PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2026 22 Pipes, Fittings& Valves
Ways to save time without cutting corners
Lee Parsons from Arctic Hayes explains how small changes in approach, good preparation and having the right tools can help installers work faster on pipework, without compromising on quality.
multiple jobs, those small gains quickly add up. Lost time on site is frequently
the result of avoidable rework, for instance incorrect pipe sizes, missing fi ttings or poor access planning, forcing installers to stop, rethink and adapt on the fl y, slowing progress and increasing the risk of mistakes. Good prep starts with accurate
Lee Parsons CEO of Arctic Hayes
P
reparing, laying and fi xing pipework remains one of the most time-intensive elements of plumbing
and heating work. Installers are often working in confi ned spaces, under pressure and alongside other trades. In those conditions, effi ciency matters, but never at the expense of workmanship, safety or long-term performance. The reality is that saving time
on pipework rarely comes from dramatic changes. Often it’s the result of better preparation, consistent methods and choosing tools and techniques that reduce friction in everyday tasks. Over
measurement and a clear plan for pipe runs, fi xing points and access. Taking time to check drawings against site conditions and think through the sequence of installation can prevent problems later on. Where possible, preparing pipework away from the installation area can also save time. Cutting, deburring and assembling short sections in advance reduces the amount of overhead work and helps fi nal installation run more smoothly. When time is tight, there’s a
temptation to rush individual tasks, but consistency is far more eff ective. Using the same spacing, fi xing methods and products throughout a job reduces mental load and helps installers work more consistently.
Avoid the drain-down Drain-downs remain one of the biggest time demands on pipework jobs, particularly during repairs or alterations when customers are desperate
Pipe freezing can eliminate the need to drain down a system, one of the biggest time demands when it comes to pipework jobs
Designed for professionals
Electric pipe freezing kits are suitable for domestic and commercial jobs
to have their water back on. It’s even worse if your customer lives in a residential block and the mains feeds several properties. Here too you can save time. Pipe freezing provides a practical alternative in many situations. By temporarily isolating a section of pipe, installers can carry out work without draining the entire system. What might otherwise take half a day can often be completed in a single visit. Modern pipe freeze kits, such
as those in the Arctic Hayes portfolio, are far more controlled and predictable than older methods, making them suitable for a wide range of domestic and light commercial applications.
When used correctly, they allow installers to work cleanly and confi dently on live systems while maintaining control of the job. These kits can reduce job times by an average of 85%, based on a two-hour drain down and refi ll. Based on a standard 15mm copper pipe, the Professional Pipe Freeze kit can freeze pipes in only a few minutes. The Freeze Spray works by
forming a temporary ice plug in the pipe so that work can be carried out with a minimum of disruption. There is no need to locate a stop- cock or service valves. There are three diff erent
types of kit in the range; ‘Aero’, ‘Professional’ and ‘Electric’, each kit caters for a range of pipe sizes and a number of applications. Pipe Freezer ‘Aero’ is a disposable kit, containing enough refrigerant to perform one or two freezes on pipework up to 28mm and can be used for jobs such as changing a radiator valve, replacing a stop-cock or other service valves.
Pipe freezing kits can reduce job times by an average of 85%, based on a two- hour drain down and refi ll
Professional edge With specifi c kits for domestic, commercial and industrial pipework, the ‘Professional’ range comes with extra features such as reusable components and dual freeze options, designed for those who carry out regular pipework repairs and maintenance such as replacing stopcocks, radiator valves, heating pumps, zone valves and installing magnetic fi lters.
engaging in a large-scale contract domestic and commercial plumbing jobs, such as university accommodation and social housing, the ‘Electric’ range of Pipe Freeze Kits delivers mains-powered pipe freezing with an indefi nite freeze time when used with a continuous power supply. Working on large plumbing contracts means no consumable or maintenance costs, saving you time and money. Complete jobs without monitoring refrigerant levels, as required by other pipe- freezing products. Each kit includes everything you need: appropriately sized head clamps and reducers, freeze cream, gloves, and instructions.
Preparation pays So, a well-planned, consistent approach allows installers to work faster because the job fl ows better. There’s rarely a single change that transforms productivity. Instead, it’s the accumulation of small improvements – better preparation, consistent methods, effi cient fi xing solutions and techniques such as pipe freezing, that deliver meaningful time savings across projects. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/226/27
CUT TO THE CHASE
Accurate measurement and planning prevent installation problems
Preparing pipe sections off- site speeds final installation
Consistent fixing methods reduce mental load and errors
Avoid unnecessary drain- downs to save significant time
Pipe freezing allows work on live systems efficiently
Different pipe freeze kits suit domestic, commercial and industrial applications
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