Reliance Worldwide Corporation

Organizations will work together to emphasize career opportunities in the trades Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a leading manufacturer of premium branded push-to-connect plumbing products, valves, secondary pipe supports, firestopping solutions and fluid control technologies, is partnering with Home Builders Institute (HBI), a national leader in career training for the building and construction industry, as the exclusive Trade Read more

Organizations will work together to emphasize career opportunities in the trades

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a leading manufacturer of premium branded push-to-connect plumbing products, valves, secondary pipe supports, firestopping solutions and fluid control technologies, is partnering with Home Builders Institute (HBI), a national leader in career training for the building and construction industry, as the exclusive Trade Sponsor for its 22 plumbing programs across the U.S., primarily serving Job Corps students and justice-involved individuals.

These HBI programs provide students with the skills, experience and placement services they need to have a successful career while helping the trade address labor shortages.

“We are thrilled to engage with HBI and believe this is the beginning of an important, long-lasting partnership,” said Chris Carrier, Marketing Director, Americas at RWC. “HBI’s ability to connect, train and place potential new talent into the trade makes them an ideal partner. Not only do we see this as an opportunity to help our trade, but also an opportunity to help the local communities that these programs are in.”

This partnership was a natural opportunity for RWC to double down on its commitment to promote and further the plumbing trade after its Careers in Construction Month efforts, through its SharkBite® and HoldRite® brands, in October.

“Our diverse product portfolio enables us to produce solutions that are designed to help plumbing contractors work more efficiently in the field,” Carrier continued. “In our conversations with them, we’ve recognized the need to help the trade address its labor challenge.”

HBI’s programs help approximately 10,000 students each year receive real life, hands-on training and find meaningful careers in the trades. HBI also provides them with job placement and transition assistance, and qualified graduates are able to enter advanced training programs to expand their education and experience.

“Home Builders Institute is proud to welcome our new partner, Reliance Worldwide Corporation,” said HBI President and CEO Ed Brady. “Together, we are training the next generation of skilled labor for the building industry. As HBI’s exclusive Trade Sponsor of our plumbing programs, RWC will provide its excellent products to help train our students in 22 locations nationwide. In the process, they will develop customers for life as our graduates enter the industry. I look forward to working with RWC and to seeing how the many resources they bring to the table will help enhance our training programs and ensure the future success of our students.”

To further discuss this partnership during IBSx – the 2021 International Builders Show – please visit RWC or HBI’s exhibits. Learn more about RWC and its family of brands.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial applications, was named NAHB’s 2021 Leading Suppliers Council Spark Award Runner-up. As homeowners lean into smart-home technology, RWC’s StreamLabs Control is delivering on a crucial need: water and leak management. Thanks to its innovative technology, the leak detection device was honored Read more

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial applications, was named NAHB’s 2021 Leading Suppliers Council Spark Award Runner-up.

As homeowners lean into smart-home technology, RWC’s StreamLabs Control is delivering on a crucial need: water and leak management. Thanks to its innovative technology, the leak detection device was honored as runnerup for the 2021 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Leading Suppliers Council (LSC) Spark Award.

As reported in Chubb’s 2017 Water Risk Survey, “[45%] of homeowners have or know someone who has experienced a water leak.” As an innovation-driven company, RWC saw an opportunity to help limit detrimental water damage with just a tap. Designed to track water usage, alert users of leaks and provide an automatic remote shut-off option, the StreamLabs Control, which installs directly into the main water line, connects to the complementary StreamLabs app to monitor the home’s water system 24/7.

It is the second product in RWC’s portfolio to be recognized by the LSC. The SharkBite EvoPEX push-to-connect system won the Spark Award in 2018.

According to the NAHB LSC Spark Award criteria, “winners are to demonstrate superior knowledge in developing cutting edge products and services, embrace a progressive outlook and exhibit a willingness to push the envelope when it comes to taking the home building industry to the next level.”

“We always seek new ways to innovate and create cutting edge products for customers,” said Jeff Long, RWC’s Product Manager Cash Acme & StreamLabs. “We’re extremely proud the StreamLabs Control has been recognized in such prestigious company. It is a great product, providing homeowners comfort and peace of mind that their homes are looked after.”

To learn more about the StreamLabs Control, visit streamlabswater.com

With the acquisition of HoldRite in 2017, RWC knew it had gained something special. Well-known and respected for its firestopping solutions, HoldRite continued to lead brand and category growth through product innovation well after the acquisition. And after the successful introduction of the first iteration of HoldRite firestop sealants in 2019, RWC is now offering Read more

With the acquisition of HoldRite in 2017, RWC knew it had gained something special. Well-known and respected for its firestopping solutions, HoldRite continued to lead brand and category growth through product innovation well after the acquisition.

And after the successful introduction of the first iteration of HoldRite firestop sealants in 2019, RWC is now offering an even more robust solution with the launch of the HydroFlame 300 self-leveling (HF300SL) and HydroFlame 300 caulk-grade (HF300CG) silicone firestop sealants.

First launched in June 2020, the HF300SL and HF300CG are moisture-resistant silicone fire sealants designed for areas subjected to high levels of moisture or when UL listed W ratings are required. As quick curing silicone sealants, they can also be used across a variety of pipe types. The self-leveling HF300SL is designed for floor applications, while the HF300CG is a caulk-grade sealant designed for use on both floor and wall penetrations.

“The new iterations of our firestop sealants will provide contractors a solution that is both excellent for W ratings and washout conditions while also developing new efficiencies,” said Jeff Hamilton, firestop product manager at RWC. “HF300SL and HF300CG will simplify installation and create new standards to elevate contractors’ businesses, especially where W-rated sealants are needed.” 

RWC pursues supreme quality through each product design. With continued investment in firestopping solutions, the manufacturer is continuing to lead one of the most innovative and transformative segments in the market.

The new silicone sealants are just one part of HoldRite’s proven system of firestopping solutions. Customers have come to understand the value and advantages of using HoldRite’s HydroFlame products for firestopping needs, and when they express the need for additional solutions, RWC listens.

“We are in the field and partner with customers to ensure we hear feedback first-hand. We take those inputs to our team to help inform product improvements and innovation,” Hamilton continued. “By listening to feedback, we are evolving how and what we create to make efforts more efficient and cost effective.”

Some brands become so popular people begin to refer to all products in the category by that name, such as Kleenex or Band-Aid. Similarly, push-to-connect fittings weren’t quite as popular as they are today until Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) introduced them to the U.S. market nearly 20 years ago. It revolutionized the category and made Read more

Some brands become so popular people begin to refer to all products in the category by that name, such as Kleenex or Band-Aid.

Similarly, push-to-connect fittings weren’t quite as popular as they are today until Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) introduced them to the U.S. market nearly 20 years ago. It revolutionized the category and made the work of contractors and plumbers quicker, more efficient and more reliable. Now, SharkBite brass push fittings are the industry standard for push-to-connect plumbing— so much so that some people refer to fittings from other brands as SharkBite.

SharkBite’s Journey to the U.S.

After seeing the success of its push-to-connect fittings in Australia, water control and plumbing solutions manufacturer RWC introduced the fittings in the U.S. market as the SharkBite push-to-connect plumbing system in 2004. Today, SharkBite has become so popular that it is estimated a fitting connection is made every 2.5 seconds, according to the manufacturer’s data.

Fittings That Pushed the Boundaries of Plumbing Tech

Before push-to-connect technology, plumbers could only rely on soldering, gluing or using a specialized tool to connect pipes. These methods are sufficient in some cases but can be challenging when transitioning between different pipe types or installing in tight spaces.

To address these issues, SharkBite designed its push-to-connect fittings to connect different pipe types such as PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE in tight spaces without special tools, crimps, glue or soldering.

Further Advancing Push-to-connect Technology

With SharkBite’s success, especially as a solution for emergency repairs and pipe transitions, RWC continued to build upon its innovations in push-to-connect technology:

  • SharkBite introduced its own brand of durable yet flexible PEX pipe into North America. The pipe enables quicker leak repairs compared to rigid copper pipe and is often quicker to install in tight spaces.
  • The company launched 1-1/4 in., 1-1/2 in. and 2 in. SharkBite fittings, which gives contractors who work on commercial projects the ability to work quicker using push-to-connect technology.
  • SharkBite launched EvoPEX fittings. The groundbreaking PEX-only fitting system for meter-to-fixture installation allows for faster and more reliable installations on new construction jobsites.

A Connection You Can Trust

Plumbers can trust the secure fit of a push-to-connect fitting thanks to its tight-sealing o-ring, pipe-locking stainless steel grab ring and corrosion-resistant brass body. All of its parts work together to make a 3-second connection long-lasting, and the fittings require no tools, can be connected in wet lines and are compatible with multiple types of pipe.

SharkBite’s Legacy

Every new product SharkBite introduces is created to empower contractors to work smarter, not harder. By reducing installation times, SharkBite gives contractors time back that they can spend on parts of their job that require more resources, like growing their business and investing in their workforce.

Michael Kornegay is the SharkBite product manager at RWC — a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

 

Complete Suite Includes SharkBite and HoldRite Products Designed for Efficiency Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) is a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial applications. For plumbing business owners, the importance of building a strong team that works together seamlessly and efficiently is paramount. The same holds true Read more

Complete Suite Includes SharkBite and HoldRite Products Designed for Efficiency

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) is a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial applications.

For plumbing business owners, the importance of building a strong team that works together seamlessly and efficiently is paramount. The same holds true for RWC’s engineers when developing water heater solutions. All products must work in concert to perform and last.

That’s why RWC offers a complete water heater installation system designed to increase productivity and durability on the job. The products, ranging from fittings and valves to tank supports, work together so users can purchase the bulk of water heater installation materials from a single source. This ensures compatibility, efficiency and quality assurance.

RWC’s water heater products, which work together as a complete solution, include: 

  • SharkBite Flexible Water Heater Connectors – Created with SharkBite push-to-connect ends, the water heater connectors enable quick installation. Perfect for pipes in tight spaces that don’t line up when replacing a water heater, the connectors are available in corrugated and braided hoses.
  • SharkBite Thermal Expansion Relief Valve – SharkBite Thermal Expansion Relief Valve eliminate the need for an expansion tank, shut-off valve and fitting. Compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT, and HDPE pipe, the valve protects hot water supply systems where high-pressure conditions are likely to occur as a result of thermal expansion. 
  • HoldRite Water Heater Quick Stand and Platform Accessories – HoldRite water heater accessories and equipment platforms are lab-tested and some of most recognized water heater bracing and support systems in the market. The platforms safely elevate water heaters above the floor, supporting up to 100 gallons while still meeting code requirements.

Want to see these water heater products and accessories in action? Check out this interactive video.

RWC intentionally creates solutions that integrate seamlessly while also meeting the needs and regulations of modern residential and commercial applications. Developed, assembled and tested by RWC’s team of engineers, users can be assured each water heater product and accessory is built with superior design and functionality. RWC uses strict quality control processes and sophisticated technology in each assembly unit, so by the time products hit shelves, they’re exceeding industry standards.

Water heaters are often installed in tight, confined spaces that can be difficult to access, including closets and basements. It’s important to have a complete range of solutions from one family of brands that provides the flexibility and continuity to complete almost any type of job, regardless of space.

Products can be found at plumbing wholesalers across the U.S. and Canada. For up-to-date product availability, users are encouraged to contact their local supplier.

Learn more about RWC and its family of brands.