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Choosing the right heating system for your home can feel overwhelming. Radiators have been a common choice for decades, while underfloor heating has gained popularity more recently. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and the best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and home layout. This post will guide you through the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help you decide whether radiators or underfloor heating suit your home better. Underfloor hea

When it comes to replacing or upgrading radiators, knowing the heat output you need is crucial. Buying radiators without calculating the required heat output can lead to rooms that are either too cold or overheated, wasting energy and money. This guide explains how to calculate the heat output before buying new radiators, helping you make an informed decision that keeps your home comfortable and efficient. Why Heat Output Matters Radiators work by transferring heat to a room,

Finding effective heating solutions for flats in London can be challenging. Many older buildings have limited space, strict regulations, and unique energy needs. At the same time, rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns push residents to seek greener options. This post explores practical, eco-friendly heating methods tailored for London flats, helping you stay warm while reducing your carbon footprint. Modern flat living room with eco-friendly heat pump Why Cho

Chrome plated copper tube at Edwins When working with chrome-plated copper tube it is critical to choose fittings that can overcome the extreme hardness of the chromium layer.   1. Compression Fittings (Recommended) This is the most reliable and common method for chrome pipe.  Mechanism: They use a nut and a metal ring (olive) to create a mechanical seal. Best Practice: Use brass olives rather than copper ones; brass is harder and less prone to deforming against the slick

While you can theoretically mix plastic plumbing fitting brands, it is generally not recommended by manufacturers and can lead to long-term failures . If you must mix brands in an emergency, specific rules apply to ensure the connection remains watertight. The Risks of Mixing Brands Warranty Voidance: Most manufacturers (e.g., JG Speedfit, Hep2O, Uponor) will void their system warranty if you use another brand's pipe or fittings. Dimensional Variances: While outside diamete

The choice between Copper Press Fit and Multilayer Composite Pipe (MLCP) depends largely on your project's scale, budget, and specific environment. As of 2025, MLCP is increasingly favored for its flexibility and lower material cost, while Copper remains the standard for fire safety and exposed aesthetics .  Comparison Table: At a Glance Feature  Copper Press Fit MLCP (Multi-Layer Composite Pipe) Material Cost High (subject to market fluctuations) Low (roughly 1/3 the cost

A shower that suddenly turns scalding hot or freezing cold can ruin your daily routine. The key to avoiding this discomfort lies in the shower valve thermostatic cartridge. This small but essential component controls water temperature, ensuring a safe and consistent shower experience. Understanding how these cartridges work and how to maintain them can save you time, money, and frustration. What Is a Shower Valve Thermostatic Cartridge? A shower valve thermostatic cartridge i

Heating costs continue to rise, and many homeowners look for ways to control their energy use without sacrificing comfort. One simple yet effective solution is the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV). These small devices can make a big difference in how you heat your home, helping you save money and improve comfort. This post explains how thermostatic radiator valves work and why they are a smart addition to any heating system. What Is a Thermostatic Radiator Valve? A thermosta

Choosing the right boiler for your home heating system can feel overwhelming. The two popular options are combi boilers and system boilers, each with distinct features that suit different household needs. Knowing how they work and what sets them apart helps you make an informed decision that saves money and improves comfort. What Is a Combi Boiler? A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, provides both central heating and hot water directly from one compact unit. It heat

Hot water cylinders play a crucial role in providing reliable hot water for homes and businesses. Choosing the right type can impact energy efficiency, installation cost, and overall performance. This post explains the key differences between direct and indirect hot water cylinders, as well as vented and unvented systems. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed decision that fits your needs. What Are Hot Water Cylinders? A hot water cylinder stores h

Choosing the right fitting for your plumbing project can save you time, money, and frustration. Two popular options are push fit and compression fittings. Both have their strengths and ideal uses, but understanding their differences will help you decide which one suits your needs best. What Are Push Fit Fittings? Push fit fittings are designed for quick and easy installation. They work by simply pushing the pipe into the fitting, where an internal mechanism grips and seals th

Plumbing systems require reliable connections that can withstand pressure, temperature changes, and time. Traditional soldering methods for copper pipes have served well for decades, but newer technologies offer faster, safer, and more efficient alternatives. Press fit copper fittings have become a popular choice for modern plumbing projects, providing a practical solution that saves time and reduces risks. This post explores the key benefits of press fit copper fittings and

When planning plumbing projects, choosing the right pipes and fittings can make a big difference in durability, cost, and ease of installation. MLCP pipes and fittings have gained attention as a modern alternative to traditional plumbing materials. But are they truly worth buying? This post explores the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of MLCP pipes and fittings to help you decide if they fit your plumbing needs. MLCP pipe and fitting connection in plumbing What Ar

Macerator pumps play a crucial role in managing wastewater in places where traditional plumbing systems face challenges. Whether you are dealing with a basement bathroom, a boat, or a remote location, macerator pumps provide an effective solution to move waste efficiently. This post explains what macerator pumps are, how they work, and why they might be the right choice for your plumbing needs. Edwins Plumbing & Heating Supply keeps a wide range of Macerator pumps in stock Wh

WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved fittings are plumbing and water-related products that have been tested and certified to comply with the UK's Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. This means they are proven to be safe and will not cause contamination, waste, or misuse of the public water supply. Products with the WRAS approval mark are legally compliant and widely accepted by water suppliers across the UK, ensuring they meet high standards for water qual

The main difference is that solvent weld creates a permanent, permanent, strong chemical bond using solvent cement, while push-fit uses an internal rubber seal and no adhesive for a demountable, flexible connection that can be taken apart and reconnected. Solvent weld is common for permanent, high-impact commercial jobs, while push-fit is popular for easier DIY and residential installations, especially when modifications may be needed.  Feature Solvent Weld Push-Fit Joining M

A banging noise in pipes is commonly caused by water hamme r , which occurs when a valve closes suddenly, creating a pressure surge that causes pipes to vibrate or "hammer". Other causes include loose pipes, which can vibrate and knock against walls, and thermal expansion of hot water pipes. High water pressure can also make pipes bang.  Water Hammer: This is the most common cause, happening when the flow of water is stopped abruptly by appliances like washing machines, dish

Replacing a toilet seat is a straightforward DIY project that requires basic tools and a few simple steps. The process involves measuring for a new seat, removing the old one, and installing the replacement.  What you'll need New toilet seat:  Make sure it's the correct shape and size (round or elongated) for your toilet. Tools: Flathead screwdriver Pliers or adjustable spanner/wrench Protective gloves A tape measure (if you haven't bought a new seat yet) Cleaning supplies:  

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When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing is often overlooked until a problem arises. A leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a running toilet can quickly turn into a homeowner's nightmare. However, being proactive and having the right plumbing products on hand can save you time, money, and stress. In this post, we will explore essential plumbing products that every homeowner should consider having in their toolkit. 1. Plunger A plunger is a must-have for any homeowner. It is t