Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Taco Inc. Headquartered in Cranston, R.I., Taco, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of hydronic-based HVAC equipment and accessories for use in residential, commercial and institutional buildings worldwide. The company, privately owned and in business since 1920, manufactures a wide range of pumps and circulators, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, electronic controls, accessories and systems. Manufacturing facilities are located in Cranston, R.I. and Fall River, Mass., with a Canadian distribution and sales facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Taco sells through wholesale distributors and also provides select OEMs with product. Visit www.taco-hvac.com for more information.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Phc News sales rep by visiting www.phcnews.com.
California Formally Adopts NSF/ANSI Standard 61
NSF International announced that the revised California Waterworks Standards, effective March 9, 2008, will now formally require certification for all drinking water treatment and distribution products used by public water systems.
The Waterworks Standards provide criteria in the design, construction and operation of public water systems. NSF/ANSI Standard 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals -- Health Effects includes requirements for chemicals that are used to treat drinking water, while NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components -- Health Effects includes requirements for all devices, components and materials that come in contact with drinking water.
Certification of drinking water treatment and distribution equipment to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 has been specified by many water utilities in California for several years; however, the standard was not formally required in State regulations. The new edition of the California Waterworks Standards, which were effective on March 9, 2008, requires treatment and distribution equipment to be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 by an ANSI-accredited organization. The State plumbing code has required that plumbing products be certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for several years.
The current version of the California Waterworks Standards is available on the California Department of Public Health's website at http://ww2.cdph.ca.gov/services/DPOPP/regs/Documents/R-14-03-FINALRegTextInternetVersion.doc.
Kitchen & bath products galore on display at K/BIS
The most advanced products for the kitchen and bath are set to debut at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference (K/BIS), April 10-13, 2008 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the four-day conference and expo features must-see new products, innovative design ideas and the latest trends in kitchens and baths.
K/BIS annually showcases the newest products and the most pertinent, cutting-edge industry information to kitchen and bath professionals from around the world. As the leading destination for the latest advancements in the kitchen and bath industry, exhibitors display their exciting product launches throughout the show floor and at the New Product Pavilion, located in the Lakeside Center.
Noritz works with Brad Pitt’s foundation
The Make It Right Foundation welcomed Noritz, a leading manufacturer of tankless water heaters, to help rebuild New Orleans. The Make It Right Foundation, created as a result of Brad Pitt’s vision, is dedicated to build 150 green, affordable, energy-efficient homes in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward.
“Our commitment here is to create an environmentally friendly community; and to have a company with the reputation of Noritz involved is a tremendous addition to our project,” said Tom Darden, III, MIR Executive Director. “It was our intention from the start to align ourselves with a company of superior quality…and, with Noritz, we have a recognized leader in tankless water heater technology. We couldn’t be happier that they are a part of our vision.”
The Make It Right Foundation is committed to using green, affordable and sustainable building techniques in the construction of homes, with the long-term goal of serving as a catalyst for further rebuilding in the Lower 9th Ward and throughout all of New Orleans.
Orange County Choppers to feature Viega bike
Tune in Thursday night, March 20 at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST on The Learning Channel (TLC) to see the making of the Viega Orange County Chopper on the hit series “American Chopper.” Check local listings for the channel in your area.
Thousands of Orange County Chopper fans lined the streets of Wichita, Kan. on Feb. 6, to witness the guys from Orange County Choppers unveil their latest creation: the Viega Chopper. The famous Teutul family trio – Paul Sr., Paulie and Mikey, presented the custom-built chopper to Viega CEO Dan Schmierer, following a VIP reception and parade down Main Street in Wichita, where Viega's U.S. headquarters is located.
The Viega chopper is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle that reflects Viega’s dedication to the plumbing and heating industry. The bike features Viega’s signature colors of black and yellow, and incorporates copper and stainless steel Viega ProPress® fittings into its design. The Viega Chopper is a unique branding tool that will travel to trade shows across North America throughout 2008. In fact, next week, it will be at the CMX-CIPHEX show in Toronto, Canada.
Watts launches mobile Web site
Watts Regulator Company announced the availability of a mobile version of its watts.com web site designed for use with cell phones and PDA's. The mobile site provides quick access to Watts product information, specification sheets, installation manuals, ordering & UPC codes, representative contact information and trade show calendar. The site allows users in the field to quickly access the information they need anywhere, anytime. To access the Watts mobile site, go to http://mobile.watts.com on your cell phone or PDA.
Drivers keep eye on gas gauge
With gas prices hitting a new record of $3.246 a gallon well ahead of the summer driving season, the Alliance to Save Energy said drivers could keep their own fuel costs from reaching record levels with good vehicle maintenance and sensible driving habits.
The new record gas price came just as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its latest Short Term Energy Outlook, which raised the possibility that gas prices this spring could reach a monthly average of $3.50 a gallon and even “cross the $4 per gallon threshold” at some point this year. EIA said that for 2008 as a whole, the average gas price would be $3.21 a gallon, 40 cents above the 2007 peak.
The Alliance recommends that drivers use overdrive gears and cruise control when available and appropriate; avoid idling by the side of the road; and combine errands to drive the shortest distance.
New Products
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Low water cutoff control The LTR Series -- standing for Low Water Cut-Off (L), Testable (T), Residential Model (R) -- incorporates the advanced signal processing technology from Taco’s commercial boiler Low Water Cutoff and places it in a one-piece sealed design that also includes a test button, a plug n’ play wiring harness and instant feedback maintenance LED lights. Compatible with both gas and oil-fired residential boilers, the LTR Series’ size also makes it a nice companion to smaller sized high efficiency boilers. |
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Shock-Buster hammer arresters Shock- Buster hammer arresters are “AA” size for use in residential and light commercial applications. All our Hammer Arresters are manufactured to the highest standards that our customers have come to expect. UPC Listed and ASSE certified to ANSI/ASSE 1010-2004 standard, our hammer arresters contain all the necessary approvals to pass code inspection in any territory. Line of hammer arresters is ideal for installation at or near the valves for lavatories, dishwashers, toilets, washing machines, ice makers, tubs and showers. IPS Corporation. |
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Power Bar Mini Strut Mini strut is a timesaving product that will help reduce installation time with preloaded TouchDown clamps. Traditional strut is often used to run one to three lines overhead. The use of strut is overkill. Depending on the size of pipe, multiple strut clamps need to be purchased. Cutting the strut and installing different sizes clamps is time consuming. These installations typically carry a light load. Installers can reduce material costs and labor time when installing lightweight pipe runs overhead by using the Power Bar Mini Strut. Sioux Chief. |
Movers & Shakers
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UTILITY, the manufacturer of chemicals for plumbing, HVAC and the janitorial/sanitary industry, announced the addition of Jack Feldheim to their sales and marketing division. He will hold the title of national sales manager.