PHPI caught up with Stuart Gizzi, CEO of Intatec, to find extra about water conditioners and the corporate’s ActivFlo resolution.
Q. In what conditions ought to plumbers think about using a water conditioner?
Anyplace there’s exhausting water – and that’s over 60% of UK houses. Limescale sneaks into pipework, boilers and home equipment, decreasing effectivity and racking up restore payments. A conditioner like ActivFlo helps hold all the things operating easily, reducing again on breakdowns and callouts.
It’s particularly helpful in rental or industrial settings like hospitality and healthcare, the place system reliability is non-negotiable. Whether or not you’re becoming a brand new boiler, upgrading to a warmth pump, or simply need to defend top-end fixtures, ActivFlo is a no brainer. No salt, no chemical compounds, no upkeep – only a strong fit-and-forget resolution that works for the lengthy haul.
Q. The ActivFlo vary options plenty of options – which might be most suited to a typical home software?
All of it comes right down to circulate charge. Whereas pipe dimension generally is a helpful information, an important think about choosing the fitting ActivFlo unit is the precise circulate charge of the system. The 15mm ActivFlo is your go-to for many houses, with a 15mm provide, copper or plastic it takes care of the entire home. For one thing extra versatile, the ActivFlo+ 22/15mm comes with adapters for each sizes – splendid if you’ve acquired 22mm pipework. For those who’re coping with an enormous setup or excessive demand, the 28mm is the one to succeed in for.
Q. Which ActivFlo is greatest as a component to inventory within the van?
The ActivFlo+ is the one you need on standby. It’s acquired a 22mm compression inlet but in addition works at a decrease circulate charge, so it’s splendid for jobs the place pipework is 22mm however the circulate doesn’t fairly match. Even higher, it comes with 15x22mm reducers within the field – providing you with a neat 2-in-1 resolution with out rummaging for extras. Whether or not it’s a deliberate set up or a same-day swap, having ActivFlo+ within the van means you’re coated, regardless of the pipe dimension.
Q. Are there any options for a single outlet?
Completely – meet the ActivFlo Solo. It’s a compact unit designed for point-of-use safety on home equipment like electrical showers, faucets, washing machines, or prompt water heaters. Identical catalytic core because the full-size items, simply shrunk right down to do the job on the outlet. It’s good for low-flow setups in tiny houses, caravans, off-grid cabins, or eco-renos the place area and ease matter. Simply match it to the circulate charge, pop it in earlier than the equipment, and also you’re good to go – no energy, no upkeep, no drama.
Q. Does the vary additionally cowl industrial purposes?
It does – after which some. The ActivFlo Industrial vary is purpose-built for high-demand websites with bigger pipes and severe circulate charges. Obtainable in threaded (BSP) and flanged choices, they’re spot on for faculties, lodges, workplace blocks, hospitals, industrial buildings, and condo complexes.
Normal items deal with mid-sized jobs like small lodges or faculties, whereas Professional BSP variations usher in energy regulators and non-compulsory BMS compatibility for larger setups like leisure centres or healthcare websites. And for the heavy-duty stuff – assume massive flats or industrial installs – the Professional Flanged fashions step up with strong flanged connections and high-pressure dealing with.
Q. Is an influence provide required?
Most ActivFlo items are utterly passive – no electrics, no transferring elements, no upkeep. The one exception is the Professional BSP mannequin, which requires energy solely to help BMS compatibility in bigger methods. ActivFlo items use a catalytic alloy core to change mineral construction and cease limescale forming, all with out drawing a single watt. Meaning quicker, less complicated installs without having to fret about wiring or security zones. Plus, it doesn’t have to be earthed.
For the client, it’s zero operating prices, no upkeep, and whole peace of thoughts – particularly helpful in off-grid setups or anyplace entry to energy is proscribed.
Q. Do you may have any set up suggestions for becoming ActivFlo?
Set up ActivFlo on the incoming mains, earlier than any draw-off factors, and also you’ll get full property safety. It may go in horizontally or vertically, and compression fittings come as customary.
The ActivFlo+ even consists of reducer units, so you possibly can bounce between 15mm and 22mm pipework with out further elements. And since there’s no energy wanted, it’s fast to suit and excellent for retrofits. Simply make certain the pipework is clear and match the unit to the circulate charge for greatest efficiency.
Q. What sort of working life does ActivFlo have?
ActivFlo’s constructed to go the space. With no transferring elements and no electronics to fail, you’re taking a look at over 20 years of dependable safety – relying on circulate and water high quality. Each unit is backed by a 15-year producer’s guarantee, and as soon as it’s in, it’s mainly off your checklist. For owners and industrial installs alike, it’s a long-term repair that pays for itself.
Q. When is an effective time to suit an ActivFlo?
The right time? Throughout a kitchen or boiler refit. The water’s already off, you’re putting in new high-value home equipment like dishwashers or washing machines – and also you’ve acquired the prospect to construct in long-term safety proper from the beginning. One fast set up, and the system’s future-proofed.
Picture: Inta