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Rinnai Expands Non-Condensing Series With High Performing Tankless Water Heater at Attractive Price Point The number-one selling tankless brand in the U.S. rounds out its non-condensing line of tankless water heaters Rinnai, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, has expanded its non-condensing line of tankless water heaters Read more

Rinnai Expands Non-Condensing Series With High Performing Tankless Water Heater at Attractive Price Point

The number-one selling tankless brand in the U.S. rounds out its non-condensing line of tankless water heaters

Rinnai, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, has expanded its non-condensing line of tankless water heaters with the introduction of the V94 models. These new models offer consumers the highest performance – nearly ten gallons of output per minute – in the Value series lineup with 199,000 BTU. Available in both natural gas and propane, the V94 non-condensing tankless water heaters offer high performance at an attractive price point, while providing an endless supply of hot water, energy savings, a space-saving design and environmental benefits.

“Our new V94 tankless water heaters are ideal for new residential construction projects, where today’s homeowners are demanding increased energy efficiency without compromising comfort or convenience. By going tankless, they’re able to enjoy an endless supply of hot water while saving energy,” said Susan Mittelbrun, Vice President of Marketing at Rinnai America Corporation.

A recent report from NewHomeSource, a leader in new home topics offering advice from architects, contractors and other experts, ranked energy efficient appliances as one of the top ten features buyers want in new homes.

Other benefits of the V94 non-condensing tankless water heaters include an energy factor of up to .82 EF rating, low NOx emissions and compatibility with pipe cover (PCD03-EWV) and bottom plate (PCD03-SM2-BP).

There are five new models in the V94 value series lineup, which are available this month for purchase through Rinnai wholesale distribution: two V94i models in natural gas and propane for indoor use; a V94Xi available in natural gas only for indoor use; and two V94e models in natural gas and propane for exterior installations.

More details about these models can be found at rinnai.us/water-heater/products.

The new BLÜCHER stainless steel waterline channel drain is designed for use in commercial and ADA showers and washrooms. Installations include college dormitories, high rise condominiums, hospitals, nursing homes, locker rooms, and prisons. Fully ADA-compliant, the BWC series thin profile enables both in-slab and above-floor construction, with a single flashing point and floor penetration. The Read more

The new BLÜCHER stainless steel waterline channel drain is designed for use in commercial and ADA showers and washrooms. Installations include college dormitories, high rise condominiums, hospitals, nursing homes, locker rooms, and prisons.

Fully ADA-compliant, the BWC series thin profile enables both in-slab and above-floor construction, with a single flashing point and floor penetration. The compact linear design eliminates the need for special design and construction accommodations, dramatically streamlining installation time.

For more information, visit blucherdrains.com.

Saniflo Offers New, More Contemporary-Looking China Bowls for Selected Macerating Toilet SystemsWaterSense®, high-efficiency models (1.28 GPF), with either elongated or round fronts, will be offered with Saniplus, Saniaccess2, Saniaccess3 and Sanibest Pro macerating plumbing systems. Saniflo U.S.A. has unveiled two new, vitreous china, floor-mounted toilet bowls with an updated and contemporary styling, the better to Read more

Saniflo Offers New, More Contemporary-Looking China Bowls for Selected Macerating Toilet SystemsWaterSense®, high-efficiency models (1.28 GPF), with either elongated or round fronts, will be offered with Saniplus, Saniaccess2, Saniaccess3 and Sanibest Pro macerating plumbing systems.

Saniflo U.S.A. has unveiled two new, vitreous china, floor-mounted toilet bowls with an updated and contemporary styling, the better to complement modern bathroom design. Available in white with either an elongated or round front, the new bowls are being combined with four current Saniflo macerating plumbing systems: Saniplus, Saniaccess2, Saniaccess3 and Sanibest Pro.

Clean and highly efficient

Saniflo vitreous china toilets are designed for durability, with a high-gloss finish that is easy to keep clean and fresh. Both toilets are high-efficiency, meeting the WaterSense® labeling criteria of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and using only 1.28 gallons per flush (1.28 GPF).

Carrying a one-year warranty, both units feature a wash-down-style flushing action with a 3-inch trapway. The vitreous china toilet tank used with both bowls is insulated at the factory to minimize water droplets created by condensation. Inside is a flush valve with a silicone flapper seal that also has a one-year warranty.

Both the elongated and round-front toilet bowls have a floor-to-rim height of 16.75 inches, enhancing user comfort and convenience. The elongated model, which measures 28.75 inches deep, complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because of its shape and height.

Both new china units feature stylish, soft-close toilet seats (photo right) that are included with the fully assembled bowl and tank along with all the other necessary hardware to complete the installation.

How Maceration Works

The integral P-trap of the bowl evacuates through a spigot outlet in the rear of either new bowl, rather than at the bottom, as with a conventional toilet bowl. This configuration permits connection with the Saniflo macerator, located behind the bowl — either between it and the wall, or concealed behind the wall with the use of Saniflo’s special extension pipe. For the first time, this pipe includes paintable decorative trim for a cleaner finish to the installation where the pipe penetrates the wall.

Saniflo macerators quickly and quietly reduce incoming solid and liquid effluent from the toilet bowl before discharging it vertically through small-diameter piping to a sewer or septic line. These above-floor plumbing systems allow home and building owners to create bathrooms wherever they are needed, even where no below-floor drainage exists — thus avoiding the hassle and expense of breaking through floors.

Dimensions, Compliances

The nominal dimensions of the new bowls are 31 inches high (tank to floor), 17.75 inches wide, and either 27 inches (round front) or 28.75 inches (elongated) deep (bowl edge to tank back). These dimensions and the hydraulic performance of the bowls meet or exceed the following specificationss:

  • ANSI/ASME A112.19.2M and CAN/CSA B45 requirements;I
  • APMO/UPC Certificate of Listing;
  • EPA WaterSense certification.

Source: Saniflo Product Release: Saniflo Offers New, More Contemporary-Looking China Bowls for Selected Macerating Toilet Systems

Navien tankless water heaters have been in the US market for quite some time, I recently installed the latest model in my own home. I live in central Minnesota, in a rural area where until this summer I had not had access to Natural Gas. Two Navien NPE-240A condensing tankless water heaters have now replaced Read more

Navien tankless water heaters have been in the US market for quite some time, I recently installed the latest model in my own home. I live in central Minnesota, in a rural area where until this summer I had not had access to Natural Gas. Two Navien NPE-240A condensing tankless water heaters have now replaced existing, 13 year old, tank water heaters. Here’s my take on the build, installation and overall performance.

Dual Navien NPE-240A mechanical-hub aune plumbing

First off, as with all tankless water heaters careful consideration must be taken to calculate needed performance values such as total flow rate needed, gas supply available, venting options, recirculation requirements and water temperature   delta-t.

The Navien NPE-240A has a minimum input of 19,900 Btu/h with its maximum topping off at 199K. The negative pressure gas valve and fan with dual venturi operation allows for better adaptability to low gas pressure applications. Operating gas pressures of 3.5” w.c. – 10.5” w.c. are required. The dual stainless steel heat exchangers are an industry exclusive [at time of posting this review].

2” & 3” 2 in or 3 in PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene
 & Special Gas Vent Type BH (Class II, A/B/C) are listed as optional venting sizes and materials for both the intake and exhaust.

The NPE-A models features the “Comfort Flow” built-in recirculation system that monitor use patterns and closely match the hot water needs of the home or commercial building in an effort to eliminate the “cold water sandwich” that plagued the early tankless installs for so long. A built-in buffer tank and recirc pump are included.

The NPE-240A model has ¾” water, recirculation and gas connections. The unit comes equipped with a standard 120V appliance cord [installed] and operates between 200 and 300 watts (max 3 A with external pump connected).

The typical safety devices included are a flame rod sensor, ignition operation detector, water temp high limit switch, power surge fuse and an exhaust temp high limit sensor.

 

Navien NPE 240-A mechanical-hub

I have to point out that the overall size of the NPE-240 is rather large when compared to other top brands on the market. To be honest, this is a positive in my opinion. The larger cabinet affords more room inside. Where other tankless models are ultra cramped, this one is slightly less cramped. A little larger cabinet and heat exchanger adds to the total weight, the NPE-240A (w/ hot water circ pump & buffer tank) tips the scale at 82lbs. The cabinet measurements are as follows: 29” tall, 17” wide, 13” deep.

I have been installing and servicing tankless water heaters for a little over fifteen years. In that time dozens of models have came and went, none of them had the built-in features that the NPE has. The ability to operate under such low gas supply pressure, link up to 16 units in one group easily with a simple cable and control configuration. Common venting is a breeze too, though standard individual venting in 2” PVC/CPVC/PP can go as long as 60’. The 0.01 minimum flow rate for the “A” model is outrageously low when compared to the units we were installing as recent as 5 years ago.

In summary:

My family hasn’t noticed any changes since I made the switch to tankless. The installation was extremely simple, more so than other models I have installed in the past. I’m impressed by the easy to read and access front control and just how quiet the NPE model is; it’s nearly silent.

I’ll update this review if any issues arise over the next year. Thanks for your time, I hope you found this useful.

Eric Aune

Aune Plumbing, LLC

 

Mobile-friendly site is easy to use, find what you need. The Power Tool Institute (PTI), the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information and education, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at powertoolinstitute.com. PTI’s new site features mobile compatibility and easy access to specific safety information for various tool types Read more

Mobile-friendly site is easy to use, find what you need.

The Power Tool Institute (PTI), the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information and education, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at powertoolinstitute.com. PTI’s new site features mobile compatibility and easy access to specific safety information for various tool types, including information for teachers to use in the classroom.

The redesigned site offers simple navigation and easy-to-use graphics, and includes a link on the home page to PTI’s YouTube channel, which includes all of their safety videos in English and Spanish. Videos include Angle Grinder Safety, Miter Saw Safety, Circular Saw Safety, Table Saw Safety and Power Tool Accidents – They Can Be Prevented. With increased mobile compatibility, the new site can be easily navigated at a computer, on a tablet or on a phone.

It’s easy to order the Institute’s free safety-related literature and DVDs. Orders for safety literature can be placed right from the website with immediately downloadable PDF files, or via a mail-in form for hard copies of literature and DVDs. Publications and videos/DVDs are available in both English and Spanish.

In addition to the extensive safety literature and videos, the new site includes sections with information on industry topics such as battery recycling and counterfeit tools, member/brand profiles (with a link to member company websites), voluntary procedures and guidelines, and numerous industry links, including related industry groups, organizations and associations.

ABOUT PTI

The Power Tool Institute (PTI) has established itself as the preeminent organization for building global understanding of power tools and for maintaining high standards of safety in the industry. Its members represent market-leading brands in the areas of portable and stationary power tools. Founded in 1968, PTI’s primary objectives are to promote the common business interests of the power tool industry; to represent the industry before government; to educate the public as to the usefulness and importance of power tools; to encourage high standards of safety in the manufacture of power tools; and to prepare and distribute information about safe use of power tools. For more information, contact the Power Tool Institute at 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2851. Phone: 216-241-7333. Fax: 216-241-0105. pti@powertoolinstitute.com.