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

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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!

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What makes a bathroom a custom bathroom? The word “custom” gets used a lot but does it conjure up the same image for everyone? It is actually a word with many meanings, two of which seem to contradict each other. According to Wikipedia, custom may mean “a rule that is socially enforced” or “anything made or modified to personal taste”.

Custom Bathroom with Kaldewei Bassinio Tub

I have seen both definitions applied to bathroom design. For example, I have had people tell me things like “I don’t really want a tub but I have to have one for resale” or “we don’t need two sinks but it’s the Master bath so we need to have two”.  Both statements reflect the feeling that one must include certain fixtures in the bathroom because others expect it.

Of course as a kitchen & bath design showroom we deal with the second definition, modifying to personal taste. When it comes to bathrooms it probably isn’t possible for most of us to have things exactly as we might like but there are so many products available today that you might be surprised how close you can get.

Custom Storage for a Small Bath - Ronbow Concealed Drawer

Over the years we have worked with thousands of people and solved thousands of problems that arise when remodeling a bathroom. Some solutions are easy to come up with while others take some creativity. For example, showers are an area of diverse needs. How do you design a shower that can serve a variety of users without installing multiple valves and heads? Easy, a hand shower on a bar. These originated in Europe and let you raise and lower the position of the hand shower on the bar so that children or adults can have a properly placed shower head. Use a bar designed to double as a grab bar and you have a shower that can conform to the needs of a multi-generational family (please note most shower bars are NOT designed to function as grab bars. If you need that function be sure to get the right thing). Plus a hand shower makes it easier to clean the stall. One change and we have designed a shower that can be called custom.

Rohl 36 Grab Bar Handshower Set

Another issue we sometimes run into is the couple who wants a hydrotherapy bath but is very different in height. A tall person wants the 6’ tub because it is comfortable but the shorter person finds that they slide too far down and cannot sit comfortably. There are actually two solutions to this problem. Several manufacturers have designed long tubs with an addition foot rest at the end. This allows the shorter user to rest their feet mid-way and prevent them from sliding too far. Kaldewei has also created a set on cushions that can attach to the tub bottom to function as a foot rest.

BainUltra Essencia Tub Interior - Customized to Fit

What about questions of taste? Remodeling can be very stressful and sometimes we solve problems by ignoring them. Here’s what I mean. Very often people will come in with some very set ideas about what they want. Sometimes these ideas do not mix with the budget or space available. Sometimes it is a couple who each want something very different from what the other wants. Rather than argue about why an idea won’t work or why one is better than the other we work to find out why our clients want a certain thing and then suggest alternatives for consideration. This can work to both confirm the original idea is right or to discover that there is a better way. It isn’t so much a matter of finding a product to match their wish as it is to help identify the ways to get the best result.

This is probably the most important way that a showroom works to create custom bathrooms. It isn’t about the products. It is about using our experience, product knowledge and communication skills to get our customers to the result they want. Because really, that’s what a custom bathroom is all about.