At last year’s DPHA Conference in San Jose I was very lucky to win a trip to New York City. The trip was sponsored by Mr. Steam and it was a great chance not only to visit their main facility but also spend a few days in the greatest city in the USA.

Last week we made the trip. I was joined by Steve Rice, manager of our Walnut Creek showroom. Our hosts were Martha Orellana and Bart Gorelik of Mr. Steam Corp. After a non-stop flight to JFK we found ourselves traveling to Long Island City to visit the headquarters of Mr. Steam.

Mr. Steam’s home is a 65,000 square foot facility which includes production for both residential and commercial products as well as corporate offices and a display space. Mr. Steam’s parent company, Sussman Automatic was founded in 1917 and began producing steam equipment for the garment industry, manufacturing the big steam irons used in commercial clothing industry. Mr. Steam was soon being approached by their hotel customers to help create better steam systems for their hotel spas. As Sussman grew they moved into work with the Navy and hospitals producing autoclaves and other steam related equipment.

Kate Brady and Steve Rice visit Lady Liberty

At the facility we spent some time on the Residential production line watching the assembly and testing of generators. There are some key things to know about Mr. Steam products. All Mr. Steam generators use stainless steel housings, both for the steam chamber and the main housing. This assures that your generator will last and not be susceptible to rust. The intake and steam line fittings are also stainless steel to resist corrosion.
One really key feature of Mr. Steam products is the element. Mr. Steam uses a copper sheathed element which allows low wattage density and long life. The copper element is more costly than a steel alloy option but also safer. Steel alloy elements are resistant to burn-out but in a waterless situation (if the water supply to the generator was blocked) these steel alloy elements may burn hot for a long time (approximately 1600 degrees F) producing a potentially dangerous situation. A copper sheathed element will melt, acting like a fuse and shutting down the unit.

Times Square

It was interesting to see how the generators are assembled. Most of the line workers have been with Mr. Steam for many, many years. They obviously take pride in their work. Generators electronics and the watertight housing are tested and then they are packaged and sent to the shipping department.
We also got to see the downstairs production where the high output commercial generators are made. These units have to withstand great pressures and they are quite amazing to see being assembled. We also got to see the parts inventory. It is good to know that Mr. Steam continues to keep a big inventory of parts, even old items. As a salesperson I like knowing the products I sell will be serviceable for years to come.
We also spent some time with Michael Pinkus, President, talking about some of the new products Mr. Steam is developing. You might think it odd to get excited about steam but the products Mr. Steam is working on can have a big role in the bathroom of tomorrow.

Aquabrass

Italy has long been recognized as the world leader in design. Italian cars, jewelry, leather, fashion and furniture are admired around the world. But did you

know that Italy is also a leader in faucet design? In fact, there is a region of Italy known as the “valley of the faucets”. It’s true.

For 2012 GPSAC is proud to welcome one of the finest and most creative of the Italian faucet world. Introducing Aquabrass.

Aquabrass has been a GPS partner for over 10 years and we have seen the line evolve quite a bit over that time. What I love about Aquabrass is the that their collections are creative but not outlandish.  Creating something that looks “different” is one thing, but to have it also be beautiful and functional is much harder. Aquabrass does it very well.

X-clusive is the primary faucet group and takes inspiration from many sources. For example, “Martini” does replicate the chic and stylish dynamism that the drink has been associated with, while also modernizing the water usage. “Bridge” is a sculpture design based on the complex architectural design of bridges (both by designer Remi Theberge).

Streem by Aquabrass

Martini by Aquabrass

Bridge by Aquabrass

“Stream”, by designer Davide Bregoli, uses pure, clean lines and yields a freely flowing cascade of water in it open spout design.

Hey Joe by Aquabrass

Marizo Duranti is the creative force behind three beautiful and fun designs; “Love Me”, “Hey Joe” and “Belmondo”. “Belmondo” is a contemporary look with art-deco roots and was created as a tribute to the 1920’s and 30’s. “Love Me” is just plain fun. This may sound silly but I think the single hole lav faucet is cute and the open, flume spout adds sparkle. “Hey Joe” is indeed inspired by Jimi Hendrix with a lever handle based on the whammy bar shape from his guitar.

Cut by Aquabrass

“Cut”, by Giancarlo Vegni, is surprising the first time you see it. Very simple but with a startling detail it should been seen in person to be really appreciated. Vegni is also the creator of “Blok”, a minimalist collection that seeks to marry functionality with originality. Does it succeed? We think so.

Aquabrass also includes the “Splendor” and “blueprint” collection which both feature more familiar designs. “Sahara” is one that has taken a comfortable look and stretched it a little to create something more interesting.

Aquabrass also excels in the shower. “Cura” is the exciting new introduction for a unique shower creation. “Cura” is more than water; color and fragrance are embraced, providing a complete haven of relaxation. Hydrotherapy, chromatherapy and aromatherapy mix to create the complete environment.

Cura by Aquabrass

If Cura is more than you need there are still many, many choices for you in the Aquabrass shower collection. Round, square and traditional rainheads, multi-function heads, shower columns and even multi-colored squeezable models that are perfect for a child’s bath room.

Drop by Aquabrass

These products really must be seen to truly appreciate the beauty. We currently feature examples of 9 Aquabrass collections including many of the models pictured here. We invite you to come see them soon.

Blok by Aquabrass

Grohflex

Grohflex is the new universal rough in system From Grohe. A universal rough is the housing that allows you to install the rough plumbing but not add the trim and operating cartridge until trim out. Now rough-in does not have to wait while style and finishes are decided. But the really exciting thing about Grohflex is the flexibility it gives you in creating your shower.

Today, building codes require showers to include safety valves; so pressure balanced or thermostatic valves. Typical

Grohflex Rough

pressure balance valves come in two types. Either as a cycling valve, meaning you start at cold and turn the handle until you get to the right temperature, with no volume control. You can also get some PB valves that offer volume control and pressure balancing. But with the exception of a couple of expensive models these valves can be difficult to use. Have you ever had the experience of trying to tap the handle just right to get the temperature you want?

Grohflex is the solution. Grohflex offers 5 function options; single and dual function pressure balance, single and dual function thermostatic and a custom shower thermostatic option. Single function valves are for shower only or tub and shower installations using a diverter tub spout. Dual function allows for two shower functions (shower head and a hand shower or two heads) or a tub and shower using a non-diverter type spout. The Custom shower thermostat will still require the use of separate volume controls.

Cosmopolitian Dual Function

Authentic Dual Function Thermo

Grohflex keeps it simple. Trim is available in three design groups; Cosmopolitan for a rounded clean look, Timeless for a more architectural style and Authentic for traditional designs. All are available in chrome and brushed nickel. The Authentic group can also be ordered in polished nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

While this system is not entirely new to the industry Grohe has done a couple of things different. In the past these valve types have used two separate handles, one for volume and one for temperature control. Grohe decided that they would incorporate the two handle on one post making the look less cluttered.

Grohe has also included a Dual Function pressure balance option which is a more price competitive option when compared to thermostatic.

Grohflex makes it easier for showrooms, designers, plumbers and homeowners to keep the project moving while offering high quality and choice.

The American Canyon Showroom is now displaying California Faucets.

California Faucets has been around for years but has really come into its own recently. Cal Faucets is what I would call a custom product because you may specify finish colors and also mix and match spouts and handle styles.

On the California Faucets website you can find the Virtual Faucet Creator which allows you to select spout and handles styles and then try different finishes to get a clear idea of the possibilities. For example, maybe you like the “Monterey” faucet but want crystal handles. Not problem, the VFC allows you to make this change and to see if you like it.

California Custom

Once you select a faucet style you can find all the matching products you’ll need to create any bathroom. This includes the valves and components to build a simple shower or a complete luxury shower installation

Styletherm with Contemporary Trim

Here in the State of California we are seeing new water restrictions as part of the new CalGreen code. California Faucets has created their “Styletherm” thermostatic valve to meet this need. The Styletherm integrates a volume control and diverter function in one valve allowing a dual outlet shower that meets CalGreen requirements. This valve offers a flow rate of 7.25 gallons per minute and incorporates a thermoplastic polymer cartridge to limit limescale buildup.
I have helped to design many, many custom showers over the years applying much time and attention to visual and functional design. But the one place that was always a weak spot was the drain. There just weren’t any really good, beautiful solutions for shower drains. California Faucets has changed that.

Deco Line Drain

Mission Drain

Deco Swirl Drain

StyleDrain offers a square pattern drain with 6 options for the grate; NeoStyle, Craftsman, Mission, Wave, Deco Line and Deco Swirl. The StyleDrain is available in finishes to match other CalFaucets products giving you a truly custom look to your bathroom. StyleDrain can be integrate with any manufacturers 2” drain body or with hot mop installations (see correct fittings).

Neostyle Drain

Craftsman Drain

Wave Drain

California Faucets also offers the Ceraline drain, a low profile almost invisible option. This drain recesses into the floor and accepts the same tile as the floor of the shower. Small as it appears the Ceraline drain has the capacity to handle a full multi-outlet shower installation.

It is also important to know that California Faucets offers 10 of their finishes in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). This produces extremely durable finishes that will last for years. For more on CalFaucets PVD finishes please click here.

We are pleased to welcome California Faucets to our showroom and look forward to sharing their products through our displays.

For many years Porcher has been a respected product in the luxury plumbing market.  In the last couple of years Porcher has continued their flair for good design with the introduction of some truly different toilets, the LXP collection. These models are created primarily with a one piece design and a unique look. In addition, the new Porcher toilets have top of the line performance with a 1000 gram MAP score on most models. This while meeting the new HET requirements for California. The LXP toilets are also universal height (ADA).

Porcher Solutions Collection

Most of the new Porcher models are “Transitional” in design “Transitional” is a look drawn from traditional patterns but trimmed to have a clean, more up-to-date look. This means these designs can integrate into a traditional look or into one that is more contemporary.

Porcher HET Veneto

Veneto, Chapeau and Ovale are all excellent examples of Transitional design. The new LXP Veneto is a recreation of a toilet that was enormously popular in the 1990s for its unique look and effective flushing performance. In its day the Veneto was considered one of the best flushing models available but was weak when it came to bowl cleaning. The HET technology addresses that issue.

Porcher Chapeau Toilet

Chapeau and Ovale are new designs for Porcher. I personally really like the Chapeau design. It is a good example of the way Porcher has started with a standard 1 piece toilet and transformed it into something new.

Porcher Archive 1PC Toilet

Of course not all the new designs are Transitional. Two models, Archive and Lutezia, echo traditional themes; and Lutezia is a 2 piece model.  Both Lutezia and Archive are “suite” products meaning there are matching sinks, baths and furniture available.

Lutezia 2PC Toilet

Finally there is the Porcher “Solutions” toilet. It is consistent with the other LXP 1 piece toilet designs, adding the more squared look that has become so popular.  “Solutions” is a new suite for Porcher (see picture above) and is designed for small spaces. The suite includes several sink selections as well as furniture and bathtubs. In addition to the LXP toilet the Solutions collection includes a wall mount toilet for in-wall carrier.

Porcher Solutions one piece

General Plumbing Supply American Canyon (GPSAC) is your best kitchen remodeling partner. What do we offer? Experience, selection, inventory and ease of purchase.

December and January Special! Bring in a copy of our location map and receive an additional 5% off your purchase!

New Grohe K7 Faucet Collection is on Display

Selection:  There are so many, many products available for the kitchen these days and it can be tough to make sense of it all. Our showroom professionals have been with us for years and have long experience working with homeowners to help them select the perfect kitchen products. Think of us as your personal assistants, ready to help you navigate the marketplace.

Some of our popular sink choices -- see details below.

Choice:  GPSAC displays and sells over 50 of the top manufacturers of kitchen sinks, faucets and accessories. Unlike many stores we deal directly with the manufacturers giving us more control over delivery and access to quick help should a problem occur. These manufacturers invest in ongoing training of our showroom professionals making them some of the most knowledgeable out there.

Great Service: Finally we work with you to make your purchase as easy as possible including Saturday hours, free delivery and access to help through email or our website contact system (and of course in person!). Download a PDF map to our Showroom Location.

A Wide Range of Choices for Stylish, Pro Kitchen Faucet Solutions…

Franke VNX12037 Vision Undermount

The Franke “Vision” faucet is future perfect. Classic, simple, and graceful. The integral Franke ledge in the large sink supports an optional shelf grid.

Dimensions:

Rohl Kitchen

Rohl Country Kitchen

Rohl Kitchen Italian Styling: The Piedmonte region of northwestern Italy sits at the foot of the Alpine peaks bordering France and Switzerland. This beautiful mountainous region has a rich tradition of cuisine and culture, a heritage owed to the wealthy Savoy rulers of its past. It is here in the Piedmonte region that the impeccable style and craftsmanship of the ROHL Country Kitchen Faucet Collection originated – a collection you’ll appreciate for its rich, exquisite detailing, functional design and wide range of styles and finishes.

Julien Worktop sink

Julien’s WorkTop sink features a curved backsplash and untreated wood knife block. The Home Refinements line offers a complete collection of handmade stainless steel sinks, kitchen islands, workstations and accessories.

Compare All the Leading Kitchen Faucet Brands

General Plumbing Supply is one of the major distributors for brands like Grohe, Blanco, Elkay, Julien, KWC, Hansgrohe and many other brands. We carry large inventories of these brands both in American Canyon and our Livermore distribution center. This means that you can get your products fast!

For a map to our location please click here. If you would like to see a list of our kitchen vendors please click here. Thank you for your visit to our site and we look forward to seeing you in the showroom!

We are very pleased to welcome Hudson Valley Lighting to the American Canyon showroom.

Hudson Valley Kirkland Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley is a well respected manufacturer of both residential and commercial lighting products. Their residential products include designs for the bath and kitchen with many designed specifically for wet locations.

Hudson Valley Milford Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley began with mostly traditional style products but in recent years they have been expanding to more contemporary and transitional designs. Some examples of their transitional pieces include “Mill Valley”, “Hewlett” and “Milford”. For a modern look try “Bethel”, “Thompson” or Walton”.

Hudson Valley Hewlett

Hudson Valley Thompson

-

-

Of course there is more to lighting that looking good. Hudson Valley uses a variety of light bulbs or “lamps” in their products. Many have a standard socket which can accept a standard “A” lamp or new compact fluorescent lamps. Some of the smaller fixtures use a “Xenon” lamp which is similar to halogen in light quality but less expensive. Xenon lamps are also small allowing a more petite fixture size.

Hundson Valley Hartsdale

Hudson Valley Lightening also offers a range of finishes that match those used in decorative plumbing today. Polished chrome certainly but also polished and satin nickel, aged brass, old bronze and Historic Nickel and brushed bronze are offered in many designs.

Hudson Valley Keswick Duo

Most Hudson Valley lights use glass shades or diffusers but they also design fixtures using alabaster. Alabaster is natural stone that when lit has a soft glow with a unique beauty seen only in a natural product.

Melrose Alabaster Xenon Fixture

We are currently displaying bath lighting in our American Canyon location but Hudson Valley offers, and we sell, lighting for the kitchen, entry hall and other home locations. Please visit our showroom and see this beautiful product for yourself!

Click to download (PDF) with map to our showroom

Thanks for sending your entry to us for our Grohe Chrome Faucet Drawing… to Validate, just come in and see display and we’ll put your entry in the drawing bin!