By Jonathan Simon Most homeowners don’t think about the plumbing materials in their homes until a problem occurs. Yet, plumbing materials play a significant role in their day-to-day quality of life, especially when the system doesn’t deliver on their expectations. Some plumbing systems can contribute to issues like poor water pressure and water quality. Then Read more
Plumbing
By Jonathan Simon
Most homeowners don’t think about the plumbing materials in their homes until a problem occurs. Yet, plumbing materials play a significant role in their day-to-day quality of life, especially when the system doesn’t deliver on their expectations.
Some plumbing systems can contribute to issues like poor water pressure and water quality. Then, of course, there are the reliability problems that can arise when the plumbing system proves incompatible with local water conditions, leading to failures and water damage that can turn a homeowner’s life upside down.
So, while homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about plumbing materials, plumbers should. Here are four ways that you can protect your customers thanks to the performance of CPVC.
Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be frustrating for homeowners every time they shower, and the design of the plumbing system could be a contributing factor.
Plumbing systems using insert fittings where the fitting goes into the pipe will reduce the system’s diameter at the fitting, restricting flow and creating a much larger pressure loss than occurs with systems where the pipe is inserted into the fitting, such as CPVC and copper. Even expansion fittings, which have the largest internal diameter of the insert fittings, can cause up to 7x more pressure loss in the system compared to a CPVC or copper fitting.
Insert fittings can also create turbulent zones in the pipe as water jets out of the restriction created by the fitting. These higher-velocity zones may require that the design velocity of the system be reduced to remain within manufacturer specifications.
Plumbers can compensate for the issues created by insert fittings by upsizing piping, but that adds significant cost to projects. Using larger pipe to slow down the water and reduce pressure drop can also pose challenges in areas that need to comply with water and energy efficiency standards. By minimizing pressure drop across the system, CPVC helps preserve water pressure at fixtures.
Water Quality
No plumbing system can improve water quality, but the choice of materials can minimize the risk of various sources of contamination.
One of those risks is biofilm growth. Biofilm that forms inside residential plumbing systems can contain bacteria such as E. coli, coliforms and legionella. The susceptibility of a particular material to biofilm is called its biofilm formation potential and varies across materials. Independent research has found that CPVC has a lower biofilm formation potential than other plastic plumbing systems and is consistently among the lowest of plumbing systems tested.
Permeation and leaching also present risks to residential water systems. Materials vulnerable to permeation can allow dangerous chemicals that come in contact with the outside of the pipe to enter the water supply. The U.S. EPA, in their study on Permeation and Leaching, found that vinyls such as CPVC are virtually impermeable at low levels of exposure and that polyolefin plastic plumbing materials accounted for more than three-quarters of the documented permeation incidents in the United States.
NSF 61 is the industry standard for protecting against unsafe leaching of chemicals from plumbing materials into the water supply. FlowGuard Gold CPVC is certified to NSF 61 under all water conditions. Copper and some PEX brands have limitations on their NSF 61 listings.
By reducing the risks from biofilm formation, permeation and leaching, plumbers play an important and underappreciated role in protecting the health of their customers. And while homeowners may never fully appreciate that role, they could notice the difference in water quality when materials other than CPVC are used. According to research from Virginia Tech, CPVC has the lowest impact on drinking water taste and odor of any residential plumbing material.
Reliability
In addition to good pressure and water quality, homeowners want a plumbing system they don’t have to worry about. If there’s one thing more frustrating than a water leak, it’s having a second leak soon after the damage from the first has been repaired. That was the experience of the Jackson family in Battle Ground, Washington. They had multiple plumbing system failures, one after the other, until an expert finally diagnosed the root cause of the problem as incompatibility between the plumbing material chosen for their ten-year-old home and local water conditions. When the home was repiped with CPVC, the problems disappeared.
CPVC is the only residential plumbing material that is naturally immune to chlorinated drinking water. As municipalities strive to maintain water safety through treatment methods that produce higher oxidative reduction potential in the water they supply, this is more important than ever. CPVC can perform reliably in water conditions and at temperatures, pressures and velocities that could lead to degradation and early failure in other plastic or metal plumbing systems.
Sustainability
For homeowners that prioritize the sustainability of building materials, CPVC is a very attractive choice. Based on comparisons using the National Institute of Standards (NIST) BEES software, FlowGuard Gold CPVC requires less energy to manufacture, has lower embodied energy and results in fewer emissions over its service life than PEX and copper. CPVC is also recyclable through proper centers.
In addition, FlowGuard Gold CPVC is the only residential plumbing system certified by Home Innovation Labs National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and has a lifecycle assessment to enable the material to contribute to LEED certification.
Making the Right Choice
If you’re looking to give your customers the water quality, pressure, reliability and sustainability they are looking for, CPVC is the right choice. And CPVC doesn’t just deliver benefits to homeowners. Plumbers experience lower material costs, faster installation and excellent support from leading manufacturers. To learn more, visit flowguardgold.com/plumber-resources.
Jonathan Simon is the North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials. Half of the world’s consumers use at least one product containing a Lubrizol ingredient. Advanced materials products create and/or improve the performance of our customers’ products and enable unique performance attributes. For 60 years, FlowGuard Gold Pipe and Fittings have provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings.
As a trade professional in the plumbing industry, you know how important it is to have easy access to plumbing systems when performing maintenance or repairs. However, accessing pipes or valves hidden behind walls or ceilings can take time and effort. It is where removable drywall access doors come in – they are a game-changer Read more
As a trade professional in the plumbing industry, you know how important it is to have easy access to plumbing systems when performing maintenance or repairs. However, accessing pipes or valves hidden behind walls or ceilings can take time and effort. It is where removable drywall access doors come in – they are a game-changer for the plumbing industry, providing a simple and efficient solution for accessing plumbing systems.
Types of Plumbing Access Panels
There are various plumbing access panel doors available on the market. Each type has its functions and features, and trade professionals must choose the most suitable to fit their needs. Here are some types of plumbing access panel doors available:
- Removable drywall access doors – These doors, like the Babcock-Davis removable drywall access door, are designed to be easily installed and removed from drywall surfaces. They provide easy access to plumbing systems while maintaining the aesthetics of the surrounding wall or ceiling.
- Hinged access doors – Hinged access doors are attached to the wall or ceiling with hinges and can be opened and closed like a traditional door. Both residential and commercial uses are appropriate for them, and they are available in various sizes and materials.
- Fire-rated access doors – Fire-rated access doors can help your project meet fire code regulations and are suitable for installation in areas where fire resistance is required. They come in different ratings and materials, including steel and aluminum.
- Soundproof access doors – Soundproof access doors are designed to minimize noise transmission and are ideal for installation in sound-sensitive areas such as music studios or conference rooms.
Choosing the right plumbing access panel door depends on various factors, including the type of plumbing system access, the location of the access point, and the required level of security and durability. Trade professionals should carefully evaluate the different kinds of doors available and select the one that best meets their needs.
The Benefits of Installing a Removable Drywall Access Door
Efficient and Easy to Install
Removable drywall access doors are easy to install, saving time and money for trade professionals. You can easily install the unit as long as you have the necessary tools so that it functions well without causing damage to the surrounding drywall. It also blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall or ceiling, maintaining the room’s aesthetics.
Durable and Secure
They’re also highly long-lasting, thanks to their welded aluminum door and textured coating that keeps them looking good even after repeated use. The access door is secured by tamper-resistant screws, providing added security and ensuring that it remains in place until it removes for maintenance or repair work.
Improved Customer Satisfaction
In addition to the efficiency and time savings benefits, using removable drywall access doors can also improve customer satisfaction. Homeowners appreciate the minimal damage to their walls or ceilings, and the seamless design of the access door ensures that their home maintains its aesthetics. The quick and easy access to plumbing systems also reduces the disruption to their daily routine, which is especially important for families with young children or busy schedules.
Conclusion
The removable drywall access door is a game-changer for trade professionals in the plumbing industry. It’s easy to install, use and virtually invisible after installation. Whether you’re a residential or commercial plumber, adding removable drywall access doors to your toolkit will revolutionize your plumbing maintenance.
Opened in May 2022, GEODIS Park is one of the premier sports and entertainment destinations in the country. Home to Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC, the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer stadium in the United States and Canada. Sustainability is important to Major League Soccer and its fans, so GEODIS Park set out to Read more
Opened in May 2022, GEODIS Park is one of the premier sports and entertainment destinations in the country. Home to Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC, the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer stadium in the United States and Canada.
Sustainability is important to Major League Soccer and its fans, so GEODIS Park set out to feature products that not only help the environment, but also look and feel good to fans, patrons, and employees. That’s why the park specified a variety of products from Sloan—a one-stop shop of fixtures that save water, promote hygiene, and offer enhanced aesthetics throughout the restroom.
“The entire process was seamless,” said Dan Farrell, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Nashville Soccer Club. “The Sloan products were exactly what we were looking for. It was, from start to finish, a nice, smooth process.”
Score for Sustainability
GEODIS Park specified several touchless Sloan products for its restrooms, highlighted by the AD-83000 AER-DEC® Sinks. These cutting-edge sinks feature a soap dispenser, faucet, hand dryer, and sink basin rolled into one hands-free system that helps save water and reduce energy consumption.
The park also includes touchless, water-saving Royal® 111 SMO Exposed Sensor Water Closet Flushometers and Royal 180 SMO Exposed Sensor Urinal Flushometers. “We really valued Sloan’s collection of water-saving, hands-free products,” said Dan Farrell, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Nashville SC. “Nobody is touching any of the faucets or other fixtures after they use the restroom.”
Keeping it Clean
If you’ve ever used the restroom during a professional sporting event, you may have seen faucets running while no one is around and paper towels scattered on the floor. But Sloan’s touch-free restroom technology makes this frustrating experience a thing of the past at GEODIS Park. “Our bathrooms don’t look that way, and I think it’s due in large part to the products Sloan installed,” Farrell said. “They’re automated and very clean.”
Best of the Best
It’s only right that a state-of-the-art sporting venue should feature top-of-the-line amenities—from the concessions to the entertainment to the restrooms. GEODIS Park specified Sloan products in part because they’re eye-catching to everyone from soccer fans to concertgoers to business executives. “The products look slick,” Farrell said. “We’re really excited about the restroom experience that fans get at the stadium.”
According to the EPA, residential leaks—not including commercial water leakage in this country—wastes nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually. It’s a widespread problem. Not long ago, Washington Post journalists wrote about a guy, Sam, who went to his rural vacation home south of Chicago. Following a long winter, he found the entire basement flooded with Read more
According to the EPA, residential leaks—not including commercial water leakage in this country—wastes nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually.
It’s a widespread problem. Not long ago, Washington Post journalists wrote about a guy, Sam, who went to his rural vacation home south of Chicago. Following a long winter, he found the entire basement flooded with eight feet of water. It sat there for weeks because of a burst pipe. In such an instance—especially if the leak happened in the summer—the risk of mold, including the toxic Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), is substantial.
Post reporters also wrote about a woman who lives on the 35th floor of a condo building. While she was out one day, the water to her drinking water filter broke. Half a day and many gallons of water later, she was able to stop the leak, but a lot damage had already been done: the water had cascaded down through several floors of the building, causing significant damage.
This combination of Sentinel Hydrosolutions Leak Defense System technology guards a penthouse mechanical room in a condo facility, including automatic shutoff valves connected to point-of-leak detectors protecting all water sources, including storage tank, water lines and booster pumps. Two large 6″ valves control all water in the building. Remote control emergency water shutoff is controlled a concierge desk. All images courtesy of Watts.
The ravages of water from hidden leaks can be devastating, expensive. Even permanent.
The good news is that today’s wireless technology can either alert you instantly that there’s a problem, or even shut off the water main automatically or remotely. Some of these devices sense water and send an audible alarm along with a text or email alert so whether you are home or away, you get the alert.
According to Kenneth Fox, VP of Sales and Business Development for Escondido, Calif.-based Leak Defense, a Watts Brand, there are a wide variety of solutions, some being far more durable and effective than others.
Says Fox, the best technologies, including the Leak Defense system, continuously monitor properties for hidden leaks and—if one is detected—automatically shuts off the water and alerts homeowners, property managers or plumbing professionals.
“We’ve found that an on-site control, or mobile app, are the best, easiest way to control water flow,” he added. “With multiple ways to monitor, you’ll always feel protected against potential loss, expense and hassle from water damage. Our full line of accessories allows Leak Defense to work with any type of residential or commercial plumbing system.”
In Atlanta, a facility’s entire water service piping is leak-protected.
For commercial systems, leaks can very easily cause frustration among tenants and legal liabilities and lead to remediation hassles and great expense.
At the very least, not being protected from the risk of water damage from hidden leaks can be stressful. According to Fox, Leak Defense has helped thousands of commercial and multi-family building owners and facility managers easily monitor and protect their properties.
“With modern systems, the status of all leak detection components—from smart controls to sensors—should populate information on a convenient, user-friendly dashboard,” said Fox. “The technology should be capable of catching all types of leaks, including those hidden in under slabs, behind walls and in ceilings.”
Like a security system with ability to shut the door!
Contemporary leak detection and prevention systems should also be effective at turning off water automatically if flow settings are exceeded, or shut off water to selected zones or the entire building. They should also allow manual stopping of water via control or app, and provide round-the-clock monitoring and alarming of all devices—much like contemporary security systems, but with the added capability of shutting the shut the door to deny entry.
To have this remarkable capability, a Leak Defense valve must be installed on the main water line and downstream of the primary shut-off valve, pressure regulator, irrigation line and fire sprinkler line. All components “talk to each other,” with set parameters that allow total system shutoff if conditions warrant it.
Protective measures taken at a national salon franchise with a Sentinel Hydrosolutions Leak Defense System shutoff valve.
According to Fox, the Leak Defense Point of Leak Detector (POLD) is an excellent solution, when coupled with Leak Defense flow sensors, for residential homes or commercial locations to simply and easily protect a property from catastrophic water damage. These multi-point electronic leak detectors can be placed anywhere there’s a high risk for plumbing leaks, typically near appliances and fixtures; they will close the water supply valve and send an alarm if moisture is detected.
“Leak Defense products are available through our over 2,000 nationwide installers, wholesalers and rep firms,” said Fox. “Installer and facility manager training is conducted nationwide.”
Luxury Condo Puts a Stop to Leakage
Sunset Pointe near St. Petersburg, Florida, is a luxury condominium complex on a barrier island off the Florida coast. Since 2017, three of four six-story buildings have been built and occupied, with a fourth one now under construction.
Today, all 130 occupied units, each exceeding $1 million in value, contain a Leak Defense system. Their technologies were installed after three leakage incidents—all within a six- month period in 2018—created more than $150,000 in damage to many individual units, common areas and an elevator system.
“We haven’t had a single loss or insurance claim after completion of the [Leak Defense] products,” said Vince Pusateri, board president of the Sunset Pointe Condo Association.
Three separate incidents
Pusateri, an early resident of Building 1, was the building president at the time the incidents occurred. The first was in a laundry room, when a hose connecting to a washer sprung a leak.
Emergency water shutoff with set schedules protect a facility in Atlanta, Ga.
The second occurred in the middle of the night. A water softener system in a utility closet sprung a leak, and the condo owners awoke to find themselves wading in six inches of water. The water also spread to the two units next door, into the walls of units below, and into the elevator area.
“In a condo complex where there are common walls and floors, a leak in one unit affects not only the people there, but also the people around them,” said Pusateri. “In addition to structural problems, there can be damage to rugs and furnishings—and, potentially, black mold if things aren’t taken care of quickly.”
Installing leak defense
Following a third incident when a hot water tank line sprung a leak in a pantry, a building maintenance engineer suggested several leak detection solutions to the Building Governance Committee. Ultimately, the committee (chaired by Pusateri) chose to install Leak Defense.
The system is comprised of several components. The first is a proprietary valve installed on the incoming waterline to each condo unit; once installed, the automatic water shut-off control valve monitors water flow 24/7/365.
The second is a wireless touchscreen control in each living unit, allowing residents to set the system to fit their family’s lifestyle needs. For example, if high-volume overnight water use would be unusual, the control can send an audible alert; it can also shut off the water intake. The control could also be connected to a third-party monitoring company to make sure an alert is attended to even if the owners are away.
Point-of-leak detectors can be placed at any potential trouble spots to detect leaks, such as in the laundry room or under a bathroom or kitchen sink. Finally, a mobile app allows easy, remote monitoring.
“We liked the sturdy unit [control panel] and the company’s good track record,” Pusateri said. He also pointed to other features, such as being able to set the system for how long water could run before activating an audible alarm, and ease of operation.
Condo owners in Building 1 agreed to the installations, as did the owners later in Buildings 2 and 3. Pusateri said that most condo owners have 6-10 sensors in their home; locations are up to each owner.
“What I also liked is that sensors can detect a change in water pressure, even behind a wall,” said Pusateri.
He added that for reliability in a storm, the system is backed up with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which plugs into a wall. “In Florida, we have a lot of lightning strikes and power surges,” Pusateri noted, “but with UPS battery backups, we’re covered.”
When Building 4 is completed in 2023, Leak Defense systems will be installed to protect those units in the condo complex. “We’re happy with Leak Defense,” Pusateri said. “It has the best track record; it’s rugged, and we don’t want any further damage.”
Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of boilers and water heaters, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, showcases reliable, innovative products at energy and comfort industry event in Atlantic City May 21-24 Laars® Heating Systems, a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, will showcase its high-performing and efficient products Read more
Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of boilers and water heaters, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, showcases reliable, innovative products at energy and comfort industry event in Atlantic City May 21-24
Laars® Heating Systems, a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, will showcase its high-performing and efficient products at the Eastern Energy Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, May 21-24.
“As the premier event for the energy and comfort industries, the Eastern Energy Expo is a great opportunity for heating and HVAC professionals to experience the reliable and high-quality products Laars has been known for since 1948,” said Chuck O’Donnell, director of marketing for Laars Heating Systems. “We are driven by a commitment to our customers and continue to deliver solutions that help them thrive and succeed as our industry evolves.”
Representatives from Laars will be available at Booth #825 during the Eastern Energy Expo with hands-on demonstrations of the following products:
- Laars® FT Series Floor Combi Boiler featuring a built-in low loss header for an easy install, and industry-best DHW delivery from a combi floor boiler.
- Laars® FT Series Wall Combi Boiler with built-in mini-indirect tank technology providing up to one gallon of stored hot water on standby.
- Laars® LT Series Tankless Water Heater, ideal for residential or light commercial applications with a high temp output setting (180 degrees) and the ability to cascade up to 16 units.
The Eastern Energy Expo brings together wholesale and retail liquid fuel marketers, motor fuel distributors, diesel and biodiesel distributors, propane marketers and HVAC service professionals to experience informative business presentations, technical education programs, a two-day trade show and memorable networking opportunities.
For more information about Laars Heating Systems, visit http://www.laars.com.
For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.