Product Spotlight

Watts has announced the launch of LOCKSMITH™ Commercial Softeners and Backwashing Filtration Systems. This line features Watts’ new LOCKSMITH™ controller with robust features, functionality, and performance to meet the needs of virtually any commercial water treatment application. The controller, now standard on select Watts commercial softening and backwashing filtration systems, is a simple, single platform Read more

Watts has announced the launch of LOCKSMITH™ Commercial Softeners and Backwashing Filtration Systems. This line features Watts’ new LOCKSMITH™ controller with robust features, functionality, and performance to meet the needs of virtually any commercial water treatment application.

The controller, now standard on select Watts commercial softening and backwashing filtration systems, is a simple, single platform engineered to streamline operations and system maintenance, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple platforms.

LOCKSMITH™ Commercial Softeners and Backwashing Filtration Systems are available on a broad range of 1.5” and 2” model options.  The controller is highly configurable, with customizable programming that can be easily tailored to specific application needs.

They are designed for ease of maintenance, reducing downtime with automatic service alerts and low salt alarm settings, helping to ensure continuous operation and optimal performance. The systems are progressive flow capable, eliminating the need for costly additional system controllers, simplifying setup, and reducing overall costs.

For more information, visit watts.com/LOCKSMITH.

St. Louis — Rapid Locking System (RLS), a leading provider of press-to-connect fittings for the HVAC/R market is proud to announce that its couplings, elbows, reducers, tees, caps, bushings and SAE flares are officially certified A2L-compliant. Attaining A2L compliance required RLS to participate in a thorough testing and screening process, across multiple 3rd party testing Read more

St. Louis — Rapid Locking System (RLS), a leading provider of press-to-connect fittings for the HVAC/R market is proud to announce that its couplings, elbows, reducers, tees, caps, bushings and SAE flares are officially certified A2L-compliant.
Attaining A2L compliance required RLS to participate in a thorough testing and screening process, across multiple 3rd party testing labs, ensuring that the RLS fittings adhere to updated industry code and standard requirements.
RLS, Press Fittings, press technology, HVACR, HVAC
“At RLS we are proud of the testing we continue to put our products through,” noted Sean Kelleher, Director of Engineering at RLS. “Building trust in our product and in this market takes time, and transparency in testing is a key component of that.”
The HVAC/R industry in the United States is shifting to use predominantly A2L refrigerants to provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to the market.
As the industry continues to adapt to the needs of the environment and the customers it serves, RLS is proud to provide high quality, third-party certified press fittings to the company’s wide-reaching customer base.

Oatey® Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty, the only putty on the market compatible with ABS, PVC, and other plastics, is non-staining on porous stone surfaces Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, is pleased to introduce its reformulated Oatey® Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty. Now compatible with ABS plastic pipe, it is the only plumber’s Read more

Oatey® Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty, the only putty on the market compatible with ABS, PVC, and other plastics, is non-staining on porous stone surfaces

Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, is pleased to introduce its reformulated Oatey® Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty. Now compatible with ABS plastic pipe, it is the only plumber’s putty that provides a solution for ABS connections without compromising appearance.

With Oatey’s Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty, plumbers, contractors and homeowners alike can now rely on one putty for all applications, simplifying inventory, reducing costs, and ensuring they have the right product on hand for any job.

Plumber’s putty creates a waterproof seal between rigid surfaces, effectively preventing leaks and maintaining fixture integrity. With its unique formulation, Oatey Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty stays flexible and is easy to mold and work with, offering exceptional performance in every application.

In addition, its non-staining formula guarantees that it will not discolor most porous surfaces, including granite, marble, quartz, sandstone and Corian, preserving the aesthetic quality of the work. The putty cleans up easily and requires no cure time, saving valuable time on the job site.

Oatey’s improved Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty formula also remains pliable throughout its shelf life, providing workability long after it is first opened.

For more information, visit oatey.com.

The modular system with pre-mounted hydraulics is flexible, durable and compact, offering a lightweight and affordable solution for water and electrical line projects. PE Equipment, an innovator in trenchless technology solutions, has announced the launch of its PE-10 2-in-1 system that includes both pipe bursting and rod pushing capabilities in a single machine. The advanced Read more

The modular system with pre-mounted hydraulics is flexible, durable and compact, offering a lightweight and affordable solution for water and electrical line projects.

PE Equipment, an innovator in trenchless technology solutions, has announced the launch of its PE-10 2-in-1 system that includes both pipe bursting and rod pushing capabilities in a single machine. The advanced design simplifies operation and enhances productivity, setting a new standard in the trenchless technology industry. This system, measuring 47 inches long, 23 inches wide and 31 inches tall, offers unmatched portability and is easily carried by two people. Engineered for quick adaptability, the PE-10 allows for seamless module changes in just 5-10 minutes, eliminating the need for multiple machines on the job site.

Key Features:

  • Hydraulic Operation: The system plugs directly into excavators, running off their existing hydraulic capabilities, negating the need for additional power units.
  • Modular Design: The tool’s unique design allows for easy attachment exchange, enabling pipe bursting and rod pushing on a single chassis.
  • Flexibility: Designed to adapt to various ground conditions, including rocky clay and other challenging soils, excelling in diverse terrains and environments.

The rod pushing module is designed for installing or replacing service lines, either following existing ones or pushing through new ground. After pushing rods, a pullback device brings the new line through. Its quick-access rod locking mechanism simplifies insertion and removal, and different piercing heads offer flexibility for various tasks. The standard Pushing Head handles fresh ground, while the Bladed Pilot Head follows and replaces existing lines. An optional sonde housing provides real-time tracking during the push.

The pipe bursting module replaces service lines from ¾″ to 3″ in diameter, with cable pull lengths up to 150′ and speeds up to 13′ per minute, depending on soil conditions. The Chassis Mount Pipe Splitter prevents pipelines from blocking the pulling module’s function due to pipe pullout. The Open-Pathway Gripper System allows easy cable removal if broken pipes interfere. In small pit spaces, the Vertical Cable Guide efficiently routes the cable, making it ideal for small crews or solo operators. For pipes under 2″, the 4-blade pre-splitter splits the pipe ahead of the bursting head and can be re-sharpened to reduce replacement costs.

“Our PE-10 evaluation unit has been in constant use, and it’s still going strong,” said Kurt Fosson at Trenchless Solutions. “The machine is reliable. Because of the 2-1 design, we’ve been able to complete jobs faster with fewer resources, saving us time and money.”

“Our goal was to simplify the process for contractors and plumbers in the field,” said Brandon Boyce, CEO of PE Equipment. “Traditional systems often require separate machines for different tasks. With our design, operators can switch between pipe bursting and rod pushing modules, saving time, space and money on equipment.”

For more information or to watch a demonstration video, please visit our website or contact Ethan Waltman at info@pe-equipment.com.

PE Equipment will demonstrate the 2-in-1 pipe bursting and rod pushing system at WWETT25, February 17-20, 2025, Booth #3418. Attendees can speak with company representatives.

Heat pump efficiency and comfort now available in an electric water heater Bosch Home Comfort, a leading source of high-quality heating, cooling and hot water systems, announces the official market launch of the GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater. Originally unveiled at the AHR Expo and Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, the GreenTronic 7000 Read more

Heat pump efficiency and comfort now available in an electric water heater

Bosch Home Comfort, a leading source of high-quality heating, cooling and hot water systems, announces the official market launch of the GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater. Originally unveiled at the AHR Expo and Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, the GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater introduces heat pump technology to an electric storage water heater — resulting in a product that is three to four times more efficient than a traditional electric water heater, and Bosch’s most efficient water heater yet.

“Heat pump technology isn’t just for HVAC systems,” said Victoria Otto, Senior Product Manager at Bosch Home Comfort. “The GreenTronic 7000 T leverages heat pump technology – extracting heat from outside the unit – and electrical operation, allowing for hot water production that is quicker and more efficient than with any other Bosch unit. We’re proud to make yet another product available to homeowners and contractors that will reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.”

Utilizing heat pump technology, the GreenTronic 7000 T transfers heat from the surrounding air into the storage water tank. Then, the heated water is distributed throughout the home to provide hot water for sinks, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. This technology enables the GreenTronic 7000 T to achieve superior energy efficiency compared to traditional electric options and is an excellent professional installation choice for both retrofits and new construction.

Available in 50- and 80-gallon models, the GreenTronic 7000 T operates quietly at below 49 dB(A) — similar to a quiet refrigerator – and features back-up heating elements for when faster heat-up times are required. Optional features include duct adaptors to provide flexibility in air flow and installation space, and an auto shutoff leak protection kit to detect water leaks and shut off the unit.

The GreenTronic 7000 T is an ideal replacement for electric storage water heaters and features the same power and water connections, making for easy installation by contractors. It is also eligible for the 25C tax credit along with various state and utility rebates, allowing for savings up to $2,000 on the cost of installation. Additionally, the CTA-2045 port allows homeowners to sign up for various local energy saving programs.

The Bosch GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater is now available for purchase in time for the 2024 winter season. For more information on GreenTronic 7000 T and Bosch Home Comfort solutions, please visit https://www.bosch-homecomfort.com/us/en/ocs/residential/greentronic-7000-t-hybrid-electric-water-heater-20419254-p/