Here is a selection of links to useful resources which give important information in relation to plumbing, heating, regulations, and energy efficiency.

Dean Fisk Plumbing & Heating is delighted to answer any of your questions regarding regulations and guidance related to modernising or installing new equipment.

WRAS
To promote knowledge of the Water Regulations throughout the UK and to encourage their consistent interpretation and enforcement, for the prevention of waste, undue consumption, misuse, erroneous measurement or contamination of water.

To develop criteria for testing materials and fittings to assess their compliance with the Regulators’ Specifications for approved products in accordance with the Water Regulations.

To assess the results of the testing of materials and fittings to determine their compliance with the Regulators’ Specifications and to publish up-to-date lists of satisfactory materials and fittings in the Scheme’s Water Fittings and Materials Directory.

Backflow
When consumers turn their water taps on, they believe "Safe Drinking Water" is immediately available, pure and plentiful. They assume the water is safe simply because no one has warned them otherwise.

"Safe Drinking Water" is regulated by the DETR, and as a professional body the water utility is responsible for ensuring overall protection of safe drinking water under all foreseeable circumstances.

Flushing devices
Change to the requirements for WCs and urinals is one of the more significant differences between the former water supply byelaws and the new Water Fittings Regulations (England and Wales) and the Water Byelaws 2000 (Scotland). The Government has allowed flushing devices not permitted previously in the UK. It also promotes conservation by encouraging more efficient use of water for flushing. Altered installation requirements for WCs and urinals should be welcomed by designers and installers.

CHeSS central heating system specifications
CheSS was produced by the building research establishment BRECSU, in response to a request from the Heating Strategy Group of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, which recognised that one of the Key difficulties facing the domestic heating installation industry was a lack of common standards and understanding of what should be done to improve energy efficiency.

CORGI
CORGI is the national watchdog for gas safety in the United Kingdom.

Radiators
Radiators are designed to emit heat by radiation and convection. Radiators which have fin's welded to the rear of the radiator panel emit most of their heat via convection, with a small amount radiating direct from the steel panel. This leads to greater efficiency and a more even heat distribution throughout the room. Standard steel panel radiators which do not have fin's rely on radiant heat, this leads to less efficient localised heating and potential cold spots within the room.

Select a shower
Using this guide, our aim is to help you choose the very best shower for your application. In our experience many users select the highest profile product, regardless of its suitability because they are unaware of the options available, such as high performance mixer valves, shower pumps etc. In order to make the most informed choice regarding your new shower, you'll need to understand the different showering options available and the type of plumbing system installed in your property.

Shower trays and enclosures
Many users are often left confused by the vast array of shower enclosure product options that are available. In order to make the most informed choice regarding your new shower enclosure, this guide is designed to give an overview in simple terms, of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing a shower tray and enclosure.

Shower Pumps
With the increasing demand for high performance showers, shower pumps are rapidly becoming the norm in the UK rather than the exception. Where a gravity fed hot water system is installed in the home, the installation of a shower pump can make a dramatic difference to the performance of the shower.

Plastic pipes
Recent years have seen rapid development in the use of plastics pipe systems for above ground drainage (rainwater, soil and waste systems) and for hot and cold water services applications. Plastics pipes first came into common usage for rainwater gutters and downpipes and for soil and waste water systems, where they substantially replaced older cast iron alternatives. Originally more or less mimicking traditional designs, plastics technology today is used to create products which both ease installation and enhance long term performance. Good examples of such innovations are to be found in some of the more recent systems.

Choose your taps
Confused about different types of tap? have a look at this resource which tells all. Dean Fisk will also be very happy to advise on new or replacement taps.

Central heating system controls
"By upgrading heating controls, you will improve the efficiency of any central heating system, and cut your costs by up to 20%" Quote from the energy savings trust, energy efficiency home improvement brochure.