Porcher LXP Toilet Collection – Perfomance and Luxury

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on December 15, 2011 at 11:36 am {no comments}

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

Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association Annual Conference

Filed under General Information, Thoughts on Buying by on September 26, 2011 at 10:00 am {no comments}

This year the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association (DPHA) will hold its annual conference in San Jose, California on October 14 – 16. This is a premier event for plumbing and hardware professionals and the focus is on education. This year the event has expanded to include professional designers and architects.

The people who attend DPHA tend to be involved and passionate about the industry. There are three main member segments; Dealer (showroom), Manufacturer and Manufacturers Representative. In addition there are some members from other industries, like marketing or technology that focus their work on the kitchen and bath industry.

The conference centers around the product showcase where DPHA manufacturers exhibit their latest products. Because the attendance at DPHA is primarily dealers and other professionals, manufacturers are encouraged to present new or even prototype products. The conference is a more intimate setting which allows one plenty of time to talk with vendor representatives about products, design, manufacturing processes and any other subjects.

DPHA Conference Breakout Session

In addition to the product showcase there are several educational classes or “breakout sessions”. These cover a range of subjects including marketing, website development and branding. There are also roundtable sessions which allow the various member groups to bring their diverse view points to the table. Last year we had a wonderful round table discussion with a group of designers and architects in South Florida.

The annual DPHA conference is a wonderful opportunity for members but why is DPHA important to the public? Why should you care whether the store you buy from is a DPHA member or not? Because DPHA membership is an indication that a business understands that success in today’s market takes real commitment to the customer. They understand that to provide real customer service takes effort. One must continue to educate one’s self and staff to understand the market and their customer. DPHA members are the ones asking “How can we improve?”” What can we do better?”

DPHA Awards Luncheon

Another excellent benefit of the DPHA conference is the opportunity it gives members to network. DPHA has become a real community of professionals. So again, why should the public care? Because it means that the DPHA associate you are working with has a whole community of experts at their disposal. We recently had an issue with a client who had an old unidentified deck tub faucet that was leaking. It was on a marble deck with a custom tile tub that the client very much did not want to wreak. Using the DPHA site we were able to find someone who knew not only what the product was but also where to get the parts to fix it.

This year we are very excited to be joined at conference by ASID designers and architects. In addition to the product showcase these professionals will have their choice of four approved CEU classes in the afternoon and will attend the Friday evening cocktail reception in the product showcase. If you are interested in attending please download the DPHA CEU Course Flyer . There is no charge but you do need to register.

While the conference is not open to the public you may visit the DPHA website to find information about DPHA members in your area. Check the “Homeowners” tab to find useful information for your home or project. You can also find out more about DPHA from the Facebook pages for the national organization  or the local Northern California group.

Codes and Laws – What’s the Difference?

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Kitchens by on June 8, 2011 at 1:49 pm {no comments}

In the plumbing industry there is a dizzying amount of information to be considered when selecting and installing plumbing fixtures. For the showroom this means that our sales staff must know about issues of quality and style but also must be familiar with codes, laws and regulations (national and local) as well as the fundamentals of installation.

 Something that is consistently confusing to both our staff and customers is the difference between a law and a code. When referring to codes we are typically speaking of requirements outlined in the “Uniform Plumbing Code” (UPC), developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). IAPMO is a member based organization that is focused on increasing public health and safety through developing comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems throughout the world.

The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation

The UPC is written for international use but no one is obliged to follow it unless it has been adopted by the local government. Typically a state will adopt the UPC (or one or two others) and local governments (especially large cities) may then amend the adopted code to meet local requirements. For example San Francisco and Los Angeles code requires certain things based on earthquake safety.

It would be too complicated for me to outline which code is applicable in which area and that isn’t really the purpose of this post. The point is that plumbing codes exist to promote public safety and are not legally binding in the sense that you probably aren’t going to get arrested if you install something that is not “code approved”. This is not to say that codes can be ignored. Building owners who have non-compliant work done on their building may be subject to fines or something more serious if some injury were caused. Code enforcement is generally accomplished through the permit process during which building inspectors will review work and judge that it meets the requirements of the prevailing code.

Something that many homeowners do not understand is that the code is open to a certain amount of interpretation; it is up to the inspector to determine if the requirements of the code are being met and this is not always clear. An example from many years ago happened in San Francisco, where it was required that there be a vacuum breaker used if a hand shower was to be placed on a tub deck (to prevent dirty water being sucked up into the clean water supply). This usually meant a separate vacuum breaker installed on the wall but one plumber we worked with realized that a lift diverter integrated into a tub spout would accomplish the same thing. The inspector did not initially agree but after long explanation and demonstration finally realized the plumber was correct and “passed” the installation (this is one of many reasons why working with experienced building professionals is so important).

California Green Building Standards

2011 has brought us the implementation of “CalGreen” the biggest change to the California code in years. CalGreen involves many different areas of building and is aimed at reducing waste of energy and water. This will affect the plumbing industry by increasing conservation requirements for water, specifically by requiring reduced flow rates in faucets and limiting water output in showers. This will mean no more multi-outlet (carwash) showers in homes affected by CalGreen codes.

The challenge we are facing is that it is not 100% clear yet where (and how) CalGreen will be enforced. We know that it will apply to commercial building and new construction but are not clear how remodeling projects will be affected. Different municipalities and inspectors may interpret CalGreen in various ways and these interpretations may change over time.

Another and lesser known function of IAMPO is product certification. An inspector may require a contractor to provide the “IAMPO listing” for products installed on a job. In order to receive IAPMO approval a product must go through a rigorous process of testing for compliance with IAMPO standards and codes. Having a product that

IAMPO R&T logo

 is “IAMPO Listed” or “UPC Approved” is an indication that it is fit to do the job it is intended for. In this age of Internet sales and importation, IAMPO approval offers consumers one good way to judge product suitability.

Plumbing codes are designed to protect the health and safety of the public by developing comprehensive plumbing systems throughout the world. Codes are important but are not the only regulations that affect the plumbing industry. In my next post I will discuss some local and national laws that influence our industry.

Clawfoot (Freestanding) Tubs – a Perennial Favorite

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on April 23, 2011 at 6:49 pm {no comments}

Clawfoot tubs have been around for years and remain a favorite choice for many remodeling projects. But why are these tubs so popular and is a clawfoot tub the right choice for you?

Clawfoot Slipper Bath by Sunrise

Sunrise Specialty Slipper Tub

 At one time the clawfoot tub was about a very traditional look. When I started in the plumbing industry in San Francisco in the early 90’s a dream bathroom often included a clawfoot tub with polished brass faucets and big porcelain handles. That style has evolved; brass has been replaced with brushed nickel and the classic clawfoot has been joined by more contemporary versions of freestanding tubs.

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Sunrise Specialty Tub Set

 In fact today it may be more accurate to talk about “freestanding” rather than “clawfoot” tubs as the classic clawfeet have been replaced with pedestal bases, wood frames, metalwork supports and even designed to sit directly on the floor.

 There are a few points to consider if you are thinking about having a freestanding bathtub. Some obvious things, like will it fit in the space and do you like the way it looks, are fairly easy to decide. Other factors like what it is made of (cast iron, acrylic, cast product) and water delivery requirements may require some additional thought.

 Traditional clawfoot tubs were made of cast iron and cast iron continues to be a common choice. A cast iron clawfoot tub will require the outside to be finished, usually by painting, as it will be rough iron (often you will have a choice of ordering painted or unpainted for finishing onsite). The shape of the feet may vary, ball and claw and Imperial are two common styles, and come in various finishes (white, chrome, brass, etc).

Bainultra Essencia Bath

 Originally it was common to have a shower setup over a clawfoot tub. This usually requires a ring and shower curtain to prevent water from ending up on the floor. These days I find most freestanding tubs do not have showers overhead and require just a tub filler. Traditional clawfoot bathtubs might have the faucet attached to the tub wall, tub deck or floor mounted with an “over-the-rim” spout. Most of the modern freestanding tubs do not have space for a deck or tub wall mount and so the tub filler is floor mounted. There have been some very beautiful floor mount tub fillers created in recent years.

Lacava Arch Tub Spout

Axor Urquiola Tub Filler

A couple of tub companies have created a faucet pedestal that is designed to fit against the bathtub to provide a horizontal deck that can accommodate a standard deck mount tub filler. This may provide you with more choices of faucets.

 The majority of freestanding bathtubs are “soakers”; there is no jetting system available. There are a few exceptions to this. Bain Ultra offers the “Thermomassuer” system on all of their freestanding models (including a footed tub). Jason and MTI also offer freestanding bathtubs with an air system. There are few (if any) manufacturers offering whirlpool systems on freestanding tubs (as there is no way to hide the pipes).

Jason Carrera CR553P

 Most of the freestanding baths that offer air systems are made of double wall acrylic (Jason and BainUltra and others). Now we are seeing many of the contemporary styled model being made of a “cast stone” or resin product.

Wetstyle InImage Motif

 Here are some of the latest in freestanding tubs…

Wetstyle Be Collection Tub

Wetstyle bathtubs are at the top of the design ladder.

Wetstyle Be detail

 The “Be” collection takes its form from a walnut shell which creates a tub interior that cradles the bather. Wetstyle “Image-in” is a beautiful option that adds a textural design to the tub exterior (see above).

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 Lacava is another design-centric manufacturer. The “Suave” freestanding model uses cast resin and wood to create this unique bathtub. The “Ovale” is an egg form designed to envelop the bather.

Suave Bathtub by Lacava

 BainUltra has several Thermomassuer freestanding models including the footed model “Cella” bathtub. This month BainUltra is introducing their “Essencia” tub; a unique look that we are looking forward to seeing.

Bainultra Cella Clawfoot Thermomassuer

Victoria and Albert created the Lido and Lido Grande decorative faucet stand. This clever product allows one to install a standard deck mount tun faucet with a freestanding tub. Victoris and Albert offers a large selection of traditional and contemporary bathtubs.

Victoria & Albert Lido Support

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 FloWise Collection of Toilets

Filed under Bathrooms by on December 22, 2010 at 4:07 pm {no comments}

Until recently all toilets were required to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. By 2014 this requirement will drop to a max of 1.28 gallons per flush (in California this 1.28 requirement goes into effect in July 2011). With these new regulations coming most manufacturers are slowly eliminating all the 1.6 gallon flush toilets from their line.

AMS Boulevard 1PC Toilet - LXP

AMERICAN STANDARD FLOWISE 1.28 GALLON FLUSHING

American Standard has put a lot of engineering into their toilets and today offers high performance flushing platforms for their FloWise (1.28 gallon per flush)products; LXP, Champion 4 and Cadet 3. Also available is the H2Option models which achieve the 1.28 gpf standard with dual flush technology.  Currently American Standard also has several models that still use the older 1.6 gpf technology but I expect we will see these disappear over the next few years.

LUXURY PERFORMANCE COLLECTION

Because General Plumbing Supply is located in California we are focused on 1.28 gpf models. The top of the line American Standard models are those in the LXP Luxury Performance group. The LXP group is distinguished by both looks and performance. These models use a 3” flush valve and score 1000g on MaP testing and include the “EverClean” surface which inhibits the growth of bacteria. These models also include a slow close seat standard and carry a 10 year warranty. The Town Square, Boulevard and Tropic one piece and the Town Square two piece toilets currently make up the LXP group.AMS Champion 4 2 pc Toilet

CHAMPION 4 COLLECTION

Next in the 1.28 gpf division is the Champion 4 platform. American Standard introduced this platform several years ago as a 1.6 gpf model. Unfortunately the original version had a few bugs and although these were finally fixed it did leave some distributors with a bad feeling about Champion.  Perhaps American Standard should have retired the name but they did not and truly the Champion 4 is a very high performing product. Today’s Champion 4 toilets feature a 4” flush valve and 2-3/8” trap as well as EverClean and a 10 year warranty. Champion is offered in traditional and contemporary one piece models and in the Oakmont, Townsend, Doral, Skyline and standard Champion style two piece toilets.

CADET 3 DOES IT ALL

Next is the Cadet 3 series, the workhorse of the family. These models offer a 3” flush valve and glazed 2-1/8” trap. The Cadet 3 is offered in standard design as well as the Studio and Tropic models which offer styling to match with AMS Boulevard and Tropic series lavatory sinks. Cadet 3 toilets are also available in regular or “Right Height” (higher seat height) and 10”, 12” and 14” rough models are available as well and round front or elongated. There is also a “Compact Cadet” 1 piece space saver toilet that provides an elongated bowl that will fit in a round front space.

AMS Compact Cadet 1PC

Also available are the H2Option toilets which are dual flush, the idea being that sometimes you use 1 gallon and sometimes 1.6 gallons and so the average is 1.28 gpf. Dual flush toilets were very popular for awhile but I think will become less so as 1.28 gpf models become more effective. Dual flush toilets use a different flushing system that often not as satisfactory in terms of bowl cleaning.

This is an overview of American Standards 1.28 gpf. AMS is still offering 1.6 gpf models as well as models in the old “Aqua Force” technology. I expect 2011 will bring significant changes to the business of toilets.

Hydrotherapy Tubs – What are they made of?

Filed under Bathrooms by on September 28, 2010 at 6:31 am {no comments}

There are many things to consider when selecting a hydrotherapy tub. In a previous post I briefly described three types of system tubs; whirlpool, jetted and air baths. Deciding what type system is right for you is the first step. Once you know what kind of hydrotherapy you are looking for you can begin to consider materials, controls and features.

What are the Best Whirlpools made of?

 Generally speaking tubs are made from one of four materials; cast iron, acrylic, cast resin or fiberglass. If you are looking for a system tub you can probably eliminate a cast resin tub from the start. Most manufacturers of these tubs do not offer system tubs, only soakers. There is one company, Six Eleven, which is the exception to this rule. Six Eleven offers tubs that can be customized by shape, system and many other features. I will cover resin tubs in more detail in a future post.

Cubix by Six Eleven Architectural Bath

 A well made, glossy cast iron tub can be a thing of luxury and beauty. In appearance cast iron offers a beautiful glossy surface that can support vivid colors. The density of the cast iron material also holds heat well (once it warms up!). If you want a cast iron hydrotherapy tub then you will probably be looking at Kohler. Kohler is by far the leading maker of cast iron tubs and also one of the only companies still offering cast iron hydrotherapy models. I think this is mostly due to the fact that very few companies still make cast iron at all and I think the reasons for this have more to do with the difficulties of working with cast iron than with the quality of the final product. Cast iron is harder to produce, it’s very heavy and so more difficult to transport. This tends to be more expensive. Finally, there is a characteristic to cast iron called “orange peel” which is a sort of bumpy surface that sometimes happens. It is not a defect but if you are after a smooth surface you may find this to be unacceptable (I recently ran into this with a client who rejected three cast iron tubs before finally switching to acrylic).

Kohler Kathryn 5.5 Whirlpool

 Today the great majority of hydrotherapy tubs we sell are made of acrylic. Acrylic should not be confused with fiberglass. While both types get the structural integrity from the fiberglass material there is a big difference in the finish. Acrylic tubs are made by molding a sheet of acrylic into a tub shape and then reinforced with fiberglass structure. With a fiberglass tub the fiberglass is molded into a shell and then sprayed with a “gel coat” to create a glossy surface.

Etrne bath by Maax Pearl

 An acrylic surface is more durable than a gel coat. It is much more resistant to scratches and will retain its shine better over time. Because it is non-porous it is easy to clean and can be buffed up occasionally with an application of car wax. You can find acrylic tubs in a great variety of shapes and sizes, from many manufacturers and with a big range of price points.

Jason International

 Acrylic tubs are lighter weight than cast iron but it would be a mistake to equate that with flimsiness. Well made acrylic tubs feel every bit as solid as cast iron and yet can be hundreds of pounds lighter, especially important in a raised floor application. However it is true that there is a wider range of quality with acrylic than with cast iron so be sure to buy from a well regarded manufacturer. There are many of them: MTI, Jason, Maax, Bain Ultra, Oceania, Neptune, Hydrosystems, Americh and many more. These companies make solid products and may incorporate details like self-leveling bases and pre-framed units for stability.

Hydrosystems Fuji 6040 Fiberglass Tub

 Fiberglass is the last material on the list and can be a good choice for certain situations. It can be more porous and softer than acrylic or cast iron so proper care is important to maintaining fiberglass successfully. I have fiberglass walls in the shower of the house I am renting and I do notice that a watermark appears if I leave a bottle of shampoo sitting on the surface. This does dry out and disappear but it a reminder not to let anything that might stain to sit on the surface.

 Once you settle on a material the next thing to consider is the features and options available. I will talk more about those in my next post.

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.

Hansgrohe iBox Universal Rough

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on August 17, 2010 at 3:03 pm {4 comments}

Every year brings the introduction of new products. This year with the economy down many manufacturers kept things simple. That is, except for Hansgrohe. This year Hansgrohe has introduced the iBox Universal Plus to the North American market.

This really is a great product for everyone; the supplier, the designer, the homeowner, the contractor and the plumber. As a universal rough it replaces the 13 existing roughs that Hansgrohe has previously used, so we now stock just one SKU. Trim from all Hansgrohe styles work with the iBox so you can install the iBox before you make a final decision on the trim. This means the project doesn’t have to wait for a design decision.

SO WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT iBOX?

An adjustable installation rings allow the iBox to be installed at different depths in almost any wall material. It can even fit into a depth of 2-1/4” when using the shallow extension set.

Sealed housing prevents in-wall leaks

  • The iBox has water-tight seals so any potential leaks will drain into the shower compartment and not the wall.
  • The iBox includes built-in service stops for easy maintenance
  • The iBox is design to be easily flushed without the trim and keeps hot and cold water isolated.
  • The function block ships with the trim. This reduces the expense of stocking and prevents theft and damage at the job site.
  • The function block rests on rubber seals and trim attaches to the housing. Both these act to reduce noise transferring to the finish wall.

  • iBox Simplified Flushing

    Trim will fit even if the iBox is accidently installed upside down!

  • Extensions are available if the iBox is installed too deep.

 

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WATCH THE iBOX INSTALLATION VIDEO!

OK, BUT WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE AND HOW CAN I USE AN iBOX?

The iBox replaces multiply roughs so with an iBox you can have pressure balance or thermostatic.  When used with Hansgrohe trim the thermostats can be ordered with one volume control or two making it perfect for dual outlet showers or single showers where volume control is a concern. Or the iBox can be used in conjunction with a trio or Quattro diverter for multiple outlet installations.

Metris C Pressure Balance

HOW DO I KNOW THIS REALLY WORKS?

While the iBox is new to North America it was first introduced in

Solaris Thermostatic with Volume Control

 Europe in 2001, so there is almost a decade of experience and engineering behind it. Founded in 1901 by Hans Grohe in Schiltach, Germany the Hansgrohe company has been making quality, innovative product since before many of today’s manufacturers even existed. The Grohe family still has a strong presence in the company and it shows in the way they manage and market the company.

HOW CAN I SEE THE iBOX?

Visit out showroom. We have the iBox on display and can show you all the details.

Do You Carry Parts for This Faucet?

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens, Thoughts on Buying by on August 17, 2010 at 1:23 pm {3 comments}

HOW TO IDENTIFY FAUCETS AND FIND THE PARTS YOU NEED

DO THOSE FAUCETS HAVE PARTS AVAILABLE?

Imagine that you are about to buy a really nice car. Something like a new Porsche or Mercedes Benz. Then someone tells you “you know, you should really stick with a Ford or a Chevy ‘cause you can’t get parts for those fancy foreign cars”. Would you give up on the car you wanted? Of course not.  And yet I often have customers tell me that they must buy Moen or Delta because their plumber told them “you can’t get parts for those other brands”.

It may require you to go to a plumbing store rather that the local hardware store or big box but parts for these “other” brands are indeed available. For example, General Plumbing Supply keeps a large inventory of parts for Grohe, Hansgrohe, American Standard, Phylrich, Santec , Newport and Sigma in addition to Moen, Delta and Price Pfister. Except in special cases we can typically get parts from other brands within a week.

I JUST WANT THE STANDARD PART

Something to be aware of is that plumbing parts are not inter-changeable. There is no such thing as “a standard one”. It is not uncommon for someone to come to us looking for a part and saying something like “I don’t care if it’s the same brand, just give me the standard replacement”.  In the same way that a Prius door won’t fit on a Cadillac body, parts must be specific for the items needing repair. The problem is that unless you purchased the product and kept the receipt you may not know what brand you have.

BUT I DON’T KNOW WHAT BRAND FAUCET  THIS IS!

If you need parts for a faucet but are not sure what brand you have there are a few things you can do. One is to take the part you need down to the local plumbing supply store to see if

What is this?

 they have a replacement. Depending on what it is there is a reasonable chance someone will recognize it and be able to help you (you may want to call ahead to see if they carry faucet parts). This approach does have a couple of limitations. One is that you may not find anyone who recognizes the part. Another is that taking the faucet apart to identify a part may not be a good option (perhaps you are not comfortable doing this or it is not possible to have the faucet out of commission indefinitely). So I recommend instead that you take pictures of the faucet in question and then get on the phone to your local supplier or showroom and get the name of someone to whom you can email the pictures in hopes of identifying the brand. I know I am much better able to identify a brand by looking at the finished product than I am from looking at a part.

Once you know what the brand is you should be able to identify what parts are needed. Then again it isn’t always that simple. If the product is an old model it is possible that the part you need is no longer being offered. This can be as true for Moen or Delta as it is for Grohe or Newport or several others. Manufacturers only stock parts for a few years and then, depending what the part is, eventually discontinue it. Operating parts (washers, valves) are likely to be available longer than finish parts (handles and such). In California we have an additional wrinkle in that we are no longer allowed to sell parts that do not comply to current lead laws.

IT’S DISCONTINUED BUT DON’T GIVE UP

If you need a cartridge that has been discontinued or is a brand you cannot identify there is one more thing you can try. Auburn Bath International is a California company that specializes in repair parts. Their website allows you to search their inventory of stems (and a few other parts)which includes many that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Auburn Bath International

The older a faucet is the less likely you are to find trim parts in finishes other than chrome. We often have people come in who are doing an upgrade to their bath and want to get new trim in brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze to fit an old shower valve in the wall. Trim plates have to fit the screw pattern on the in-wall rough and the new plates rarely fit the old roughs. Same goes for handles. More than likely you will either have to use chrome or pay to have parts custom plated (which is not always possible). Occasionally you will find generic trim packs available in hardware stores but these usually do not fit well and may ruin the existing stem over time. In my opinion one should never replace a finished shower wall without also replacing the shower rough.

Sometimes manufacturers change internal parts without changing trim so it is important to know how old a faucet is. For example Phlyrich has been making the same designs for years but have used three different operating cartridges since the 1980’s and no longer offer parts for their older ceramic disc product. The good news is that one can apply old Phylrich trim to new Phylrich valve bodies so it is still possible to refurbish an old faucet.

THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR THIS?

Today of course, lots of product is purchased through non-traditional channels; think online

Made in Germany or made in China?

stores or Costco or big box house brands. These products can be a major challenge to find parts for (if parts exist).  Often these products are designed to look good and be cheap and one way to keep cost down is to not offer parts. There are “no name” products which are manufactured in large lots with different parts being used between batches. Sometimes these are designed to look like better known product. Some house brands only distribute parts through websites or require you to snail mail your parts request. Before buying faucets through one of these sources it is a good idea to find out how to get parts should you need those.

WARRANTY PARTS

Finally a quick word on warranties and warranty parts. Many, many brands today offer lifetime warranties but what does that really mean? Well first, warranties apply to defects, not to wear and tear. Things like improper cleaning, poor installation or site conditions (one example is use of a water softener) are not covered by most warranties. Second, it is very important to understand what is required to obtain replacement parts under warranty. For the most part all manufacturers require proof of purchase before they will ship parts under warranty (so keep those receipts!). Most showrooms will help their customers when warranty parts are needed but if you purchased products online you will probably have to go directly to the manufacturer for help. It is also true that increasingly there are manufacturers who will not service material that has not been purchased through approved vendors. Also, most big box stores do not stock much in the way of parts and in many cases other plumbing stores will not have access to those parts (for example we do not stock or order Pegasus parts).  

FIND A PROFESSIONAL

No matter if you are looking for a new faucet or just the parts to repair an old one consulting  a knowledgeable professional will make things much easier in the long run.

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