The Role Of Local Councils
Local councils have a great influence on plumbing work inside properties and this extends way beyond just council homes.
They specify work required to achieve an anticipated result with no option for achieving the same result with an environmentally better solution. Fit a new Combi Boiler and a new electric shower for an estimated £15,000 and the the recepient is reimbursed £15,000 – Spend £200 on an alternative permanent solution and get nothing! A prime example of this reported to me from plumbers across the UK when ‘Disability Facilities Grants for Showers’ are awarded.
Refurb or replace?
Why do many local councils specify ripping out existing plumbing systems rather than solving pressure problems with low cost retrofit solutions which are also the most environmentally sound solution?
Why do many local councils increase the cost of work?
This blog explains why the most expensive options are nearly always specified by local councils, and argues the case for Performance Specifications against Prescriptive Specifications.
Performance Specifications
The specification which is most important is the end result For tap flows that’s 8 litres a minute, and for a shower 6 litres a minute https://showerpowerbooster.co.uk/information/what-do-you-need-for-a-good-shower/
If a customer is looking to fund work which includes the need for a shower, there is a need to calculate the cost of providing a new shower. The cost of achieving a good shower is £0 to £15,000.
Retrofit Solutions following installation.
ShowerPowerBoosters can give the equivalence of mains pressure hot and cold whatever the existing plumbing system is. The correct combination of SPB pumps can be calculated for any and all plumbing systems. For most ground floor showers with an efficient shower head and shower mixer there is no need for additional water boosting. If there is need to boost pressure then ShowerPowerBoosting pumps always give a perfect shower with a retrofit solution.
Prescriptive Specifications
Budget calculation and in particular a ‘Grant for Disabled Facilities’, requires local council officers to estimate the cost of the work required. The work required is prescribed and the price is calculated on a worst case scenario basis. A council will specify that you rip out an existing plumbing systems based on total replacement instead of minor modifications or when no modifications are required. The worst case scenario is to specify a new gas boiler and an electric shower (£15,000). Advantages of prescriptive specifications are:-
High prices mean fewer grants can be funded from a limited budget (less admin).
Costs can be calculated easily using contract prices without knowledge of plumbing (and in advance of a plumber’s visit).
Plumbers collect the Combi Boiler and the electric shower before they visit the property.
They visit a property for the first time to fit these, and they are not given the opportunity of undertaking a survey to determine the best solution.
There is little incentive for a plumber to refuse to fit a new boiler and electric shower, and no option to fit a retrofit ShowerPowerBooster solution.
Retrofit Options
As a retrofit product a ShowerPowerBooster can be fitted to solve a pressure problem and avoid the need to replace your plumbing system. It is best to fit a SPB to solve a known problem and not to fit one in anticipation of a problem. Spending between £125 to £200 can solve a water pressure problem without you spending £5,000 to £10,000. We give the same end result.
ShowerPowerBooster has 5 stars Trustpilot customer satisfaction.
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/showerpowerbooster.co.uk
The ShowerPowerBooster boosts water pressure and flow to taps and showers and it is unique.
No other solution will solve any water pressure pressure problem in any home including:-
Mains pressure at the stop tap.
Mains pressure throughout the home.
Cold water pressure to a combi boiler, an unvented cylinder, an electric shower
Hot water pressure from a combi boiler, an unvented cylinder, a vented cylinder.
Fortric Tanks, Trevi Booster, and any system in any home I have not mentioned.
Conversion of existing buildings to provide HMOs or flats, or in hotels
https://showerpowerbooster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FlowflexShowerManual_21_03_23-NEW.pdf
Good procurement will lead to buying goods, works and services in an ethical and sustainable way, that will optimise use of resources, providing value for money and contributing to the provision of good quality services. ShowerPowerBooster embraces ethical policies and practice.
It appears impossible to get past the ‘Procurement Gatekeepers’ in Local Councils reliant on ‘experts’ who are unwilling to accept innovation. I would appreciate suggestions from people as to how to get past these individuals who wear a magic cloak of unaccountability.
I sincerely look forward to hearing from you.
Alan Wright
BSc Hons CEng MICE
Inventor of the ShowerPowerBooster
