More than 60,000 plumbers and heating engineers pick up their copy of Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer from merchant trade counters each month. From the feedback gleaned from our sister magazine, take advantage of PBM’s unique insight into the buying habits of your key customers as we look at some of the most in-demand products and latest ad campaigns from PHPI’s March edition.
Drayton
Smart Controls
With the installation of smart controls becoming an increasingly requested job for heating engineers, Natalie Wathan, Product Manager at Drayton, answered some of the frequently asked questions about the recommendation and installation of smart controls.
She emphasised that controlling the heating from a mobile phone is now one of the most appealing factors influencing smart control sales for consumers, whilst multi-zoning capabilities are also a key feature — systems like Wiser, for example, utilise smart radiator thermostats to manage the heating on a room-by-room basis and this can save up to 20% more energy in a 3-bedroom semi-detached house over a smart thermostat system alone. Furthermore, smart controls also help installers meet the additional requirements of Boiler Plus.
https://wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk/
Fernox
TF1 Sigma Filter Installer’s Pack
The new ‘3-in-1’ TF1 Sigma Filter Installer’s Pack from Fernox comprises the TF1 Sigma Filter with slip socket connection, the enhanced reformulated Cleaner F3 and the company’s Protector F1 500ml product to give installers all they need to clean and protect a domestic heating system.
Aqualisa
AQ Collection
An interview with Colin Sinclair, Senior Channel Marketing Manager at Aqualisa, discussed the company’s ‘trade only’ AQ Collection of mixer showers. Launched last November, the range was developed specifically for the trade counter with Colin stating that “consistent pricing and ex-stock availability are key drivers for installers” in a very competitive product sector.
The range was developed to offer a “strong aesthetic value” and also to provide “integral features that make it easy (for installers) to locate and fit”. A variety of styles are available, whilst additional benefits include safe temperature control and a five-year parts and labour guarantee along with adjustable fixing points for the shower rail to make installation even easier.
https://www.aqualisa.co.uk/blog/mixer-shower-aq-collection/
PipeSnug
Easy-fit pipe seals
In a great interview, the PHPI team caught up with Chris Burdett and Alex Lever out on site. Chris and Alex are the guys behind the innovative PipeSnug product — a simple seal which removes the need to point around or seal the hole where a pipe exits the building.
The concept came to builder Chris out on site as he prepared to mortar around a waste pipe for “what seemed like the millionth time” and was quickly developed with Alex into an idea that caught on with the trade.
Launched in 2017, additional sizes have subsequently been developed and Alex explained: “Lots of installers are using the product and are big fans of the advantages it brings, but we still want to spread the word to plumbers all around the country on just how much time PipeSnug saves on site. Today is a perfect example — it’s throwing it down and freezing, but you can still fit it in seconds without having to wait for dry conditions to mix mortar or apply sealant.”
To see a video demo, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX_Wb_ibwBU
Surestop
i-water control
The Surestop product range has been developed to “move water control into the 21st century” and ensured that the humble stopcock benefitted from somewhat of a revolution when it was first launched a few years ago. Having made turning off mains water “as easy as turning a light switch on or off”, the launch of the Surestop i-water control promises further benefits for installers and homeowners as it provides the ability to control water away from the property.
As featured in a step-by-step installation article, the device has been designed to easily integrate into domestic plumbing systems. Installed in as little as 30 minutes and WRAS approved, the i-water control can help prevent water damage and in reducing water wastage.
For more information about becoming a stockist, visit https://www.surestop.co.uk/customer-type/retailers-wholesalers
Stelrad
3D app
This advert from Stelrad showcases a very clever idea — a 3D augmented reality app that allows homeowners to envisage their chosen radiator in a real life setting. It sounds like a great added-value sales tool for your installer customers, and may even help merchants directly with showroom sales.
For comprehensive details on the company’s range of ‘radiators for every room’, visit https://www.stelrad.com/radiators/
Bosch
GIC 120 C Inspection Camera
Inspection cameras are increasingly being used by professional plumbers and heating engineers to investigate a whole host of tricky situations they are likely to be confronted with on the job, and this piece of kit from Bosch seems up to a variety of challenging tasks. With a user-friendly design, it offers a large display, the easy storage of pictures and videos, and a 120cm long cable for added flexibility in checking hard to reach areas.
See the full technical specs via https://shop.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/product/cordless-inspection-camera-gic-120-c–43658
Wavin
Feel the rumble
The Hep2O In4Sure secure jointing technology means that installers can actually ‘feel the rumble’ which lets them know they made the ‘perfect push-fit’. Compatible with a variety of piping solutions and given a 9 out of 10 rating for quality, Wavin offers a 50-year guarantee on the product and is even offering free test packs for installers to try it out for themselves.
Take a look at a video on the company’s YouTube channel via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zsFvyxt_Do
Baxi
The complete line-up
Said to offer ‘a product solution for every customer’, Baxi is showcasing its full complement of its latest combis — the 200, 400, 600 and 800 — with warranties reaching up to a full ten years. Comprehensive details on the company’s wider portfolio — including system boilers, natural gas and LPG variants, and accessories — can be viewed through https://www.baxi.co.uk/our-boilers
Talon
More than just a pipe clip
With solutions that are said to work with all pipes including PEX, copper, MDPE and PVC, Talon’s advert in this month’s PHPI showcases its British-made, ISO-accredited clips and accessories. It also highlights the company’s newly-launched website, which offers a host of engaging features including an industry blog and a ‘How to’ video section.
For details on becoming a stockist, go to https://www.talon.co.uk/become-a-stockist
