WWHR Installation

Our UK Director, Ashley Prescott shares his top tips for installing a Power-Pipe below. Be sure to check out our downloads section to see our full technical manual for further information.

First things first: You will need a black marker pen, two drain connectors, protective glasses, a saw, file and socket head screwdriver. Remember to turn off the mains water supply and flush toilets.

1. Make a 40mm mark from the bottom of a vertical waste pipe which will be the location for the bottom cut
2. Starting from the bottom cut, mark the length of the Power-Pipe along the wastepipe for the top cut
3. Using the saw, make both cuts ensuring the cuts are square to the wastepipe
4. Remove section and file any rough edges
5. Take steel bands off both drain connectors. Slide one on to the bottom cut of the wastepipe and on the other to the top of the Power-Pipe
6. Insert the Power-Pipe onto the bottom connector and then into the upper cut of the wastepipe. Twist to ensure snug fit
7. Replace steel bands on to the top of the connectors and tighten all connections with the screwdriver
8. Connect cold water supply to the bottom of the Power-Pipe
9. Connect the Power-Pipe to the water heating system and the cold feed of the shower mixer

Turn on the main water valve, run shower and check installation for leaks.

As both of the above demonstrate, installing a Power-Pipe is relatively straight forward process. It is normally undertaken by a professional plumbing or mechanical contractor and takes less than an hour to complete.

It is important that the contractor is aware that the Power-Pipe will be included before he/she starts work on the project, as there will be some changes to the layout of the mains water lines within the property.

Design Requirements

• Remember WWHR works well for new builds but can’t be easily retrofitted because it is normally difficult to access the pipework of a building.
• Power-Pipes are compatible with any hot water system.
• The system needs to be installed vertically so it must be fitted on the floor below the shower meaning it can’t be used in a bungalow or ground floor flat. Power-Pipe does not have any systems recognised by SAP for horizontal installation.
• WWHR units need to be installed inside the building.
• WWHR is compatible with all water heaters but will not provide any savings if used with electric showers.

If you are considering installing WWHRS into a multi-storey or commercial building, then we suggest you get in touch with us to discuss the most effective system for your development.