PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 6 News Review Updated


guidance for better water treatment


The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and Heat Pump Association (HPA) have published updated guidance to help heating and plumbing professionals maintain safe, efficient and long-lasting heating and hot water systems in UK homes. The document, ‘Maintaining a Healthy & Efficient Domestic Heating & Hot Water System’, was developed in collaboration to ensure the guidance reflects best practice across both boiler and low-carbon heating systems.


The publication outlines


best practice procedures for cleaning, flushing, protecting and maintaining domestic


The importance of Benchmark Online, which provides a digital record for installation and servicing, is also highlighted, as this should ensure that systems remain compliant and efficient throughout their lifespan. Stewart Clements, director


heating systems. It provides clarity on compliance with BS 7593:2019+A1:2024 and the new standard BS 9593:2024 for assessing the performance of chemical inhibitors, ensuring systems operate efficiently and reliably, whether they are powered by a boiler, heat pump or hybrid setup. The document also discusses alternative approaches to corrosion protection.


of HHIC, comments: “Heating engineers play a vital role in keeping homes safe, warm and energy efficient. This updated guidance supports them with clear, practical steps for maintaining system health, helping to ensure that every installation delivers optimal performance and aligns with current regulations and standards. Our collaboration with the HPA has ensured that this advice applies equally to both boiler and heat pump systems as the market evolves.”


The paper ‘Maintaining a Healthy & Efficient Domestic Heating & Hot Water System’ can be found on the HHIC website using the reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/06


Workplace injuries


New research from Direct Line Business Insurance is highlighting the extent of workplace injuries among installers and construction workers. Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show 50,000 construction workers suff ered a workplace injury in 2024-25, while Direct Line Business data found that 26% of tradespeople have experienced an injury that kept them off work for more than six months. Almost all tradespeople (95%) say they have been injured at work at some point.


Construction remains one of the most dangerous


Daikin continues to back Grand Designs


For the second year running, Daikin UK will headline Grand Designs Live, appearing at ExCeL London in May 2026 and Birmingham NEC in October. The company will showcase its heating and cooling solutions, highlighting smart connectivity, integration with home energy systems, and compact products like Daikin Multi+ for smaller and mid-sized homes. Visitors can speak with experts, explore technology up close, and request installer quotes. The sponsorship aims to generate high-quality homeowner leads and support installers through upcoming regulatory changes, training and MCS compliance. Daikin says the show is a platform to connect homeowners with professional guidance on future-ready, comfortable homes.


sectors, with 2,500 injuries per 100,000 workers. Falls from height account for a third of non-fatal injuries, while lifting and carrying causes the highest number of week-long absences. Direct Line’s survey also found gaps in health and safety awareness, with only 39% of respondents saying rules are followed all the time.


Helping Watford FC cut water use at Vicarage Road


Affinity Water is helping Watford Football Club reduce water use and boost sustainability across its Vicarage Road Stadium, through a series of on-site surveys, device installations and sharing guidance with its staff, to cut waste and improve effi ciency. The initiative forms part of Affinity Water’s wider Water Efficiency Service, which helps businesses reduce consumption, cut costs and operate more sustainably. Within this, Affinity Water has launched a new programme to support organisations to use water more efficiently through practical measures and behavioural change. The project at Watford FC is the latest example of how Affi nity Water is working with local businesses to reduce consumption, lower costs and protect


the


environment. During a recent site visit, Affi nity


Water’s engineers, working alongside sustainability partner Groundwork, installed 35 tap inserts, 45 urinal controls and 65 fl ush-saving devices across the site. So far, these simple interventions have saved up to 70,000 litres of water on the club’s busiest match days, without aff ecting day-to-day operations.


James Demagalski, facilities & health and safety manager at Watford FC (left) and Thomas Stoten, head of demand management at Affi nity Water


Affinity Water and Pozitive


Water, the club’s water retailer, are now working with Watford FC to explore further opportunities to promote water-saving engagement and behaviour change among staff and fans. This builds on the success of the initial project and creates a long-term partnership that inspires others to act.


EHC invests in digital upgrade


A major digital upgrade is set to support the next phase of growth at The Electric Heating Company (EHC), which has invested a six-figure sum in a new website and wider business software overhaul. Marking the company’s 20th anniversary, the investment represents a key step in its digital transformation strategy and is designed to off er a smoother experience for trade, retail and specification customers.


Registered trade users can now order products online at any time, with their trade


discount automatically applied. The new system also links to EHC’s recently launched loyalty scheme for trade customers. Alongside


the website


launch, a further £50,000 has been spent on new tools and systems, including the rollout of Salesforce to enhance customer relationship management and improve service responsiveness. EHC chief executive David Barrett says: “Our investment in digital infrastructure is about more than technology, it’s about delivering the best possible experience for our customers.”


Register a product, get a free gilet Reminder to check compliance


Responding to demand, Kinedo has brought back its free winter gilet offer for installers. The initial campaign ran in the spring of 2025, encouraging installers to register newly installed Sanifl o products so that end users could benefit from the company’s five- year warranty for domestic pumps and macerators. Following multiple requests from installers wanting a gilet ahead of the colder months, the promotion is making a short- term return. Claiming the gilet remains straightforward – installers simply register a newly


installed Saniflo unit on the official SFA Saniflo website and complete the online form, including size details. The QR code distributed earlier in the year across the merchant network is still active and links to a short form where product details, serial number, installation date, location and installer information can be lodged. The promotion will return again in January through to March 2026 and includes the entire Saniflo range, except the Sanicondens and Saniclim ranges. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/07


The Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) is reminding installers to check radiator performance data when sizing and installing heating systems. Hydronic radiators, including steel panel, multicolumn and towel rails, must comply with BS-EN 442, which specifies


independent testing of heat output at Delta T 50 and Delta T 30. Under the Construction Products Regulation 2011, each radiator must be supplied with a Declaration of Performance showing these values. Using incorrect figures, such as Delta T 60, can result in undersized radiators, higher energy bills, reduced comfort and less effi cient heating. MARC and the Offi ce for Product Safety and Standards advise installers to confirm the data in product literature and Declarations of


Performance. Accurate verifi cation supports correct radiator sizing, ensures expected heating performance for households, and contributes to energy efficiency and environmental targets.


For further information and guidance on compliance, use the reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/08


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