PLUMBING & DRAINAGE FLEXIBILITY IN FITTINGS
The plumbing fittings market now offers customers and merchants more flexibility and choice than ever.
“Keyless products feature a twist-and-push mechanism that simplifies both installation and removal. Their compact design helps plumbers to work efficiently, even in tight spaces and their availability straight out of the bag in a pre-locked position allows for a speedier fit,” he adds. Both Key and Keyless systems are also highly durable and reliable, reducing the risk of leaks or costly repairs. Systems such as Wavin’s Hep2O are designed to withstand significant pressure and temperature changes, providing long-lasting performance. For plumbers, this reliability translates into fewer call-backs and long-term performance for customers, which is vital for their reputation.
Key vs keyless P
lumbers and installers have to take into account a lot of factors when deciding which products to use, and it’s crucial they understand how different fittings perform and what they offer. With the help of manufacturers, merchants can better advise on the different options available to make sure they make the right choice for their next job. Plumbing and drainage solutions manufacturer, Wavin is now offering both Key and Keyless versions of Hep2O,each with their own benefits, as product manager Andrew Coy explains.
The key to growth
Push-fit has been a trusted choice for decades thanks to its ease of use and adaptability. However, ongoing labour shortages in the plumbing industry are driving demand for increased efficiency and with that, continued product development that helps plumbers to work quickly and to a high standard. Coy says that push-fit fittings are increasingly popular for projects that require speed and efficiency, being designed specifically with plumbers in mind to be as straightforward as possible without compromising reliability. “This makes them ideal for jobs that need to be completed quickly or in tight spaces with limited room for manoeuvre. There is however a need to match the type of fitting used with the specific project,” he says, pointing out that, in some cases, speed and convenience will be the driver, in others security is a crucial factor.
Thanks to their durability and tamper-resistant design, key-based fittings remain a trusted solution for many and are still the right choice for some projects. Coy explains that they provide peace of mind where long-term performance is critical, making them ideal for environments like social housing, commercial and public buildings, where installations must be as secure as possible. “On projects where other trades are working in the same area, the risk of fittings being inadvertently loosened or tampered with is high. Key-based products mitigate this, ensuring the system’s integrity and giving plumbers confidence that their work will stand up to heavy use over time,” he says.
By contrast, keyless push-fit fittings are particularly useful for RMI projects and those with tight spaces under sinks or behind toilets. “Plumbers don’t need a demounting key, so they have fewer tools to worry about, re- ducing the risk of delays if they forget or lose the keys.
“During maintenance or adjustments, the simplicity of keyless fittings is also a major benefit to plumbers. If a pipe needs to be repositioned or replaced, keyless fittings allow them to make changes quickly and easily.” He adds that, for installers working on smaller- scale projects or intricate setups, this can save precious time and energy so they can move on to the next job more quickly – a particular benefit to smaller teams.
According to Coy, installers should consider several specific factors when choosing fittings, and merchants play a big role in making sure
February 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
they have the right products for the job. By understanding the benefits of different fittings, they can guide customers to the best options for their needs.
“The first consideration should always be the type of project and installation. For refurbishments and repair jobs that are tight on both space and time, plastic push- fit systems are the ideal choice due to their pliable, flexible nature. Keyless fittings, in particular, are advantageous when it comes to speedier fittings as they don’t require any additional installation equipment, especially fittings like Hep2O Keyless which only requires a simple 2-stage ‘twist and push’ mechanism,” he says.
Compatibility of systems is another thing that Coy says is important to keep in mind at both the purchase and installation stage. “In mixed systems where plastic and multi-layer composite piping (MLCP) are used together, fittings that can allow for easy integration are key. Our Hep2O plastic push-fit solution, and the Tigris K5/M5, are examples of two solutions which are engineered to work together so that installers can be sure of a seamless installation.
As well as considering the benefits of different products to the installer, Coy adds that it’s also important to keep in mind the requirements of end-users. Plastic push-fit fittings have a range of benefits that can directly benefit end-users in the residential context including their durability and heat- resistance, leading to less maintenance issues in the long-term. Plastic plumbing systems are generally quieter as they can withstand both expansion and contraction, with Wavin’s Hep2O also coming with a 50-year guarantee. He says: “These are all key aspects that should pay a role in purchasing decisions and should ultimately guide how plumbers and installers decide on the best fitting for a given project.
“As plumbing products continue to evolve, the role of merchants in helping customers make the right choice is critical. By staying on top of the latest innovations, like our Hep2O Keyless range, and understanding what plumbers need, merchants can offer the guidance and expertise that keeps projects running smoothly. In doing so, they help plumbers deliver great results while building trust and long-term relationships.” BMJ
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