In many parts of the UK, householders are having to put up with low water pressure, with the existing water supply struggling to cope with increased demand from ensuites and multiple showers. Duncan Lewis from Dutypoint explains how installers can best come to their customers` aid. Low water pressure has been a frustration in a number of households for many years and the problem does not seem to be going away. The symptoms we hear reported are typically around poor flow rates and fluctuating water pressure, as well as not being able to use more than two outlets effectively at the same time. Combi boilers can also struggle to fire up on demand. Other challenges can include water supply pipes not being sized correctly, particularly in older properties where pipes are partially blocked, therefore further reducing the throughput of water. Simply looking at these issues and installing an individual solution, such as a shower pump and accumulator vessel, may not be sufficient to resolve the problem – especially in larger properties or multiple dwellings, where a more powerful system is required to boost the whole system rather than individual outlets. Under pressure Unfortunately, low water pressure is not an uncommon problem in the UK, with water companies – themselves under financial obligations to reduce leakage rates – having to reduce pressure in their water systems which in turn exacerbates the situation for the dome

A new survey from the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) shows that almost a fifth of consumers regularly attempt to fix plumbing problems in the home themselves. A third of respondents also admit to having had to call in a plumber to fix a DIY disaster. WRAS is urging people to think carefully about which plumbing tasks they are competent to do themselves and which ones should be left to a professional qualified plumber, saying that even a simple task like fitting a washing machine needs some knowledge about the water fittings regulations. For example a common mistake when fitting a washing machine would be to use a non-compliant hose with no backflow protection. Survey results When asked where they would source advice or information on repairing plumbing problems, 6% say they never seek advice. Others seek guidance from YouTube (49%), Google (44%), and friends and family (38%) before seeking professional advice and calling on a plumber (31%). The research shows that people are willing to try their hands at simpler plumbing tasks, such as bleeding a radiator (58%), fixing a leaky tap (41%), installing a washing machine or dishwasher (36%). The top plumbing task Brits are most likely to fix themselves are: • Bleed a radiator (58%) • Check a stop tap is working (42%) • Fix a leaky tap (41%) • Install a washing machine or dishwasher and connect a hose for the water supply (36%) �

LOCTITE 5400 thread sealant is part of Henkel`s Health and Safety range. This general-purpose metal pipe sealant is hazard-label free, WRAS-approved for use with potable water up to 85°C and suitable for when the joint needs to be sealed and locked against vibrational self-loosening. This single component product relies on the absence of air and contact with metal to make it cure. When applied to a taper parallel thread and wrenched tight, the adhesive provides an instant seal. So, if needed, the system can be pressurised straight away. It also protects the mated threaded areas against corrosion and the seal can be released at any time using compliant practices. Application is simple and quick. Having ensured all surfaces are clean, apply a 360°bead of LOCTITE 5400 to the leading threads of the male fitting, leaving the first thread free and thoroughly filling all voids. For bigger threads and voids, apply a bead of product to the female threads also. Assembly and wrench tight, job done. LOCTITE 5400 covers the lion`s share of applications and provides excellent chemical and thermal resistance. In addition to sealing threaded fittings, LOCTITE 5400 is ideal for sealing olives.

Viega`s Smartpress range has been installed at the Royal Warwick Square apartment complex, a new build development from the prestigious residential developer Berkeley St. Edward, part of the Berkeley Group. The multilayer composite pipework was selected for its speed and simplicity during installation. Furthermore, its flexibility helped to reduce the number of joints required on the project by as much as 80% – minimising the risk of leaks. Positioned in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Royal Warwick Square offers 375 one, two, and three-bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses. Viega`s Smartpress system in various sizes from 16 to 40mm was used throughout the development on the potable, boosted cold and heating system pipework. After discussions with Chris Boakes, specification sales manager at Viega, the team at Berkeley St. Edward selected Viega`s Smartpress as the pipe system could offer excellent leak prevention and it would also help to reduce the total number of joints required. The simplicity of the cold applied Viega`s Smartpress multilayer piping system means it does not require the use of an O-ring, taking away the need for complex calibration and cutting installation time by as much as 30%. It also provides installation flex

Shower installations can present challenges for even the most experienced of installers. Tom Rastall, head of product management at Bristan, takes us through the most common shower installation challenges and how to solve them. It`s always been our priority to make the lives of installers easier, so we lead every product innovation with a customer inspired approach. We created the On Tap Plumbers Group to provide a supportive community for installers and plumbers across the UK to share advice and tips, but it has also become a great insight tool for the product development team. We take the time to listen to the real concerns and challenges of plumbers, so we can create products that are consistently easy to choose, install and use. In this article, we`ll take you through the challenges that crop up most with our On Tap members when it comes to shower installation, and the brilliantly simple solutions that can make the job a whole lot easier. Replacement Many customers want more choice and flexibility when it comes to their bathroom design but replacing a shower can be a hassle – especially in a property with old pipework. Bristan mini valves are a useful solution. The valves feature brilliantly engineered flexible elbows, so they can be installed onto any existing pipework and are able to replace any concentric mixer shower on the UK market that use

Busy morning for the Delivery. JIANGMEN YILIN PRECISION MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD Raffaele: raffaele@ylseiko.com

A new survey from the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) shows that almost a fifth of consumers regularly attempt to fix plumbing problems in the home themselves. A third of respondents also admit to having had to call in a plumber to fix a DIY disaster. WRAS is urging people to think carefully about which plumbing tasks they are competent to do themselves and which ones should be left to a professional qualified plumber, saying that even a simple task like fitting a washing machine needs some knowledge about the water fittings regulations. For example a common mistake when fitting a washing machine would be to use a non-compliant hose with no backflow protection. Survey results When asked where they would source advice or information on repairing plumbing problems, 6% say they never seek advice. Others seek guidance from YouTube (49%), Google (44%), and friends and family (38%) before seeking professional advice and calling on a plumber (31%). The research shows that people are willing to try their hands at simpler plumbing tasks, such as bleeding a radiator (58%), fixing a leaky tap (41%), installing a washing machine or dishwasher (36%). The top plumbing task Brits are most likely to fix themselves are: • Bleed a radiator (58%) • Check a stop tap is working (42%) • Fix a leaky tap (41%) • Ins

The team behind PipeSnug – an innovative product designed to provide a smart and quick-to-apply finish around pipework – has launched a larger `FlueSnug` version designed to fit all 100mm boiler flues. Removing any need for pointing, FlueSnug can be installed in a matter of seconds and snuggly fits the 152mm core-drilled hole through which the boiler pipe and flue exits. It can be used both inside and outside the property and also acts as a barrier to drafts, damp, insects, and pests. FlueSnug also allows installers to quickly access the flue for any service or maintenance requirements, without the need to remove existing brickwork, mortar or sealant. It can then be quickly reinstalled, again saving time and cost. The new product is said to offer installers a cost-effective way to comply with proposed changes to the Building Regulations, which are set to mandate the need for pipe collars or grommets where pipe enters or exits a home.

The latest Shower Market Trends Report from MTW Research reveals that while the impact of Covid-19 on the shower market will exceed £22 million in lost sales, strong demand will provide an £85 million sales boost by 2024. The 280 page report forecasts that shower market sales will return to pre-Covid levels in 2022. The analysis suggests that growth next year will be underpinned by pent up demand from 30-50 age group consumers, while demand is set to be further strengthened by the 50+ age group consumers following the UK`s vaccination programme. MTW`s director Mark Waddy comments: [There are healthy demand trends in the shower market in late 2020, prompting growth forecasts of almost £30 million for 2021. Demand was shifting slightly toward a more value-led proposition until mid 2020, though this trend has now reversed with a release of pent up demand and healthy value growth underpinning forecasts of more than 20% by 2024." Based on £500 million of sales data, the report identifies trends and shares for shower controls, screens, trays, enclosures and accessories markets separately, with the longer term impact of the pandemic perhaps not as severe as initially feared. However, the impact of Covid-19 will reverberate across the shower market for some time. For example, MTW forecast the domestic and commercial shower controls markets to be worth almost £10 million less by 2024 than was previously forecast. According to MTW, the shower mixing valve market will exceed pre-Covid sales by the end of 2022 with trade sources forecasting healthy volume and valu

The latest addition to Drayton`s TRV range is the TRV4 Anthracite, designed with a stylish matt finish that complements anthracite radiators. The fourth incarnation of Drayton`s TRV, the original Classic model was launched almost three decades ago in 1992. Since then, the range has expanded to include the TRV4 Chrome and TRV4 White. Remi Volpe, MD at Drayton, comments: [Despite changing times, our highly efficient TRV4 range has remained one of the most popular choices amongst installers, with over half a million installed each year. Manufactured at our factory in Plymouth, the TRV4 allows heating engineers to provide their customers with accurate, reliable and efficient heating control in a range of different styles. As more homeowners look to incorporate anthracite radiators into their homes, it was important for us to ensure there was a style to complement these, which is why we`re excited to have introduced the TRV4 Anthracite to the range."

A new study from the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has found that 91% of approved plumbers believe it should be mandatory for plumbers to undertake water fittings regulations training. The research also showed that plumbers want their industry training to be updated to cover off broader spectrum of topics and include periodic refresher training and auditing. In terms of water fitting regulations, 60% of plumbers agree that more in-depth training on the regulations is needed on their courses. The study also found that 55% of plumbers agree that periodic refresher training would ensure plumbers apply the water fittings regulations correctly. Although plumbers have called for some updates to current training, almost four out of five (77%) believe that the current water fitting regulations programme encourages good practise and gives plumbers the knowledge to apply the regulations correctly. Support for continual professional development resources to be readily available was supported by half of the approved plumbers surveyed. Online resources, videos and quizzes were highlighted as examples of useful tools that could be used by skilled plumbers to ensure continued compliance with water regulations. In response to this, WRAS has launched a new online quiz for plumbers. The short questionnaire will test knowledge on the water fittings regulatio

Triton Showers has produced a series of videos tackling some of the key questions received by its customer service team. Here, Paul Rowley, approvals and training manager at Triton, explains how to handle issues with water pressure and replace a faulty flow valve. Q. How can I avoid low water pressure affecting a shower installation? Common causes of inadequate water pressure include low mains water pressure and showers piped onto gravity systems or connected to combination boilers. Where lack of pressure is an issue, an orange mechanical indicator light may illuminate to highlight this. Step one: When the shower is switched on, the indicator should change and the orange light should go off. If this doesn`t happen, there may be a fault with the mains water supply. Step two: Remove the shower head and block the water flow from the hose with a thumb or finger on cold power setting. If this gradually gets the indicator to lift then it`s the low pressure that`s the issue, and the mains supply is most likely operating correctly. Step three: If the mechanical indicator is lifting then there is still a bit pressure there. However, it may not be enough to provide maximum flow to the shower. This could be due to having poor water pressure, or signpost that an inlyin

Training provider JTL is encouraging employers to hire new apprentices and take advantage of the latest government funding initiative. The Chancellor`s summer statement provided further detail on the government`s Plan for Jobs to tackle unemployment post Covid-19 and the statement included funding incentives and schemes aimed at helping young people. JTL believes that the funding now accessible to employers will have a hugely positive impact on businesses being able to make the most of the resources and skilled labour available to them, and in turn further support the country`s economic recovery. Data from the Department of Education reveals that employer vacancies for apprentices in April and May this year were 2020 and 1850, which compares to 10,400 and 12,580 in the same months of 2019, respectively. With this in mind, and taking into account that the industry was already facing a skills shortage, JTL wants to encourage and support employers to access the funding now available to them and to take on the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Caroline Turner, Director of Policy & External Relations at JTL, comments: [Data reveals that there has been a significant 85% drop in apprenticeship vacancies. Although this is an exceptionally dismal statistic, it is reassuring that the government is now willing to support apprenticeships and invest sizably to encourage employers to take on more apprentices. We believe the new government initiatives are an important landmark for both traineeships and apprenticeships and will play an important role in the UK`s recovery effort.

A new study from the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has found that 91% of approved plumbers believe it should be mandatory for plumbers to undertake water fittings regulations training. The research also showed that plumbers want their industry training to be updated to cover off broader spectrum of topics and include periodic refresher training and auditing. In terms of water fitting regulations, 60% of plumbers agree that more in-depth training on the regulations is needed on their courses. The study also found that 55% of plumbers agree that periodic refresher training would ensure plumbers apply the water fittings regulations correctly. Although plumbers have called for some updates to current training, almost four out of five (77%) believe that the current water fitting regulations programme encourages good practise and gives plumbers the knowledge to apply the regulations correctly. Support for continual professional development resources to be readily available was supported by half of the approved plumbers surveyed. Online resources, videos and quizzes were highlighted as examples of useful tools that could be used by skilled plumbers to ensure continued compliance with water regulations. In response to this, WRAS has launched a new online quiz for plumbers. The short questionnaire will test knowledge on the water fittings regulatio

The team behind PipeSnug – an innovative product designed to provide a smart and quick-to-apply finish around pipework – has launched a larger `FlueSnug` version designed to fit all 100mm boiler flues. Removing any need for pointing, FlueSnug can be installed in a matter of seconds and snuggly fits the 152mm core-drilled hole through which the boiler pipe and flue exits. It can be used both inside and outside the property and also acts as a barrier to drafts, damp, insects, and pests. FlueSnug also allows installers to quickly access the flue for any service or maintenance requirements, without the need to remove existing brickwork, mortar or sealant. It can then be quickly reinstalled, again saving time and cost. The new product is said to offer installers a cost-effective way to comply with proposed changes to the Building Regulations, which are set to mandate the need for pipe collars or grommets where pipe enters or exits a home.

Mira Showers has revealed how, in the critical months of the coronavirus outbreak, it refocused some of its resources and expertise to support the NHS in the manufacture and assembly of critical care ventilators. A video at the end of this post shows how Mira has changed and adapted to the demands of the times. Craig Baker, MD of Mira Showers, says: [When we were approached to become a partner on one of the government-appointed ventilator projects we didn`t hesitate to accept, we knew that we had the expertise and the manufacturing and assembly capability, as well as the passion and skillset in our associates, to deliver what was required." Alongside various other manufacturers who responded to the government`s request for support, Mira Showers was amongst only a few who were able to meet the stringent requirements for testing and assembly required. Jon Ramsdale, manufacturing director and project sponsor explains: [The actual assembly and testing of the ventilator is hugely complex which is part of the reason we were selected as a partner for the project. Whilst manufacturing ventilators is new grounds for us, there are lots of similarities to the complexities involved with assembling digital and electric showers and some of the equipment we are using is identical to that which we use day to day." In just 12 weeks, the manufacturer produced a `fact

Nobody wants to turn on the tap and end up with splash-back on their clothing. Neoperl says it has a simple answer to this problem with its PCA dual core aerators, which take minutes to install. They also have the added benefit of saving water, energy and therefore reducing fuel bills. Encourage your customers to save water by fitting a PCA aerator onto their existing tap. Check out the how-to video online here or follow these simple steps:

The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has launched a Training Strategy that lays out how the heating industry needs to transform to enable the wider adoption of heat pumps throughout UK building stock. The association says upskilling of heating installers provides the potential for long-term job growth at the same time as helping to achieve net zero emissions – something that could form an important part of a `green recovery`. The Strategy (see infographic below) contains five steps for how a plumbing and heating engineer can be trained to meet the new challenges we face in trying to achieve the UK goal of a zero carbon future, reducing administration cost, and recommending to government that they support a training voucher scheme for the first 5000 installers to go through the new course. The Strategy comes at the same time two industry-wide consultations are published on qualification criteria for training courses. Both consultations have a deadline of 17:00, 29 June 2020. Graham Wright, Chairman of the HPA, comments: [The Committee on Climate Change has made clear that we need to move to heat pumps taking over from gas boilers as the default replacement heating system within the next 10-15 years. This is ambitious, but entirely achievable if we move now to retrain and up-skill a market that already exists of around 120,000 existing heating engineers. The role of installers cannot be underestimated in decarbonising heat. The Strategy we are laun

Choosing the Proper Bathroom Faucet Sink Faucet (Lavatory) Faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes to coordinate with your bathroom sink. It is best to choose your sink first since the sink will often determine the style & size of the faucet needed. • Widespread - 8" Faucet The most popular sink faucet, the 8" widespread requires the center of the outermost holes to be 8" apart. Some widespreads are variable; they can be custom spaced within limits (6" - 12"). The faucet's technical sheet will give all the important measurements. This style is perfect for drop in & undermount sinks, plus pedestal & wall mount sinks that are pre-drilled for this size. From ultra modern to old word traditional, you can find a large range of styles and finishes to fit your bathroom. • Single Hole Faucets Most single hole faucets also have a single control. Lift the handle to start the water flow, turn the handle left

The internet is the fastest growing channel of the overall UK plumbing and heating products market and has experienced strong growth levels over the last decade of above 35% over the last three years, according to the latest report from AMA Research. Despite the uncertain economic climate, exacerbated by Brexit in the last three to four years, the UK internet plumbing and heating market has continued to grow. With lower prices and added convenience, internet retailers have been able to capitalise on changing consumer cross-channel shopping habits with a notable shift towards online purchases. The number of specialist internet plumbing suppliers has continued to consolidate as this market matures, with the leading players taking greater market share. Specialist suppliers account for the largest proportion of plumbing & heating products sold online, some of which still offer a showroom for potential and current customers to view products first-hand, thus enabling them to compete with standard retailers. However; two thirds of these specialist suppliers are pure-play retailers with no showroom area, this is most commonly used to assist them in keeping costs down. Shower controls and taps account for the largest proportion of sales in value terms. Bathroom furniture and accessories are the next popular product categories. The products following on in succession are baths and sanitaryware, heating products such as boilers and standard radiators, shower e

Shower manufacturer Aqualisa has unveiled the latest evolution of its Smart Quartz Collection, designed to establish Wi-Fi connection, app technology and voice activation as an integral part of the showering experience. The range consists of the new Quartz Blue (pictured), described as the introduction to the smart showering revolution for the new Collection, Quartz Classic, a proven best seller now with added smart technology and top of the range Quartz Touch, said to deliver the most personal showering experience yet. Every member of a household can activate their own personal shower requirement – created and saved on the App. For ease of installation, the Aqualisa Smart Valve – the brains of the new smart collection – can be located up to 10 metres away from the shower itself. [ `Alexa turn my shower on` will quickly become a familiar command in homes with a new Aqualisa Smart Quartz Collection shower," says Aqualisa CEO, Colin Sykes. [Despite the advent of the smart home and the arrival of a myriad of smart products, the suggestion, even five years ago, that showers would take this huge step into the world of smart technology would have been difficult to imagine. Thanks to Aqualisa, this is now a reality. It seems the most natural development for them to take, but we`re delighted it`s us introducing this technology."

Victaulic, the mechanical pipe joining systems manufacturer, has revealed how its products have played a key role in ensuring that the recently constructed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London is one of the best in Europe. The company provided the fittings, 627 check and butterfly valves, and in excess of 10,000 couplings that were installed by mechanical services company Price Building and which now help to ensure the flow of cold, heated and chilled water systems around the stadium. As a flame-free method, grooved mechanical pipe-joining removes the many health and safety concerns associated with welding and thereby eliminates the risk of fire and the need for special fire safety precautions during installation and maintenance. Overall, it helped to increase the installation speed and reduce the need for hot works, thus delivering greater onsite safety and reducing cost. Victaulic`s StrengThin 100 System was widely installed on the stadium`s boosted cold water services due to its low weight and easy installation. The product is the industry`s first grooved mechanical piping system that is specifically designed to perform up to 16 bar on thin wall 304/316 stainless steel pipe. The innovation drastically improved the efficiency of onsite material handling by taking away the challenges of welding thin wall stainless steel pipe and again reducing overall installation costs. Training sessions To accelerate the process and ensure quality, V

During Water Saving Week (11th to 15th May), the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is reminding people about the importance of compliant water-saving devices. The annual event which aims to educate consumers and tradespeople alike on the issues around water use, the challenges around water efficiency, and ideas and solutions to help achieve it. From flush valves to shower regulators, water-saving devices can play a significant role in helping homes and businesses reduce their water usage. Not only do they save water, they can also help cut down gas, electric and water bills, as well as reduce your carbon footprint. Compliant plumbing products, including water saving devices, have been tested to meet UK water fittings regulations to demonstrate they shouldn`t waste water or leak. Such products must meet specific requirements for mechanical performance. There are also requirements for any non-metallic materials which could be in contact with wholesome water. Julie Spinks, managing director of WRAS, comments: [It`s important that plumbers and other water industry professionals actively offer advice to clients on water saving. Although more than half of UK homes have a water meter, many are still not giving thought to their water usage at home, which is where plumbers can help. One of the easiest ways to ensure you use a compliant water-saving device is to check if it`s approved by one of the UK`s approval schemes provided by WRAS, NSF or Kiwa Watertec."

With much of the UK now spending the majority of their time at home, any emergency repairs to heating and hot water systems need to be actioned quickly and efficiently, meaning that it is all the more important that installers have the correct spares. Wilo UK says that it has long been preparing for a potential crisis of this magnitude and has available stock and spares for months to come. As well as homes and residential multi-occupancy accommodation blocks, thousands of Wilo pumps are located in state services such as hospitals, care homes, prisons and Ministry of Defence facilities to provide drinking water, waste management and heating/cooling systems. David Williamson, director of Wilo UK, comments: [Now more than ever, it is vital installers use trusted, quality spares that can be dispatched quickly and avoid cut price alternatives that could result in serious problems down the line. Using unreliable spare parts could result in blockages, leaks and incorrect water pressure, not to mention parts could deteriorate faster than the real deal. By going directly to the manufacturer, installers can ensure they are performing a `first time fix` and be absolutely certain they have the correct part and expert advice on fitting it, with no need to go back and forth to jobs or return useless parts. [At Wilo we supply all spares in kits, which come with everything needed for installation or repair, including surrounding parts in case these need to be removed or are damaged during the process. We are working to tight deadlines to meet demand and ensure we keep the