R A Brown Heating Services Code of Practice

Standard Installation Procedures and Requirements

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1a. Please ensure that you are ready for the installation as scheduled with our project
manager. If we are installing on a building site, we expect the building to be secure
and weather tight. Responsibility for the equipment will pass to you once materials
are delivered to your property/site.

1b. Access to the site will need to be clear and safe. A solid surface/path is needed to
manoeuvre equipment to the building. Access into the building must be clear and
able to support the weight of the equipment (ground source heat pumps can weigh
in excess of 350kg).

1c. Please ensure you have met our health and safety requirements, you will be required
to supply us with normal services free of charge; this should include toilet, washing,
water facilities and electricity.

1d. ENA Notification
To ensure the safety and security of the Electricity Networks, depending on the size,
type and location of the installation, you may need to apply for a connection with
the District Network Operator prior to installation of the device. All other systems
will need to be notified within 30 days of completion.

If R A Brown Heating Services Ltd are carrying out the electrical works required for
the installation of your heat pump system, then we will complete the paperwork to
inform the Energy Networks Association.

N.B. If you are using your own electrician to install the electrical works then you are
responsible to ensure that your electrician informs the Energy Networks Association.
We will provide you with the necessary forms containing specific technical data of the
equipment to be installed.

2. INSTALLATION OF AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

2a. We will provide anti vibration feet which must be positioned on a hard surface.
The hard surface can be in the form of slabs or a concrete pad. This needs to be
provided by you, to our specification as detailed in your contractual quote. We can
provide a pad at an additional cost if required.

2b. Drainage of the condensate can be via a drainpipe, into a soakaway or into the
ground via a natural finish such as shingle. We can install a pipe to a drain providing
the run is below 3 metres. Unless otherwise stated, natural drainage will be used.

2c. Clearances around the heat pump will be discussed at your site visit. These need to
be maintained for the life of the heat pump.

2d. We are required to measure distances from the proposed heat pump location to
openable windows on yours and neighbouring properties, to meet permitted
development regulations. If you wish to change the position of the heat pump, we
need to be informed of this in advance.

2e. External pipework will be in either copper or multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP), this
will be lagged using black insulation after commissioning.

2f. For the internal installation we will use copper and/or MLCP pipe, fittings will be
soldered, compression or crimped depending on the situation. The final pipework
will be lagged in accordance with building regulations. If we are joining onto an
existing system or pipework installed by other contractors, we will not be
responsible for the existing system or the other contractor’s work. If defects are
discovered during the installation process with either the existing system being
joined onto, or work carried out by another contractor, rectifying this may incur an
additional cost.

We do always try to work cooperatively with other contractors to rectify any
problems if they arise.

2g. Where another plumbing contractor is working on site, we will agree a ‘stop point’
for pipework where they finish, and our engineers begin work. This is normally post
buffer and pump on the flow, and a valve on the return.

2h. The heating system will be pressurised and will have a fill point and a pressure gauge.
A discharge point will be terminated according to building regulations.

2i. In most cases we will be updating your hot water to mains pressure. The system
pressure is supplied by the incoming supply which may be mains or bore hole. We
will check the size of the internal pipework usually at the site visit stage and inform
you if it is undersized and give you options of how to proceed. If you opt not to
upgrade pipework deemed to be undersized, we will not be responsible for the
resulting poor pressure in the system.

3. INSTALLATION OF GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

Ground Collectors or Bore Holing

3a. This aspect of the system is contracted out to the relevant specialist although the
design and heat demands are calculated collaboratively. The contractor will provide
you with a copy of their terms and conditions (please contact us if you do not receive
these before the work starts). These will become our terms and conditions for this
part of the installation, as they are contracted by us. If you are using your own
contractor, we will not be responsible for their installation. If damage occurs to the
collector pipe during installation, it will need to be repaired. It is preferable for the
repair to be fusion welded (we can carry out the repair if required at an additional
cost).

3b. We will not be responsible for levelling the ground if settlement occurs after
backfilling of the collector trenches by the ground works contractor. You need to
agree with the ground worker that you are happy with their levelling work when
they complete their contract. The amount of post installation settling varies
considerably depending on the type of soil and weather conditions. Settlement may
occur at any time following installation, and subsequent levelling work will need to
be discussed with the ground working contractor.

3c. For the internal pipework we will join onto the collector pipes using mechanical or
fusion welded fittings. Where the ground collector pipework enters the building, it
will be converted to copper or MLCP pipe for connection to the heat pump. On this
pipework will be fill valves, air vents and an expansion vessel. This internal pipework
may at times be likely to form condensation due to the difference in temperature
between the brine filled pipes and the warmth of the plant room/utility room. We
try to keep this to a minimum by lagging the pipes but cannot guarantee to eradicate
it completely.

3d. Ground source heat pump units are very heavy. It is important that the indoor unit
location chosen is suitably constructed to support the weight. We always require a
solid floor area.

3e. For the internal part of the installation, we will use copper and/or MLCP pipe, fittings
will be soldered, compression or crimped depending on the situation. The final
pipework will be lagged in accordance to building regulations. If we are joining onto
an existing system or pipework installed by other contractors, we will not be
responsible for the existing system or other contractor’s work. If defects are
discovered during the installation process with either the existing system being
joined onto, or work carried out by another contractor, rectifying this may incur an
additional cost.

We always try to work cooperatively with other contractors to rectify any problems if
they arise.

3f. Where another plumbing contractor is working on site – we will agree a ‘stop point’
for pipework where they finish, and our engineers begin work. This is normally post
buffer and pump on the flow and a valve on the return.

3g. The heating system will be pressurised and will have a fill point and pressure gauge. A
discharge point will be terminated according to building regulations.

3h. In most cases we will be updating your hot water to mains pressure. The system
pressure is supplied by the incoming supply which may be mains or bore hole. We
will check the size of the internal pipework usually at the site visit stage and inform
you if it is undersized and give you options of how to proceed. If you opt not to
upgrade the pipework deemed to be undersized, we will not be responsible for the
resulting poor pressure in the system.

4. RADIATOR SIZING, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION

4a. Radiator sizes and locations will need to be agreed for the contractual quote. We are
aware that this is an aspect of the installation that is sometimes altered as final room
layouts are finalised. Materials will normally be ordered three weeks before your
programmed start date, so any changes to the specification will need to be decided
by that time (changes may incur an additional cost). Some specialist radiators will
need to be ordered six weeks ahead.

N.B. Radiators that are ordered and then changed will be subject to a handling
charge and specialist radiators may not be returnable and will be charged at the
quoted price.

4b. Pipework supplying radiators on new builds will be MLCP pipe. This pipe will join
directly onto the radiator valve. The pipe will be from the floor directly onto the
valve.

If we are altering existing pipework above floor which is in copper, we will use
copper.

If we are altering existing pipework below floor, we will use copper or MLCP pipe.

4c. If you would prefer pipework to exit from the walls rather than the floor, this will
incur additional cost to our quote, it is very time consuming to get the pipe in exactly
the right position to align with radiator valves and involves routing out of the wall to
accommodate the pipes. For this reason, we include bringing pipes up from the floor
as our standard quoted option.

Another option that we offer is to bring pipes out from the wall under the radiator
and then have additional pipework run externally, pipework will be visible up to the
valve.

We can sometimes use radiators with centralised bottom fittings thereby hiding all
the pipes, these are however specialist radiators and take approximately six weeks
to arrive. Specialist radiators are more expensive than standard radiators, therefore
this option needs to be decided upon well in advance of your installation date.
Your preferred option for this should be discussed ideally prior to the contractual
quote being prepared.

4d. On occasion our engineers find that other Tradesmen coming in after first fix (such as
plasterers) knock the radiator pipework out of alignment. If this happens it creates
more work at second fixing, and this may incur an additional cost.

4e. If you require chrome pipework, this will incur an additional cost to our quote and
this must be requested before first fixing, this is because floors may need to be lifted
to ensure the pipework is straight, due to the rigidity of chrome pipe.

4f. Where heavy radiators and especially towel rails are to be installed, we request that
plasterboard walls are strengthened by e.g., by adding ply to the back of the
plasterboard to allow a secure fixing. If this is not carried out, we will be unable to
install the radiator/towel rail onto the wall due to safety reasons.

5. UNDERFLOOR HEATING

5a. Preparation is critical for an installation to proceed. We require the floor insulation to
be of a dense styrene to enable fixing clips to hold. The insulation, membrane and
edge expansion strip must be laid prior to pipe installation. We do not usually carry
out this preparation work, as if the insulation is laid too early it will bow and we will
be unable to secure the pipe. We will then be unable to continue with the
installation, until it is rectified.

5b. If you are installing the pipework yourself, it will need to be laid to our specification.

5c. During installation, the system will be filled with water and pressure tested, a supply
of water from a tap will be required for this. The pressure will be increased for
testing up to 6 bar and will remain at this pressure until we attend to do further
work. Ideally the screed (if being used) needs to be laid within 24 hours to protect
the pipes.

5d. It is your responsibility to make sure that during freezing weather conditions, all
areas with underfloor heating are kept above freezing.

If it is not possible to keep an area above freezing, then please request alternative
frost protection options from us:

• Antifreeze can be added to the system (at an additional cost).
• It may be possible to drain the system down (if you are having a liquid screed,
draining is not an option).
If no request for alternative frost protection is made to us, ensure that the building
is being kept frost free. This is the responsibility of the Site Manager or yourself to
prevent frost damage to the system. R A Brown Heating Services Ltd will not accept
liability for any loss or damage to your system or surrounding areas of the property
if this is not carried out.

N.B. We would recommend that frost protection is in place between September and
April, to protect your system from unexpected frosts.

6. PRIMARY PIPEWORK

6a. Primary pipework is the distribution pipework. This pipework will link from the heat
source (heat pump or boiler etc.) to e.g., the hot water cylinder or buffer vessel. If
we are installing the pipework, we will install insulated MLCP pipe under the floor
insulation on the ground floor and uninsulated MLCP through joists on the first floor.
For pipework installed under solid floors it is part of building regulations that the
system is free from joints. We take no responsibility for pipework not installed by R A
Brown Heating Services. This pipework needs to be installed prior to floor insulation
being laid.

7. HOT AND COLD SERVICES

7a. When we are installing this pipework, we will install insulated MLCP pipe under the
floor insulation on the ground floor and uninsulated MLCP through joists on the first
floor. For pipework installed under solid floors it is part of building regulations that
the system is free from joints, the only exemption to this is if a pipe is damaged and
requires repair necessitating a crimped fitting to be installed. We take no
responsibility for pipework not installed by R A Brown Heating Services.

7b. There are various stages for installations which will vary depending on the building
design. In our standard service terms we will assume the primary pipework supplying
manifolds and the distribution pipework will need to be installed at the same time or
additional costs may be incurred.

7c. Depending on the system design we will use manifolds or tee off of the primary
pipework using mechanical or crimped fittings. The hot/cold pipe can be connected
directly onto an adapter which will enable connection to copper. The pipe installed
by R A Brown will be from the floor, ready for connection at second fix. Shower pipes
are to be left ready for connection to the shower of your choice. We will not chase
walls for pipes and valves unless prior agreement has been reached. If we are altering

existing pipework above floor which is in copper, we will use copper.

If we are altering existing pipework below the floor, we will use copper or MLCP pipe.

7d. We will run pipework to ‘point of use’. Our definition of ‘point of use’ is the position
agreed with the customer/and or Site Manager, that will allow connection for second
fix plumbing. We will leave this ready for connection by others. We use 16mm MLCP
pipe unless otherwise requested. MLCP pipe is suitable for use to all outlets
providing a mains water pressure of 2.5 bar, if a higher flow rate is required a larger
pipe will be required and this will incur additional cost.

7e. Please note the following will incur an additional cost unless discussed and quoted.

• Pipework from walls.
• Chrome pipework.
• Shower bracket connection/pipework connection to concealed shower
valves.

8. ELECTRICAL WORKS

8a. No electrical work will be undertaken by ourselves. We can sub-contract this work to
certified electricians for you if required. If you are using your own electrical
contractor for heat pump installations, we will supply a wiring specification for their
use. This specification will cover the heat pumps wiring requirements. Wiring for
thermostats and other controls will need to be discussed with us.

R A Brown Heating Services will not be responsible for other contractors’ work.

9. MECHANICAL VENTILATION WITH HEAT RECOVERY

9a. This system is generally fitted in two stages. At first fixing the radial pipework will be
installed along with the outlets to each room. Our standard outlet grill will be circular
with a metal painted cover. If you require different grills, these will need to be
selected prior to contract or first fixing, these can vary greatly in price. It is advisable
to visit the showroom to choose from our samples on display.

If specified by your architect your building may require fire valves to be fitted either
in each room or in specified areas, if these are required, we must be told prior to us
providing a contractual quote, as fire protection is not automatically installed.

9b. Roof terminals (if being used) will need to be installed when the roof is being tiled.
We will supply the terminals for the roofers to install at our requested point. If wall
terminals are being used, we will supply pipe and terminals for installation whilst the
walls are being built and the scaffolding is still in place. To ensure this happens
appropriately, we need to be kept informed of the the progress of your build to
allow for supply of the terminals.

9c. Stage two will involve installation of the manifolds, grills, and mechanical unit at the
agreed location in your contractual quote.

9d. The unit will be commissioned by our engineer after the electrical work has been
completed by the electrician.

10. INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

10a. We will provide either anti vibration feet or wall brackets which must be positioned
as advised by ourselves.

10b. Drainage of the condensate can be via a drainpipe, into a soakaway or into the
ground via a natural finish such as shingle. We can install a pipe to a drain providing
the run is below 3 metres. Unless otherwise stated, natural drainage will be used.

10c. Clearances around the outdoor condenser unit will be discussed at your site visit.
These need to be maintained for the life of the unit.

10d. External pipework will lagged using black insulation after commissioning, and
enclosed with suitable trunking.

11. WASTE DISPOSAL

11a. When installing on a building project, no waste will be removed unless a prior
arrangement has been made.

On a domestic installation we will remove packaging from site.

Removed equipment will stay on site (i.e., boilers and radiators) unless removal has
been specified in your quote. If removal is required (and it has not been included)
this will incur an additional cost.

12. GENERAL DISCLAIMER

R A Brown Heating Services will not be held responsible for any loss or damage
caused to our works by yourself or other contractors’. If any loss or damage occurs,
you will be responsible for the cost of any labour and materials required to rectify
the system i.e., drilling through underfloor heating pipes etc.

Should a repair be required, this may invalidate your warranty.

Version 9 Last updated 13/03/2023