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BLÜCHER Delivers Bespoke Stainless Steel Interceptor Traps in Just 3 Weeks

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage, Pipes Leave a Comment

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At BLÜCHER, we’re proud to offer a smarter, faster alternative to other drainage solutions. Just three weeks after final drawings are signed off and an order is placed, we’re delivering custom-built stainless steel interceptor traps—made to order, ready to install, and built to last.

We can fabricate to any size and provide seamless connection to virtually any existing system, including cast iron, clay, HDPE, and more. This makes our interceptor traps an ideal choice for a wide range of installations, whether new build or retrofit.

Trusted by the Corporation of London

Our bespoke products are trusted and specified by the Corporation of London, a testament to the quality and performance of our solutions. Designed and manufactured with precision, our traps are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly adaptable—ideal for even the most challenging site conditions.

The Smarter Alternative

Where alternative materials can come with up to 25-week lead times, require multiple operatives, and often need forklifts or lifting equipment to install, our stainless steel interceptors offer a streamlined alternative. BLÜCHER’s units can be installed by just one or two people—no plant hire, no heavy machinery, no delays.

In addition to ease of handling, our traps are also significantly more cost-effective—less than half the price of other options. And thanks to their lightweight construction, they can be easily carried by hand to hard-to-reach areas like basements and lower ground levels.

British-Made, Precision-Engineered

Manufactured right here in the UK, our stainless steel solutions are crafted to the highest standards, with full flexibility to meet project-specific requirements. From first drawings to final delivery, we’re committed to speed, quality, and service.

If you’re looking to save time, reduce costs, and avoid the headaches from installations, BLÜCHER’s stainless steel interceptor traps are the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Contact us today to discuss your project or request a bespoke quote.

Wavin Tigris K5 Press-fit Plumbing

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Product Overview:

Wavin Tigris K5/M5 is the next generation of press-fit plumbing and has been designed with installers and engineers at mind. The system is suitable for use in potable water, heating, secondary circulation, and HVAC applications It is essential these systems are installed to the highest standards, and testing is a crucial, often overlooked, part of the installation stage. Having listened to the challenges experienced by installers and engineers on site, including use of wrong tools, pressure testing with water and the hygiene requirements, and pressure loss by fittings – Wavin have created a fitting that meets the customers’ needs and eliminates their pain points.

The one-pipe-fits-all Tigris product family:

With Tigris, Wavin offers a complete range of fittings, all perfectly compatible with their multi-layer composite pipe systems. The Tigris family of fittings are available in a wide range of sizes from 16-75mm and are designed to offer the most reliable connection for their specific applications, but can be mixed and matched where required.

Utilising the reliable and tested Radial Press-Fit technology at it’s core, Wavin Tigris fittings have evolved to make installation quick, easy and most of all reliable.

Main Features:

Acoustic leak alert: The 80-decibel acoustic leak alert whistle, designed to easily identify unpressed fittings using an air pressure. This feature ensures that installers can reliably and efficiently detect unpressed fittings in the loudest environments. Giving installers a quick, cost effective, and efficient method to test one section of a building at a time, and without using water. Tigris K5/M5 is the first system to offer this innovative feature to streamline the overall pressure testing process.

In4Sure 360°: K5 fittings incorporate a new transparent section as part of the body to give installers a quick visual to check the pipe is inserted correctly. The fittings also incorporate a ‘leak path’ so unpressed fittings can also be visually identified if water testing is preferred by the installer.

Opti Flow: The Opti Flow feature ensures a 50% greater flow rate when compared with K1/M1Designed to deliver optimal flow performance through the fittings, this is especially relevant for smaller pipe diameters and will insure a higher total system performance. This is particularly beneficial for high-rise projects where there’s increased demand on the pumping system to supply water to upper levels.

Multi Jaw: Tigris K5/M5 fittings can now be pressed with common pressing profiles including U, Up, H, TH and B – ensuring installers do not require investment in new tooling. K5 fittings have a PPSU body and M5 fittings are DZR brass.

Ultra Seal: The reliability of the O -rings sealings is tested with a lifetime simulation test under extreme conditions. Tested to 110°C which is far above the required max temperature of 95°C.

Modernising the pressure testing process:

Pipelines have been historically tested using water pressure, a method that comes with great risk. The greatest being legionella, a water-bourne bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal lung infection in those who breathe in infected water droplets. Evidence suggests that this bacteria could develop if pipes aren’t effectively dried after water-pressure testing. Tigris offers a groundbreaking alternative to this.

For Contractors:

The Tigris K5 design has been optimized for speed and ease of installation, helping contractors to complete projects on time and ultimately save on labour costs. The Acoustic Alert feature enables contractors to test with air easily during the build process a section at a time (prior the final pressure test) which is a major benefit on a large build. The 80-decibel Acoustic Alert Whistle enables easy identification of unpressed fittings during an air pressure test – even in the loudest environments. Tigris K5/M5 is the first system to offer this innovative feature to streamline the overall pressure testing process. Tigris also demonstrates sustainable credentials with the lifetime assessment report showing a life span in excess of 100 years.

Wavin Tigris K5/M5 is the next generation of press-fit plumbing that will blow you away. Wavin has solved the biggest barrier of air pressure testing with a game changing approach, the first and only fitting with an acoustic leak alert to detect unpressed fittings in the loudest environments. On top of that, we built in features to create an industry leading fitting. Getting the connection right first time is even easier with features such as the 360° window where you can see the pipe is correctly inserted and we solved the tooling issue too. Supported with BIM Revit files for efficient design and EPDs for sustainability assessment – Tigris K5/M5 offers benefits not only to contractors but engineer, specifiers, and building owners too.

HDPE Soil Waste and Vent

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Wavin HDPE soil waste and vent above ground drainage system provides a solution to the removal of domestic waste water and rainwater from residential and commercial properties using plastic piping systems.

Manufactured from high-density polyethylene (PE HD), the tough and durable HDPE system offers and extraordinary chemical resistance in combination with a high flexibility level and great impact resistance. Wavin HDPE pipes and fittings are jointed by welding, making the joints resistant to tension.

Features and Benefits:

Temperature resistances – resistance to temperatures of up to 90°C continuous temperature and 100°C short term conditions and also withstand freezing of internal waters

Flexibility – Well suited to assemblies subjected to vibration. Ideal for use is seismic zones and across expansion joints

UV resistance – With the addition of a percentage of carbon black, HDPE is UV-stabilised and can therefore be installed outdoors without degradation problems

Ease of Welding – HDPE can be welded both by butt welding and with electrofusion joints

Low weight – the lightness makes transportation and handling easy

Use of adhesives – Due to its high resistance to chemical agents, HDPE cannot be jointed with adhesives

Impact resistance – HDPE’s elasticity gives pipes a high impact strength at temperatures as low as -40°C. This ruggedness makes handling of pipes easy during installation

Smooth bore – The smooth surface of HDPE allows for both an optimum flow of any type of waste material and self-cleaning of pipes

Fire hazards – HDPE doesn’t use any toxic gases during combustion

Wavin HDPE connection seals – Quick-fit coupling and expansion joint seals remain resistant to waste water from house hold appliances, laboratories and hospitals. The seals are produced from an elastomer which guarantees sealing and durability even in extreme conditions

To learn more about Wavin HDPE read a case study about Wavin working with RPM Services on a five block apartment and commercial space – https://blog.wavin.com/en-gb/case-studies/st-george-beaufort-park-wavin-hdpe or to find out more about Wavin HDPE visit the dedicated webpage – PE HD welded pipes and fittings | Wavin UK

The Ultimate Guide to Continuously Operated Recirculated Systems

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Introduction

Continuously operated recirculated systems, also known as secondary hot water circulation or ring main systems, are an essential component in modern plumbing. These systems ensure that hot water is readily available throughout a building while promoting better hygiene. In this guide, we’ll explore how these systems work, where they are commonly used, and why they are a valuable addition to any plumbing skillset.

Applications of Continuously Operated Recirculated Systems

These systems are particularly popular in large sanitary environments such as healthcare facilities and hospitality settings. Their design significantly reduces the risk of bacterial growth in the pipes, ensuring a hygienic water supply. This makes them indispensable in settings where the cleanliness of the water is paramount.

How Do They Work?

Continuously operated recirculated systems use a pump to circulate hot water through the pipework continuously. This constant flow prevents stagnation and maintains high water temperatures, which inhibits bacterial growth. By reducing opportunities for bacteria to thrive, these systems also lower the risk of Legionnaire’s disease.

Understanding Legionnaire’s Disease

Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, often found in stagnant water. The disease can be life-threatening and is contracted by inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria. Continuously operated recirculated systems combat this by maintaining a water temperature of at least 60°C, which prevents the bacteria from forming.

Ensuring Hot Water Quality

Unlike other hot water systems, continuously operated recirculating systems are easier to disinfect. Two main approaches can be employed:

  1. Thermal Disinfection: Designed to withstand temperatures up to 70°C, the system can be disinfected by heating the water to this temperature and rinsing each tap or sampling point for at least three minutes.
  2. Component Quality: Using high-quality components like the PE-Xc multilayer pipes ensures exceptional performance and longevity.

The Role of Tigris K5

Tigris K5 is a multi-layer composite pipe designed for potable water and heating applications. It offers several advantages over traditional copper piping, such as:

  • Five-layer construction: Includes an inner layer of cross-linked polyethylene, an outer layer of HDPE, and an aluminum layer in between.
  • Oxygen diffusion resistance: Prevents oxygen from entering the water system, reducing the risk of corrosion.
  • Thermal expansion comparable to copper: Ensures stability in varying temperatures.
  • Flexibility and fewer fittings: Speeds up installation and lowers material costs.

Unique Features of Tigris K5

  • Acoustic Leak Alert: Emits a loud whistle to identify any unpressed fittings.
  • Opti Flow: Enhanced inner bore improves flow performance.
  • Multi Jaw: Can be pressed with all common profiles.
  • Easy Fit: Allows for easy pipe insertion without calibration.
  • In4SureTM: Provides clear visual cues for unpressed sleeves.
  • Ultra Seal: Offers reliable O-ring sealing, tested beyond market standards.
  • Pipe Grip: Ensures pipes stay in position before pressing.

Providing Hygienic Water Supplies Across the UK

Traditional hot water systems can foster bacterial growth due to stagnant water. Continuously operated recirculated systems maintain water temperatures above 60°C and ensure constant water movement, significantly reducing this risk. They also guarantee consistent water pressure and availability, making them a superior choice for maintaining a hygienic water supply.

Conclusion

As the demand for these systems grows, plumbers who can expertly install and maintain continuously operated recirculated systems will find themselves in a thriving market. For more information or assistance with your project, contact our UK technical support center. Our experienced team is ready to offer advice and expertise. Additionally, explore our range of technical downloads, installation guides, and product details available online.

Don’t hesitate—get in touch today and take advantage of our comprehensive resources.

Visit Wavin UK | Tigris K5 – New Press Fit Pipe system for more information.

Wavin’s Guide to Sustainable Plumbing

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An annual investigation into consumers attitudes towards sustainability and sustainable behaviours shows that they are becoming more environmentally conscious. In fact, when compared to data collected in 2022, this year’s results showed more consumers have been adopting a sustainable lifestyle by improving their habits at home.

As well as uncovering what consumers do and what they care about, the study also found, from a business perspective, that trust in brands improves when there’s evidence a company takes sustainability seriously and adopts green principles.

With this in mind, we’ve created this guide to highlight some of the main benefits you’ll experience by implementing a greener approach within your business. We’ll look closely at several areas most relevant to you including the materials you work with, supporting homeowners to improve their property’s energy efficiency and exploring changes you could make to your general business operations to improve your green credentials.

Subscribe to Wavin Plumbedin monthly emails here to receive the guide.

 

 

Introducing the new Wavin Tigris Manifolds

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Wavin have added a new range of manifolds to their innovative Tigris Press fit range. With options for 2 to 4 ports, the range includes standard and valved options. The manifolds give easy access to install in service cupboards or accessible areas for ease of use. Additionally, the manifolds give extra flexibility meaning it can be installed under a bath for hot and cold feeds to baths, sinks, and showers.

The introduction further enhances the Wavin Tigris K5/M5 press-fit system of multilater composite pipe (MLCP) family. With a testing system, the Tigris K5/M5 has a range of benefits that make it the go-to product for plumbing installations involving drinking water, chilled water, heating systems, and underfloor heating systems. The Tigris K5/M5 is designed to prevent errors made during installation, resulting in a reliable and durable connection that has been tested beyond the requirements for a 50-year lifetime.

Pipelines have been historically tested using water pressure, a method that comes with great risk. The greatest being legionella, a water-borne bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal lung infection in those who breathe in infected water droplets. Evidence suggests that this bacteria could develop if pipes aren’t effectively dried after water-pressure testing. The on-going concern for those involved in building large-scale projects has led Wavin to help combat the issue. The Tigris K5 system uses air-pressure testing, which tests the pipes effectively without the risk of droplets developing bacteria.

The Tigris system also employs an 80-decibel pressure leak alert, which sounds a high-pitched whistle when a leak is detected – enough to be heard in the loudest environments. Designed by specialist engineers at Wavin, this is the world’s first acoustic leak alarm, setting the Tigris K5 firmly apart from any other systems on the market.

NEW TREND-LED ANTHRACITE GREY GUTTERING AVAILABLE FROM WAVIN OSMA

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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Installed pic for AnthraciteThe UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic pipe systems, Wavin, has updated its Osma DeepLine semi-elliptical guttering range, with a new, sleek ‘anthracite grey’ (RAL 7016) addition. The product matches the increasingly popular colour scheme being used for external windows and doors across the UK. The development of the new profiled gutter follows a substantial rise in demand for products from Wavin’s drainage brand, Osma.

Anthracite Gruop pic1Steve Skeldon, Above Ground Product Manager at Wavin said: “Grey external accents on homes and buildings have been growing in popularity and are now on-trend, in fact research suggests that anthracite grey is now the most popular shade of grey for new windows and doors in the UK. By colour-matching prominent yet peripheral features like guttering, buildings can really be brought to life. The neutral tones of the anthracite grey finish also mean this new design is incredibly versatile, and looks great when paired with both darker and lighter external colour schemes on modern and traditional architecture.”

Matching Anthracite -2Osma’s DeepLine semi-elliptical systems have been engineered to handle more rainwater than similar sized systems, all from a unique hydrodynamic outlet. The specialist seal technology also provides a completely secure, watertight fixture which allows flexibility for thermal expansion on hotter days.

DeepLine products are also easy to install as the ‘Flexiclip’ seal jointing mechanism makes it simple to connect gutter units to fittings with an expansion line and stopper, ensuring a reliable and efficient installation every time. 

To further enhance the look of the guttering systems, Osma fittings have been engineered with concealed sockets to hide roughly cut downpipe ends, meaning DeepLine now offers the highest levels of practicality and reliability, while blending into existing design aesthetics.

 To find out more about Osma’s new DeepLine range and its anthracite grey addition, visit the Wavin website at https://www.wavin.com/en-gb/catalog/rainwater-stormwater/roof-drainage/osma-deepline.

WAVIN LAUNCHES NEW GENERATION OF LOW NOISE PIPE SYSTEMS: WAVIN AS+

Building Products Index Ltd Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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Wavin AS+ portfolio overview_96dpi_2480x3508px_X_NR-52347Noisy pipes present a challenge in multi-storey buildings all over the world. Whether hospitals, hotels, residential developments or offices, pipe noise can be far costlier to fix post-build than if addressed during planning. Building on the successful 30-year plastic low-noise legacy of the Wavin AS system, the new and improved Wavin AS+ solution provides advanced noise reduction in soil and waste systems.

This new product significantly improves on the existing AS range, with AS+ now reducing the noise level of soil & waste systems better than any other plastic pipe currently in the market. The new solution has a compact design ideal for small and narrow spaces, a unique material composition that delivers perfect sound absorption, and a patented blue seal that enhances leak and failure-proof installation. All of these advancements aid the pipe’s ability to minimise noise pollution, as well as make installation as easy as possible.

Key features of Wavin AS+:

  • Super-easy installation
    • A sculptured spigot significantly reduces push-in force and the self-lubricated blue seal ensures both quiet performance and super-easy installation.
  • Patented blue seal
    • With integrated lubrication, both the composition and shape of Wavin’s blue seal supports a leak-free, easy and failure-proof installation.
  • Wavin Soundcheck Tool
    • To support the planning process, Wavin’s new Soundcheck Tool provides an easy six-step way for meeting the latest in noise regulations, by simulating system acoustics in final installation.

AS+4 AS+5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Stables, marketing manager at Wavin said: “We’re extremely excited about this latest evolution of our AS range. We’ve invested a great deal of time effort in developing exactly the right materials and design. The Wavin AS+ represents a whole new level of performance for plastic low-noise soil and waste systems and an ideal solution for engineers and installers.”.

While the new AS+ range is perfect for multi-residence projects, it is also suitable for a variety of other applications. Like other Wavin plastics, the material used is durable, corrosion-resistant and able to withstand the chemical attack of all kinds of aggressive waste waters, meaning that more complex settings, such as commercial, healthcare and manufacturing projects, can also benefit from the low noise capabilities of the system.

To find out more about Wavin’s new AS+ range, visit http://www.wavin.co.uk/

WAVIN LAUNCHES NEW GENERATION OF LOW NOISE PIPE SYSTEMS: WAVIN AS+

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage, Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

View the Wavin entry on BPindex

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Wavin AS+ portfolio overview_96dpi_2480x3508px_X_NR-52347Noisy pipes present a challenge in multi-storey buildings all over the world. Whether hospitals, hotels, residential developments or offices, pipe noise can be far costlier to fix post-build than if addressed during planning. Building on the successful 30-year plastic low-noise legacy of the Wavin AS system, the new and improved Wavin AS+ solution provides advanced noise reduction in soil and waste systems.

This new product significantly improves on the existing AS range, with AS+ now reducing the noise level of soil & waste systems better than any other plastic pipe currently in the market. The new solution has a compact design ideal for small and narrow spaces, a unique material composition that delivers perfect sound absorption, and a patented blue seal that enhances leak and failure-proof installation. All of these advancements aid the pipe’s ability to minimise noise pollution, as well as make installation as easy as possible.

Key features of Wavin AS+:

·       Super-easy installation

o   A sculptured spigot significantly reduces push-in force and the self-lubricated blue seal ensures both quiet performance and super-easy installation.

·       Patented blue seal

o   With integrated lubrication, both the composition and shape of Wavin’s blue seal supports a leak-free, easy and failure-proof installation.

·       Wavin Soundcheck Tool

o   To support the planning process, Wavin’s new Soundcheck Tool provides an easy six-step way for meeting the latest in noise regulations, by simulating system acoustics in final installation.

AS+5Karen Stables, marketing manager at Wavin said: “We’re extremely excited about this latest evolution of our AS range. We’ve invested a great deal of time effort in developing exactly the right materials and design. The Wavin AS+ represents a whole new level of performance for plastic low-noise soil and waste systems and an ideal solution for engineers and installers.”.

 While the new AS+ range is perfect for multi-residence projects, it is also suitable for a variety of other applications. Like other Wavin plastics, the material used is durable, corrosion-resistant and able to withstand the chemical attack of all kinds of aggressive waste waters, meaning that more complex settings, such as commercial, healthcare and manufacturing projects, can also benefit from the low noise capabilities of the system. 

 To find out more about Wavin’s new AS+ range, visit http://www.wavin.co.uk/

HEP2O’S STATE OF THE NATION 2020: WHAT CUSTOMERS REALLY THINK OF PLUMBERS

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HEP20_SOTN_pic1 copy 2Leading push-fit plastic pipe brand, Hep2O, has launched State of the Nation 2020, with the research delivering some fascinating findings for the UK’s plumbers. Wavin, who manufacture Hep2O, scoured the country to understand what customers really think of plumbers and how the current pandemic has affected their trust in this essential trade. Overall plumbers get a thumbs up, with the majority of homeowners (a whopping 73 per cent) still happy to invest in plumbing work and to welcome plumbers into their homes.

HEP_SOTN_Infographic1 copyThe State of the Nation survey asked homeowners the questions that plumbers have always wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask, including would you leave a plumber alone in your house, do you attempt your own plumbing work and where do you find a new plumber?

The final results provide some useful insights into how plumbers should be working with their customers. Just over a third of people (35 per cent) prefer to find a plumber through recommendations from friends or family, meaning a good reputation and word of mouth is key. When it came to the most important factors homeowners look for in a plumber, cost and recommendation came out top, with just under half of respondents (49 and 48 per cent respectively) saying they were their top priority. The research also shows that if plumbers are planning on emailing their customers, then they shouldn’t! Most (57 per cent) want tradespeople to pick up the phone for a chat to talk about work. And when it comes to leaving plumbers alone in their home it seems that there’s a mutual trust, as 82 per cent said they would fully or somewhat trust them.

HEP_SOTN_Infographic2 copyNot only did the research provide some practical advice, it also shines a light on the brilliant work and talented tradespeople out there. 75 per cent of homeowners stated that they have always been happy with their plumbing work and haven’t needed to complain about a service.

Karen Stables, Marketing Manager at Wavin said: “We want to help installers by helping them to understand their customers even better. We know that plumbers are busy people so there’s rarely a chance for them to stop and take stock of the industry as a whole. In the current environment it’s more important than ever that tradespeople are able to maintain and grow their business, and this research will provide some key insights to help them improve their customer’s experience and win more jobs.”

HEP20_SOTN_pic2 copyThe survey is just the beginning for State of the Nation 2020. We also put the findings to key influencers in the plumbing community to find out what they really think. Our video series brings their thoughts to life, it really explores the different topics and looks at practical ways this information can be used. Some key themes emerged so we’re launching two masterclasses focusing on promoting your business and financial management tips, run by experts in these fields, which will be launched across our social channels in the coming weeks.

HEP_SOTN_Infographic3 copyHep2O couldn’t address the biggest topics of 2020 without mentioning COVID-19. During lockdown, additional research was carried out to find out how safe customers feel having tradespeople in their house, whether they view plumbers as keyworkers, and what safety measures they would expect plumbers to have in place throughout the pandemic.

A huge 75 per cent said they would want plumbers to abide by social distancing, 73 per cent would ask them to wear masks and 45 per cent would prefer if they wore gloves Even though the majority were happy to have plumbers in their homes at the moment, 27 per cent of customers still aren’t comfortable. Despite this, there is clear admiration for the trade as 82 per cent said they viewed plumbers as keyworkers throughout the pandemic.

To watch the full State of the Nation video and catch a glimpse of some familiar plumbing faces, click here or visit: https://www.wavin.com/en-gb/sotn

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