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DOMESTIC HEATING


Delivering on reliability and performance through effective maintenance


RWC’s Richard Bateman discusses how the regular maintenance of plumbing and heating systems can improve performance – and even open the door to bigger opportunities


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very plumbing and heating installer knows the importance of delivering safe, reliable and efficient systems for their customers.


Whether it’s a complete install or a small repair, the materials, fixtures and fittings used on the job – combined with their expertise – all translate into quality, ensuring systems can deliver dependable performance day after day. But when it comes to ensuring high levels of


performance over the long-term, there’s another element that comes into play – maintenance. Installers and plumbing and heating engineers


are on the frontline of maintenance, with their expertise being leaned on by homeowners to carry out the essential work that ensures systems can meet the demand being placed on them. Here, we’ll explore how installers can maximise the potential of maintenance to deliver uncompromising performance for customers.


The importance of plumbing and heating maintenance


Whether it’s checking water pressure or carrying out an annual boiler service, plumbers and heating engineers will have routine checks they carry out as part of maintenance schedules. Similarly, they’ll be familiar with responding to emergency callouts and helping to restore order to customers’ systems to ensure levels of comfort and performance are maintained. To make these plumbing maintenance jobs faster and easier to carry out, many professionals choose to use plastic pipes and fittings. Those with push-fit technology, such as the solutions within the JG Speedfit range, can streamline maintenance and repair tasks by removing the need for tools on the job. Even where a damaged section of pipe is concerned, the Pipe Repair Kit features push-fit connections that remove the complexity from small plastic or copper pipe repairs. By carrying out regular maintenance – and being equipped with the right solutions to fix unwanted problems – professionals can maximise the potential of their customers’ plumbing systems and prevent common problems from occurring, ensuring consistent and reliable performance day after day.


Improving efficiency


As well as underpinning system reliability, regular maintenance also makes space for installers to improve operating efficiency. Leaks are a common problem with plumbing


systems, but they can often go unnoticed by homeowners – particularly if they are small. Dripping taps are a classic example here, being easy to ignore when not posing a serious problem day- to-day but adding up to significant water losses over prolonged periods of time. Regular maintenance will allow installers to identify and fix leaks wherever they might be occurring across a system, helping to restore operational efficiency. Away from leaks, there are several other things engineers can check when carrying out annual maintenance. At a basic level, this involves ensuring that exposed pipes are insulated, helping to minimise heat loss from primary hot water pipes. While this is now a basic requirement of Part L of the Building Regulations, there are many existing properties that may not be meeting the standard – but it is an easy fix for installers to put right. Elsewhere, installers can ensure that pressure


reducing valves (PRVs) are installed in order to maximise control over the water system and even reduce consumption – without leaving a noticeable impact on customers’ daily routines. While not currently a requirement for homes, a professionally installed PRV will reduce mains pressure and stabilise the flow rate, ensuring appliances and outlets get the water they need to perform while reducing wastage.


Futureproofing home heating


The annual maintenance visit also presents an opportunity to discuss with customers what else can be done to improve the efficiency of their homes. Where home heating is concerned, upgrading to a future-ready system could be the way for some customers to go. Underfloor heating provides the perfect upgrade


for typical homes, with some systems providing solutions that are easy for professionals to install while delivering uncompromising results. As a low-profile system, it can be installed over existing subfloors, increasing floor height once fully installed by less than the height of a £1 coin. That


makes underfloor heating an accessible solution for the majority of homes, minimising installation disruption without compromising the aesthetics and functionality of spaces. By supporting customers to switch to underfloor heating – and away from traditional radiator systems – installers will also be helping homeowners to realise tangible benefits. Cost savings are a primary driver behind the switch to more renewable heating systems, and UFH can deliver on that. By operating at much lower temperatures than radiator systems, consumption is significantly reduced, saving money on energy bills. Where comfort is concerned, UFH can eliminate cold spots in rooms and deliver consistent warmth across an entire space. As customers become more environmentally


conscious, installers can also take the opportunity to upgrade home technology while carrying out maintenance – particularly that of heating systems. By integrating smart controls where possible, installers can put their customers in control of their energy consumption, while easily keeping their properties warm and comfortable throughout the colder months. So, when it comes to improving home efficiency


through regular maintenance, the key is to work closely with customers to understand their needs and provide solutions that meet their demands. Whether that’s small improvements that improve everyday performance and reliability, or more comprehensive upgrades to plumbing and heating systems, installers are on the frontline in making customers’ homes fit for the future.


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