David Playfoot joins the Multipipe team with over 14 years of industry-specific experience in both plumbing and underfloor radiant solutions.
Having worked for several years with a key plastic pipe manufacture in the market, David was offered a fantastic opportunity at Multipipe to bring his knowledge and experience into this company to help us grow into a key player in the plumbing and heating market. With David on board, surrounded by our fantastic team, we hope to offer not only our quality products but with a fantastic service to match.
Welcome David!
You can get in touch with David right now by dropping him an email.
Legionella disease is a pneumonia-like illness that causes serious infection of the lungs. Everyone is at risk of infection and the disease can be fatal in approximately 20% of reported cases according to W.E.T. This is a very serious disease and we suspect that there will be an increased risk of infection when returning to work post-lockdown.
The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) believes there could potentially be an additional serious public health concern surrounding Legionella in commercial buildings once the current COVID-19 trading restrictions are removed. This is because in many cases the water systems may not have been used or maintained during lockdown, becoming the ideal environment for the Legionella bacteria to grow.
Who is at risk
While everybody is at risk of infection, some people are more vulnerable. These include:
Those over 45 years of age
Smokers and heavy drinkers
Elderly people
Those suffering from respiratory or kidney diseases
People with weak and impaired immune systems
High-risk areas
Stagnant water
Poorly designed water systems
Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C
Many commercial buildings have seen little to no use over the lockdown period, with unused water systems forming an ideal breeding ground for the Legionella bacteria. When these water systems are used again post-lockdown, it can transport the bacteria to users and cause a fresh outbreak. What to do
Risk assessments
Disinfecting water systems
Take water samples
The APHAC is strongly advising that commercial property owners, landlords and employers prepare for the possibility that Legionella bacteria may have entered their water systems and to take action. Monthly monitoring of water systems is advised normally, however it is unlikely that they have been able to go ahead during lockdown, so it should be a high priority before staff return to work. They have been advised to contact plumbers and heating engineers to carry out risk assessments and take precautionary action.
As a minimum requirement to reduce the risk of legionnaires disease, the system should be fully flushed out from all outlets, especially showers. However, looking at system design and the eliminating “dead legs” where the bacteria is likely to form is the most effective way of lessening the possibility of infection.
Consider the use of hygienic re-circulated system elbows, fittings that combat both the build-up and growth of legionella bacteria in cold water systems as well as minimising dead legs in hot water systems by allowing the hot water to pass through the fitting. These can be easily found on our online product catalogue as well as page 12 of our price guide. The most simple rule in legionella prevention is to keep hot water hot and cold water cold, most effectively achieved through the use of pre-insulated MLC pipe working with a secondary recirculation system.
To summarise, Legionella disease is at higher risk of spreading due to the increased likelihood that Legionella bacteria has multiplied in untouched water systems during lockdown. It has therefore been advised that commercial property owners, landlords and employers contact plumbers and heating engineers to carry out risk assessments before their staff return to work and take precautionary action.
If you do need any additional advice or support regarding reducing the risk of a Legionella Disease outbreak, then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our team. You can contact Multipipe on 01245 227 630 or send us an email to info@multipipe.co.uk.
Please find below up to date information regarding Multipipe’s service during the COVID-19 outbreak.
If your merchant branch is unavailable, plumbing supplies are still available from Multipipe
If you are still working and in need of supplies, but your merchant is closed, you can contact Multipipe directly to keep continuity of supply moving in the interim until your merchant is available to operate.
Our warehouse remains open and fully stocked. See below for how to order and inquire for quotes.
We are still operating our supply order and quote services
Working from the office and remotely, our team are still on hand to help you through this difficult time.
To email sales and orders click here: sales@multipipe.co.uk
For our full quotation service email: quotes@multipipe.co.uk
or call 01245 227 630
While every effort is taken to ensure the information in this post is accurate, with the rapid developments caused by this outbreak this information is subject to change. We encourage our customers to contact us directly for the most up to date information available.
Stay safe and take care of each other!
What Impact Will Brexit Have on the Plumbing and Heating Industry?
What Impact Will Brexit Have on the Plumbing and Heating Industry?
What Impact Will Brexit Have on the Plumbing and Heating Industry?
Now that Boris Johnson has been announced as the next Prime Minister, the focus is firmly on Brexit and the impact that it will have for UK businesses. With the huge cloud of uncertainty about the knock-on effects of a no-deal Brexit, many business owners are quite justifiably concerned about whether their livelihood is at risk. Installers, plumbers and heating businesses are all showing signs that they are worried about what Brexit means to them, so we have had an in-depth look at the potential impact for our industry to provide you with some information that could help you prepare for any changes:
Price of equipment/components
Like other industries, there are concerns around how prices of equipment and raw materials that are sourced from outside the UK will be affected. UK trade deals will no longer be regulated by EU guidelines which could lead to increased costs of imported materials.
Many manufacturers of heating and plumbing products are outside of the UK, meaning that the industry could be facing uncertain times as plumbing businesses deal with the prospect of higher-priced materials. Everyday plumbing products such as pumps, pipes, fittings, valves and radiators could all be impacted, although at this stage it is not known whether prices will fluctuate, or by how much.
Health and Safety Regulations
Many that voted for Brexit did so as an opportunity to “lift the red tape” and regain control over some of the complicated regulations and legislation that affects businesses. Health and Safety regulations have been heavily speculated about in relation to Brexit, with debates over whether it would be a good idea to have greater control over policies that affect business operations.
In reality, it’s unlikely that there will be any changes in Health and Safety regulations, except for small changes to remove reference to the EU. With the UK having established a reputation as being a world-leader in standards of Health & Safety, it’s unlikely we’d be looking to change these standards and risk negative impacts on trade and investment.
Overseas Recruitment
Unlikely to affect smaller businesses, many larger plumbing and heating companies have historically recruited skilled plumbing and heating engineers from Eastern Europe. With potentially more restrictions on the free movement of workers from Europe, this could give more opportunities for British tradesmen.
As a result, the decrease in the number of skilled plumbing and heating installers will see an increase in demand and could increase salaries dramatically. For all sizes of businesses, the Apprenticeship Levy is likely to play a key role in helping businesses take on trainees and get workers with the necessary skill levels.
However, the knock-on effect of this is the affordability of projects. At a time where the UK desperately needs to expand its housing, schools and ageing infrastructure, an increase to the cost of both materials and labour could affect the nation’s ability to carry out these important works. An increased price point for these facilities could potentially affect all of our lives.
Summary
The true impact of Brexit on UK businesses is still uncertain and whilst we can speculate as to what may happen until the next stage is completed we won’t have any more information to build an idea of what post-Brexit looks like for plumbing and heating businesses.
However, by being aware of these potential imported material cost fluctuations and the impact of restrictions on overseas recruitment, you can at least start reviewing and planning for how your business could be impacted.
Barn Converted To Events Venue Using Multipipe UnderFloor Heating
Barn Converted To Events Venue Using Multipipe UnderFloor Heating
Barn Converted To Events Venue Using Multipipe UnderFloor Heating
Tuffon Hall, an award-winning vineyard based in Essex, has converted one of its existing barns to be used as an events venue.
Seeking an environmentally friendly option to provide heating for the space, Multipipe manifolds and pipe was the obvious solution for installers Heat Different to connect a ground source heat pump to an underfloor heating installation.
The finished system was completed with polished concrete flow screed to create an energy-efficient system that will heat this venue for many years to come!
Products provided:
2,400M MLC Pipe with clip system to floor insulation
Multipipe Supplies Underfloor Heating Solutions for Stunning Warwickshire Housing Project
Multipipe Supplies Underfloor Heating Solutions for Stunning Warwickshire Housing Project
Sustainable Underfloor Heating in an Environmentally Friendly Development
A stunning development of three environmentally friendly luxury homes, appointed with the highest quality of fittings throughout, designed to match the requirements of modern-day living with air source heat pump, a whole house heat recovery system and underfloor heating with separate zones on all floors.
Multipipe supplied all 3 floors of Underfloor Heating to each property, a total square meterage of 414.8m².
The 3 properties, each with accommodation arranged over three floors, incorporated air source heat pumps, whole-house ventilation systems, photovoltaic panels fitted to the roofs and underfloor heating throughout, making the properties much cheaper to run – warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Check out the images below.
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The benefits of Multipipe MLCP you NEED to know as an installer
The benefits of Multipipe MLCP you NEED to know as an installer
Multipipe Multilayer Composite Pipe (MLCP) – there’s no better product on the market.
If you’re an installer looking to save time, whilst still delivering high-quality, secure plumbing solutions then read on.
What is Multipipe MLCP?
It’s the future of the plumbing industry.
Manufactured with 5-layer modern PERT, PEX and aluminium, Multipipe Multilayer Composite Pipe is the high-quality and secure solution installers are turning to as an alternative to copper and push-fit piping. Complete with our highly technical support team, there is nothing better on the market than Multipipe’s offering.
How can Multipipe’s MLCP benefit me as an installer?
We’re always happy to help – from project solution advice to quick fix ideas and inspiration.
Full technical support
Our internal technical team can provide any expert or support you need to get the most out of your Multipipe products.
Stock options and availability
A friendly sales team with the pipes and fittings to suit every project and budget
Large levels of stock held with rapid nationwide delivery options.
It won’t leak
Sealed from inside the pipe, it’s more resistant than push-fit piping in transport and stays securely sealed when installed.
Easily bend the pipe by hand to navigate obstacles without extra joints and clipping points. It’s completely form stable with no snapback.
There’s no hot works required
Simple yet incredibly secure 4-step installation process
Cleaner installations that save on paperwork, time and money
It’s cleaner
The high-grade materials and manufacturing process prevents the formation of deposits and corrosion
WRAS approved and ideal for drinking water transportation
Our MLCP is popular for health industry applications like hospitals
It performs just like metal piping
Low heat expansion and fittings to suit any project need.
A lighter, easier to transport alternative to heavy copper alternatives.
With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why more plumbers are choosing Multipipe MLCP for their piping solutions.
Are you ready to transform the way that you work too? View the product page here Contact Us here
Alternatively, call our team to discuss your requirements in greater detail and find out if our MLCP will work for you – 01245 227 630.
If you have been using copper pipes for years without any issues, then it can seem unnecessary to find out about other piping solutions. However, when there are clear benefits that you could be missing out on, it is definitely worth spending just a few minutes reading about how Multipipe’s Multilayer Composite Pipe (MLCP) compares to copper and how it could directly help you with your projects.
There is no better MLCP on the market than Multipipe’s. It doesn’t leak, doesn’t break and comes with industry-leading warranties and technical support. More and more plumbers and installers are switching from copper over to our MLCP – could you be benefitting too?
Benefits include:
Fast and easy installation
Reduction in project costs
Similar performance to copper pipes
100% Recyclable with little to no scrap value – no one will steal it!
Lighter than copper with no price fluctuations – price your jobs with confidence
Want to find out more? Let’s go into a bit more detail about these benefits:
Fewer connections required
bend MLCP by hand more easily than copper to navigate obstacles
Full socket indication hole to ensure secure jointing
Reshape after bending if adjustments are needed
No need for hot works
No soldering required
Quicker, cleaner and safer installations
WRAS approved, ideal for sanitary and drinking water solutions
More hygienic/lime-scale resistant
No corrosion or deposit build-up
Capped when manufactured to arrive 100% clean
Cleaner and safer projects Because MLCP is capped when manufactured, they arrive 100% clean and unlike copper, it is resistant to lime-scale. So, your end-user will be much happier with the improved levels of hygiene.
Multipipe also offers a range of adaptor fittings that enable you to connect to existing copper piping, to suit any kind of project. Our MLCP is perfect for both commercial and domestic plumbing, as well as traditional and manifold plumbing.
To see the full range of sizes, insulation options and fittings,
We wanted to take the hassle out of getting all the parts that go into an underfloor heating installation. Our Zonepack pulls together all the products you need to get the job done with a brilliantly priced offer.
There is a tonne of advantages to investing in a Zonepack that you need to know about.
Quality of Contents
Multipipe’s products are renowned for their quality, providing secure installations that last. In addition, we use the best quality materials and manufacturing techniques to give you confidence in your products for the long term.
Not only that, but you’ll also get comprehensive installation instructions and a dedicated Technical Support Helpline from our office-based expert support team. With a programmable 230V thermostat, you can get a Zonepack that covers all the bases you’ll ever need with a service that can’t be beaten.
Get what you need
Part of removing the hassle from UFH installs is ensuring you’ve got enough piping to do the job. Sounds simple, but it’s not always something that suppliers will consider – they don’t mind you running back and forth if you need more.
That’s not the case with our Zonepacks, though. With these two packs, just order the pack you need for the size of the room, and you’re all set.
Installation Instructions
Get total control and confidence for your installation. With every one of our UFH Zonepacks, we include comprehensive installation instructions, which have a list of detailed technical information to ensure that you can complete your project as efficiently and effectively as possible – resulting in a satisfied customer every time!
Technical Support Helpline
When you invest in our Zonepacks, you get a technical support helpline available for you, assisting you with any aspect of the installation you need.
Have a query about one of the products in the pack? Get the level of customer service you deserve. Our in-house support team are available for you to call when you need general advice, as well as contactable on the website or via email. Shop Now
When it comes to plumbing solutions, there are many options available on the market. Two popular choices are press-fit and push-fit piping. In our blog, learn how MLCP press-fit compares to plastic push-fit plumbing.
What is MLCP?
Multilayer Composite Pipes (MLCP) is a type of piping that is made up of multiple layers of different materials. The inner layer is typically made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), which is a flexible and durable material. The outer layer is made of aluminum, which provides strength and stability to the pipe. The layers are bonded together using a special adhesive, creating a strong and reliable pipe.
Over the last few years, we’ve helped numerous installers to move to MLCP, resulting in faster, cleaner, more secure, and more profitable installations. Find out more about Multipipe’s MLCP here.
What is Push-Fit Piping?
Push-fit piping, also known as push-to-connect or push-fit fittings, is a type of piping that uses a push-fit connection system. This means that the pipes are connected by simply pushing them together, without the need for any tools or adhesives. Push-fit piping is typically made of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).
Paul Redington, a Regional Major Loss Manager at Zurich has said: “Plastic pipework is here to stay but Zurich and our forensic experts Hawkins are seeing an increasing number of escape of water losses involving its use. We are concerned that plastic push-fit systems for example require less skill and training to install, and if not fitted-properly can leak, causing significant loss and disruption.”
Now that we’ve covered the basics of MLCP and push-fit piping, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of various factors.
Here’s how MLCP press-fit compares to plastic push-fit plumbing:
Secondary Circulation Systems
Any pipe manufacturer under BS7291 that covers all plastic push-fit ranges is not suitable for a secondary recirculation system and, if fitted, can cause leaks, and at worse can lead to full bore detachments causing serious leaks and damage. The pipe manufacturers for these pipes will not cover your system if it is used on this type of water.
However, because of how our pipework is made, MLCP can be used with recirculation systems as Multipipe MLCP is made to a different standard than plastic pipe. Find out more about secondary recirculation systems here.
Installation
Plastic push-fit, as you will know, is very widely available. The ease of application is often seen as an advantage; no specialist tooling other than a cheap pipe cutter is needed to make a joint. However, we see this as deskilling of the plumbing industry and potentially harmful, as this can lead to issues in water hygiene like Legionnaires’ disease.
MLC helps by ensuring specialist tooling is required, and Multipipe would only sell our products to the plumbing and heating trade, trying where we can to regulate this unregulated industry. This is why we can offer a 25-year insurance back warranty with our products.
Full Bore Detachment
Because plastic push-fit relies on fitment on the outside using a grab ring that “bites into the pipe”, if anything happens to the outer layer, the fitting can slip and has been known to lead to a full detachment of the fitting. This can lead to over 10 litres per minute of water entering the property, which very quickly can lead to irreversible damage.
Multipipe’s press-fit system has been manufactured to the highest quality with multiple safety points, including leak path before the press, and inspection windows. This ensures when pressed, you will have decades of leak-free issues.
More Secure Fittings
Compared to traditional push-fit piping, MLCP secure fittings can’t be knocked or blown off. This extra security not only benefits your customer, who will get to enjoy their new plumbing with greater assurance about its quality and longevity, but can also benefit you as the installer. You will spend less time having to explain why fittings and joints have come loose and repairing these joints, meaning your workmanship won’t be questioned by customers and your brand will be seen as a more professional and quality driven.
Durability
Once bent, MLCP completely keeps its shape, lessening the need for fastening points in comparison to push-fit piping. Again, this leads to a reduction in installation time. But what you are really saving is money. With less need for fastening points, you won’t have to buy as many fittings to complete the installation, increasing the efficiency of both yours, and your client’s budget.
Low Heat Expansion
Some push-fit systems expand 8 times more than MLC at normal system temperatures, meaning the pipework can move after installation causing noise and stress on the fitting.
Thanks to the specialist technology used to create the temperature resistant PE-RT, MLCP has a low heat expansion, performing comparatively to that of metal piping with the advantages of versatile plastic pipe. The low heat expansion makes MLCP incredibly durable – so much so that we give it a 25-year guarantee, with 50 years upon application.
Sealed For Hygiene
Most push-fit systems seal with an O-ring on the outside of the pipe, which under normal site conditions can get damaged or dirty.
Multipipe’s MLCP is sealed from inside the pipe, making it far more resistant to damage and reducing the potential for leaks in the system. WRAS approved, MLCP is ideal for transporting drinking water hygienically, making it a popular choice for health industry applications such as hospitals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while traditional products are good enough for the job, you want to stand out amongst your competition. Using the best, most innovative products will ensure that you are able to complete jobs quickly and efficiently.
At Multipipe, we care passionately about raising UK plumbers’ operational standards and our societies’ perception of the trade. That’s why we supply quality products like MLCP.
To find out more about MLCP, click HERE. If you’re interested in purchasing MLCP or training on our systems, email our sales team on sales@multipipe.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01245 227630.
