Product Focus: Green Plumbing Products

Aqua-Rex

Treating hard water to stop scaling provides many benefits, but using a traditional softener can waste water and pollute the environment with harmful chlorides. Aqua-Rex is a modern technology using radio waves. It is unique in being performance-verified by IAPMO R & T Labs to reduce scaling by 83% at 180 degrees F. It is also proven to soften water by converting dissolved calcium to suspended calcium. The effect is the same as removing the calcium. Soap lathers are better for washing hair and skin as well as the laundry. It is so effective at softening that the Water Quality Association has updated their website to admit it. 877-640-2170; www.aqua-rex.com

Aquaguard WAGS Valve

WAGS Valves from Aquaguard can stop a leaking water heater tank from continuously refilling and dripping, or until the tank fails catastrophically. The shut-off valve halts the incoming water supply and, on gas-fired units, shuts off the gas supply to ensure the home’s safety from water heater failure. They are mechanically operated; meaning no maintenance, no electricity or no battery checks are required. They sit in a drip pan under the water heater and are activated when leaking water accumulates to a predetermined level in the pan. Once activated, the industrial-duty, one-shot safety valve shuts off the water and gas supply if so equipped. A red tab pops out to indicate valve activation. 844-438-9247; www.wagsvalve.com

Ashland Pump CPM Series

The Ashland Pump CPM Series is a versatile and efficient solution for managing filtered effluent and graywater. With flow rates of 10, 20 and 30 gpm, this series has a bottom suction design that ensures maximum fluid drawdown, enhancing operational efficiency. Equipped with 1/2 hp, 230-volt and 115-volt single-phase five-stage motors, these pumps operate quietly without compromising performance. They are able to handle up to 1/8-inch solids without any damage, making them a reliable choice for various applications. Stainless steel and thermoplastic materials guarantee durability, while the detachable base allows for secure mounting, ensuring stability during operation. 855-281-6830; www.ashlandpump.com

Bradford White Infiniti GS and GR

Infiniti GS and GR tankless water heaters from Bradford White Water Heaters include a temperature setting up to 185 degrees F, a cascade operation with a combination of standard (GS) and recirculation (GR) models, common venting with PVC or polypropylene, an optional commercial rack system and easy plumbing kits. They are designed to provide contractors with reduced installation time and material costs. They are certified by the Green Restaurant Association, the leading voice within the Green Restaurant movement, for use in GRA-certified restaurants. They meet the latest Energy Star requirements and qualify for most utility rebate programs. 800-523-2931; www.bradfordwhite.com

Cherne Clog-Buster Drain Flusher

The Cherne Clog-Buster Drain Flusher unclogs drain pipes in seconds, and can attach to a standard 3/4-inch garden hose fitting. Users can remove the aerator from the spigot of the faucet and attach the faucet adapter. When connected to a water source, it will pressurize the seal and deliver a blast of water to free a clog. This will help keep drainlines clean and clear of debris so water can flow freely. While using this product, insert the clog buster as far as possible into the drain and slowly turn on the cold water. This should almost immediately lead to the clog dislodging. It can eliminate the need to use drain cleaning chemicals, which some contractors prefer to avoid for safety and environmental reasons. It is also reusable if properly maintained. It is available in three variations of sizes, ranging from 1-2 inch to 4-6 inch. 800-843-7584; www.cherneind.com

CORRO-PROTEC Anode Rod 

CORRO-PROTEC Anode Rods use a titanium anode and a current rectifier. When connected to the nearest outlet, the rod in the tank supplies a small current into the water heater. This current completely stops the loss of energy from all metals inside the tank, effectively stopping corrosion and preventing leaks. Additionally, a powered anode rod doesn’t require any maintenance or replacement over time, reducing the consumption of materials for sacrificial anode rods and minimizing the environmental impact by decreasing the number of water heaters discarded annually. By using a powered anode rod, homeowners significantly extend their water heater’s life, cut down on waste and save money. 877-466-6660; www.corroprotec.com

Heat-flo HO Series

The HO Series of indirect water heaters from Heat-flo are designed to operate with low primary water temperatures. These tanks are equipped with an oversized heat transfer coil, allowing the primary water more contact time with the domestic water and more heat to be extracted. When paired with a high efficiency boiler, the water temperature being delivered to the coil can be set to 150 degrees F or lower, which allows the boiler to condense during the domestic water heating cycle, keeping the boiler performance in the high efficiency range. The tank is equally effective when paired with an air-to-water heat pump. The oversized coil is a match for the lower temperature outputs of this equipment. 508-278-2400; www.heat-flo.com

Intellihot Neuron Series

Every Intellihot water heater is designed for quick and easy installation, yet the Neuron Series was specifically designed as a simple drop-in ready replacement to tank-type units. Engineered with hookups in the same location as the old-school tank-type heaters they replace, the units reduce or eliminate the need to repipe. A data-driven sizing calculator identifies the size water heater needed — and it’s guaranteed correct or additional equipment is provided at no cost. The water heaters provide the safety and convenience of tankless units while reducing CapEx and OpEx as well as reducing the space required in a utility room. 866-692-6791; www.intellihot.com

IPEX Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

IPEX Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene DWV pipe and fittings are plumbing and mechanical applications that are certified for consistent quality and long-term performance, offering strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Engineered for reliability, the products are lightweight yet high-strength, providing easy handling and installation with fewer joints, reducing labor costs and expediting on-site work. Unlike metal, it is rust and corrosion-resistant, ensuring years of reliable service and minimal maintenance. Available in diameters ranging from 1 1/4 to 6 inches, the molded fittings and drains offer versatility for commercial and residential installations. 289-881-0120; www.ipexna.com

Noritz America hybrid electric heat pump water heater

Noritz America’s Energy Star-certified hybrid electric heat pump water heater is designed for residential domestic hot water applications. The hybrid designation denotes the inclusion of dual 4.5-kilowatt electric elements positioned at the top and bottom of the tank to provide backup water heating or accelerate recovery times when necessary. Handling hot water temperatures ranging from 50 to 160 degrees F, the product is available in four sizes, with the model numbers indicating the gallon storage volumes — NHP50, NHP65, NHP80, and NHP120. The 120-gallon model is available by special order. 714-422-8120; www.noritz.com

PRIER Product P-360 Sanitary Bury Hydrant

As municipal codes move to protect people from ecological harms, PRIER Products has created the P-360 Sanitary Bury Hydrant to meet these changing codes. It stores water in a concealed canister, eliminating the need for an exposed weep hole underground. There is no chance of water contamination. It uses a piston system, rather than venturi, so it doesn’t require winterization. It is serviceable from above surface. There is a catch for easy hands-free bucket fills and a high flow rate of 10 gpm at 25 psi differential. It is tested and approved to the ASSE 1057 Standard. The hose outlet is where all the safety features are housed, including a vacuum breaker and backflow preventer. This sanitary hydrant is also tested and approved to NSF-372, certifying it as lead-free. 800-362-9055; www.prier.com

Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater delivers impressive savings for homeowners — right away with available local utility rebates and up to $2,000 in tax credits and ongoing with up to $491 in energy cost savings each year. Its innovative design installs in more places with zero side clearance requirement and the same footprint as standard electric water heaters of like capacity. Front-facing service components and advanced diagnostics accessible through the on-unit display or Rheem’s Contractor App enable easy and faster servicing. It has built-in leak detection and auto-shutoff that limits water loss from the tank to no more than 20 ounces. 800-621-5622; www.rheem.com

Rinnai America REHP Series Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

The REHP Series Electric Heat Pump Water Heater from Rinnai America is one of the most efficient and sustainable residential water heating solutions available. It has exceptional efficiency with a uniform energy factor of up to 4.0. It can deliver consistent hot water by extracting the heat from the surrounding air and converting it to hot water, all while producing zero emissions. The unit is designed with a variable-speed fan for whisper-quiet operation in the home. It has zero clearance on all sides and top for a flexible installation, as well as ergonomic side handles for easy transport and placement. Options include duct and leak sensor kits. 800-621-9419; www.rinnai.us

Saniflo SANICOMPACT

The SANICOMPACT toilet from Saniflo installs quickly and easily anywhere in the home, with no venting required. In addition to handling toilet waste, the toilet can also pump water away from a nearby sink. This fixture saves space through a sleek design that measures 14.5 inches wide and 21.5 inches deep and combines a macerating pump and a tankless toilet bowl into a single fixture. Operating with only 1 to 1.28 gallons of water per flush, the self-contained toilet uses approximately 38% less water than a standard toilet. 800-571-8191; www.saniflo.com

Sioux Chief Real-Tite Plugs

All 60 variations of Real-Tite Plugs from Sioux Chief are designed to be green by being reusable. Using the same plug over and over for years reduces using natural resources, energy, and materials. The plugs use three different methods to stop leaks —– behind and over damaged threads, and a shoulder seal, ensuring constant, stable flow control, saving water. They are shipped using recycled and biodegradable materials, along with high-volume packing methods to reduce environmental impact. 800-821-3944; www.real-titeplugs.com

SJE Rhombus Tank Alert Solar Alarm

The Tank Alert Solar Alarm from SJE Rhombus warns of potentially threatening liquid levels in water and wastewater applications by utilizing a solar panel with battery backup. It’s an ideal solution for seasonal homes, cabins in remote locations or retrofitting existing systems. The alarm is powered by a rechargeable battery via 12-volt DC, 10-watt solar panel. Lithium Ion batteries provide backup power. The unit must be installed in a location with adequate sunlight. When an alarm condition occurs, the beacon will illuminate and the horn will activate. The horn can be silenced with the test/silence push-button. Once the condition is cleared, the alarm will automatically reset. In full alarm, the unit will run for approximately 24 hours. An idle unit without any solar charging will run for approximately five days. 888-342-5753; www.sjerhombus.com

Stiebel Eltron Advanced Flow Control

Advanced Flow Control is a feature in Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus and DHC-E Plus electric tankless water heaters. If demand temporarily exceeds capacity, the feature automatically reduces the flow rate by just enough to maintain the set temperature. Unlike water heaters that can deliver colder water than desired, there is never a cold water surprise with this feature. Whether installed in a home where consistent shower temperature ensures comfort and harmony or installed in a multisink public facility, it always delivers the hot water temperature asked for, endlessly. 800-582-8423; www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

Uponor Xpress Trak

Designed for residential new construction and remodels, Xpress Trak from Uponor is a single-panel radiant heating system with lightweight XPS foam at its core and laminated aluminum around the entire surface to provide exceptional heat-transfer capability. The XPS foam provides numerous benefits for both the installing contractor and the homeowner, including natural moisture resistance to eliminate caulking edges or panel grooves for increased radiant installation efficiencies. No insulation is needed in the joist space below the subfloor, saving labor time and materials costs. It has a compressive strength of 49 psi to eliminate floor deflection. Lower mass offers faster response times to improve radiant system performance. An R-value of 3.13 allows energy use to heat the space rather than charging and storing energy into the radiant panel. 800-321-4739; www.uponor.com

Vista Water Group VersaCheck

The VersaCheck dual check backflow preventer from Vista Water Group is an exceptional choice for environmentally conscious plumbing solutions. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and hard coat anodized, these valves offer durability, resisting corrosion and scaling even in hard water or chlorinated environments. Unlike traditional brass valves, they are 100% lead-free, ensuring no harmful metals leach into potable water. This makes them a safer and greener alternative, aligning with today’s eco-friendly standards. Certified to both NSF 61 and NSF 372, they meet rigorous safety and health criteria, guaranteeing safe contact with drinking water. 419-565-5702; www.vistawatergroup.com

Waterless Co. EverPrime

Winter months are often cold and dry, which can cause floor drains to dry up. This can result in the release of toxic sewer gas in a customer’s facility. EverPrime from Waterless Co. is biodegradable, environmentally friendly and long-lasting. It’s not impacted by extreme heat or cold and, most importantly, it doesn’t evaporate. This means it can be trusted to prevent noxious sewer gas from escaping into customers’ restrooms and filtering throughout their facility. Mixing 3 ounces in a gallon of water does the job. 800-244-6364; www.waterless.com

Weil-McLain Simplicity

The Simplicity high-efficiency combination gas boiler from Weil-McLain offers an eco-friendly solution for residential heating and hot water needs at an affordable price point. With a 95% AFUE energy rating, this combi boiler minimizes energy consumption, lowering homeowners’ heating costs while reducing their carbon footprint. The boiler’s design includes a stainless-steel fire tube heat exchanger with a vertical self-rinsing orientation and a removable polypropylene collector base that prevents corrosion for long-lasting, reliable performance. Additionally, it is heat pump ready, allowing for seamless integration with a hybrid dual-fuel hydronic system and further enhancing its overall efficiency. Available in sizes of 110, 150 and 199 mBh, this versatile unit can operate as a heat-only boiler or provide both heating and domestic hot water. 800-654-2109; www.weil-mclain.com