PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE INSTALLATION
In the world of pipework, innovation comes through the continued development of
installation methods, as BMJ discovers.
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n an industry driven by rapid change, we often think of innovation in terms of new materials or high-tech products. When people talk about innovation in the construction and building services sector, pipework doesn’t often get a mention. That’s to be expected. Pipes are reliable, essential, but hardly at the forefront of product innovation. But while the materials themselves haven’t changed dramatically in decades, there’s a quiet revolution happening elsewhere - one that’s having a much bigger impact on-site than many realise.
A job that’s evolving Ed Hurrell, commercial director Pipe Centre & Climate Centre, says that copper, plastic and stainless steel continue to be proven materials and the fundamentals of piping haven’t shifted much. What has changed, he explains, is the environment that customers are working in. “Shorter project timelines, rising labour costs, and a widening skills gap are all putting pressure on how quickly and efficiently engineers can get the job done. “This is where installation methods come into their own – and where merchants can add value. The real progress in our industry is being driven by connection technologies - push-fit, press-fit, modular systems, prefabrication - anything that cuts down time on site without compromising on performance,” he says. At Pipe Centre, Hurrell gets to see the full picture. “Every day, we work with different tradespeople from across the industry, and the trend is clear: solutions that reduce labour time and simplify installation are no longer a ‘nice to have’ - they’re business-critical.”
Time-saving systems He adds that the company is seeing more and more demand for pipe systems that don’t require hot works, heavy tooling or
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high levels of specialist training. “If a push- fit or mechanical jointing system can cut installation time by 20–30%, that’s a huge win for everyone involved. It means fewer hours on site, less disruption, and a faster path to commissioning.”
For contractors trying to do more with less, those efficiencies are vital. And for merchants looking to boost business, providing the right solutions to deliver such efficiencies is a no- brainer.
This is not just about speed. Many of these systems are safer to work with, produce less waste, and allow for cleaner, more precise installation in tight or awkward spaces. They also support better project planning, especially when paired with off-site fabrication or modular assemblies.
Beyond the brand message “Every manufacturer will of course focus on their own products and systems. But when supporting a customer to choose a system for a live project, merchants have a huge role to play - delivering impartial advice and insight into how different technologies perform in the real world, across a range of settings,” Hurrell adds. “At Pipe Centre, we’re focused on adding real value. Because we operate across the whole market, we’re not here to push a particular system or brand. Our role is to help our customers navigate the options based on
what’s actually going to work best for their job. “It might be a high-rise residential scheme where speed and access are the key concerns. Or a retrofit job in a live hospital environment where safety and minimal disruption are paramount. Whatever the project, we’re able to step back and assess which solutions fit - not just from a technical standpoint, but from a practical, commercial one as well.”
What’s next
As we look ahead, it’s clear, Hurrell says, that the drive for more efficient installation methods isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s accelerating. “We expect to see continued growth in prefabrication and modular builds. This is particularly the case in sectors where consistency, speed, and minimal site disruption are essential, like healthcare and education,” he explains.
Digital planning tools are also starting to play a bigger role. Being able to visualise and coordinate pipework routes in 3D before a single component is delivered to site is helping reduce clashes and rework. That kind of integration between design and install is only going to intensify.
Hurrell says: “While the pipe itself may not change much, how we install it absolutely will. And in today’s construction landscape, that’s where the smart thinking is happening. “Efficiency, safety, and sustainability are no longer just buzzwords but essential to the future of building services. As the industry continues to evolve, contractors and specifiers will need to be strategic in choosing the right systems and tools to meet the challenges ahead. Our role is in supporting and facilitating those choices.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2026
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