5 top tips for solving the most common plumbing and heating challenges in 2025

As a tried and tested installer, you will rarely run into common plumbing and heating problems you don’t know how to deal with. However, in today’s plumbing and heating landscape, with the government aiming for net zero by 2050 and with regulations constantly changing, the usual and familiar everyday technical challenges are no longer the only issues you need to be aware of.

And it is not just changing regulations affecting the type of challenges installers face today but also changing customer needs in parallel to new technologies continuously being introduced. These are challenges that skilled work alone cannot solve but instead require a shift in mindset to embrace new technologies and techniques. Here are our five tips for solving the most common plumbing and heating challenges in 2025.

The UK Government has pledged to help build 300,000 homes a year due to the lack of affordable housing, which means installers are having to work faster than ever to help meet this target, but that doesn’t mean having to work harder.

Modern technologies can replace time-consuming installation practices. For example, RWC’s range of tool-free JG Speedfit push-fit fittings and pipe can be used in place of soldering. On the job, this can save installers valuable time while maintaining consistently high standards, allowing seasoned professionals to focus on more complex tasks – from system design through to kitchen and bathroom renovations.  The innovative technology, is proven to cut installation time almost in half, meaning you are solving common plumbing and heating problems and, indeed, working smarter not harder.

We’ve all heard the saying: “prevention is better than cure”, and it’s just as relevant to common plumbing and heating problems as it is to anything else. Incorrect installation can increase the risk of leaks, in-pipe bacterial growth and the likelihood of scalding, which can put people and property at risk, as well as increasing the likelihood of you having to go back on site to fix such problems at some point in the future.

Throughout the installation process, think ahead and ensure these small, easily avoided issues are prevented from happening in the first place. And that if they do, they are easy to fix. For example, running your distributing hot water supply at temperatures that can kill bacteria will help prevent contamination of the supply, but those temperatures are often too hot at the tap to use and there is a high chance of scalding occurring. Installing Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) at the point of use allows for thermal disinfection, without the risk of scalding at the outlet. This makes them an essential component for system safety, and one that is a legal requirement in some scenarios – including under baths in new build homes and when replacing a bath or bathroom in existing properties.

Quality TMVs from RWC’s Reliance Valves is perfect for solving such problems. One such example; is the Easifit TMV2/3, which is a compact mixing valve that blends hot and cold water to ensure a safe outlet temperature and is perfect for domestic use as it comes with union connections, or fast and simple JG Speedfit push-fit connections.

In today’s landscape customers expect more choice and more control over their environment. They are becoming more aware of the technology available and expect smart plumbing and heating solutions, which means it is especially important that installers themselves keep their product knowledge up to date.

For example, the Reliance Valves MultiSafe leak detection system is the latest development giving homeowners a complete leak detection and monitoring system against flooding and microleakage within their properties.

Aside from innovative leak detection systems, installers can also put control into the hands of homeowners with smart heating controls. Where underfloor heating is installed, users have the ability to decide which rooms – or zones – are heated, as well as intuitively managing when the heating is on – even remotely via an app.

With more regulations addressing environmental concerns that determine the use or discontinuation of certain products and solutions, it is almost impossible to not be working with a more sustainable focus. For instance, the upcoming ban on gas boilers in new build homes.

As the world faces environmental challenge after challenge, installers must take on a more sustainable philosophy themselves. RWC’s family of brands and team of experts are here to support you in this new, more sustainable venture. From underfloor heating solutions to leak proof push-fit connector technology and water-preserving valves, RWC’s wide product offering means more choice when designing a sustainable plumbing and heating system.

Although underfloor heating (UFH) has been around for a while, it's a fantastic time to get on board because, as gas boilers are phased out, UFH is set to become even more popular as it operates effectively with low temperature heating technologies such as heat pumps. RWC's JG Underfloor heating brand is a clear industry leader with a broad line of solutions appropriate for new builds and retrofit applications. It is fully supported with a free CAD design and estimating service and offers technical support before, during, and after installation.

With these five top tips, some of the most common plumbing and heating problems should be easy for installers to face. By embracing innovative, easy-to-use products and adopting new technologies, installers will come out on top and be ready for any new challenge that comes their way.