Product Spotlight

New model features smart, zero-clearance design to enhance installation flexibility and serviceability A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, announces the introduction of the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) hybrid electric heat pump water heater to its family of residential products. This unit brings to market a first-of-its-kind water heating solution with integrated Read more

New model features smart, zero-clearance design to enhance installation flexibility and serviceability

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, announces the introduction of the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) hybrid electric heat pump water heater to its family of residential products. This unit brings to market a first-of-its-kind water heating solution with integrated leak detection, smart connectivity and updated water connections for professionals and homeowners seeking a highly efficient, intuitive and user-friendly product.

The Voltex AL model leads the water heating industry in efficiency, featuring the highest overall Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 4.02 with the 66-gallon unit and the highest 50-gallon UEF at 3.8. It is also available in an 80-gallon model. The unit can save homeowners up to $521 per year on utility bills when compared to a standard electric water heater. ENERGY STAR® certified, the product also allows homeowners to take advantage of rebates and tax credits for additional savings.

“Heat pump water heaters continue to play an important role in decarbonization and efficiency efforts, and A. O. Smith is committed to the development of these technologies,” said Arthur Smith, A. O. Smith product coordinator. “The Voltex AL heat pump water heater not only provides contractors and technicians with increased installation and maintenance flexibility, but it also supports our commitment to homeowners who are looking for additional energy and cost savings.”

Installation flexibility was a priority when designing the Voltex AL model, providing professionals with a universal replacement option. Incorporating a zero-clearance design for the sides and back, as well as top and front water connections, this product is an ideal choice for a variety of new and retrofit applications. The Voltex AL heat pump water heater also operates at 45 dBA, making it the quietest model currently on the market.

The Voltex AL heat pump water heater offers homeowners peace of mind thanks to the fully integrated iCOMM™ connectivity platform, which supports features like the new anti-leak technology through the use of integrated leak detection and a smart anode. Using the A. O. Smith mobile app, professionals and homeowners can remotely monitor and adjust the water heater to improve performance and increase savings. For added peace of mind, the smart sensor provides notifications through the notification-enabled mobile app in the event of a detected leak. Owners can also utilize an optional shutoff valve accessory to further protect homes. The smart anode adapts to local water conditions, protecting and extending the life of the water heater, and it displays an error code on the control panel when it needs to be replaced. Demand response and time-of-use capabilities make it even easier to save money by integrating a heat pump water heater into the growing number of utility smart grid programs.

For more information on the Voltex AL heat pump water heater and other A. O. Smith products, visit www.hotwater.com.

Jones Stephens is now introducing Valves and Sillcocks with CPVC Connections. Jones Stephens’ ball valves and sillcocks have integral CPVC connections which allow solvent welding of CPVC pipe directly to the valve – providing an easy, leak-free connection. Jones Stephens’ Valves with CPVC Connections are NSF/ANSI certified by IAPMO, ASME/CSA approved by IAPMO, and meet Read more

Jones Stephens is now introducing Valves and Sillcocks with CPVC Connections. Jones Stephens’ ball valves and sillcocks have integral CPVC connections which allow solvent welding of CPVC pipe directly to the valve – providing an easy, leak-free connection. Jones Stephens’ Valves with CPVC Connections are NSF/ANSI certified by IAPMO, ASME/CSA approved by IAPMO, and meet low lead requirements. They are durable, reliable, and made to the highest quality standards.

For more information:  Jones Stephens.

The compact, lightweight Micro-Scope3® video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners now includes enhancements to boost equipment performance, accuracy, versatility, and convenience. New, stronger pushrod permits inspections in 1-1/2” to 4” drain lines up to 100 ft. long. A sonde on the end of pushrod makes camera location easy with General’s Hot Spot locator. And Wi-Fi capability lets you view Read more

The compact, lightweight Micro-Scope3® video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners now includes enhancements to boost equipment performance, accuracy, versatility, and convenience.

New, stronger pushrod permits inspections in 1-1/2” to 4” drain lines up to 100 ft. long. A sonde on the end of pushrod makes camera location easy with General’s Hot Spot locator. And Wi-Fi capability lets you view and record inspections on smart phones or tablets.

General’s rugged, reliable Micro-Scope3 is ideal for inspecting small drain lines, many toilet traps, and hard-to-check locations – like ducts, furnaces, and crawl spaces.

Its powerful Command Module sports a big, bright 7” LCD color display. And a handy USB port lets you archive video inspections to flash drives. The feature-filled system also includes:

  • One-Touch Recording
  • Digital 4X Zoom
  • Voice-Over Recording
  • Date & Time Stamp
  • Wi-Fi transmitter

General’s Command Module attaches to the reel with an adjustable mount for optimal viewing angles. The reel carries up to 100 ft. of micro push-rod with color camera. A 3 ft. Probe Rod lets you conveniently explore difficult-to-access locations. And three standard attachments help improve viewing angles or retrieve objects.

For additional information, contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit www.drainbrain.com/geneye.

Diagnostic tools from RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, have been trusted by professionals on the toughest jobsites for more than 25 years RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces the SeeSnake® microReel™ APX™ to optimize inspections. Engineered with a lightweight, compact profile for easy portability, the microReel APX features bright LED Read more

Diagnostic tools from RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, have been trusted by professionals on the toughest jobsites for more than 25 years

RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces the SeeSnake® microReel™ APX™ to optimize inspections. Engineered with a lightweight, compact profile for easy portability, the microReel APX features bright LED lights with high color accuracy and auto-flip imagery delivering crisp, detailed images and ensuring upright viewing angles in a variety of pipe conditions. Paired with TruSense® technology, this tool delivers the industry’s best in-pipe image.

The microReel APX is the most recent camera reel from RIDGID to offer TruSense technology to help plumbers better pinpoint problem areas in-pipe. It also comes with a built-in kickstand for in-field versatility with multiple configurations for optimal operation.

TruSense establishes a two-way datalink between the camera head and a connected RIDGID SeeSnake Wi-Fi-enabled monitor. With TruSense, advanced sensors on the camera head convey information about the in-pipe environment, while the HDR image sensor expands the camera’s dynamic range, allowing a greater ratio of bright and dark areas to be displayed at the same time without reducing visibility. This delivers superior clarity and detail with fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see. TiltSense™ measures the camera’s angle and, when connected to a SeeSnake series monitor, the camera can convey the camera’s degree of tilt on the monitor – giving professionals a useful indicator of the pitch of the camera in-pipe.

“The RIDGID SeeSnake microReel APX is our latest and most portable camera reel to offer TruSense technology, giving plumbers the enhanced data capabilities they need to diagnose issues,” said Laura Wolverton, marketing director, underground technologies, RIDGID for Emerson. “RIDGID has been a leader in diagnostics for over 25 years, making camera reels built to last no matter how harsh the jobsite environment.”

All RIDGID SeeSnake reels come with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.

To purchase or learn more about the microReel APX, visit RIDGID.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-4RIDGID.

Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of brands, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in an on-trend Champagne Bronze finish, adding to its already robust line of designer finishes. The new Champagne Bronze finish allows installers to add an elegant and traditional touch to any bathroom, while it Read more

Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of brands, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in an on-trend Champagne Bronze finish, adding to its already robust line of designer finishes. The new Champagne Bronze finish allows installers to add an elegant and traditional touch to any bathroom, while it also pairs well with many different finishes, including other metallics.

Innovative, flexible and designed with the plumber in mind, the True Blue Bath Waste line is made with integrated locking features that reduce the number of tools needed for installation, saving time and frustration. The new Champagne Bronze finish enhances the existing portfolio of the True Blue line, which also includes bath waste kits in Matte Black, Chrome, White, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Brushed Gold.

Constructed of brass, the True Blue Drain Spud is built for durability and longevity. Featuring two heavy duty crossbars, it provides a greater flow rate than standard, four-crossbar designs. The Drain Spud can accept the trim veneer for easy finish change and replacement and is compatible with all existing True Blue components.

True Blue Bath Waste Champagne Bronze is available in full, half and trim kits with options for ABS or PVC and touch toe, uni-lift and push ‘n’ pull stopper options. The trim kits in designer finishes are also compatible with True Blue Brass and True Blue FLEX, which is made with flexible PVC tubing to overcome jobsite obstructions. To learn more, visit oatey.com or your local distributor.