Frostproof outdoor faucet integrates seamlessly into A-frame aesthetic
Problem: When building her modern A-frame cabin, a Canadian homeowner was concerned about the potential of freezing pipes while selecting a hose bibb. In the past she dealt with draining her home’s pipes to winterize every year, as well as a persistent leaky faucet; she did not want to deal with the hassle of replacing O-rings annually. She wanted to choose an outdoor faucet that would also blend in with the minimalist, monochromatic exterior of her cabin — most hose bibs are clunky and an eyesore, with limited finish options available.
Solution: After conferring with her plumber, the homeowner installed two Aquor Water Systems House Hydrants. The 316L marine-grade stainless steel hydrants automatically drain and winterize in mere seconds upon disconnection and are frostproof tested down to -30 degrees F. Simply unplug the included hose connector and you’re good to go! The matte black finish blends in effortless with the dark siding of her cabin, making the sleek flush-mount faucet hard to spot.
Result: The homeowner didn’t have to compromise on her cabin’s aesthetics, and she doesn’t have to worry about draining her pipes every year to avoid frozen, potentially burst plumbing. There are no unsightly foam covers, and no pesky leaks either. Whether she wants to fill a bucket using the removable faucet hose connector, or top off her wood-fired hot tub with an ultralight garden hose, she can now enjoy easy, year-round water access. 800-458-1749; www.aquorwatersystems.com
Alarm protects commercial and residential property from sewage backups
Problem: A residential owner needed a way to receive an alarm prior to a sewer backup occurring in his home. He had two sewer backups into his basement due to root intrusion into his lateral line and was overwhelmed with the cost of cleaning and disinfecting his basement. His basement was partially finished for his children.
Solution: Owners of multiple commercial properties and single homes recognize that they need a way to be alerted if damaging blackwater starts to back up into their home or buildings. They decided to install an alarm system that attaches easily to the basement clean-out. The Blackwater Alert is a 95-decibel alarm that notifies occupants and property management before septic or sewer waste enters the property. It can send an alert to your Alexa, security system or smart device (iPhone and Android) to indicate that a backup is occurring. It has a port release valve that allows for the controlled release of pressure in the plumbing pipes, making clean-up less extensive. The device protects the property from damage from waste overflowing into a basement, tub, shower or other fixture.
Result: Blackwater Alert allows property management peace of mind that there will be an alarm alerting them to act in the case of an impending sewage backup. The device has saved the owners thousands in cleaning and repairs. 800-804-4725; www.blackwateralert.com
Sump pump specified for home that continuously burns out larger pumps
Problem: A midwestern homeowner had replaced his 1 hp sump pump every couple of years, and the lack of reliability on a pump that didn’t have to work that hard was concerning. Every pump was only pumping water out a few feet and would only run a few seconds each cycle.
Solution: The homeowner reached out to a plumber, who explained that the 1 hp pump was oversized for the job. The larger pump required short cycles for the small basin, and it was using extra energy because it wasn’t pumping very high. The plumber recommended the Little Giant 6EC Series 1/3 hp sump pump from Franklin Electric. The hybrid sump/effluent pump creates a permanent line of defense against water damage in the home. It also features 1/2-inch solids handling.
Result: The Little Giant 6EC offered a better size for low and longer run times, which was more appropriate for the job, and helped keep the pump cool. This lower operating temperature also improved pump life, assuring the homeowner did not have to worry about frequent pump failures or replacement. 844-250-4982; www.littlegiant.com
Condensing combi-boiler used to upgrade home’s hot water system
Problem: Bridget Behrens, along with her husband, two sons and two dogs, live in a lovely home in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin that was built in the 1940s. Much like the age of the house, the large floor-standing boiler and tank water heater were stuck in the old days. Bridget’s family was waiting up to 5 minutes for hot water to get to the shower, and after the two boys were done with their showers, Bridget and her husband had to decide who was getting a cold shower once the tank was out of hot water. Beyond the hot water, Bridget was looking for a way to free up space in the basement and bring their gas bills down.
Solution: Ogborn Plumbing took out the large boiler and tank water heater and replaced them with one wall-hanging Navien NCB-250/150H condensing combi-boiler to provide high-efficiency heating and endless hot water for the whole house, and added a NaviCirc recirculation valve to help water get to each fixture much faster.
Result: The 95% AFUE NCB-H condensing combi-boiler keeps the family warm during the snowy winters in Wisconsin and they never have to fight over who is getting a hot shower. The multiple recirculation options on the NCB-H combined with the NaviCirc valve allowed Bridget to schedule the DHW recirculation for the family’s needs and still keep their gas bills lower than when they had the old system. Finally, the sleek wall-hung design of the NCB-H was able to free up almost a whole corner in their basement. 800-519-8794; www.navieninc.com
Plumber adds protection to curb theft
Problem: One night a Virginia plumber had two of their vehicles broken into, with thousands of dollars worth of equipment stolen. Even though the plumber took steps to protect their fleet, the thieves were one step ahead. In seconds, the thieves ground a handle in half while leaving the padlock untouched, and quickly lifted the roll-up door.
Solution: Thunderbolt Anti-theft Deadbolt Locks were used to fortify the company’s vans and box trucks with internal steel deadbolts that thieves cannot see, cut or tamper with from the exterior. These internal locks can fit any van door or roll-up door. The deadbolts engage and secure the doors with a button push from your factory key fob or a Thunderbolt remote controller. Thunderbolt also offers the Lightning Bolt, which will lock a roll-up door in seconds. It is inconspicuous, easily installs in less than 15 minutes, and is effective in stopping thieves from opening the door.
Result: Deadbolt Locks provided the superior protection the plumber needed to protect their tools, equipment and livelihood. 765-652-6587; www.thunderboltlocks.com
Plumber builds outdoor kitchen with above-ground drainage thanks to gray water pump
Problem: New Jersey plumbing contractor Christopher Gonzalez needed to provide drainage for a homeowner’s outdoor sink and dishwasher. The challenge was finding a product that could handle harsh winters without needing to break the concrete.
Solution: Since Gonzalez was looking for a pump with a heavy-duty compact design that could be discreetly concealed beneath the sink, Saniflo’s technical team recommended the Saniswift Pro. The installer-friendly design also features a pair of 2-inch low inlets with time-saving, built-in check valves, one on either side of the unit. These side inlets are positioned lower than those found on conventional drain pumps, further easing installation. Once connected the graywater from the sink or dishwasher enters the unit, a pressure switch activates the pump motor. Once the water is discharged, the pressure switch deactivates the unit — until the next time drainage enters the unit. The immediate removal of the waste helps eliminate unwanted odors. If the system needs servicing, it can be done without disconnecting any piping to the unit. The top cover has two removable screws providing ready access to the internal electrical components, motor and impeller. When it comes time to winterize the kitchen, the pump can be easily disconnected and brought inside.
Result: According to Gonzalez, the entire installation, including running the drain piping from the fixtures, took about three hours. From previous experience installing Saniflo products, he says he’s confident that the homeowner will enjoy their outdoor kitchen. 800-363-5874; www.saniflo.com
