ﬂo.co.uk The · PDF filethem installed. 18 Cupboard love Well-designed products mean that those spare spaces can be converted into functioning facilities. 20 The power of showers

The GuideBathroom planning and installation for installers

www.iflo.co.uk

06 By designWorking closely with the customer iscrucial when designing a bathroom.

10 A fitting solutionA hands-on guide to installing a bathroom – from start to finish.

14 Getting wetThe popularity of wet rooms meansmore homeowners are looking to havethem installed.

18 Cupboard loveWell-designed products mean thatthose spare spaces can be convertedinto functioning facilities.

20 The power of showersChoosing the right shower can make a big difference to any bathroom project.

24 10 golden rulesUseful advice and insight from those in the know at iflo.

28 Less is moreWater-saving products have an increasingly important role to play ineveryday life.

34 Lap of luxury Encouraging customers to invest inquality products can help to maximiseevery installation.

36 Earning your loyaltyWorking closely with trusted suppliershas business benefits.

38 The finishing touchAccessorising a bathroom properly can help to ensure that the desired effect is achieved.

CONTENTS

There is no such thing as a standard bathroom installation. From convertingthe cupboard under the stairs into a cloakroom to creating a bespoke wetroom, this is an area of plumbing that offers a myriad of opportunities – andchallenges – for both the customer and the installer.

Drawing on the expertise and knowledge of its own staff, iflo, which is exclusively available through Travis Perkins and City Plumbing Supplies, hascreated The Guide to fill a current gap in the market by providing a direct link between plumbing challenges and the products that can solve them.

The way in which homeowners choose and purchase a bathroom haschanged. It is no longer enough for a manufacturer’s product guide to simplyoffer pages of prices and sizes.

The Guide offers advice on a diverse range of relevant topics – from straight-forward, practical input on designing and installing bathrooms through tohelpful insights on how to maximise every job by upselling luxury products.

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By design

Working with customers to create the perfect bathroom is not as difficult as it might seem – aslong as everything is approached correctly and allthe key factors are taken into consideration.

When it comes to planning a bathroom, thepossibilities are endless. Effectively usingthe space you have is easier than ever before given the wide range of products,size variations and fittings available. Goneare the days when the only input the homeowner had in choosing a bathroomwas deciding on the colour of the suite.From wet rooms to en-suite bathrooms, thebathroom has become an ideal opportunityto add style and value to a home.

As a plumber or tradesperson, you willcome across customers who know exactlywhat they want, and those who will needadvice, guidance and recommendationsright from the start.

Both of these types of customers providehuge business opportunities for plumbersand bathroom fitters. Those who are clearabout what they want can often be persuaded to upgrade their specification, orbe introduced to products they may nothave considered. And customers who needhelp are often willing to pay to have theirnew bathroom professionally planned and fitted.

Establishing what the customer wants toachieve with the new bathroom is the firststage of the process. Factors such as thesize and shape of the room are, of course,crucial, but working with the customer fromthe very first step will ensure everythinggoes smoothly. For example, they will needto make decisions on whether they want aseparate shower and bath, a shower overthe bath or even a bath at all. Once themajor parts of the bathroom have beenagreed, the planning stage can commence.

And even if you’re a plumber with littleexperience in bathroom planning, help is athand to allow you develop this business-boosting capability.

“At iflo, better service is guaranteed, andthat service includes comprehensive adviceon bathroom planning,” said iflo Brand

Director Nigel Nelms. “When plumbers andbathroom fitters walk into one of our showrooms, they’ll come face-to-face withstaff who have specialist bathroom knowledge, and they can help them witheverything from designing a new bathroomto choosing the right products.”

Producing style and substance Plumbers and fitters are encouraged to discuss their projects with the showroommanager so that they can plan a bathroomthat perfectly meets the needs of their customer. This service will also allow themto prepare competitive quotes and give you scope to upsell in terms of the overallspecification.

Once the practicalities of the bathroomhave been established, the customer willneed to choose the look they want. Initially,this can seem daunting as there is nowmore choice than ever. Everything from theshower head to the soap dish holder can be

www.iflo.co.uk 0706 www.iflo.co.uk

>An iflo showroom

iflo Taura cloakroom


specified to suit individual tastes and needs. Taking advantage of showrooms – such

as those offered by iflo – are a great wayfor the customer to get a better idea ofwhat is achievable and how it will look whenall installed.

Manufacturers also aim to make theprocess simpler for everyone involved bycreating matching suites that include all themain components of the bathroom, meaning that only an overall style has to bedecided upon. Having settled on the specific range, there may need to be sometweaking of the initial plan based on the dimensions of the chosen products.

At the back of every iflo catalogue thereis a handy ‘bathroom planning grid’, with arange of pop-out fixtures (basins, baths,WCs, and shower enclosures). This enablesyou and your customer to move themaround within the space you have to work

with, so that you come up with the best layout that makes optimum use of the space.

Working to planThe iflo brochures also include definitive ‘shopping lists’ for every product to ensurethat nothing can be forgotten when the installation starts. This helps to make theproject run as smoothly as possible to givethe customer a truly professional service.

More often than not, the bathroom is thesmallest room in the house, so fitting in theessential elements can be tricky – but certainly not impossible. iflo products come in a wide range of styles and sizes –so achieving that perfect fit is easy. So too is achieving the perfect look with iflo’straditional, classic and contemporary designs that enhance and increase the value of any home.

Part H – Drainage and waste disposalBuilding Regulations should be adhered to at all times, including ensuring that sure waste pipes anddrainage run downhill from the toilet,sink or bath to the outlet. If this is notpossible, a pump system will need tobe installed.

Part F – VentilationVentilation is essential in bathroomsto prevent damp and mould. Buildingregulations state that bathroomsmust be ventilated via a window orextractor fan. A new bathroomshould have a fan that extracts at arate of at least 15 litres per minuteand continues to run for 15 minutesafter the light has been switched off.

Part P – Electrical safetyIt is illegal to carry out electricalwork in the bathroom unless you area qualified electrician registered withan approved scheme like the ElectricalContractors’ Association (ECA) orthe National Inspection Council forElectrical Installation Contracting(NICEIC). Part P ensures that allhousehold electrics are installedsafely; rules for bathroom electricsspecify the maximum voltage levels

for different areas in the bathroomand state that light switches shouldbe pull chord operated or locatedoutside the bathroom.

Part A – Structural safetyStructural safety must be taken intoconsideration if you are extensivelyrefurbishing or building a new bathroom. You need to ensure thatthe floor is structurally secureenough to hold your bathroom suite and a full bathtub.

BUILDING REGULATIONS ANDBATHROOM PLANNING

If a bathroom is to be provided in a room where there wasn't one previously, Building Regulations approval will probably be required to ensure that the room has adequate ventilation anddrainage, and meet requirements in respect of structural stability,electrical and fire safety.

iflo Capra Semi Pedestal sink

Cascada bathroom suite

Designing a bathroom requires

both style andfunction to be

considered.


A fitting solutionWhen planning a new bathroom or en suite, it would be advisable to first drawout a plan on graph paper showing wherethe bath, basin WC and shower are and noting the position of windows and doorsthat might present a problem during the installation. With an existing bathroom, if amajor change is planned then measurementswill need to be taken from the existingwaste pipes, discharge stacks and hot/cold supplies. Don’t forget to use metric measurements as all dimensions for bathroom appliances and fittings now use metric as standard.

Prior to the final plans being agreed, consideration will need to be given to thevarious rules and Regulations that exist. Ifexisting baths, basins or WCs are being replaced with new ones in the same placewithout altering the plumbing arrangements(including the wastes), it is unlikely thatBuilding Regulations approval will be needed.

However, the local Building Control officer should be advised about any majorchanged or additional drainage work andthe need to comply with Building Regulations Approved Document H.

All undertaken work must also conform to current Water Regulations – particularlywith regards to back-flow and back-siphonage prevention. Additional mechanicaland non-mechanical prevention devicesmight be required on the installation.

Before any work is commenced, it is essential to ensure that the water has beenturned off at the appropriate isolationpoints and drained down. Equally, any electrical fittings must have been turned off,it should be proven that the electrical supply to these fittings has been isolatedand that it is safe for work to commence.

Preparatory WorkIn an ideal situation, it is preferable to completely remove the old bathroom toleave a clear working space. In reality, this isdifficult because it may mean that the family is without washing facilities for a fewdays, and it could be that there is only oneWC within the property. Plan and makeother arrangements if necessary.

When removing the old bathroom, thebasin and WC should be removed withouttoo much inconvenience so long as theright tools are used; however, the bath, especially if it is cast iron, will require additional personnel if it is going to be keptin one piece. Nowadays, it is easier to breakthe bath into manageable pieces using asledge hammer – though beware of flyingsplinters and always wear eye goggles andappropriate PPE.

The biggest disruption will occur if oldlead or iron piping requires replacing. It is agood opportunity to do this once the roomis free. In this situation, the bathroom couldbe without water for a day or two.

The water supply has to be cut off andthe cold water storage cistern drained orisolated so that the old pipe can be disconnected and removed. Depending onthe type of arrangement and how the system has been isolated, there should still

Designing and planning a new bathroom may seemlike a fun activity, but, if the right pre-planning andinstallation approach is not completed, the projectcan prove to be a very challenging proposition. The iflo team offers step-by-step advice on getting it right.

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Familiarity with key products

allows any installation toprogress more

smoothly.

iflo Ravana pivot door iflo Santerno Monobloc tap


A 40mm waste pipe can now be connected to a bath trap and terminated inthe appropriate manner. With a new build,this is usually direct to a discharge stack;however, with an existing build there couldbe problems with using the right size wastepipe and making sure that there is the correct gradient on the pipe itself. Do notallow the waste pipe to rise from the bathwaste because water could be left in thebath once it has been discharged.

Hot and cold supplies can now be connected to the bath taps. To comply withBritish Standards and Building Regulations,the hot tap will always be on the left handside of any bathroom appliance with thecold on the right. There is no requirement toprovide servicing valves on the hot and coldsupplies but it could be considered goodpractice to do so. Be aware that somevalves could restrict the flow of water coming out of the taps, leading to sub-standard performance. Once all the connections have been made, the water canbe turned on and the installation tested for leaks.

The fitting of a shower tray would be verysimilar to that of a bath. However with regards to a built-in shower mixing valve,consideration needs to be given to thewater supplies for any future maintenanceshould the pipes fail.

BasinThere are a variety of basins available, ranging from a pedestal type to a wall-hungstyle to a counter top sitting on top of a furniture unit. Talking the customer throughthe practical elements of each is also important to ensure that the chosen stylematches what they need as well as looks good.

If you are simply replacing an existingpedestal basin, the process is relatively simple. Mark the position of the basin on thewall, using the pedestal to position it. Makesure the basin is level and locate the fixingsto the basin against the back wall. The basincan now be removed and the holes drilledto take the fixing screws. At this stage, thetaps and waste can be fitted. Relocate thepedestal and basin against the wall and securely fix.

Connect the supply pipes to the taps,making sure that the hot supply is on theleft and the cold on the right. There is no requirement to have servicing valves on thesupplies but, again, it would be good practice to do so. There are a variety ofconnections that can be used and flexiblepipes are becoming very popular so long asthey are WRAS approved.

Connect a 32mm waste pipe to the trapon the basin and run to a drain. The wastewill need to have a gradient of 18-20 mmper metre run. If the waste pipe is terminated into a primary ventilated stack, the maximum the waste can run is 1.7 metres unless alternative ventilation measures are taken.

Once the waste and supplies are connected, the water supply can be turned on and the installation tested for performance and leaks.

be water at the kitchen tap. Make sure allthe new piping has been taken to where itneeds to be and tested for leaks – especiallyif an independent shower is being fitted –before any flooring that has been removedis securely fixed back into position.

Fitting the Appliances

WCBefore work commences, it is always advisable to read the manufacturer’s instructions. It is always best to start withthe WC as this could be the only facilitywithin the property. The pan and the cisternwill need to be made up correctly to minimise possible leaks. The pan can thenbe lined up to the existing soil pipe; it ishere that most mistakes can happen. Veryrarely do the pan spigot and the existingdrain line up to create a perfect watertightseal. If the installation is new then this caneasily be achieved; however, there are a variety of pan connectors available on themarket that should make this part of the installation easier.

Never attempt a substandard joint as the likelihood is that it will leak, causing extensive damage to the property at a later date.

Only when the pan spigot is fitted withthe correct pan connector – ensuring thatthere is a fall to the soil pipe – should yousecure the pan to the floor with brass

screws and make sure that the WC pan andcistern are level. Next, fit the cistern andconnect the overflow pipe if applicable andwater supply pipe. The water supply to theWC is made using 15mm copper pipe.

To comply with the Water Regulationsyou should always fit a servicing valve inthe supply pipe to the cistern. Fill the cistern to the correct level and test to makesure there are no leaks and that the WC operates satisfactorily.

BathIf the installation is for an en-suite bathroom, it is unlikely that it will be theonly bathroom in the property. In this situation, encourage the customer to consider what basic essential items they require. For example, they may not requirea bath if space is limited and could opt for a small shower unit instead – such as an iflo Ravana quad or pivot door shower enclosure.

The cradle frame or support will need tobe attached to the bath before the taps andwaste. This will vary depending on the typeof bath and model being installed, iflo bathsall come with timber rim reinforcement toensure the frame can be securely fixed intoposition. At this point, installation of thebath can commence.

Place the bath into position and checkthe measurement from the top edge of thebath to ensure that any panels that are required to be fitted are at the right height.Adjust the feet on the frame and check thatthe bath is level.

Once this has been achieved, the legs canbe secured using the locking nuts on eachfoot. Any wall brackets can be marked atthis stage. It would be considered goodpractice to mark the top edge of the bathagainst the wall. Remove the bath and remove some plaster where the top edgehas been marked. This will ensure that thebath will give a waterproof seal once secured. At this stage, the taps and wastecan now be fitted. Re-position the bath, secure the wall brackets and feet using theappropriate fixings.

iflo Herita Pedestal basin

iflo In line basin on furniture

Getting wet

The demand for wet rooms is on the rise becausethey are increasingly seen as a stylish and luxuriousaddition to a home. However, installation can provechallenging and proper preparation is absolutely essential to ensure a smooth, well-managed project.

The wet room is becoming an increasinglypopular option for many homeowners whoare looking to add both comfort and valueto their properties. Once the preserve ofluxury hotels, the increased affordability ofhigh-spec showers – coupled with the desire to maximise space in a difficult housing market – has made the wet room afar more achievable proposition.

From an installation point of view, the wetroom offers the bathroom designer plentyof flexibility and greater freedom in terms ofhow to lay out the room because there is noneed to work to pre-determined shapes forshower enclosures or baths. From a homeowner perspective, the wet room represents a space-saving, design-led solution that, in most cases, will also addsignificant value to the property.

The planning of a wet room is crucial toits success. The added flexibility, whichshould be a huge benefit, can create additional problems if the project is notproperly thought out. It is important to establish what the customer wants toachieve by installing the wet room.

Are they looking to make more effectiveuse of the space in an existing bathroom?Do they want to add ‘wow’ factor? Or dothey want to create a new en-suite in asmall space?

The first decision the customer needs tomake is whether they want a ‘true’ wetroom or simply a ‘wet area/zone’ within the bathroom.

With a wet room, the entire room needsto be waterproofed as it acts like theshower enclosure and features the drainagesystem underneath the floor. By contrast,the wet area/zone is effectively a walk-inshower that is usually separated from therest of the room by a single screen. Each option has its own benefits and disadvantages so it’s important to highlightthese to the customer.

Waterproofing the roomInstalling a full wet room means that thewhole space needs to be properly ‘tanked’to ensure that it is waterproof. Tanking protects the building against moisture damage and ingress from steam, showerspray, leaks etc. Water damage can be amajor problem in the home so it is imperative that care is taken to minimiseany risks.

Customers must also carefully considerwall and floor coverings to prevent problems with moisture – although it is important to remember that tile adhesives,grouts and many tiles are all porous tosome extent. It is advisable to raise the >

iflo Kalhatti wet room www.iflo.co.uk 1514 www.iflo.co.uk

iflo Architect shower

Wet rooms offer a stylish and

practical option forhomeowners.


threshold of the bathroom door by a smallamount to prevent any accidental floodingshould the drain develop a problem or become blocked.

The floor will act as the ‘shower tray’ soensuring effective drainage not only requires the correct pipework to be installed under the floor but also for a gentle gradient to be built in to make surethe water runs away properly. For customers who may still want a tray, thereis the option of sinking a slimline tray foreasy installation. The low profile trays provide a sleek look and are availablethrough iflo in square, rectangle and quaddesigns and are made of stone resin to last.

Fitting the furnitureOnce the process has been explained to thecustomer and they are keen to progresswith the wet room, the discussion needs tofocus on the arrangement of the actualbathroom furniture. These aspects canoften be overlooked until it’s too late soconsidering factors such as where will watersplash during showering can eliminate issues with wet towels, toilets and cupboards. Alternatively, installing a purpose-built wet room shower screen canhelp to reduce these issues. iflo KalhattiWet Room panels, for example, have beenpower shower tested, are made of 8mmtoughened safety glass and include 15mmadjustment to compensate for uneven walls.For the best results iflo recommend aunique silicone-free floor sealing system foreasy and effective installation.

The other key aspect of the design discussion is how the wet room will beheated. While radiators and heated towelrails are a perfectly legitimate option, the installation of underfloor heating is increasingly popular. Located under thefloor of the wet room and providing even heat dispersal, this method does bring advantages to this environment. Heatingthe tiles not only provides a warm and comfortable surface – especially handy oncold mornings – but it also helps to quickly

dry the floor after showering. Underfloorheating systems as part of retrofit bathrooms installations can also be controlled independently from the rest of the house for better effectiveness and efficiency.

Part of the appeal of a wet room is that itprovides a real opportunity to indulge in aserious shower that will make the most ofthe added space on offer. For example, recommending a statement piece shower,such as iflo’s Architect, will deliver the perfect combination of sleek styling andluxurious performance.

Wet rooms are definitely an area wherebathroom installers can look to increasetheir business. The majority of the work isstraightforward and not very different towhat they will already be used to. The secret to a well-run project is correct preparation. Detailed discussion and regularliaising with the homeowner will ensure thatall parties are working to the same end result. Many of the potential pitfalls withwet rooms can be easily avoided by clearcommunication and a full understanding ofwhat is involved from the outset.

QUICK TIPS:

• Wet rooms offer both a stylish andpractical addition to a home.

• Plan properly – it is essential to ensure that you understand what the customer wants/needs.

• Establish whether the project will be a ‘wet room’ or a ‘wet zone’.

• With a wet room, the whole room needs to be tanked to ensure it iswaterproof.

• Ensure that the room drains properly – water damage can prove costly.

• Consider heating options – underfloor heating can be a practical option in a wet room.

Cupboard love

The desire to add both value and comfort to domestic properties has led to an increasing numberof homeowners looking to convert ‘dead’ space intoen-suite bathrooms or downstairs cloakrooms.

As with any bathroom project, the first stepin converting spare space into a functionalspace is to accurately plan how the newroom will look and function. The vision ofthe customer will need to be matchedagainst what can be practically achieveddue to the limitations imposed by size,space and access.

Naturally, the size of the available space will dictate what the customer hopes to achieve.

The introduction of a new bathroom willrequire major changes to the existing

plumbing and drainage of the property,which will mean that the local Building Control officer needs to be advised of thechanges. The work will also need to complywith Building Regulations Approved Document H and must meet the requirements of the current Water Regulations – particularly in relation to preventing back-flow and back-siphonage.

Once all the technical aspects have beentaken into consideration, the next step willbe to choose the right products in order tomaximise the potential of the availablespace. Decisions – such as whether there isa need for both a shower and a bath – willundoubtedly come down to individualtastes, but, as an installer, being fully aware of all the available options will helpensure that the customer can make a fully-informed choice.

A toilet is an integral part of every installation, making the choice of WC a critical one when working with limited space.

The need to limit water usage has led totoilets becoming much smaller as cisternsno longer need to hold so much water. Forexample, iflo’s Cascada close coupled WC isjust 360mm at its widest point.

Another option to not only save spacebut also to create the illusion that the roomis bigger is to install a back to wall or wall-hung WC. By hiding the actual workings of the toilet within a wall, the

bathroom immediately appears less cluttered. Remember, though, that it is important to make access to the cisternstraightforward in the unlikely event thatthere are issues at a later date. The majorityof the iflo WC range is available in bothclose coupled and wall-hung versions,meaning that style and choice are not sacrificed for space.

The trend for downsizing for increasedpracticality and design flexibility has alsoextended into basins. Where the basin issimply for washing hands, there is no needfor it to be particularly large and the current range of designs reflects this. iflo,for example, has a basin that measures just 250mm x 420 mm with the Taura hand basin.

As well as looking at size, bathroom designers have considered shape, creating a variety of styles – such as the Corner Cloakroom basin from iflo’s Cascada range– that allow greater flexibility when planningand installing to make the most of the space available.

By choosing to install fitted furniture, customers are able to provide valuable storage and remove the bathroom clutter creating visually more space. iflo’scomprehensive range of fitted furniture hasbeen specially created to complement anybathroom size or style, including a slimlinerange specifically for smaller rooms such asthe cloakroom.

Intelligent design, careful planning andsound product knowledge, therefore, are all that is needed to convert even the smallest of cupboards into a fully-functioning cloakroom.


EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

When fitting an en-suite bathroom,the biggest debate will be whetherthere is room – and need – for a bathand a shower.

One of the commonest misgivingsabout fitting a shower over a bath isthe lack of room while showering. In order to counter this, iflo has introduced specially designed‘shower baths’ into its range – theMetz and Rennes – that widen at oneend to provide a more comfortableshowering experience.

iflo Herita cloakroom

iflo Cascada cloakroom

The power of showers

As showers become an increasingly popular choicefor bathrooms and en-suite projects, the optionsavailable to the customer have been extended suitably to ensure that every need is met.

There are a number of reasons why customers want to fit a stand-alone shower,including budget, available space or personal taste. Whether positioned abovethe bath for convenience or in a separateshower enclosure for comfort, the varieddemands placed on the showers requires awide range of options to be available.

High pressure vs low pressureFrom the customer’s perspective, the mostimportant aspect of choosing a shower willbe the performance (closely followed, inmost cases, by the look). The pressure ofthe system directly influences the choice ofshower unit; and this should be made clearto the customer once the type of system

has been identified. Each system – fromgravity-fed to unvented – will bring its ownchallenges. iflo’s range of showers, for example, has been designed to ensure thatwhatever system is in place, there’s ashower to match it.

If the home is heated by a combinationboiler or has an unvented hot water system(a hot water storage vessel but no coldwater cistern), then it will benefit from highwater pressure. A gravity-fed system –where the hot water is stored in a cylinderand there is also a cold water cistern (mostcommonly in the loft) – the water pressurewill be low.

Thermostatic showersAn increasingly popular choice, the thermostatic shower not only looks stylishbut also provides reliable performance anda constant temperature. Incoming hot andcold water are mixed together, and the in-built thermostat ensures that the set temperature is achieved and controlled. All iflo thermostatic models come with anautomatic shutdown if either the hot or coldwater supplies fail or there is a dramaticchange in water flow.

Thermostatic showers often provide anextra edge in terms of finish and style – theconcealed workings allow for a cleaner lookto the shower when compared to electricshowers. In some cases, the actual fittings ofthe shower units themselves can be either

surface-mounted or recessed. In iflo’s range,for example, these include the Greenwichand Calm showers, giving customers additional choices when it comes to creating a specific overall feel for the new bathroom.

Electric showersElectric shower units connect straight intothe cold water mains supply and will offer avalid solution in most homes where lowwater pressure is an issue. In cases wherethe minimum pressure is not supplied then apump can be fitted to supply the necessaryboost to the flow rate.

As well as convenience, electric showersare often a popular choice in terms of saving money. They only heat up as muchwater as is required during showering, making them a cost-effective choice – especially in large family homes where a traditional set-up (where hot water is storedin a cylinder) might not be able to cope withthe high levels of demand.

It is also worth noting that iflo has introduced models in its range – such as theAshburn and the Hoxton – that benefit froma large footprint to make replacing a failedor out-dated shower unit even easier duringa retrofit installation and with the third partycertifications of BEAB and WRAS on all ifloelectric showers these are a logical choicefor performance.

Power showersWhen low pressure is a problem in a bathroom, opting for a power shower canprovide an extra oomph to the showeringexperience. The unit will mix hot and coldwater together to reach the desired temperature before boosting the flow rate

with an in-built electric pump. Power showers allow greater control over pressurethan a thermostatic mixer shower – for example, the Halkin from iflo’s range provides variable flow rates of 5 - 12 litresper minute.

Many heads are better than oneThe final decision that the customer willhave to make regarding their shower is thechoice of shower heads. Tastes will varywildly on this and so iflo have produced anaccordingly diverse range. For example,those who prefer an overhead shower can choose between the classic ‘daisy’ of the Traditional model to the more contemporary interpretation offered by the Architect shower.

SAFETY FIRST

All of iflo’s thermostatic mixershower range features automaticshutdown if either the hot or coldsupplies fail, eliminating the chanceof scalding.iflo Richmond shower head

The stylish iflo Architect shower featuredin the Kalhatti 900 quad enclosure

6 OF THE BEST

iflo’s 3 and 6 Mode shower head options are available separately butare compatible with all shower models to give a varied experienceto suit every whim.



10 golden rules

Knowing that experience is a great teacher we tookthe opportunity to ask the bathroom experts at ifloto provide their key hints and tips to help ensure asuccessful installation – every time.

If replacing a whole bathroom, remove the the bath from the room first to giveyou more space to work and move around in – this is especially useful when dealing with larger/heavier items. When starting to install the new suite, begin bygetting the bath in first so it eliminates the risk of damaging any other new sanitary ware.

01 Making space in your refit

Shower performance is key to customer satisfaction somake sure you choose the right shower for the water pressure in the property. To avoid shower trays fillingwith water too quickly: fit the iflo Turbo waste, featuring Vortex technology, which removes 54 litresof water per minute compared to regular showerswastes at 36 litres per minute.

02 Fit the right waste first time

Above: iflo Cascada cloakroomLeft: iflo Richmond bar shower Right: iflo Fast flow turbo waste

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When you install a bathroom, the end result is a reflection on your reputation asa tradesman. Make sure that you liaise with the customer at every step of theway to minimise the chances of any misunderstandings. It’s imperative to fit theproducts according to the brand’s installation instructions – a bit of extra time atthe start could save a lot of time later on. It also pays to choose a brand like iflothat puts their products through intensive testing to ensure they are designed tolast. Travis Perkins and City Plumbing Supplies branch teams have specialistknowledge and can demonstrate the product and talk through bathroom optionswith your end customer.

03 Peace of mind


The ideal way to ensure the best fitting and best access when adding the taps andwaste to a new suite is to dress it before finally installing and fixing the sanitary warein place. By dressing the suite you will save time in the long run and avoid correctiveactions later on in the installation that often become an issue later on. For your convenience when dressing, iflo basin monoblocs are supplied with wastes and arebacked by a 15 year guarantee for the brassware and 10 years for the disc.

04 Pre-Dress the suite

Gone are the days when the only input customers had in their bathroom was the colourof the suite. Now they search websites, visit retailers and scour brochures to get the look theywant. Working with them on the design reaps bigbenefits for everyone – and iflo allows plenty ofstyle options to help personalise each installation– for example, the baths from iflo are suppliedwithout tap holes pre-drilled to allow you to position the taps as per your customer’s requirements. This is why customers value a professional bathroom installer.

08 Personalise the look

Knowing your product is a great way to save time and effort on a job as well as givingyou the opportunity to advise your customers more appropriately. Choosing itemsthat allow you to ‘fit and forget’ can ensure a well-managed project. For example, installing a shower with a fast fix kit – such as the iflo Richmond – delivers a more secure and stronger fit of bar showers, reduces pipe movement and enables fasterretrofit if an upgrade to the bar shower is made in the future. Always check manufacturer's guarantees - these give peace of mind and demonstrate product quality.

09 Fit and forget

The old adage of ‘measure twice, cut once’ is great advice for installing a bathroom as precision really helpswhen fitting products and pipework, and cutting tiles. Little mistakes can soon add up to big errors. For example, to ensure the perfect flush fit on shower screens,it’s best to measure the top, middle and bottom of thescreen to make sure they are all in line before finally fitting. And for those really tricky jobs, the bath screensfrom iflo even have a 15mm adjustment to cope with uneven walls to ensure the best possible fit. Using aunique triple seal system on their shower screens iflocombines leak free performance with an amazing lifetime guarantee. Simply put, iflo delivers better bathrooms. Guaranteed.

10 The perfect fit

When installing a bathroom, consider access points for any maintenance furtherdown the line. It is important to highlight to the customer why this is necessary because it reinforces the fact that they are getting a quality and well planned installation. It might seem inconvenient at the time of installation but will seem a godsend if something needs replacing at a later date. A good example of a well designedpiece of gear is the iflo furniture range – it offers pre-cut WC panels and a 70mmservice void to give easy access to pipework for installation. Also, the ‘clip on andclip off’ action of the front panel makes maintenance easier too.

05 Easy access

To save time and money when fitting a replacement shower, it makes sense to go fora retrofit option that can be positioned in the existing space. This approach offersboth practical and cosmetic advantages for the homeowner. All iflo showers havestandard 150mm outlet centres, and the electric shower range features larger retrofitframes that will work with most previous installed dimensions.

06 Retro fit

There are many benefits to using a single trademerchant for a whole project; not least that shopping around for a range of products forbathrooms takes time. Fundamentally, using onemanufacturer makes the whole process easier too– from organising one delivery to liaising with thesame people for advice or assistance. Choosing abrand such as iflo means the whole installationcan be completed from a sole source by takingadvantage of comprehensive product ranges.Many of the City Plumbing and Travis Perkinsbranches have bathroom showrooms where yourcustomers can spend time discussing the products and options with the expert staff.

07 One stop shop

iflo Carapelle fitted furniture

iflo Taura bathroom

iflo Kalhatti frameless double panel bath screen


Less is more

Water usage is becoming an increasinglyimportant issue in the UK – the hosepipebans of 2012 highlighted that our infrastructure is struggling to cope withthe demands placed on it. The combinationof a growing population and a change inlifestyle has resulted in a steady increaseon water usage of 1% year on year, which iscurrently unsustainable.

One solution would be to invest heavilyin the existing system of reservoirs andpipework to not only increase capacity butalso address the issue of water loss as thewater is transported through leaks. However, the other solution is to addressthe actual water usage of each personthrough a change in attitude and an adoption of more efficient products.

Thinking about waterApproximately 40% of homes in the UKnow have water meters, which is an effective way to raise awareness amonghouseholders about how much water theyare using. As soon as people start havingto pay for every litre they use, they become far more interested in ways inwhich they can cut their usage.

As a further effort to regulate waterusage, Part G of the Building regulations

came into force in 2010 for all new-buildhomes. It stated that, in terms of water efficiency, ‘reasonable provisions must bemade by the installation of fittings andfixed appliances’. A new water efficiencystandard of a maximum of 125 litres perperson per day for new homes was also included in Part G. It is estimated that theaverage person currently uses 150 litres ofwater a day, further highlighting the needfor better products.

In order to help homeowners use watermore efficiently, bathroom manufacturers

As water becomes a more and more valuable commodity, the need for products that use it efficiently are becoming increasingly important;however, it’s important to remember that choosingto fit them does not mean a drop in performance or style.

>

Good designmeans customerswill not even beaware that theirwater usage is

regulated.

Above: iflo Waterscade tap Right: iflo Cascada bathroom suite

30 www.iflo.co.uk

such as iflo have designed new productsthat can help households use less water;and many of these follow a ‘fit and forget’approach, which means that water is savedwithout the user having to make a conscious behavioural change.

Research shows that as much as 70% of water in the home is accounted for bybathrooms, making it an ideal area forwater efficient products to come to thefore. Simple measures such as refining theshape of the bath or creating shallowerwash basins can discreetly have a huge impact on daily usage. For example, aspart of iflo’s range, the ECO Breton bathhas been designed to save 84 litres perday (an average household saving usingthe BMA’s water calculator, the Office ofNational Statistics, and manufacturer’stesting).

Regulating water usageAnother approach that iflo has used toregulate water usage for the bathroom hasbeen the development of taps with ‘ecoclick technology’. This simple yet clevermeasure creates two different flow rateswithin the tap, allowing the lower flow rateto be used for general functions such ashand washing or teeth brushing. When afaster flow is needed, the tap is simply‘clicked’ into a more upright position. Itcreates an average household saving of 32 litres per day.

While cutting the capacity of baths and basins in order to reduce water consumption seems like a logical step, theother area in which big savings can bemade is in toilets. By limiting the fill of acistern – as well as adding dual flush capability that can use as little as 3 litres insome products – a significant amount ofwater can be saved. Some of the WCs iniflo range, which have a full cistern

capacity of just 6 litres,can offer savings of up to 60 litres a day for the averagehousehold when compared to a traditional flush system. iflo have developed a new ECO logo(above) in their brochure to help guide installers and customers to the water saving options.

As well as looking to introduce productsthat reduce water flow, iflo has also created the EVO range of baths to saveboth water and energy. EVO baths havebeen developed to be 28% more efficientat retaining water temperature. Simply put,keeping water hotter for longer reducesthe need to top up the bath as it gets coldor overfill with hot water initially.

The bathroom industry is constantlystriving to create new products to help reduce consumption and promote efficiency. The next hurdle to overcome israising awareness among homeowners andconsumers about, firstly, their existenceand, secondly, about the benefits that theycan bring. And that is where the pro-activebathroom installer comes in.

QUICK FACTS:

• Only 40% of UK properties have a water meter.

• 70% of domestic water usage is in the bathroom.

• Part G of the Building regulations sets a limit of 125 litres per person per day.

• A traditional ‘Victorian’ flush toilet uses 13 litres of water every time.

Above: iflo Capra cloakroomLeft: iflo Garda eco click monobloc tap

www.iflo.co.uk 31


Lap of luxury

Offering your customers value-for-money premiumproducts with lots of benefits undoubtedly gives youthe edge when it comes to winning new business.

The humble bathroom has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last decadeor so. Today’s bathrooms are places wherewe pamper ourselves, where we take refugefrom the hustle and bustle of our busy livesand endulge in some well-deserved ‘me time’.

Homeowners are far more discerningwhen it comes to the smallest room in thehouse. As well as being functional, it alsohas to have an element of luxury. The bathroom is one area of the home where investment actually does pays off. Both estate agents and the Royal Institute ofChartered Surveyors agree that a refurbished bathroom does increase thevalue of a home.

As a plumber or bathroom fitter, it is wellworth any time spent ‘up selling’ in this area– since there’s hard evidence to show thatby spending a little more homeowners will

reap the rewards in the long run. And even if they’re not looking at a bathroom refurbishment as an investment, the enjoyment alone is worth the money.

But what exactly is meant by upselling? In simple terms, it means extending a quotation to include a higher specification,or perhaps additional ‘luxury’ items. For example, when fitting a bath, it would beworthwhile to offer the homeowner a rangeof premium options.

iflo has a wide range of baths – all offering a 25-year guarantee. But, iflo alsooffers the EVO bath – which is 2.5 timesstronger, retains heat 28% longer than astandard acrylic bath, and is backed by a30-year guarantee. This is a perfect example of how to ‘upsell’ to a higher spec product with added features and performance that would also enable you to increase your order values.

Homeowners are prepared to spend a little more, but only if they feel they’re getting a better quality product, with increased benefits. It’s about getting valuefor money, and that’s just as important withpremium products as it is with the less expensive ranges.

Value for money is about getting more foryour money and not necessarily about saving money. That’s worth rememberingwhen you’re quoting on a job. Always stressthe added benefits rather than the addedcost. In many ways the benefit of upsellingcan extend to delivering products with design features that make them easier to

install, which could save you time as well.Showers are another area where premium

range products can deliver huge dividendsfor the fitter and the homeowner alike.

For example, iflo has the Metz showerbath that offers ‘dual purpose’ value. It’s acontemporary bath on its own, but byadding the stylish Metz shower screen –made of 5mm toughened glass and a polished chrome finish – showering luxury is added.

iflo offers a market-leading 6-year guarantee on mixer showers and a 2-yearguarantee on electric and power showers. A quick scan through iflo’s shower rangeswill give some idea of the scope that can beoffered to customers. There’s everythingfrom classic and traditional styling to contemporary chic – all competitivelypriced to enable quotes to be provided thatwill ensure that everyone is happy and yourprofit is maintained.

And if you thought every shower headwas the same, think again. iflo offers showerheads with six options – everything from arelaxing mist to an invigorating rain jet. Thevariety of iflo’s shower portfolio gives theopportunity to offer customers options, allat a range of prices to suit all budgets. Upgrading to a shower that has more capabilities can be affordable even to themost cost-conscious customer.

If a homeowner has the available space,then installing a separate shower and bathcan be an attractive option – especially ifthe chosen bath is a free-standing one like

the contemporary Taura baths or traditionally stylish Victoria baths developedby iflo, which can really add a touch of classto the bathroom. Equally, a separate showerenclosure will provide greater freedom tocreate something truly spectacular. The iflorange of enclosures offers a huge variety ofsizes, shapes and finish to make the most ofany available space.

However, for the height in showering luxury, the ‘wet room’ is hard to beat. iflo’sKalhatti wet room panels have been specially developed to make installationeasier and performance even more assured.The panels are suitable for both wet floorand tray installations – offering greaterchoice to the customer based on their requirements or circumstances.

The bathroom, perhaps more than anyother room in the house, offers the potentialto really indulge. Even upgrading simply onbrassware can create a dramatic effect!Your customer may call you up and ask youto install a new bathroom, but that phonecall gives you the opportunity to offer premium products that will set your quoteapart – and not because it costs a little more,but because it provides so much more.

QUICK TIPS:

• A refurbished bathroom can add real value to a home.

• Upselling to more luxurious items benefits both installer and homeowner.

• Make the customer aware of the added value of the luxury product.

• Factors such as longer guaranteesprovide the confidence to know that the products will last.

• Baths and showers are obvious areas to highlight to customers. iflo Herita suite

iflo Metz shower bath


Earning your loyalty

As consumers, we hear a lot about ‘brands’– top brands, big name brands, brand leaders etc. – but how often do we thinkabout the implications on our businesses ofbeing associated with a certain brand?

Quality, of course, is not always aboutprice. Just because you pay a premiumprice for a basin or a shower, doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a premium outcome.

This is where the legwork comes in.Savvy plumbers will always shop around,uncover the pros and cons, compare manufacturers, and then take an informeddecision about which brand he or she

wants to be associated with.First rule of thumb – be discerning about

which brand you choose to be loyal to.“Brand loyalty is not something that can

be taken for granted,” said iflo MarketingDirector Nigel Nelms.

“We are competing in a highly competitive marketplace, so for us manufacturing better quality products isthe starting point – without it we simplycan’t expect our customers to be loyal.”

Nigel says that while quality and pricecertainly provide the ‘trigger’ for plumbersto try iflo in the first instance, brand loyaltyis often reliant on other things that a

manufacturer can provide over and abovethe products themselves – this is what willkeep plumbers coming back time and time again.

“We’re confident that we provide greatproducts that are extensively tested andmanufactured to last, which is why theycarry iflo’s market-leading quality guarantee,” said Nigel.

“But in addition to this, we offer technicaland sales support, wide-spread productavailability and competitive prices. CityPlumbing and Travis Perkins, where iflo isexclusively sold, gives our customers access to the most knowledgeable staff inthe industry – and many of the brancheshave showrooms too, which are therespecifically for our customers to take orrefer their customers to see and discussthe products.

“It’s all these things that we think keeppeople coming back to our brand. And forus, that’s the evidence of brand loyaltywe’re looking for.”

Bathroom installers who do give theirloyalty to a brand, and iflo in particular, are doing so for a number of reasons. Nigel points to iflo’s product guarantees asa big reason customers become loyal tothe brand.

iflo offers a whole range of guarantees –everything from a lifetime guarantee on

shower enclosures, to25 years on baths andsanitaryware, 10 yearson shower trays, sixyears on mixer showers, and twoyears on accessories,power showers, electric showers, electric towel rails and toilet seats.

“With guaranteeslike these in place, wefeel confident in beingable to say to our

customers: Better Bathrooms. Guaranteed.These aren’t just empty slogans, they arehonest commitments to quality,” said Nigel.

“A plumber who chooses our brand overone of our competitors can see straightaway that iflo has total confidence in theproducts it manufactures. A guarantee isthe firm assurance they need to be able todemonstrate to their customers that theseare quality products, fully supported, andcompetitively priced.”

iflo also encourages brand loyalty bysupporting plumbing professionals in termsof specialist bathroom knowledge. Thestaff at City Plumbing and Travis Perkinscan prepare designs and quotes, leavingour plumber customers to get on with theinstallation – they are really there as an extension to our customers business.

“It’s all about meaningful ‘added value’and this gives our customers every reasonto stick with the iflo brand,” said Nigel.

“We also listen to our trade customers –they tell us what they like, and what theydon’t – and we act accordingly. By focusingon their views and the needs of their customers, we constantly get better andthis engenders brand loyalty and builds abusiness that’s relevant to those we serve.

Choosing one brand over another is an importantdecision for every tradesperson – because thatchoice will reflect on the quality of your business.

QUICK FACTS:

• The products you install reflect on your business.

• Do your research – a high price tagdoes not always mean high quality.

• Guarantees provide peace of mindfor your customers – and you.

• After-sales service and ongoing support should always be factoredin to your purchase decision.

iflo Capra bathroom suite

iflo Waterscade tap


The finishing touch

When first approaching a bathroom project – be it either from new or a re-fitperspective – the vast majority of customers will focus on the actual suite. A range of aspects such as size, budgetand personal taste will help the home-owner to choose the toilet, basin and bath,which is seen as the priority. However, concentrating too much on the ‘largeticket items’ can cause the smaller aspectsof a bathroom to be overlooked – resultingin added expense and extra effort.

While it is easy to see how all the

attention gets focused on the main products within the bathroom, there are a number of reasons why taking the extratime and effort to run through accessoryoptions with a customer can be worthwhile.

Firstly, from a project point of view, it isin everyone’s interest to get the job completed all together. Customers whomiss the opportunity to complement theirnew bathroom suite with accessories suchas toilet roll holders and mirrors will onlyhave to spend further time and money at alater date choosing items that may notmatch the look and feel of the bathroom.

From an installer’s point of view, there isalso added financial incentive in undertakingto fitting the accessories that the home-owner wants to complete the bathroom –more time means more money.

Equally, homeowners should be discouraged from adding the accessoriesthemselves after the bathroom is completed – not only can this be challengingfrom a DIY point of view, but it is also falseeconomy from both time and financial perspectives. Purchasing items from thehigh street will rarely offer better value formoney than using a trade merchant.

Discussing the accessory options withthe customer can help them identify aspects of the bathroom that they mightnot have considered. For example, thereare mirrors in the iflo range that have beenspecifically designed to be steam free,which is, obviously, a huge benefit to users – especially for a large family with abusy bathroom.

A host of choicesOffering everything from soap dishes to shelving, the iflo accessory product lines have been split into three separate ranges – Windsor, Henley and Ascot – to provide options to suit every taste and bathroom style.

While adding good-looking and well-designed mirrors, shower racking and toiletroll holders can help to achieve the desiredeffect for a bathroom, another accessorythat will add style is the heated towel rail.With the added benefit of providingwarmth in the bathroom, heated towelrails are the perfect way to match styleand substance in the bathroom.

Available in an array of size options, iflotowel rails have been designed and built tothe highest standards and come with either 5 or 10 year market-leading

guarantees (depending on the model).They have all been pressure-tested to 13bar at maximum output to ensure that theynever leak, and their anti-corrosion finishhas passed extreme salt spray testing.

It is important to remember with everyproject that the role of the installer shouldbe to save the customer time, effort andmoney by giving them a complete service.It is far more convenient for a homeownerto make all the choices and then let thebathroom installer do the rest. By beingable to offer everything needed for thewhole installation, iflo can become a one-stop shop that makes everyone’s life easier.

Adding small accessories can make a big difference to any bathroom, adding an extra ‘wow factor’ without too much cost or effort. As moreand more customers look for a whole bathroom solution, offering complementary finishing touchesas part of the fitting service will bring benefits toboth customer and installer.

QUICK TIPS:

• Encourage the customer to chooseeverything in the beginning – including the accessories.

• Completing the installation in one go will save time and effort for everyone.

• Trade merchants are more competitively priced than high street rivals.

• Towel rails are a stylish and practical way to provide warmth in a bathroom.

• Mirrors with integrated lighting add an extra element to any bathroom.

Windsor, Henley and Ascot ranges provide options tosuit every taste and

bathroom style

iflo 25mm curvedchrome towel rail

iflo LED Three Strips Mirror

For more information, please contact your local Travis Perkins or City Plumbing Supplies branch or visit www.iflo.co.uk

To find your nearest branch text ‘CPS’ or ‘Travis’ and yourtown to 81222* (e.g. CPS Derby or Travis Northampton)*You will be charged at your standard network rate

All iflo products are extensively tested andmanufactured to last, which is why they carryan unbeatable quality guarantee.

Documents

ﬂo.co.uk The · PDF filethem installed. 18 Cupboard love Well-designed products mean that those spare spaces can be converted into functioning facilities. 20 The power of showers