New build plumbing: Creating efficient systems for new build homes

When it comes to housing in the UK, there are two fundamental challenges – demand and efficiency. That’s because, alongside a shortage of homes for the growing population, there is a need for new homes to achieve certain levels of efficiency. As well as supporting overarching environment targets to be met, greater efficiency also helps occupants to benefit from reduced consumption by bringing about reductions on energy bills.

In response to these challenges, the government has committed to building 1.5million new homes across the UK by 2029. It is thought that this will ease the current housing crisis and make homes more affordable. The green agenda will also help to shape the performance of new build homes.

Residential buildings account for around one fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. More energy efficient homes will help to reduce this figure, contributing towards net-zero targets while making homes more comfortable and affordable to run.

To make energy efficient new build homes a reality, plumbing and heating is a crucial consideration. In this blog, we’ll consider how well-planned plumbing and heating systems can help to conserve water, maximise efficiency, enhance safety and even reduce consumption.

As the majority of plumbing and heating systems are typically hidden from view in modern homes, it can be easy to overlook their impact. However, of the emissions produced by homes, around 80% are generated by plumbing and heating systems with inefficient heat sources and heat loss around the home having a significant impact.

In practice, this makes the pipes, valves and fittings that create a system integral to reliable and efficient performance. Installing the right ones can deliver high levels of efficiency from the outset – and maintain it for decades.

Many of the new homes built over the next five years will make use of the latest technologies to ensure performance and efficiency requirements are met. This includes everything from heat pumps and underfloor heating through to the high-performance valves and fittings connecting it all together.

The creation of new build homes is the ideal opportunity to build for efficiency. From the ground up, new homes can be well insulated and have the latest heating technology integrated, ready for their first occupants.

Underfloor heating (UFH) is one example of this, with installation being straightforward when specified within the building designs. As well as creating a modern aesthetic with little visibility of the heating system, the use of underfloor heating such as JG Underfloor effectively turns the floors into integral parts of the system. In doing so, more efficient operation is unlocked – particularly when compared to traditional radiator systems.

Firstly, with the recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations limiting heating flow temperatures to 55̊ C, it is essential that systems such as underfloor heating are considered. Effective systems will ensure that new requirements are met without compromising performance or heat up times. The lower operating temperatures of underfloor heating systems makes them an ideal pairing with heat pumps. This is a particularly important consideration for homes built from 2025, as the Future Homes Standard is expected to impose a ban on the installation of gas boilers in these properties. As a result, efficient alternatives will be broadly utilised – and the surging popularity in heat pumps to date suggests they’ll be a primary choice.

Where the UFH system itself is concerned, being installed across the floorspace of individual rooms delivers a much greater surface area, allowing rooms to be warmed more quickly and consistently. Not only does this provide greater levels of comfort, but it is achieved through lower flow temperatures than traditional radiators – delivering tangible improvements in efficiency.

Water control valves are another essential consideration when creating new build plumbing systems that prioritise efficiency and safety. Similarly to underfloor heating, they’ll remain out of sight once installed, but serve a vital purpose in delivering efficient plumbing performance.

Brand-new plumbing systems will need to manage the pressure of water at the point of entry to the property. This will allow the system and individual appliances to receive water at a safe and adequate pressure to operate optimally, as well as protecting them from the effects of high-pressure water fluctuations from the main which can potentially damage systems and associated valves, fixtures and appliances.

Pressure Reducing Valves, such as the Reliance Valves Predator PRV, can be used to reduce high hot and cold water pressure to safer outlet pressures of between 1 and 6 bar. In addition to making systems safer, by managing the water pressure at the point of entry to a new build home, systems become more efficient with lower levels of water consumption.

Across the Reliance Valves water control valve range, reliable solutions for new build plumbing systems are also available, some of which feature JG Speedfit push-fit connections. This technology makes them easier and quicker to install than traditional methods as no tools or hot works are required.

Taking new build plumbing systems to the next level where efficiency is concerned, additional innovative technologies can be installed. While water control valves will manage safe and efficient supply, and strong pipe connections made with push-fit technology will strengthen systems and reduce leaks, systems such as the MultiSafe Leak Detector can support occupants to manage their consumption.

The primary function of the innovative solution from Reliance Valves is to detect leaks as they happen. An in-built isolation valve is able to shut-off the water supply to prevent additional water wastage and, in turn, prevent damage. But the MultiSafe Leak Detector doesn’t stop there. A self-learning element integrated into the system can intuitively adjust the flow of water to different parts of the property, based on the predicted water requirements for each unit.

Each of the solutions we’ve explored for new build plumbing systems has one thing in common – they work seamlessly in the background to deliver safe and efficient performance.

When it comes to building the homes of the future, this is a key consideration as smart systems can be hidden out of sight, while performance is maximised. Plus, where push-fit technology is used, long-term reliability is secured, giving homeowners complete peace of mind that their homes are performing reliably, safely and efficiently.