Product News

Running pre-sleeved Uponor AquaPEX^® in the slab or under the slab can save you significant time and money on your installs. Pre-sleeved PEX pipe does not require insulation, eliminating the added time and costs of insulating a piping system. Additionally, going in or under the slab completely eliminates the need for any hangers or supports. And because pre-sleeved Uponor AquaPEX is available in long, flexible coils, it can eliminate underground connections to make installs faster and easier while also further reducing material usage.

Installing plumbing lines in or under the slab provides better performance for the end-user as well. In-slab or under-slab plumbing systems require shorter pipe runs for less water volume in the system. This results in less water waste, less energy usage to heat the water, and better hot-water delivery times.

When it comes to end-user safety, pre-sleeved Uponor AquaPEX is also a best-in-class solution. Because in-slab systems use shorter runs of pipe, it reduces the time water in the pipe spends in the optimal bacterial grow zone of 95°F to 115°F. Additionally, the shorter pipe runs provide better pressure to the fixtures for higher velocity to minimize biofilm attachment and growth, especially compared to metallic piping systems.

San Francisco, 2018 install with in-slab, pre-sleeved PEX

Best of all, you get the confidence that comes with every Uponor AquaPEX plumbing system, including resistance to corrosion, pitting, and scale buildup, flexibility for greater freeze resistance, and the strongest, most reliable connection with the ProPEX^® expansion system — all backed by a 25-year transferable limited warranty.

See how Uponor can move your projects forward at uponor-usa.com.

Company Extends Popular Aquia IV Dual-Flush Product Line with New WASHLET®+ and Toilet Designs

TOTO, the world’s largest plumbing manufacturer with more than $5.47 billion in annual sales, announced today that it will extend its much sought-after Aquia IV Dual Flush Toilet line. The company is adding its new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube designs, which are available as WASHLET+ models or floor-mount toilets.

Design: Global developments in architecture, design, and lifestyle trends inspire TOTO’s design philosophy. The new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube designs will be welcome additions to any bath space.

The Aquia IV Cube provides a fashionable contemporary design with its boldly geometric tank. In turn, the Aquia IV Arc offers a sophisticated transitional design statement with its elegant flared tank. Both models’ elongated skirted design is aesthetically pleasing and offers easy cleaning by removing the nooks and crannies where dust collects, while their slender tank gives them a heightened sensibility.

Like their handsome predecessors, the new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube are Universal Height, TOTO’s ergonomic, comfortable height design that facilitates rising from a sitting to standing position. These aesthetically-pleasing toilets are ADA height compliant with their SoftClose® Seat or WASHLET.

CLEANOVATION: TOTO articulates its philosophy of clean innovation technology as CLEANOVATION. TOTO believes that cleanliness is a fundamental human value that enriches beauty, peace of mind, feeling refreshed, consideration for the environment, and wellness. TOTO uncompromisingly pursues innovation that brings to market cleanliness technologies that enhance consumers’ daily lives.

WASHLET+ Design: The Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube toilets seamlessly connect with their WASHLET+ models, leaving no protruding supply connections (water or electrical). This TOTO innovation — called WASHLET+ — improves the units’ appearance and enhances their cleanliness by inhibiting dust and dirt buildup. With the WASHLET+ connection structure, WASHLET+ models easily detach from the Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube toilet, so consumers can reach areas where dust and dirt tend to collect. This design innovation is just one way TOTO makes it easier to keep the Aquia IV Arc WASHLET+ Toilet and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets cleaner longer.

Flushing Performance: The Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets offer the DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH® system by TOTO, which features two powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action that reduces waste buildup and keeps the bowl cleaner. Using only 1.28 or 1.0 gallons per flush (gpf) for the full flush and 0.8 gpf for the light, this high-efficiency flushing system is more effective in one flush than most toilets are with multiple flushes. Its modern, seamless concave rim design means that these high-efficiency toilets perform more consistently and are easy to clean.

Clean Synergy: TOTO coined the term “Clean Synergy” to describe the interplay of its PREMIST®, DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT®, and EWATER+® bowl cleaning technologies, all of which are only available from TOTO.

• PREMIST: The bowl’s interior is sprayed with a fine mist of water to reduce matter’s ability to stick to its surface.
• CEFIONTECT: This nano-technology glaze by TOTO seals the porcelain with an ionized barrier, creating a super-slippery, non-porous surface that repels matter, mold, and mildew.
• DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH System: A TOTO innovation, the rimless bowl design and 2.5-inch diameter trapway use 100% of the water to remove waste effectively and clean every inch of the bowl and rim. The company’s DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH System optimizes water conservation while setting a high bar in quiet world-class flushing performance.
• EWATER+: The bowl’s surface and WASHLET wand’s cleanliness is ensured by automatically spraying them with EWATER+. EWATER+ uses no chemicals or cleaning agents, providing peace of mind every day that microscopic buildup has no place to hide.

Auto-Flush: The new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ offer Auto-Flush, a sensor-operated, hands-free flush feature. The company’s proven touchless technology enables the toilet to flush automatically when the user simply rises and walks away. There is no need to wave a hand over a sensor to activate it; the unit responds automatically. Users may also manually flush the unit if they desire by using the toilet’s push plate panel.

Sustainability: Beneath their sophisticated contemporary exteriors, the Aquia IV Arc WASHLET+ Toilet and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets’ matchless DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH system delivers an unparalleled flush that clears the bowl the first time, every time using a mere 0.8 gpf (light flush) or 1.28 or 1.0 gpf (full flush). The company’s market-leading DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH system is more effective in one flush than most toilets are with multiple flushes.

As the deep winter freeze arrives, frozen or burst pipes can become prevalent. Dealing with an unexpected leak is the last thing anyone wants to tackle in the middle of a busy season; but if it happens, there’s a quick solution to restoring ruptured pipes with no specialty tools, soldering, crimping or glue required: SharkBite push-to-connect slip and transition fittings. 

“SharkBite gives you a wide range of slip fittings and valves to repair burst copper or CPVC pipes quickly,” said Michael Kornegay, SharkBite Product Manager. “Up to two inches of damaged pipe can be removed using a single fitting, even in wet lines, and a drain valve can be easily added to prevent future freezing.”

Ideal for working with multiple pipe types and in tight spaces, SharkBite’s Brass Push transition fittings can be installed in wet lines and can transition between pipe types, including PEX, copper, CPVC, PVC, polybutylene, HDPE and PE-RT pipes, making them one of the most versatile solutions.  

“SharkBite’s push-to-connect transition fittings come with color-coordinated collars for each specific pipe material,” Kornegay continued. “The tool-free transition fittings allow for quick and easy repair of copper pinhole leaks and replacement of brittle polybutylene pipe or broken CPVC.” 

Since pipes are at a higher risk of freezing and bursting in the winter, it pays to have a solution like SharkBite’s push-to-connect slip and transition fittings handy for a quick fix. Follow these steps to get the job done fast: 

1. Cut the pipe cleanly – Be sure the pipe is clean of scratches or debris. If working with copper pipe, use a deburr tool or sandpaper to remove any sharp edges or burrs. 
2. Measure and mark the insertion depth – Use SharkBite’s Deburr & Gauge Tool to mark the insertion depth on the damaged pipe. 
3. Make the connection – Push the fitting to the insertion marks. Then, turn on the water and check the connection.

RIDGID is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the new RP 350 – an advanced, long-running press tool that’s built for the most demanding job sites. The RP 350 eliminates scheduled maintenance for less downtime and features a brushless motor, 360°swivel head and advanced LED interface and lighting.

“RIDGID has been the leader in press technology for decades, and we’re excited to give tradespeople even more options for connecting pipe quickly, safely and with less fatigue,” said Michael Provenzano, Global Product Manager for Press Connections at RIDGID.

Weighing only eight pounds with the battery, the RP 350 features an advanced brushless motor, known for maximizing tool longevity, efficiency and durability. The tool’s 360° swivel is an industry first and comes paired with brightest-in-class LED lights letting users not only access tight spaces – but see them clearer in low-light applications.

“The RP 350 is designed for contractor ease of use, not only from the standpoint of creating a quality press, but also to minimize contractor fatigue when using the tool,” said Don Embree, Manager of Industrial Design at RIDGID. “Every feature we built into the tool helps put less impact on the body – for a more productive day and to reduce muscle fatigue.”

To learn more visit, ridgid.com/350.