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Wavin Osma UltraRib – High-performance drainage for demanding environments

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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Wavin Osma UltraRib is a robust structured-wall gravity drainage system engineered to deliver long-term reliability in demanding below-ground applications. Widely specified across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, UltraRib combines exceptional strength, durability, and ease of installation, making it one of the most trusted solutions for adoptable and non-adoptable drainage networks.

Its distinctive ribbed external profile provides superior stiffness and exceptional resistance to ground loads, ensuring the system performs reliably in deep installations, high-traffic areas, or challenging ground conditions where additional reinforcement is required. Inside, a smooth bore optimises flow, minimising the risk of blockages and ensuring consistent hydraulic performance over time.

Constructed from premium PVC-U, UltraRib offers outstanding corrosion resistance and chemical stability throughout its service life. Unlike traditional materials, it is not susceptible to corrosion, abrasion, or biological attack, contributing to a low-maintenance, cost-effective drainage network. Available in diameters from 150mm to 300mm, the system accommodates a broad range of design requirements.

Installation is fast, safe, and straightforward. The secure ring-seal socket and push-fit joint design allow for reliable connections without specialist tools, streamlining workflows and reducing installation time. . The lightweight nature of PVC-U further improves handling and health and safety on site.

Fully compliant with BS EN 13476-3 and accepted by major adopting authorities, Wavin Osma UltraRib meets stringent industry standards for performance and reliability. Its proven track record and strong technical pedigree make it a go-to choice for engineers, contractors, and specifiers seeking a dependable drainage solution for challenging environments.

With a combination of strength, efficiency, and long-term performance, Wavin Osma UltraRib continues to set the benchmark for structured-wall drainage systems in the UK construction sector.

 

 

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Continuously Operated Recirculated Systems

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, push fit fittings Leave a Comment

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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.

Introducing the new Wavin Tigris Manifolds

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, push fit fittings Leave a Comment

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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.

Precast Concrete Headwalls

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Precast, Walling Leave a Comment

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Althon manufacture the largest range of precast concrete headwalls in the UK for pipes, culverts and box culverts. 15 years ago we have launched our first headwall brochure with a range of 40 different headwalls. Today we have over 500 different headwalls!

Precast headwalls are an important part of most SUDS drainage schemes, preventing erosion at the point of discharge into watercourses such as attenuation ponds, detention basins, rivers, ditches and swales. Balancing ponds or attenuation ponds are a vital flood prevention method. You will often see these attenuation ponds complete with headwalls, on new construction projects such as housing estates, new roadways etc. The purpose of them is during heavy or prolonged wet weather the drainage system on new construction projects can be overwhelmed due to the sheer amount of excess water being discharged. The attenuation pond is designed to control the amount of excess water entering the drainage system to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

Our headwall ranges include Anglian Water approved headwalls, Severn Trent water specification for rectangular precast outfalls, Sewerage sector guidance compliant headwalls, angled headwalls and many more.

We are also able to factory fit a range of accessories to our headwalls making installation much faster and safer. Some of these accessories include flap valves, tideflex valves, kee klamp handrails, stepped baffle blocks, gratings, pond liner brackets and the list goes on.

Whether you already know the type of headwall you require or need some assistance in choosing the correct design our team is always happy to assist you.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements

Phone – 01603 488700

Email – sales@althon.co.uk

Website – https://www.althon.co.uk/products/headwalls/