PHPI provides its readers with the key news, updates, products and services surrounding the plumbing and heating industry.
Here, we hone in on the key topics in the latest issue to provide an insight to what could be driving sales through merchant counters.
A very festive cover greets the readers on the December issue of PHPI as it takes a look back at the Top Products of 2018, as the year draws to a close. Indeed, the Top Products section takes a walk down memory lane to revisit some of the magazine’s most popular inclusions, based on reader feedback.
We take a look at just some of the highlights, and kicking us off is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Freestanding Drain Cleaner which is reportedly the first draining solution that combines the benefits of sectional and drum machines to create a versatile and mobile machine.
Featuring backpack straps to transport easily onto any roof, drain, crawlspace or cleanout, the M18 showcases a toolfree drum to allow users to change between cable sizes or add a second drum. The system combines the PowerState brushless motor, RedLithiun-Ion battery pack and RedLink Plus intelligence.
Up next is Gorilla Glue and Tibby Singh takes us through the current range the company has on offer. From Wood Glue Sticks, Super Glue to Gorilla Epoxy, the range really does appear to have a lot to offer your customers. The Gorilla Glue Clear Repair Tape is also available which can be used for fixing, patching, sealing, holding and protecting. Like many of the products in the range it is also waterproof which creates a perfect solution for outdoor uses.
Continuing with the Top Products of 2018, Roger Bisby takes a look at Metex and its Corefix range which has been purpose-made for dry lining and dot and dab fixing. Said to provide a stable fixing, due to the steel core fitting deep inside the plastic wall plug, it also doesn’t pull the plasterboard in or cause the screw to bend.
The safe working load will reportedly depend on the host material, but Roger seems to be confident that provided the weight is predominantly straight down, four of the products can provide a 90kg safe working load — ample for the largest wall-hung radiators and kitchen units.
Things are heating up now with the Honeywell T6R Hot Water (T6R-HW) wireless thermostat, which incorporates all the existing features of the T6 range such as full internet control via smartphone or tablet, OpenTherm, optimum start/stop and delayed start boiler control.
It also showcases some additional features such as geo-fencing which can detect when a householder is close to home, turning on the heating and applying a hot water boost. A two-channel wireless receiver was also launched which supports two heat zones.
WernerCo steps into the fold now with an important message on ladder training. It is good practice to ensure merchant staff are aware of the recent changes to ladder standards to provide information for customers purchasing ladders.
Explaining how a third of all falls from height in the workplace occur when using a ladder, Werner is offering accredited training sessions to provide a focused environment to demonstrate the correct safety techniques. These types of courses could be a great bit of additional training to ensure merchant staff are up to speed on all the regulations.
Out of the top products now and onto the Heating & Renewables feature and this month the product focus is on the ThermaQ offering. With the introduction of its Evocyl Air standard and slimline cylinders, the range features internal expansion vessels which provide a neat and practical solution for the homeowner as well as reduced installation times.
With smart technology rapidly becoming a must for most heating products, and indeed across a wide range of industries, ThermaQ provides the added option of upgrading the controls to wifi enabled which comes complete with a free central heating app.
The Plumbing & Bathroom feature enters now and Grohe showcases the launch of its first ever shower tray range. The extra-low profile trays have been designed to complement the three sanitaryware design lines — Grohe Bau, Grohe Euro and Grohe Cube — as well as other Grohe bathroom accessories.
There is also the choice of square or rectangular models with sizes from 80 by 80cm to 90 by 140cm and a selection of seven different dimensions to ensure there is a wide breadth of choice for all bathroom spaces. The trays are also made of sanitary acrylic in an Alpine White finish.
Rounding us off is Snickers as London-based installer Clive O’Malley takes a look at the latest gear available from the workwear company. The 6241 AllroundWork Stretch Trousers are put through their paces first, with Clive particularly impressed with their lightweight feel and kneepads featuring expansion pleats, ensuring the kneepads are kept in the correct position.
Also appraised is the Solid Gear Haze Safety Trainers, with the heavy duty rubber cover on the toe to protect the material, a much appreciated feature. The 1229 AllroundWork Softshell Jacket finishes off the review and is commended for its lightweight feel and waterproof qualities. With trade professionals becoming increasingly image conscious, the Snickers range aims to provide fashionable yet safety conscious workwear suitable for all-weather conditions — perfect for the upcoming winter months!
