PIPES & VALVES
www.heatingandventilating.net All-in-one
solution for high rise construction
The need for high-rise residential buildings is at an all-time high in big cities. Such developments present several challenges for the plumbing contractors on-site. In this article, Richard Bateman, product marketing manager from RWC, discusses how all-in-one valves can simplify riser cupboard installations in these dwellings
W
ith the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat predicting that there will be up to 145 projects that are 200m or taller completed in 2020, it’s clear that high-rise construction is not slowing down.
As our residential areas grow smaller due to the increasing demand for city living, plumbing installers are facing a number of workplace challenges such as space, aesthetics and efficiency. These lead to complex installation environments and it’s vital installers and contractors have access to quality products that offer space savings benefits, are quick to install and require minimal maintenance.
Rising to the test with riser cupboard installations
One example where plumbing installers feel the impact of a tight-squeeze is in riser cupboard installations. This is where chain of valves are fitted to control the flow of water to individual apartments through a multi-unit block.
Every individual apartment in a block of flats needs its own chain of valves. These consist of a pressure reducing valve (PRV), isolating valve, water meter, a double check and a stop valve.
Once these elements have been assembled, each chain needs to be fixed on to the pipes, flushed through, and tested. An end-to-end installation of a single chain can take experienced plumbers up to 10 minutes. And in blocks consisting of 10s if not hundreds of apartments, this can take hours.
Another challenge with chain of valves is their size. They can range extend up to one metre in length, and
accommodating these bulky valves in ever reducing riser cupboard areas can be difficult.
The complexities of installing and maintaining chain of valves
Finding compatible valves, fittings and fixtures to build these chains of valves takes time and has its own set of risks. Usually contractors order different parts from several manufacturers to realise cost-effectiveness. However, this can impact project timescales and cause delays if there are issues with deliveries or stock levels. Sourcing products from different suppliers can also
affect future repair works, as there is always a risk that some valves or products may have been discontinued. To simplify these challenges, plumbing contractors need one product that integrates all elements that make up the chain of valves.
All-in-one valve solution
One way to overcome this space, time and aftermarket issue is by opting for an all-in-one solution such as the Tenant Valve Plus from Reliance Valves, that’s been developed specifically for multi-unit buildings. The solution has a compact 311mm unit cartridge design, that ensures a simple, quick and easy installation in riser cupboards. It includes all elements that make up the chain of valves, such as - a ball-type isolating valve, an approved stop valve, a pressure reducing valve, a double check valve, a dual reading pressure gauge/test point and a connection point for an optional water meter - all in a pre-insulated cover.
Servicing and maintenance of these valves is easy
Tenant Valve Plus is an all-in-one solution to the challenges presented by multi-unit buildings
!" October 2020
www.heatingandventilating.net
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
