When it comes to style trends and technology, kitchen and bath products have kept up in today’s marketplace. In terms of finishes, designers and homeowners alike are looking for statement pieces that will stand out in a space and get noticed. “With a wider array of finishes becoming more popular in the marketplace, and the Read more
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When it comes to style trends and technology, kitchen and bath products have kept up in today’s marketplace. In terms of finishes, designers and homeowners alike are looking for statement pieces that will stand out in a space and get noticed. “With a wider array of finishes becoming more popular in the marketplace, and the rising trend of combining different finishes and textures, Moen, for example, has thoughtfully crafted a sophisticated Brushed Gold finish,” says Danielle Radic, product manager, Moen.
Historically, gold fixtures were often associated with traditional design, but now, homeowners are also using this finish as part of a modern aesthetic, says Radic. Moen’s Brushed Gold finish, available on select kitchen and bathroom faucets, allows consumers to add elegance to their space and blends seamlessly with a variety of décor styles. “It also mixes well with other gold accents they may have throughout their space and has been designed to stand the test of time,” says Radic.
Additionally, homeowners continue to incorporate dark finishes into their homes. Moen’s on-trend Matte Black finish, available on a selection of kitchen and bath fixtures, offers a contemporary look that complements a variety of décor choices, while providing consumers with a unique finish that makes a statement.

In regards to technology, consumers also are continuing to gravitate towards innovations that make their lives easier, including products that offer the benefit of smart technology. “In 2019, we’re showcasing some updates to the U by Moen shower, which is a cloud-based, app-driven digital shower that offers Wi-Fi mobile connectivity and unmatched personalization, delivering on consumers’ desire to create their perfect shower experience with up to 12 customizable presets,” says Michael Poloha, group manager, IoT, Moen. Consumers can control their shower anyway they like: with their voice, the smartphone app or the in-shower controller.
The product now features enhanced functionality with Amazon Alexa—including compatibility with groups and routines—as well as compatibility with Apple HomeKit™ and Google Assistant™. There’s also a new Matte Black controller finish for additional design customization.
“We’re also excited to introduce Flo by Moen, a game-changing smart home water monitoring and leak detection system that enables homeowners to control their home’s water from their smartphones,” says Poloha. It calculates water pressure, flow rate and temperature within the home’s water supply system while using AI to differentiate normal water use from abnormal use. This enables the device to monitor and help detect water leaks and other vulnerabilities, says Poloha.

The Flo by Moen app provides users with real-time information about their home’s water consumption habits and alerts to any abnormalities. Within the app, users can control how the system provides alerts and respond to potential issues. Alerts may be sent to users through push notifications, via email, or by text or phone call. The user also can turn off their water directly from the app.

Advanced sensors deliver better in-pipe images while reporting the pitch of the camera in-pipe Experience the first true data-enabled plumbing diagnostic cameras with the new line of RIDGID SeeSnake cameras powered by TruSense technology. TruSense establishes a two-way datalink path between the camera head and a connected RIDGID SeeSnake CSx series Wi-Fi enabled monitor. With Read more
Advanced sensors deliver better in-pipe images while reporting the pitch of the camera in-pipe
Experience the first true data-enabled plumbing diagnostic cameras with the new line of RIDGID SeeSnake cameras powered by TruSense technology. TruSense establishes a two-way datalink path between the camera head and a connected RIDGID SeeSnake CSx series Wi-Fi enabled monitor. With TruSense, advanced sensors on the camera head convey valuable information about the in- pipe environment.
SeeSnake cameras with TruSense technology include a high dynamic range (HDR) image sensor that takes the next leap forward in diagnostic imaging. A common challenge faced by diagnostic professionals is being able to see far down the pipe as well as the image just in front of the camera’s lights. An HDR image sensor expands the camera’s dynamic range, allowing a greater ratio of bright and dark areas to be displayed in the same image at the same time without reducing visibility. This means fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see, offering superior clarity and detail.
TiltSense is an on-camera inclinometer that is included on SeeSnake cameras with TruSense technology. The inclinometer measures the camera’s angle. When connected to a SeeSnake CSx series monitor, the camera can convey the camera’s degree of tilt on the monitor display—giving you a useful indicator of the pitch of the camera in-pipe.
“RIDGID SeeSnake cameras are trusted for having the clearest in-pipe picture along with features that help our customers work smarter and faster,” said Tim Dunphy, RIDGID Marketing Director of Underground Technologies. “With TruSense technology, HDR sensors and TiltSense deliver the image quality and information contractors need to see.”
SeeSnake cameras with TruSense technology are available in self-leveling models, which keeps the image upright, and non self-leveling models. All RIDGID SeeSnake cameras come with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.
To purchase or learn more about SeeSnake cameras with TruSense contact your local distributor, visit RIDGID.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-769-7743.

The new C-634RB1 heavy duty commercial hydrant round box is the answer to long and arduous hydrant box installations. This product was designed to simplify the process for plumbers, while maintaining the durability and finish of a traditional PRIER hydrant box. “A plumbers’ time is valuable, and they have always praised how easy it is to install our Read more


Navy Pier opened its People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion in 2017, designed to greet people as they get set to enjoy one of the Pier’s various amenities and provide them with information as they arrive. For the more-than-9 million guests that visit the Pier annually, the Welcome Pavilion needs to make a good first impression on Read more
Navy Pier opened its People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion in 2017, designed to greet people as they get set to enjoy one of the Pier’s various amenities and provide them with information as they arrive. For the more-than-9 million guests that visit the Pier annually, the Welcome Pavilion needs to make a good first impression on visitors, while setting the tone for what they’re to expect throughout the rest of the facility.

When it came time to specify commercial restroom products at the Welcome Center, not only did Sloan’s products present the elegant aesthetic that greets guests in a pleasant environment, but they also provide the durability to stand up to the millions of users each year. The Pier also needed products that would match its commitment to sustainability, and along with the facility’s energy-saving green roof and LED lighting, Sloan’s products help to make the building over 20 percent more efficient than traditional structures.
With Lake Michigan in its backyard, the Pier strives to protect and conserve water and the life around it. That’s why Navy Pier wanted water-saving flushometers that would contribute to its sustainability efforts in maximizing the guest experience while minimizing the environmental impact. Sloan SU-7009 small washdown urinal fixtures were paired with Sloan Royal® Sensor Flushometers (Royal 186 SFSM) to deliver an efficient 0.125 gallons per flush (gpf). Additionally, Sloan ST-2459 Elongated Wall-Mounted Water Closets were installed with Sloan Royal 111 SFSM Sensor Flushometers. With a static load rating of 750 pounds, the water closets can withstand the Welcome Center’s high-traffic environment, while the flushometer’s 1.28 gpf contribute to water savings across the facility.
The Pier paired Sloan DSG Designer Series sinks with its BASYS EFX800 wall-mounted faucets to present an aesthetically pleasing, yet sustainable handwashing experience. Featuring a cool Silestone Spa Suede finish, the ADA-compliant sinks complement the faucets’ sleek polished chrome appearance. The faucets’ infrared sensors enable a hygienic-friendly and touch-free handwashing process, with a flow rate of just 1.5 gpm and a line purge feature to eliminate stagnant water.
A totally new venture for the pump making giant: Air to Water Heat Pump System Taco’s new prototype heat pump was front and center. Imagine our surprise when first learning of Taco’s venture into the home heating appliance market through partnership with GlenDimplex. Taco has been a leader in the hydronic system component and pump Read more
A totally new venture for the pump making giant: Air to Water Heat Pump System
Taco’s new prototype heat pump was front and center. Imagine our surprise when first learning of Taco’s venture into the home heating appliance market through partnership with GlenDimplex.
Taco has been a leader in the hydronic system component and pump manufacturing industry since 1920. To our knowledge this is a first for the US pump giant. According to Wikipedia, GlenDimplex is an Irish based consumer electrical goods firm headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company is privately held. Has manufacturing and development centers in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, China and many other locations around the world.
We had no previous knowledge of this system prior to the show. Our interview with Taco Canada’s Mike Miller is below. All the technical details we know are included in the video.
Our thoughts on the new Heat Pump system
First, I’m told Taco had the new heat pump on display in their booth as sort of a “soft” reveal for their affiliated reps and interested vendors. This seems about right. Next, even the deepest Google searches and requests for official technical info from our contacts at Taco have come up short. Nonetheless it looks like a very exciting prospect for contractors, especially plumbing contractors not equipped to install refrigeration piping. In short, this is a hydronic system making it very attractive to a much larger crowd of potential installers.
AHR Expo 2019
First, we realize you may have missed attending AHR this year. However you can get a recap of the show from The Hub’s John Mesenbrink.
John’s latest blog touches on the city of Atlanta, some things that impressed him most [and some things that were a little less than impressive]. To clarify, please don’t get us started on our Uber/Lyft experiences while staying in the city. Check out John’s blog here.
Overall, if you found this and John’s blog useful please let us know! You can send us an email or post a comment below. In addition, you can see more of our coverage from the show by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Furthermore, you can watch the many videos we have on our Facebook page under the “AHR Expo 2019” playlist -OR- follow the #ahrhub tag on Instagram to see existing posts with more to come.