Plumbmaster has established a foothold in the underfloor heating world. For over 20 years, the plumbing and heating merchant has been stocking UFH systems for self-builders, installers and contractors in Northern Ireland and Ireland-wide.
The expertise and knowledge gained over those years fuelled the launch of Plumbmaster’s own brand UFH system – HeatMaster – five years ago. Wayne Gribben, UFH & Renewables Consultant for Plumbmaster explains, “Our staff had been fully trained on a previous UFH brand but it became clear it didn’t suit the Northern Ireland and Ireland market. Instead, we used that knowledge to source individual components and build our own HeatMaster UFH kit.
“We buy in our pipe from Europe, manifold and heating mechanical controls from Reliance in England and our heating controls are made by Heatmiser. We offer manufacturer warranty on each of the products, 25 years on the pipe, two years on the manifold, pump and mixing set and a two-year warranty on the heating controls.
“We also offer a bespoke design in accordance with EN1264 using the renowned Willms HT2000 graphic planning package to ensure optimum efficiency and reliability. Every job will receive a tailored design, CAD pipe layout drawings and detailed mechanical and wiring schematics. This means we can offer the full package.”
The HeatMaster kit is available to order from all 11 Plumbmaster branches in Northern Ireland and the HeatMaster website. “Following purchase, our aftersales team works closely with the installer and homeowner to provide support should any issues arise. This can either be done over the phone or onsite if required.”
Upgrade
The self-build market represents the largest portion of HeatMaster sales, however, replacement part / upgrade sales are big amongst installers and plumbers. “Older UFH systems need renewed or have controls updated. I have over 14 years’ experience in the UFH industry, so I have a wide knowledge of those systems and what new parts and controls will work best with them. Having that level of understanding is a distinct advantage in the retrofit market.
“With the lockdown we have noticed an upsurge in house renovations and extensions, so we offer pre-packed extension kits as a solution for areas up to 40 sq m.”
Often heat pumps are specified alongside UFH by self-builders. “The two work well together, because they both operate as a low temperature system,” says Wayne. “Which is why we also stock A+++ rated heat pumps by Grant and Samsung which are both backed up by free commissioning.”
HeatMaster hit the road at the end of May across Northern Ireland, holding roadshows in all the branches to promote the benefits to self-builders and running an equipment prize draw for installers.
“HeatMaster UFH has been around for a while now,” says Wayne, “but is a little under the radar. We wanted to make more people aware of the great value this quality system provides, along with the added benefits of manufacturer warranties and our free, expert design package.”
For more information about the HeatMaster system call into any Plumbmaster branch and speak to the highly trained trade counter staff. Or contact Wayne directly by email: wayne.gribben@plumb-master.com
