RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) issues have been the height of news recently. RAAC was used in the construction of some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. Recently, more than 140 schools containing this cheap concrete that can collapse without warning were told to close. Universities, theatres, and other government and privately owned buildings are affected too. Unfortunately, this means that other areas of the buildings will be affected, like plumbing and heating. These buildings with RAAC issues are over 30 years old and the heating solutions used then were efficient, but outdated compared to today’s advancements. Today we can make them more energy efficient, and offer alternative solutions like cooling and underfloor heating. This could lower running costs for schools and other buildings in the future. Multipipe offers top-quality heating and plumbing solutions, backed by high-grade materials, innovative research, and a patented production process. This ensures project safety […]

Changes to Building Regs Part L, F & O In December 2021, the UK Government announced the first major changes to the Building Regulations in nearly a decade by releasing the latest approved documents affecting parts L, F & O. The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is due to be implemented in 2025. The new building regulations form part of the Government policy to achieve the FHS. The FHS dictates that new homes need to produce at least a 75% reduction of CO2 emissions. Therefore, the recently released Part L version aims for an average decrease of 27% to 30% in CO2 emissions. The decrease provides a springboard to the upcoming requirements of the Future Homes Standard. As a result, all new heating systems will have to be designed with a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower from June this year. The regulations provide flexibility on meeting the targets, and […]

Are Heat Pumps the Future? The latest government announcement offers homeowners an incentive of up to £5,000 to fit a renewable source heat pump instead of a gas boiler in a bid to help the UK meet its net carbon goals.   For the end-user, this may seem an excellent benefit when it comes to finally changing their boiler because according to the energy-saving trust, it costs an average of £2,300 to replace a boiler, and a heat pump can be between £6,000-£8,000, of course, this depends on system size and complexity. So, having £5,000 knocked off the bill will be very tempting to the end-user.     However, the issue is not as simple as it may first seem. We’ve listed some potential challenges below, with assumed costs so you can see where the pitfalls may lie.    The age of properties What seems to be missing with this grant is the […]

What is VDI2035, and why do I need it? VDI2035 is a set of water quality guidelines for heating water developed in 2009 by the Association of German Engineers. The equivalent in the UK would be BS7593; however, the construction industry widely accepts that the VDI2035 is based on stronger scientific evidence and is much more in-depth. Compared to the VDI2035, the UK’s equivalent set of regulations for heating water is quite brief and vague. Many engineers argue this leads to an inability to interpret or follow proper health and safety guidelines. In addition, professionals recognise the VDI2035 as a set of corrosion preventative measures within water-heating systems. In contrast, the methods commonly employed in the UK are typically a reaction to existing corrosion. Traditional UK methods use potentially harmful and unnecessary chemical inhibitors. What doesVDI2035 include? There are three important parts to the VDI2035, outlined below: Part 1: Scale […]

10 free ways plumbing installers can promote their business in 2021 Whether you are an experienced plumbing installer, just setting up your plumbing installation business or considering changing careers, finding effective and affordable ways to market your business can feel a daunting task. But customer awareness is vital for any plumbing company, and while paid advertising and leaflets can undoubtedly attract new business, there are plenty of other more innovative options available. Not only do these other options work, but they are also free.   There are many ways you can get your brand name out to potential customers, from social media campaigns to including your brand and logo on uniforms and company vehicles. Here are 10 examples of how plumbing installers can promote their business in 2021. 1. Create strong branding and logo Before any advertising or promotion campaign can begin, you need to have a brand to promote. […]