PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
THE FUTURE’S HERE ALREADY
The Future Homes Standard, and its stricter efficiency requirements, will bring challenges and opportunities in equal measure for merchants, as BMJ finds out.
T
he ways in which heating and plumbing systems are specified in housing are undergoing a fundamental shift. The Future
Homes Standard (FHS) brings with it stricter efficiency requirements that are set to reshape the technologies used on-site. It will also place greater emphasis on how systems are designed, integrated and delivered. For developers, the challenge lies in balancing FHS compliance with the management of cost, performance and ease of build. For merchants, the opportunity lies in moving beyond a transactional and supply role and into the role of a trusted partner which provides integrated, future-ready solutions. Heating and plumbing systems are no longer standalone elements of a house. They form part of a wider, interconnected approach to energy efficiency, particularly as low-carbon technologies become standard in new homes. According to Dean Asher, head of technical sales & underfloor heating at Polypipe Building Products, merchants are ideally positioned to support developers at the initial specification stage by ensuring access to systems that meet current and upcoming regulations, including the FHS. He says: “This means stocking solutions designed to operate efficiently at lower flow temperatures, integrate seamlessly with renewable heat sources, and support overall building performance.” That said product availability alone is no longer enough. Developers increasingly rely on merchants for guidance, especially when navigating newer technologies or solutions. Asher says that, by working closely with manufacturers, merchants can provide accurate, up-to-date technical advice which ultimately helps customers specify systems with confidence.
“Specifying and installing heating and plumbing systems for housing projects comes with a range of challenges,” he explains. “Among many, these include ensuring compatibility between components, meeting performance targets, and maintaining ease of installation on-site.”
Dean Asher, head of technical sales & underfloor heating at Polypipe Building
ensures that they are a key component of future-ready homes, and the role of merchants is equally critical here,” he says. “By ensuring complementary systems are fully stocked, and staff are knowledgeable of their role on-site, merchants have the opportunity to offer not only products, but informed guidance at each stage of the build.”
There are some common challenges. The trade-off between system design and the on- the-ground realities of installation, for example. “If a solution off the shelf meets regulatory requirements on paper, but is complex or unfamiliar to installers, this risks huge delays and inefficiencies on-site. This is where the merchant’s role, in close partnership with manufacturers, comes in.”
Asher adds that product selection, supported by knowledgeable staff, can help simplify decision-making and ensure the right systems are chosen from the outset. “Merchants that invest in staff training and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers are better equipped to guide customers through these decisions,” he says.
Additionally, offering access to system-based solutions as opposed to individual components can help reduce complexity. Integrated heating and plumbing packages designed to work together not only streamline installation but also improve overall system performance. With research estimating that home heating contributes up to 20% of the UK’s total emissions, it’s now recognised that heating and plumbing systems have a key stake in hitting Net Zero. As developers must now shift away from traditional, gas-based systems, there is now a growing need for solutions which can support renewable technologies, whilst also reducing operational carbon emissions. According to Asher, low-temperature heating systems, such as underfloor heating, are becoming increasingly important in this context. “Their ability to operate efficiently alongside heat pumps and other heat sources
June 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Futureproofing the UK’s housing stock is not just about meeting today’s regulations. Instead, it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s requirements. This means looking for systems which are adaptable, efficient and designed for long-term performance.
“The increasing complexity of heating and plumbing systems means collaboration throughout the supply chain is now more crucial than ever before. Manufacturers, merchants and developers must work together to ensure solutions are not just compliant, but also deliverable and practical when in use on- site,” Asher says.
“For merchants, this provides an opportunity to work closely with manufacturers, and to draw on manufacturer-led training, technical support and product information. Through this, merchant teams can offer a more informed, comprehensive service to customers in-branch, strengthening their position as a trusted advisor throughout the entire specification and eventual installation process.” The opportunity is clear for merchants Asher believes that, as the FHS approaches, the demand for compliant, high-performing heating and plumbing systems will continue to rise. Developers will increasingly look for support in navigating these regulatory challenges, creating a clear opportunity for merchants. He says: “Those who invest in knowledge, provide the right solutions, and collaborate with manufacturers will be optimally positioned to navigate this changing landscape. By supporting customers with balancing compliance, performance and ease of installation, merchants are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of the UK’s housing.” BMJ
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