HEATING & PLUMBING C


With modern building services projects tending to be highly complex and involving a plethora of stakeholders, there has never been a greater need for contractors to arm themselves with a variety of heating and plumbing techniques and fittings. Drew Clough, product manager – building solutions, at Rehau, discusses some of the most important considerations to be made on a modern heating and plumbing installation, and how they can impact on the cost­ effectiveness and durability of a given project


urrent headlines from across the


construction industry remain saturated with doubt around project delays, health and


safety breaches and quality issues. The challenges the industry face are perplexing to even the most competent of construction bosses and industry bodies, which is why it has never been so important for contractors to arm themselves with a variety of modern heating and plumbing techniques.


It’s clear that building services are the lifeblood of any building. Ultimately, contractors require a solution that is easy to install, reliable and cost effective in order to reap reward in the future, build on the company’s legacy, and retain a competitive advantage.


Facing site challenges


There are a number of key challenges that will impact the decisions made during the planning stages of a commercial heating and plumbing installation.


It goes without saying that price tends to be the decider on a lot of new-build and refurb projects, however, increased price pressures have led to a corner-cutting culture to save money in projects. The recent watershed in industry has been highlighted by the likes of Dame Judith Hackitt putting an end to the corner-cutting culture. Additionally, contractors may be faced with financial penalties if certain targets are not met on time, so it is crucial that you are dealing with supply chain partners you can rely on. If you’re working on a site in central London, you need to know that you will be able to get everything delivered to site, with easy access and adequate storage. The BESA was recently quoted to say that the UK construction industry simply cannot deliver everything competently in a world of increasing opportunities and demands for higher standards with a shrinking pool of resource and talent. To offset this lack of resource, it’s vital for contractors to be equipped with the knowledge around how the


products being installed and specified are going to provide long-term value to a building.


Pipe fitting options


While pipe fittings are somewhat overshadowed by the pipe itself, it’s these fittings that really matter when tackling the wider site challenges, such as leaks, contractors may face. There are multiple options available to an M&E contractor in the way of pipe fittings to ensure the fittings will work effectively in the long-term.


1. Soldered or brazed joints A socket-type, copper or copper alloy fitting into which the tube sections are inserted and fastened with a filler metal, using either a soldering or brazing process.


2. Compression fittings


Compression fittings work by the compression of a ferrule between two tapered surfaces and the pipe itself.


3. Press fit (or interference fit) This is a fastening between two parts which is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together.


4. Push fit


Metal spurs tightly grip the inside of the pipes when they are inserted into the fitting sockets.


It is clear that by having a good understanding of some of the most important details within a modern heating and plumbing installation, it can positively impact the cost- effectiveness and durability of any given project.


Specifying 21st century pipe fittings


Contractors should carefully consider the type of pipe fitting used in their building services projects to provide a high-quality, durable heating and plumbing solution. Ensuring the correct pipe fitting is installed from the beginning means less maintenance in the long-term.


uRehau RAUTITAN plumbing pipe and fittings


Pipe fittings continue to be evolved in line with changing building requirements. With press fit fittings, the specialist crimp tool required to use compressive force to bond the pipe together needs to be regularly calibrated. A fitting, such as the RAUTITAN by Rehau, is said to completely eliminate the need for tool calibration, deburring pipes and a simple visual inspection is enough to verify a proper connection ahead of the pressure test. Overall it is quicker, simpler and more reliable than any other jointing method.


Many sites will have restrictions on the use of flames, so using a joining option, such as a compression fitting, that doesn’t require welding is favourable on any project. Compression fittings also allow contractors to visually inspect the joints and swiftly move onto the next, without the need for more tools. This in turn eliminates the problem of tools being misplaced which can result in uncertainty as to the reliability of the joint as it cannot be checked without the tools.


Understanding the benefits


uVisual inspection to verify a proper connection


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


As pressures on M&E teams continue to mount, and competitive advantage is more difficult to carve out, it is true what they say about the devil being in the detail. It is important to lean on your supply chain partners and arm yourself with the knowledge to act as an advisory to your client and ultimately drive your business forward. Being equipped with the skills and resources to advise on the best solutions, and truly understanding the features and benefits of 21st century heating and plumbing, will stand any M&E contractor in good stead when it comes to profitability and reputation.


www.rehau.uk/rautitan BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2019 15


BSEE A 21st century guide to heating and plumbing


uNo tool calibration required


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Contractors


require a solution that is easy to install, reliable and cost effective in order to reap reward in the future


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