In many parts of the UK, householders are having to put up with low water pressure, with the existing water supply struggling to cope with increased demand from ensuites and multiple showers. Duncan Lewis from Dutypoint explains how installers can best come to their customers` aid. Low water pressure has been a frustration in a number of households for many years and the problem does not seem to be going away. The symptoms we hear reported are typically around poor flow rates and fluctuating water pressure, as well as not being able to use more than two outlets effectively at the same time. Combi boilers can also struggle to fire up on demand. Other challenges can include water supply pipes not being sized correctly, particularly in older properties where pipes are partially blocked, therefore further reducing the throughput of water. Simply looking at these issues and installing an individual solution, such as a shower pump and accumulator vessel, may not be sufficient to resolve the problem – especially in larger properties or multiple dwellings, where a more powerful system is required to boost the whole system rather than individual outlets. Under pressure Unfortunately, low water pressure is not an uncommon problem in the UK, with water companies – themselves under financial obligations to reduce leakage rates – having to reduce pressure in their water systems which in turn exacerbates the situation for the dome

A new survey from the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) shows that almost a fifth of consumers regularly attempt to fix plumbing problems in the home themselves. A third of respondents also admit to having had to call in a plumber to fix a DIY disaster. WRAS is urging people to think carefully about which plumbing tasks they are competent to do themselves and which ones should be left to a professional qualified plumber, saying that even a simple task like fitting a washing machine needs some knowledge about the water fittings regulations. For example a common mistake when fitting a washing machine would be to use a non-compliant hose with no backflow protection. Survey results When asked where they would source advice or information on repairing plumbing problems, 6% say they never seek advice. Others seek guidance from YouTube (49%), Google (44%), and friends and family (38%) before seeking professional advice and calling on a plumber (31%). The research shows that people are willing to try their hands at simpler plumbing tasks, such as bleeding a radiator (58%), fixing a leaky tap (41%), installing a washing machine or dishwasher (36%). The top plumbing task Brits are most likely to fix themselves are: • Bleed a radiator (58%) • Check a stop tap is working (42%) • Fix a leaky tap (41%) • Install a washing machine or dishwasher and connect a hose for the water supply (36%) �

LOCTITE 5400 thread sealant is part of Henkel`s Health and Safety range. This general-purpose metal pipe sealant is hazard-label free, WRAS-approved for use with potable water up to 85°C and suitable for when the joint needs to be sealed and locked against vibrational self-loosening. This single component product relies on the absence of air and contact with metal to make it cure. When applied to a taper parallel thread and wrenched tight, the adhesive provides an instant seal. So, if needed, the system can be pressurised straight away. It also protects the mated threaded areas against corrosion and the seal can be released at any time using compliant practices. Application is simple and quick. Having ensured all surfaces are clean, apply a 360°bead of LOCTITE 5400 to the leading threads of the male fitting, leaving the first thread free and thoroughly filling all voids. For bigger threads and voids, apply a bead of product to the female threads also. Assembly and wrench tight, job done. LOCTITE 5400 covers the lion`s share of applications and provides excellent chemical and thermal resistance. In addition to sealing threaded fittings, LOCTITE 5400 is ideal for sealing olives.

Viega`s Smartpress range has been installed at the Royal Warwick Square apartment complex, a new build development from the prestigious residential developer Berkeley St. Edward, part of the Berkeley Group. The multilayer composite pipework was selected for its speed and simplicity during installation. Furthermore, its flexibility helped to reduce the number of joints required on the project by as much as 80% – minimising the risk of leaks. Positioned in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Royal Warwick Square offers 375 one, two, and three-bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses. Viega`s Smartpress system in various sizes from 16 to 40mm was used throughout the development on the potable, boosted cold and heating system pipework. After discussions with Chris Boakes, specification sales manager at Viega, the team at Berkeley St. Edward selected Viega`s Smartpress as the pipe system could offer excellent leak prevention and it would also help to reduce the total number of joints required. The simplicity of the cold applied Viega`s Smartpress multilayer piping system means it does not require the use of an O-ring, taking away the need for complex calibration and cutting installation time by as much as 30%. It also provides installation flex

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The latest Shower Market Trends Report from MTW Research reveals that while the impact of Covid-19 on the shower market will exceed £22 million in lost sales, strong demand will provide an £85 million sales boost by 2024. The 280 page report forecasts that shower market sales will return to pre-Covid levels in 2022. The analysis suggests that growth next year will be underpinned by pent up demand from 30-50 age group consumers, while demand is set to be further strengthened by the 50+ age group consumers following the UK`s vaccination programme. MTW`s director Mark Waddy comments: [There are healthy demand trends in the shower market in late 2020, prompting growth forecasts of almost £30 million for 2021. Demand was shifting slightly toward a more value-led proposition until mid 2020, though this trend has now reversed with a release of pent up demand and healthy value growth underpinning forecasts of more than 20% by 2024." Based on £500 million of sales data, the report identifies trends and shares for shower controls, screens, trays, enclosures and accessories markets separately, with the longer term impact of the pandemic perhaps not as severe as initially feared. However, the impact of Covid-19 will reverberate across the shower market for some time. For example, MTW forecast the domestic and commercial shower controls markets to be worth almost £10 million less by 2024 than was previously forecast. According to MTW, the shower mixing valve market will exceed pre-Covid sales by the end of 2022 with trade sources forecasting healthy volume and valu

The latest addition to Drayton`s TRV range is the TRV4 Anthracite, designed with a stylish matt finish that complements anthracite radiators. The fourth incarnation of Drayton`s TRV, the original Classic model was launched almost three decades ago in 1992. Since then, the range has expanded to include the TRV4 Chrome and TRV4 White. Remi Volpe, MD at Drayton, comments: [Despite changing times, our highly efficient TRV4 range has remained one of the most popular choices amongst installers, with over half a million installed each year. Manufactured at our factory in Plymouth, the TRV4 allows heating engineers to provide their customers with accurate, reliable and efficient heating control in a range of different styles. As more homeowners look to incorporate anthracite radiators into their homes, it was important for us to ensure there was a style to complement these, which is why we`re excited to have introduced the TRV4 Anthracite to the range."

Triton Showers has produced a series of videos tackling some of the key questions received by its customer service team. Here, Paul Rowley, approvals and training manager at Triton, explains how to handle issues with water pressure and replace a faulty flow valve. Q. How can I avoid low water pressure affecting a shower installation? Common causes of inadequate water pressure include low mains water pressure and showers piped onto gravity systems or connected to combination boilers. Where lack of pressure is an issue, an orange mechanical indicator light may illuminate to highlight this. Step one: When the shower is switched on, the indicator should change and the orange light should go off. If this doesn`t happen, there may be a fault with the mains water supply. Step two: Remove the shower head and block the water flow from the hose with a thumb or finger on cold power setting. If this gradually gets the indicator to lift then it`s the low pressure that`s the issue, and the mains supply is most likely operating correctly. Step three: If the mechanical indicator is lifting then there is still a bit pressure there. However, it may not be enough to provide maximum flow to the shower. This could be due to having poor water pressure, or signpost that an inlyin

During Water Saving Week (11th to 15th May), the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is reminding people about the importance of compliant water-saving devices. The annual event which aims to educate consumers and tradespeople alike on the issues around water use, the challenges around water efficiency, and ideas and solutions to help achieve it. From flush valves to shower regulators, water-saving devices can play a significant role in helping homes and businesses reduce their water usage. Not only do they save water, they can also help cut down gas, electric and water bills, as well as reduce your carbon footprint. Compliant plumbing products, including water saving devices, have been tested to meet UK water fittings regulations to demonstrate they shouldn`t waste water or leak. Such products must meet specific requirements for mechanical performance. There are also requirements for any non-metallic materials which could be in contact with wholesome water. Julie Spinks, managing director of WRAS, comments: [It`s important that plumbers and other water industry professionals actively offer advice to clients on water saving. Although more than half of UK homes have a water meter, many are still not giving thought to their water usage at home, which is where plumbers can help. One of the easiest ways to ensure you use a compliant water-saving device is to check if it`s approved by one of the UK`s approval schemes provided by WRAS, NSF or Kiwa Watertec."

With much of the UK now spending the majority of their time at home, any emergency repairs to heating and hot water systems need to be actioned quickly and efficiently, meaning that it is all the more important that installers have the correct spares. Wilo UK says that it has long been preparing for a potential crisis of this magnitude and has available stock and spares for months to come. As well as homes and residential multi-occupancy accommodation blocks, thousands of Wilo pumps are located in state services such as hospitals, care homes, prisons and Ministry of Defence facilities to provide drinking water, waste management and heating/cooling systems. David Williamson, director of Wilo UK, comments: [Now more than ever, it is vital installers use trusted, quality spares that can be dispatched quickly and avoid cut price alternatives that could result in serious problems down the line. Using unreliable spare parts could result in blockages, leaks and incorrect water pressure, not to mention parts could deteriorate faster than the real deal. By going directly to the manufacturer, installers can ensure they are performing a `first time fix` and be absolutely certain they have the correct part and expert advice on fitting it, with no need to go back and forth to jobs or return useless parts. [At Wilo we supply all spares in kits, which come with everything needed for installation or repair, including surrounding parts in case these need to be removed or are damaged during the process. We are working to tight deadlines to meet demand and ensure we keep the

With the aim of supporting its 9000 registrants during the coronavirus pandemic, OFTEC has announced that it will extend all current business and technician registrations for two months, free of charge. Businesses paying monthly by direct debit will also be given a two-month payment holiday covering May and June. The package of support measures applies to all those who maintain their registration and will be reviewed, and potentially extended, depending on the length of time the UK remains under the current restrictions. OFTEC registrations director Adrian Lightwood, explains: [The current situation is clearly hitting businesses hard and the heating sector is no exception, especially as so many technicians are self-employed or work for small companies. The government support scheme for the self-employed is welcome, but we are concerned that payments through the scheme may not be received for around three months, leaving many in a difficult financial position. [As well as giving our registered technicians a little breathing space, we are also working hard to ensure all technicians have easy access to the most up to date sector information, including the government support packages available, via a dedicated page on our website. Our registration and technical teams are also on hand to answer queries via email." Heating technicians can continue to carry out repair and maintenance work, provided they have no coronavirus symptoms, no one in the household they are attending is isolating (except when emergency work must be completed), and social distancing rules a

INSTALLING A PCA DUAL CORE AERATOR FROM NEOPERL Nobody wants to turn on the tap and end up with splash-back on their clothing. Neoperl says it has a simple answer to this problem with its PCA dual core aerators, which take minutes to install. They also have the added benefit of saving water, energy and therefore reducing fuel bills. Encourage your customers to save water by fitting a PCA aerator onto their existing tap.

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Hi-Tech Faucets Prove Faucets already seem a bit like magic - you turn them on and the water flows right out. But these faucet designs add a bit more pizazz to conventional plumbing technology, letting us better control the flow and temperature of water.