Changes to Building Regulations Part L will come into force on 15 June 2022. They mean that water quality checking, maintenance, and protection will need to be carried out with every heating system install, service and repair. Essentially, when working on, preparing or commissioning a heating system – new or existing – the system's water needs to be treated as per BS7593:2019.

The good news is that it is easy to show you have complied with the new requirement by completing the digital benchmark certification through the new Benchmark app – and the result will be more efficient, energy saving systems heating homes across the UK.

Whether you are installing a completely new system, undertaking a service, or fitting a new boiler or low-carbon heat source at an existing property, under the new Part L requirements, the following will need to be carried out:

• Check inhibitor AND system cleanliness during every install, annual service and repair.
• All systems should be cleaned using a full fresh-water system flush to remove sludge and other debris. This applies to brand-new systems too, as they may be contaminated with grease, solder, or installation debris. Chemical inhibitor should be added after the final fill with fresh water.
• Fit an in-line filter to all systems after completing a clean. Existing filters should be cleaned and serviced as part of recommissioning.
• Re-dose the inhibitor every five years or complete a full system water test to make sure the water is clean and balanced.

Using an onsite test, such as ProCheck, helps you monitor all required elements, such as corrosion, pH, inhibitor and turbidity. Results and recommendations are delivered instantly onsite through the dedicated ProCheck app. The results can be immediately shared with the homeowner too, to help conversations about remedial action.

Showing compliance with Part L regulations, best practice, and the BS7953:2019 standard can be done easily and quickly by completing a digital benchmark registration, using the dedicated Benchmark App. The relevant information, that will be required as part of the warranty process for many boiler installations, can be inputted simply.

For further visibility and customer reassurance, installers carrying out a system flush with a product such as ADEY's MagnaCleanse can also complete the accompanying certificate and give it to homeowners as extra proof the system is in the best possible condition. ProClub members can access a digital version in the ADEY Installer Hub. 

Water quality is something your customers probably don’t think about, especially as it can’t usually be seen. They may be unaware that by keeping the water inside the central heating system clean, radiators can give out up to 47% more heat - or that taking good care of their heating system could extend the life of their boiler by up to seven years.

Explaining what you are doing, the effect on efficiency and the added benefit of extending the life of the boiler will not only ensure they are aware of ‘why’ it is so important to the running of the system, it will also boost your reputation as a professional.

Neil Watson, Director of Strategy at ADEY, commented: “The impact sludge-free and properly protected water can have on the running and longevity of a heating system has long been known by installers and it stands to reason that a clogged-up system won’t run as well as it should.

“The changes to Part L are designed to increase home heating system efficiency throughout its life, not just at installation.

“British Standards was the first to switch to this view in 2019, and now, with Part L and the digital Benchmark certification in force from June 2022, we’ve got a great opportunity to help the UK’s heating systems work better for longer.

“It will also help keep gas bills down with heating systems that run as efficiently as possible – something that is so important to so many customers looking to make savings.”

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