Watch out for fake heating pumps, warns Wilo

Keep a look-out for fake domestic heating circulators, Wilo is warning heating installers. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) found that more than 85 per cent of domestic heating circulators it inspected last year were non-compliant. In its delivery report 2022-2023, it also confirmed that it had de-listed 38 domestic heating circulation pumps from sale.

Wilo is urging installers to check that pumps hold the right certifications and markings before stocking or installing them in homes and heating systems. The manufacturer strongly advises that if it is “too good to be true”, then it is likely to be non-compliant.

It wants heating engineers to spot the warning signs and make the following checks:
• Check the pump’s CE marking
• Check that the pump comes from a reputable pump manufacturer
• Be cautious if the pump is significantly cheaper than similar market alternatives.

Managing director Lee Tebbatt says: “We’ve seen a swathe of non-compliant pumps make their way on to the market and, in many cases, they are manufactured to look like the real deal. We welcome the work the OPSS is doing to weed out these fake heating circulation pumps, but while the problem is still ongoing, it’s imperative that distributors, merchants and installers know how to spot a fake.

“First and foremost, it is about safety and security for the public. Non-compliant circulator pumps may use low-quality motors, components and materials. If they have not been tested and accredited correctly, they could break down earlier than expected, cost more energy and money to run, and even be dangerous. Secondly, if found to be selling non-compliant pumps, not only could the products be de-listed by the OPSS and stock taken away to be destroyed, but there is a chance that there could be further legal ramifications or prosecution.

“It is vital that the supply chain and installers also work with us to ensure these products are not unknowingly sold on or fitted in people’s homes.”

Wayne Rose, CEO of the British Pump Manufacturers Association, says: “The BPMA is deeply concerned by the recent announcement… regarding the prevalence of non-compliant circulator pumps in the UK market. The findings raise serious questions about the efficacy of current regulatory measures governing circulator pumps.”

Wilo has set out some FAQs about non-compliant pumps here.