PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2026 Water& System Treatment 35


Protect performance from the inside out


Legislation is accelerating the installation of renewable heating technology across new and existing UK homes, increasing the need for installers to prioritise heat pump protection. Annabel Bianchi, head of specifi cation at ADEY, looks at the steps that need to be taken to make sure heat pump systems are properly protected.


T


he Warm Homes Plan and Future Homes Standard place a fi rm emphasis on


improving energy effi ciency and cutting emissions. Together, they’re expected to drive greater adoption of renewable heating technologies such as heat pumps in the coming years. More than 53,000 heat pumps


were installed in UK homes in 2025, a 9% increase on 2024. Installers therefore need the right tools and knowledge to protect and maintain these systems eff ectively.


Protection matters The installation of a heat pump is a signifi cant investment, an investment that needs protecting. And, while there is currently no date set for the wider phase-out of gas boilers in existing housing stock, they are set to be phased out in most new build homes from March 2027 as part of the Future Homes Standard. So, while heat pump system


protection and maintenance aren’t as embryonic as they were, legislative changes will mean it’s something that is set to become non-negotiable. Installers that embrace this change and ensure they fully understand the specifi c needs of systems like this are setting themselves up for success. This is something that’s brought into even sharper focus as we head into winter when there is greater demand placed on heating systems and breakdowns are likely to cause greater disruption.


System-specifi c Any system where water circulates is susceptible to a build-up of debris which can cause damage to components and pipework. Heat pump systems are no exception. However, this type of system has particular characteristics that need tailored, innovative solutions to help improve system reliability, effi ciency and performance. As well as a build-up of


magnetite sludge as a result of corrosion, systems that operate


Best practice Taking pre-emptive action now before problems become critical helps to mitigate system downtime. Arguably, during the winter months this is even more important which is where a best practice approach can prove to be eff ective. This considers the system as a whole, taking a series of steps which treat and manage diff erent issues, helping to improve system reliability, effi ciency and performance. A water test is the starting


Annabel Bianchi Head of specifi cation at ADEY


BY NUMBERS 53,000


The number of heat pumps installed in UK homes in 2025


9%


This was a 9% increase on 2024 heat pump installations


3/2027


Gas boilers are set to be phased out of new build homes from March 2027


2hrs


Using ADEY MagnaCleanse RapidFlush removes magnetite in as little as two hours


at a lower temperature, such as those with heat pumps, provide the ideal conditions for bacterial growth. This can create a slimy layer on the inside of pipework and components which reduces system effi ciency and will ultimately cause a breakdown if it’s left untreated. That’s why a fi lter that removes both magnetic and non-magnetic particles should be installed. A fi lter is just one piece of the


puzzle though. Preventative maintenance that incorporates water testing, appropriate cleaning and chemical treatment, eff ective fi ltration and ongoing monitoring as part of a best practice approach will provide the most eff ective system protection.


 The integrated stainless steel mesh catches non-magnetic debris, scale, and particulate matter


point. Understanding more about the quality of the system water will in turn highlight any areas that need to be addressed and advise the best way to treat them. Water that looks clean doesn’t always mean it is clean, and using our ProCheck water test kit provides lab-style results straight to your smartphone within two minutes. The kit tests system inhibitor,


corrosion, pH, and turbidity levels. However, if you’re working with a heat pump system and are concerned about the build-up of biological debris, a full lab test is recommended. Water samples are sent to our UKAS-accredited labs and the results delivered within 24 hours via an online portal. System cleaning is the


next step, making sure a fl ush is carried out to remove any build-up of debris and then dosed with a premium chemical cleaner. Using the MagnaCleanse RapidFlush removes magnetite in as


little as two hours. Using the VibraClean agitator helps to dislodge magnetite that has built up in radiators which means they don’t need to be removed. The addition of our powerful MC5 Rapid Flush Cleaner also supports the eff ective removal of system debris. As soon as the chemical is dosed it gets to work and can be left in the system for up to seven days.


Ongoing protection Once the system has been cleaned, it needs to be protected and that’s where the MC1+ chemical inhibitor is eff ective at protecting against ongoing system corrosion. For heat pump systems, the addition of MC10+ Biocide is also crucial at this point to help treat the build- up of biological material and bacterial slime. The installation of a fi lter, such as MagnaClean HP, that is designed specifi cally for lower temperature systems will capture magnetic and non-magnetic debris, providing ongoing protection. Finally, annual servicing and water testing will support eff ective ongoing system maintenance, ensuring the fi lter continues to perform, and the right level of chemical dosing is maintained, helping to extend the life of the system and reduce maintenance costs too. Adopting our Best Practice approach also helps installers support compliance with BS 7593:2019 and Part L of the Building Regulations. There’s even a section in the Benchmark checklist, available via the app, that relates to each of our four Best Practice steps, so installers can methodically evidence work as they go. As heat pump adoption continues to grow, installers have an increasingly important role to play in safeguarding system performance and reliability. With regulatory changes accelerating the transition to low-carbon heating, following a best practice approach to system protection will help ensure heat pumps deliver reliable, effi cient performance for years to come. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/55


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