Plumbing and water management

Read about the 5 finalists in the Plumbing and Water Management category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2013 Product of the Year competition.

By Chris Vavra, Content Specialist April 8, 2013

ICU sink and faucet system

The integrated ICU handwashing sink and faucet system from American Standard is designed to minimize splashing and create a more hygienic environment. The ICU faucet delivers hygienic, hands-free operation, and the laminar flow device in the spout base prevents air from being drawn into the water stream. The plain spout end eliminates areas for lime and debris to collect. An optional auto-purge function allows users to program the faucet to open periodically and purge the faucet and water lines of stagnant water. The sink includes the permanent EverClean surface, which inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface.


Commercial lavatory system

Bradley’s Advocate AV Series Lavatory System is a touchless hand washer designed for a more sustainable, cleaner, and more efficient lavatory environment. The Advocate Lavatory System is made with highly durable Terreon solid surface material. The Advocate’s hygienic, hands-free infrared 0.38 gpm faucet reduces water usage by 24%, and the infrared, high-speed, dual-sided hand dryer rids moisture on hands in 15 seconds or less. The solution also features a top-fill soap dispenser with intelligent electronics controlling a low-level indictor and unique overfill protection. The Advocate is ADA compliant for use in all commercial and public-facing environments.


Wall mount water heater

The ARMOR Wall Mount water heater series by Lochinvar offers up to 96% thermal efficiency with a 5:1 turndown and a compact, wall-mounted design that fits tight installations. These models are the latest addition to the ARMOR Commercial Water Heater family, which consists of floor-mounted models that range from 150,000 to 800,000 Btu/hr and the ARMOR X2 with 1.0, 1.3, and 1.5 million Btu/hr inputs. They’re equipped with the SMART SYSTEM operating control to maximize hot water delivery with an interface that has a built-in cascading sequencer.


Metering faucets

The M•Press faucet from Moen contains a proprietary Durameter cartridge, which is a brass shell cartridge featuring a sealed silicone timing mechanism that is completely isolated from the water source to protect it from impurities and clogs, ensuring consistent timing. Pre-set at 10 seconds, the timing never needs to be reset to compensate for pressure variance, allowing for easy installation and eliminating frequent maintenance. The cartridge’s timing adjustment needle automatically shuts off the water after each use and can be modified from 10 to 60 seconds. The M•Press design ensures consistent water flow and proper shut-off, even if water pressures varies throughout a building.


Clog-resistant grinder system

The SANICUBIC 1 by SFA Saniflo is a pre-assembled simplex grinder designed to handle the wastewater and sewage streams from multiple plumbing fixtures in residential and commercial applications, both new construction and renovation. The SANICUBIC 1 is capable of pumping up to 50 gpm from toilets, sinks, tubs and showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and much more. Featuring a 1 hp motor and a fast-rotating stainless steel cutting blade, the SANICUBIC 1 minimizes the possibility of clogs by quickly reducing solids in the wastewater streams to a slurry that can be pumped up to 36 ft vertically or 328 ft horizontally through a 1.5-in. rigid pipe.


Vote for the 2013 Product of the Year program