SIZE A HEAT PUMP AND GET IT

RIGHT FIRST TIME.

When it comes to installing

a heat pump, accuracy is

everything. Traditionally,

gas boiler sizing has

been guided by installer

experience and rules of thumb, but heat

pumps demand far greater precision. Unlike

with boilers, an incorrectly sized heat pump

has clear consequences. If the system is

too small, it may struggle to keep up with

heating requirements in the coldest months.

Conversely, an oversized unit won’t perform

efficiently, leading to higher running costs and

faster component wear.

A driving reason behind this need for

accuracy is the price difference between gas

and electricity. Electricity typically costs three

to four times more per kilowatt-hour than gas.

While a modern boiler is around 90% efficient,

a heat pump’s Coefficient of Performance

(COP) can reach 300-400%, delivering three

to four times more heat than the electricity it

uses – but only if sized correctly.

56


56_HPR1025.indd 12 29/09/2025 13:17

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Renewables

Heat loss calculations are key

A detailed heat loss calculation

involves measuring how much heat

escapes through walls, windows,

floors, and the roof. Every square

metre counts, as the calculation

must match the heat pump’s output

precisely to the actual needs of the

building and its occupants. Roomby-room

heat loss data also informs

heat emitter design, whether that’s

radiators or underfloor heating.

Together, these values provide the

overall space heating requirement

for the property.

For newbuilds, most of the

necessary figures will already

exist as part of Building Control

submissions. Older homes can be

more complex, as unknowns such

as thermal bridging or inadequate

insulation make it trickier. A

thorough on-site survey can usually

provide enough detail for a reliable

result.

UNLIKE WITH BOILERS,

AN INCORRECTLY SIZED

HEAT PUMP HAS CLEAR

CONSEQUENCES.

Using calculation tools

Heat loss software is widely

available, and many online

calculators can provide quick

estimates. But always familiarise

yourself with tutorials or guides

before entering data, as the smallest

input error can skew results

dramatically. For example, typing

in a 10m x 10m window by mistake

instead of a 1.0m x 1.0m one would

give an unrealistically high heat loss

figure. MCS-approved installations

require calculations to meet BS EN

12831 standards, so accuracy is nonnegotiable.

Hot water demand must also

be factored in. This will vary with

occupancy and habits: a couple

living alone will have different

needs to a family with teenagers.

A larger cylinder or faster recovery

time may be needed in households

with high hot water usage.

Planning for winter

Heat loss calculations are designed

around a set indoor temperature

(typically 21°C) and the lowest

outdoor design temperature for the

property’s location. The colder the

local climate, the higher the demand

the heat pump must meet.

Relying on a UK average figure

can be misleading. While -3°C may

work for southern England, Scottish

properties often need to be sized

for -5°C or lower. Local weather

data published by the Chartered

Institution of Building Services

Engineers is the best source for

these values.

Efficiency is also affected by flow

temperatures. Heat pumps perform

best at lower flow rates, typically

45°C or below for space heating, and

even lower with underfloor heating.

Lowering the flow temperature

will raise the COP, allowing the

system to deliver more heat per

unit of electricity consumed. Getting

pipework design right is equally

important, as undersized pipes

can cause the circulation pump to

overwork, potentially creating noise

and reducing performance.

The interdependence of building

fabric, emitters, pipework, and

heat pump capacity means time

spent on accurate calculations is

never wasted. A well-sized system

will deliver comfortable living

conditions, minimise energy use,

and keep running costs under

control. For installers, that translates

into satisfied customers, fewer

complaints, and reduced callback

costs.

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk


56_HPR1025.indd 13 29/09/2025 13:18

Fitting the future:

How installers can lead the

heat pump transition

David Broom offers a step-by-step guide to networked

ground source heat pumps ahead of the introduction of

the Future Homes Standard.

The UK heating industry is on

the cusp of a huge transition.

The Future Homes Standard

will ban new gas connections

for all newbuild homes,

leading to heat pumps becoming the

go-to heating and hot water system

by the end of the decade. In housing

developments, a significant chunk of

these will likely be ground source, as

part of a networked ground-source heat

pump model.

A networked ground source heat

pump system isn’t that different to an

individual installation – but instead

of dealing with one home at a time,

multiple homes are connected to

a shared underground network of

boreholes and pipes, known as the

ground array. A water and antifreeze

mix circulates through the boreholes,

absorbing heat energy from the ground,

before transferring it to each property

through the pipe network, where a

compact ground source heat pump uses

it to create heating and hot water.

Installing networked ground source

heat pumps in new developments means

everything is hidden underground or

inside the home with no outdoor kit,

and for installers the internal work feels

similar to fitting a boiler, but without

flues, gas pipes, or carbon monoxide

worries.

Step 1: Design and planning

Before anything happens onsite,

specialist designers map out the

network. When deciding where this

goes, they consider the heating and hot

water demand for each property, local

geology and site conditions, plot layouts

and utility

trench

locations.

While

installers don’t

usually design

the ground array,

a basic understanding

can make the heat pump installation

smoother later. It can also be useful

when explaining the systems to

customers or conducting future checks

and routine maintenance.

Step 2: Borehole drilling

Specialist drilling teams will then

drill the boreholes. These are usually

120-200m deep, fitted with HDPE

U-tubes, filled with conductive grout,

and capped off until the next phase.

Drilling normally happens early in the

58


58_HPR1025.indd 6 29/09/2025 13:20

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Renewables

development, alongside other on-site works, with rigs typically

drilling 2-2.5 boreholes a week.

Step 3: Trenching and network installation

When trenches are opened for electricity, water, or broadband,

the ground source pipework that will connect the heat pumps

to the boreholes is laid at the same time. Flow and return

pipework connects the boreholes to a subterranean manifold,

with flow and return pipes running from the manifolds into

each plot.

Step 4: Internal installation

During the second fix stage, M&E contractors will fit the

ground source heat pump and connect it up to the home’s

wet heating and hot water system. If it’s a Kensa and GTC

networked ground source heat pump installation, a compact

Shoebox NX heat pump will be fitted alongside the hot water

cylinder on the ground floor, usually in a cupboard under the

stairs.

The process is designed to be straightforward, with

everything sized during the design stage, and the pipework to

the ground array already routed to the heat pump’s location.

Step 5: Commissioning and operation

Once installed, each heat pump is commissioned and set to

run independently. Commissioning includes checking flow

rates and pressures, verifying controls, and confirming the hot

water cylinder’s performance. Unlike gas boilers, ground source

heat pumps run best at steady, lower flow temperatures, so it’s

important to set up the heating distribution system accordingly.

Ground source heat pumps also offer the option of passive

cooling, where the naturally cool underground temperatures

can be used to bring down the temperature inside the home.

This feature, which is increasingly valuable to help developers

meet Part O regulations, can be specified at the design stage

and only requires some small additional features, such as a

cooling module and fan unit.

kensa.co.uk

David Broom is Director of Sales at Kensa

THE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD WILL

BAN NEW GAS CONNECTIONS FOR

ALL NEWBUILD HOMES, LEADING TO

HEAT PUMPS BECOMING THE GO-TO

HEATING AND HOT WATER SYSTEM


59

58_HPR1025.indd 7 29/09/2025 13:20

Tools \\ www.hprmag.co.uk

Cutting it fine

Jason Cunningham shares his top cutting tools that make the installer’s job

quicker and cleaner.

WHEN THE CUT

IS CLEAN, FITTING

AND FINISHING

GO SMOOTHLY.

WHEN IT ISN’T,

THE RESULT CAN

BE BURRS, LEAKS,

WASTED

MATERIALS AND

TIME LOST.

Pipe cutting is part

of a plumber’s

daily routine,

but it can be

challenging when

working in cramped spaces

with limited access, handling

tough materials like steel, or

large-diameter pipes where

precision is vital. Achieving a

clean, straight cut isn’t always

easy, and there’s the risk of

damaging nearby pipework

or struggling with awkward

angles. When the cut is

clean, fitting and finishing

go smoothly. When it isn’t,

the result can be burrs,

leaks, wasted materials

and time lost. That’s

why manufacturers

continue to refine

pipe cutting tools

to deliver cleaner

results. KNIPEX’s

cutters, for example,

cover everything from

copper to plastics and

multilayer systems.

Here are some examples

of how the right tool can

make all the difference on

site.

One-handed work

Cutting copper, brass or

stainless steel pipes isn’t

always straightforward and

the last thing an installer

wants is to be fiddling with

tools that need two hands or

constant adjustment. What’s

needed is a cutter that grips

securely, is easy to adjust and

leaves a clean finish.

The TubiX range has a

patented QuickLock system

so installers need just one

hand to clamp the cutter

firmly onto the pipe while the

cutting wheel positions itself

exactly where it needs to be.

The standard TubiX covers

diameters from 6-35mm and

has a removable deburring

tool and a spare cutting

wheel in the handle. For

bigger systems, the XL version

extends the range to 76mm,

while the pocket-sized TubiX

S handles 3-30mm pipes in

tight corners. Just 77mm long,

it can rotate freely in confined

shafts or behind walls and it

gives 20% more torque and

a secure grip, even in tricky

conditions.

Cutting waste pipes

When cutting plastic waste

pipes it’s really important to

achieve a clean, square and

smooth cut. A rough finish

can lead to poor connections,

leaks or even having to re-cut

and adjust.

The DP50 and DPT50 pipe

cutters are designed to cut

and chamfer everyday PVC

and PP waste pipes up to

50mm in diameter. Quick

to use and with a doubleended

blade that swaps

over without tools, they

simultaneously bevel each

pipe end to create a clean,

neat, adhesive-ready edge.

That chamfer helps ensure

glue spreads evenly and

joints are properly sealed,

reducing the risk of leaks. The

DP50 cuts wall thicknesses

of 1.8-2.4mm, and the DPT50

cuts from 2.5-3.5mm.

Small and versatile

A multi-purpose, all-rounder

tool that offers versatility

across different types of jobs

is always handy. The KNIPEX

BiX is a pocket-sized tool

that fits in your palm and

makes burr-free, precise cuts

whether it’s plastic pipes, drip

sleeves or sealing sleeves.

Sections are held firmly in

place during cutting, while

the rotating blade can be

flipped to suit the material.

It comes with two spare

blades stored in the body of

the tool and the option of an

additional eight-blade pack.

No crushing

When working with

multilayer systems, keeping

the pipe intact is vital as any

compression or distortion

can compromise reliability.

Enter the KNIPEX Pipe Cutter

for composite and plastic

pipes, known fondly as the

‘pizza cutter’. Officially a

multilayer and composite

pipe cutter, it earned

its nickname due to its

distinctive wheel design. The

freely rotating cutting wheel

allows the pipe to turn with

minimal friction, making each

cut up to 60% easier while

leaving a precise, uncrushed

edge.

www.knipex.com

Jason Cunningham is Product and

Technical Support at KNIPEX.

60


60_HPR1025.indd 14 29/09/2025 13:24

Untitled-1 1 29/09/2025 15:05


Are you ready for

Making Tax Digital?

Benjamin Dyer looks at the government-mandated Making

Tax Digital for Income Tax legislation and explains who is

impacted and what they need to do.

The Making Tax Digital

(MTD) program has been

going for some years,

although so far only VATregistered

businesses have

had to comply. That’s now changing

and the latest legislation will impact

millions of businesses – but not

everyone. MTD has been introduced

by HMRC, forcing businesses to

keep records of their business on a

computer. This, ostensibly, is to help

businesses join the digital revolution

and become more efficient. Less

trumpeted is HMRC’s objective to

make tax avoidance more difficult.

Three deadlines, only impacting

sole traders, have been announced.

Partnerships and limited liability

companies aren’t involved. These

come over a three-year period, based

on total sales (not profit) added to

any gross rental income from UK or

overseas properties. PAYE, interest,

pensions, capital gains and dividends

must be declared but do not count

towards the total business sales:

• For sales over £50,000 the

compliance deadline is 6 April

2026

• For sales over £30,000, the


2027

• For sales over £20,000, the


2028.

What does this mean for me?

Almost every heating, plumbing and

renewables business that is not a

limited liability company must comply.

Compliance means you have to:

• Keep detailed digital records

62


62_HPR1025.indd 14 29/09/2025 13:39

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ Tools

for both sales and costs on a

computer

• Submit a quarterly summary

to HMRC using MTDcompatible

software

• Submit an annual tax return,

again using MTD-compatible

software.

HMRC can provide an estimate of

your tax payable each quarter and

give the total CIS deductions that you

may have suffered.

IF YOU DON’T YET USE

A JOB MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM, THIS MAY BE

THE TIME TO TRY ONE

OUT. WITH CUSTOMER

RECORDS, YOUR DIARY,

INVOICES, BILLS AND

CERTIFICATES ALL

LINKED AND IN ONE

PLACE, IT REALLY HELPS

YOU TO BE MORE

EFFICIENT AND SAVE

TIME.

Can my accountant do it for me?

An accountant or a bookkeeper can

keep your digital records and submit

the quarterly and annual returns on

your behalf. You would need to send

them details of all costs and sales at

least quarterly, as well as details of

any property rent and costs.

While you can keep your own

digital records, you must submit these

to HMRC through an MTD-compatible

system. You could do this for quarterly

returns, with the annual return done

either by you or your accountant.

What software do I need?

Xero, Quickbooks and Sage (the

accountancy software firms for small

businesses) will enable you to comply

with MTD for IT. However, these are

mostly designed for accountants and

won’t run your day-to-day plumbing,

heating or renewables business.

Specialist job management

systems do help you run your

business. Most of these are planning

to enable their customers to comply

with MTD through their accounting

system. Unfortunately, this means

paying for both a job management

system and an accounting system.

This may be appropriate for larger

businesses, but less so for smaller

businesses where MTD for IT

will have the most impact. Job

management systems fall into two

categories when it comes to MTD for

IT:

• Those that need an

accounting system as well

• Those that fully support MTD

for IT out of the box, enabling

all submissions to be done

straight from the system

without going through an

accounting system.

My company, Powered Now, falls

into the second category. We have

decided to fully support MTD for IT

natively, although we also support

it through accounting systems. If

you don’t yet use a job management

system, this may be the time to try

one out. With customer records, your

diary, invoices, bills and certificates

all linked and in one place, it really

helps you to be more efficient and

save time.

Will MTD deliver any benefits?

Adopting digital technology usually

makes things more efficient. Every

large business uses computers for

a good reason and we all have

smartphones. It’s easier to keep

your records up to date when you

record them as you go along, instead

of trying to remember expense

details months later. Getting more

information provided by HMRC should

help too. However you look at it, MTD

is already the law. We can like it or

hate it, but there is no risk-free way to

avoid compliance.

www.powerednow.com

Benjamin Dyer is CEO and co-founder of

Powered Now.


63

62_HPR1025.indd 15 29/09/2025 13:41


Products

Jefferson Tools launches Autumn/Winter Tool Up

Jefferson Tools’ latest Tool Up brochure features a broad

range of heating solutions to keep workspaces warm

and comfortable. From compact PTC electric fan heaters

to heavy-duty Inferno space heaters, each unit is built

to perform in demanding environments. For this edition,

every heater is supplied with a free jerry can.

Lighting also plays a crucial role during the darker

months, and Jefferson Tools has a range of solutions. From

compact clip lights to Hyperbeam COB LED torches with up

to 12,000 lumens output, there is a model for every trade,

whether illuminating outdoor sites, workshops, or

remote repair jobs.

www.jeffersontools.com

Step up to safety with the Carhartt Occupational Work Boot

Carhartt’s occupational Work Boot range is designed to help prevent slips,

trips and falls while keeping feet supported through long, demanding shifts.

The Greenfields Rugged Flex O2 Occupational Work Boot range is available

in lace-up or Chelsea styles and in a full range of sizes for men and women.

Built from hydro-treated full grain leather, the boots have a mesh lining to

keep feet cool. Rugged Flex technology allows natural movement, reducing

fatigue, and there is a removable footbed with heel energy absorption and

moisture control. The rubber Vibram sole is oil resistant, heat resistant up to

300°C and provides heat insulation for 30 minutes at 150°C.

www.carhartt.com

Maktrak system offers tough, secure tool storage

The Makita MAKTRAK system provides tough, secure and flexible

modular storage for a wide range of Makita tools and equipment.

Each storage box can be opened without the need to unstack the

system.

The Rolling Tool Chest’s horizontal layout can accommodate

even long tools and, combined with the dual-hinged removable

lid, ensures full and easy access from both sides. There are seven

components to choose from – the Large Toolbox, Extra-large

Extension Toolbox, a Medium Toolbox, the Rolling Tool Chest, and

three organiser boxes.

With an 82-litre capacity and 113kg load rating, the Rolling

Tool Chest also has rugged 9-inch all-terrain wheels. Loading and

unloading the MAKTRAK storage system from the back of a van is made easy by the Rolling Tool Chest’s

retractable handle, non-slip Gecko Grips, and rear support handle, which provides extra assistance during

the initial lift.

For added security, each of the boxes and organisers comes with reinforced metal padlock eyelets and a

hidden security tracker slot giving the user a choice of security options. The lids are also gasket sealed, so

that tools stay protected from dust, dirt and water ingress.

www.makitauk.com/maktrak

64


64_HPR1025.indd 26 29/09/2025 13:54

035

www.hprmag.co.uk \\ New Products

Instantor Press Tool delivers long-lasting performance

Instantor has designed a brand new Press Tool that benefits from a

brushless, direct drive motor to deliver long-lasting performance. The Press

Tool comes with a three-year warranty and is compatible with Instantor’s

current jaws and battery packs, with improved balance and ergonomics.

Further improvements include a digital OLED screen that advises

users of press counts and battery life, while indicating any faults that may

arise. The Press Tool also benefits from an integrated work light for dark

installations, while the swivel head helps with awkward angles. A press

completion light has also been added, flashing green when a press is

successful and red when incomplete.

www.instantor.co.uk

Cut pipes with precision with the KNIPEX Tubix

The KNIPEX TubiX family has a QuickLock system that lets you adjust the pipe cutter with one hand by

placing the open TubiX onto the pipe then positioning and locking the cutting wheel. High-grade needle

bearings allow smooth, low-resistance rotation.

The standard TubiX is for everyday jobs, cutting 6-35mm diameter

pipes with wall thicknesses up to 2mm. Its 180mm frame has a concealed,

removable deburring tool for neat finishes and a spare cutting wheel stored in

the handle. It cuts through gas and water pipes in copper, brass and stainless

steel.

For awkward corners and confined spaces, the TubiX S handles stainless

steel pipes from 3-30mm with a very small cutting circle.

www.knipex.com/en-uk

KNIPEX Quality – Made in Germany

Get a Grip!

with KNIPEX Cobra ® –

High-Tech Water Pump Pliers

Fine adjustment for optimum adaptation

to different sizes of workpieces and a

comfortable handle width

Self-locking on pipes and nuts,

no sliping on the workpiece

Special hardened steel for a long tool life


www.knipex.com

64_HPR1025.indd 0359_2024_Ad_KNIPEX 27 Cobra Family_GB_241211_FINAL.indd 2 11.12.2024 29/09/2025 12:18:45

13:54


Bridging the gap

Daniel Bamford explores why dot & dab walls need specialist fixings,

and what can go wrong if you use the wrong approach.

If you work in heating and

plumbing, chances are you’ve

come across a ‘dot & dab’

wall. They’re one of the most

common walls in modern

UK homes, especially on the

ground floor. And while they look

straightforward enough, they can

be tricky when it comes to securing

heavy boilers or radiators.

Dot & dab, also called drylining,

is a method where plasterboard

is attached to blockwork or brick

with blobs (“dots”) of adhesive.

The result is a smooth surface

ready for decorating. But behind

that surface is a gap between the

plasterboard and masonry. Not sure

if you’re dealing with dot & dab?

Tap the wall. If it sounds hollow in

places and solid in others, it might

be dot & dab. Drilling a small pilot

hole can also reveal the tell-tale

adhesive dots and a cavity.

The gap behind the plasterboard

is the problem. Standard

plasterboard fixings often rely on

the strength of the board. While

they’re fine for lighter fittings,

plasterboard on its own can rarely

handle the long-term weight

of heavy loads. In fact, when

failures happen, it is usually the

plasterboard that fails, not the

fixing itself.

Frame fixings, on the other

hand, are long enough to reach the

blockwork but create a different

issue. When overtightened, which

is fairly common, they pull the

plasterboard towards the masonry,

which can result in the board

bowing or even crushing. If the

wall finish gets distorted, it is

unsightly and can be expensive

to put right. In both cases, the

cavity is the culprit. Unless the

fixing bridges the gap and anchors

within the blockwork, the heavy

load can cause a failure or at least

significant damage to the wall.

Securing heavy items

For heavy loads, the safest option

is to find a way to anchor into the

masonry and bridge the cavity.

That way, the blockwork takes

the strain. Specialist dot & dab

fixings, such as Corefix Connect,

uses a steel core inside the plug

to span the gap and transfer the

load into the masonry. The core

braces against a shoulder in the

plug so the plasterboard doesn’t

crush inwards when the screw is

tightened. This makes it ideal for

heavier installations like boilers or

televisions.

Rigifix is another option with

a similar concept. Both systems

are engineered for dot & dab

walls, and are more reliable than

plasterboard-only or frame fixings.

Daniel Bamford is Managing Director

at Metex

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Match the fixing to the job: For shelves, small radiators

or lightweight fittings, standard plasterboard fixings

can still be fine. For anything heavier, anchoring to the

masonry with specialist fixings is safer.

• Mind the cavity size: The fixings need to be able to

bridge the full cavity to be effective. The maximum

distance from plasterboard face to blockwork can vary,

so double check and drill a small pilot hole if you are

unsure.

• Be careful with thermalite: Aerated concrete is more

porous and crumblier than solid block. If you’ve

got thermalite blocks behind the plasterboard, drill

carefully (turn off the hammer function on the drill)

and start with a smaller drill bit to give a tighter fit for

the plug. You can always enlarge the hole if needed.

66


66_HPR1025.indd 18 29/09/2025 13:52

You’ll find all the latest up to date videos

from the construction industry on

www.constructionchannel.co.uk

Featuring innovative products and

companies from across the sector, send us

your videos to be featured alongside them

Scan the QR code

to submit a video

jake@mappedout.media

www.constructionchannel.co.uk

43_SB0625.indd 5 30/05/2025 10:05

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

INSTALLATION SOLUTIONS

INSTALLING - CONNECTING - INSULATING - PROTECTING - MAINTAINING

ASHP INSTALLATION

HOW-TO VIDEOS

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• OVER 17 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

IN THE ASHP

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& TRAYS

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pump-house-ltd pumphousepumps @pumphouseltd

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diversitechuk

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