Industry News

Pentair launches this week at the International Builders Show and The International Surface Event, that its leading brand of electric floor heating systems—Nuheat—now works with the Nest Learning Thermostat. The Nuheat SIGNATURE launched in 2014 and was the world’s first wifi thermostat for electric floor heating systems; this marks the next development stage of that Read more

Pentair launches this week at the International Builders Show and The International Surface Event, that its leading brand of electric floor heating systems—Nuheat—now works with the Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Nuheat SIGNATURE launched in 2014 and was the world’s first wifi thermostat for electric floor heating systems; this marks the next development stage of that thermostat. “The integration with Nest further advances the role of floor heating in whole home comfort,” said Wally Lo, Product Manager. “We continue to lead innovation in our category and are excited to be working with Nest.”

Through the integration, Nest’s combination of sensors, algorithms and machine learning can prompt the Nuheat SIGNATURE program to react to home occupancy. Homeowners can enjoy both comfort and energy savings with their floor heat. Staying home? The floor heat will remain on keeping you comfortable. Leaving earlier or arriving later than expected? The floor heat will turn off to save energy.

The Works With Nest features work with any installed Nuheat SIGNATURE and does not require added hardware or software updates. The Nuheat SIGNATURE will continue to retail for $265USD.

Homeowners will also now have the added option to control their floor heat with the Nest app or at https://home.nest.com.

Nuheat SIGNATURE Product Features:

  • Out-of-the-box compatible with Nest Learning Thermostat
  • WiFi – Easily connects to WiFi network; 802.11 b/g/n compatible and a fully secure network WEP,

    WPA and WPA2

  • Remote Access – Control via smartphone apps (iOS and Android) or web browser
  • Weather – Local outdoor temperature and daily weather forecast
  • Energy Usage – View hourly, weekly and monthly usage

Geberit in-wall installation systems for lavatories, bidets and urinals join Geberit in-wall systems for wall-hung toilets to contemporize bathroom design. Pair any Geberit system with a matching wall-hung fixture to offer your clients the ultimate in bathroom luxury and functionality. Each in-wall system accentuates the aesthetics and clean lines of wall-hung fixtures with the added Read more

Geberit in-wall installation systems for lavatories, bidets and urinals join Geberit in-wall systems for wall-hung toilets to contemporize bathroom design. Pair any Geberit system with a matching wall-hung fixture to offer your clients the ultimate in bathroom luxury and functionality. Each in-wall system accentuates the aesthetics and clean lines of wall-hung fixtures with the added benefit of being height-adjustable for customizable accessibility.

“Designers and architects can now create a complete ‘off-the-floor’ look not only for toilets, but for lavatories, bidets and urinals. We’ve taken into consideration the style-conscious requirements of architects and designers plus the need for fast installation and easy maintenance by installers,” says John Fitzgerald, director of marketing, Geberit North America.

Geberit barrier-free systems for wall-hung lavatories are height-adjustable to meet accessibility requirements and adapt perfectly to any bathroom layout, accommodating wall-hung lavatory designs by major manufacturers. Geberit systems for bidets ensure safe and reliable operation and are offered in two different frame heights to accommodate a variety of installations and weights up to 880 lbs. Geberit wall-hung urinal systems are designed for homeowners and built to withstand the rigors of semi-public restrooms while remaining highly reliable in operation and easy to service.

Geberit in-wall systems for toilets, bidets and urinals, combined with designer flush plates, create the ultimate in bathroom luxury and water savings.

Rinnai America, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, is showcasing its latest innovations in water heating and home heating at this year’s Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (Booth #1642), as well as introducing wireless connectivity for its new and existing tankless water heaters dating back as far as Read more

Rinnai America, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, is showcasing its latest innovations in water heating and home heating at this year’s Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (Booth #1642), as well as introducing wireless connectivity for its new and existing tankless water heaters dating back as far as ten years – the industry’s first wireless connectivity for gas tankless water heaters.

“Home automation is a major theme for AHR this year. Our Wi-Fi module and app is the first of its kind to bring gas tankless water heaters into this exciting arena,” said Susan Mittelbrun, Vice President of Marketing at Rinnai America Corporation. “AHR is the perfect stage to highlight our products that move our industry forward into the 21st century.”

Rinnai will showcase its many high-performing tankless water heating options, including its Ultra Series, Luxury Series, Value Series and its Hybrid Tank-Tankless Water Heater. Also in the booth, Rinnai will highlight its complete heating line up, including solutions for both whole house heating and supplemental heating applications. A commercial engineer will be present at the booth to provide free commercial quotes and sizing consultations.

In addition its exhibiting products, Rinnai America Corporation’s General Manager Frank Windsor will give a speech titled “The Demand Duo: Built for Commercial” at the Exhibitor New Product and Technology Presentations to educate attendees about the product’s solution as a direct replacement of most traditional commercial standard and high efficiency tanks.

Rinnai America Corporation recently announced that 2015 was its best year ever, with record-breaking unit sales and revenue, the company’s second consecutive year with all-time high performance.

RINNAI’S TOP PRODUCTS

Water Heating Products

Ultra Series RUR98i

The RUR98i features a breakthrough in recirculation technology that allows users to get an endless supply of hot water faster, while saving time, money and natural resources. The Ultra Series RUR models come equipped with an integrated pump, internal bypass line inside the unit and thermal bypass valve provided in the box, and will work with or without a dedicated recirculation line.

Ultra Series RUC98i

Rinnai’s RUC98i model is the first tankless water heater in the industry that allows for both concentric and PVC/CPVC venting from the same unit, giving installers and dealers more venting options right out of the box. Installers and dealers can now know that the model they’ve specified or have on-hand will be compatible with whichever venting installation is preferred or required when they arrive on the jobsite.

Ultra Series RUCS75i

The Ultra Series RUCS75i at 160,000 BTUs, available in natural gas and propane, offers condensing technology with lower to mid-range capacity at an attractive price point. As the only manufacturer to offer both concentric and PVC/CPVC dual pipe venting options on the same unit, the RUCS models add to the Ultra Series lineup of innovative designs and enduring values.

Luxury Series RL94i

Rinnai’s Luxury Series offers the highest output of Rinnai’s non-condensing line. Its Circ-Logic Technology allows homeowners to set recirculation patterns that coincide with their hot water usage patterns. This model is optimal for larger homes and light commercial projects.

Value Series V94i

The Value Series V94i delivers the perfect combination of comfort and value, while providing homeowners with an endless supply of hot water, energy savings, a space-saving design and environmental benefits. The NEW V94i / V94e at 199,000 BTU and V94Xi at 192,000 BTU the V94i offers confidence-boosting reliability at an inviting price.

RH180 Hybrid Tank-Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai’s tank-tankless water heater pairs an innovative, on-demand tankless system with an ample 40-gallon storage tank, blending the benefits of advanced technology with simple supply.

Heating Products

Condensing Boilers E110C & E50C

The E Series Combi Boilers are ideal for homes with limited baths and provide heating and hot water in one compact unit. The E50C was designed specifically for multifamily applications with up to 1 ½ baths and require no secondary piping or closely spaced tees.

Condensing Boilers Q130S & QP130N

With a fully modulating boiler pump and maximum BTU inputs ranging from 85,000 to 205,000, the Q Series is ideal for light commercial applications or any home with a separate indirect hot water source. The Rinnai Q Premier uniquely meets homeowner demand for high-volume hot water and efficient home heating, all in one single, space-saving appliance. A boiler and tank all in one, the Q Premier delivers a fully assembled system perfect for replacement or new construction.

Vent-Free Fan Convector FC510

The Vent-Free Fan Convector is designed to give you an unmatched level of carefree coziness. It’s a unique vent-free product that self-adjusts to keep the temperature in the room consistent and wonderfully comfortable. The FC510 is a cost-effective, supplemental heating solution for nearly every living space.

EnergySaver® Direct Vent Wall Furnace EX22CN

The EnergySaver® Direct Vent Wall Furnace model EX22C can transform any living space  – from basement to sunroom, or even a whole home – with self-adjusting heat that keeps room temperature consistent, from floor to ceiling. Rinnai’s unique modulating technology can respond immediately to even the smallest temperature fluctuations adjusting within seconds to maintain the pre-set temperature.

Commercial Water Heating Products

Tankless Wall-Hanging Rack TRW02 and Tankless Rack System TRS04

With Rinnai’s Tankless Rack Systems (wall mount or freestanding) you can use multiple units together to provide anywhere from 15,200 to 4.9 million BTU – enough to replace even large boilers. Our new Commercial ENERGY STAR® certified C199 Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heaters, which come standard on the Tankless Rack System and Tankless Wall-Hanging Rack, are dedicated commercial tankless models, precision engineered to produce an endless supply of hot water for even the most demanding applications— from restaurants to hotels to multifamily residences to schools and more.

Demand Duo Commercial Hybrid System

The Rinnai Demand Duo Commercial Hybrid Water Heating System gives building owners’ customers exactly what they’re looking for: Hot water performance that meets peak demand with a supply that goes the distance. Combining the on-demand, continuous supply technology of tankless with an energy-efficient 119-gallon storage tank, the Demand Duo is the perfect solution for direct replacement of most traditional 100/199 commercial standard and high efficiency tanks. Demand Duo features the following product specifications:

  • 6-year heat exchanger / tank, 5-year parts and up to 2 years labor* warranty

  • Built standard with C199 Commercial Tankless Water Heater: Commercial ENERGY STAR® certified with 96% Thermal Efficiency; Ultra Low NOx compliant; 199,000 BTU

  • Integrated temperature controller that provides 98°F to 185°F

  • First Hour Rating: 315 gal / Recovery: 231 gal (@ 100°F ?T)

  • Multiple venting options

C199 Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater

The C199 model, a Commercial Energy Star-certified condensing tankless water heater, has a heat exchanger designed specifically for the demands of business. These 199,000 BTU models operate more efficiently than tank-style water heaters, saving on operation and life cycle costs.

The Powerful Flushing Action, CleanCurve Rim and EverClean Surface of These High Efficiency Toilets Deliver the Cleanest Flush Ever Engineered The revolutionary VorMax toilet line from American Standard has been named a 2015 GOOD DESIGN award recipient in the Bath category for design excellence. This award is presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture Read more

The Powerful Flushing Action, CleanCurve Rim and EverClean Surface of These High Efficiency Toilets Deliver the Cleanest Flush Ever Engineered

The revolutionary VorMax toilet line from American Standard has been named a 2015 GOOD DESIGN award recipient in the Bath category for design excellence. This award is presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

Showcasing a classic composition suiting traditional bathroom settings, these innovative water-efficient toilets employ the unique VorMax flushing system, which has been independently verified to clean the bowl two times better than conventional toilets*. Eliminating the traditional tiny rim holes around the bowl that carry water during flushing, the VorMax flush delivers one powerful jet of water that scrubs the entire bowl completely clean.

These WaterSense-certified, high-efficiency toilets (HET)remove all splatter and clinging waste using only 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf). VorMax toilets feature a CleanCurve Rim that omits the rim overhang and holes inside the bowl where dirt and buildup can hide, and the brand-exclusive EverClean finish that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.

“We are thrilled and honored to accept this esteemed recognition from the Chicago Athenaeum for the cutting-edge, high-performance VorMax platform,” said Maha El Kharbotly, chief marketing officer of LIXIL Water Technology Americas, American Standard, DXV and GROHE. “American Standard has a 140-year history of leadership in improving the quality of everyday life for our customers. This legacy of developing stylish bath and kitchen products with progressive technologies like VorMax is reinforced by this revered design excellence award.”

GOOD DESIGN is the world’s oldest and most prestigious design programs. Each year, The Chicago Athenaeum presents the GOOD DESIGN Awards for the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world. One of the main factors for the awards selection is based on whether or not a product can enrich society and people’s lives through its design

For more information on this announcement, visit www.americanstandard.com.

*Source: IAPMO R&T Labs Test Report No. 109-141486-002, comparing VorMax against conventional under-the-rim-water-dispersal toilets from major retailers.

We’re auctioning a Water pump gauge which was part of original plumbing installation of the Empire State Building c. 1930. The item will go live at 23:30 GMT (NYC 18:30 EST) on Sunday 21st February on a 7 day ebay auction. Search ebay after that date to view or bid. Coming to market from its Read more

We’re auctioning a Water pump gauge which was part of original plumbing installation of the Empire State Building c. 1930.

The item will go live at 23:30 GMT (NYC 18:30 EST) on Sunday 21st February on a 7 day ebay auction. Search ebay after that date to view or bid.

Coming to market from its private owner Mr Brian Purcell, who was foreman on the 1980’s plumbing refit of water pump room
in the Empire State Building. Brian received the gauge from the Engineering Dept. as a memento. The Gauge was from Pump No. 5 which used to pump water to the very top floor of the building.

Brian Purcell was an Irish Imigrant at that time and now runs his own plumbing company back in Ireland. Remembering his time working in the Empire State, it was a huge undertaking to take out 5 of the old pumps to install 6 new.

Photographs of Brian’s time show the old pump (top right) and new installation nearing completion.

The original installation of the gauge was there from the inception of the building and lasted surprisingly long gathering a wonderful patina, which greatly adds to its character. Early in its lifetime it was crudely painted with a drab green paint over the blackened brass, presumably to make it more visible. This same olive drab paint can be seen on parts of the old pump in the photo. The 800 pounds per square inch rating of the pump gives some idea of the loads involved to push the water to the top floor.

Reflecting back on the installation: “Transferring from old pump to new, there was a slight hiccup in almost letting the building run out of water!
The electrics failed on the new pump, so urgently we had to revert back to the old pump for a while. The possible problems from running out of water were incomprehensible, unlike a domestic system.”

Brian can be contacted directly should you wish an interview and higher resolution versions of the images are available here: