Water treatment


Working in restricted spaces


Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into full effect in June 2023, recommend installing filters to protect heating systems from sludge and circulating debris. However, depending on the amount of space and the configuration of the pipework around the boiler, this is not always feasible – especially in new build properties. Here, Mark Hall, head of mechanical engineering & devices at Fernox, explains the challenges and available solutions


A


s anyone working in the heating and plumbing industry knows, boilers must be installed correctly, protected against


corrosion and scale, and serviced regularly to maximise their lifespan and optimise their energy efficiency – which in turn helps to reduce carbon emissions. Indeed, the environmental benefits of heating system maintenance and treatment have been key factors in the implementation of BS 7593:2019, the British Standard for the maintenance, commissioning, and preparation of domestic central heating systems, and the more recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.


The updated Part L regulations state that all new and existing systems should be cleaned with chemicals designed for heating or cooling systems, all systems should be fitted with a scale reducer (although scale reducers are only mandatory in hard water areas of 200ppm or more), and an in- line filter should be installed on all heating and cooling systems.


Compliance in restricted spaces


Thanks to the development of quality products that are designed to clean, guard, protect and maintain heating and cooling systems, compliance should be straightforward. However, new builds in particular, present various challenges for installers due to space restrictions and the configuration of the pipework. In order to maximise the amount of usable space in new homes, there’s not always enough space in kitchens between the boiler and the work surface below to fit a traditional vertical filter, let alone service and clean it. Recognising these issues, leading


20 October 2023


manufacturers are developing filters specifically for use in restricted spaces to make installing and servicing the filter system easier and cleaner, whilst still offering the same performance of a traditional filter.


Horizontal design


Traditional magnetic filters are typically mounted vertically, branching off the pipework at 90 degree angles. Fitting them in restricted spaces can be awkward, and for applications where the boiler is located in rooms that are used by household occupants, a vertical filter is also less aesthetically desirable for the homeowner as they protrude underneath into the open space. New horizontal system filters, such as the


Fernox TF1 Sigma UB Filter, are in development to make installation easier and enhance aesthetics. The filter fits under the boiler, directly connecting to the return valve and concealed pipework commonly found in new buildings. This is also an advantage when it comes to servicing, as this horizontal design provides plenty of clearance when removing the magnet from the filter. Products that are designed to allow for the magnet to be removed horizontally from the filter coupled with an industry standard connection for the drain hose make the cleaning process quick and straightforward, with minimal mess.


Avoiding pipework modifications


An additional challenge is the pipework. Concealed pipework systems are very common in new builds for a neater and visually appealing finish. Before the boiler is installed, all the connections have


already been put in place behind the wall, meaning any alterations needed to install a traditional filter – either by adapting the pipework or creating additional loops to accommodate it – creates additional work, cost, and mess. Filters that connect directly to the boiler offer an advantage as they eliminate modifications and preserve the clean finish around the boiler.


Installing filters in older properties


Concerns over space are not just confined to new build properties as there are many existing properties where lack of space also causes an issue in complying with the updated regulations. When working on properties prior to the introduction of BS 7593:2019 in spaces that were restricted, fitting a filter was not a stipulated requirement and was, therefore, less common. However, with the introduction of compact, horizontal, under boiler filters, there is less reason not to comply with the latest guidelines. With system filters now a requirement for


compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, it is essential that the right product is installed for each property. Horizontal filters, designed for easy installation and servicing, are an ideal solution in new build homes and older properties where space is tight.


www.heatingandventilating.net


DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW


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