Aquabrass – Creative, Beautiful and Fun

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on February 26, 2012 at 7:01 am {no comments}

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

Toto Faucets – Innovative Residential Products

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on September 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm {no comments}

Toto Nexus Lavatory Faucet

When Toto entered the US market some many years ago low water toilets were a fairly new thing and Toto realized that no other manufacturer was producing toilets that really worked well. Toto saw opportunity and responded by focusing on design and engineering to bring a truly superior product to the market.  Today Toto is recognized as the industry leader in toilets and bidet seat products. Because of this focus many people do not know that there are other products in which Toto also excels, not the least of which is their faucets.

In my opinion Toto faucets do not get the recognition they deserve.  This may be because when Toto started to produce faucets they started small, with just a couple of designs. Toto continued to develop their faucet products in the same way they did toilets; with a focus on design and engineering quality. In addition, Toto worked on the concepts of suites, creating faucet collections to coordinate with their growing china designs.

Toto Legato Lavatory Faucet

Toto Aimes Lavatory Faucet

For 2011 Toto has introduced two new collections, Aimes and Legato. Both suites include toilets and sinks (and even a bathtub) but I’m going to focus on the faucets.

The style of Aimes is a little hard to define but the first term that came to my mind was “post modern”. The outline is reminiscent of a traditional faucet but it has been flattened and elongated, almost like it was sliced in half. This detail is carried through in the thermostatic valve and volume controls for the shower as well as a deck mount tub set. Toto has added a fun element with the Aimes lighted showerhead. Aimes is available in chrome, brushed and polished nickel.

Legato is contemporary. Square outlines with a blade handle that has a fan-like edge. Legato also uses thermostatic valves for the bath and shower as well as a deck tub set. Lighted shower heads must be a signature look for Toto this year as they have included one in the Legato suite as well.

Toto Soiree Single Hole Faucet

Three of Toto’s most popular designs have been Soiree, Guinevere and Lloyd and Toto has done a fine job with the faucets for these suites. Soiree is a personal favorite. When the sinks and toilets were introduced several years ago I was attracted to the transitional look. The same look carries through to the faucet group. Soiree offers both a single hole and widespread faucet option, not typical of Toto. Toto used ceramic disc cartridges and their smooth action is evident in this single hole model.

Toto Guinevere Lavatory Faucet

Toto Guinevere Thermostatic Valve

Guinevere is probably the most traditional of Toto styles. Handles are available as both levers and cross. This is one of the few suites to offer Oil Rubbed Bronze as a finish in addition to chrome, polished and brushed nickel. The details of the design are carried through on the shower valves and shower heads as well as the faucets and deck sets. A truly beautiful collection.

The Lloyd Collection draws from the looks of Art Deco and has a slightly architectural feel to it. Both pressure balanced or thermostatic shower valves are available. The Lloyd Collection also offers two atypical pieces, a sink console of either metal or wood and a residential urinal!

Toto Lloyd Lavatory Faucet

Another group of faucets (and pedestal sinks) goes under the group name “Ethos” and has four subgroups; Design C, Design L, Design NI and Design NII.

Design C is contemporary with a handle shape that I describe as “Swoosh”.

Toto Ethos Design C Lavatory Faucet

 

Design L is more organic with a handle shape like a shark fin or a splash of water.

Toto Ethos Design L Faucet

 

Toto describes their Design NI faucet as “vintage inspired” and that seems right. It’s blocky but not clunky.

Toto Ethos Design NI Faucet

 

Design NII returns to the modern direction and the design is sort of aeronautic.

Toto Ethos Design NII Faucet

For residential applications Toto offers matching towel bars and accessories for all their faucet suites.

Toto Ryohan EcoPower Faucet

Toto Axiom EcoPower Faucet

Toto also seeks to bring good design to the commercial world by offering the “Ecopower” sensor faucets in four designs; Helix, Fordham, Axiom and Ryohan. Ecopower is a system that allows Toto sensor faucets to work without routine batteries or electrical hookup, reducing maintenance costs and water usage.

We display a large selection of Toto faucet products and keep many models in stock. Please visit us and learn more.

Price Pfister Professional

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens by on May 16, 2011 at 1:40 pm {no comments}

Price Pfister is not a name that is often seen in plumbing showrooms but this 100 year old brand deserves another look.

Price Pfister (or Pfister as it is now called) can be a good choice for the consumer with an eye on the budget. Pfister makes a large selection of products that are distributed through both professional and retail distribution. What does this mean for the consumer? There are probably two main points. Products made for one may not be available through the other, in other words you won’t be able to buy a professional product at a big box store (and vice versa). Secondly, professional grade product is an upgrade from retail with all metal parts and industrial valves plus supply nuts and tools for easier installation. Plus the Professional products have a dedicated service team at PP to help.

PP Kenzo Widespread Faucet

If you go to www.pricepfister.com and look at the top on the page you will see a link for the Professional Site. While you may see what appear to be the same faucets on both sites please note the different stock numbers which designate professional vs. retail product. Here at General Plumbing Supply we work primarily with the Professional product but can also access the retail product, allowing us to offer our customers the full range of options. Let’s look at a few of the Professional products that Pfister is making today.

Price Pfister Ashfield Pull Down

In the kitchen Pfister was the first company to introduce a moderately priced pull-out spray faucet. Today, PP offers several pullout and pull down models of kitchen faucet.

PP Ashfield Bridge Pulldown

Ashfield is a traditional style with lever handles modeled on an old water pump. Ashfield series includes the pull-down in a single and side-mount handle model as well as a bridge faucet; one of very few bridge styles offered in a moderate price range. The Ashfield series also includes a standard gooseneck with side-spray and deck mount handle. The Ashfield collection is available in chrome, brushed nickel, Tuscan Bronze, Rustic Bronze and Rustic Pewter (not all styles available in all finishes).

PP Marielle Pullout

Marielle has long been one of the more popular styles from Price Pfister. In the kitchen the Marielle series

PP Marielle Bar Faucet in Antique Copper

 includes a traditional pullout as well as a single handle faucet with side-spray and a traditional high spout with deck mount handle and spray. In addition the Marielle bar faucet group offers standard finishes like chrome as well as more exotic colors like Antique Copper.

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For the Bathroom Pfister continues to create interesting designs at a reasonable price.

Kenzo is one is the few open spout model lavatory faucets on the market today. Available as a single hole, widespread or wall mount Kenzo is a style that can be the centerpiece of any bathroom design. In addition to faucets the Kenzo group offers complete shower systems including rain head and slide bar systems. Kenzo is available in polished chrome and brushed nickel.

PP Contempra Lavatory Faucet

PP Kenzo Shower with Slide bar

As the name suggests, the Contempra group is about clean, modern lines. This group includes single, centerset two handle and widespread faucet models in polished chrome and brushed nickel.

I mentioned Ashfield as part of the kitchen collection but it also has a place in the bathroom. The Ashfield Bath takes the open spout idea and interprets it in a more traditional look, available as a single handle, widespread or vessel faucet. Ashfield Bath also includes a gooseneck for a 4” or 8” lavatory with matching shower and deck tub sets. Ashfield bath is available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, Rustic Bronze, Tuscan Bronze and Rustic Pewter.

PP Ashfield Vessel Faucet

This is just a glimpse of what Pfister has to offer today. All Pfister faucets sold in California meet the lead free guidelines of California AB1953. For more information you can check out the Professional site here or  you may call or email or visit our showroom in American Canyon.

Hansgrohe for the Kitchen

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on April 9, 2011 at 1:07 pm {no comments}

Back around 1995 when I first started working in the GPS showroom one of our most popular kitchen faucets was the Allegro 16807 by Hansgrohe. It was different because the spray head was small enough for most women to hold in the palm of the hand so it was both easy and effective to use.

Hansgrohe Allegro E

 Hansgrohe eventually discontinued that model and for several years did not really have a lot to offer for the kitchen. That began to change in 2005 when HGR introduced the Allegro E series, including a high arc, medium arc and standard pullout models. For 2011 Hansgrohe has filled out their kitchen collection and now offers many models of pullout and pull-down main sink and prep faucets as well as bar faucets, pot fillers and (new for 2011) filter water system with dispenser faucets.

Allegro E Pot Filler

What makes Hansgrohe a better choice? The new “MagFit” system easily locks the spray head in place so it doesn’t hang loose. The nylon spray hose is very durable and quieter than a typical metal hose. The operating handle is actually bolted to the cartridge (not just held in place with a set screw) so it stays secure through thousands of uses. HGR kitchen faucets also have a high temperature limit stop that can be set to prevent scalding (nice if you have small children). All HGR parts are made in Germany or the USA.

Hansgrohe has three kitchen collections; Talis S, Allegro E and Talis C. All three collections include main, prep and bar sink faucets and matching filter systems. (In Hansgrohe speak “S” indicates contemporary, “E” is transitional and “C” is traditional)

HGR Allegro E Pullout

Talis S is a contemporary, clean line collection. The high arc model includes a pull-down spray with “spray on demand” function. The prep sink faucet is a slightly smaller version of the high arc. Talis S pot fillers are available in both wall mount and deck mount styles.

Allegro E series has a smoother more organic shape. This year Hansgrohe reduced the size of the high arc faucet ever so slightly so that is better fit most residential applications. I personally think that the Allegro E standard pullout is one of the nicest kitchen faucets around. It is sort of a hybrid between a high arc and standard forward spout with a graceful arch.

Talis C is what I call a “transitional” style (although Hansgrohe calls it traditional) meaning

Talis C High Arc Kitchen

 that is has some style details that look a bit traditional and yet it is still as straight line, clean look. Talis C offers three high arc faucets; one each for the main, prep and bar sinks. There are also Talis C pot fillers for the wall and deck and a filter water system. Talis C is the only collection available in the rubbed bronze as well as chrome and brushed nickel.

Hansgrohe kitchen also offers “Focus E”, a competitively priced single handle model with or without side spray. Three styles of soap dispenser are also available as is a 10” base plate for retrofit installations.

Talis S Semi Arc

We stock the main and prep sink faucets as well as some of the secondary models at our American Canyon, Walnut Creek and Livermore (warehouse only) locations. Please come in and take a look today!

American Standard Brands – Faucets and More

Filed under Kitchens by on December 10, 2010 at 2:51 pm {no comments}

American Standard is a major plumbing manufacturer of residential and commercial fixtures, faucets, acrylics and cast iron and a variety of other products. American Standard started in 1875 as the Standard Manufacturing Company and eventually merged with American Radiator to become American Standard (see history).  In 2008 it became American Standard Brands when American Standard Americans merged with Crane Plumbing and Eljer. Today American Standard products are sold primarily under the American Standard, Porcher or Jado name.

AMS Town Square Suite

Being a large company, American Standard makes product for the low, middle and high-end market. Porcher and Jado are the brands for the high-end fixtures and faucets while the American Standard brand covers a range of low to mid-range price point product. There is a lot to cover so for this post we will talk first about faucets.

 AMERICAN STANDARD FAUCETS

All American Standard (AMS) faucets are now Lead Free throughout the US. Recent legislation in California and Vermont requires all faucets distributed in those states to be lead free. AMS is one of the few companies which have responded to this requirement by making their entire product inventory lead free. American Standard faucets are brass rather than zinc alloy or plastic and use ceramic disc valves and PVD finishes to produce faucets that are durable and long lasting.

AMS makes both bathroom faucets and kitchen faucets as well as utility and commercial product. First let’s talk about the kitchen.

AMS Arch Pullout Kitchen Faucet

AMERICAN STANDARD KITCHEN FAUCETS

American Standard offers 9 kitchen collections – Culinaire, Pekoe, Arch, Lakeland, Connoisseur, Jasmine, Hampton, Reliant+ and Colony Soft. 

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AMS Culinaire Kitchen

Culinaire Collection has a traditional and a contemporary option. The traditional faucet is a bridge model, with or without side spray. When the side spray option is applied the faucet will have a center post (see picture at right). If the side spray is not used the faucet becomes a classic bridge style. There is a choice of lever or cross handles. This bridge faucet is available in chrome, blackened bronze or satin nickel. In addition, Culinaire offers a matching single hole bar/pantry faucet. These faucets are solid brass for durable, long lasting  product.

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AMS Culinaire HiFlow Kitchen

AMS Culinaire Pullout

The Culinaire contemporary group features a pullout spray faucet with easy reach control, cast brass body and ceramic disc technology. If you prefer a side spray there is a single handle high arch model. Both are available in polished chrome, blackened bronze or satinless steel (PVD).

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AMS Pekoe Semi-Professional

AMS Pekoe Extender

The Pekoe Collection was introduced in 2010. Modern looking, Pekoe includes high arch kitchen and bar faucets, with or without pullout as well as a more standard pullout spray head model. The Pekoe Semi Professional is based on a classic pre-rinse modified for a residential kitchen. The Pekoe Extender has an aerator that pulls out, swivels and can be switched between aerated or needle spray.

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AMS Arch Pullout Spray

AMS Arch Pullout with soap dish

The Arch Collection is also new. Based on a classic “C” spout the collection includes a pull-out and a high-arc single handle faucet, with or without side spray. The collection also offers a new base plate with an adaptor to accomadate a soap dish; a good solution when retrofitting to an existing three hole sink.

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AMS Lakeland Pullout Faucet

AMS Lakeland Kitchen Faucet

The Lakeland series is a transitional looking single handle series.  Available in a single handle pullout or a classic single handle style with side spray. Both are available in chrome or PVD stainless steel. Lakeland is shipped with a base escutcheon that may be used or discarded.

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AMS Connoisseur

If you are looking for a solid single handle faucet then you should consider Connoisseur. Every Connoisseur faucet has a cast brass swivel spout and includes an escutcheon and side spray, both of with you have the option of using or not using.

Hampton, Reliant+ and Colony Soft are more competitively priced and include a pullout spray and cast brass single handle as well as traditional two handle models.

AMS Reliant+ Pullout Faucet

AMS Colony Soft Kitchen

AMS Hampton Kitchen

There is a lot to choose from. Is there one for you?

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Faucet Finishes – So Many Choices!

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Kitchens by on November 23, 2010 at 1:31 pm {no comments}

Years ago most faucet companies offered product in one of two finishes, chrome or brass. My how things have changed. Today in addition to chrome and brass you can find shades of nickel, bronze, copper, silver and gold as well as powder coat colors and textures. This allows you to find a finish that will work with almost any design but before you jump in there are some important things to know about decorative finishes.

 The Problem with Brass 

Antique uncoated polished brass faucet from The Sink Factory, Berkeley, California

Anyone who has had an older brass faucet will be familiar with the tarnishing issues once associated with brass. Originally polished brass was untreated which meant it was quick to oxidize and discolor in a wet environment. The upside was that it could be polished again to shine. Eventually faucet makers began to apply a clear coat to brass which did help to prevent the discoloration but the clear coat could also be easily damaged by improper cleaning or even by standing water. The damaged area would quickly begin to tarnish but couldn’t be easily polished without damage to the remaining clear coat. Most other metals, including nickel, copper, silver and gold, are also subject to tarnish and corrosion (chrome is not).

Phylrich K101 Polished Gold Antiqued

New Faucet Finishes Are Created

 Beginning in the 1960’s companies like Phylrich and Altmans began offering faucets in a selection of uncommon and exotic finishes. Polished, brushed, satin and antiqued finishing of nickel, gold and copper were used as well as what has come to be known as oil rubbed bronze. Polished finishes are shiny. Strictly speaking brushed and satin surfaces are both matte finishes with brushed showing a fine pattern of brush marks and satin a more uniform matte surface. In fact I have seen many companies use the terms interchangeably, causing a certain amount of confusion (Rohl for examples calls it satin nickel even though their finish clearly is brushed).  Antiqued finishes are rubbed with a blacking color that is worked into the lines and crevices to get an aged look. Both polished and brushed surfaces may be antiqued although it is much more common on brushed. Oil Rubbed Bronze involves darkening the metal and can result in a variety of hues.

 Powder Coat Finishes are Introduced 

Hansgrohe Pura Vida White and Chrome

Originally most metal finishes were produced by electroplating. Powder coat finishing came along and allowed manufacturers to produce a finish that was much harder and more durable than the standard lacquer that had been in use to prevent tarnishing. Powder coating also allowed for the use of different colors which was quite useful in the 1990’s when white, almond and biscuit were popular faucet colors. Many companies today continue to use powder coat to produce colors like antique bronze or polished copper.

Moen Kingsley in Antique Bronze (PVD)

PVD Finishes Solve the Problem

 Manufacturers kept looking for a good solution to the problem of tarnishing and in the 1990’s found Positive Vapor Deposition or PVD. The PVD process produces metal finishes that are very resistant to corrosion, abrasion or chemical damage and so do not require a clear coat. For the first time faucets could be produced in polished brass that would keep it’s shine. The manufacturers that could afford the PVD machines started bringing out other finishes and soon companies like Moen, Kohler and Delta were offering many PVD colors. PVD machines are quite expensive so it took some time for smaller companies to catch up but today most manufacturers offer some PVD options. PVD finishes come in many colors and under many names: LifeShine, Brilliance, Infinity Finish and Vibrant are names applied by various manufacturers to their PVD finishes. Polished brass, satin nickel, brushed bronze and French Gold are a few of the colors offered in PVD.

 Are PVD Finishes Always the Best?

 No. While PVD finishes offer some great advantages they do have some limits, the major one being the quality of the color. There can be quite a bit of color difference between manufacturers. This is easily seen when one compares several brushed nickel and stainless finishes; some have a duller matte finish while others lean towards a brighter silvery hue. This often comes up in the kitchen where you are matching a faucet from one brand with an air gap or filter faucet from another. If you are ordering a PVD finish it’s a good idea to see the finish in person as it may be a bit different from what you expect.

 Living Finishes – Oil Rubbed Bronze and Others 

Rohl Acqui Tuscan Bronze - A Living Finish

 “Living finish” is a term used to describe finishes that do change over time. Polished brass was probably the original living finish and now it is oil rubbed bronze that usually falls into this category. It is very important to understand what to expect from a living finish as these usually look very pretty when new but will soon begin to change once in use. Such changes include spotting, color rubbing off on areas that come into contact with fingers and even a slight greening around the edges of the spout or base. While this might sounds awful to some of us others look for exactly this quality to get the effect they want. Living finishes today are more common in high end decorative product and are not limited to brass or oil rubbed bronze. Because these are expected to change there is typically no warranty on the finish.

 In addition to often being a living finish the name “Oil Rubbed Bronze” covers a wide range of color. Some ORB can be almost black or range from a brown or grey tone to a very coppery hue. You will need to see a sample to know what kind of oil rubbed bronze you are getting. Oil rubbed bronze may also be called names like “Tuscan Bronze” , “Venetian Bronze”, “Blackened Bronze”, “Oxford Oil Rubbed Bronze” or several other names, some living, some not. If you are wanting an ORB finish be careful to understand exactly what you are purchasing.

 Everything You Need to Know About Finishes?

 The finishing process can be done a quite a few different ways and I have only touched on some general points (for some more details click here ). Other factors such as the thickness of plating or whether the base metal is brass or plastic or zinc alloy can make a difference in the long range durability of a finish. More than anything else it is day to day maintenance that will make the biggest difference in how well the finish holds up. Believe it or not the best way to keep you faucets looking good is to keep them dry. In addition most can benefit from a light coat of faucet wax (Carnauba and beeswax) which helps keep water from damaging the surface. Do these two things and your faucets will look good for years to come.

 

Waterstone Faucets – A Unique Faucet Collection

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on October 28, 2010 at 10:37 am {no comments}

Waterstone is a high quality, innovative maker of kitchen faucets and accessories.

Waterstone Towson Kitchen Faucet

All Waterstone faucets are made of solid brass or stainless steel and are manufactured in the USA. What makes Waterstone unique is their commitment to developing full line kitchen faucet collections.

There are many manufacturers of high quality faucets out there but in most cases individual manufacturers do not offer a complete collection. So you may buy your faucets and soap dispenser from one brand, the air gap and strainers from a second brand and the instant hot from a third brand. Yes, we can get very close on color and compatible in style but it isn’t really a true suite.

Waterstone Annapolis Gantry faucet

Waterstone saw this and decided that it was time to offer complete collections. Today Waterstone offers 6 styles; Annapolis, Fulton, Hampton, Hunley, Parche and Towson. Each collection includes a main sink faucet, prep sink faucet, bar and filtration faucets, deck and wall mount pot fillers, side sprays and soap dispenser, air switch and air gap and instant hot faucets.

In addition each suite includes Waterstone unique “Gantry” style faucet. The “Gantry” builds on the design of a commercial pre-rinse faucet and adapts it for use in the residential kitchen, combining a standard spout and separate pull-down spray. The “Gantry” is not for everyone but is perfect for someone who wants unique style, quality and function.

Hunley Positive Lock Pull-down mini suite by Waterstone

This year Waterstone has introduced their Positive Lock Pull-down kitchen faucet mini-suites. These “mini-suites” include a pull-down faucet, air gap, air switch and soap dispenser. The positive lock  holds the spray head firmly in place, avoiding the loose connection sometimes seen on less well made faucets. The spray head extends 18″ from the spout and uses a pre-positioned counterbalanced weight to provide smooth operation. 

If you want addition items you may  combine the pull-down faucets with the Hunley family for a complete suite.

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Amazingly, Waterstone offers their faucets in 30 different finishes including the basics (chrome, brushed nickel, stainless), the unusual (5 bronzes, 4 coppers, plus distressed and matte colors) and the precious (satin and polished gold). This gives you the options of coordinating with a huge range of interior finishes.

All Waterstone faucets include 360 degree spout range, ceramic disc cartridges and a limited lifetime warranty. Additional features offered on certain collections are outlined in the Waterstone “Features and Benefits” statement.

We display Waterstome in our American Canyon showroom. If you would like more information or just have a question please feel free to give us a call or use our contact form above. Thank you!

Toto – Innovation, Technology, Quality…Good Looks Too!

Filed under Bathrooms by on September 24, 2010 at 3:24 pm {2 comments}

Toto is well on its way to becoming a household name. When I started at General Plumbing Supply in the mid-nineties the only Toto we had heard of was a few glass bowls we had received as samples from Japan. Today people come in asking for Toto by name.

Neorest Suite by Toto

How did Toto become so well known? I think they did it in great part by finding a problem and being the best at solving it. The problem was the mandate for 1.6 toilets that became law in 1995. At the time there were other companies offering 1.6 toilets but none of them worked all that well. Toto came in with just a few models but they worked great and soon most of what we were selling was Toto.

For a long time there were very few style choices and nothing very decorative. No faucets, no tubs just some lavatories and toilets that flushed really well. But slowly they introduced some new styles and began to develop some suites. But what really kept Toto advancing was a focus on technology that kept creating new, high performance water saving products.

Toto Ryohan Vessel

One of Toto’s signature products is the Neorest which might be called the ultimate toilet.

Toto Neorest

 Introduced in 2003 the Neorest includes Toto’s unique cyclone flush action and bidet seat functions. The Neorest can be programmed to raise the seat automatically when someone approaches the toilet and will automatically close the lid after a short period of time. The washing and drying functions are operated by remote control from a wall mount touch pad. The Neorest is now available in two sizes; the 600 and the 550.

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Now the Neorest concept has been extended to a complete experience suite. The air bath for two includes cascading shoulder warmers and underwater lighting. The lavatory has an integrated fill spout and is sensor activated. Soon Toto will be introducing Neorest II, continuing the tradition of innovation and exceptional experience.

Neorest Air Bath

Neorest is the premier Toto product and is aimed at the very discerning individual. For the rest of us Toto has created an extensive collection of styles and products. I think my favorite is the “Soiree” collection, a clean line architectural look. The Soiree (and EcoSoiree) 1pc toilet includes the new double cyclone flushing system which has replaced G-max as Toto’s top-of-the-line system (you will find it on the Toto Drake II and Ultramax II models as well). In addition the suite includes pedestal and counter sinks, bathtub and faucet collection.

Soiree Suite by Toto

The Guinevere suite has a more traditional look with fluted corners and molded edges.  The pedestal sink is available in two sizes and the matching faucets come in polished chrome or brushed or polished nickel. The Lloyd suite also has traditional lines but has been adapted to a “transitional” look. The toilet is available with an antique cherry seat or with an all white seat for a more contemporary look. The sink is available as a contemporary metal leg console or a wood table frame with metal feet.

Guinevere Suite by Toto

For those with traditional taste Toto also offers the Clayton, Mercer and Carrollton suites. The Nexus and Pacifica suites are for those who prefer a more modern look.

Aquia Wall Hung Toilet

Waza Noir by Toto

Kiwami 1 hole by Toto

In addition to their Suite products Toto has continued to expand their offerings of toilets, sinks and faucets.  Toto has recently introduced the Aquia wall hung toilet; a variation on the existing Aquia dual flush line.  The Supreme II, Carolina II, Carlyle II and Vespin II all meet the new Water Sense requirements and offer the superior cleaning of the Double Cyclone flush. Toto has also moved more into the design world with the new faucets (Kiwami, Design C) and Waza lavatory sinks.

Toto Water Sense Toilets

So there is more to Toto than you might think. Stop by some time and we will show you more. We are the only Toto Gold Gallery in the Napa Valley.

The Responsible Bathroom Tour

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, New in the Showroom by on July 20, 2010 at 10:34 am {no comments}

American Standard July 30

The Responsible Bathroom Tour (RBT) by American Standard is traveling the country this summer promoting water conservation. The Tour features the American Standard RBT Truck which features working displays of toilets, kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower systems.

High Performance Low Water Use

When water conservation products were first introduced many of them had less than satisfactory performance. Consumers and professionals both came to expect conservation products to be, at best, unpleasant to use and resisted purchasing these products. A lot has changed over the years.

Today’s conservation products are the result of years of engineering focused at creating low water usage coupled with high performance. Flushing mechanisms have evolved over the last 20 years to meet the goal of effective flushing with only 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Air technology has been added to shower heads to make lower water volumes feel much greater.

Of course product claims are common but how do you know if the claims are true? The best way is to try for yourself and that is what makes the Responsible Bathroom Tour such a great opportunity. The truck features working toilets, working faucetS and working shower systems so you may see for yourself how well these products perform.

The Responsible Bathroom Tour will be at the American Canyon store Friday, July 30 from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome to this event so please stop by, have a donut or a hot dog, tour the truck and try the products out. You’ll see that water conservation can be easy! For more information on the Responsible Bathroom Tour visit the Tour Website.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Choosing the Best Faucet for You

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens by on June 22, 2010 at 8:42 am {2 comments}

Buying the right kitchen or bath faucet may sound like an easy thing to do. Find something you like for the price you want to pay and you’re done, right? While price is important you also want to consider:

Function, Appearance, Usability, Construction, Expectations, Time

It’s a little cute, but this is a way to help you remember what’s important to consider.  It will help you find the best faucet for your home.

Your Best Faucet Choice Checklist:

Function refers to how well a particular faucet will work in your kitchen.  It can include:

  • spout length (is it appropriate for the sink?),
  • faucet height (is there a window or other view that the faucet impacts?),
  • handle design (easy to reach, grip and turn?),
  • overall size (does it physically fit into the space available?),
  • spout style (straight or gooseneck?), and
  • spray options (no spray, side spray, or pull out or down spray?).

Appearance includes the shape, style and finish color.

  • Is it important to you that the faucet have a certain style?
  • Are you looking for something traditional? Contemporary? Transitional?
  • Do you want fancy or plain?
  • Consider the color. Do you like shiny or matte finish? Chrome, nickel, or bronze?

Find something that you like the look of, and that will look good in your space.

Usability concerns the degree of ease of use. A product may be well designed, but still not easy to use. For example, several years ago Grohe introduced their new “Ladylux” faucet, which featured a high gooseneck spout and a handle located on the side of the faucet body.  It was a well-designed product, and we had one installed in our kitchen at work.  The sink was placed in a way that required a reach from the left side to turn the faucet on. That meant my arm was under the spout, so I ended up getting water halfway up my sleeve. Not highly useable for me. It’s important to consider who will use the faucet, and how they’ll use it. In this case a faucet with a top handle would have been a wiser choice.

Construction is something that is often overlooked.  I could write several pages on the subject. Broadly speaking, this is:

  • what the faucet body is made of (zinc alloy, brass, bronze, stainless steel),
  • which operating system is  used (washers, washer-less cartridge, or ceramic disc),
  • which metal finishing process (plating, PVD, powder coat),
  • how it was built (casting, machining, hand-finishing, etc).

These factors have enormous influence on performance over time, when choosing the best faucet for your home. So it’s important to learn a little bit about how your faucet is put together.

Expectation means how you expect the faucet to perform. For example, someone who doesn’t use their kitchen much may just need the faucet to turn on and off. While someone with a cook’s kitchen full of expensive equipment may require a faucet that’s capable of subtle increments of temperature and volume. Buying a product that’s unlikely to meet your expectations leads to disappointment.

Time refers to the life of the product. How long do you need the faucet to work for? Buying a faucet for a house you are going to sell within five years is one thing, and can be purchased for a relatively low cost. Buying a faucet for your dream kitchen, in the home you expect to live in for the rest of your life, is another matter and should be budgeted for accordingly.

So, the next time you’re in the market for a kitchen or bath faucet, remember F.A.U.C.E.T.  You’ll be sure to bring home the specific faucet that’s best for YOU.

If you’re looking for the best faucet choice, or another decorative plumbing product, please visit our showroom. I’ll help you pick out the best product for you. We’re located in American Canyon, just 10 minutes south of Napa and 25 minutes north of San Francisco. You can download our map and easy directions to our showroom here. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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