The flexible way to futureproof installations and maintenance

Modern homes are designed around convenience, ensuring greater levels of comfort for every occupant. In practice, that means today’s homes have more appliances that need plumbing in than ever before – whether that’s instant hot water taps, fridges that dispense water, or dedicated integrated utilities like washing machines, driers and dishwashers.

While these technologies bring with them greater levels of functionality and convenience, ensuring their long-term reliability means extra considerations for installers to think about, including more complex pipework.

That’s where added flexibility comes in – not just in the pipework itself, but in the connections that both simplify and futureproof plumbing installation and maintenance.

It’s no secret that modern homes are getting smaller. Apartments make up a greater proportion of the housing mix than ever before, and many new homes are thoughtfully designed to maximise space availability. Despite smaller footprints, certain elements of new homes are prioritised – such as kitchens – providing the perfect spaces that reflect modern lifestyles. 

To meet all the requirements of today’s homes – from functionality through to convenience – plumbers need flexibility in the solutions they choose to ensure a futureproof installation. Tap connectors for appliances and fixtures, alongside flexi hoses, provide the ideal solutions for plumbers.

Built around push-fit technology, solutions from JG Speedfit are designed to be installed without the need for additional tools and hot works. This makes them easier to install in tight spaces, as well as being a straightforward way to ensure tight, leak-proof connections – which is integral to long-term reliability and performance.

Tap connectors are a key part of installers’ arsenal when creating a futureproofed plumbing installation. With push-fit technology built in, JG Speedfit tap connectors support the seamless connection of plastic or copper pipes to fixtures and appliances. The push-fit solution allows the connector to be pushed onto the pipe, and a simple twist of the plastic nut locks it firmly into place for reliable, leak-free connections.

The ease of installation, thanks to push-fit technology, makes working with JG Speedfit tap connectors up to 40% faster than traditional methods. It also makes it easier for plumbers to work in confined spaces – which is all the more common in modern homes.

Within the JG Speedfit range, there are several solutions to meet the specific needs of common installations. This includes the Straight Tap Connector for typical feeds, and the Bent Tap Connector, which can be used for horizontal pipe runs. Both solutions offer the same functionality once installed and provide the flexibility to help installers deliver on every job.

With the tap connector in place, installers can also make use of products such as flexi pipes which provide much needed flexibility when connecting appliances and fixtures. This supports installers to easily work around obstacles and existing pipework near the point of connection.

Away from the initial installation of plumbed-in appliances, installers also need to consider future maintenance. Here, flexibility continues to play an important role.

In the same way that tap connectors simplify the initial stages of installation, solutions such as the JG Speedfit Service Valve with Tap Connector support future servicing.

When installing new appliances, installers will need to isolate the areas of the system they’re working on and prevent the flow of water. Having solutions to hand that can be easily installed, without the need for complex tools, can make jobs quicker and easier for professionals.

The core functionality of the Service Valve with Tap Connector simplifies connection – just like the tap connectors we’ve already explored. But with a built-in service functionality, this solution goes a step further, with an integrated handle allowing the valve to support the individual isolation of fixtures and appliances – whether that’s taps, toilets, washing machines or dishwashers. This makes it simple for professional plumbers to disconnect appliances to allow maintenance – or even a future replacement – to take place seamlessly. Not only will jobs be quicker and carried out with minimal disruption but it also means plumbers won’t have to drain down an entire system when carrying out maintenance on specific appliances and fixtures.

By integrating greater levels of flexibility into every installation, plumbers can elevate the potential of every job, ensure appliances and fixtures are installed seamlessly, and build in fuss-free future maintenance to ensure every home can benefit from reliable performance over the long-term.