Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director at Talon, explains why the right plumbing accessories are important for safe, efficient and sustainable heating systems.
When tackling a new heating system installation, it’s more than just fitting a boiler or heating system – the devil is, always, in the detail. From ensuring that no drafts sneak through to meticulously adhering to the latest energy efficiency standards and fitting sleek and secure pipework, every element matters.
Air leakage around pipework where it enters and exits a property is a big issue. When installing pipes or boiler flue systems, drilled holes in walls and floors can create gaps that allow heated air to escape and cold air to enter, increasing heating demand and energy use.
To address this, Part L of the Building Regulations mandates the use of pipe seals and grommets to minimise air leakage. New housing projects must now also provide the SAP Assessor with photos for the Buildings Regulations England Part L (BREL) report, demonstrating compliance with energy efficiency standards, particularly in insulation and airtightness.
Professional finish
PipeSnug and FlueSnug are all-in-one sealing collars designed to meet stringent regulatory standards. These devices can be quickly installed to effectively seal off pipe exits, block out drafts, deter pests and prevent precious heat from escaping. Unlike mortar and sealant, PipeSnug and FlueSnug are UV resistant and designed to withstand sun damage and they leave a tidy, professional finish – no messy sealants, mortar or air sealing tape needed.
The products also tackle the pressing issue of falls from height which remain a cause of severe injuries and fatalities in the workplace. PipeSnug and FlueSnug are both flexible enough to be pushed through a core-drilled hole from the inside, and yet rigid enough to snap back into place, so there is no need for ladders or scaffolding, removing a health and safety risk if the boiler is being installed at height. When a flue needs servicing, FlueSnug can be removed, inspected and then replaced, all from the inside of the building.
Pipework
Clips are indispensable in any heating or pipework installation, and the choice of clip is critical. The EZ Joist Clip stands out for its side-on installation design, which boosts safety when working above head level. This side-nailing feature makes these clips quicker and more convenient alternatives to traditional nail-in clips that require top access to joists. With the EZ Joist Clip, you simply attach it to the side of the joist and its built-in supportive ledge holds it steady while the pipe is secured.
This is particularly handy when the pipe needs to be fixed in place after it has been positioned and its modular design allows for joining multiple clips together to accommodate extended runs or intricate setups. The clips interlock through a dovetail joint, ensuring consistent pipe spacing and delivering a clean, organised finish.
When completing a heating installation, attention should also be paid to the aesthetics of exposed pipes in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where radiators and towel rails are often focal points. While main fixtures typically attract the most notice, unfinished pipework can undermine the overall effect of an installation. Snappit offers a neat, quick solution for covering exposed radiator and towel rail pipes, instantly elevating the finish. Simple to install, you just need to measure the exposed pipe, mark it on the Snappit, and cut the excess with a hacksaw. The Snappit then snaps into place with a satisfying click, finished with a collar to secure the clean, professional look of the installation and avoiding all the mess and hassle associated with painting pipework.
Cover up
Beyond the kitchen and bathroom, exposed pipework in other spaces can make a room seem incomplete, collect dust and detract from the overall design of the room. Talon’s Single and Double Pipe Covers offer a solution to smarten up the look of exposed pipes.
Made from extruded white uPVC, these covers offer excellent weather resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Once the correct size is chosen, they can be clipped over Talon Hinged Clips without the need for any additional tools.
