Grohflex is Here!

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on January 17, 2012 at 11:12 am {no comments}

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.

Green Water Rules – Saving and Enjoying

Filed under Bathrooms by on July 12, 2011 at 5:32 pm {no comments}

Saving water has long been a fact of life in California, and is becoming increasingly important in other parts of the Country. In the realm of decorative plumbing, efforts to save water continue to focus on toilets, faucets and showers.

Grohe DreamSpray Shower Technology

As of January 2011 California has adopted a new Green Building Code referred to as “Calgreen”. This code is designed to conserve energy and water by making efficient building mandatory. This includes limiting the use of water in showers (max 2.0 gpm total), faucets (max 1.8 for the kitchen and 1.5 gpm for bathroom faucets) and toilets (1.28 gpm). In addition, some municipalities, like the City of Napa, are adopting even more stringent requirements for energy conservation.

There has been some concern in the decorative plumbing industry regarding Calgreen and the remodeling industry. At this time it appears that Calgreen will apply only to new construction; so you can still add a multi-outlet shower to your master bath remodel. Water usage in toilets however, will be determined by a different requirement.

Porcher LXP WaterSense Veneto Toilet

California AB 715 was signed into law in 2007 and requires all toilets installed in California to be 1.28 gallons per flush by 2014. This is accomplished by requiring manufacturers selling toilets in California to offer an increasing percentage of 1.28 gallon models. Currently 67% of all the toilets a manufacturer sells in California must be 1.28gpf (by January 2014 it will be 100%). What this has meant for our showroom is that there are now certain models of Toto and American Standard (to name the two biggest) that are no longer available for shipment to California.

Toto Drake II Dbl Cyclone 1.28gpf Toilet

Both Toto and American Standard have upgraded most of their models to 1.28 gpf although there are a few exceptions to that. I have seen some concern about the functionality of 1.28 gpf models but I do not think there is reason to worry. We have for the last two years had a Toto Drake II 1.28gpf toilet installed in one of our public restrooms and it has been trouble free and easy to maintain. Some cities in Napa, Marin, Solano and Sonoma counties have offered rebates to encourage the replacement of 3.5gpm + toilets with 1.28 GPF models (see a list here).

Resistance to the use of water saving products is understandable. Low quality devices do often offer substandard performance; but it is not true that all water saving products are a drag to use. Manufacturers like Toto, Porcher, Hansgrohe, Grohe and others have invested heavily in engineering and design to produce effective products. Hansgrohe’s various air technologies result in low water shower heads that feel like much more water than is actually being used. Toto’s new Double Cyclone flush not only flushes well but has an action that results in a clean bowl; one of the greatest challenges for a low flush toilet. Grohe has designed their signature pullout kitchen faucets to meet low water standards while providing the performance Grohe is known for.

Hansgrohe Air Technology

California has always been a leader in green building and what has started here is likely to spread across the country. Water saving is here to stay and we are fortunate to have so many ways to meet the new requirements without giving up performance.

Choices for Bath Tub Faucets

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 23, 2011 at 7:18 am {no comments}

Most of us probably have a tub/shower in at least one bathroom in the house. The typical set up where there is a bathtub that is filled with a wall mount tub spout and valve (there is probably a shower head and a diverter somewhere as well). For many of us this is our only experience with a bathtub and we probably don’t think much about it.

American Standard Ceramix Tub Shower

But what if you want a different sort of tub? What if you want something bigger? Maybe free standing? Maybe you’d like a special spout or perhaps no spout at all? What do you do then? I’m glad to say there are lots of choices.

There are three things to consider when selecting a tub filler faucet; how fast will it fill the tub, where is it mounted and what does it look like? Of course cost is a factor as well. Of the three the first point is probably the most easily overlooked, which may be a big problem in the long run.

Jason Casarsa 72" - Round Be Sure to Have a High Flow Filler!

If you do not work with faucets on a regular basis you may not realize that faucets can have different flow rates. For example, a bathroom sink faucet flows about 2.2 gallons per minutes (gpm); fine for washing your hands but imagine how long it would take to fill an 80 gallon bathtub? If you are installing a larger than standard tub (something over 60x30x14) you will want to think about how long the faucet will take to fill that tub with water. Most tub manufacturers provide specifications including how many gallon of water are needed to fill and operate that tub and it is wise to check those specs out before you buy a faucet.

Sigma 500 Series Wall Mount Tub Spout with Pressure Balanced Valve

 

The next consideration is where the faucet is to be mounted. It may be wall mounted, deck mounted, tub mounted (for freestanding models) or floor mounted. Let’s look at wall mounted first as this is the common form.

As I mentioned above a typical wall mount tub filler usually includes a shower head as well. Under current code

 such a valve is required to be scald guard; either pressure balanced or thermostatic. A pressure balance valve, which is the common choice, rarely flows more than 5-6 gpm and so may not be a good choice for a large tub. In addition, most pressure balance valves are “cycling” meaning they control temperature but not volume (just on or off). If you are someone who likes to soak in a tub for a long time you’ll probably want to be able to control the water between a trickle and full on.

Rohl Wave Wall Mount Tub Filler - Not for a Shower

If you have a wall mount situation you can also consider using a thermostatic valve or, if you do not have a shower, a two handle wall mount faucet. Either of these can fill a large bathtub quickly.

Larger bathtubs are commonly installed “deck mounted” that is, there is a flat deck around the bathtub rather than walls. Not surprisingly, this kind of installation calls for a deck mount tub filler. These are sometimes set on the rim of the tub as well. Either way you will want to make sure that the spout is of a size that will clear the tub rim and reach into the tub effectively. Most such fillers have two handles but many faucet makers have started offering thermostatic tub fillers that offer a great flow rate and better temperature control.

Grohe Atrio Thermostatic Deck Mount Tub Filler with Handshower

Freestanding tubs, especially old fashioned claw foot type, may have the faucet mounted directly on the tub although this is not common. As freestanding tubs have become more popular floor mount fillers have followed suit. These are mounted directly on the floor with the water supply coming up from below. We are seeing many new contemporary styles, both single and two handles. A word of caution though; many of these models do not have high flow rates so may not be suitable for some tubs.

Axor Massaud Floor Mount Tub Filler - For the Freestanding Bath

 

Altmans Double Ribbon Spout - Working in Showroom

Altmans Crystal Tub Filler

There are some amazing tub fillers available today. Altmans has long had a reputation for making some of the most beautiful Waterfillers (as Altmans calls them) available today. Their crystal spout has a wide sheet of rippled glass over which the water flows. Their double cascade spout produces twin ribbons of water (we have a working model in our showroom). The Altmans Dolphin is a classic design; playful and beautiful.

Altmans Dolphin Deck Tub Spout

 

Hansgrohe has a collection called “Massaud” (see above) which features a flat sheet flow spout design. Graff has produced an unique wall mount tub filler.  “Luna” is a stunning piece with a tub spout that is like a piece of art, gently curving off the wall in a long graceful arc.

Graff Wall Mount Tub Filler with Handshower

 

On the other hand, perhaps you prefer a really contemporary look and would like to eliminate a tub filler from view. If so then the Geberit “Cascade” may be the solution for you. This is essentially a tub spout that is incorporate into the tub drain leaving the deck spout free (be aware that in most area you will be required to install a vacuum breaker).

Geberit Cascade Tub Filler - Not a Typical Spout

This is a tiny sample of what is available for tub fillers. The majority of manufacturers making quality faucets will make a deck tub filler to match their lavatory sets. In several of these photos you will see a Hand Shower included. This is a great accessory in a large tub; both for rinsing off and for cleaning the tub.

We display many of these fillers in our showroom and are happy to provide additional information.

Grohe for Fun, Grohe for Hope(flows)

Filed under General Information, New in the Showroom by on November 3, 2010 at 9:34 am {no comments}

This year Grohe has introduced two new programs; one that’s for fun and one that is for a very important cause. First the fun.

 RAINSHOWER COLOR COLLECTION WITH DREAMSPRAY

Grohe Color Me Happy Dreamspray Handshower Collection

Available now, the GROHE Rainshower Color Collection is a fun and fresh highlight to any bathroom. Comprised of six different colors,          
these unusual hand showers have a brilliant appearance and an exciting shape and excel not only in terms of looks, but also in their performance. Like all GROHE premium showers, the GROHE Rainshower Color Collection features GROHE DreamSpray for the perfect distribution of water across all the nozzles. Even with this unique design you get full water coverage with a perfectly controlled spray pattern.

Grohe DreamSpray Handshower Diagram

For more information about Grohe DreamSpray technology please click here. We are now displaying and stocking the Rainshower Color Collection in our showroom.

 GROHE HOPEFLOWS PROGRAM TO PROMOTE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

Grohe Icon Pink Handshower for Breast Cancer Research

Grohe is proud to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) — where a minimum of 85 cents of every dollar goes toward funding the most advanced and promising breast cancer research across the globe. We encourage you to tap into a great feeling by participating in our HopeFlows initiative.

When you buy a Ladylux3 Café or Ladylux3 Plus, $25 from your purchase sponsors 30 minutes of hope in the form of vital BCRF research. Our goal is to raise $250,000 — enough to fund a breast cancer research project for one year.

If you would like to support HopeFlows by making a personal donation please click here.

Kitchen Faucets: Pull-out or Pull-down?

Filed under Kitchens by on August 9, 2010 at 2:47 pm {no comments}

If you are someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen then your kitchen faucet is probably pretty important to you. In fact for many of us it is one of the most used products in the kitchen. Pull-out style faucets have been popular for a long time and in recent years pull-down models have become more common. Of course there are tons of choices so let’s look at some of the possibilities.

 SPRAY HEAD KITCHEN FAUCETS

 

Ladylux Pro Dual Spray Main Sink

 GROHE LADYLUX PLUS

– OK, in the interest of full disclosure I have to admit that Grohe has been a favorite of mine for years. The

Ladylux Cafe

 original Ladylux was one of the first pull-out spray faucets available in the United States. Today, the Ladylux is available in several variations with the Ladylux Plus 3 being today’s version of the classic high neck pull-out and the Ladylux Café 3 as a pull-down. The recently introduced Ladylux Pro has a sleeker, more contemporary look but still offers a multi-spray option. Price range on Ladylux models is $399 to $640, depending on model and finish. We display all models of the Ladylux.

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Allegro E Gourmet Pull-down

HANSGROHE ALLEGRO

– When I started with General Plumbing in the mid 90s one of our most popular faucets was made by Hansgrohe. They discontinued that model in the early 2000s and for several years did not have a strong presence in the kitchen. That changed a few years ago with the introduction of the Allegro E series.  The Allegro E 2-spray Gourmet is

Allegro E Pull-out

 available in both a pull-out and a pull-down. Both feature a side mount handle that has been designed so as not to interfere with the backsplash in even the closest installation. The Allegro pull-out has a lower spout with top mount handle. All are available in chrome and Steel Optik. Prices range from $342 – $600 and are on display in our showroom.

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KWC Eve Luminaqua

KWC EVE AND ONO– KWC has always offered innovative product. They were also one of the earliest makers of pull-out faucets and the KWC Domo was for a long time a top seller. It was distinguished by a locking spray head that was unique.

KWC Ono Pullout

 Today’s KWC includes unique designs in their Ono, Ava and Eve series. The Eve features the Luminaqua option, a lightedwater stream. The Suprimo and Deco styles are more traditional. Finally Systema series takes it’s inspiration from commercial equipment and translates it to residential use.  KWC faucets are available in a wide range of finish and price.

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Brizo Talo SmartTouch Pull-down

BRIZO TALO AND VENUTO

– in 2010 Brizo introduced their Smart Touch technology to the “Talo” and “Venuto” kitchen faucets.  SmartTouch allows the user to turn the faucet on/off with just a touch to any part of the faucet. This allows you to work “hands-free” which keeps the

Venuto Smart Touch Pull-down

 faucet clean and helps you save water by making it easy to turn the water off and of while working. Both models also offer a pull-out spray with a magnetic housing that guides and secures the spray head after each use. We display both these models in our working faucet installation in our showroom. Prices range from $475.00 to $650.00.

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Showhouse Ascent Pull-down

SHOWHOUSE WOODMERE & ASCENT

– Showhouse is a division of Moen, a company that got it’s start when Al Moen created a washerless cartridge that lead to the creation of single handled Moen faucets. Now Moen has introduced their new Duralast cartridge to several of the Showhouse models. This

Showhouse Woodmere Pull-down

 cartridge uses ceramic disc technology which provides for a smooth, more precise operation. The Showhouse “Woodmere” is a traditional design pull-down available in both main sink and prep sink models. The “Ascent” offers a more contemporary design in both a pull-out model and a pull-down for main sink and prep sink. Most models are on display in the AC Showroom. Available in chrome and stainless prices range from $450.00 to $760.00.

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 This is a sampling of some of the most popular models but there are many more available. Please come visit us and see our working display.

Professional Installation is SO Important

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Thoughts on Buying by on July 29, 2010 at 11:27 am {no comments}

This last weekend I went down to LA to help some friends of mine move into their newly remodeled home. I had worked with them to select the new plumbing products so this was a chance to see products installed and working in someone’s home.

 This was a very extensive remodel; actually all that remains of the original house is one bathroom and the living room. The original house was old with arched doorways, coved ceilings and period lighting. The kitchen was pretty small and included an antique gas stove with four burners so close together that pan handles crossed each other when all burners were in use. The bathrooms had antique fixtures including old, old toilets and faucets that just couldn’t be repaired again. The tile was beautifully done but had been damaged and cracked over the years.

 A new Master bath and a second children’s bath were built upstairs.  They selected

Kensington Lav Faucet

 Grohe products for both bathrooms.  For the Master bath they selected Grohe Kensington in Brushed Nickel with twin lavatory sinks, deck tub set with hand shower and a custom shower with body sprays, hand shower and rain head from the ceiling. Their daughters bath used Grohe Europlus in chrome and included a ceiling mount rain head and hand shower on a bar.

 I started in the children’s bath. I turned on the water and set the diverter to hand shower. At first it worked fine then quickly the flow decreased until it was just a weak spray. Not good, but after a moment I realized what the problem might be. I removed the hand

Grohe Euphoria Hand Shower

shower from the hose and found a thick layer of debris lodged in the filter screen on the hand shower. I cleaned it off and ran the water for a minute with just the hose to clear the line of remaining construction debris before replacing the hand shower, which then worked fine.  This is a common problem in a remodel or new construction project. All sorts of fine debris gets  into the new water lines and if the plumber does not run the lines open to clear this stuff it will clog or damage the new faucets.  The result is that a home owner, not realizing what has happened, now thinks that they have defective product!

 I moved on to the Master Bath shower. Something struck me as odd but I couldn’t put my finger on it at first. This shower had both a ceiling mount shower head and a hand shower.

Grohe Ceiling Mount Rain Shower

 Code typically requires a vacuum breaker be installed with a hand shower to prevent grey water from getting into the water supply. These vacuum breakers are small with male/female threads on opposite ends. The problem here is that the plumber had installed the vacuum breaker on the ceiling shower arm instead of the hand shower! I turned the water on and water came spraying out of the top of the shower head at the connection between it and this mis-installed vacuum breaker. I was astonished.  How could he leave this as a finished installation when water was spraying everywhere?

 This shower is set-up with a thermostatic valve and volume controls. This allows the bather to use any combination of outlets they wish. Because thermostatic valves respond to water temperature rather than incoming volume of the hot and cold lines it is necessary to calibrate the valve before it is used. If the calibration is not done the thermostat is unable to control temperature. It is specified in the directions but inexperienced installers often miss this step. So it was not surprising to find that the calibration had been missed and this valve was producing only lukewarm water.

 Fortunately, none of these problems are difficult to fix and the vast majority of work done in this remodel is beautiful. It is a good example of the importance of working with experienced professionals who are right for your job. The plumbers on this job were experienced at installing rough plumbing and basic finish work. But they had very little experience with high quality product and didn’t understand many of the details involved. They made errors that finish plumbers would not make and now have to fix things that should never have been wrong in the first place.

 It also helps to work with a professional when you purchase material. It can save a lot of time and money to have someone knowledgeable to call when an unexpected problem pops up. A plumber who does not know that a thermostatic valve must be calibrated won’t have any idea why it isn’t working right. But a showroom associate will.

 Even with these few mistakes the installation was beautiful. The overhead shower was luxurious (although I was glad there was an additional hand shower to use when I didn’t

Ladylux Pro Main

 want to get my hair wet). The arched spout on the Grohe Kensington lavatory faucets are a perfect reach for the under mount sinks.  In the kitchen they installed Grohe Ladylux Pro faucets paired with under mount stainless sinks by Oliveri. The Ladylux Pro is a new style dual spray with a smaller spray head. I was curious to see if this smaller spray was functional and I found it performed very well. All in all a very successful remodel.

Showering – the Best and the Brightest!

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 2, 2010 at 8:44 am {3 comments}

Shower heads have really evolved from their humble beginnings as little more than a can with holes in it. Everything from high efficiency water saving styles to 24” rain heads are available in a variety of styles and finishes.

Hansgrohe has always been on the leading edge of showering innovation. This year they have introduced their new “Raindance E” series which combines a rectangular shape designed to match the body with a “Rainflow” option for a unique waterfall experience. Hansgrohe is also a leader in water conservation with their “Raindance AIR” series. By injecting air into the water stream these heads deliver a full feeling spray with a minimum of water.

Grohe America is one of the best known names in showering. Their “Dreamspray” technology provides an even flow throughout the spray resulting is an enveloping shower spray. Their “Rainshower F” series is a recessed shower head that is perfect for contemporary interiors. To see the range of Grohe spray styles click here.

Rohl is not always a name that comes to mind when looking for shower heads but in fact the Rohl Shower Collection is one of the most extensive available. From traditional rain heads to their unique “Wave Integrated” head or the “Mantova” traditional country design there is a shower head for everyone in this collection.

If you’re looking for something unique check out the “Quadrato Dream Light Chromatherapy Canopy” by Jaclo. The Quadrato is a 16” x 16” shower head with 350 jets and a multi-function light system. The “Lumiere” series is an elegant collection of heads that combine unique style with luxury shower options.

With all these available why would anyone want a plain old shower head anymore?

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