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Book your Underfloor Heating Course with Multipipe

Get ready to take your business to the next level with the Multipipe Training Academy Underfloor Heating Course. Join us in person on selected dates! Did you know that the UK’s plumbing and heating industry is largely unregulated? Which means anyone can call themselves a plumber – regardless of qualifications, knowledge and competence. Here at Multipipe, we try to educate and share our knowledge to help raise the standards of the industry and encourage professional plumbers to consider the quality of the products they are using and how they are installing them. Check out our Knowledge Base here! Join Multipipe for a comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a proficient underfloor heating installer. Our in-person courses will be held at Multipipe HQ on multiple dates throughout 2024, for just £135 per person +VAT. Throughout the course, you will learn about the […]

Multipipe Christmas Game – Terms & Conditions

Multipipe Christmas Game – Terms & Conditions By entering into this free prize draw competition, all participants will be deemed to have accepted and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. All entry instructions form part of these Terms and Conditions.   This competition is open to all UK residents, except for employees of Multipipe Ltd, their families, agencies or any other company directly connected with the administration of this promotion.   The competition starts at 07:00 (GMT) on 01/12/2023 and will run until 23:59 (GMT) on 31/12/2023.   All entries must be received by 23:59 (GMT) on 31/12/2023 to be eligible for the free prize draw.   Any entries that are incomplete, illegible or do not arrive within the specified time frame will not be accepted and the decision of Multipipe Ltd will be final.   The decision of Multipipe Ltd is final and no correspondence will be entered […]

Multipipe Christmas Game & 12 Days of Multipipe Competition 2023

Multipipe Christmas Game & 12 Days of Multipipe Competition 2023 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Multipipe Christmas Game – Match-3 is live to play from Friday 1st December to Sunday 31st December 2023. This year, we’ve also got a Digital Advent Calendar – 12 Days of Multipipe. Your chance to win some prizes in the lead up to Christmas on selected dates in December. PLAY THE MULTIPIPE CHRISTMAS GAME NOW OPEN THE 12 DAYS OF MULTIPIPE DIGITAL ADVENT CALENDAR TO WIN DAILY PRIZES Here’s a list of prizes you could win! Multipipe Christmas Game Prize: Multipipe Surprise Bundle – worth over £250! 12 Days of Multipipe – Digital Advent Calendar Prizes: Monday 4th December – Multipipe Underfloor Heating X-Power 40mm Pipe Staples – qty 300 Tuesday 5th December – Multipipe T-Shirt Wednesday 6th December – Board game Thursday 7th December – Multipipe Guillotine Pipe Cutter […]

Case Study: Underfloor Heating and Ceiling Cooling

Installing domestic hot and cold services with Underfloor Heating and Ceiling Cooling Already working with Multipipe for the underfloor heating system and domestic hot and cold services for the build, Excelsior Heating Services asked if we could also help with the cooling system, as they had no previous experience in it. Because it is well insulated and has a lot of glass, one of the challenges was the heating in the building. The client’s consultant wanted to use cooling via the heat pump system, and the original design for the cooling involved using ceiling panels and wall panels. We suggested it would be better to install the system directly into the fabric of the building and plaster it in to give it a true thermal mass. Project at a glance: Executive home Ground and second floor Combined area 823sqm Domestic hot and cold services UFH heating system throughout Cooling system […]

Multipipe Unveils UK Manifold First

Uniquely designed Maxima product supports vastly increased volumetric flow Leading supplier of piping systems and solutions on a mission to reduce industry costs by creating time and space savings for installers Multipipe, a leading supplier of piping systems and solutions, is proud to launch a UK first with its oversized Maxima manifold.  The new Maxima LS for radiators and Maxima FM for underfloor heating are more flexible and require less space, labour time and materials, resulting in cost savings of more than 40 percent*. Multipipe’s exclusively designed Maxima manifolds boast a 43% bigger bore, which enables a higher volumetric flow rate for greater efficiency. The range is available with up to 16 ports, and includes an automatic air vent and pressure gauge, which makes the manifolds more installer friendly. The products can also be positioned as left or right-handed, giving greater flexibility during installation. On larger projects where previously multiple […]

Underfloor Heating or Radiators – Which is Better?

When it comes to heating our homes, there are several options to choose from. Two popular choices are underfloor heating and radiators. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision between the two can be a difficult one. In this blog post, we will compare underfloor heating and radiators, exploring the pros and cons of each option. By the end, you will have a better understanding of which heating system is better suited for your home. Underfloor Heating Cost and Installation On average, a properly installed underfloor heating system reportedly costs around 25% less to run than radiators, if run correctly. It requires professional installation and may involve lifting and replacing the existing flooring. Heat Distribution Underfloor heating systems are known to distribute their heat much more efficiently by having a much larger surface area. They distribute heat evenly across the entire floor, resulting in a more comfortable and […]

RAAC issues impact beyond building structure

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 […]

Hot water recirculation system efficiency.

With more homes looking to save energy, many are moving to heat pumps which could see a massive reduction in instantaneous hot water systems (combi boilers)—bringing back the cylinder to your client’s homes. But looking further into a cylinder-based hot water system might have some hidden benefits that your clients might not have considered. “heating” hot water: Did you know every time a gas combination boiler has to heat water, the efficiency of the boiler drastically drops whilst generating hot water. This is because you have to push your flame rate in the boiler up, causing it to fall out of the condensing mode. You are dropping the efficiency to as low as 70-80%. A system-style hot water system relies on storing water, removing these peak demands. Match this then to a heat pump, and you can operate four or even five times the input energy. Reducing water use: This […]

EVOLUTION OF PUMPSTATIONS

As heating systems become more energy efficient, they also increase in complexity. Traditionally, a system would require high-temperature water, which can cause wasteful overheating and high energy use. As heating engineers, we now need to think about energy usage on behalf of our clients, not only for the benefit of the environmental impact of carbon emissions but also for our customer’s pockets. With this, you, as the expert, have to take on even more responsibility to engineer the system’s heat source and emitters. This is where Multipipe’s Pumpstations can help you enormously in the design of your next project. Increasing the efficiency and comfort for your customer, especially in older renovation work, it can mean different running temperatures are required in a single-temperature system.   It is common to use different heat emitters for different floors or rooms. Usually, you have just two choices: Remove the existing heat emitters, resize the […]

Energy Efficient UFH Solution. Case Study

Energy Efficient UFH Solution – Case Study. Thanks to Takumi Plumbing & Heating for sharing this recent project with us. This case study shows how we can help overcome insulation issues in renovation projects to provide outstanding UFH with perfect temperature control.  

Adapting to Part L regulation changes

How Multipipe are adapting to Part L regulation changes 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. This link takes you to the Government document on Part L The FHS dictates that new homes must produce at least a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions. Therefore, in relation to the 2013 version of the document, the recently released Part L version aims for an average decrease of 27% to 30% in CO2 emissions, providing 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 […]

Multipipe provides wedding venue with UFH & MLCP. Case Study

Multipipe UFH & MCLP installed in a prestige wedding venue – Case Study. Thanks to Interzone HeatingSolutions for sharing this recent project with us. This case study shows how our UFH systems, MLCP and below-ground pipework work harmoniously to create a safe, robust heating system for a prestigious wedding venue.

Multipipe provides modern apartments with UFH solution. Case Study

Multipipe UFH installed in a modern apartment building – Case Study. This case study shows how our adaptable UFH systems can be configured to provide a modern apartment building with controllable heating for every resident. Our different pipe options offer commercial contracts a quality product at a price that retains profitability for them.

Multipipe supplies prestige car café with UFH solution. Case Study

Multipipe UFH Case Study installed in a prestige car cafe. This case study shows how the right combination of UFH system and screed combine to create a perfect platform on which the owner can showcase a range of classic cars to their cafe customers in perfect comfort.

Multipipe Provides Secure Piping for Listed Home – Case Study

Multipipe Provides Secure Piping for Listed Home – Case Study Multipipe MLCP, pre-insulated MLCP and Pre-Insulated underground pipe Case Study with C.R.H. Plumbing & Heating Ltd. This case study demonstrates the importance of quality products when working with historic homes.

7 Classic UFH installation errors. And how to avoid them

7 Classic UFH installation errors. And how to avoid them As the UK moves towards its net carbon zero goals, the installation of underfloor heating systems is growing in popularity. However, it’s not without its pitfalls. This article looks at seven of the most common mistakes made during UFH installations and why it’s best to avoid them. Failing to prepare the floor The base floor must be properly prepared ahead of installing the UFH system. The screed, thermal insulation and UFH pipes cannot be put down on uneven surfaces. Careless preparation of the base skipping the levelling and cleaning stage means it will not provide stable support for the screed, leading to cracking. If the screed cracks, there is a risk that the UFH pipes will be damaged and may leak. If the base floor is not completely dry before laying the finished floor, there is the possibility of unpleasant […]

Changes to Building Regs Part L, F & O

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 […]

What is an Underfloor Heating Manifold?

Underfloor Heating Manifolds – Explained As underfloor heating installation grows increasingly popular, it’s important to understand the critical parts of a UFH system and how they operate. This blog will explain what an underfloor heating manifold is and how it works. Manifolds are the central control hubs of water in underfloor heating systems. They manage water flow rates and any room zoning you have. In addition, manifolds work to circulate heated water through the UFH pipes to provide each system zone with comfortable, energy-efficient heating. What is an Underfloor Heating Manifold? Manifolds are crucial parts of a water-based underfloor heating system. They connect the heat source to the underfloor heating pipework and act as the termination point for the floor circuits (pipework). Manifolds circulate heated water from the heat source (e.g. boiler) through the underfloor pipework whilst controlling the flow rates. If a mixing unit is used, they also control […]

Multipipe Provides Speedy UFH Solution – Case Study

Multipipe UFH Case Study with Storer Plumbing & Heating. This case study shows how quickly installers can achieve a top-quality, professional installation in minimal time.

Multipipe solves home heating dilemma – case study

Multipipe Solves Home Heating Dilemma This case study showcases how Multipipe helped provide the best solution for a large ground floor extension to a family home.

Work Smarter, Not Harder with Multipipe in 2022

Work Smarter The new year is often when people start to make resolutions to help them shape their year and improve their lives and work. So why not get ahead of the curve and read our top 5 tips on how to work smarter with Multipipe in 2022. If these make it on to your new year resolutions, you’ll find they are easier to stick to than the new diet!  Tip One: Don’t throw away your offcuts We’ve said it before, but it’s one of our favourite ways to work smart. So instead of throwing your 16mm MLCP offcuts from your underfloor heating projects, why not use them for your plumbing projects instead. Good for your budget and better for the environment. A win-win!  Visit https://www.multipipe.co.uk/product-category/mlcp-plumbing/coils-12-32mm/ to see our range of MLCP coils  Further reading:  Ten reasons to swap to MLCP  https://www.multipipe.co.uk/ten-reasons-to-swap-from-copper-or-push-fit-to-mlcp/  Want to know when to use coils vs straight lengths?  https://www.multipipe.co.uk/mlcp-coils-vs-straight-lengths/     Tip Two: Send us your […]

Heat Pumps – Is the government focusing on the right issue?

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 […]

Upgrade Your Knowledge On Thermostat Technology

When selecting a client’s thermostat, do you base it on the ease of use, aesthetics, price or maybe all three? There is a fourth point with UFH systems that is often overlooked and yet is the most important of all. Read on to find out why you need the right thermostat for your UFH system. Older Controls Tech and UFH As explained in a previous article, UFH does have a slower reaction time when compared with other heating types. Due to these slower reaction times, it is better to maintain a constant temperature and only make small adjustments.   Luckily room control technology has come a long way since the simple dial thermostat. Even though these are very easy for clients to use and extremely cheap, they are terrible for UFH as they suffer from over and undershoot of a minimum of 1 degree because of the way the thermostat […]

11 tips for new UFH installers

11 Tips for new UFH installers Starting on any new venture can be daunting, and these days there is so much information around that it can become overwhelming. So to keep things simple when it comes to starting out with underfloor heating installations here’s our top 11 tips! You’re not on your own. Multipipe’s friendly team are always on hand with helpful advice. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the best system for your project. Get in touch on 01245 227 630. Consider heat output. It’s vital to consider the fabric of the building as this will affect the heat output required by your UFH system. The needs for a well-insulated new extension are very different to those of a room with several windows and high ceilings. Renovating? Select a low profile system. Traditionally installing underfloor heating in a renovation project has meant high levels […]

Controlling the Feeds in an UFH System

Controlling the Feeds in an UFH System UFH systems tend to rely on central manifold locations to distribute each loop through the floor. When you have a larger dwelling with more than five loops, you will find that near the manifold and even through hallways and rooms, you end up with lots of pipes at closer centres. These tend to overheat the room with uncontrolled heat. Inappropriately controlled heat can be a source of customer dissatisfaction and a perceived downside to UFH.   As part of your UFH package, you should receive a secondary conduit coil when you have five loops or more (providing the system is suitable for conduit). This secondary sleeve is used to partly insulated the flow pipes to help reduce uncontrolled heat under your floor. We only protect the flow because although we want to reduce the heat in a space, we do not want to eliminate […]

Eight MLCP Pipe Myths Busted

Eight MLCP Pipe Myths Busted If you’re using copper or pushfit plumbing pipe, there can be doubts which stop you from making the change to Multipipe MLCP. We’re here to help bust some popular myths and maybe give you a reason to make the change to a modern piping solution.  Myth One – MLCP is expensive  MLCP pipe is actually cheaper than copper; however, you may find the fittings more expensive than copper, but you’ll use far fewer of them and be able to complete your install much faster couple this is a much faster installation time you can get onto the next job quicker. Therefore, you’ll save money on the job overall. Don’t forget that MLCP isn’t susceptible to theft like copper is as there is no re-sale value in it!    Myth Two – Plastic is bad for the environment  Undoubtedly, we’re all aware of the damage single-use plastics can do to the environment, but Multipipe MLCP is designed with […]

Installation of UFH into the concrete sub-floor

Installing UFH in concrete sub floors Since UFH came to the UK over 30 years ago, it has grown in popularity as a great way to heat both domestic and commercial buildings. When it boils down to it, not a lot has changed, and now many companies are offering a UFH design and supply solution. But did you know that with some clever planning during a build stage, you can unlock significant potential in the build that is often overlooked?   As you may know, UK houses tend to be a solid floor on the ground, often installed on a secondary “screed” surface. But what this means is a lot of planning with the builder to change his standard construction. So first, we move the subfloor to the first layer and move the insulation above, and then we normally provide a 4:1 sand/cement mix.     But did you know there is no […]

The Importance of Commissioning Your Underfloor Heating System

The Importance of Commissioning Your Underfloor Heating System This #TechTuesday article will explain why it’s vital to commission, or ‘balance’ as it’s also known, your underfloor heating system.   Underfloor Heating Flowmeters  When a traditional radiator system runs (without balancing), you will find that some radiators are warmer than others. This is because water takes the path of least resistance and flows (typically) around the radiator closest to the boiler. We fit lockshield valves to increase the resistance to the closest radiators, ensuring the water is pushed around the entire system. The same applies to your underfloor heating system.    Unlike a radiator system, you do not have lockshields with underfloor heating. Instead, you have located on your manifold a flowmeter. These serve two purposes; they should flow through the loop but also help adjust the balance. Adjusting the flowmeters depending on the size of the loop in the floor will help ensure optimum efficiency and […]

Underfloor Heating Thermostat Positions

Underfloor Heating Thermostat Positions Do you know the perfect underfloor heating thermostat positions? If you know Multipipe, you know we  believe in the importance of good underfloor heating system design. Great design ensures you get the most from your UFH system by planning, designing, and carefully picking the right products. However, after all that, you can still let your system down by making a very simple mistake in the placement of your room thermostat. In this article, we look at the perfect placement of the thermostat, and I’ve included a simple list of rules to follow to help.  Why is the correct placement of the thermostat essential?  The thermostat is your system’s way of reacting to the room’s temperature. Incorrect placement means the thermostat will respond poorly to drafts and solar gains, especially with modern ITLC stats (Internal Temperature Load Compensation). In this instance, the thermostat can over and under […]

Can Underfloor Heating Save On Your Energy Bills?

Can Underfloor Heating Save On Your Energy Bills? One consequence of the coronavirus pandemic is that an increased number of people have been working from home. Working from home has proved a popular lifestyle choice and therefore the trend is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.  The number of people working from home expected to be higher than pre-pandemic levels even after the threat of the disease has abated. Working from home inevitably uses more energy, particularly in colder weather when the house will require heating for most of the day.   Across the duration of the pandemic, there has been a 14% increase in daytime heating, and this is where underfloor heating can help reduce your energy bills. Underfloor heating works by distributing hot water via a network of pipes or by using electrical elements, which gently warm the floor from below. The heat is monitored and controlled by thermostats […]

What is VDI2035, and why do I need it?

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 […]

Why is the manifold location is important to the system?

Manifold Locations When planning your underfloor heating (UFH) systems, it is often easier to locate your manifold in a place where it has a short run from the boiler to the manifold. However, because boilers are typically found near external walls, this can mean larger amounts of “feed pipes” go under the floor. In this article, we look at why moving the manifold to a central location is best for the system.    Save costs by minimising the number of feeds.    By using some simple sums, we can show the advantage of moving manifolds.    Let’s assume that an 18m² room (max 100m coil@200 centres) uses 90m of pipe. If we have a long 15m run to the manifold, this adds an extra 30m of pipe! (Remember we must account for flow and return). Due to the length of the run, we have exceeded our recommended max loop length of 100m, […]

How MLCP helps homes with hard water

How MLCP helps homes with hard water Whether you are a professional fitter or just starting out, it is important you understand the long-term damage that hard water can cause to your pipes and how you can prevent the build-up of limescale. Hard water is quite common in urban regions of the UK, particularly in the south and east of the country. If you are concerned about the quality of water in your area and its impact on the health and efficiency of your clients’ pipes, it is important that you find if hard water is common where you live by talking to your local water supplier. If you live in a place which is prone to high levels of limescale, such as London, it might be worth investing in MLCP. The smooth inside of the MLCP is a great tool to prevent the build-up of limescale and calcification within […]

Ten reasons to swap from copper or push-fit to MLCP

Ten reasons to swap from copper or push-fit to MLCP A multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP) comprises a central aluminium layer and an inner and outer layer of a polyethene raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic coating. MLCP piping is increasingly popular and, because of its many advantages, it now outsells copper and push-fit piping across Europe. Here are ten reasons to swap from copper or push-fit to MLCP. Fewer connections As MLCP pipes can be manufactured in longer lengths than traditional copper piping, they require far fewer connections. The reduction in fittings saves time during installation compared with copper, where new connections are needed for each bend and obstacle. Fewer fittings also save money and lower the chance of leaks occurring. Check out our MLCP coils here Better hygiene MLCP offers a reduction in biofilm buildup compared with copper. While copper is antibacterial, MLCP piping is protected during transport and storage, reducing […]

Seven reasons why smart heating is the best option for your building

Smart heating puts you in control of the temperature in different rooms in your home, at different times, without needing to switch the boiler on or off manually. You can even control and personalise your heating remotely from your smartphone or computer, so you don’t even need to be in the house to adjust your settings. Smart heating is easy to use, convenient and you can personalise it to your specific needs for your home or office.   How does smart heating work? Smart heating systems use smart thermostats that connect your heating system to the internet. This enables you to make changes to your heating wherever you are with just a few taps on your smartphone, tablet or computer. While some features can vary from system to system, most include hot water control, multi-room control and even geofencing, which tracks when you leave and re-enter the building. There are […]

Understanding the impact of pipe centres on UFH

Understanding the impact of pipe centres on UFH This week #TechTuesday is a bit of a heavy one this week, so if you’d like to go through any of the points in the post, call Dave on 01245 850799.   For far too long, I have come across jobs where, either under pressure from the heat pump manufacturer or the installer themselves, installers push for closer and closer centres. In this article, I want to explain the real difference moving pipe centres makes. And that there are far better ways of getting more heat out of your system.    I have been asked to install pipe at xxx centres by the heat pump provider. Why?   I get asked this question a lot, and I think there are a couple of reasons a heat pump manufacturer would want a very tight centre. One, because the property’s heat loss is high (which may then be valid), or two, the calculated […]

10 free ways plumbing installers can promote their business in 2021

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. […]

Renovation and decarbonisation: Do they work hand in hand?

Renovation and decarbonisation: Do they work hand in hand?   With the UK heating industry looking to meet a net-zero carbon goal by 2050 and move to renewable energy sources, the requirement for ultra-low temperature water emitters is becoming more and more needed.  This article looks at whether renovation and decarbonisation work hand in hand. One of the biggest challenges in meeting these goals is the UK housing stock. According to BRE, the UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe. With 38% of homes pre-dating 1946! Now, simply changing a boiler to a heat pump in homes such as these will never work, so what are the considerations?   Insulation  The first stop has to be insulation. Most homes built during and before the 1920s have no insulation. Most of an old house’s heat is lost through the roof (which is the easiest thing to insulate), but walls and windows are something […]

It’s a #TechTuesday rant!

Industry Standards This week #TechTuesday is more a rant (sorry!) than our usual helpful hints and tips. Once you’ve read the rant, it would be great to get feedback on whichever social channel you use or in the comments section on the blog post.     The UK Plumbing Industry  I’ve been wondering a lot lately about where we are with the UK plumbing industry. I have been in the industry since 2006 and feel I’ve been lucky, as I learnt on the job from some fantastic people in our industry whilst doing my apprenticeship for four years. I’m very proud of what I achieved whilst working four days a week and an 11 hour day at college. I have always loved buildings, particularly the services side, which I consider to be the lifeblood of any building. Without plumbing, electrics and HVAC, a house could not become a home.     Spaghetti […]

What would minimum qualification standards mean for the plumbing industry?

What would minimum qualification standards mean for the plumbing industry? Imagine the scene: you’ve got a plumbing emergency that you need to resolve quickly. You need to find the right plumber for the job; you search frantically online trying to find the best tradesman in your area. Case closed, right?  But what happens if the service you received doesn’t quite match the price you paid? Finding the right plumber to service your home can be tricky. After all, unless you have some handy connections, you’re most likely searching for a tradesman through word-of-mouth and the magic of the internet. Naturally, you’re going to want to find somebody with the right qualifications that you can trust to do the job. Unfortunately, formal training qualifications aren’t always the mark of a good plumber. That’s why at Multipipe, we’re passionate about enforcing minimum qualification standards. A national standard for plumbers The first question […]

Five Ways to Prevent Legionella in Pipework

Five Ways to Prevent Legionella in Pipework Legionella, bacteria that occur in natural water sources, is often overlooked and misunderstood. However, people are likely to have heard of, and better comprehend Legionnaires’ disease — the condition caused by the bacteria when inhaled. Legionella in pipework needs to be prevented as much as possible, and with our range of pipework, we can help do just that. But first, let’s delve into the details. What is Legionella? Legionella Pneumophila is a type of bacteria that’s fairly common in natural water services but usually at low concentrations. It can also be found in artificial water systems, including (but not limited to) cooling towers, heating and cooling water systems, evaporative condensers and spa pools. In the right conditions (usually where the water is kept at a temperature between 20⁰C and 45⁰C), Legionella can multiply, increasing its chances of infecting humans. This is why those […]

Lucy Enigbokan Joins The Multipipe Team

New Team Member Alert Lucy Enigbokan joins the Multipipe team as part of our Internal Sales team. Most recently Lucy has been working as a bathroom designer and has never lived in a house that didn’t require a full renovation, so she’s well versed in all sorts of projects! Lucy is now looking forward to using her knowledge to help Michelle and Jackie design our underfloor heating systems. Lucy has been enjoying working on some of our more quirky designs and loves the fact that Multipipe UFH systems can be installed anywhere – even in a treehouse! Welcome, Lucy! You can get in touch with Lucy right now by dropping her an email.

Change to Part L of the Building Regs and how this might affect the completion of a project.

Change to Part L of the Building Regs It is expected that changes to both Part L and F of the building regulations will be released in October 2021 and come into effect from April 2022. You may be aware of this, but what effects does this have on how you do a system this time around? The primary change is further requirements for better insulation to reduce heat losses in the building, which is to be expected. However, the most challenging difference is the requirement to design a system for a maximum water temperature of 50°C.    What is the difference between heat loss and output?   When you scope the size of most heat emitters, the size must be based on the difference between the mean water temperature (average of flow and return) and the ideal room temperature using guides from the emitter supplier. This sizing gives the “output” (in […]

The Green Homes Grant failed, but how could it have worked?

The Green Homes Grant failed, but how could it have worked? The thorough and proper insulation of homes used to be considered just an issue for the heating and cooling of a property. There has been a shift in focus toward its energy efficiency capabilities in recent years. As part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the £2 billion Green Home Grant in July 2020. The Green Home Grant aims to help homeowners and landlords fund the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes, covering 600,000 properties nationwide. Indeed, the Government has good motivation for encouraging British citizens to insulate their properties better. Statistics show that around 19 million homes nationwide need further insulation and/or energy efficiency measures installed in the next few years. The emissions from their gas boilers will block any chance of the UK meeting its climate […]

Are you using the best solution to fill and maintain your heating water?

Water Quality Control. Are you using the best solution to fill and maintain your heating water? After reading many social media posts and a great chat with David Whitfield of Elysator, I have learned a lot about VDI 2035 over the last few months. VDI 2035 is a standard used in Germany for water quality control. In future articles, we will look into more detail about this alternative method of water quality control to help you better your work. First, however, we’ll start with a quick summary of what it is all about and how Multipipe and Elysator can help you get the most from this standard.      What is VDI 2035?   In 2009, The Association of German Engineers (VDI) (much like the UK CIPHE) established guidelines for German plumbers to follow. The guidelines looked at heating system water quality and controlling it correctly to avoid corrosion in heating systems. […]

What are you doing now to prepare for the 2050 net-zero carbon target? 

What are you doing now to prepare for the 2050 net-zero carbon target?  Net Carbon Goals How can we prepare new installations for meeting the net-zero carbon targets set by the government? The first step will be moving towards the Part L requirement for 55°C water temperature for heating systems. Part L requirements mean we must consider how we size our emitters as many would not work on future renewables.      Systems need to change to match the heat loss.  One challenge our industry faces is education. People have designed systems one way for years, but now we must reduce the core temperatures but get the same output. Do people know what they are doing with these changes? The government also wants to minimise system oversizing, making thresholds of error smaller. The number of end-users who tell me that their “Heat Pump does not work” is incredible. Often, I find […]

What is Manifold Plumbing?

What is Manifold Plumbing? Manifold plumbing refers to the use of a manifold in a plumbing system. The manifold acts as a central hub in a heating system that distributes heated water to different zones of your home. It ensures that each zone receives an even distribution of heat, allowing for efficient and effective heating throughout the home. Unlike most other technologies, plumbing system layouts haven’t made any significant leaps forward for decades. Manifold plumbing is not new and is often used in heating systems in new builds where you have small bore pipes for radiators. But manifold plumbing is not just limited to radiators. Sanitary manifolds can also bring benefits to your taps. Plumbing manifolds are used to distribute hot and cold water to appliances around the building. As pipes run in continuous loops to and from the manifold to each piece of sanitary wear (sinks, baths, washing machines etc.), […]

MLCP – Coils Vs. Straight Lengths

MLCP – Coils Vs. Straight Lengths Flexible MLCP   Piping made from multilayer composite pipe is a viable alternative to copper because it offers flexibility, speed of installation and the elimination of hot works on site.    First introduced in the UK in the 1970s, MLCP has seen growth in popularity alongside the increased use of renewable energy technology – such as underfloor heating. MLCP has also seen less dramatic price fluctuations in recent years compared with copper and steel.   The flexibility of the pipe, together with the use of press fittings, is where MLCP can offer significant savings to plumbers on installation time. The pipe can be bent readily, allowing efficient routing around the building. Once bent, it retains its form and stays in position. As Multipipe MLCP has an aluminium mid-layer, it meets the NHBC requirements in detecting buried services, so there is no need to worry about finding it […]

What kind of customer service do you want?

What kind of customer service do you want? Many people have said that customer service can be any two out of good, cheap, and quick, but seldom all three. – If it’s high quality and inexpensive, you may have to wait – For an item that is delivered quickly and is inexpensive, you may have to accept lower quality – If your order is delivered fast and is high quality, there’ll be a premium price OK, that’s a little tongue in cheek but let’s see how it applies to the construction industry, and especially to plumbing and heating installers. When you need to source products from a manufacturer or merchant with the right level of technical support and backup service, it could go like this: Merchant – We can certainly supply those products within your budget. However, that budget doesn’t allow us to provide you with the very best on […]

Secondary Recirculation Systems

Why You Should Use Secondary Recirculation Systems As houses get bigger and clients demand even more from their installer, one of the biggest issues is delivering hot water quickly and efficiently to the hot water taps. The only way to efficiently do this is by setting up a circulation loop from the cylinder to the tap emanating the dead leg between the two – known as a secondary recirculation system. Although there are no legal requirements to fit one, HSE’s best practice is to deliver 50°C water within 1 minute to a tap; this is for legionnaire control. How Does a Recirculation System Work? The idea is you have your primary hot water pipe flowing through your house. Besides this, you have a “secondary recirculation pipe”, which travels beside the hot water primary pipe to the extremities of the system. The secondary pipe taps into the primary to join the […]

How to select the right room control for your heat emitter

How to Select the Right Room Control for Your Heat Emitter Do you remember the delights of the brown & beige Honeywell thermostats? The good old days when ‘stats were far simpler to work with and to wire. But let’s be honest, they were inefficient! Room control technology has come on leaps and bounds since the old fashioned bi-metallic thermostats (the clicky thermostat). The industry now has a far better understanding of how the various heat emitters need different controls to provide the best performance. Next time you are looking at a room control system for an underfloor heating system, make sure you pick the right one. Most older thermostats work on the theory of a 0.5 – 1°C span (or gap) from switching the system on from the temperature setpoint. This theory stopped nuisance switching whereby the thermostat would click in and out every 5 seconds on a radiator […]

Underfloor Heating Systems and Cold Weather

Underfloor Heating Systems and Cold Weather – Why aren’t I Warm Enough? Whilst we’re all dreaming of warm summer days and the easier jobs that seem to come, there’s no doubt that the dreaded cold weather is good for business. We have developed a love/hate relationship with freezing conditions as an industry. On the one hand, it’s good to be busy and get the money rolling in, and on the other hand, there are frozen pipe emergencies and unrealistic customer expectations.  Can we ever win?  Over the years, I’ve noticed that many customer calls I receive have similar points regarding underfloor heating. Why aren’t I warm enough? Why isn’t my system heating the house like I thought it would? I understand the customer’s frustration. They have invested in a system and want it to perform – it’s not unreasonable to want to be a toasty warm 25°C degrees inside whilst […]

Pipe in Walls

Pipe in Walls In this tech Tuesday I would like to speak to you about more of a problem. As we move closer to aesthetically pleasing homes, one thing is for certain. People do not like pipework on walls. These are typically hidden after with ugly boxing in running the lines of your lovely new home, or even worse they are not boxed in meaning every couple of years you have to paint them but more serious could be a scald risk. Why Not Bury Them in the Wall? Why not bury them in the wall? More plumbers are moving to put the pipe into the wall themselves and plastering over them, which is great. Plastic pipes do mean that you do not have to protect them as they are corrosion-free. But before you get the paintbrush out you do need to consider the type of pipe you have in […]

Multi-Zone Control and Single-Zone Control for Heating

Multi-Zone Control and Single-Zone Control for Heating In this week’s Tech Tuesday, I want to speak about the difference between multi-zone control and single-zone control and how technology has made this easier to implement. Controls for heating systems is not a new thing. The building regulations require you to have a means of thermostatic and time management. However, the level of control I believe you should have (as a minimum) is multi-zone control.   In a well-designed underfloor heating installation, a simple adaptation of your heating system to a multi-zone control will realise savings of between 8 to 20% on your heating bill – even on a radiator system, the savings can be significant. What’s more, you’ll find your home is far more comfortable as you can select the temperature required in each room.   What is multi-zone control? The traditional set-up of a heating system involves a single thermostat […]

Do You Install Your Hot and Cold Pipes in Floors?

Do You Install Your Hot and Cold Pipes in Floors? Most of you know the water regulation schedule, a government set document that lays out rules for installing (and manufacturing) pipes and fittings. In this article, I’ll look at one small paragraph: Schedule 2, section 7 under the heading of “Requirements for water fittings” to explain how you can install your hot and cold pipes in floors. I have often seen and spoken to people about pipework in floors. However, when it comes to space heating (underfloor/rads etc.), it does not directly affect this (WRAS does not cover heating services). Still, I consider it good practice to adopt the principles of this regulation for radiators etc. However, we should be more concerned about potable water (hot and cold-water supplies) as this water regulation is enforceable by law. Failure to meet these standards can result in fines or imprisonment, so ensure […]

Customer Experience

Outstanding Customer Experience I was so engrossed in a conversation about the fantastic sales process we’d just experienced that I missed the turnoff home. We were helping our daughter to buy her first car. Having done our research, we headed off to a local Toyota dealership expecting the usual high-pressure sales tactics. But we were in for a surprise – a first-hand taste of Japanese customer-focused business culture. They greeted us respectfully, answered our questions politely with a clear intention to make this a good experience for us. There was never a sense of being driven towards a decision to buy. What a refreshing change! We did buy the car and were so impressed that we started looking at something for my wife too. They arranged for the Lexus dealer to call us, delivered a demo car to our house and let us keep it for 36 hours. Compare that […]

Fitting Underfloor Heating under Kitchen Units

Fitting Underfloor Heating under Kitchen Units Did you know that fitting underfloor heating in the kitchen, and specifically under kitchen units, can massively benefit the homeowner? Some people are pressured by the kitchen fitter telling them it would damage the cupboard or bake items in the cupboard. But it is worth remembering wooden floors are used on UFH without issues. So, a cabinet 200mm off the floor will not warp or twist and it will not bake goods in the cupboard. It’s a popular misconception that underfloor heating fitted under kitchen units will damage the kitchen units or even cause overheating of the items in the cupboards. However, in the many years of specifying UFH, Multipipe have never had issues with damage to units or products inside. This is because UFH, by the regulation, has to run at a dictated (BS 1264) floor temperature of only 9°C warmer than the […]

The Importance of Screed in Underfloor Heating

The Importance of Screed in Underfloor Heating In this week’s Tech Tuesday, I want to highlight the importance of screed.  This has been written in partnership with Gyvlon, who are experts in specialist screeds. As many people know, screed underfloor heating systems are the most common, as they are the cheapest and easiest to install and the easiest to implement. However, the importance of the screed is often overlooked. People will always speak about the importance of pipe centre temperatures going into the floor heating system and other aspects. The easiest way to get more heat out of your system is to have a more conductive, thinner screed. When underfloor heating first started, there really was not much choice in screeds, and most people would stick to builders’ sand cement screed, which has one of the lowest outputs of any screed. However, in the current market, there are many different types of screed.  The main screed I want to speak about today is […]

Maximising Outputs of HEP Systems

When it comes to UFH on ground floors, this tends to be done by embedding pipe into the screed. And providing it is done right, you have an extremely efficient system. However, more end users want UFH throughout their homes, meaning the incorporation of underfloor heating on (typically) a suspended timber floor. Many systems can be installed on the first floors, but many increase the height of the floor or are too heavy for the timber structure. A Heat emission plates (HEPs) system allows you to fit UFH without raising your floor. Follow our tips to help you get the best out of your HEP install. Things to know when selecting this system. Select the thickest plate you can (the thicker the plate, the better the heat transfer). Ask your supplier for the thickness of the plate. You need to be looking at 0.5 mm plates – any thinner & […]

Underfloor Heating Patterns

The Three Main Types of Underfloor Heating Patterns Did you know that how you lay your underfloor heating system can massively change how the system will feel once it’s all commissioned? There are three main types of UFH laying patterns: bifilar, meander and double meander. This week’s #TechTuesday sets out some easy-to-follow references for these three types, including when and where you should use them. Underfloor Heating Pattern 1 – The Bifilar Pattern This key pattern is probably the least understood pattern but offers some great benefits and is the Multipipe preferred option.  You will have to give greater thought as to how you’re going to install the pipe before you lay it, however, once you get your head around how to lay this system, you’ll find it is a useful pattern.  Even with very close centres, it’s much easier to lay as turns are only done as half turns […]

Could smart TRV’s save you money this winter?

Smart TRV’s My house is 100 years old and like 80% of UK houses it has radiators heated by an oil-fired boiler. Until 2 years ago we weren’t able to control the heating properly and it was getting expensive. To get this sorted I installed manual thermostatic radiator valves, but it was difficult getting the heating balance right for each room. That’s especially tricky when you’re heating a 2-storey home. Setting and adjusting each TRV manually was a bit of a pain. Then along came Smart Control Motorised TRV’s. They give you independent room control just like modern underfloor heating systems. In fact if you have UFH to the ground floor, why not upgrade the first floor using smart TRV’s?. The wireless TRV’s run off a gateway connected to your home’s router. You can program the settings for each radiator using an App on your smartphone and the wireless room […]

Installation Issues With Metal Press Systems

  Installation Issues With a Metal Press System Over the last month, we have been receiving more calls from consultants taking metal press systems out of their specs due to full bore detachments on site. Here are the facts on this issue and how you can look at preventing this on your site. Like with most systems, you can always install things wrong and with the metal press systems (due to the way the fitting must be made). The failure is generally due to incorrect pipe insertion depths on fittings. Often installers are not marking the pipe up and, when working up high, do not get the right depth to pass the O-ring but, more importantly, where the crimp is made. So always make sure you follow the insertion depth given by the individual manufacturer, then use a permanent marker to ensure you cannot rub the mark off when getting it into place. If the fitting moves during the press, then cut out the fitting and start again. Another […]

How You Should Run Your UFH System

How Do You Advise on Running a New Underfloor Heating System to a Customer? Over the years, Multipipe have had various calls from homeowners about issues with running a Underfloor Heating (UFH) system. And we’ve concluded that education of underfloor heating systems, is the biggest downfall in running an efficient UFH system. Many end-users that have never previously owned an UFH system will run it like a radiator, whereby they have the heating on in the morning, off during the day and on again in the evening. For a highly reactive system, this is fine. However, when you have a traditional screed underfloor heating system, this is known as a slow reaction system. So, why not look at how to run it differently? The best way is to run your heating system continuously through the winter months, using the thermostats in the room to maintain the temperature. This might sound […]

Floor Covering For UFH

Floor Coverings For Underfloor Heating The biggest reason for underfloor heating underperforming is usually due to the floor covering. This is normally out of the control of the installer, as it is your client that typically picks the final floor covering. But going forward, we should be educating our customers of the pitfalls of fitting an incorrect floor covering. After you have completed your final commission and set up the system to work as it should do, your responsibility as an installer is over. But there is nothing stopping your hard work from being undone by a simple incorrect floor covering. Thick wood and carpets are a killer of UFH outputs, so it is important for the customer to get the “R-value” of the floor covering from the manufacturer and find out whether it is suitable for UFH (as some floor coverings are not!). You want to be aiming for […]

Five-Point Winter Check For UFH Systems

Get your Underfloor Heating ready for winter As winter approaches, do you cringe at the thought of turning the thermostat up? especially with the rise of gas and electric prices? You’re not alone, and the UFH system maybe needs a little more TLC to ensure 1. it is running correctly and 2. all mechanical and electrical components are working in a tip-top condition. Now hopefully, you have your heat source regularly serviced by a registered plumber. If not, get it done, as this can affect not only the efficiency of your unit but also its safe running. But did you know it is just as important that your heat emitter is checked before the heating season starts? This will ensure that not only your system works, but the efficiency is optimum. Some items you can carry out yourself, but others will require a qualified plumber who can do the work […]

Evolution of UFH and Things to Be Aware of as an Installer

  Underfloor Heating Installation. The Evolution of UFH and Things to Be Aware of as an Installer We know that you want to be proud of every installation you do so this week’s blog looks at how best to install underfloor heating systems. UFH (Underfloor Heating) is not a new commodity, but in recent years we have seen a surge in popularity driven by advances in technology. The first UFH systems were installed as far back as the 1970s, but these were very basic and too expensive to install in your average house. Fortunately, some major technical innovations were introduced around the 1990s, which meant UFH became more affordable and is now a very realistic option for many households. Different Types of Underfloor Heating There are different types of UFH systems available including: Solid screed construction Timber suspended Overlay systems The type of system used will usually be determined by the environment that the UFH […]

Water quality in metal pipe systems

Water quality in metal pipe systems Although copper pipework system failures are rare, we are finding more and more issues with copper corrosion in systems and now that pipe walls are getting thinner on copper, these systems are not lasting as long as they used to. One problem we see more through our helpline (which is more of a concern) is blue water. This is a problem in copper pipe systems where, through water standing in a new pipe system for a long period of time, poor installation, electrolysis or excessive flux entering the system can cause a breakdown in the pipe wall. This happens because instead of the pipe oxidising (like it should do), it keeps an unoxidised layer on the pipe wall. This then breaks down the copper minerals into the water, causing blue copper crystals to form making blue water. If it is a new system, then keep flushing the water through every day and over time the copper pipe will get lined with […]

A beginner’s guide to Press-Fit Tools

A Beginner’s Guide to Press-fit Tools Picking your way through the Minefield of Pressing Tools Press systems are a newer way of carrying out fittings compared to more traditional solder and screwed methods. They can offer time and cost savings as well as many other benefits. Our beginner’s guide to press-fit tools provides a great overview to get you started. Press-fitting systems use hydraulic press technology to provide a high-quality and easy to fit joint method. While this helps save a considerable amount of time on jobs, it can be difficult for first-timers to know where to start with more manufacturers coming on board. We have provided a guide to answering all the questions a press-fitting novice might have. What are you installing? When beginning to think about press-fit tools, the first question you need to ask yourself: What will I be installing? With more systems coming onto the market, […]

How to cut, calibrate and press multilayer pipes and fittings

How to cut, calibrate and press multilayer pipes and fittings What is a multilayer composite pipe (MLCP)? Multilayer pipes are a composite pipe, made up of inner and outer layers of temperature resistant PE-RT with metal with a central core of aluminium. This hybrid design makes for a perfect alternative to copper, saving you time and money on installation while delivering top quality results for both your domestic and commercial projects. These pipes are easy to form by hand, requiring no hot works, while also performing similarly to metal pipes and fittings with low heat expansion. As well as this, MLCP keeps its form after bending with no snapback all while staying free of corrosion and deposit build-up and offering an extremely lightweight copper pipe alternative. In this tutorial, we will go over the press and cutting procedures of Multipipe’s multilayer pipes and fittings. Our pipes start from a diameter […]

David Playfoot joins the Multipipe team

New Team Member 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.

The Risk Of Legionella Post-Lockdown

Post lockdown risks of Legionella 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 […]

Multipipe COVID-19 Service Updates

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 […]

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 […]

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 2 x 12 port stainless steel manifolds Total floor area: 333.63m² Annual fuel savings: £2,040 (compared to heating oil) Check out the images:

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. Get a quote for your project Get a fast turnaround quote from UFH experts designed to help you get the most out of your installation and win more jobs. GET […]

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 […]

How Multipipe’s MLCP compares to copper piping

Comparing MLCP and Copper 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 […]

UFH Zone Pack Deals

UFH Zone Pack Deals 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 […]

How MLCP Press-Fit Compares To Plastic Push-Fit

How MLCP Press-Fit Compares To Plastic Push-Fit 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 […]

5 Simple Statistics that prove District Heating is the future of UK heat distribution

5 Simple Statistics that prove District Heating is the future of UK heat distribution Whether you’re involved in district heating projects or are looking to break into the market, take a look behind some of the statistics that prove district heating is the future of modern energy supply for the UK – and an incredibly lucrative sector to be involved in right now. £320 Million This is the funding drive aimed at boosting low-carbon sources of heating for homes and businesses. The Heat Networks Investment Project (or HNIP) aims to stimulate private investment within the sector. Made up of Government loans and grants, additional investment from energy companies including Engie, E.On, Vattenfall, SSE and Metropolitan show that there might just be something worthwhile going on. 2% of homes in the UK As of 2013, 2% is the market share of homes connected to district heating, showing the scale of individual […]

5 Benefits of Smart Heating For Your Customers

Five Benefits of Smart Heating As technology progresses, your customers will be looking to use these advances to make their everyday lives easier. With access to smartphones and powerful apps, the dream of an automated home is now more of a reality. One feature of this new technology is the use of smart heating control systems, allowing people to control and schedule their home’s energy usage wherever they are. But what exactly are the benefits of this technology for your customers and why would they be interested in buying it? Save energy – and money While a smart heating system won’t directly save money like switching energy supplier will, it does allow your customers to heat their home more efficiently and saves money in the long run. Lowering or raising the temperature in the home depending on living habits and only using energy when it’s needed can offer considerable annual […]

Mistakes Suppliers Make with Installers

Mistakes Suppliers Make with Installers For installers, a lack of consistency from your piping supplier can often cause problems. In what can often be a turbulent working relationship, we’ve outlined some of the biggest mistakes a supplier can make – and the things you can do to improve the service you get from your own supplier. Constantly trying to sell to you Admittedly, it is the supplier’s job to sell things. Sometimes though, when that’s all you see or hear from them, it can get a bit exhausting. A cursory scroll through their twitter feed leaves you wondering if any human beings actually work there or if they are just an automated, faceless entity whose sole purpose is to throw product after product at you, regardless of its relevance or not. This can often leave you wondering “What’s in it for me?” This type of relentless product focus lessens your […]

5 Things Your Installer Competitors Are Doing That You Should Too

Beat your competitors As an installer of plumbing or heating products, you should constantly be asking yourself “What can I do so that clients choose me over my competitors?” If you’ve hit a brick wall when it comes to what you can do to stand out from the crowd and increase your customer and job list, we’ve put together some tips to help you engage with potential customers and get those projects rolling in more frequently. Referral Schemes A great way to grab the attention of new customers is to get your existing customers to do it for you! By offering some sort of incentive for a customer to recommend you for another job they know if you build a loyal customer base that can keep growing and expanding. All you have to do is ensure the quality of your work is good enough for them to want to recommend […]

5 Benefits of attending Trade Mornings as an Installer

5 Benefits of attending Trade Mornings as an Installer If you aren’t attending trade mornings and events regularly as a contractor or installer, then you are definitely missing out. Not only are they a fun distraction and a change of pace with the always welcome addition of bacon rolls, trade mornings also offer the chance for installers to gain insight into the things that are shaping the industry around them. With that in mind, here are 5 benefits to attending these trade mornings as an installer. 1. Staying trendy If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and up to date with the latest trends within your industry, there are few better places than at trade events. What’s hot and what’s not is going to be reflected in the products included or left out of what is showcased. Gain knowledge and exposure to the resources available to you that […]