Ireland's Plumbing & Heating Issue 122 Nov-Dec

The only bi-monthly journal for the plumbing & heating industry in Ireland.

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IN THIS ISSUE

FOCUS ON BOILERS PIPES, VALVES & FITTINGS LATEST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY NEWS

ISSUE 122 - NOV/DEC 2024

www.altecnic.co.uk For further details: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk +44 (0) 1785 218208 or Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on 00353 (0)85 2152288, chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

Editor’s COMMENT RAISING THE BAR WITH HIGH-QUALITY WORK Our thanks to all those visiting, or exhibiting at, PLUMBEX Dublin. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces and we hope you enjoyed the show, whether you were buying, selling, learning about the latest market developments or just enjoying the opportunity to network with peers. PLUMBEX Dublin is going bigger and better at a new venue next September while, before that, PLUMBEX Belfast is coming to the Eikon Exhibition Centre over April 9-10, 2025. Offering something to look forward to this autumn, the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards will be celebrated at Titanic Belfast on November 8. This year’s entrants have again raised the bar with their high- quality work. Also included in this edition are features on Boilers, Pipes, Valves & Fittings, Pumps & Circulators and Bathrooms, and profiles ranging from Plumbmaster’s new branch in West Belfast to milestone anniversary celebrations for NUGENT and Easa Group. We also look at the many varied career paths available in the trade from Heating Engineer Emily Davidson, who loves demonstrating that girls do know a thing or two about boilers, to Flogas Ireland Installer Development Manager Mike Murphy, who would swap accountancy for engineering if he could redo college. Enjoy! Alyson Magee

CONTENTS

ISSUE 122 NOV/DEC 2024

News & Views: Announcing the shortlist for the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards, set to be celebrated at a gala awards evening in Titanic Belfast on November 8. 22 In Focus: Plumbmaster has opened its 12th Northern Ireland branch in West Belfast, conveniently co-located with Key Hardware on Northumberland Street. 31 Products: In our feature on Boilers, Firebird Heating Solutions highlights biofuels including HVO as offering a sustainable home heating alternative to retrofitting. 58 In Focus: Easa Group celebrates 25 years of supplying accessible showering solutions combining functionality with style to the UK, Ireland and continental Europe. 75 Products: Wavin Ireland considers updates to the 1998 Drinking Water Directive and the implications for installers and specifiers in our feature on Pipes, Valves & Fittings. 98 Products: In Altecnic’s Hot Topics column, Chris Reilly explores how the installation of buffer tanks can be a game-changer for efficiency of heat pump installations.

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Alyson Magee Publication Manager Jacqui Fairley Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Digital Communications Natasha Nelson

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: plumbing@kmpltd.co.uk www.plumbingmag.com

plumbing & heating magazine

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Design Chris McKeown Web/IT Support Ben McAvoy Accounts Andrea Simpson Photography Gordon McAvoy Administration Laoise Boyle Printed by W&G Baird

With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

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NEWS

Around 34,000 students, 1,500 teachers and 2,600 parents from 300 schools attended WorldSkills Ireland at RDS Simmonscourt over September 25-27. WorldSkills Ireland aims to inspire and motivate young people to explore diverse career options, emphasising the significant role that skills and apprenticeships play in achieving professional success. The event includes interactive exhibits, demonstrations and national skills competitions across a range of trades including plumbing and heating. A shift in students’ attitudes over the past three years, with more being receptive to pursuing apprenticeships or skills-based careers, has been reported by 77% of members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (ISG) in a new survey. The survey by IGC and WorldSkills Ireland 2024 found family influence remains the top factor in how students make career choices (87%) followed by pursuing interests/passions (79%) and potential earning capacity (64%). Other factors WORLDSKILLS IRELAND PROMOTES PLUMBING AND HEATING OPPORTUNITIES

L-R: Angel Egbuchulam, Lilia Callan and Vytaute Bronislovaityte from Balbriggan Community College trying their hand at pipe fitting at WorldSkills Ireland 2024.

“The event includes interactive exhibits, demonstrations and national skills competitions across a range of trades.”

programmes are the life blood of many Irish businesses. “To secure the evolution of Ireland’s economy and its place as a global leader, nurturing talent and encouraging the next generation to consider a skills-based career, is vitally important – which is what we’re hoping to achieve through

include perceived job security within trades (43%) and the rising costs of university education (41%). WorldSkills Ireland is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training and government, and the biggest skills-based careers exhibition in Ireland. Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland 2024, said, “Skills and apprenticeship

WorldSkills Ireland 2024.” www.worldskillsireland.ie

GRANT UPDATES TRAINING COURSE AHEAD OF NEXT-GENERATION HEAT PUMP LAUNCH

said, “We continue to see consistent interest in our education offering, in particularly our heat pump courses both onsite and online. As we have now officially launched our new Grant Aerona R290 heat pump range, we expect demand for our heat pump course to continue to increase and I look forward to welcoming new delegates onsite and online to learn about this new-generation heating technology.” Visit grantelearning.com to explore its wide range of courses and online learning resources or use the QR code below:

Grant has revealed that its next- generation Aerona R290 air-to-water heat pump will be available to order this autumn. To coincide with the launch of this new heat pump technology, Grant has diversified its education offering for plumbers, installers, engineers, architects and local authorities. Further additions have been made to its popular heat pump course, which can be accessed via its onsite Training Academy and online eLearning Academy. Delegates who attend this course for the remainder of this year, and into 2025, will leave fully educated on the new heat pump as well as how to ensure it’s correctly installed as part of a fully-integrated Grant heating system. Keith Scully, Training Manager at Grant,

Keep up to date with the latest Grant news on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @mygrantni

@grantirl and follow the Grant YouTube channel for more educational videos @GrantengineeringIe

Keith Scully, Training Manager at Grant.

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I t pays to Go Green: £500 CASHBACK ON HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS

Floortherm Renewables Ltd, Unit 13, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry, BT34 2QU. T: +44 (0)28 3005 0350 - E: info@ftunderfloor.com www.daikin.co.uk/cashback - www.ftunderfloor.com *Offer applies to units purchased from 25 June 2024 and registered on StandByMe by 28 February 2025. Claims must be submitted by 31 March 2025. Full terms and conditions can be found on Daikin website at //daikin.co.uk/cashback EARN £500 CASHBACK in our new campaign by installing a Daikin H HT heat pump today!*

NEWS

Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant.

DUBLIN WASTEWATER PROJECT SCOOPS GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD

ALBION INSTANT WIN PROMOTION RETURNS FOR PLUMBING AND HEATING INSTALLERS

An Irish engineering project to remove and recover phosphorus from treated wastewater for use as agricultural fertiliser has won a major global infrastructure engineering award. The Phosphorus Fixation & Recovery Facility (P Fix) was developed for Uisce Éireann as part of the ongoing upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dublin. P Fix was one of three winners named by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers alongside the Réseau Express Métropolitain in Canada and Viaduct Quanzhou Bay Sea-crossing Bridge in China.

P Fix involves the removal of phosphorus from treated wastewater, to enhance the water quality in Dublin Bay, and its conversion to a pelletised product for potential reuse in a specified phosphorus fixation reactor. The facility is the first of its kind in Ireland and the largest of its kind in Europe. The project was commissioned in 2023 by Uisce Éireann as part of the €500m upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, with partners in the 3JV engineering consortium developing the project including Dublin-based TJ O’Connor & Associates. www.ringsendwwtpupgrade.ie

Kingspan’s popular Albion Instant Win promotion for plumbing and heating installers has returned for another year, featuring guaranteed prizes for every qualifying Albion product purchased. The latest round of the promotion was launched in August and will run until March 31, 2025, offering prizes ranging from a minimum of £25 up to £500 worth of Amazon.co.uk e-gift vouchers. Among eligible products are Ultrasteel, Ultrasteel+, Ultrasteel IE and Aerocyl cylinders. To claim your prize, plumbing and heating installers should purchase a qualifying Albion product, scan the unique QR code on the Instant Win card, fill in your details and attach a copy of your proof of purchase. The promotion has a three-month window for claim submissions and, once your claim is verified, your Amazon.co.uk e-gift voucher will be emailed to you. Stewart Gibbons, Commercial Director for Kingspan Cylinders, said, “I’m so pleased to bring this promotion back. Installers just loved it, claiming it’s so quick and simple. You know what you won in seconds, and within a couple of clicks, the claim is submitted, and Kingspan does all the rest.” www.winwithkingspan.com/terms-and- conditions

KERRIGAN MECHANICAL BOLSTERS ITS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Brian Mahon has been promoted to the role of commercial manager at Kerrigan Mechanical Ltd, recognising his significant

conditioning. Brian’s meticulous attention to detail supports Kerrigan Mechanical’s site teams, providing essential know- how and support. He has

contribution to the growth of the business in recent years. The appointment reflects a further strengthening of Kerrigan Mechanical’s senior

successfully delivered high- profile projects on time and within budget. His journey within the company includes promotions from QS to head of estimation

management team. With over 11 years of

experience in the building services sector, Brian plays a pivotal role in securing business for the company. As

and, most recently, to commercial manager.

Brian Mahon.

In addition to his extensive experience, Brian holds an

tender lead, he ensures fair and accurate pricing throughout its operations, with his expertise spanning all aspects of mechanical installation, including LTHW systems, water services, ventilation and air

Honours Degree Level 8 in Quantity Surveying. He has also completed the Frontline to Management course and is proficient in AutoCAD and MS Office. www.kerriganmechanical.ie

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THE MERCHANT AWARDS READERS’ TOP MERCHANT GROUP

• Beggs and Partners • Stevenson and Reid • Bassetts • Plumbmaster • PTS

READERS’ TOP INDEPENDENT PLUMBERS’ MERCHANT • E&R Bennett, Fivemiletown • Glenhill Merchants, Belfast • Plumbing Supplies, Lurgan • KE Plumbing Supplies, Cookstown • BJ Mullen & Sons, Moy READERS’ TOP MERCHANT BRANCH • Bassetts, Portadown / Newry • Beggs and Partners, Portadown / Belfast • Stevenson & Reid, Ballymena • AJ Plumbing, Banbridge • PTS, Belfast • Plumbmaster, Bangor OVERALL MERCHANT OF THE YEAR • Bassetts • KE Plumbing Supplies Limited • Plumbmaster • PTS GREEN TECHNOLOGY PROJECT OF THE YEAR • CHP Mechancial Services Ltd • Elite PHG Ltd • HTC Mechanical

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED INNOVATIVE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR • HiB Ltd - Entero Concrete Vessel Basin • Talon - FlueSnug • Saniflo - Sanifos Radar Detection System • Warmflow - Warmlink App • Exi-Tite - High Temperature Generation System • C-T1 - BW1 - Ultimate Tanking Solution • Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions - Aquarea L Series Heat Pump Range • Grant - Aerona R290 Air Source Heat Pump HEATING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR • Testo - Testo 310 • Mitsubishi Electric - Ecodan R290 Heat Pump Combined with Cylinder System • Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions - Aquarea L Series Heat Pump Range • Altecnic Ltd - CALEFFI XS® - Under Boiler Magnetic Filter • Talon - FlueSnug • Grant - Aerona R290 Air Source Heat Pump • Exi-Tite - High Temperature Generation System

DOMESTIC PROJECT OF THE YEAR • Ecoerne/LA Plumbing & Heating

• H&A Group • Safe Gas NI

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR UNDER £2.5 MILLION • MR Mechanical • HTC Mechanical • AEM Limited COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR OVER £2.5 MILLION • NUGENT • Harvey Group PLC • Dowds Group NORTHERN IRELAND’S PLUMBER OF THE YEAR • Fintan Murray - Murray Heating • Aaron McCorry - McCorry Gas, Heating & Plumbing • Mark Hanna - Hanna Heating

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR • James Mullan - H&A Group • Jack Fenton - Ian Reid Heating Services • Patrick Nugent - NUGENT • Blake Hamilton - Newell Contracts MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR • Altecnic • Floortherm Renewables • Mylife Bathroom • Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions BATHROOM RETAILER OF THE YEAR • Bassetts • Bathline Bathrooms • KE Plumbing Supplies Limited

SMALL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR • Heatni

• The Gas Man NI Ltd • Belfast Heating Ltd • DG Gas Safety Ltd • McKinney Oil & Gas Ltd

Have you booked your table for the most exciting night of the year? Book your table now for the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards 2024 by contacting Jacqui Fairley on T: +44 (0)28 9261 2990 or via E: info@kmpltd.co.uk

MEDIUM CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR • MR Mechanical • North West Mechanical Services Ltd • Elite Plumbing, Heating & Gas Ltd • McAleer & McGarrity • McGaffin Mechanical • HTC Mechanical Services Ltd LARGE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR • NUGENT • Dowds Group

NORTHERN IRELAND’S PLUMBING & HEATING AWARDS

MEET THE JUDGES

Judging the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards 2024 is an esteemed panel of independent industry experts, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the judging process.

Host, Adrian Logan.

Host, Claire McCollum.

David Taylor David is a building services engineer with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. He is a founder committee

Entertainment, Al Foran.

member of the Irish Institute of Gas Engineers and a past president of the Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, for which he has lobbied at both Westminster and Stormont. David currently provides support to South Eastern College’s School of the Built Environment in green technologies.

WITH THE SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED, THE COUNTDOWN IS UNDERWAY TO THE EVENT OF THE YEAR - A GALA AWARDS EVENING SET TO BE HELD IN THE ICONIC TITANIC BELFAST ON NOVEMBER 8… Time to book your table for the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards 2024

Peter Clarke Beginning his career in the early 1960s with Haldane Shiells, Peter has witnessed the sector’s evolution from lead to copper to plastic pipes

and back to copper, from back boilers to heat pumps and, in bathrooms, from cast iron to steel enamel and plastic and back to cast iron over his extensive career.

Don’t miss out on the leading social event in Northern Ireland’s plumbing and heating sector. Get your table booked for the Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating Awards 2024, which will be celebrated at a gala awards evening in the iconic Titanic Belfast on Friday, November 8. This year’s shortlist has been unveiled, highlighting the breadth of top talent, companies, products and projects in the sector, with winners set to be announced on the evening.

Co-hosting the prestigious event are local TV presenters Claire McCollum and Adrian Logan, with impressionist Al Foran also keeping guests entertained while they enjoy a four-course meal and the unveiling of the winners. Whether you’ve made the shortlist or not, the popular biennial event offers an unparalleled opportunity to socialise and network with industry peers and partners. Energy solutions provider Flogas is again supporting the Awards as headline sponsor.

Norman McNaught With 43 years of extensive experience ranging from domestic plumbing to distribution and agency work, Norman played a key role

in introducing natural gas to NI over 25 years ago. Passionate about recognising regional companies for their innovation and hard work, he values the role of local manufacturers and installers in driving the industry forward.

Jonathan Grimshaw NI Regional Chairman of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Jonathan has over 25 years’ experience in the sector.

He is a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers, a past Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers and director of Advanced Ventilation Solutions Ltd, a contractor working across the UK and Ireland.

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HEAT PUMPS

Set to be a game-changer in heating efficiency, leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has announced the launch of its next-generation air-source heat pump – the Grant Aerona R290, which will be available to order from October 2024. Representing an investment of £2m, the new Grant Aerona R290 heat pump was designed in Ireland specifically for the UK and Irish climate and is already proving itself to be in another league in terms of innovation and efficiency, and a significant addition to the Grant product portfolio. The launch of the Aerona R290 also further demonstrates Grant’s commitment to innovation and sustainable home heating. Throughout the research and development phase, Grant heavily invested in design and testing of the new heat pump range to ensure the technology is best suited for year-round climate conditions in Ireland and the UK. Innovative and aesthetically pleasing, the Aerona R290 mono bloc heat pump has been designed to suit many types of homes. Available to order from October 2024, the range features five models, with the 4kW, 6.5kW and 9kW units available first and the larger 12kW and 16kW coming in early 2025. Built upon three core pillars - design, performance and peace of mind - the Aerona R290 provides an even more environmentally-friendly, low-carbon REPRESENTING AN INVESTMENT OF £2M, THE GRANT AERONA R290 HEAT PUMP IS ALREADY PROVING ITSELF TO BE IN ANOTHER LEAGUE IN TERMS OF INNOVATION AND EFFICIENCY… Grant launches new generation heat pump

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HEAT PUMPS

heating solution for the next generation as it uses the energy-efficient and natural R290 refrigerant, which has an incredibly low Global Warming Potential of 3, signalling an important advancement in sustainable home heating. Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant, said, “The launch of the Aerona R290 heat pump marks a significant development in sustainable home heating and within our product portfolio. As our next generation heat pump, the Aerona R290 comes as Grant celebrates 15 years of being in the heat pump market and is testament to our commitment to design highly efficient, reliable heating technologies which can make a real sustainable difference. “As more homes make the transition to lower carbon heating solutions, we look forward to continuing to support customers through the delivery of technologies, products and services that can help them make a real difference.” Cleverly designed, taking both aesthetics and acoustics into consideration, the Grant Aerona R290 combines modern styling and sleek colourways with high performance. Featuring a durable, powder-coated black casing, the Aerona R290 heat pump’s appearance has been developed following extensive analysis of feedback from customers. The ultra-low noise levels of the units, which have achieved Quiet Mark accreditation, are the result of innovative sound-reducing features within the units including acoustic cotton sound insulation in the casing and anti- vibration feet. Delivering exceptional performance levels, models within the range have an energy rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature) and their outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature. All models within the range have been

Grant Aerona R290 4kW air to water air source heat pump.

“As more homes make the transition to lower carbon heating solutions, we look forward to continuing to support customers through the delivery of technologies, products and services that can help them make a real difference.”

tested to perform in extreme low and high temperatures with performance levels in terms of kW output consistent regardless of the climate and outside temperature, even at –3°C. The Aerona R290 also features a built-in immersion and high capacity 9m head circulation pump. Providing peace of mind, models within the Aerona R290 range can be monitored and managed remotely, giving both installers and their customers full control of their heat pump system and providing offsite diagnostic support when required. Designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller, the Aerona R290 can be operated and managed with ease through straightforward set-up and commissioning, innovative control and support thereafter. Grant’s in-house renewable technical specialists will also continue to provide their free-of-charge heating system and design specification support to installers, merchants and their customers to ensure correct sizing of the new Aerona R290 heat pump as part of an integrated heating system. All Aerona R290 heat pumps will also be commissioned onsite by Grant at no extra charge.

Alongside the new Aerona R290 heat pump range, Grant is also launching the Aerona Smart Controller, and QR Smart Pre-Plumbed AWave Integrated Cylinder. Barry Gorman, National Renewables Sales Manager at Grant, said, “These new products are welcome additions to our integrated heating package solutions offering. Together they will help to provide further choices and flexibility for design and installation of integrated heating systems for homes of different sizes, whilst providing the same quality and reliability that our customers have come to expect from a Grant heating system.”

To find out more about Grant’s heating technologies portfolio, contact the Grant technical team: T: 0800 044 3261 (NI) T: 057 912 6968 (ROI) www.grantni.com / www.grant.ie Follow Grant online: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @mygrantNI @grantirl

Grant Aerona Smart Controller.

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COVER STORY

NAVIEN TECHNICAL DIRECTOR SEAN KELEHER HIGHLIGHTS WHY INSTALLERS SHOULD EDUCATE THEIR CUSTOMERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITISING HOT WATER DELIVERY IN THEIR HOMES… Making hot water delivery a priority

For homeowners, heating systems can be a daunting field - and one in which they typically have little expertise. The sheer size and scale of the range of boilers now available mean that a heating engineer’s customers increasingly see them as not just an installer, but also a consultant. In the space of a couple of decades, the conversation has changed from the simple ‘can you fit my new boiler?’ to ‘what kind of boiler is right for my home?’. THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY In the past, for larger domestic properties or the increasingly prevalent multi- occupancy homes where adult children are yet to leave the nest, installers have traditionally favoured system boilers. This is because, historically, combi boilers servicing multiple bathrooms would

have resulted in low flow rates and delays in delivering enough hot water to meet increased demand. However, new technology can now meet the increasing demands of end-users who expect hot water on tap. Hot water recirculation systems can make combi boilers viable for these busier homes and they not only provide more comfort and convenience – but they can also help homeowners save money. Combi boilers with hot water recirculation can be a practical choice for larger homes. Also known as secondary return systems, they create a hot water loop, providing near-instant hot water to every outlet regardless of its location or the time of day. HOW IT WORKS Let’s go into a little more detail, taking as an example the Navien NCB700 ON Combi

Combi boilers with hot water recirculation create a hot water loop, providing near-instant hot water to every outlet.

“Homeowners will enjoy better performance, less waiting for hot water and a significant reduction in water usage.”

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COVER STORY

A console on the NCB700 ON Combi Crossover enables the installer to set specific times of day when homeowners are likely to benefit from hot water recirculation.

KEY BENEFITS A domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation system delivers significant benefits as soon as it is up and running. Homeowners will enjoy better performance, less waiting for hot water and a significant reduction in water usage. The average UK household uses 350 litres of water daily, but using a hot water recirculation system can significantly reduce water waste and save on energy bills. Over half of the annual energy bill is due to heating water for various purposes. Recirculation reduces the amount of water that needs to be heated, benefiting both bills and the environment. The homeowner benefits from the fact they take up a lot less space – and there’s no more waiting for the tank to refill once the cylinder has been drained of hot water. This means that boilers can deliver consistent hot water to larger homes with multiple bathrooms while giving precious space back to the customer by eliminating the need for a bulky cylinder. UPGRADE TO COMBI Recently Navien helped a homeowner with a large property who needed to

Crossover, which is fitted with NaviCirc TM technology. NaviCirc TM is a simple plumbing device designed for installation at the furthest accessible hot water outlet away from the boiler. It uses a thermostatic valve to measure the temperature of the water flowing through the device. Once the water has reached 35°C, the NaviCirc TM valve will activate, essentially locking in the hot water to the outlet. Once all outlets have reached this point, the pump inside the NCB700 ON Combi Crossover reacts by stopping the circulation of hot water until an outlet is used. The result is a DHW system that delivers hot water in a matter of seconds from any outlet as required and at consistent temperatures – all while maintaining boiler efficiency. The homeowner only pays to heat hot water when needed, reducing energy consumption and bills. Additionally, the console on the front of the NCB700 ON Combi Crossover enables the installer to set specific times of day when homeowners are likely to benefit from hot water recirculation, which further helps to reduce energy costs for the bill payer.

extend it to accommodate elderly parents moving in. Their existing heating and hot water system couldn’t meet the increased demands of six adults, so they upgraded to the Navien NCB 700 ON Combi Crossover 54kW with the Smart Plus ON AI Controller. This new system efficiently met the household’s hot water demand and provided the necessary central heating capacity. The installer was impressed by its straightforward installation and the homeowner was satisfied with its immediate performance, efficiency and long-term benefits for their multi- generational household. FIND OUT MORE Navien prides itself on an installer-led approach, enabling you to give your customers the best possible advice and install a boiler that delivers the optimal customer experience. For information about the NCB ON range and NaviCirc TM , visit the dedicated space for installers on the Navien website: www.navien.co.uk/professional

For further information, contact: Mathew Wedge, Regional Business Manager, T: +44 (0)73882 46833 - E: mathew.wedge@navienuk.com www.navien.co.uk

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The HEAT IS ON with Ariston ONE Series Boilers this winter

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ELITE HEATING AND PLUMBING SUPPLIES LTD. T/A PLUMB-IT Unit 1A Nangor Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12 Tel: +353 (01) 457 9030 - E: reception@plumbit.ie - www.plumbit.org 24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE ON +353 (0)1 691 7323

NEWS

Martin Smith, a new business unit director appointed to cover the UK & Ireland market for Conex Bänninger, hopes to help create a new generation of press fitting installers. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Conex Bänninger, with extensive experience in the HVAC industry including senior roles at Ideal Stelrad Group and Wolseley. Martin has gained detailed insight into different areas of the sector and witnessed significant developments in the industry, driven by technological advancements, environmental policies and changing consumer demand. “I want to sponsor a debate amongst traditional installers and contractors on how they can benefit from a change in technology,” he said. “Whilst this process has been underway for a number of years now, we still need to drive home the key message that it’s not always a CONEX BÄNNINGER APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR FOR UK & IRELAND

To celebrate its successful energy partnership with Team Ireland for Paris 2024, Flogas offered readers of Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Magazine the chance to win a Team Hamper packed full of goodies. The lucky recipient, David Hickey from Co Clare, was presented with his prize by Flogas Installer Development Manager Mike Murphy. Paris 2024 was Team Ireland’s most successful-ever Olympic Games with seven medals including four gold, three bronze and 26 top-10 finishes, all led by the nation’s largest-ever team of 134 qualified athletes. Flogas has already donated over €75,000 to the Make a Difference Athletes Fund. Established by the Olympic Federation of Ireland, the fund provides essential financial support to coaches, training partners and other sport science service providers who are helping Irish athletes qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 and Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. To find out more about an installer partnership with Flogas, contact Mike Murphy by phone or email on +353 (0)87 281 6836 or mmurphy@flogas.ie OLYMPICS TEAM IRELAND SPONSOR FLOGAS NAMES WINNER OF HAMPER PROMOTION L-R: David Hickey, winner of the Flogas Team Ireland hamper, with Mike Murphy, Installer Development Manager, Flogas Ireland.

Martin Smith.

great idea to be using a naked flame in constricted spaces and there are much safer, faster and more efficient ways to join pipes. “The increasing use of press fittings is an excellent example of how a change in technology can offer installers real

competitive advantage.” www.conexbanninger.com

STIEBEL ELTRON RANKED AMONG TOP FIRMS TO WORK FOR IN CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING

STIEBEL ELTRON UK has been listed as one of the top companies across the country to work for in the construction, engineering and property sectors. A leading supplier of renewable heating technology, it was ranked at number 29 in Great Place to Work’s 2024 UK’s

Best Workplaces for Construction, Engineering & Property. The ranking recognises its efforts to drive the sector forward while providing a sense of fulfilment, job satisfaction and financial security for employees. Mark McManus, STIEBEL ELTRON UK Managing Director, said, “At STIEBEL ELTRON we aim to be the best in our field, and our employees are the driving force behind what we do. Key to this is developing a positive workplace culture which allows team members to thrive and enjoy their roles, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities.” Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture. The company was listed in Great Place to Work’s Top 50 Best Workplaces list in March this year and ranked in the top 25 for workplace wellbeing. www.stiebel-eltron.ie

Mark McManus.

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APHCI

AMALGAMATED PLUMBING AND HEATING CONTRACTORS OF IRELAND, WHICH HOSTED A STAND AT THE RECENT PLUMBEX DUBLIN TRADE SHOW, OFFERS ITS LATEST UPDATE ON KEY ISSUES AND EVENTS… Update: A focus on climate change, global warming and energy conservation

As winter approaches, the phones are hopping in members’ pockets countrywide as the dropping temperatures turn customers’ minds to heating and the system that has remained unused and undisturbed since spring. While it is always great to get the calls, a little forward planning by the valued customers would improve matters for both themselves and the service technician. It was great to speak with those who stopped by our stand at PLUMBEX last month. We had a very busy two days and were delighted with the engagement and feedback from all members of the trade on their common concerns. Climate change, global warming and energy conservation were the main topics of discussion. Our trade is central to progress in this major area. Attendees in the main see heat pump systems as the most promising energy source of the future, but not the only solution. With the necessary retrofit costs beyond the means of many, even with grant aid and older buildings that will never be suitable for this technology, they feel that other options need to be explored in the short term at least. Central to these are hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and BioLPG, which are now becoming widely available across the country. Existing systems can be converted to run on these fuels at little cost, removing most of the errant emissions with immediate effect. The issues of poor-quality materials are another issue, with many installers becoming exasperated due to the

number of callbacks caused by materials failure. Examples range from poor-quality plastics components in sanitary wear to circulating and booster pumps. The general feeling is that, as there are standards for the various components, many manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and merchants need to up their game in this regard. Apprenticeships in trade also raised its head, with a sense of exasperation in the delay with the off-the-job phases, well over two years in some cases. This is not fair on either the apprentice or employer and cannot be accepted into the future. Apprentice renumeration is also a topical item at the moment. Do not lose sight of the fact that apprentices receive a ‘training allowance’ rather

than pay. A conscientious employer invests a lot of time and effort in training an apprentice, particularly in the first two years. Once a qualified tradesperson has a skill for life, the earning potential can equal or better a high-cost university degree. That said, the onus is on the employer to provide the proper training and respect the apprentice. The next major event on the APHCI calendar is the first trade evening of the year in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. Keep an eye out for further details. For further information, contact APHCI Administrator Crozier Deane: T: +353 (0)85 803 5082 E: info@aphci.ie / crozier@aphci.ie www.aphci.ie

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Q&A FLOGAS

‘If I could turn the clock back, I would have studied engineering over accounting in college’

FLOGAS IRELAND INSTALLER

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MIKE MURPHY FIRST JOINED THE BUSINESS IN 2006, WITH HIS ROLE EVOLVING ALONGSIDE

ITS EXPANSION INTO A TOTAL

ENERGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY OFFERING LPG, NATURAL GAS, ELECTRICITY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY…

When did you join Flogas, and what is your professional background? I joined Flogas in 2006 as a sales representative for the LPG business and, in 2022, I took on the newly-created role of installer development manager. I grew up in Tralee, studied accounting in NIHE (now UL) and began my career in the accounts department of Kerry Group. But I wasn’t happy working in an office and wanted to be out and about, so I applied for a sales representative job within the company and looked after the Yoplait franchise for Limerick and West Cork for 15 years. What motivated you to transition into the energy sector? I love energy and technology, and a gas boiler is a fabulous piece of kit. If I could turn the clock back, I would have studied engineering over accounting in college. When I spotted that Flogas was looking for a sales representative for

Mike Murphy.

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Q&A FLOGAS

“The most rewarding part of my job is meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends and travelling across Ireland’s 32 counties.”

its LPG business in my region, I thought ‘that’s for me’ and went for it. As a sales rep, you work closely with the self-employed installers in your area as they’re especially important to your business. From my own experience as a senior rep and the feedback on the ground, there was an opportunity for a dedicated individual working closely with the Flogas reps and their network of installers on a 32-county basis, sharing information, insights, solutions, organising training where needed, and so on. A role like this was already on the cards when I went to senior management about it, and I am delighted to be the first. It’s great to be able to use those years of experience and my interest in engineering, and I haven’t looked back. Could you describe your current role at Flogas and your key responsibilities? I engage with both existing and new RGI/Gas Safe installers across the island of Ireland. If we have an advertising campaign aimed at recruiting installers and they come to Flogas looking for more information, I would now be their first point of contact. I also collaborate with boiler manufacturers and distributors to strengthen partnerships for Flogas, organising training for our reps and Installers where needed, and so on. How has the energy sector and the company evolved during your time at Flogas? When I started, Flogas was focused on LPG, but we’ve since grown into a total energy solutions company offering LPG, natural gas, electricity and renewable energy. This expansion has allowed us to provide comprehensive energy solutions to a wide range of customers, from homeowners to large industrial clients. From a domestic perspective, the market

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Even though we now live in Newcastle West, I’m a proud Kerryman, so GAA football plays a significant role in my family’s life as my wife Olive and children Michael and Zara are also passionate about it. I’m an avid motorsports fan and have followed Formula 1 since 1995. I enjoy athletics, and I was glued to the Olympics on TV during the summer when I was off, especially as Flogas is the official energy partner for Team Ireland.

is for retrofits and homeowners who are looking for a low-carbon, reliable heating system. LPG also works very well with heat pumps and solar energy. We offer a two-year fixed price agreement to new domestic LPG customers, which is a very attractive offer with no worries about winter pricing or summer pricing. Flogas has invested heavily in a modern and reliable carbon-friendly fleet of trucks that run on HVO, as well as the staff to support them, and it’s starting to pay dividends on the ground. Flogas has also invested in modern technologies like the Anova app, which shows customers their energy usage per day, per week and can automatically re-order when the LPG levels in their tank drop below a certain level. What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role? The most rewarding part of my job is meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends and travelling across Ireland’s 32 counties. The winter months always present challenges as demand peaks, installers are busy and there are a lot of queries and additional support needed throughout this period but the strong team spirit within Flogas helps us navigate these busy periods efficiently.

Did you know...

Did you know that over 400,000 homes on the island of Ireland still rely on oil for home heat? By partnering with Flogas, you can play a pivotal role in offering alternative energy solutions to rural homes in your area and earn €250/£250 for every successful lead. Flogas is growing its network of partner installers nationwide to help in converting rural homes on high carbon fuels such as oil and solid fuels to LPG – the cleaner, greener and more efficient solution.

Contact Installer Partner Manager Mike Murphy: T: +353 (0)87 281 6836 E: mmurphy@flogas.ie www.flogas.ie www.flogasni.com

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BELFAST

WED 9 APR 4PM-9PM • THURS 10 APR 9.30AM-4PM

EIKON EXHIBITION CENTRE

DUBLIN

WED 10 SEPT 4PM-9PM • THURS 11 SEPT 9.30AM-4PM

NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA

PLUMBEX BELFAST & DUBLIN 2025

Get ahead of the crowd and book your stand now for PLUMBEX Belfast or PLUMBEX Dublin by contacting Jacqui Fairley via T: +44 (0)28 9261 2990 or E: jacqui@kmpltd.co.uk BOOK NOW FOR PLUMBEX BELFAST & DUBLIN 2025

PLUMBEX BELFAST IS COMING TO THE EIKON EXHIBITION CENTRE IN BALMORAL PARK OVER APRIL 9-10, WHILE THE NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA IS SET TO HOST PLUMBEX DUBLIN OVER SEPTEMBER 10-11, 2025… PLUMBEX Belfast & Dublin announce new venues for 2025

Fresh from the success of this year’s PLUMBEX Dublin, new venues have been announced for both PLUMBEX Belfast and PLUMBEX Dublin in 2025. Co-located with ELECTEX and BUILDEX under the BEPEX umbrella brand, the popular show uniquely brings the construction, electrical and plumbing and heating trades together under one roof. The Eikon Exhibition Centre in Balmoral Park, a convenient location offering space and easy access, is set to host PLUMBEX, ELECTEX and BUILDEX over April 9-10, 2025. And the trade show is also set to get getting bigger and better in Dublin next year, coming to the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown over September 10-11, 2025. With announcement of the new venues, organiser KMP Publishing is aiming to build on the success of this year’s PLUMBEX Dublin, which attracted more than 2,000 visitors to 150 trade stands at RDS Simmonscourt over September 11-12.

Representatives from across Ireland’s plumbing and heating sector turned out in droves to get hands on with the latest kit, see live demos, pick up freebies and take advantage of show-only offers from exhibitors, who generated thousands of leads. A vibrant schedule of Trade Talks hosted over the two days included Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast hosts Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan, and RTE Cheap Irish Homes presenter Kieran McCarthy. Among speakers from the plumbing and heating sector were Paul O’Donnell from Unipipe IRL, Kelvin Collins from RGI, and Ken Lawrence and Pat Jordan from trade association APHCI. BEPEX is the ultimate trade event, where builders, electricians and plumbers gather for innovation and collaboration.

and services to industry professionals eager to explore the latest in plumbing technologies, groundbreaking electrical solutions and cutting-edge construction methods. From sustainable materials to the latest kit, BEPEX is where exhibitors take centre stage to elevate

every project to the next level. Secure your stand today and be part of this game- changing event.

Industry stakeholders are offered the opportunity to showcase their products

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MERCHANT NEWS

L-R: David Jeffrey, Paul McDowell Plumbmaster Sales Manager, Geordie English & Paul McAreavey Plumbmaster, Dathi MacGabhann, David Haldane, Paddy The Dagger McDonell, Jim Magilton, Eamonn McCarthy Divisional Managing Director Plumbmaster and Bathline and George McMullan Plumbmaster.

CONVENIENTLY CO-LOCATED WITH KEY HARDWARE ON THE BUSY THOROUGHFARE OF NORTHUMBERLAND STREET, THE NEW STORE IS LED BY BRANCH MANAGER GEORDIE ENGLISH… Plumbmaster opens its 12th Northern Ireland branch in West Belfast

Plumbmaster’s geographic coverage of Greater Belfast is complete with the opening of a new branch in the west of the city. Well located on the busy thoroughfare of Northumberland Street between the Falls Road and the Shankill Road, the new store is Plumbmaster’s 12th branch to open in Northern Ireland. It has opened on a site in the Argyle Business Centre beside Key Hardware, a complementary business acquired by Plumbmaster parent group Haldane Fisher in 2018. Offering a full range of plumbing and heating products and services, the new site is staffed by an experienced team of industry professionals. A grand opening on August 19, attended by well-known local faces Paddy

McDonnell, Jim Magilton, David Jeffrey and Dáithí Mac Gabhann, introduced the new branch to the community. Eamonn McCarthy, Divisional Managing Director of Plumbmaster and Bathline, said, “We have branches in north, south and east Belfast and wanted to cover all grounds. Belfast people don’t tend to travel too far, and we want to have plumbers covered, so we felt that having branches in the north, south, east and west was going to be very beneficial for us.” With Haldane Fisher already owning four units in the Argyle Business Centre through its acquisition of Key Hardware, the location for the new store was a no brainer. “It’s a very busy location and great for passing traffic,” said Eamonn. “A lot of

Geordie English, Branch Manager.

“The Haldane family and Executive Board members have been very supportive of the Plumbmaster journey.”

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MERCHANT NEWS

L-R: Liam O Brien, Geordie English and David Butler.

footfall goes past, it’s easy enough to get to, and just a natural fit.” And with Haldane Fisher developing its client base among facilities management companies and contract customers, the co-location of Key Hardware and Plumbmaster offers convenient servicing of both the ironmongery and plumbing and heating trades. “We just thought it was a great link and a way to put both of them together, and it has benefitted us really well so far,” he said. Leading the team at the new store is Branch Manager Geordie English, a time-served plumber with 20 years of experience in plumbers’ merchants. Geordie has joined Plumbmaster from Bassetts, as has driver Liam O’Brien, while Trade Counter Assistant David Hunter previously worked for BSS. “Geordie is a long-serving manager within the industry, and just started the week before the branch opened,” said Eamonn. “He has vast experience, Liam knows his products well and is a good guy to have on board, and David also brings great experience to the role.” All Plumbmaster branches supply oil and fuel tanks, cylinders, heating, water

storage tanks, water pumps, plumbing accessories, sanitary ware, renewables, boiler spares and other essential items from top manufacturers, available over the counter or via a click-and-collect service. A dedicated delivery fleet caters to trade professionals throughout Northern Ireland, offering fast delivery of all products. “Plumbmaster is going from strength to strength,” said Eamonn. “We launched in 2016 and that’s probably the fourth new branch we’ve opened since the launch. We’ve been very successful with some major contracts recently secured in Northern Ireland.

“We’re looking to develop our renewables business and have a

dedicated hub in Newry and are always on the look out to open new branches and attract another customer base. “The Haldane family and Executive Board members have been very supportive of the Plumbmaster journey, and it’s brilliant to be able to open new branches. “I would like to thank the Haldane family and express my gratitude because they are constantly investing in the business.”

Unit 40, Argyle Business Centre, Northumberland St, Belfast, Co Antrim BT13 2AU T: +44 (0)28 9002 6161 - E: sales.belfastwest@plumb-master.com www.haldane-fisher.com/plumbing-heating

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NEWS

STRIKE CALLS FOR RESTORATION OF ‘TRAVEL TIME’ PAYMENT TO PLUMBERS

Gas Safe Register’s new comedic public service announcement film.

GAS SAFETY WEEK HIGHLIGHTS PITFALLS OF FAILING TO CHECK APPLIANCES

Actor Will Mellor has narrated a new comedic public service announcement film, When the Gas Goes, launched by Gas Safe Register during Gas Safety Week (September 9-15). Reminding householders of the importance of getting their gas appliances safety checked annually, the film shows the consequences of failing to do so such as not being able to shower ahead of an important job interview or being left in the cold without heating after coming back from holiday. Gas Safe Register, the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and

businesses, has commissioned supporting research that reveals queue pushers (44%), poor Wi-Fi (39%) and boiler breakdowns (37%) are the top three inconveniences in life. The poll of 2,000 UK adults found 25% agree their boiler always seems to break down at the worst possible time. Gas Safe Register is urging UK households to ensure their gas appliances are safety checked every year by a Gas Safe- registered engineer. By law, anyone working with gas must be listed on the Register. www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Picket lines were staged at construction sites in Dublin and Athlone.

Plumbers, pipefitters, welders and apprentices staged three days of strike action in Dublin and Athlone in September related to a dispute over their travel allowance. The workers, who are members of trade union Unite and the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA), conducted official pickets at construction sites in the two locations. A further protest was held at the site of a MEBSCA employer in London. Previously entitled to compensation for the first hour of ‘travel time’, workers have not received the payment since austerity measures were introduced after the 2008 financial crash. However, Unite claims some large mechanical contractors may be including the first hour of ‘travel time’ for mechanical workers when pricing and invoicing for works, but not passing on the payment to workers. Unite said talks with MEBSCA parent organisation the Construction Industry Federation broke down after the employers refused to engage. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said, “MEBSCA employers have enjoyed massive increases in turnover and they can well afford to reverse this outrageous austerity-era cut.” www.unitetheunionireland.org/tag/ mebsca

FREE SUPPORT OFFERED TO DECARBONISE ENERGY-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES

Manufacturers and other energy-intensive industries (EIIs) in Ireland are being offered free support to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their processes through a new research project. The International Energy Research Centre (IERC), part of University College Cork’s Tyndall National Institute, is among partners in the European project Audit Plus. Industry represents 25.6% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 15% of its emissions, with EIIs accounting for half of the energy consumed. Audit Plus is aiming to help EIIs to reduce the energy intensity of their industrial processes and advance their decarbonisation, developing case studies in Ireland, Spain and Poland. IERC and Lawler Sustainability will guide participating Irish companies with 100

The research project is based at the International Energy Research Centre in Tyndall National Institute in Cork.

hours of free consultation to identify and implement energy-efficiency measures. The consulting service includes a technology assessment, cost benefits analysis and engineering support, identification of public and private financing sources, matchmaking with technology/service providers, guidance for implementation and development of a

corporate energy strategy. For further information, visit www.ierc.ie/auditplus/

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