New Products at KBIS-IBS 2018
Supply House Times attended the 2018 KBIS-IBS show in Orlando, Florida. Here are some interesting new products we wanted to share from the largest kitchen and bath and construction industry shows this year.
February 22, 2018
Voice-Command Technology
Kohler’s Verdera voice-lighted mirror is the first announced bathroom mirror that has Amazon Alexa built-in, the company points out. With the ability to pair other Kohler products that utilize Kohler Konnect directly to the mirror, users can reduce countertop clutter and streamline voice capabilities within the bathroom space. Kohler Konnect allows users to personalize their experience with Kohler products through app presets and automate everyday tasks in the kitchen and bath through voice control. Users can operate the kitchen faucet, control features of an intelligent toilet, adjust lighting embedded in the bathroom mirror, run the shower and automatically fill a bath to a desired depth and temperature all by using voice commands.
Ease of Installation
Gerber’s Avalanche Elite features a modernized contemporary design with a simple semi-concealed trapway. The trapway makes the toilet easier and quicker to install than many competitive skirted toilets, much like a standard two-piece toilet, Gerber points out. For installation, there is no special hardware or bolt alignment requires, no interference with the water supply/angle stop and the seat can easily be installed before or after the bowl is installed. The flushing system has 50% more line carry than the national standard, ensuring no hidden clogs under the toilet or in the pipes. Comes with a Fluidmaster 400A fill valve for durable long-lasting anti-siphon operation and easy replacement.
Diverter Tub Spout
Now available from Kissler & Co., the drip-free quarter-turn positive-stop diverter tub spout fits 1/2" or 3/4" male pipe thread. This tub spout features a quarter-turn brass ball valve for complete positive shutoff. Available in chrome finish and in two packaging styles: Boxed (#82-0025) or Clamshell (#782-0025). Contact your Kissler representative at 800-KISSLER (800-547-7537) for details.
House Hydrant
Aquor Water Systems’ new House Hydrant is an in-wall outdoor faucet that is completely leak-proof and has freeze protection up to minus-30° F. The unit is inspired by marine technology that uses water pressure to keep water from spilling out of the faucet until there is a seamless connection.
Exterior Sealant
DAP’s Dynaflex Ultra advanced exterior sealant provides all-weather protection so sealant won’t crack, color won’t fade, dirt rinses off and mildew won’t grow. The sealant stays flexible to endure expansion and contraction caused by sun, heat, cold, wind and rain. It also offers fast one-hour rain- and paint-ready capabilities.
Intelligent Toilets
TOTO USA’s NEOREST NX intelligent toilets NX 1 and 2 feature an integrated personal cleaning system with warm, aerated water to cleanse, a warm-air dryer and heated seat; auto open/close and auto flush; in-bowl catalytic deodorizer; and energy- and water-saving features.
Smart Home Water Technology
Reliance Worldwide Corp, a manufacturer of plumbing brands SharkBite, Cash Acme and Holdrite, launches Streamlabs, a new smart-home water technology. Providing easy leak detection notification and real-time data about water-consumption habits, Streamlabs will help to protect against costly water damage, provide peace of mind and encourage a conservation mindset for end users, the company notes. RWC adds the ability to customize alerts and configure settings using a convenient smartphone app will enable monitoring of plumbing systems from any locations with a wireless signal. Smart Home Water Monitor is the inaugural offering from Streamlabs and is a noninvasive smart-home water monitor that offers early leak defense and water-monitoring capabilities in real time through a mobile app.
Whole-House Water-Filtration System
Enviro Water Products introduces the industry’s first double-certified whole-house water-filtration system. Enivro’s Pro Combo 2.0 system features a water filter that has been certified by IAPMO to NSF/ANSI 42 standards for the reduction of chlorine and the system’s NaturSoft salt-free water conditioner is the only DVGW-certified salt-free water softener in North America, the company points out. DVGW tested the system and found it prevents 99.6% of scale build-up. The system requires no drain, uses no electricity, no chemicals, no salt and wastes no water, Enviro added.
Voice-Controlled Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai’s Sensei tankless water heater syncs up directly with Amazon’s Alexa intelligent personal assist. Addtionally, the latest version of Sensei allows for easier and more flexible installation in more locations and features a new combustion design that enables components to work together in harmony for enhanced output. Sensei now has 14 vent configurations, a 65’ vent run with 2” PVC and quick and easy gas conversion. The water heater also is designed to self-compensate in areas with low or fluctuating gas pressures to optimize performance.
Under-Sink Drainage Istallation
Insta-Plumb by Keeney Mfg. Co. features a push-fit application design for quick, simple and reliable installations without the hassles of traditional plumbing. A secure, watertight connection is created instantly without the use of glues, primers, solvents, nuts or washers.
Mini-Jet
General Pipe Cleaners’ JM-1000 Mini-Jet quickly clears grease, sand and ice clogs. Unclog small lines, sinks and laundry drains from 1 1/2" to 3” with 1,500 psi of cleaning power. The portable 23-lb. package is safely contained in a metal diamond-plate case.
Shower Column
The Delta Faucet Emerge shower column transforms shower spaces without plumbing through the ceiling and works with any Delta showerhead for a fully customizable experience. Designed for a single or shared operation with a showerhead and hand shower.