Kitchen & Bath

Since receiving a grant from a philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing global sanitation problems last year, global plumbing leader Kohler Co. has been designing the next generation of the closed-loop flush toilet system for field testing in locations without adequate sanitation.The Kohler team has completed design and construction of five Closed-Loop Advanced Sanitation System (CLASS) prototypes. Two units have already been installed at apartment buildings in the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India. The Kohler CLASS team along with a team from Research Triangle Institute (RTI) are collecting data, performing maintenance and analyzing water samples. The CLASS prototypes are stand-alone units that take in waste water, then disinfect and purify it to be reused for toilet flushing. The units are treating waste water from the building’s toilets, and the team is testing the water to ensure all pathogens have been killed in the treatment process.“We’re deliberately performing this field test over the course of several weeks in a controlled environment to prevent any disruption to the residents,” said Ratish Namboothiry, senior new product development leader for KohlerField-testing is allowing the Kohler team to simultaneously learn about the system’s capabilities as well as the environmental factors at the site that may affect its performance. Applying this learning supports continued research and innovation of Kohler’s treatment system.“The data our team is collecting will guide future refinements of the CLASS system,” said Rob Zimmerman, senior manager of sustainability for Kohler. “We’re trying to understand the needs of the end user and the supply chain while informing technology and business development in new and existing markets.”

Source: Kohler Begins Field Testing Closed-Loop Toilet System — Kohler Co.

American Standard Brands is pleased to announce its recognition as Showroom Plumbing Vendor of the Year by Ferguson. The only vendor to be honored with two awards this year, American Standard also received the Featured Counter Product Award for its Colony Soft Centerset Bathroom Faucet promotion.  A Vendor of the Year Award was given in each of three categories — plumbing, lighting and appliances — and was based on multiple criteria including overall sales performance, channel marketing engagement and execution, and the level of sales rep support provided.The Featured Counter Product recognition was based on successful marketing and sales execution of a promotion for the Colony Soft bath faucet in nearly 600 Ferguson blended branch counters across the United States.”We are so pleased to receive this prestigious recognition from a valued partner like Ferguson,” said Steven Delarge, chief executive officer and president of LIXIL Water Technology Americas, American Standard, DXV. “Ferguson’s influence on the marketplace cannot be overstated. We deeply appreciate this opportunity to work closely in partnership with a leading supplier of commercial and residential plumbing products.”Award winners were announced at the annual Ferguson Enterprises Vendor Summit in Williamsburg, Va. on October 21, 2015. Accepting both awards on behalf of American Standard Brands was Bert Magladry, manager of U.S. trade sales for the Company.For more information on this announcement, visit www.americanstandard.com.

Source: American Standard Press: American Standard Named Showroom Plumbing Vendor of the Year by Ferguson

Marketing Representatives LLC (MRL) representing the OS&B^® (Oakville Bending & Stamping, Ltd.) is introducing a patent-pending, self-guided, self-sealing ITD Series of Island Tub Drains that can be mounted on free-standing island tubs, claw tubs and regular tubs. The ITD Series allows for freestanding tub locations to be defined at the rough-in stage allowing the tub to be installed over a finished floor. The ITD Series can help installers and renovators position a free-standing bathtub in minutes rather than hours.

“Not only does the ITD Series save the plumber numerous steps during installation of Claw Foot and Island Tubs, but long after the tub is in use, it makes for a cleaner and more stable setting for the tub and tile. A true innovation,” says Tom Hamilton, National Sales Manager for MRL. The ITD Series more than makes up for its cost in time savings.

No more hand-maneuvering or manipulating the island tub into position. Installers can simply attach the correct tailpiece (supplied) or ABS Reducing Bushing (also supplied) to the bath drain and lower the tub into the specially designed self-guided rubber seal. Remove the tub by simply lifting, saving time and money.

The ITD Series saves installers hours of installation time by defining tube installation at the rough-in stage there by reducing unnecessary handling and damage to the tub. The ITD-35 is tailpiece mounted on the tub prior to positioning. The island tub drain models available are ITD-35 ABS Island Tub Drain, ITD-5135 PVC Island Tub Drain and are ID-357 Cast Iron.

OS&B^®, founded in 1975, is a leading Manufacturer and Distributor of Plumbing Products. Located in Oakville Ontario, OS&B is Canada’s largest manufacturer and Distributor of Waste & Overflows, Traps, Lavatory Drains, Tubular Brass Fittings and various other plumbing parts. OS&B^® services the Wholesale and Retail Industries. OS&B manufactures for and supplies to some of the largest OEM brands in the world offering in-house product design and testing in order to address specific needs and requirements. Exclusive trademarks of OS&B^® include Clicker™, Cable-Drive^® and Fill&Drain™. OS&B^® has earned a reputation for offering innovative and high quality products at competitive prices. OS&B products come in many of today’s most popular finishes, including Brushed Nickel, Pearl Nickel and Venetian Bronze.

Creative Cleanout Covers offers a variety of custom specialty cleanout covers, designed for homeowners, and businesses that want add a special touch to their home or office by covering the chrome.