American Standard Expands Water Efficiency Options – New Toilet Designs to Complement Popular Collections

American Standard Expands Water Efficiency Options – New Toilet Designs to Complement Popular Collections. New high performance, high efficiency toilets (HETs) are now available as part of three complete bathroom collections from American Standard Brands, including the Studio®, Tropic® and Evolution®series, which offer styles that range from traditional to contemporary. Homeowners can now have it all: style, conservation, and toilets that really work, explains James Walsh, director of chinaware for American Standard.  “Savvy shoppers can focus on finding the ideal bathroom fixtures and coordinating design accessories, knowing that water efficient technology and top-rated flushing performance are built in,” says Walsh. The top-rated flushing platforms used in these three bathroom collections, including the new high efficiency toilet additions, are capable of flushing more than 2.2 pounds of solids without double flushing or clogging, according to Walsh.  The HET fixtures have the added benefit of using 20 percent less water than standard 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) toilets, which can save 2,300 gallons per year per person. “From Studio’s modern, bold designs to Tropic’s casual contemporary themes, homeowners have a full range of styles to accentuate their home’s beauty and style,” continues Walsh.  “Moreover, designers can select fixtures from multiple collections for increased versatility.  For example, Studio designs also complement the Boulevard® collection of bathroom sinks, as well as the Moment’s™ line of bath faucets.  In fact, we’ve gone so far as to match the design of the Tropic toilet trip lever to the Tropic faucet.” High Performance And Water Efficient – The Studio and Tropic toilets – also available as standard 1.6 gpf toilets – feature an oversized chemical-resistant flapper to prevent warping that can cause a toilet to run continually. The generous three-inch flush valve is designed to drive more water through the bowl faster for greater flushing power.  Both collections also offer the American Standard® EverClean® antimicrobial surface, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface, even after years of use. That means you spend less time cleaning.The Studio and Tropic Bath Collections include toilets, sinks, faucets and coordinating furniture and accessories. Suggested retail prices for Studio and Tropic Collection toilets range from $289 to $351. The Evolution 2™ toilet leverages PowerWash™ technology under the rim to remove paper and waste, while its fully glazed trapway eliminates choke points for a quiet, but powerful flush every time.  In addition to the new 1.28 gpf high efficiency toilet, the Evolution 2 is also available as a standard 1.6 gpf. The Evolution Collection includes toilets, tubs and whirlpools. Suggested retail prices for Evolution 2 toilets range from $184 to $261. For more information on American Standard high efficiency toilets and bathroom collections, visit www.americanstandard.com or call (800) 899-2614.

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS – American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality kitchen and bath products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related products. The company currently serves both the residential and commercial markets; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under the American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher®, Jado®, and Fiat® brands. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners.

News Courtesy A-1 Plumbing Newswire http://a1ly.com/news/

Profile Smart From Caroma® Receives 2010 IGDA Special Mention

Caroma, the worldwide leader in high efficiency dual flush toilets for commercial and residential use, has earned a special mention from New York House magazine’s Innovative Green Design AwardsSM (IGDA) competition for its breakthrough multi-purpose Profile Smart fixture. Drawing submissions from across the globe, the international competition awarded top achievers who showcase exemplary home products in terms of energy efficiency, sustainable manufacturing, technological or design innovation, and aesthetics. Combining a handwash basin and faucet with a dual flush toilet for the ultimate in water conservation, the Profile Smart creates a sustainable use for sink water that typically goes down the drain. After flushing the toilet, the Profile Smart directs fresh water through the integrated faucet for washing hands and then drains into the toilet tank where it remains until the water is used for the next flush. Featuring two buttons for flushing, the half flush of the Profile Smart toilet uses 0.8 gallons of water per flush (gpf) for liquid while the full flush uses 1.28 gpf for solids. With an average flush volume of 0.9 gpf, the Profile Smart and all other Caroma dual flush toilets boast the lowest water consumption in the market today. “We are honored and grateful to receive the IGDA special mention for the Profile Smart,” stated Derek Kirkpatrick, Caroma North America General Manager. “The Profile Smart is a perfect example of how Caroma continues to create innovative and highly designed bathroom products that preserve nature’s most valuable resource – water.” Judged by sustainable architect and retrofitter Ellen Honigstock, sustainability consultant Joanna Black, green builder Mark Jupiter, green marketing researcher Doug Mazeffa and eco-friendly interior designer Cheryl Terrace, the IGDA competition focused on the environmental impact of materials and resources that went into creating the products, as well as their design, price and practicality. Seeking a healthy combination of all these factors, the judges defined a clear standard for innovation which mainly revolved around the advancement and originality of technology. “Caroma’s Profile Smart toilet with integrated sink was selected for this honor by a panel of independent judges specifically for the product’s function,” said Nancy Meyer, Editor of New York House magazine. “The judges felt this product can do much to save water not only in residential but commercial and hospitality applications as well.” New York House magazine held the IGDA Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 16 during the GreenBuildingsNY trade show inside New York City’s Jacob Javits Convention Center. Awards certificates were presented at a reception in the networking lounge on the floor of the show. Beginning with the worldwide introduction of the two-button dual flush toilet system in 1982, Caroma has been known for developing breakthrough bathroom technologies to support water conservation. Since the introduction of the 1.6 / 0.8 gallon (6 / 3 liters) dual flush system in 1993, Caroma has been considered the global leader in reduced flush technology. Unlike low-flow toilets first introduced to the US market, Caroma toilets are high-performance and extremely environmentally responsible. Using the award-winning Smartflush® technology, Caroma toilets surpass both the U.S. federal requirement of no more than 1.6 gpf for new toilets and North American high efficiency toilet (HET) standard of 1.28 gpf. Committed to water conservation technologies for 70 years and remaining dedicated to promoting sustainability, Caroma leads the industry with 47 WaterSense labeled toilets, more than any company in the market. Can One Flush Make a Difference? Absolutely! If just one person uses a high efficiency toilet for one year then they will save approximately 330 gallons of water (based on the average three flushes of water per day). Further, if your toilet is from the 1980’s when new toilets were regulated to use 3.5 gallons of water per flush, you would save 2,410 gallons per year by switching to a HET toilet! If 2000 people switched to HET toilets, in one year they would be able to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool with THE WATER SAVED: 660,430 gallons. If 50% of the 238 million toilets in the US that are high-flow (3.5 gallons per flush or more) were converted to a dual flush toilet, 1.4 trillion gallons of water could be saved per year. Founded in 1941, Caroma remains the world leader in quality and innovative bathroom products. In 1982, Caroma revolutionized bathroom water conservation by introducing the first dual flush toilet system to the world. By leading the industry with 47 WaterSense certified toilets, more than any company in the market, and providing water conserving toilet and urinal solutions t residential and commercial markets, the award-winning Caroma products help preserve the world’s most valuable resource – water. Combining quality, water saving innovations, aesthetic appeal and superior customer service, Caroma has been chosen by businesses and households worldwide for exceptional performance and stylish designs. Visit Caroma on the web at www.caromausa.com.

News Courtesy A1LY Plumbing News http://a1ly.com/

AMERICAN STANDARD Responsible Bathroom Tour

AMERICAN STANDARD Responsible Bathroom Tour. You can see water-saving plumbing fixtures in action soon when the AMERICAN STANDARD Responsible Bathroom Water Conservation Tour makes a stop near you. A shiny new tractor-trailer truck is outfitted with American Standard low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads and engaged in travel about the United States. In addition to demonstrations, consumers can calculate their water and cost savings and learn how to use less water. The tour of 300 cities is sponsored by American Standard Brands with support from the Nature Conservancy and WaterSense, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program similar to Energy Star for appliances. The WaterSense seal assures consumers the product will reduce water use by 20 percent or more. American Standard’s goal is to reduce water use by 2 billion gallons in 2010 through adoption of water-saving bathroom fixtures. According to the company, an average four-person household can save 48,326 gallons of water a year by updating their fixtures. Further Information and Tour Schedule: http://www.theresponsiblebathroomtour.com

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality kitchen and bath products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related products. The company currently serves both the residential and commercial markets; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under the American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher®, Jado®, and Fiat® brands. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners.
News Courtesy A1LY Plumbing Newswire http://a1ly.com/news/

Cold Weather Plumbers Delight

The extreme cold temperatures experienced across America in the past week have caused water pipes and plumbing within some homes and businesses to freeze or burst. Many local water companies have been swamped with calls from customers who discover busted pipes. Homeowners should be aware how and where to shut the water off so the leak does not create major emergency damage and flood a residence. According to Roger Standish, A-1 Plumbing Supply, you should immediately call a plumber when you discover frozen pipes condition, the sooner a professional gets to the problem the better. Many plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but in some cases you may be placed on a waiting list for service. Replacing damaged plumbing is expensive and time consuming, with some plumbers cautioning that some pipe damage may be hidden and may not fail until spring. Cold weather failures are placing a burden on homeowners on a fixed income who did not expect frozen pipes, but may seek reimbursement under homeowner insurance. On a nationwide basis, plumbers have been working day and nite to restore service to homeowners and many plumbers have delighted on the new source of revenue Mother Nature has provided, even a slight wind chill can increase the chance of a freeze.

The frozen pipe problem is compounded when heating systems fail. Always have your heating system inspected before the heating season begins. If using oil make sure you have pleanty of fuel. Winter electrical outages are common and an emergency generator may power heating systems until electric service is restored, preventing expensive plumbing damage. ‘Historically, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to plumbing and heating’, stated Roger Standish of the A-1 Plumbing Supply, www.a1ly.com a major plumbing parts and plumbing supply one stop warehouse distribution center for American Standard, Kohler, Eljer, Moen, Weil-McLain. Standish continued ‘before a freeze, insulate pipes on exterior walls, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air access to the pipes, and let a bathroom faucet run slightly to keep the water supply flowing’. Roger Standish concluded with some realistic wisdom, ‘Even in Hard Times Things Need to Be Fixed’,

Courtesy Google News / Open Press http://bit.ly/21wXE9

FloWise® Showerheads Reduce Water Usage

FloWise® Showerheads Reduce Water Usage, Increase Showering Satisfaction. Innovative designs include first three-function showerhead allowing users to choose flow rate of 2.0 or 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Feel the force from a trio of new showerheads from American Standard that deliver an invigorating, satisfying soak while reducing water usage up to 40 percent. The FloWise® showerheads are about comfort and convenience as well as water conservation. The key to their construction is a small turbine-like mechanism that spins the water stream through the head to create a powerful, energizing spray. The result feels much the same as standard 2.5 gpm showerheads, although FloWise uses only 1.5 gpm, which is 40 percent less water than current code requirements for showerheads. The three FloWise models include a basic unit that delivers 1.5 gpm; a more transitional style 1.5 gpm showerhead for the design-conscious consumer; and a three-function unit that lets users select any one of three spray modes: • a center-only spray at 1.5 gpm (40 percent savings); • a center spray with complementary perimeter spray, for a total flow rate of 2.0 gpm (20 percent savings); • a perimeter-only “rain shower” spray at 2.0 gpm (20 percent savings). When the three-function showerhead is turned off, it automatically returns to the ultra water savings mode of 1.5 gpm, making it perfect for any home. “The ingenious design of the FloWise showerheads provide the user with an invigorating, powerful spray while substantially reducing water usage,” says Michelle Troconis, product manager for shower systems at American Standard. The FloWise showerheads are currently available in a variety of finishes, including Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel, Polished Brass and Blackened Bronze. New styles will be available shortly, expanding the design selection to coordinate with additional patterns in the American Standard bath lines.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS
American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high quality kitchen and bath products including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related products. The company currently serves both the residential and commercial markets, employs more than 6,000 people in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and markets products under the American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher®, Jado® and Fiat® brands. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners with a minority interest held by Bain Capital Partners, Inc.

 

News Courtesy A1 Plumbing Supply http://a1ly.com/

TECHNOLOGY @ HOME: FUN AND FUNCTIONAL

You have your PDA. Your GPS. And the all-important apps on your iPhone. Digital technology is not only a part of our daily lives; but these devices really help to solve everyday problems faster and easier. But at the end of the day… when it’s time to unwind at home, are all digital devices actually functional – or are some of them just fun? “While it’s true that the first generation of tech-savvy products for the home were very game-like in their functionality, manufacturers have learned that in order for a product to succeed in the digital marketplace, it has to offer a lot more than just a fun interface,” said Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights, Moen. “Many products today offer functionality and fun – and turning technology on at home doesn’t mean your house is going to resemble a scene from ‘The Jetsons’… with robotic appliances and cold, difficult-to-use products. Today’s tech-savvy products can be user-friendly and blend seamlessly into your décor.”

And, most of these products are found in the three rooms you use most – the kitchen, master bathroom and bedroom.

Counter Intelligence. The kitchen was one of the first rooms to incorporate technology, so many homeowners are comfortable with adding digital devices to this hub of the home. Plus, we’ve all seen how technology really can “work” in the kitchen – and is more than just a frivolous addition to the room. From microwaves that can sense the weight of food and adjust cooking times accordingly… to dishwashers which can sanitize dishes and glassware instantly… these tech-savvy additions have become a mainstay in many American homes.

Not surprising, research by Moen found that the kitchen was rated as the most important room to add technology (at 20 percent), followed by the master bedroom (16 percent) and master bathroom (15 percent).

One of the most unique digital devices to enter the kitchen scene recently is the Verizon Hub. This innovative home communications system allows families to stay current and connected by managing their communications, contacts and calendars, all from one easy screen on the kitchen countertop. Perfect for the busy family, the Verizon Hub allows users to do everything from check local traffic and weather before leaving the house, update your calendar and automatically receive a text when an appointment changes, find the number of a new restaurant or get directions to a new site when soccer practice is moved. Families on- the- go can also access the functionality of the Verizon Hub remotely from a companion web site and the home-based Hub will be instantly updated.

And for those who actually still cook in the kitchen… there are a number of smart, tech-savvy appliances for the chef in all of us. Sharp’s SuperSteam Oven has a sensor that measures the moisture in food, so it knows when to stop popping popcorn, defrosting chicken or reheating lasagna. Plus, you’ll never have another piece of burned toast with the Breville Smart Toaster. This innovative machine comes with a chip that detects bread temperature, so it knows to cook frozen slices or thick bagels just a little longer.

Beeping in the Bath. After the kitchen, the master bathroom was one of the next-highest-rated rooms in which homeowners desired technology – primarily because many experience problems in the bath where a touch of technology could provide extra assistance. According to Moen research, 42 percent of those surveyed experienced one of the following problems in the bath: • Water temperature in the shower is difficult to set/control. • Water temperature in the bath tub is difficult to set/control • Bath tub water gets cold too quickly. Fortunately, there’s an innovative, tech-savvy product which provides a solution to all of these problems. The new ioDIGITAL™ easy-to-use interface from Moen gives consumers the ability to set and maintain water temperature and flow in their shower or bath with electronic precision. “With ioDIGITAL, it’s like having your own personal digital ‘butler’ – that will set your vertical spa with the perfect temperature and flow; turn on your shower from across the room or while still in bed; or even top off your bath with hot water,” said Mark Knurek, senior product manager, Moen. “And the best part is that you can do all of this as easily as if you were programming a car radio. It’s that simple.” The foundation of ioDIGITAL is its intelligent interface. Providing quick, visual feedback, LED indicators flash until the requested settings are achieved – no more guessing if your shower or bath is ready. Plus, the Roman Tub application features a remote control with a Hot Top Off feature, which allows users to easily warm their bath by filling the tub at the lowest flow setting with the hottest water temperature.

Let’s Get Digital in the Bedroom. And finally, if you think the only digital device made for your bedroom is the snooze button – think again. There are products that actually help make sure you get a restful night of sleep. With the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach, you slip on a headband when you go to bed, which transmits your sleep information wirelessly to the Zeo bedside display and alarm clock. In the morning, the bedside display tells how you slept (how many times you woke up, how long you were in deep sleep, etc.), and then you can visit a personalized web site to upload your sleep data. Once you start tracking the patterns, you can understand how your lifestyle affects your slumber time and get personal tips on how to get a night of better zzz’s.

“Even in today’s economic times, be it ever so humbled or price reduced, there’s still no place like home,” said Robin Avni, senior director and lead home/garden strategist, Iconoculture, a leading consumer research and advisory firm. “And homeowners are still willing to invest in little luxuries – especially those with technology – as they enable us to stay connected with each other as well as the outside world.”

And while tech-savvy products may seem like a big bite for some to chew… imagine how we ever manually rolled down our car window – or actually used a key to open the door? What once seemed like unnecessary inventions are now modern conveniences we couldn’t live without.

High-Tech  Plumbing Fixtures Available In Stock A-1 Plumbing Supply http://a1ly.com/

UPDATE YOUR HOME – UPDATE YOUR LIFESTYLE

According to Kitchen and Bath Business magazine, 90 percent of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for as long as their health permits. And, as the place that you spend a majority of your time, your home can play a big role in your health and happiness. Follow these simple hints to ensure you are living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Sanctuary or Safety Hazard? Most of us look forward to our daily shower or bath as a time to relax and unwind. However, a disproportionate number of fall-related injuries (70 percent) occur in the bathroom – especially getting into and out of the bath or shower. Keeping your bath a sanctuary rather, than a safety hazard, is simple. Some brands, such as Home Care® by Moen®, offer a variety of easy-to-use, easy-to-install and inexpensive bath safety items at Lowe’s, like SecureMount™ grab bars, tub grips and tub/shower furniture, such as shower chairs and transfer benches. And, if you are looking for a safe and luxurious shower – add the new Home Care Handheld Showerhead with Innovative Palm Grip feature – a lightweight, multi-function showerhead that fits easily in the palm of your hand.

Let There Be Light. It’s no secret that lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room, but did you also know that by age 60 the average person requires 15 times more lighting than when they were 10 years old? Lighten up your mood and your home with new metal halide lamps from Microsun®. Metal halide is an improved lighting technology that is the closest simulation to natural sunlight, making everyday tasks such as reading, writing, sewing and cooking easier, and also boasts long life and energy efficiency.

Breathe Easier. According to WebMD, more than half the American population (55 percent) tests positive for at least one allergen, while more than 16 million adults and nearly 7 million children have asthma. With that in mind, it’s essential to keep your family protected from indoor irritants. Air purifiers, such as Idylis™, use a HEPA filtration system to remove up to 99.97 percent of allergy-causing airborne particles. Additionally, it is wise to change your furnace filters regularly to remove airborne irritants and also extend the life of the mechanical system.

Conquer Clutter. Organization experts report that we only use about 20 percent of our “stuff” regularly. With that in mind, purging your home of these unused items can make you feel more organized, while making your home feel more open and easier to keep clean and dust-free. Take control of clutter by acting like you are moving. If you wouldn’t make the effort to pack and relocate items – get rid of them. And, by selling your unwanted goods or donating them to a local charity you may earn a few extra dollars to reinvest back into your home.

With a few simple and inexpensive updates, you’ll soon be living a happier, healthier life.

Durable  Plumbing Fixtures Available In Stock A-1 Plumbing Supply http://a1ly.com/