PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2025 8 News Review


Scheme to enhance industry standards


The new Hot Water Association’s (HWA) Charter Scheme is an industry initiative designed to give installers and consumers complete confi dence that hot water storage products and associated components meet the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance. The Charter establishes a Code


of Practice that all members must follow, covering everything from product compliance and clear technical documentation through to aftersales support and warranties. Members are subject to regular independent audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Under the scheme, HWA Charter Members commit to: supplying products that are fi t for purpose, clearly and honestly described; meeting or exceeding UK building regulations, water regulations and


Plumbers are hiking their rates


relevant standards; providing clear installation, commissioning, use and disposal instructions; off ering effective pre- and post-sales technical support; and supplying customers with transparent and comprehensive warranty details. The Charter is focused on hot water storage equipment and ancillary products such as controls and pre-plumbed components, ensuring consistency and clarity for manufacturers, installers and end- users alike. It is designed to provide installers


with confi dence in knowing that Charter-marked products meet all required legislation, effi ciency and durability standards, while homeowners benefi t from peace of mind that their hot water systems have been rigorously checked for quality and are supported by robust after-sales service. Charter Members are encouraged to display the HWA Charter Member logo on products, packaging and marketing materials, providing a visible sign of compliance. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/06


More than half (52%) of UK plumbers have raised their rates in the last year, according to new research from plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin. The data shows the impact the cost-of- living crisis is continuing to have on the industry, and ultimately its customers. Rising costs were revealed as the biggest impact of the crisis on the industry, highlighted by 61% of plumbers. The results expose the impact of


economic factors leading to increases in materials, tools, and labour costs. After higher costs, customers cancelling or delaying jobs was chosen by 58% as the biggest way in which the cost-of-living crisis is still aff ecting plumbers. The results show a market where plumbers are having to deal with both rising costs and lost revenue. Almost half (49%) of plumbers told researchers they choose to focus on higher value jobs. However, many in the industry are also shouldering the burden themselves, rather than passing on costs to customers – almost half (48%) said they had absorbed costs to win work. Despite this challenging outlook, the data reveals a fair amount of


optimism about the ability of policymakers to address the issues facing the industry, with 59% saying they had confi dence in the government’s ability to address these issues. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/07


Apprentices get practical boost


Two colleges have received boiler donations from Baxi to support the next generation of heating engineers ahead of this year’s apprenticeship intake. Birmingham Metropolitan (BMet) College received boilers from across Baxi’s solutions portfolio, used by current Gas Engineering Operative Level 3 apprentices. Since 2020, 36 Baxi apprentices have


Podcast covers the changing industry


Aiming to help HVAC professionals navigate industry transformation, Daikin has launched the ‘On Air With Daikin’ podcast series. Hosted by Matteo Dall’Ombra, Daikin UK’s national


specifi cation manager, the series features conversations with industry leaders, policymakers, technical experts and installers, focusing on decarbonisation, regulatory changes and best practice. Episodes provide practical insights that professionals can apply immediately, from understanding complex regulations to spotting new business opportunities. Initial episodes include: The Importance of


Reclaiming Refrigerant with Jake Matthews (A-Gas); BREEAM V7 – What’s Changing and Why with Tom Wilson; and D-Carbonise Partner Spotlight with Steve Molloy (Daikin), Joe Dunningham (Accent) and Joel Brittain (Ergro). “I’ll be talking to everyone from policymakers to


hands-on installers, so you get insights you can actually use on the job,” says Matteo. “We’ll cover the topics that really matter to you, from legislation to business opportunities.” ‘On Air With Daikin’ is now available on major


podcast platforms. New episodes will be released regularly. Find out more using the reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/08


trained at BMet through the partnership. A similar donation was made to Barnet & Southgate College, where 18 apprentices, including eight from Baxi, will undertake vocational training this year. BMet apprentices installed the new boilers at Barnet & Southgate’s Colindale campus, gaining hands-on experience with features developed from installer feedback. Sue Cole, senior employer responsive manager – apprenticeships at BMet College, says: “We are grateful to Baxi for


Survey prize winner


their generous donation of their boilers to our gas department. This not only represents a signifi cant investment in our training facilities, but also highlights the strong partnership we have with Baxi as leading employer in the sector. Collaborations like this ensure our apprentices have access to the very best equipment and training, to succeed in their careers.”


Bad plumbing behind quality issues


Drinking water in England remains among the best in the world, but when problems do occur, they are often caused by poor plumbing, says WaterSafe. The annual Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report shows water supplied to nearly 59 million people is safe and meets strict standards. However, nearly a third of reported water quality events occurred in homes, businesses or public buildings, linked to issues such as faulty pipework, cross-


connections, bad-tasting water, lead pipes, nickel leaching, backfl ow risks and general poor plumbing. WaterSafe and the DWI urge property owners to use qualified, accredited plumbers and compliant products approved by WRAS, NSF, or KIWA. Marcus Rink, DWI chief


inspector, says this helps protect water quality “after it reaches homes and buildings


right up to the tap.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/09


Shawn Taylor (pictured above) has been named the winner of the KNIPEX Plumbing Essentials bundle following PHAM News’s recent reader survey, run in partnership with the tool specialist. The survey asked installers to share their views on the industry and the tools they depend on, with all participants entered into a random prize draw. We received a strong response to


the survey and are grateful to the many readers who took the time to contribute their opinions. The feedback will help provide useful insights into the current needs of plumbing and heating engineers. Shawn’s name was drawn from


all valid entries, earning him an exclusive set of KNIPEX tools, including the TwinGrip pliers, Pliers Wrench, Chrome Cobra pliers and Electrical Installation Pliers. Delighted with his win, Shawn said: “It is a great set of tools for a plumbing and heating engineer.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40